The Spoons That Are My Ears!

I have just been interviewed (in English) on Portuguese TV. One of the interviews can be found here:
http://www.tvviana.com/main.php
You have to click on the link that says "Exclusivo TV Viana: Rhys Hughes e a sua nova história da infâmia" .
I look quite sleazy on TV. Would you buy a used bottle of tequila from this man???

The reason I was back in Portugal was because of the Primeiro Congresso de Literatura do Alto-Minho in Monção where I was the main guest. Monção turned out to be a beautiful little town in a beautiful region of the country. The main square overlooked the River Minho and Galicia beyond it, with mountains rising in the distance. The Congresso was extraordinary: my hotel was paid for by the mayor and so were all my meals. I'm not used to this sort of treatment! I also met some beautiful Portuguese girls who I hope to meet again when I return (whenever that is!)

After Monção I caught a bus to Viana do Castelo, home city of my publishers, Pedro Marques and João Seixas, passing some beautiful scenery on the way. I wanted to do a beach walk all the way from Viana to Esposende. Most of the Minho coast is one long beach and this walk seemed feasible. My walk started well. The beach just south of Viana, the Praia do Cabedelo, is stunning, an amazing stretch of sand and dunes. Being there at sunset and then sunrise of the following day was incredible, though I had a very cold night in the open huddled in a derelict lifeguard's hut. As it happens my walk came to a premature end when I reached the mouth of a river after it had gone dark. I followed the river inland but no bridge was apparent and so I decided to turn back. Next time I attempt this walk I'll bring a tent or at least a sleeping bag!