Children's author Marita Conlon-McKENNA describes her memories from her various travels abroad to
GENEVIEVE CARBERY
What's your earliest holiday memory?My family had a summer house in Greystones, Co Wicklow,and I remember swimming in the harbour, racing around on my bike, eating ice cream during the day and going to the cinema at night. I had a great time there. It was idyllic.
What was your worst holiday?One time I went to Majorca in August with the family. There was ungodly heat. We had portable fans on the bus every day, but there was not even a leaf blowing, and never a breeze anywhere. Another time I stayed in an awful motel outside Boston. I slept in my clothes. It was infested with insects and cockroaches. It was like Bates Motel coming to life, and I was waiting for someone to murder me as I slept.
What was your best holiday?I spent three weeks touring around the Garden Route in South Africa. It was gorgeous, and I loved the people, the energy, the colour, the music and the scenery. I loved being Irish there. We were treated like royalty on Robben Island. People knew about the South African protests here.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday? I haven’t been to Australia. Lots of people my age have not gone but have paid for their children to go! Three of my children have been. One of my daughters was in college in Melbourne and the others were there on holiday, so I will have to get there myself.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you? My husband is good company, and we don’t get enough time away on our own, somewhere nice and exotic.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?Baltimore, in Co Cork, is my favourite place – and I still love Greystones. I love being near the sea, and if I'm stressed I go for a walk. Greystones is not as nice now it is blocked off, and I hope it returns when the work is finished. West Cork has beautiful scenery and is great for a drink at night. Once out of Cork city I feel my cares slipping away as I get into the west-Cork vibe.
Your recommended holiday reading?I could bring 10 or 15 books, from the latest popular novels to literary novels. I'd recommend Genesisby Karen Slaughter, The Book Thiefby Markus Zusak, Fathers Sonsby Richard Madeley, Homeby Marilynne Robinson and Positively Yoursby Amanda Hearty.
Where will you go to next?I will try to persuade my husband to go to the south of France for a few days or to see my friend on her Spanish avocado farm.
Marita Conlon-McKenna is supporting MS READaTHON 2009, which runs from October 16th until November 16th. Children and schools can sign up at msreadathon.ie or 01-6781600