“Il-Bizzilla” - Air Malta’s In-Flight Magazine - March 2018

# 6 3 M A R C H 201 8

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

AFTER THE AZURE WINDOW p. 26 We bid thee farewell, but your memory lives on.

TA L K O F T H E T O W N p. 50 This month take a look at what Marsaxlokk has to offer.

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14 #63 MARCH 2018

CONTENTS 10 . FAC T S A N D F I G U R E S A B O U T T H E M A LT E S E I S L A N D S

A well-deserved focus on the European Capital of Culture, 2018.

14 . T H E F I S H I N G V I L L AG E O F M A R S A X L O K K Don’t visit this colourful quarter without a camera.

20 . R O C K I N G T H E AG E S

A modern stone-age look at our pre-historic structures.

24 . H I G H F LY I N G D E N T I S T R Y Dr Jean Paul Demajo talks about quality of treatment.

26. AFTER THE AZURE WINDOW

38 44

We bid thee farewell, but your memory lives on.

30. V E R S E S O F T H E S E A The sea and poetry - a local poet explains.

32 . W H AT ' S H A P P E N I N G I N M A LTA A collection of events to keep you occupied this month.

3 8 . A F O C U S O N M A LT E S E P H O T O G R A P H E R S Malta as seen from a local’s lense.

4 4 . A M T R AV E L F E AT U R E

A trip to the magical Vienna, Austria’s capital.

5 0 . TA L K O F T H E T O W N

This month we’re taking to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s colourful fishing village.

68

6

54. ISL AND HIGHLIGHT S Here’s what not to miss while visiting the Maltese Islands.

78 . F R E E D O M DAY

58. THE DEEP DIVE A leap of faith into a whole new world.

8 0 . R E S TAU R A N T & B A R G U I D E

60 . PA S S I O N P L AY S , PA S S I O N PAY S Highlighting Easter Pageants in Malta 6 4 . M ALTA , USA Our namesake… far beyond our borders.

What it takes to paint a woman.

6 8 . W H AT T H E V E G E TA B L E ?

Fun ways to eat veg in Malta.

Thinking about your next meal? Here are this month’s top picks.

8 4 . A I R M A LTA N E W S

A round-up of this month’s news.

92 . F L I G H T A N D C O M PA N Y I N F O R M AT I O N

9 4 . D E S T I N AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

Planning a trip? Take a look at all of Air Malta’s flight routes and code-sharing routes here.

96 . ELEC TRONIC DE VICE INFORM ATION

76 . O U T & A B O U T

Here’s how locals celebrate their freedom.

All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

6 6 . S L E E P I N G B E AU T Y

Who’s been seen and where they’ve been spotted.

All the information you need with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage onboard.

find the knight win a flight

&

Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each to travel on any scheduled Air Malta destination (excluding taxes and charges).

All you have to do is find the small Air Malta Knight who stars in the airline’s safety video and is hidden somewhere in this magazine.

Send us an e-mail on media@airmalta.com with the page number where you managed to locate our knight, together with a picture of the competition applicant’s airport boarding card.

Closing date is the last day of the month.

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8

# 6 3 M A R C H 201 8

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

AFTER THE AZURE WINDOW p. 26 We bid thee farewell, but your memory lives on.

TA L K O F T H E T O W N p. 50 This month take a look at what Marsaxlokk has to offer.

ON THE COVER A quaint little faรงade is hard to miss when walking the streets of Malta. Here we have a typical Maltese house, adorned with a blossoming bougainvillea and of course a niche with statue in place.

MEET THE TEAM EDITORIAL AND DESIGN TBWA\ANG EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kristina Cassar Dowling SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Renata Rizzo CONTRIBUTORS Air Malta Andrei Vella Laurenti Christine Spiteri Claire Pace Monreal Francesca Balzan Giulia Privitelli Helen Raine Jean Paul Demajo Julian Sammut Paul Vassallo

Richard Vella Sarah Chircop TCD Valletta Waterfront Veronica Stivala PHOTOGRAPHERS Ali Tollervey Alice Wielinga Charles Balzan Darrin Zammit Lupi David Pisani Elisa Von Brockdorff Gilbert Calleja Jacob Sammut Joanna Demarco Paul Mangion Ritty Tacsum Rene Rossignaud Terry Camilleri

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON IL-BIZZILLA? For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with Renata, renata@contentfactory.com.mt or Meridith, meridith@contentfactory.com.mt or (+356) 2142 4924 For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Kristina on kristina@contentfactory.com.mt.

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

Editorial features and opinions expressed in il-Bizzilla do not necessarily reflect the views of Air Malta, the publisher, or the editorial team. Both Air Malta and the Publisher do not accept responsibility for commercial and advertising content.

Although the authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct before going to print, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta, Shutterstock and ViewingMalta. com for the provision of photographic material. Printed in Malta by VelPrint Ltd. All magazine rights are reserved by Air Malta PLC.

10

FROM THE CEO...

FROM THE E D I TO R . . .

The old maxim that “hard work pays off”

cultural traditions we suggest you treat

It’s March, a new month that celebrates life.

is still very valid today. Over the last four

yourself to the amazing zeppoli, a cream

With Spring just around the corner, or newly

months we have registered increases of

filled deep fried pastry.

welcomed into the year - depending on

over 20% in the number of passengers

when you’re reading this, us locals can start

travelling with us. We are currently passing

And do not forget, during this year

to look forward to picnics in the countryside,

through an unprecedented growth phase

our Capital City of Valletta is the

roof top barbecues, our first sunburn of the

and all our staff are working hard to

Cultural Capital of Europe. Check out

year and of course Easter. They say that the

maintain this momentum.

valletta2018.org to get informed about

best way to experience a country is to live

all the exciting events taking place.

like the locals so might I suggest that you

March will pave the way for interesting

take some notes here.

and more exciting times at Air Malta.

For more information about Air Malta

During this month we will launch our

and our flight schedules please visit

Although Easter Sunday will be celebrated

summer schedule which will see us

www.airmalta.com and

on the 1st of April, the build-up to the

operating up to 13 new routes and

www.facebook.com/AirMalta and join

celebration will take place in March where

airports; Lisbon, Casablanca, Malaga,

our newsletter mailing list to receive

Maltese delicacies and traditional sweets

Venice, Cagliari, London Southend and St

great offers directly in your inbox.

will be widely available. If the time is right,

Petersburg. In May this year we will start

you should be able to get your hands on the

two new routes to London Southend and

At Air Malta we are customer driven

delicious kwareżimal - a nutty biscuit that

Cagliari. Following the successful launch

and are always keen to know what we

always does the trick for me. Of course, I’m

of the intra-European service between

could do better to improve your

talking about my mother’s kwareżimal, I’ve

Catania and Vienna, we have also

Air Malta flight experience. Visit

never found better but any good baker may

launched further intra-European flights

airmalta.com/wearelistening to answer

come close.

between London Southend Airport and

a few short questions about your flight

Catania and between London Southend

with us and you can win one of 10

This month we’re heading to Marsaxlokk,

and Cagliari Airport.

free return Air Malta flights we are

the village of sea, fish and markets. March

offering every month. It really only

is one of the nicest times to visit, the heat is

takes 2 minutes!

mild so the aroma in the fish market is just

During this month the Maltese Islands offer a varied program of distinct cultural

as mild, the colours look spectacular and the

activities. Good Friday and Easter are

Wherever you are flying with us I hope

celebrated with much devotion in various

you have a great flight with us. Air

parishes around Malta and Gozo with

Malta is much more than just an airline.

religious processions around 19 different towns and villages.

the feast of St Joseph which is celebrated in the village of Rabat. If you are planning to immerse yourself in this celebration of

As always, thank you for reading, enjoy our beautiful island and do try some kwareżimal.

Thank you for choosing Air Malta. As our welcomed guest we hope to see you on-

On the 19th of March we commemorate

promenade so inviting.

board another one of our flights soon.

Joseph Galea Acting CEO Air Malta

Have a safe flight,

Kristina

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PASSENGERS CARRIED ONBOARD AIR MALTA FLIGHTS:

SINCE 1ST APRIL 1974

ES

BU S TA R T A

SI

A

EW

THE EQUI VA

LE

AIR

320

MONUMENTS IN VALLET TA

885

6,000 TONNES OF POTATOES EXPORTED ANNUALLY

TIMES TO THE MOON AND BACK SINCE 1 ST APRIL 1974

349,386

THE MALTESE DRIVE ON THE LEFT

THE NUMBER OF LICENSED VEHICLES IN MALTA

28km long/14.5km wide

N

OF

M

LT

FL

T

A

K TO

N

1W

EE

DECL ARED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

S

3

50,754,711

HEAD OFFICE (+356) 21 31 0800 ST.JULIANS (+356) 21 31 0088 VALLETTA (+356) 21 31 0800

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16

LOCAL

MARSAXLOKK Malta’s most picturesque fishing village WORDS RICHARD VELLA

LOCAL

T

he Mediterranean is the only sea in the world to give its name to a type of climate with hot and dry summers and mild humid winters. It is the cradle where sometimes in succession, sometimes in conflict, some of the most remarkable civilisations in history sprang and flourished.

Those civilisations brought about a “distinct and regional identity� which is seen in the living styles of the people and their temperaments.

It is the sea which is ever present, that makes men excellent mariners and tradesmen; the ubiquitous sea which has always attracted men to fish.

This takes us to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s picturesque fishing village in the south of the island. Essentially this colourful fishing village has undergone many changes over the years. From a quiet inlet in the wide Marsaxlokk Bay it has long been the starting point for fishermen in their quest to fish outside Maltese harbours, using the popular luzzu until today. In the bay, lie moored a colony of boats: some large, some small, others so tiny it is hard to imagine that grown men could sit in them and not capsize. Their images are reflected in the sea, mirroring the originals so perfectly that it is hard to tell where the boat ends and the reflection begins.

17

18

LOCAL

That eminently Maltese boat, the luzzu, has served fishermen well. The blue-green-yellow-red luzzu can be seen ferrying tourists to and fro. But above all it is used for fishing. You can see it in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, but also in Marsascala, Birżebbuga, Wied iż-Żurrieq, St Julian’s and other local gems.

The main characteristics of the luzzu are the rather short stern, the moustaches fore and aft as well as the oculus, the eye of Osiris, complete with eyebrows, which gives the boat, an uncanny, almost knowing air. The tradition of painting eyes onto the bows of boats is said to go as far back in time when Malta was a trading post for the ancient Phoenicians. It is also one of the fervent signs of the inherent superstitiousness of our Maltese nature, the eyes themselves constituting, in fact, a charm against the evil eye. But of course many owners of boats embellished in this way will deny that there is anything so pagan in the decoration. It is just an ancient tradition, they will say, or that the eyes symbolise the eyes of God, put there to protect them, the fishermen, when they are alone out at sea.

But these hardy fishermen also hang olive branches which are blessed on Palm Sunday. For the evil eye that lurks around every inlet is the same that drowns. The Phoenician oculus, the Christian olive branch… every little helps. To quote the Victorian poet William Watson: ‘Time and the ocean and some fostering star, in high cabal have made us what we are.’

The luzzu has trapdoors and storage areas below. These holds are where the fisherman hopes to put his catch of the day, kept fresh until he returns to port with ice that he loads off the jetty.

In the far off days before he started to use ice, his fish would have been kept cool by the constant sluicing with ice-cold sea water dragged up from the depths far out at sea.

A fisherman’s journey may be two hours or even two days, depending on the weather conditions the abundance of fish and how far he has to go to find them. The fisherman’s boat is his natural companion and part of his own existence. His devotion and relationship with his boat is just like that with another human being. In solitude at sea his boat and his engine become his greatest consolation empowering him to survive through all other afflictions and trials.

Perhaps one of the most nostalgic sights in any fishing village has to be the blessing of the fishing fleet of the villagers by the Parish Priest on the day of the festa. The Parish Priest invokes the protection of the Lord for the coming year.

Sails are now almost gone from the harbour except for those of visiting yachtsmen. Many a luzzu would chug in and out under their heavy diesel engines, no longer confined to the ancient sailing season of May to September. But even without its sails, the luzzu remains typical of these islands.

From a small fishing village, Marsaxlokk has developed into a favourite tourist spot and gradually cafés, restaurants and shops have lined the streets of the village.

§

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20

LOCAL

The Sunday fish market, which starts in the early morning, is colourful and packed to the gills with all kinds of fish

The church, built in 1897, is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii and is a prominent presence. How was it built? It was a poor church in a poor fishing village so fishermen and boat owners in 1929 decided to donate one share of every four to build it. So if you made a hundred pounds you were expected to donate 25 pounds to the new parish church. Every fisherman and boat owner followed this pious tradition wholeheartedly for a long time. However, I doubt that today many follow this custom.

Another practice which helped to enlarge the church was that of donating the fishermen’s entire Sunday catch towards it.

Another Marsaxlokk landmark is Fort St Lucian which is located just fifteen minutes from the village centre towards Birżebbugia. It was built in 1610 by the Order of St John to protect Marsaxlokk from Turkish attacks. The British used it as a munitions depot during World War II. Currently it is being used by the Malta Aquaculture Research Centre.

Fort Delimara which film buffs may recognise from the 2016 film Assassin’s Creed, is one of the island’s coastal defences built by the Knights of Malta. Its unique location, built into the cliff face is a sight to behold. The fort is endangered due to coastal erosion so it is not open to the public, but you can see it from the outside – from land or sea.

There is a daily market on the Waterfront where apart from fish, the stalls in the market sell fruits and vegetables, Maltese lace, woollen goods and inevitably technological merchandise, among which some beautifully embroidered tablecloths. The Sunday fish market, which starts in the early morning, is colourful and packed to the gills with all kinds of fish.

Fishermen today are politically voiceless as imported fish stocks, fish farms, official directives and aggressive fishing operators have made their work harder and unsustainable.

Their situation has become even more critical than the perils of the sea resulting in the dying out of coastal fishing communities not only in Malta but in the European Union.

In the past it was the norm that the sons inherited the boat from their fathers, and this legacy kept the sector somewhat sustainable. In contrast, nowadays families are discouraging their sons and daughters from taking over the business as they do not envisage fishing as a desirable livelihood any longer due to the uncertainties that it holds.

But you can be certain that Marsaxlokk will be there for many years to come.

€

39

Valletta Ferry Services

* *To be replaced by ‘COMINO DAY TRIP’ after 01 April

Other available cards

You can now buy your travel cards directly from a dispensing machine that is situated in the Arrivals Lounge at Malta International Airport.

22

H E R I TA G E

ROCKING THE AGES WORDS PAUL VASSALLO

01.

Whether you’re a grey flannel suit here on business, or you’ve come to learn English under the basking sun, as a visitor to the Maltese islands you’ve probably heard of the ancient stone temples that can be found dotted across the landscape. Silent and stoic, these sentinels of carved rock stand as a tribute to the rich prehistoric history of the Mediterranean gem. Though our ancestors must have viewed these remnants of past times with awe and superstition, we have pulled back the veil to discover that such irrationality is unfounded, but the wonder still remains.

As calendars of cave-people in loincloths didn’t exist back then, putting an exact date as to the construction of the temples has proven to be challenging. The sites themselves have experienced a form of natural

evolution, as each new temple built brought with it new architectural refinement and temple interior designers.

In a time when you had to chisel your dining table out of the nearest boulder, any sort of advancement was considered cutting edge. However, through the miracle of radiocarbon testing, some rough estimates have been plotted on the timeline. Pottery fragments and other signs of human civilisation date back to c. 5100 BCE, and traces of human life can be found in a cave called Għar Dalam from this period. The period of temples appears to have begun in c. 4100 BCE - that’s approximately 1500 years before some bright spark in Egypt had the idea that houses should come to a point - and the most notable growth seemed to have taken place up until c. 2500 BCE.

24

H E R I TA G E

02.

Giants living on little secluded islands seems to be a universally accepted fact in ancient mythology, just ask Jason and his Argonauts. Not wanting to be left out, Maltese folklore has a temple called Ġgantija, literally meaning “Giants’ tower”. This temple would make Elton proud, as it’s still standing after all this time, that is; 5600 years. Still in a good state of preservation, Ġgantija and the other temples built during the Ġgantija period have been dated as the oldest to be found on the Maltese archipelago. Definitely older than, oh say, a few big pointy tombs.

The Maltese word ħaġar (meaning “boulder”) can be found represented in other significant sites, such as Ta’ Ħaġrat and Ħaġar Qim. Notably, a prehistoric village found in Ta’ Ħaġrat has yielded plenty of examples of human life and pottery fragments, where our ancestors endeavoured to craft the perfect ceramic jug to sit on their hand-carved stone dining table.

It’d be remiss to talk about the Maltese temples without giving a mention to their contents, and no this isn’t another comment about the latest entries to the clay-making competition. When discussing Maltese prehistory, a main point is always the discussion about the Fertility Cult.

Yes, that’s right, a fertility culture. Now that I’ve got your attention, what is the Fertility Cult? If you go back far enough, many prehistoric cultures were also pre-patriarchal.

That means the big invisible boss in the sky was a woman, a Goddess of fertility whose reign promised prosperity and a nurturing of crops and people. And in Malta, boy did she reign. The temples themselves have been described as a megalithic personification of the Earth Mother when seen from above (and guess where the Goddess lived) and the very architecture appears to mimic the curvaceous form of the Goddess herself. Many have even described the interior of the temple as being encased in a womb and emergence as a form of rebirth, literally defining Earth Mother.

In conclusion, there are some very good reasons why Maltese children are subjected to reading dusty history textbooks and memorising very arbitrary-sounding dates. In defence of the temples, seeing them in real life is a hundred times more thrilling and definitely worth the trip.

01. Ħaġar Qim Temples, Il-Qrendi 02. Ġgantija Temples, Ix-Xagħra, Gozo

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MEDICAL TOURISM

QUALITY OF TREATMENT

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patient visits the clinic and asks “Dot I came for a second opinion as I need to replace a tooth with an implant. My dentist said he can do it for me and have a tooth put on immediately. It is my front tooth so I am a bit concerned about the final result. What are your thoughts on this? The doctor says “Sinjura, this is true, it is very easy for an implant to heal. What is difficult is to achieve a very good aesthetic result that blends in with your smile.”

This simplified manner of speaking is a very common scenario. It is perfectly correct. The implant would heal to the bone quite easily but how good would the aesthetics be? Some patients are happy with the average joe implant-tooth to fill the gap. Others have higher expectations.

A thorough assessment is a must: PATIENT FACTORS • General health • Habits • Budget • Expectations EXTRA-ORAL FACTORS • Smile-line INTRA-ORAL FACTORS • Tooth shape/size • Gum • Bone Some of the above are obvious factors to weigh out prior to implant treatment.

Health, history of serious illness and habits like smoking or drug-use decrease predictability of success. The smile-line is very important too. If the patient displays a high smile-line a lot of tooth and gum tissue will show on smiling and if not

properly restored then the poor aesthetic result will be visible. If the smile-line is low then although all the defects will be covered up, they will affect the quality of hygiene as well as the long-term prognosis of the implant.

So back to the initial point; placing an implant and crown to fill the gap is an easy enough affair. But if you are a patient with higher expectations then you would probably need to add bone or gum or both to achieve the best aesthetic result. Ask your Dentist.

The aesthetic result is highly dependent on the tooth, bone and gingiva. The tooth aesthetics depend on the choice and quality of the material used, the quality of the workmanship of the dental technician and the instructions given by the implantologist. The bone is something we talk about a lot. It is simple; in order to place an implant we need adequate bone quantity and quality. The best bone is our own and if more is needed, it may be obtained from other parts of our mouth.

Alternate bone substitutes may be bought but are not of the same quality. Often indentations in the bony areas above the teeth are visible. If not filled, on smiling these would appear as hollow grooves.

These grooves may be filled with both bone, and gum tissue.

There are different gum types; thick fibrous or thin friable. The thick one is easier to use and more predictable while the opposite applies to the thin type. In recent years the role of gingival tissue has gained a lot of importance. Colour, level around the tooth, and the right architecture play vital roles in producing natural-looking gingival tissue. This surrounds the tooth and therefore contributes immensely to the overall aesthetic result. In aesthetic anterior implant cases, more often than not we have to add gum grafts taken from the palate to increase the volume of gums. Artificial gum tissue may also be bought but is nowhere as good in quality to the patients.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo

Before treatment

After treatment

A CASE STUDY A middle-aged lady wishes to change her bridge done ten years ago. From day one, she was never happy with the colour and overall aesthetics but never mentioned it to her dentist. She thought that it was as good as it could ever be. With time the gum also receeded, exposing the metal margins of the bridge. The bridge was replaced with a non-metallic alternative material called zirconia and instead of being constructed in one chunky piece it was mostly separated into single crowns further improving the aesthetics.

DENTAL & IMPLANT SURGEON

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ONE YEAR AFTER THE FALL OF THE AZURE WINDOW

S POTLIGH T O N G OZO’S NATU RAL WO ND ER S WORDS CHRISTINE SPITERI

F

errying to Gozo on family outings was the highlight of my childhood summers. My cousins and I would cram into the back of a rented jeep and whizz from one sandy beach to another, stopping at Xlendi for ice-cream and playing hide-and-seek around Calypso’s Cave.

Back then we were more preoccupied with observing star-fish and digging up sand-holes than admiring rock formations like the Azure Window. It was a friend of mine who introduced me to the 28-metre-tall limestone arch in Dwejra, only after chunks of it fell in 2012. I was immediately drawn into its allure and visiting became a ritual that made up for lost time, until it was completely swept away by a dramatic storm last March, in an event that was deemed newsworthy worldwide.

Having featured in the 1981 classic Clash of the Titans, Count of Monte Cristo in 2002 and more recently in Game of Thrones, this natural wonder was Gozo’s most recognisable landmark.

February 2017 was the last time I saw it. But not all is gone - one

year later, Gozo is still thriving, and as we pay tribute to the Azure Window, let’s remember its unknown gems: 1. WIED IL-MIELAĦ WINDOW, GĦARB (36°04'46.7"N 14°12'46.0"E) If you haven’t witnessed the Azure Window in its glory days, fret not. Gozo’s been preserving its smaller window, tucked at end of il-Mielaħ valley, in the limits of Għarb. The area is rich in flora and beautiful for spring-time walks. The window can be reached via a long narrow stairwell.

2. FUNGUS ROCK, DWEJRA (IL-ĠEBLA TAL-ĠENERAL) (36°02'45"N 14°11'27"E) The Fungus Rock is a massive lump sitting grandly at the doorway of a circular black lagoon in Dwejra, close to where the Azure Window was once located. Its name derives from the Malta Fungus, a parasitic flowering plant which the Knights discovered growing on the rock’s flat top and believed to carry medicinal powers. Today, the Fungus Rock is a nature reserve but the nearby shoreline is accessible to bathers and snorkelers.

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3. WHITE HILLOCK, MARSALFORN (IL-QOLLA L-BAJDA) (36079602, 14.249774) The white hillock (locally, qolla) is an astounding natural wonder, acting like a watchman between the inlets of Xwejni and Qbajjar. It is formed out of varying light grey clay with a pale yellow sandstone top, while its twisted shape and flat top make it unlike any other hill you’ve ever witnessed. It is found in an area around Marsalforn known as a ‘haven of hillocks’, another more notable one known as il-Qolla tal-Merżuq, once believed to be a volcano. Your visit can be paired with a lovely meal at the nearby restaurants in Marsalforn or Qbajjar, followed by a walk along the rocky beach and the salt-pans.

4. GĦAR TAL-MIXTA (36°03'48.0"N 14°17'22.4"E) On the ridge opposite Calypso’s Cave is a cavern overlooking the rich and fertile valley leading to the idyllic Ramla l-Ħamra Bay. It is situated in the limits of Santa Luċija and offers an exclusive and stunning view of the aquamarine waters. The enormous cave is known to have been anciently inhabited, and can be reached by following a side exit on my main road leading towards the beach.

01. Wied il-Mielaħ Window, Għarb 02. Fungus Rock, Dwejra

South facing 3 bed, 2.5 bath apartment in Q2, Tigne Point. Price: Euro 1,950,000

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The accommodation comprises 3 large bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The Q2 development is being constructed to the highest standards with first class workmanship and materials including Italian floor tiles, marble bathroom tiles, designer ceiling soffits, intelligent lighting and ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning. Included with this apartment is a private lockup garage space and one open car space. The apartment is offered as completely finished except for a kitchen.

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Understanding Wine Certification THE MEANING BEHIND DOK AND IĠT BANDEROLES Denominations of origin and Geographical Indications– or GI as the EU refers to them collectively– are a very strong and distinctive way in which consumers are protected with regards to particular products including wines. However, with scarce information reaching the consumers, these denominations might have little or no significance at all.

GI WINES Here we’re identifying the steps which DOK and IĠT wines have to undergo so that the authenticity of the product may be guaranteed.

The EU has always been a promoter with regards to the protection afforded to wines and other foodstuffs. A quick look at the label of geographical indication will help us, consumers, to understand better the products that are bought.

The European Union, has always aimed at helping consumers identify authentic and genuine products. A strict set of rules for winemaking practices has been established with the main aim that all wine lovers may enjoy wine originating from the EU while being ensured that certain basic characteristics are observed. Suffice to say that within all the EU the word wine is reserved specifically for those wines originating from grapes – a distinction which is not always clear in other parts of the world. Similarly, the use of added sugar is strictly prohibited and this so as to ensure the authenticity of the product i.e. Wine. All this permits the EU Member States to ensure quality through GI Wines with a number of specific names like DOK Malta, DOK Gozo and IĠT Maltese Islands.

NATIONAL VINEYARD REGISTER The first important step is the establishment of the National Vineyard Register wherein every Member State is bound to register the total superficial area under vines, the varieties being cultivated

and the producer. This exercise is a massive one considering that in 2015, more than 3.2 million hectares were under vines within the EU territory.

However, this mammoth task is the basis for consumer protection. The National Vineyard Register provides an essential instrument to guarantee consumers that the wines being offered actually do originate from a particular region. Every National Vineyard Register has some essential components including the area under vines, the number of growers, the size of the holdings, the main vine varieties and the age of vines. This data is not an irrelevant exercise of paperwork but offers the possibility of cross-checking all throughout the particular regions so as to certify those wines which really merit certification.

In order to ensure that a producer or a winery may have his grapes or wine registered as GI wines, there is the compulsory registration in the Malta Vineyard Register. This is the beginning of the certification that arrives to us consumers as a Denominazzjoni ta’ Oriġini Kontrollata (D.O.K.) or Indikazzjoni Ġeografika Tipika (I.Ġ.T.) classification as the case may be.

PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS (VITICULTURE ASPECTS) The vineyard register is the point of departure. However, consumers are further protected through the Production Protocols. These documents - which are normally defined by the local producers or vintners themselves – are essential to provide a uniform product for GI recognition, both locally and at EU level. This Code of Practice is essential for geographical indication (GI) schemes since it establishes the essential elements for recognition and assurance that the wine itself respects certain specific characteristics.

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In order to ensure full protection and authenticity of the GI Wine, the production protocol establishes various essential elements including: (i) delimitation of the area of production (ii) specific grape variety (iii) vine growing methods including production per vine, planting methods and pruning methods (iv) methodology to be adopted in the vinification process including the area where the vinification is to take place and ageing (v) oenological practices and processes (vi) specific wine type including colour and type of wine including sensorial characteristics and composition of wines (vii) special mentions such as Riżerva and Superior (viii) the control system to ensure quality and the avoidance of abuse.

The EU has always been a promoter of a green economy and the preservation of the natural environment. The farmer is nowadays seen as a constitutive element for environmental protection.

The Production Protocol establishes a specific quality which is to be attained by all the vintners who wish to make use of a specific GI within a specific territory. Having said this, it is understandable that a GI wine must necessarily manifest qualities which are intrinsically linked to a region or territory in a manner that a clear unique link is established in between the GI wine and the region from which it originates. Emphasis is always made on quality and the Production Protocol also highlights those specific and unique attributes of a GI wine.

History, often representing the love of a region to a particular wine, plays an important part within the Production Protocol since a GI wine’s reputation establishes also the connection between the same wine and its territory. In addition, the name

for the GI wine – often the result of a long tradition – is clearly established within the same Production Protocol.

HARVEST INSPECTIONS All the above is mostly related to paperwork. But how does it affect – in real life, us the consumers? Certification is not the result of a tedious paperwork exercise but includes as an essential element on-site inspections which guarantee that no foul play takes place.

Proper certification for a GI wine on a yearly basis starts with the harvest inspections. This takes place so as to ensure both the quantities to be harvested as well as the quality of the grapes on the vine. Inspections at this stage provide the guarantee that the quantities of wine which are put on the market tally with the amount of grapes harvested every year. Departmental checks are carried out to guarantee that the farmers’ declarations are crosschecked with what is actually found on the vineyard itself. This provides essential data for production and harvest declarations which mark the basis for annual GI wines production.

This first look at the lengthy certification process helps us consumers understand the toil, love and passion contained in every DOK or IĠT wine bottle that is purchased. It depicts the effort and dedication which people all through the food chain – from the farmer to the oenologists to the wineries to the certification bodies – give so as to provide to us the best possible wines that their region can produce.

VERSES OF THE SEA WORDS GIULIA PRIVITELLI

Inħares lejn il-baħar ikħal, nara dgħajsa tieħu gost tegħreq, tmiss il-qiegħ.

La jqum il-lejl biex jorqod kollox, baħar iswed skur daqs il-velu tan-newwieħa.

Hemm barra fuq ix-xefaq jibda jidher bħal qafas ta’ vapur bl-istilel jiddu – dawl fid-dlam, dalma kbira, dwal inemnmu.

It-tokki ta’ qanpiena minn ġol-qiegħ.

“Visiting the island is one thing, living here is another.” Stirring in some sugar into his cappuccino, Immanuel intently focuses on the rim of the cup, as if there was some message embedded there.

“You see,” he continues, “Malta has always been romanticised as an island, more so as an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, enroute to the Levant and the Arabic world, and wherein its people spoke, or rather speak, a somewhat ‘exotic’ language.

People like Hans Christian Anderson, Lord Byron and countless other travellers wrote about it - some in fascination, others in utter disdain. In any case, they couldn’t help romanticising it. But when you’re the islander looking out, it’s quite a different story.

Its limitations can be seen everywhere. One can practically spot the coast – the end of the land – from any given high point. And it seems to me that we’ve grown accustomed to this confinement, to seeing the end, the limit – so accustomed, in fact, that I would dare say that there is actually a fear of not being able to see the end.”

‘Marsalforn,’ written by Immanuel Mifsud, published in ‘Ħuta’ (2016)

So the idea of the sea as something limitless instills fear rather than, say, wonder...

Jien u l-baħħ tal-baħar jitqalleb ħdejja.

Il-ħuta toħlom qalb il-ħalel qliel, il-ħalel sbieħ, għoljin, perikolużi, fejn hemm dil-ħuta toħlom ħolma ħelwa, ta’ mistrieħ, ta’ mistrieħ fil-qiegħ sabiħ.

Me and the void of the sea, getting rough nearby.

The fish dreaming amidst the wild waves.

The beautiful waves, high and threatening, where there's a fish dreaming sweet dreams of resting, resting along the alluring bottom.

I look at the blue sea and see a boat happy to be sinking — touching the seabed.

When night awakens and all goes to sleep, a black sea falls... dark as the mourner’s veil.

And then over the horizon appears the skeleton of a ship studded with shining stars — a light in the dark; twinkling light.

Bell chimes arise from the seabed.

Translated by Ruth Ward

In a way, but the two are connected. As someone who has been brought up on an island, the idea of boundless space is like a threat.

And so we feel this urge to build everywhere, or add something – a bench, many benches, placed in a garden; a fountain and sculptures in an open space. It is, as it were, as if emptiness was meant to be filled. So wherever we look we may see the end, and if the end doesn’t exist, or cannot be seen, then we create it. And the sea is precisely that – an end which cannot be seen, and this creates fear. Consider, for example, our awe when Mount Etna can be seen from Malta purely with the naked eye. But we are not struck with the same sense of wonder when there is nothing to see. Fishermen have a different relationship with the sea of course, but because they know it most, they are afraid of it all the more.

There is a fascinating ambivalence to it, the sea – somewhere which ebbs between awe and fear. I remember once, way back around 1985, an experience I had while doing voluntary work with gypsies in southern Italy. I remember taking some of their children to swim on this beach, and there was no one. That in itself was a

strange, haunting feeling. But this overwhelming sense of fear crept up on me when I swam out to retrieve a ball that one of the boys had kicked amiss, and realised how far out I actually was. And that made me think of the solitary refugee on an inflatable lifeboat. To be surrounded by that great silence and solitude is a moment – a body memory rather – which I wish I can write down, I wish I can capture that moment in words.

But poetry, like the sea then, is boundless...it can go beyond borders. Does the thought give you the same sort of ambivalent emotion the sea does? And what then, can one say of ‘Maltese’ poetry reaching foreign shores?

I can’t help thinking that your collection of poems in ‘Ħuta’ (Fish) explores that condition – of being lost, of searching for a place to call home, to belong.

Once, following a public reading and Q&A in Berlin, the interviewer asked me whether I’d like to be published in Germany.

‘Of course!’ I replied. But he quickly told me that if it were for him, he wouldn’t...because I was too European! ‘Too European.’ Is this a compliment? Are we meant to have something different than the rest of the continent? Do we not live up to a certain ‘exotic’ standard of what it is to be Maltese? It set me thinking. It troubled me almost. I try to avoid questions on language when discussing my poetry. If it’s in Maltese, it’s in Maltese just like any other is in English or what have you. But people are just fascinated by the exotic sound of our language, even though we have, ironically, lost touch with Arabic culture and literature over the years. So when questioned about the exotic quality of our language, all this does really, is make me feel enclosed in some kind of freak-show.

Ħuta, rather than being about a sense of loss deals more with the idea of solitude. Now I’m no fish psychologist, but even in the context of an aquarium, their extreme solitude is fascinating. What can I say? Their life seems cut off from all that surrounds them.

The fish, rather than being lost, lives in its solitude, in a bubble.

Actually, when I was younger, I always had this recurring dream to live at the bottom of the sea, and that my house could be a glass bottle...cut off from the rest of the world. There was a time when it felt like this, or still does in a way. I’m not saying I’m reclusive, but I do retreat into my own world – my own kingdom – where I could spend a lifetime: a room surrounded by books. I myself am like a fish, cut off from the rest. So rather than homelessness, I would say it is more a feeling of ‘homefullness,’ if you will.

Ultimately, the reality is that we have realised that we are actually European citizens now, or desire to be, and this has spilled into our writing too. I am rather positive when it comes to this. Even though Maltese works still largely depend on English translations to reach new shores, I can see this progress and improve greatly.

Already, numerous authors have been published in foreign languages; they are invited to Festivals, for public readings and discussions – there is a sea of opportunities, rather than closure. If a hundred years ago, the quality of writing was secondary because writers first had to face the gargantuan task of establishing the Maltese language, now we seek to export our words. We need not be as inward looking anymore, obsessed with the edges of our limited shoreline.

Indeed, for all the life it gives, the sea has also claimed so many.

Yes, the Mediterranean has come to be seen as a great tomb nowadays. I’m actually terrified of darkness as well, and thinking of the lives of those stuck at sea in great darkness, like those refugees hooked onto some tuna pans for three days...and nights...these thoughts create great emotion.

Immanuel Mifsud is a poet and a writer born in Malta in 1967. He is the recipient of a number of awards: the Malta National Award for prose (2002, 2014), the Malta National Award for poetry (2013), and the European Union Prize for Literature (2011).

Various works by Mifsud have been translated and published in a number of languages. He holds a PhD from the University of Malta where he lectures in Maltese literature and literary theory.

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EVENTS

EVENTS

this month 27th February - 6th March INTERCULTURAL MUSIC RESIDENCY Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta The eight-day residency will consist of morning and afternoon sessions conducted by musical mentor Hassan Taha, Syrian composer and oud player. Participating musicians will be collaborating with musicians from their Mediterranean counterparts. www.arcrc.eu/intercultural-music-residency

6th March MED COMBO VALLETTA 2 Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta A concert of ethnic music resulting from the Intercultural Music Residency is taking place between the 27 February and 6 March 2018 as part of The Mediterranean Dimension project. The ensemble of Mediterranean artists is led by Syrian composer and oud player Hassan Taha, who is based in Bern, Switzerland. The concert will be followed by a reception in the Courtyard at Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta (Malta). www.arcrc.eu/med-combo-valletta-2018

9th -11th & 16th -18th March CALIFORNIA SUITE MADC Playhouse, Santa Venera Four comedic scenarios play out in a luxury hotel suite: In Visitor from New York, a divorced couple argue over custody of their daughter; Visitor from Philadelphia has a man waking up to a comatose prostitute and his wife about to arrive; In Visitors from London, an actress frets over her Oscar nomination and her doomed marriage; Visitors from Chicago has two couples ending a disastrous vacation they shouldn’t have shared. www.madc.com.mt

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9th -11th & 16th -18th March EN FOLKEFIENDE (AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE) My Space, Msida Brad Birch takes Ibsen's An Enemy of the People into the centre of a very modern scandal. A taut and rigorous adaptation of Ibsen's classic play, En Folkfiende examines the faultlines of municipal power as media, politics and the public good come head to head in a thrilling drama of the conflict between the personal and the public. www.bluebox.com.mt

10th March A MUSICO-LITERARY EVENING AT THE PALAZZO Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta Ruth Sammut Casingena, together with a team of talented and versatile performers from her studio, are joining forces to entertain you with a variety of the most heartwarming gems in the musical and literary genres. The evening, enhanced with the presence of special guest artists, offers you the exciting experience of a medley of themes, styles and food for thought. www.artsmalta.org

16th March CRUSADING OFF COURSE, YET AGAIN Splendid, Strait Street, Valletta They were persecuted for what they believed in. They dared to go against the norm. For a third time in three years, British composer/ pianist Tom Armitage will be performing these two mammoth works for solo piano, highlighting the intense struggles and groundbreaking ideologies of the Cathars in Medieval Occitania. www.facebook.com/thestradastrettaconcept

8TH APRIL FESTA FRAWLI - STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2018 Mġarr A much awaited fixture in the Maltese calendar - 'Festa Frawli' - the annual Strawberry Fair at Imġarr - Sunday 8th April 10am till 5pm. The vibrant Imġarr community brings together farmers and local volunteers in a communal celebration of the spring strawberry harvest.

Not to be missed! www.facebook.com/festafrawli

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EVENTS

Until 25th March THE DEVIL OF THE BRUSH Palazzo Falson, Mdina This exhibition celebrates speed and virtuosity and explores the exciting dynamics between artistic invention and technical brilliance through paintings, statuary, drawings, modelli and bozzetti executed by the major protagonists of Maltese Art between 1650 and 2000. Organised in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and guest curated by Prof. Keith Sciberras, Head, Department of Art and Art History, University of Malta. www.palazzofalson.com

27th March SELFMADE Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta A collaborative collection between Kevin Attard and Eric Attard exploring the sacred in the profane, mundane and carnal. This will be the first show to butch up Maltese Silver Filigree and bring it up to date with the 21st Century. www.artsmalta.org

17 TH MARCH RUSSIAN MASTERS Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta In a concert dedicated to great Russian works conducted

by Michalis Economou, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra sets the scene with the famous overture to Glinka’s opera Ruslan and Lyudmila before it is joined by the renowned pianist Pietro de Maria for a performance of Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto.

The concert is rounded off by Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, premiered shortly after Stalin’s death in 1953, and the first symphony he wrote following his second denunciation by the Stalinist regime in 1948. It is widely believed to be a musical portrait of the capriciousness of the dictator and of the terror of his rule. www.maltaorchestra.com

I S L E S TA P L E S

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MADE IN

If you’re looking for a keep-sake, a token from your last Malta holiday or want to treat someone living outside our Islands, then why not take some genuine Maltese products home with you?

WELCOME TO MALTA Simonds Farsons Cisk plc is synonymous with a beer brewing tradition rooted in quality.

At the base of this tradition are long-established skills of selecting nature’s best ingredients coupled with the expertise of skilled and dedicated brewers ensure a high standard of quality is maintained at every step in the brewing process.

Over the years, this dedication has contributed to creating award-winning brews that so many have grown to appreciate.

Cisk Lager, launched in 1929, is a golden-coloured, bottomfermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character with an alcohol content of 4.2%. The range also includes Cisk Export – a smooth, well-balanced and exceptional beer with a 5% alcohol content, Cisk Excel – a low carbohydrate beer, Cisk Chill – flavoured beer available in three flavours, Cisk Pilsner – a premium pilsner with an alcohol content of 5.5% and Cisk Strong – an outstanding extra-strong premium lager with a 9% alcohol content.

Buy Cisk on amazon.co.uk

CHARMINGLY LOCAL Kinnie, Malta’s own favourite soft drink, is a uniquetasting bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring and aromatic herbs. Kinnie is best enjoyed ‘neat’, with a slice of orange and lots of ice. Highly refreshing, it is also an excellent mixer. These distinctive characteristics have made Kinnie Malta’s own favourite soft drink, loved by the local population and tourists.

Over the years, in keeping with evolving trends in lifestyles and health awareness, a zero-calorie version, Diet Kinnie, was introduced. Other variants today include Kinnie Zest – a sugar-free variant with an added touch of orange flavour, and, Kinnie Vita, a mid-calorie beverage with natural sweeteners and contains just half the sugar and calories of a regular soft drink.

The Kinnie range is now available online at amazon.co.uk Never has ordering Kinnie been more convenient.

Go on – Have a Kinnie. kinnie.com

Would you like to be featured on our Made in Malta section? Drop Renata an email on renata@contentfactory.com.mt

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BUSINESS NEWS

PERRY ESTATE AGENTS LAUNCH CUTTING-EDGE PROPERTY VIDEO TOURS Leading Maltese real estate firm, Perry estate agents have recently launched their new cutting edge 'Property Video Tours' for upmarket exclusive listings.This is a step up from the professional photography services which Perry are well renowned for and already offer to clients. The video tours allow prospective buyers and tenants to be taken on a journey through the property and its immediate surroundings with music and captions highlighting the main features.

These exclusive tours can be viewed on Perry’s social media networks and YouTube channel, whilst the company is fast becoming the industry leader in creative video marketing for its clients, who trust the family-run business with representing their property for both the Sales and Letting sectors. This new service allows the company to offer groundbreaking and unique social media campaigns featuring small bites of videos to get prospective buyers and renters interested. The 1-minute videos have enabled Perry to develop its exclusive portfolio further, by marketing unique footage of properties, with “walk-through” filming techniques and spectacular drone footage.

Perry estate agents plan to continue to evolve its use of video and information technology to the benefit of its clients by showcasing properties in the most effective manner possible.

Such investment confirms Perry’s ongoing commitment to innovation and will see this estate agency continue to lead the way across the high-end property market.

If you have a quality property for sale or for rent and would like to see how you too can benefit from Perry’s thirty-seven years of experience and unparalleled service to the local real estate industry or if you are looking for a special property, the Perry team would be delighted to assist you with your property matters.

Please get in touch by e-mail: rsp@perry.com.mt or by phone 2131 0800/0088.

ADVISORY INVESTMENT SERVICES - SHAPING YOUR WEALTH TOGETHER your investment risk profile, objectives and requirements, we formulate the recommendations for your agreement.

The recommendations and proposals we make will be guided by the risk profile that would have been agreed with you. Of course, your risk profile may be reviewed at any time, should you feel that the circumstances effecting the ultimate objective of your investment portfolio have changed.

There are people who would like to build a portfolio of investments but prefer a greater degree of interaction in the evaluation as well as in the final decision effecting the choice of their investments. Advisory Investment Services represent the best solution for such clients. This service provides a degree of control on the investment portfolio, whilst enabling investors to participate actively in the management of their personal wealth.

BOV Wealth Management’s Advisory Investment Services provides you with comprehensive and continuous management of your portfolio. After discussing with you and determining

The trademark of our Advisory Investment Services is that the advice and guidance given regarding your investment portfolio is independent and provided by your personal advisor, in accordance with your investment objectives and risk profile. Whilst your advisor will review your portfolio on a regular basis, you can rest assured that investment decisions only become final once they are discussed with you and upon receipt of your approval. With BOV Advisory Investment Services, you have the peace of mind that a professional Wealth Management Advisor is supporting you in managing your portfolio every step of the way.

Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company licensed to carry out the business of banking and investment services in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta) and the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta). Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is an enrolled tied insurance intermediary of MSV Life p.l.c. MSV Life is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on long-term business of insurance under the Insurance Business Act 1998.

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SUN, PROPERTY AND RESIDENCE

M

alta is increasingly being regarded as an optimal destination, not only by tourists and travellers but increasingly by High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) and retirees looking for a good quality of life. Numerous individuals are attracted to the tiny archipelago and relocate to Malta every year. Primarily, Malta is the perfect location to expand business, to retire with peace of mind, and relocate with the family in the smoothest way possible. After all, the islands have plenty to offer- a typically Mediterranean climate, great history, culture, a prosperous economy and a multilingual population.

Along with an abundance of lifestyle benefits, Malta provides for a number of programmes whereby individuals may obtain tax residency in Malta or alternatively Maltese citizenship.

All the residence and citizenship programmes offered have one element in common, that is, the purchase or rental of an immovable property situated in the islands of Malta or Gozo.

The table indicates the property requirements in a nutshell: Sliema, on the east coast of Malta, has become an increasingly popular residence since it features several attractive properties, from new developments to townhouses, along with seafront views and a dynamic lifestyle, with plenty to offer for families.

It is important to note that on the acquisition of immovable property in Malta or Gozo, 5% stamp duty on the value of the immovable property is payable by the buyer on the signing of the purchase deed, 1% of which is payable on the signing of the promise of sale agreement. Once the immovable property is purchased, no further property taxes are levied.

Michael J Zammit CEO

PROGRAMME

PURCHASE

RENTAL

Individual Investor Programme

Purchase of property worth at least €350,000

Rental of property worth at least €16,000 per annum

Malta Residence and Visa Programme

Purchase of property worth at least €320,000 (in Malta) or €270,000 (in the South of Malta or Gozo)

Rental of property worth at least €12,000 (in Malta) or €10,000 (in the South of Malta or Gozo) per annum

Global Residence Programme

Purchase of property worth at least €275,000 (in Malta) or €220,000 (in the South of Malta or Gozo)

Rental of property worth at least €9,600 (in Malta) or €8,750 (in the South of Malta or Gozo) per annum

The Residence Programme

Purchase of property worth at least €275,000 (in Malta) or €220,000 (in the South of Malta or Gozo)

Rental of property worth at least €9,600 (in Malta) or €8,750 (in the South of Malta or Gozo) per annum

Highly Qualified Persons Programme

No minimum threshold (TCNs are prohibited from purchasing property)

No minimum threshold.

Lease should not be less than one year.

Ordinary Residence

No minimum threshold

No minimum threshold.

Lease should not be less than 6 months.

For more information regarding residency programmes or assistance in finding your ideal real estate purchase or rental, contact Malta Sotheby’s International Realty +356 9910 8070, or +356 2010 8070, email info@sir.com.mt. Find us on the web at www.maltasir.com

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PHOTOGR APHY

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS A POUND FOR THE PICTURE P H OTO G R A P H Y & M A LTA WORDS SARAH CHIRCOP

Let us begin with a cliché - we are told that a picture is worth a thousand words, that complex thoughts and ideas can be conveyed, if in the right hands, with just a single image. Or inversely, that an image is capable of conveying its meaning or essence more effectively than text does. As with most clichés, there is of course some truth to this because what you see and how you see it says a lot about you, about us, about a collective. So I thought I’d look through the lenses of a few photographers to get a better insight into what, by looking and seeing, they have to say about Malta. Every place has something to offer the image and of course the person behind it, but how does an island like Malta address how and why one makes images?

“Every place has its own characteristics, but the vision of the photographer is different,” David Pisani says. It is not the place per se that makes for an interesting photograph, but what you bring to it and what it gives you in return, through the people you meet, the experiences you encounter and the memories you make. “For many years I took photos of Valletta, not because it was intrinsically beautiful, but quite the opposite because it was dilapidated and neglected, and I found there

01.

02.

03.

01. Darrin Zammit Lupi 02. Joanna Demarco 03. David Pisani

a sense of eroticism which I tried to translate into photographs which possibly are in themselves interesting or at best subliminally emotional.”

Joanna Demarco on the other hand, is visually intrigued by Malta’s quirky nature and imperfections, as well as the “very rich colours, strong light as well as interesting characters and traditions which are all visually fun to play with. When it comes to documentary or photojournalism, it’s more about thinking along the lines of - what am I looking for, what am I trying to say, what information is this picture depicting?”

04.

42

PHOTOGR APHY

Despite its small size, Malta also has a lot to offer, Darrin Zammit Lupi says, and although most of his work is reportage, with an emphasis on news, much of which is done overseas: “I still love roaming around enjoying street photography, utilising the magical quality of the light we have here and looking out for how light and shadow can transform the most mundane and ordinary of scenes into something spectacular, or hunting for quirky moments of everyday life.” Therese Debono considers her genre to be street photography and also shares the view that Malta contributes in this aspect, particularly when it comes to its vast architecture with people interacting with these buildings in the streets. “The urban and the rural offer great shots if you are patient enough to observe and shoot. Take laundry for example, if you are patient enough you might get a lady looking out of the balcony too, or what about the usual man who always sits at the same corner?”

05.

PHOTOGR APHY

43

I personally believe that at this stage, one of the things that triggers me, and might trigger other photographers, is the state of change the country is in. For better or for worse we walk and see the contrast between the modern and the old, and this on its own is very interesting and picturesque 06.

04. Zvezdan Relic 05. Gilbert Calleja 06. Jacob Sammut

Light is essential to the camera, it needs light to function but it is also up to the photographer to shed some of his or her own light onto stories. “My point of departure is always the desire to get a glimpse into the private lives of others; ‘Everyone knows everyone else’ is a lie we repeat too often. Rubbing shoulders with your next door neighbours you discover how little you know about each other. In many ways the camera helps me get in touch with the people I see so often but know so little about,” Gilbert Calleja says.

Also highly interested in this concept of ‘who we are’ and ‘where we are from’, Zvezdan Relic’s upcoming publication WIĊĊNA / OUR FACE, a book of around 200 photographic portraits of individuals from different backgrounds, generations and ethnicities, will feature aesthetical, anthropological and literary essays on aspects of physiognomy, identity and photography, each written in a different language that has influenced Malta throughout its history.

When asked about the act of looking and what stimulates his process, Jacob Sammut tells me - “I personally believe that at this stage, one of the things that triggers me, and might trigger other photographers, is the state of change the country is in.

For better or for worse we walk and see the contrast between the modern and the old, and this on its own is very interesting and picturesque.” Whilst for Charles Balzan, what seems to fascinate him about Malta is the duality it presents: “We seem to find ourselves always divided into opposite point of views in every aspect of our lives. Seen from a positive perspective, this attitude, I think, can sometimes make you aware of poetic juxtapositions present all around like the historic with the modern, the sunny light heartedness of a warm day with the sudden encounter of a medieval chapel's layered heavy dark patina, or as in my case of a heavy industrial ship framed with the light and free flight of pigeons.”

Time and history are two inescapable elements in Malta and most photographers find themselves addressing it in some form or other: “Malta has often been described as one whole film set and one can possibly find a visual delight round every corner.“It is steeped in history and its people alone are a source of research and discovery,” Joe Smith says.

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07.

07. Ritty Tacsum 08. Elisa Von Brockdorff

For Rik Van Colen, much of his photography deals with long exposure, playing with time, “and time is everywhere in Malta, it’s in the eroded stone of the rocks along the coast. It’s in the thousands of years of man using that same stone to build. It’s in the sea, eternal and ever changing. In Malta you can smell time in the air”.

When I asked Elisa Von Brockdorff how or what about Malta contributes to her process and ideas she told me: “My visual language is strongly influenced by bright colours, patterns and textures - elements which are found universally, and heavily present in Malta too. For instance, many Maltese interiors are typically characterised by the geometric forms, found in Art Nouveau tiles. However in this case, my approach has not been to photograph these motifs per se, but rather to utilise them as a backdrop, by juxtaposing them against another element in order to create an ambiguous visual narrative.” And similarly, if you had to ask Ritty Tacsum what she looks for in an image and how Malta makes her look, she’d tell you that she’s “always on the search for moody environments, and I find that locally, the same place for instance, can offer different moods depending on the time it is experienced. Sometimes it is about experiencing a place at different times, and not just looking”.

In the end, a place will always have something different to offer each photographer, but what remains essential is the image. And although the image today has somewhat become all about showing, sending, remembering, it nevertheless retains the power to speak volumes about what something is, and it has always benefitted us to use our eyes to look beyond history’s words, to say who we are by what we do and not merely by what we say.

I'm always on the search for moody environments, and I find that locally, the same place for instance, can offer different moods depending on the time it is experienced 08.

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T R AV E L

of statues and steeples WORDS KRISTINA CASSAR DOWLING

V

ienna - capital of Austria, land of opera, Klimt and the sachertorte. If asked to describe Vienna in three words; I think the correct answer would be imperial, inspiring and intricate - but this of course is my take on the majestic city. Visiting Vienna opens your eyes to a cultural renaissance that stands the test of time, a marvellous trip to the imperial palaces, astounding streetscapes and musical appreciation.

The first thing that strikes a Vienna visitor is the architecture.

Now, whether you’re an architecture buff or entirely unaware of architectural presence; first impressions are ever-lasting and the gargantuan impression that Vienna leaves on you is impressive. One of the top spots to visit when on a Viennese holiday is the Schönnbrunn Palace; also known as Sisi’s Palace. Elisabeth of Bavaria is better known as Empress Sisi of Austria, she married Emperor Franz Joseph I and lived in the Schönnbrunn Palace during the summer months.

Designed by Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach upon commission form Emperor Leopold I at the end of the 17th century, the palace was intended to serve

as a hunting lodge for Leopold I’s son, Emperor Joseph I. When walking through the gates of the palace; the firstmost impressive factor is the size of the building - the perfectly aligned windows, doors and overall aesthetic of the structure. Around the palace is a beautifully manicure garden, with trees and plants to fawn over. The perfectly paved garden is in its very own way obscure due to the Roman-tinge it carries. This might have to do with the designer, von Erlach’s education in Rome. Although the exterior is captivating, the interior houses a multitude of sculptures, a gallery as well as more garden space to fall in love with.

Visiting Vienna and missing Stephansplatz is like forgetting to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome or the Pyramids in Egypt. Within the outstanding square is St Stephen’s Cathedral, more commonly known by its German title; Stephansdom. This cathedral is the mother church of Austria’s capital where a number of Hasburg and Austrian historical events took place. The towering spire and the intricately tailored Gothic elements of the cathedral make Stephansdom a site to remember.

T R AV E L

The towering spire and the intricately tailored Gothic elements of the cathedral make Sephansdom a site to remember My first time in Stephansplatz was during a family winter trip; we were lucky enough to visit the cathedral while a celebration was taking place; with music roaring out of the church organ, Vienna locals in their finest attire and a chill in the air filled the space, creating an aura of spectacle. My impression therefore was magical, speaking to other visitors, locals and travel writers might acquire different, albeit positive, opinions.

Although the architecture is absolutely astounding, what goes on in those buildings can be quite the treat. Culture must be such an important word for the Austrians. Be it opera, art, sculpture or architecture, the seamless effort that all cultural activities are conducted in, crowns Vienna a cultural treasure. Birth place of Brahms, Strauss, Mozart and even Beethoven - there is clearly a song in the air in the Austrian theatre of a city. There are a number of opera houses in Vienna, so choosing the right one might be somewhat intimidating. Ask the locals for their opinion the performances aren’t always the same, therefore opera aficionados might know the top pick of that month.

Asking around for local cafés or teahouses might also be a fair choice. When it comes to cakes, sweets, pasties and all baked goods imaginable, the Austrians know what they’re on about. If you’re looking to soothe that sweet tooth, get your hands on a crumbly apfelstrudel, a rich sachertorte, a creamy esterhazytorte or the traditional sahne kuchen. Famous for its teahouses, Vienna is perfectly designed to feature teashops in summer gardens and squares alike. Apart from sweet delicacies, the Viennese kitchen is home to some good old comfort food such as wiener würstel, wiener schnitzel, goulash and tafelspitz. Grab a warm beer with any of these staples and you’ll be a happy traveller. Although all the above dishes contain meat, wheat and are quite hearty, Vienna is vegan-friendly, gluten aware and quite health-conscious; so there’s pleasing everyone’s appetites.

Last, but not least on our Vienna travel spot is the shopping.

There’s no doubt that you will be packing a few extra pieces of clothing after spending an afternoon in Vienna. There are shops all over the city centre, so avoiding the shops might be considered impossible. Walking through the streets of Vienna is energising, the variety of entertainment makes a Vienna holiday one to seriously consider. Walking may even be avoided for travellers with young children or the elderly as the efficient transport system can carry you across the city. Probably, the only downside to using public transport is missing all the beautiful scenes on land. Well, the most commonly used means of transport here is the tram, a circuit that runs through the city and allows passengers to enjoy the landmarks, spot the equestrian statues all while enjoying the magical measure of Vienna.

Air Malta offers a daily scheduled service to Vienna airport. One-way prices including taxes and charges start from only €39. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

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48

GOZO

EN JOY DWE J R A’S N ATU R A L B E AU T Y

Terry Camilleri

T

his time last year, Dwejra Bay lost an iconic landmark that made Gozo world famous. The Azure Window represented Gozo and the island’s enduring raw beauty for many, many years until it was swept away by gale force winds and high waves.

However, Dwejra has many more features to offer that were, perhaps, overlooked when the Azure Window was still around. It is no coincidence that this location has been a favourite backdrop for filmmakers, as nature and geography seem to have schemed to create a place like no other.

Here are three natural spots you should not miss on your next visit to Dwejra: THE INLAND SEA This area has been formed by a circular depression in the land, which created a unique lagoon. The Inland Sea is connected to the main sea via a 100-metre tunnel that can be used by small boats. Traditionally, the Inland Sea at Dwejra was a fishermen’s cove and the small fishermen’s huts are still standing, but today fishermen gladly take out tourists for boat trips.

THE FUNGUS ROCK This islet has its own interesting story about a precious medicinal plant growing here and because of which, it was heavily guarded. The Knights of St. John even levelled out its sides to ensure that climbing the rock was virtually an impossible task. Great punishment awaited those who were

caught scaling the rock. Back in time, a kind of primitive cable-car enabled access to the rock.

THE BLUE HOLE The Blue Hole is an internationally acclaimed diving spot.

This vertical chimney, which Jacques Cousteau himself once earmarked as one of his top 10 diving spots in the world is a must for every serious diver. While diving here, you might want to take a peek at the submerged Azure Window, which has now become an awesome diving spot.

WHILE YOU’RE AT DWEJRA...

Also check out the Dwejra Tower. Built in 1652, this tower acted as a sentinel against the pirates and marauders, and guarded the Fungus Rock. The Tower also played a part in WWII when it acted as a guard for the western side of Gozo.

If the flag is flying on top of the tower, it means that it is open to the public.

We suggest a visit to Dwejra during sunset hours. Sunsets at Dwejra are experienced everyday by visitors who stand in awe of a natural ritual, of unparalleled beauty.

GOZO EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN MARCH: 9th March – start of Easter in Gozo activities 10th March – A Decade of Dance - a dance spectacular in celebration of 10 years of Centre Stage Dance Academy 24th & 25th March – Jesus Christ Superstar musical at Astra Theatre.

52

LOCAL

TA L K O F T H E T O W N

With so many cities, towns and villages on our little Islands, it’s hard to decide what to see and where to go. Throughout the year we’ll be highlighting our top locations for the season. This month it's Marsaxlokk.

SUNDAY MARKET

THE PROMENADE

The Marsaxlokk market is a top spot to visit any time of year - seasons do encourage the beauty of this market though.

Every Sunday, the Marsaxlokk promenade features a fresh fish market where fish hawkers and locals debate over the price of a fish. Follow the crowds to find the best catch - be it in the market or at the local restaurants.

With a long stretch of paved area, surrounding the village of Marsaxlokk and spanning the periphery of the bay, the picturesque promenade is a great place to spend an evening.

Whether you’re looking to get some exercise in or simply sit on a bench and stare out at the sea, the Marsaxlokk Promenade is your ideal location.

FORT ST LUCIAN

FORT TAS-SILĠ

XROBB L-GĦAĠIN

Saint Lucian Tower is a bastioned watchtower that is rather large and can be found in Marsaxlokk. Built by the Order of St John - between 1610 and 1611 - the San Lucian Fort is the second of the six Wignacourt Towers built.

Although its primary services are no longer needed, the fort is still in use for research purposes.

Yet another Fort in Marsaxlokk that protected the village during the Second World War. Seaside villages were prone to attack due to their easy access points via the sea. Fort tas-Silġ was built between 1879 and 1883 by the British - on high ground at the end of Delimara Point just above il-Ħofra ż-Żgħira. In its day, it was intended as a fire control point that regulated the massed guns of Fort Delimara.

Xrobb l-Ġħaġin Nature Park features 155,000 square metres of land. Used as a Sustainable Development Centre, the scenic views provide an ideal location to inspire sustainability and the safeguarding of the environment. The Nature Park is located on a jutting peninsula in the south eastern village of Marsaxlokk.

IL-ĦOFRA Ż-ŻGĦIRA Il-Ħofra ż-Żgħira literally translates into ‘the little pit’ or better yet; ‘the little cove’.

An interesting feature found directly below Fort tas-Silġ.

With beautiful blue waters and a spectacular view, this cove is ideal for swimming and sunbathing during the summer. It is also ideal for a brisk walk or an adventure during the colder months.

MARSAXLOKK CHURCH The Marsaxlokk church is known as the Church of Our Lady of Pompei, a Roman Catholic Parish located in the fishing village. Established when fishermen began building houses near the coast so as to save time on their travels.

In the 19 th century, the church served as the spiritual refuge for men whose livelihood was bound to the sea.

THE LUZZU Traditionally, the luzzu is a Maltese fishing boat that boasts an array of vibrant colours. The blue, yellow, red and green colours set against the crystal blue of the Mediterranean sea is a sight that screams Malta.

When visiting Marsaxlokk, the entire stretch of sea is adorned with floating fishing boats, their magical eyes staring into the abyss.

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56

LOCAL

ISL AND HIGHLIGHTS Despite its diminutive size, the Maltese archipelago is bursting with historic sites, idyllic spots, culture and tradition. The Maltese Islands are like nowhere else.

Here you’ll find fossil-studded geo formations, prehistoric temples, intriguing diving opportunities, and a richly woven history of remarkable intensity. Here’s a handy guide on what to look out for during your stay.

VALLETTA , MALTA Colloquially known as Il-Belt, Valletta is the capital city of Malta that was built during the rule of the Knights of St John. The baroque city is speckled with neo-classical and modern architecture and has been declared Europe’s Culture Capital 2018.

THE THREE CITIES, MALTA The Three Cities take on two names for each area due to the influence of the Knights of Malta. Birgu, Bormla and Isla took on the names of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea respectively. This picturesque gem boasts winding streets and an impressive harbour which is very much worth a visit.

ĠGANTIJA TEMPLES, GOZO Did you know that the Ġgantija Temples are older than the pyramids of Egypt?

Discover Malta’s ancient civilisation by touring the Neolithic temple complex found in the village of Xagħra [Sha-rah] in Gozo. Visit the earliest example of megalithic temples in Malta.

MDINA , MALTA Formerly known as Città Notabile, this fortified medieval beauty served as the island’s capital until 1530. Known as the Silent City since its streets are mainly used by pedestrians, the narrow streets give an interesting mix of baroque and Norman architecture – some of which are private homes till today.

MOSTA DOME, MOSTA , MALTA Colloquially known as the Rotunda, this Roman Catholic Church is currently the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world and the third largest in Europe. Dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, the Mosta Dome is Mosta’s most prominent highlight.

FICTION

THE DEEP DIVE WORDS TCD

‘In a land of men and maids, where salt and water are the source of life, where the fish scurry through the currents, making their way along the shore.’

E

dward was a good child, never the kind of child that would ask for anything, he seemed happy with what he had; food and shelter. This was because Edward did not have any hobbies like sports or fun things that amused and fascinated other children.

Edward though, was fascinated by but one thing, he was astounded by fish.

He thought that they were of utmost fascination; he liked the fact that they did not breath air but water, he thought that it was amazing that they ate other sea creatures, he thought that swimming in an ocean so large was so liberating and exciting.

Edward often went to the sea himself, he spent hours upon hours swimming and diving underwater, he often timed himself underwater and challenged himself to stay under longer and longer.

He longed to be able to live as a sea creature together with the creatures that made him think, that made him feel welcome, happy and safe. You see Edward's enchantment over the sea and all its creatures, began with a short yet life-changing story. A story his grandfather told him when he was 6.

His grandfather would sit him on his lap and tell him stories about his time out at sea. He'd speak in great detail and describe the taste of the ocean on his lips as the ship would break the waves with its heavy bow.

Edward always listened attentively and imagined the pirate fights taking place in front of him. He'd see all the mermaids, swimming up to the surface and speak to the men on board. Oh how he longed to be part

of their world. To be free, to swim and dive with the fish and see what they see.

One morning, on a warm summer’s day, Edward made his way to the rocky beach, a short walk away from his house. With his underwater mask and a pair of flippers in hand, Edward was set for the day.

He ran to the water’s edge and without hesitation jumped into the sea, head first with incredible speed. He swam and swam, deeper and deeper until he saw a mermaid.

A beautiful mermaid with enchanting eyes.

He spoke to her and swam with her. His own little dream world, a sensational feeling of joy and energy. He had underwater friends who enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed theirs.

Edward’s greatest friend was the old octopus, with years and years of wisdom. He told him stories about the sea, just as his grandfather had done for so many years. He told him about the ways of the waters and the beautiful creatures that lived in his world.

He made him love the ocean even more so than before.

When he got home from his adventures at sea, he’d sit by his bedroom window and paint pictures of his underwater friends, his grandfather would hang them around the house when they were extra good. Edward always drew himself as a merman, with a green tail and a big crown on his head. He was the king of the currents, the ruler of the waves.

Every evening he’d sit, watching the sea, watching the waves crash against the shore, gently serenading him, taking him to his dreamland, a land of salt, a land of his dreams.

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TR ADITION

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PASSION PLAYS PASSION PAYS WORDS ANDREI VELLA LAURENTI

M

alta is renowned for its feasts and its fireworks - the country that has the most public holidays in Europe. Malta takes its Easter very seriously and has events that can offer everyone something during this time of the year.

Visiting Malta during Easter is nothing short of spectacular. Most villages organise pageants and processions and other events and activities that are associated with the greatest feast in the Christian calendar.

The events taking place at this time of the year are not only religious but also cultural. At present there are nineteen processions organised across the Maltese islands. The difference between a procession and a pageant might not be so marked for the lay person and tourists however, Etienne Schembri (secretary to the NGO Għaqda Kultura u Armar Maria Annuzjata – Ħal Tarxien), pointed out that there exists a difference between a procession and a pageant.

He explained that the former is authorised by the Church Authorities and involves various statues related to the passion of Christ being paraded round the streets of a locality. A procession can also involve people dressed as biblical characters walking in front of the statues.

Historically, the first Easter procession with the statue of the risen Christ (l-Irxoxt in Maltese) was held from the church of the Franciscans Conventual in Valletta in 1698.

The idea of a pageant is to have the trial and passion of the Christ unfolding in front of an audience. A pageant has dramatic elements and is performed by various parish groups that work within the structures of the Church but have autonomy from it.

Mr Schembri spoke to me at length about the NGO he represents and gave me valuable information and insight about what takes place in the locality of Ħal Tarxien. He explained that the pageant involves approximately 450 people and three bands. The participants dress up as biblical characters from the Old and New Testaments.

The interpretation of the passion of Christ is rich in

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TR ADITION

All the costumes belong to the NGO or to the people who take part in the pageant and no cost is spared to be as historically authentic as possible

religious symbolism and iconography. All the characters that participate in the pageant hold an artefact that carries religious significance. This symbolism is explained by the children that are carrying the scrolls.

of Our Lady of Sorrow) struck an emotional chord with the audience due to its very powerful symbolism of the duality of birth and death. A subject that goes beyond religious belief and is universal to humankind.

The animals involved in the event are important since they have a role to play. All the costumes belong to the NGO or to the people who take part in the pageant and no cost is spared to be as historically authentic as possible.

It was only at the dawn of the new millennium that the pageant started being performed in the streets of ÄŚal Tarxien.

Prior to 1999, the pageant took place in the theatre of San Nikola tal-Agostinjani in Tarxien whilst in 1999 it moved to the Mediterranean Conference Centre. That year the pageant was done differently because it took the form of a musical with an exclusive music score composed by Mark Tonna (words by the poet Raymond Mahoney). The music is still used today and is performed by some of Malta’s best singers, including Debbie Scerri, Elenor Cassar and Mary Spiteri. Etienne Schembri explained how a specific song called Bikja tad-Duluri (which is still being performed and is translated as the Lamentations

To organise and execute a pageant that involves 450 people, animals and three bands is very challenging logistically. Mr Schembri told me that when the pageant was organised in Valletta two years ago, the logistics were not as challenging but the flow of the event was very different to what he normally experiences in the streets of Tarxien.

This year is an important one for Malta since its capital, Valletta, was honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture. The Tarxien Easter pageant will be taking place in the streets of Valletta as part of the ongoing activities of the V18 celebrations.

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QUIRKS

Malta, USA WORDS HELEN RAINE

O

ur little archipelago is not the only Malta in the world - there's another in the USA. It got the name when a railway official spun the globe for inspiration, and his finger landed on our Mediterranean island. ‘New’ Malta was born, deep in the Wild West.

If you want to visit the young pretender, you’ll need to head to Philips County, Montana. The town began when the Great Northern Railway was being built; railway sidings punctuated the lines to allow for storage of trains or goods. In 1887, construction workers built railway siding 54. When the siding got busy enough, it morphed into a town. The anonymous railway worker picked the name, and Malta v2.0 was christened;

confirmation came in 1890 when it got an official post office.

Early on, trains brought homesteaders from the East; they went back filled with buffalo bones, cattle and sheep bound for eastern markets. All was quiet for a couple of decades, before the town’s first brush with fame, when Butch Cassidy’s gang, The Wild Bunch, robbed a train, stealing about $60,000, a vast fortune in those days. Outlaw Kid Curry (Harvey Logan) was the ring leader on that raid. He’s not as famous as Butch, but still killed nine police officers during his criminal career as a bank and train robber. A year later, Kid Curry was captured in Knoxville and sentenced to 20 years hard labour. He escaped after a year but finally shot himself to avoid capture. His party trick was being able to drop a silver dollar and fire five shots before it hit the floor.

It took another 100 years for Malta to make the headlines again. That happened when one of the most perfect dinosaur fossils ever found was unearthed in 2000. The Brachylophosaurus was 77 million years old and weighed 2 tons. It is one of only four ‘mummified’ dinosaurs ever found, meaning that the outline of the body remained in the stone, including muscles, throat tissue and skin. Even the polygonal skin scales were preserved – they are clearly visible on photographs. The fossil was nicknamed ‘Leonardo’.

Leo was a medium-sized type of hadrosaurid, with a bony crest that might have been used in battle. He also had hundreds of stacked teeth that would have helped him to chew plant material efficiently and his broad beak looked a bit like a duck’s. He is thought to have been about three or four years old when he died, and his last meal probably consisted of magnolia and conifer leaves. Researchers were gleeful to discover that he was infected with parasitic worms (they show up as tiny tunnels in his gut) – this is a first in dinosaur research. While poor Leo might have had a stomach ache from his intestinal friends, he did at least make it into the Guinness Book of Records as the ‘best preserved dinosaur in the world’.

Leo was followed by three more dinosaur discoveries, Elvis, Roberta and Peanut. The Montana Dinosaur Trail runs through the town and you can visit the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station here. The museum also runs summer field programs where you learn to dig for dinosaur bones.

While both Maltas are relatively small, the American one has a tiny and declining population of around 2,000 people. In the past, it relied heavily on the railroad to survive, as well as farming; the town became a sheep shearing stop for the hundreds of thousands of sheep that moved through the state on their way to market. These days, the largest employer is the Department of Education and the County Government.

For nature lovers though, it’s a paradise, with the Boudoin National Wildlife Refuge close by, an extraordinarily beautiful wetland that’s important for migratory birds.

Pronghorn antelope, elk and deer graze on the grasslands.

60km further south there’s the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge too, praised for its phenomenal prairie and badlands views, as well as Bald eagles, elk, Bighorn sheep and Sharp-tailed grouse.

Unlike our crowded little island, this area is famous for wide-open spaces and rolling grass prairies - the landscape around hasn’t changed much since it was discovered by explorers in 1805. Of course, the Native Americans had been using the land for generations before that – the Gros Ventre (Aaniiih) and the Assiniboine (Nakoda) Tribes own a reservation at Fort Belknap and run tours. So, if you need a break from the hustle of Malta… there’s always new Malta.

It’s only 8,765 km away.

OLD CHARM,

MODERN TWIST

Behind the seemingly impenetrable thick walls, flanking Malta’s Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourist radar. Predominantly a maritime hub, rich in history, this area is reviving itself and the Rolling Geeks are paving the way with their modern take on touring.

Explore this gorgeous open air museum full of architectural riches and breathtaking views, while cruising around in your eco friendly, smart technology vehicle.

The cars are unbelievably fun, safe and easy to drive.

Following a GPS guided route at an easy pace while listening to the commentary onboard in the language of your choice gives you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace. The online tracking and onboard communication systems enable the Rolling Geeks’ vigilant staff to provide assistance throughout the tour giving you peace of mind. The roads on the prescribed route are very quiet and it is very easy to park up and step out whenever you wish to.

The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest is up to you to capture. Overall this is a great value for money experience, suitable for all ages.

Visit www.rolling-geeks.com for more information.

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ART

ART

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SLEEPING BEAUTY WORDS FRANCESCA BALZAN, CURATOR AT PALAZZO FALSON HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM

S

ome time ago I visited Petworth, a lovely aristocratic mansion in Sussex, UK. One of the rooms was called ‘The Beauty Room’. My interest immediately piqued, I sought it out amongst the maze of delightful rooms brimming with art treasures. The ‘Beauty Room’ was hung full of 18th century portraits of ladies with daring necklines painted by the leading artists of the time. Not quite beautiful to the modern eye, these ‘Beauties’ nonetheless presented a spectacle - all bedecked in their finery and displaying lots of chest, hung together in a confined space for the appreciation (and perhaps titillation) of the viewer in the most genteel way possible.

In Malta too we have got our own little ‘Beauty Room’ at Palazzo Falson. This medieval Palazzo, prominently placed in the heart of Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta was built as a home and has seen successive generations of families live within its walls. Prominent families like the Falsone family who wielded considerable power in medieval Malta lived here. In the 20th century the house was acquired by Olof Frederick Gollcher (1889-1962), an artist, amateur historian, avid collector and all round bon vivant who filled his house with a collection of art and historical objects. His house is now managed by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti as a Museum and is open to the public.

Where is the Beauty Room of Palazzo Falson and, more importantly, who were these ladies? As one walks through the enfilade of rooms at the upper level of the house, from library to chapel, the bedroom presents a rather contrasting hang to the more sombre religious art works gathered in the chapel. The bedroom is hung with a number of female portraits. Datable from the 16th to the 18th centuries, these portraits are rather contrasting, from naïve depictions to more refined examples of the art of the time. The ladies depicted all appear to come from the upper crust, but unlike the ample flesh on display at Petworth these ladies are more restrained in their attire. But here any similarities end, as, in reality, these paintings present a very diverse collection that has no connection between the various parts and are really the fruit of Olof Gollcher’s restless collecting and acquiring of artworks.

One particularly fine portrait stands out. Dated to the end of the 16th century or slightly later, it is the portrait of Leonora Cybo Fieischi, a Tuscan noblewoman of whom we know quite a lot. She married twice, first to the Genoese nobleman Gian Luigi Fieschi who was murdered in Genova in a conflict with the Doria family, some say because a Doria was hopelessly in love with Leonora, and then to Gian Luigi Vitelli, known as ‘Chiappino’, after which she became Marchioness of Cetona.

Chiappino, a condottiero di ventura, and ambassador to

Cosimo I de’ Medici took part in the Great Siege of Malta (1565) and his heroism is recorded by the renowned poet Laura Battiferri who also admired Leonora Cybo and dedicated sonnets to her.

Right across from this painting is another portrait of interest, particularly for those interested in the history of costume. It is an accomplished portrait of a rather dour looking lady wearing the double wimple, a stiff gauzy veil that covered the head and the shoulders. The wimple occurs in many Maltese portraits of the 18th century showing that Maltese women tended to cover their heads. This appears to have been a stylistic trait, rather than one motivated by belief or prudery. In fact, in some portraits the hair is powdered and the veil, although still present, is pushed right back and attached to the back of the head. Another portrait, probably of a Maltese woman and likely to have been painted in the same period, shows another side to the Maltese woman. Dressed in beautifully textured gold fabric with an extremely tight stomacher showing off her impossibly small frame and with ribbons and decorative flourishes, this lady is clearly ‘a beauty’. She wears jewellery denoting her riches and that she belongs to the upper class, probably the nobility, and rests her arm on an ornate table with heavily gilded elaborate carvings. This portrait is all about ostentation and a declaration that this lady is fully versed in the fashions on the continent and has the means to dress accordingly.

From beautiful, fashionable, accomplished we turn our gaze to the quirkier portraits. Two stand out. One painting is a very naïve depiction of a lady in full length. The lady is richly dressed but the painting does not give us a sense of depth or the roundness of the body. Is she a lady or a girl? She is too short to be a lady – couldn’t the artist get the proportions right or is it a too-realistic painting of the subject’s stunted growth?

Another portrait, ostensibly of St Catherine is also most engaging. The saint is properly depicted with all the symbols of her martyrdom (spiked wheel, palm of martyrdom) but a second glance at Saint Catherine reveals a rather dangerously décolleté neckline and her expression is difficult to describe… is she pouting teasingly? Can it be? One theory is that it is a portrait of a woman with the attributes of Saint Catherine – perhaps her name was Catherine, and her aspirations saintly.

Sadly, we will never know. The beauties have taken their secrets with them to the eternal sleep.

See the beauties (and much more) at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, Villegaignon Street, Mdina. Open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm).

Follow Palazzo Falson on www.palazzofalson.com, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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FOOD

WHAT THE VEGETABLE? In a country whose popular dishes include rabbit stew and fish and meat pies, vegetarians wishing to try out local dishes may be left tearing their hair out. But before you go bald, Veronica Stivala comes to the rescue with some tasty vegetarian options.

I will never forget that hungry day on a road trip in Italy when after many hours in the car we finally pulled over to a service station to refuel our steed as well as ourselves. Short of a plate of lettuce and tomatoes I was beginning to despair as I could not find a single dish that was meat-free at the buffet-style eatery, until a heavenly light shone upon an omelette. My joy was all too short-lived as I cut into the fluffy dish, only to find, tucked neatly inside, a slice of ham.

Being a vegetarian can be frustrating sometimes, especially when you are in a foreign country and not only are you not familiar with vegetarian-friendly eateries, but you do wish to be able to try some local dishes. While many Maltese signature dishes contain meat, not all are, and, there is definitely a need for more, it is also possible to find vegetarian versions of some dishes.

01.

MOUTH-WATERING SNACKS A traditional snack (with the calorie equivalent of a hearty meal) that warrants pride of taste is pastizzi. These delicious savoury cheese and pea-cakes, probably of Levantine origin, have been made in Malta for hundreds of years. Another similar snack is the qassata, a small snack-sized pie which comes in a variety of fillings, including ricotta, spinach and peas. Get the full local experience and savour the savoury parcels at a village café, washed down with a glass – yes, glass – of tea with milk.

The Maltese have their own version of the pizza, in the form of ħobż biż-żejt, literally bread with oil. As someone who lives away from Malta, the Maltese loaf is one of the local foods I miss the most and nothing beats the taste of a few slices of this bread, crusty on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, dabbed with olive oil, and often the juice of a tomato, and adorned with capers, mint, salt and pepper.

Another delectable snack is bigilla, a bean pâté or dip, best enjoyed with Maltese water crackers or your good old Maltese bread. Made with beans from Djerba, or Ful Medames this is a simple but tasty recipe. Bigilla is often served as one of the condiments in mixed platters served by many restaurants, accompanied by other local delicacies such as sundried tomatoes, plain and pepper ġbejniet (cheeselets), butter beans in garlic and olives. Check that the platter is vegetarian and if not, ask to have the meat replaced by one or some of the other foods.

One can never have enough cheese.

MAIN DISHES Of course, apart from the above-mentioned snacks there are also some hearty traditional, meat-free meals. My all-time favourite is soppa tal-armla (widow’s soup). The dish takes its name from the ingredients which could be found in a poor widow’s garden patch: onions, cabbage, lettuce, endive, cauliflower, celery, ġbejniet and eggs in a broth.

FOOD

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02.

Barley soup is another local dish, its idiosyncratic ingredient a hearty amount of melted Pecorino cheese. Do be careful to check that the broth is not made from meat.

A simple but scrumptious dish is ravjul, ravioli, which come in a variety of fillings and which are served with a number of different sauces. The most common are the ricotta-filed pastry pillows, doused in tomato sauce and sprinkled with a grated hard cheese.

Kapunata, aubergine stew, is a feast of flavours for the senses, its main ingredient stewed with black olives, capers, celery, tomatoes, onions and garlic, best served cold. An accompanying slab of Maltese bread will, of course, not go amiss!

We’ve gone through all but the sweet stuff, which thankfully and unlike Rachel from Friends’ meat trifle, is all safely vegetarian. My suggestion? Imqaret (fried date slices) served with vanilla ice-cream.

L-ikla t-tajba! (bon appétit).

03.

01. Pastizzi - savoury cheese and pea-cakes 02. Kapunata - aubergine stew 03. Imqaret - fried date slices

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LOCAL SPECIALITIES

IR-RANDAN

L E N T E N F O O D I N M A LTA

01.

D 02.

uring the forty days of Lent, Randan in Maltese, in times gone by more than today, fasting was not only recommended but obligatory and strictly monitored. Woe betide he who is found eating meat for he was dragged before the Inquisitor and severely punished, even locked away. Indeed the severe Inquisition which presided over the souls and stomachs of the persecuted populace filled its prison cells in its Birgu palace with blasphemers, adulterers and other offenders amongst whom fast – breakers for fasting as in abstention from meat,

LOCAL SPECIALITIES

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03.

eggs and dairy products was not limited to the forty days of Lent but also to every Friday and Saturday throughout the year.

Sentences could be very harsh and one could end up tied to a galley bench as a forced oarsman.

Despite being surrounded by the sea fish was scarce during late winter and early spring, certainly beyond the financial means of the masses. Hence preserved fish was consumed in stews or mixed with pasta. To substitute the local supply of salted tuna, mackerel in brine and similar conserved fish, large quantities of anchovy, salt cod and herring were imported and until not too long ago street vendors pushing their hand carts from village to village would supply many a household with imluhat u marinat – fish, vegetables,

olives, capers and cheese preserved in so many different ways; salted, brined, pickled and marinated in oil.

The good housewife would prepare her thrifty meals with these ingredients including seasonal vegetables, olives, capers; maybe a small cheeselet, all flavoured with fresh herbs from her little patch of land or pots in her courtyard, or wild thyme and sweet fennel from the garrigue rocklands. For sweets delicious pastries were concocted like Kwarezimal, named for the Italian name for Lent Quaresima (forty days) which is free of fat or butter, yet flavoured with citrus zest, nuts, honey and orange blossom water.

Gululu Kcina Maltija, a popular Maltese eatery in St Julian's Bay, adds a Lenten

touch to its regular menu by adding a small selection of typical dishes. This year a barley soup, spaghetti with an anchovy sauce, a salt cod stew and a ftira from its wood burning oven will be on offer right up till Easter. Kwarezimal, baked in house, will be served with coffee which choice also includes Kafe’ Malti, a typical Maltese brew in which cloves, chicory and sweet fennel are ground with the beans.

Indulge with a clear conscience.

01. Always happy to serve you – Gululu in Spinola Bay St Julian’s 02. Kwareżimal – indulge with a clear conscience 03. Traditional ftira baked in a typical wood burning oven.

HOT SPOT

VALLETTA WATERFRONT: THE HISTORIC DESTINATION WITH THE COLOURED DOORS

T

he historic Valletta Waterfront destination combines food, retail and entertainment outlets within a maritime hub, which for the past years has proved to be a highly popular destination. The small chapel of the Flight to Egypt by the Holy Family further creates a unique ‘village’ ambience.

An exquisite place at any time of the day - relax with a coffee in the morning watching the small boats bobbing along, occasionally the bigger cruise ships with their bustling activity; a bite to eat at lunchtime; or a lovely meal of whatever takes your fancy at sundown, with magnificent views of the historic Grand Harbour.

For those in search of a relaxing time with good food and entertainment, the Valletta Waterfront’s many restaurants and bars present a variety of offerings catering to different tastes, with dining right at the water’s edge. The establishments’ indoor dining areas are situated inside the tastefully refurbished, historical stores, originally constructed by Grand Master Pinto in 1752. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past: blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine.

Browse the shopping outlets for interesting gifts including local trinkets – from ceramics, mouth-blown glass, jewellery, to that book you’ve been meaning to buy and more.

Our little guests can enjoy free children's activities including: balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more, every Saturday evening (from 19.30hrs onwards) and Sunday afternoons (from 12.30hrs onwards).

ARRIVING TO THE VALLETTA WATERFRONT • Valletta circular bus (133) from the main bus terminal.

• Valletta Waterfront features on most hop-on hop-off buses’ routes. You will be dropped off a few metres away.

• The Upper Barrakka panoramic lift. It is also possible to combine the ticket for the lift with the ferry crossing across the Grand Harbour to or from The Three Cities.

• Electric cabs are available from just outside Valletta.

• Taxis to the Valletta Waterfront are available to and from your accommodation.

• Parking is also convenient. One may park on the quays starting from €3.00, in the Atrium parking located in the middle of the promenade, or free of charge on the road itself.

• Berthing space for your boat is available at Laguna Marina on request.

For more information visit www.vallettawaterfront.com

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POETRY

POETRY

There at the water’s edge, the wave rushes into the shore’s embrace and gently receives the kiss of death.

There at the water's edge, it departs, without complaint, never to be seen approaching again, until another takes its place only similar but not the same.

WORDS GIULIA PRIVITELLI ILLUSTRATION STEVEN BONELLO

Walking in Circles is the working title of an artistic-literary project supported by the Arts Council Malta. The illustrated-poetic journey, spanning over the cycle of one full year, will be launched in the form of a publication in November 2018… and you’re all invited for the ride

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78

OUT & ABOUT

Here’s what’s been going on, who’s been seen and where they’ve been spotted. Malta’s hottest news, right here, right now.

FRANCIS SULTANA ANNOUNCED AS AN AMBASSADOR OF CULTURE FOR MALTA

VSM BALL The Masquerade Fund Raising Ball in aid of the local NGO Victim Support Malta in collaboration with Ladies Circle Malta and TBWA\ANG

MALTA CE L E B R AT E S FREED O M DAY WORDS CLAIRE PACE MONREAL

W

ith the highest count of national holidays in the European Union, Freedom day is only one of the three celebrated this calendar month in Malta; with the Feast of St Joseph’s Day and Good Friday falling on the 19th and 30th of March this year respectively. Freedom day is proudly celebrated on the Islands on the 31st of March every year and signifies an important date for the people of Malta.

Celebrated patriotically alongside Independence Day, Republic Day, Victory Day, and Sette Giugno, it marks an important moment in the long history of Malta as a colony to foreign power. It commemorates the

withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta, and its sister island Gozo, in 1979; 15 years after its independence from the British rule. Malta long served as a military base for its colonisers. During its last occupation, it served as an air base during the Second World War, and also a key naval base for troops on the route between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal.

With the Defence Treaty with Britain coming to an end, Malta acquired its independent status wholly for the first time in a millennium.

In order to pay heed to this historic moment, a number of activities take place across the Islands, including those at the Freedom Day Monument

in Birgu and at the War Memorial in Floriana. A procession to the music of a march band takes place from Cospicua through to Vittoriosa, coming to an end at the Freedom Day Monument. Members of the Armed Forces of Malta, together with political leaders, those being the Prime Minister, Her Excellency, the President of Malta, and the Leader of the Opposition, gather here and walk to the top of the monument together.

The Freedom Hymn and National Anthem are sounded and flowers are placed at the foot of the monument.

Whilst more emphasis is placed on the commemorations in Birgu, floral wreaths and bouquets are often also left at the monument in Floriana. This monument stands in remembrance of

LOCAL

those who passed away during the First and Second World Wars. It is dedicated to over 2,000 members of the air force of the British Commonwealth who lost their lives during air battles over the Mediterranean.

A traditional Regatta race is also held nearby in Valletta, at the Grand Harbour. This refers to a rowing event that sees its origins in Malta in the middle ages. Regatta races are held biannually on Freedom Day and Victory Day, celebrated on the 8th of September. They are four to five hours long and they draw the attention of rowing teams from the cities that border the Harbour: Birżebbugia, Bormla, Birgu, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett (Valletta), Senglea, and Siġġiewi. The University of Malta Rowing Club, established in 2015, is the only other active rowing team. Whilst they do not yet have the adequate boats to compete in their own name, rowers affiliated with their club have also

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competed in the Regatta. Enjoyable for locals, especially those whose local cities are being represented, the bright colours of the boats and their city’s flags truly transform the Grand Harbour to a Mediterranean spectacle that should not be missed during one’s trip to Malta this month.

Boasting a long history during which Malta’s strategic geographical position as a naval base saw a succession of foreign powers occupy the Islands, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St John, French, and British, it is only on the 31st of March 1979 that the Republic of Malta became independent in every respect.

Tourists visiting the islands have a unique opportunity to witness the national flag fluttering over Birgu, Floriana, Valletta, and the rest of the islands signifying the country’s long feat to where it stands today.

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B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

RESTAURANT

& bar guide

MARSAXLOKK

TERRONE RESTAURANT +356 2704 2656

1 Wilga Street Marsaxlokk

www.terrone.com.mt

/terrone

We could tell you about our restaurant but we think you would rather hear from our customers, so we present a small selection of headlines from recent TripAdvisor reviews since March 2017: Original flavours Amazing place – Lovely fresh seafood whilst overlooking the waterfront – A healthy south Italian restaurant – Perfect food – Very good restaurant – A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Highly recommended by TripAdvisor so we invite you to look us up and read the details yourself. Booking recommended. Parking available outside. Short taxi ride from most locations including Sliema/St Julian’s/Valletta.

B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

MDINA

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DE MONDION RESTAURANT

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina +356 2145 0560

www.xarapalace.com.mt/www.demondion.com

info@xaracollection.com Set atop Mdina’s century-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island. Awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world and consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cusine, refinement and excellence. Promising discreet yet impeccably-attentive service, de Mondion allows its patrons the time and privacy to savour their cuisine. Group lunches are available on request while bookings for private functions and special celebrations are also welcome.

PALAZZO DE PIRO – XPRESSO CAFÉ & BISTRO

Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina, MDN 1131 +356 2010 0560 / +356 2145 0560 info@xaracollection.com

www.palazzodepiro.com

Set within the magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, located in Malta’s Silent City, Mdina, Xpresso Café and Bistro is an elegant spot for casual dining, snacks, coffee, afternoon tea or simply a get-together with friends. The talented Brigade of Chefs makes use of the fresh produce from nearby valleys and slopes when producing their seasonal menus. Through close co-operation with local growers and producers, Xpresso Café and Bistro seeks to showcase the freshest and best the region has to offer through a menu of healthy dishes. With magnificent views of the Maltese islands, fine architectural heritage and a passion for culture and art, Xpresso Café is the perfect place to enjoy the history of Malta, its rich culture and its culinary delights.

THE MEDINA MALTESE CUISINE RESTAURANT +356 21450 560

www.medinarestaurantmalta.com

Mdina

info@xaracollection.com

Lose yourself in all of Mdina’s tranquillity and dine in the romantic surroundings beneath the wild flowering Oleander tree in the vine-clustered courtyard during the summer, and by candlelight and an open log fireplace that keeps the restaurant warm and cosy during the winter months. The restaurant is a mixture of ingredients designed to please the most discerning clients. The foundation for our cuisine is solely based upon three principles: the sourcing of local produce, for every single dish to evoke the skill and talent of our chefs and to provide our clients with honest food. The Medina presents a selected à la Carte menu based on Mediterranean and local cuisine, frequently changed to guarantee the pleasure of regular diners.

TRATTORIA AD 1530 +356 2145 0560

Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150

www.xarapalace.com.mt

info@xaracollection.com

The Trattoria AD 1530 at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina is a charming eatery that prides itself on serving traditional and tasty food typical of the word ‘trattoria’. Strategically situated in one of the old squares of the Silent City, with the beautiful and imposing Vilhena Palace directly opposite and the magnificent 17th century Palazzo of The Xara Palace on the other side, the Trattoria’s idyllic location is simply perfect for indoor or al fresco dining. Trattoria AD 1530 is the ideal restaurant for every occasion and is open for coffee, lunch, dinner, snacks and afternoon tea.

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MOSTA

TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT – EST. 1964 +356 2143 4444

www.tamarija.com

Constitution Street, Mosta

info@tamarija.com

Awarded Best Maltese Food Restaurant for more than ten years, Ta’ Marija doesn’t just serve Maltese cuisine, but creates dishes with what is locally traditional while adding their own signature flavours of sumptuousness. Head to their Folklore Dinner shows held every Wednesday and Friday evening for a touch of Maltese liveliness. Enjoy your dinner with musicians playing mandolins and guitars, and singers belting out Maltese songs while you enjoy the culinary delights of the evening. After your delicious dinner, the charming Maria Muscat will present the folklore show in a variety of languages, featuring six dancers who lure you into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance. Ta’ Marija is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Transport can also be arranged.

SLIEMA

TA’ KOLINA

151, Tower Road, Sliema

+356 2133 5106

+356 9942 4877

takolina@gmail.com

Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been open since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with its traditional Maltese limestone interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of five local starters; five main courses; dessert & coffee for €20. There’s a unique à la carte menu with some 20 starters from €4.50 to €7.50, and 20 main courses from €11 to €24 to choose from. Ta’ Kolina offer a variety of fresh fish, rabbit, steak and many more traditional dishes. A wide selection of the best Maltese wines are available offers ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

TA’ KRIS RESTAURANT & MALTESE BISTRO +356 2133 7367

80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema

+356 9984 771

Set in one of Sliema’s oldest bakeries, Ta’ Kris is all about providing a genuine mix of affordable Maltese and Mediterranean dishes in a homely fashion and rustic surroundings. Ta’ Kris offers a varied menu of traditional Maltese food such as bragioli, rabbit, octopus stew, bebbux (snails), balbuljata (corned beef hash), baked lamb, two daily specials, pasta dishes, a selection of fresh fish on a daily basis and mouth-watering steaks. Ta’ Kris also offers take-away service and special menus can be designed for all occasions. Ta’ Kris opens from Monday to Sunday, from 12.30pm till 11pm. Booking is recommended.

ST JULIAN’S

THE AVENUE

The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian’s

+356 2135 1753/+356 2137 8731

www.theavenuemalta.com

This award-winning restaurant has been a household name for over a decade and remains a regular favourite. Its versatile menu, friendly service and well-pitched prices all contribute to The Avenue’s strong appeal. Best known for pizza, freshly-prepared pasta or grills, or you could opt for succulent poultry and fresh fish – the menu is not only versatile but portions are generous. The Avenue started off 30 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and décor: the arusticstyled room, the elegant ‘Valentino’ section and the more informal and colourful segment.

This venue is popular with locals as it’s good value for money. In fact, looking through the large, glass windows, one can see the place is always bustling with people and life. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Includes two hours free parking at the Portomaso car park all week. Delivery service to the surrounding areas is available.

B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

PARANGA

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InterContinental Malta, St. George's Bay, St Julian's, STJ 3310

+356 2376 5064 malta.fnb@ihg.com malta.intercontinental.com/gastronomy/paranga Paranga is the hotel’s seaside restaurant, set on teak decking adjacent to the rippling Mediterranean Sea. Here one is certain to find an enticing and exclusive atmosphere where the centre of attention is the pristine and unspoiled natural flavour of the cuisine. Chef de Cuisine Claudio Farrugia presents a menu characterised by a superb array of stimulating and diverse Sicilian flavours interpreted in both a traditional and contemporary style. Fresh fish and shellfish arrive daily from local fishermen, creating, with certainty, a peak of individual interest or the ideal fare for a special occasion. All of which may be enjoyed with an ideally selected and impeccably paired wine, aperitif or digestif.

ZEST

Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian’s

+356 2138 7600

www.zestflavours.com

info@zestflavours.com

Opened over 15 years ago as Malta’s first Asian fusion restaurant, Zest’s menu will take you on an exciting culinary journey. Get swept off your feet with delectable dishes from Zest’s signature Indonesian beef rendang, to lobster Phad Thai, 48hour short rib of beef with coconut puree and milk chocolate praline panna cotta with salted popcorn. At Zest, no attention to detail is spared including the décor and design that elevates one’s dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Original architectural details and attractive features, including a sea view balcony, open wine cellar and a live-cooking sushi bar, are sure to leave a lasting impression. For an extraordinary dining experience in one of Malta’s most-talked about restaurants, why not add a little Zest?

TA’ XBIEX

THE GALLEY

+356 2131 8801

Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex thegalley@artisanfoods.com.mt

The Galley Restaurant overlooks the stunning Marsamxett Harbour, enjoying spectacular views of the Valletta skyline. Adjacent to the Royal Malta Yacht Club and yacht marina, this stylish restaurant offers staple popular dishes and seasonal specials, including premium meats, fish, pizza, pasta and light snacks at lunch time. The venue interior emulates a beach house with good, natural light and soft furnishings, and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. There is ample parking space available, and with good proximity to neighbouring Sliema and Valletta it is well serviced by public transport. The Galley is especially popular during weekends so booking is recommended.

VALLETTA

RISETTE

Casa Ellul, 81, Old Theatre Street, Valletta VLT 1429

+356 2122 4821

info@risette.com.mt

www.risette.com.mt

Risette is a tribute to the lady of the house. It is an informal fine dining restaurant set within the elegant Casa Ellul, in the heart of Valletta. The kitchen is led by Chef Andrew Borg. His extensive experience in kitchens throughout Europe has complimented and developed his devotion for fine cuisine. The menu combines cultures and methods into dishes which express Andrew’s passion for flavours together with his mastery of technicalities, complimented with attentive detail to the fine produce that he chooses to include in his dishes. Open for lunch and dinner.

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EVENTS & NEWS

from Malta’s National Airline The following pages will give you an insight on what’s going on at Air Malta.

The behind-the-scenes and highlights of past months and forthcoming ones. Malta’s national airline tells it like it is, ensuring all Air Malta passengers are well-informed while soaring high in the sky.

AIR MALTA SIGNS LAST COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT NEXT IMPORTANT STEP IS TRANSFORMING AIR MALTA INTO THE AIRLINE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi (5th right), President Emeritus Dr George Abela (6th right), Air Malta Chairman Dr Charles Mangion (4th right), ALPA President Capt. James Fenech (7th right) and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Tourism, Mr Ronald Mizzi (3rd right) and other senior members from Air Malta and the ALPA soon after signing the agreement.

A

ir Malta has achieved a major milestone with the signing of the ALPA Collective Agreement.

This five-year agreement, which was sealed with ALPA, the union representing the 110 Air Malta pilots, paves the way for Air Malta’s future vision.

During a press conference, Dr Charles Mangion stated that this was a two-year process and thanked specifically President Emeritus Dr George Abela who together with the Human Resources team managed the discussions with the assistance of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Tourism, Mr Ronald Mizzi and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Finance, Mr Alfred Camilleri. He added that now the objective is to strategically enhance the growth of the airline and increase destinations to the East and West of the Mediterranean and become the Airline of the Mediterranean.

Commenting on this occasion, ALPA President Capt. James Fenech said that the agreement paves the way for additional routes to be added to the Airline’s network, and that the Air Malta pilot community is eager to fly more routes and increase frequencies.

Tourism Minister Dr Konrad Mizzi said that with this agreement Air Malta has the necessary tools to grow. Air Malta’s focus in the coming months will be on its commercial growth strategy with added frequencies and new destinations.

He stated that work has also commenced to acquire a 10th aircraft to join the Air Malta fleet for the summer period.

President Emeritus Dr George Abela added that this agreement will provide stability to the workers and the company which is essential for a successful commercial and financial vision for Air Malta.

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AIR MALTA LAUNCHES CATANIA – VIENNA FLIGHT

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ir Malta inaugurated its twice weekly scheduled service between Catania and Vienna Airport during a press conference at Catania airport. This route is very important for Air Malta as it signifies its return for intra-European flights and is an important step towards the growth strategy of becoming the airline of the Mediterranean Islands.

Present for the conference were Malta’s Minister for Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi, Regional Assessor Mr Sandro Pappalardo, Air Malta Chairman Dr Charles Mangion, the President of the management company of Catania Airport Società Aeroporto Catania (SAC) Ms Daniela Baglieri, SAC CEO Mr Nico Torrisi, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer Mr Paul Sies and the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the South East Mr Pietro Agen.

During the conference, Dr Mizzi said, “We are thrilled to be launching Air Malta’s intra-European flights between Catania and Vienna. The launch of this new service, which has been absent for a number of years, forms part of the Government of Malta’s growth strategy for the airline and supports our commitment to establish this company as the Airline of the Mediterranean Islands. Sicily and specifically Catania are perfect to launch Air Malta’s growth strategy.”

Dr Mangion added: “Sicily is a very important market for us ever since we started flying to Catania on the 1st of April 1981.

We have a double daily flight in winter with more frequencies in summer, connecting the Air Malta network to Catania.

Throughout these years we have increasingly invested in this market and these flights continue to show our commitment to the Sicilian market and thus help in developing further tourism and business opportunities on the island.”

Mr Sies commented; “Air Malta has increased its passenger figures by 7.3%, the past year we have changed our commercial strategy successfully and recent months have shown over 20% growth year over year. This has encouraged Air Malta to grow the fleet, an additional Airbus A320 aircraft will join our fleet this month and we are aiming to increase our capacity by over 20% this year.

"Part of this additional capacity will be dedicated to Sicily and we are confident that these developments will considerably increase the number of passengers this year.” Air Malta is not only selling Malta and Vienna from Catania, but offers excellent connections to many destinations like Casablanca, and Tel Aviv, offering local travel agents more of a choice to sell to its customers and allowing more people to reach Sicily.

Ms Daniela Baglieri Catania Airport President addressing the conference in Catania.

and Comiso. Air Malta and the Maltese Government are affirming their commitment in a concrete way and are open for dialogue and partnership with Sicily through the two airports of South Eastern Sicily."

The introduction of this route is an excellent opportunity for Air Malta to explore further market opportunities and start positioning the airline as the leading carrier connecting several Mediterranean islands to important regions in Europe and across the Mediterranean. Air Malta’s strategic position in the centre of the Mediterranean offers Sicilians more connections to mainland Europe through Air Malta’s international flight network through Malta.

Air Malta will offer Sicilians more connectivity beyond Malta next summer since the airline will offer a five times weekly early morning departure from Catania Airport and late night arrival.

In addition to Casablanca and Tel Aviv the Maltese airline will offer connectivity practically to all its summer network to Amsterdam, Bristol, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Geneva, Istanbul*, Larnaca*, Lisbon, London Heathrow and Gatwick, Lyon, Malaga, Marseille, Milan Linate, Moscow Sheremetyevo, Munich, Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle, Riga*, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, Vienna, Zurich. (* - Istanbul, Larnaca and Riga are based on our code share cooperation with Turkish Airlines, Emirates and airBaltic respectively).

The flight schedule until 23rd March 2018 will operate as follows: Tuesday KM514 DEP CATANIA 07:15

ARR VIENNA

09:30

KM515 DEP VIENNA

ARR CATANIA

12:45

10:35

Friday The President of the management company of Catania Airport (Società Aeroporto Catania – SAC) Ms Baglieri and Mr Torrisi, said: “For SAC and for all the territory of Eastern Sicily, the choice of Air Malta to cover the route Catania-Vienna with a biweekly flight is particularly significant. Not only because it connects Sicily to Austria with a steady connection and with the comforts of a great airline, but also because this announcement comes just one month after the start of flights between Malta

KM514 DEP CATANIA 07:15

ARR VIENNA

09:30

KM515 DEP VIENNA

ARR CATANIA

12:45

10:35

Customers will be able to book flights through any travel agent in Italy, Austria and Malta, www.airmalta.com, online travel agents, and by calling Air Malta’s Call Centre on +356 21662211 from Malta, 0820 901 271 from Austria, and 199 259 103 from Italy. Call charges may apply.

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AIR MALTA LOVE FLIGHT OFFERS GUESTS A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

T

he Air Malta Love Plane to the airline’s new destination of Comiso organised on Valentine’s Day was a huge success and offered a memorable experience to our guests on this special day.

Celebrations kicked off at Malta International Airport and guests were greeted at a specially decorated red-carpet check-in and later to a prosecco and canapés greeting at the Hard Rock Café, courtesy of Malta International Airport.

Upon boarding, couples were welcomed by the airline's crew and hosted in a business class seating arrangement. Following their arrival at Comiso Airport guests travelled to Villa Orchidea for a lavish six course dinner accompanied by flowing wine.

It was indeed a unique event as the animation team of Villa Orchidea managed to surprise all couples with a splendid evening full of fun, music, dancing and celebrations.

On their return flight back to Malta couples were welcomed to a special lit cabin and treated to a selection of complimentary gifts from corporate partners.

Air Malta would like to thank Malta International Airport, Comiso Airport, Romano Cassar Florists, Baci Perugina, INGLOT and Chemimart for their support and collaboration in organising this unique event.

AIR MALTA AND AIRBALTIC TO START CODESHARE FLIGHTS

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iga/Valletta. The Latvian airline airBaltic and the national airline of the Maltese Islands – Air Malta have concluded a cooperation agreement, known as code-share agreement. This partnership with Air Malta will enable airBaltic passengers to reach Malta every day via common gateways in Europe as well as additional destinations served from Malta. In turn this agreement will offer Air Malta passengers better connectivity to the Baltics and Eastern Europe.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “We are delighted to collaborate with Air Malta thus further improving our strong network of codeshare partner airlines that ensures smooth and seamless travel for airBaltic customers. The new codeshare agreement will improve airBaltic services between Malta and the Baltics allowing passengers to connect every day on this route via such common gateways as Vienna, Munich, Brussels, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, Geneva, Zurich, among others.”

Minister for Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi said: “This code-share agreement comes at a particular important time for Air Malta when it has embarked on a growth strategy. This year alone the airline will operate over 1,500 more flights over last year and connect to seven new destinations. This codeshare agreement continues to make Malta more accessible and increase arrivals from Eastern Europe, a region from which we are already seeing double digital growth figures in arrivals as announced today by the Malta Tourism Authority during its 2017 year review.”

Paul Sies, Chief Commercial Officer at Air Malta, said: “This agreement is yet another milestone for Air Malta in its growth strategy and widening its network. We are rapidly changing, transforming our business model to a hybrid carrier whilst rapidly increasing our frequencies on existing routes, we are opening new destinations and adding partnerships to the network. This agreement continues to expand and improve our network and adds to our range of codeshare partners with other like-minded quality airlines.

Both Air Malta and airBaltic share the same commitment towards their customers and we are excited to work with them for the benefit of our mutual customers.”

Air Malta will place its flight code KM on direct flights Malta – Riga operated by airBaltic as well as connecting flights between Malta and the Baltics, whilst airBaltic will put its code BT on flights from Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn to Malta as well as to Catania (Italy) via common gateways.

Air Malta connects Malta with around 30 major cities across Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean. Working together with partner airlines, the airline offers convenient connections to many more destinations in North America and the Middle East. airBaltic serves over 60 destinations from its home base in Riga, Latvia. From every one of these locations, airBaltic offers convenient connections via Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East. In addition, airBaltic also offers direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius.

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European Eyes on Japan / Alice Wielinga

Ida Kelarova

VALLETTA 2018

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MARCH

W

ith Valletta’s tenure as European Capital of Culture in 2018 well under way, the month of March brings a treasure-trove of events and activities that friends, family and curious visitors can enjoy in Valletta and in various localities all over the Islands.

The innovative company Tombs Creatius presents “The Strange Travels of Señor Tonet”, a two-week curiosities fair starting on the 28th March at Esplora, Kalkara. A festival layered with interactive mechanical installations introduces us to the weird and wonderful world of Señor Tonet, a peculiar character who presents us with the many creatures encountered on his wondrous journeys.

On the 3rd and 4th of March, the contemporary shadow theatre performance “Años Luz – Light Years” invites audiences to step into a world of wonderment. Hosted in Għajnsielem in Gozo, this unique experience tells the tale of Lady Di Fusa, a composer who finds inspiration for her next musical score on awaking from a deep sleep.

Music and storytelling also come together in the musical “HUSH”, which reminds us that some lose their voice only to recognise its true power. Written and directed by Denise Mulholland, with music and lyrics by Luke Saydon, this performance explores themes of loss, fear and lost confidence on the 17th, 18th and 19th March at the Teatru Manoel in Valletta.

In March, jazz musician Ida Kelarova prepares to remind us that we all have a creative spark inside us. Her workshop on the 9th March introduces participants to her ‘Everyone Can Sing’ concept, while “Ida Kelarova’s Jazz Famelija” on the 10th of March prepares to soothe music lovers with a blend of Romani harmonies and Latin-American rhythms to the sound of a jazz

Dal-Bahar Madwarha / Ali Tollervey

band. Both events will be taking place at the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre in Victoria, Gozo. Stylistic and cultural diversity colour Valletta 2018’s celebrations all round, with events that explore different creative voices and genres. At the heart of Malta’s club scene, “Unity in Music Diversity” hosts sets by multiple DJs. Party-goers should make their way to Sky Club in Paceville on the 25th March for a night of mesmerising sounds.

The island’s closest neighbour – the Mediterranean Sea – also gains a voice starting on the 10th of March, when Valletta 2018’s major multi-site exhibition, “Dal-Baħar Madwarha”, opens its doors to curious visitors across the Islands. Curated

by Maren Richter, large installations, performances and public interventions are taking place in both traditional and unexpected locations across Malta, exploring the idea of “islandness” in playful and critical ways. The exhibition includes public space works by James Micallef Grimaud, who will be transforming yellow cranes into giraffes in the Cottonera Drydocks, and Manaf Halbouni, who will deal with Malta’s relationship with cars and real estate development with the use of ‘veteran cars’ around Malta. On the 24th of March, Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama will exhibit his work at the Pixkerija, Valletta’s old fish market, which includes materials gathered from urban environments to create a spatial installation about memory and the future of building, while the opening of Aidan Celeste’s Ghost Fishing will be taking place in the Marsamxett area in Valletta on the same day. Explore the underground cistern underneath the Valletta Law Courts, also opening on the 24th, with Susan Philipsz’s sound installation, using a damaged naval bell. The day also marks the opening of the collective exhibition at the Examination Centre in St Elmo, Valletta.

Featuring artists such as Wael Shawky, Adrian Paci, Lida Abdul and Kristina Borg, this exhibition deals with the sea as a place of memory, romanticism, voyage and displacement.

For more information on how you can participate, and to discover the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme, visit www.valletta2018.org.

To buy tickets, visit tickets.valletta2018.org.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

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AIR MALTA PICKS UP CATANIA – VIENNA FLIGHT, WHERE NIKI STOPPED

A

ir Malta inaugurated its new scheduled service between Catania and Vienna Airport. This route signifies a return for intra-European flights by the Maltese National Carrier and is an important step towards the growth strategy of becoming the airline of the Mediterranean Islands.

The twice weekly scheduled service is being introduced following the withdrawal of Niki from this popular market, leaving thousands of people without an option to travel.

Air Malta’s crew operating the flight from left, Mary Louise Cutajar, Karen Chircop, Inflight manager James Sghendo, Ulrike Erika Gohs – Air Malta’s representative in Austria, First Officer Konrad Scicluna, Bernadette Gouder Valletta and Captain Joseph Maniscalco.

A

ir Malta carried over 328,000 passengers between November and January this year, an increase of 21% over the same period of last year. During this period the airline operated 1,050 flights, an increase of 21% over last year.

Month on month, since November 2017, Air Malta registered a growth in passengers; +18% in November and +24% in December. The airline carried over 97,400 passengers in January, a growth of 22% over January 2017. (See Fig.1) “These results show a healthy growth phase for the airline. Italy is performing very well with our Rome, Milan and Catania achieving above average growth.

Impressive increase were also registered on Munich, Amsterdam and Vienna on which we have doubled our capacity from a three times weekly operation to a daily one. In September 2017 we made

Fig. 1

AIR MALTA REGISTERS DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS

a significant change in our strategy with the introduction of Go Light, our hand luggage only fare. This product is helping us positioning ourselves better in the market,” said Paul Sies, Air Malta Chief Commercial Officer.

“The good news is that we are also increasing our revenues not only due to the increase in passengers but also since many of our guests are opting to travel on our Go Light fares and buy additional luggage,” revealed Acting CEO Joseph Galea.

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Charles Mangion added, “This is the first time in many years that we are seeing doubledigit growth month on month and we are working hard to maintain this

momentum. We are very positive and looking ahead to continue this trend in the coming months and welcome more and more guests on board our flights.”

"As a Government we are very encouraged by the results of the new Air Malta products. We have embarked on a growth strategy for the airline and such results are encouraging as we strive to achieve break even by the end of March 2018. We are also encouraged by the airline's commercial drive and which is implemented this month. Government is working hand in hand with the airline's board of directors in order to transition the national airline into The airline of the Mediterranean Islands," Dr Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism, said.

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AIR MALTA SIGNS ANOTHER COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi (8th right), President Emeritus Dr George Abela (7th right), Air Malta Chairman Dr Charles Mangion (10th right), GWU President Josef Vella (9th right) and other senior members from Air Malta and the GWU soon after signing the agreement.

A

ir Malta signed a five year Collective Agreement with the General Workers Union (GWU) for its 150 administrative and clerical staff members.

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Charles Mangion stated that this agreement strikes the right balance and protects the interests of both Air Malta and the union members.

“These collective agreements are essential to secure the future of this company in the face of a highly competitive market. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of loyalty, responsibilities and hard work by all Air Malta staff. We owe this to the Company, all stakeholders including the staff themselves, their families and we owe this to Maltese taxpayers”, stated Dr Mangion.

GWU President Josef Vella said that the agreement is not just a compromise but a success as employees will have peace of mind for the next five years. He praised the solidarity shown between the workforce during the

discussions and he said that this shows that Air Malta staff members are highly motivated, believe in the airline’s future and are willing to work for the benefit of their airline.

Speaking at the signing President Emeritus Dr George Abela commented, "the increases given by Air Malta are not only fair but generous, especially for an airline which is still not out of the woods.”

Tourism Minister Dr Konrad Mizzi, said that this agreement was very challenging as it included various types of jobs and grades. He welcomed the agreement and said that such agreements pave the way forward for harmonious industrial relations for the next years and facilitate initiatives such as the intra-European Catania – Vienna flight announced recently. He added that such initiatives create benefit for all employees and create more opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and all Air Malta staff.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO MARK PACE CABIN CREW HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH AIR MALTA?

I have been working for Air Malta for almost 25 years, twenty of which as Cabin Crew.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR JOB?

Demanding, varied and flexible.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR JOB?

As the airline industry becomes more efficient, cabin crew find themselves flying longer hours and working tighter schedules. However we do our best to maintain our customary friendliness.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?

I’m a keen photographer. In fact I have recently completed a Bachelor degree in Photography and intend to pursue my passion on a full time basis once my flying days are over. In the meantime I am happy and proud to be part of the Air Malta photography team covering all public events organised by Air Malta. This gives me the opportunity to combine two things I love, photography and aviation, which is great!

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION AND WHY?

For short trips I absolutely adore Rome. Besides being just an hour away, it’s a photographic and

gastronomic heaven and I can never seem to get enough. Further afield, I highly recommend our new destination of Morocco. Whilst it is completely different to any other European destination once you immerse yourself in the country it is truly an unforgettable experience.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS OR TIPS FOR ANYONE VISITING MALTA?

Malta is remarkable! For so much culture, history, heritage and natural beauty to be crammed into such a small island is wonderful.

The usual hotspots are all worth a visit but there is so much more to see off the beaten track, especially the coastal areas towards the north of the island. Personally, I consider, Valletta, Malta’s capital, as nothing short of an open-air museum. It is a World Heritage site and the 2018 European Capital of Culture. Take a stroll to admire the magic of the fortified capital, admire the bastion walls, the dense clusters of limestone buildings, the timber balconies, and imposing churches. A hive of activity during the day, the city slows down a gear at night. Dotted with quaint cafés, charming restaurants and wine bars, the city is going through somewhat of a renaissance with its unique setting providing the backdrop for a series of cultural events on a regular basis. The recent restoration of the Tritons fountain and the Renzo Piano project have given an entrance worthy of this magnificent city.

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FLIGHT & COMPANY INFORMATION SURVEY: Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance at Air Malta and we are always looking for ways to improve your experience.

Visit our website to answer a few short questions. www.airmalta.com/wearelistening

NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to our newsletter or like our Facebook page to learn about our promotions, with fares starting from as low as €44 including taxes.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

SMOKING

Alcohol consumed at high altitude can have a stronger effect than usual. Cabin crew are legally empowered to refuse serving any alcohol to an intoxicated passenger and to anyone under the age of 18. In extreme cases, crew may also temporarily confiscate the passenger‘s own drinks so that the passenger would not become a nuisance to the other passengers and crew. Furthermore, Air Malta is bound by international regulations which prohibit embarkation or the carriage of drunken passengers. But once you are reading this article, Air Malta‘s Flight Safety Committee is confident that you are a law-abiding and exemplary passenger. Indeed, the cabin crew may need your assistance to restrain another passenger in the unlikely event that he or she may act irresponsibly during the flight. The consumption of one’s own alcoholic beverages inflight goes against Air Malta policy.

Smoking is prohibited from when you leave the terminal building until you arrive to the terminal building. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking is not allowed during any phase of the flight and in any area of the aircraft. Should you be aware of a passenger who has smoked in the toilet during the flight, please inform the cabin crew immediately so that they can check for any undetected fires. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

Similarly, the use of naked flames on and around the aircraft is also prohibited.

I N F L I G H T I N F O R M AT I O N

AIR MALTA FLEET

ENHANCE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE At Air Malta, we want our passengers to have everything they need to make their travel experience comfortable in one place. Here are a number of services that we offer.

JOIN OUR BUSINESS CLASS Upgrade to Air Malta’s Club Class for priority service.

Members can make use of the special check-in counters for more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access to the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate inflight cabin area.

AIRBUS 319 CARRY MORE WITH YOU Are you worried about not being able to fit everything you need into your suitcase? Stop stressing out and check out our extra baggage service. Simply book your extra baggage online and get the most out of your trip. Visit www.airmalta. com/excess-baggage-en-gb for more details.

QTY: 1 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 141 ENGINES: CFM56-5B6/P MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT: 73.5 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 33.84M

FLY IN COMFORT Enhance your comfort with extra legroom during your flight.

This option gives you more space to relax in preparation for your trip. Visit www.airmalta.com/information/services-by-airmalta/seat-selection or more information.

WINGSPAN: 34.1M CRUISING SPEED: 834 KPH RANGE: 4,815 KM

GET SPORTY Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialised equipment with you at a very minimal cost. Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb for more details.

GROUPS

AIRBUS 320

We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than 10 adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you can’t get anywhere else. Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

QTY: 7 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 168/180 ENGINES: IAE V2500/ CFM565B4/P MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT:

WEB CHECK-IN Skip the line and check-in before you get to the airport. You may check-in online before you get to the airport, up to 24 hours prior to departure up until one hour before your flight.

Visit www.airmalta.com/information/check-in for more information.

77.0 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 34.1M CRUISING SPEED: 834 KPH RANGE: 4,055 KM

destination information

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • Oslo • Tallinn

Stockholm

ESTONIA LATVIA • Riga

DENMARK • Copenhagen

UNITED KINGDOM

REP. OF IRELAND

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

Vilnius •

BELARUS • Bremen

Birmingham • • Berlin Bristol • • Amsterdam • London City London Heathrow • • Hannover HOLLAND • London Gatwick GERMANY • Brussels BELGIUM • Düsseldorf • Dresden

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

Lyon •

• Frankfurt

CZECH REPUBLIC

SWITZERLAND

Milan • Verona •

Genoa •

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA Trieste •

• Venice • Bologna

• Otopani

BOSNIA & SERBIA HERZEGOVINA

Florence • Pisa •

BULGARIA

• Ancona ITALY • Pescara

SPAIN

MONTENEGRO

KOSOVO F.Y.r.O.M.

• Rome Alghero •

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

HUNGARY

• Geneva

• Nice

SLOVAKIA

• Vienna

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

Turin •

Marsille •

UKRAINE

• Prague

• Munich

FRANCE

• Warsaw

POLAND

• Bari • Brindisi ALBANIA

• Olbia Naples • • Cagliari

• Sofia • Istanbul

TURKEY GREECE

Lamezia Terme • Reggio Calabria • Catania Comiso •

Palermo • Tunis •

TUNISIA

Larnaca •

CYPRUS

Malta Tel Aviv •

ISRAEL

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

v

AIR MALTA DIRECT FLIGHTS AIRPORT

Amsterdam Brussels Catania Comiso Düsseldorf Frankfurt London Gatwick London Heathrow Milan Moscow

IRAN

• Abu Dhabi

OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

WEEKLY FLIGHTS 7 9 14 2 2 7 6 14 7 2

AIRPORT

WEEKLY FLIGHTS

Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Rome Tel Aviv Tunis Vienna Zurich

13 2 6 4 13 3 (fortnight) 3 8 6

INTRA-EUROPEAN FLIGHTS 2

Catania - Vienna

CODE-SHARED ROUTES ETIHAD AIRWAYS

• BRISBANE

australia

Abu Dhabi

Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

ALITALIA via Brussels, Heathrow and Rome via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi

LUFTHANSA • Sydney

• Melbourne

Arlanda (Stockholm) via Munich Berlin via Munich Bremen via Munich Dresden via Munich Düsseldorf via Munich Frankfurt Hannover via Munich Munich Oslo via Munich

BRUSSELS AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

via Catania via Brussels

CZECH AIRLINES • Perth

Prague

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES Zurich

australia

Larnaca

AIRBALTIC via Vienna via Munich via Brussels via Frankfurt via Amsterdam via London Gatwick via Amsterdam via Munich via Amsterdam

via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw Tel Aviv

EMIRATES

Riga Riga Riga Riga Riga Riga Tallinn Vilnius Vilnius

Rome London City Frankfurt Pescara Alghero Cagliari Brindisi Catania Amsterdam Nice Geneva Ancona Reggio Calabria Lamezia Terme Naples Bologna Trieste Genoa Turin Venice Verona Cagliari Bari Brindisi Pisa Florence Palermo Milan Linate

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Rome

MERIDIANA Olbia

TURKISH AIRLINES Istanbul

via Rome

98

E L E C T R O N I C D E V I C E I N F O R M AT I O N

USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON BOARD TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

NON-TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

Any devices that can send or receive data by wireless means, such as mobile-phones and tablets, may be used during all phases of the flight provided their transmit/receive capabilities (e.g. Bluetooth and Wi-fi) are switched off. Alternatively, if the device has ‘Flight Mode’ capability, this must be enabled. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices (e.g. laptops) shall be switched off and stowed away safely during taxi, takeoff and landing. Accessories, such as headphones, must not obstruct access to the aisle. If the data transmission capability cannot be switched off (whilst the device is operating), the device itself must be switched off for the duration of the flight.

These could include, but are not limited to, items such as DVD players, electronic games, music players and personal cameras.

Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices shall be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

L APTOPS AND NOTEBOOKS Such devices may be used during boarding and during flight but not during taxi, take-off and landing.

Any built-in data connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must be disabled.

These devices must be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing since they could hinder an emergency evacuation.

ARE THERE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT USE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

CAN I USE HEADPHONES? Personal headphones can be used during all phases of the flight.

However, we ask you to remove your headphones during the safety briefing.

For safety reasons, customers sitting in an emergency exit row must refrain from using headphones during taxi, take-off and landing.

Under certain circumstances, your Flight Crew or Cabin Crew may ask you to switch off all Personal Electronic Devices. This may happen during automatic landings, low visibility takeoff or landing, or during emergency situations.

I SHOULD INFORM THE CABIN CREW WHEN … … portable electronic device is damaged, becomes hot, produces smoke, is lost, or falls into the seat structure. If safe to do so, the device must be switched off immediately.

If you require more information, please refer to the table below which includes a list of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) which can be used onboard Air Malta flights by phase of flight. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our cabin crew if you have any further questions.

PHASE

Boarding

HAND HELD PEDS (e.g. smart phones and tablets)

LARGER PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HEADPHONES

WI-FI, TEXT & PHONE CALL FUNCTIONS

YES

YES

YES

YES

instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

NO

YES

NO

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

NO

NO

NO

Take-Off

YES

NO

YES

NO

Cruise

YES

YES

YES

NO

(Cabin Crew PA)

YES

NO

YES

NO

Landing

YES

NO

YES

NO

Taxi to Stand

YES

NO

YES

YES

Extended Ground Delay (when

Circa 10 minutes to landing

Safety Notice: The carriage of damaged, defective or recalled lithuim batteries or devices is prohibited on-board Air Malta aircraft.