Il-Bizzilla issue 49

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

JANUARY 2017 issue 49 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

Buckle up rebel Join our outta-this-world casino adventure and start the new year with a bang.

Do it. It’ll be fun.

casumocareers.com

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Issue 49

Contents

Ja nua ry 17

LOCAL p. 10 ..... malta & gozo in numbers Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

p. 26 ..... A heaven of public gardens We stroll along some of Malta’s most beautiful walled gardens

p. 36 ..... Sliema and St Julian’s We take a closer look at some of Malta’s most popular seafront towns.

p. 40 ..... Long overdue dental treatment Dr. Jean Paul Demajo discusses the negative effects of neglecting your teeth.

p. 44 ..... Of palaces and exotic tapestries The Magisterial Palace in Valletta is linked to some of the greatest architects and artists.

p. 52 ..... Exploring the Islands Fancy discovering the islands? Here’s what to look out for.

p. 64 ..... Small is beautiful Despite its diminutive size, Malta has presence is felt in several international fora.

p. 72 ..... Visiting Malta: A handy 3-day guide

FOOD & DRINK p. 16 ..... Winter warmth and sustenance for the soul Following an increasingly mild autumn, we get cosy in the colder months.

EVENTS

Here are some ‘off the grid’ activities you definitely want to pencil in during your long weekend in Malta.

p. 68 ..... Locavores Loose in Malta

p. 31 ..... Out and About

It’s all about ‘Farm to Table’ this year.

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

p. 78 ..... Snuff boxes: from accessories to objets d’art

p. 80 ..... Restaurant & bar Guide

p. 32 ..... What’s Happening in Malta

Thinking about eating out? Here are this month's picks of top local bars and restaurants.

A roundup of events happening in Malta and Gozo this month.

What is snuff? Find out more.

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LIFESTYLE

AIR MALTA

p. 18 ..... Holey Moley Maltese culture and Catholicsm are, whether you like it or not, inextricably intertwined.

p. 30 ..... Gozo, An island for all seasons Mild sunny winters are one of Gozo’s many blessings.

p. 38 ..... When in Rome From the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel Rome is a cultural treasure trove.

p. 41 ..... Undiscovered gems Our favourite boutique hotels in Malta and Gozo.

p. 76 ..... A New Year's Resolution for the Maltese It's that time of year again...

BUSINESS p. 14 ..... Increase your productivity 5 tips and tricks to help you get more done in less time.

p. 84 ..... air malta news A round-up of this month's news.

p. 90 ..... interview Il-Bizzilla talks to Erika Montebello Pricing Coordinator

p. 92 ..... Flight and Company information All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

p. 22 ..... Creating SUSTAINABLE fashion Coming together for fashion, culture, and sustainability.

p. 58 ..... A tile of gifts We talk to three Maltese artists who are building modern works of art on the back of artisanal traditions.

p. 94 ..... destination information Planning a trip? Take a look at all of Air Malta's flight routes and code-sharing routes here.

p. 96 ..... electronic device information All the info you need with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage onboard.

w w w. h o q . c o m . m t BECAUSE YOUR HOME M AT T E R S

UNIQUE WATERFRONT PROPERTIES WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO THE LAGUNA REF: 316312

l

€ 1,700,000

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PORTOMASO

We have the best available apartments enjoying a central position within this unique Laguna that forms part of the prestigious Portomaso development. These apartments enjoy very spacious accommodation each comprising 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, guest toilet, and laundry, kitchen, living and dining area and a large front terrace with direct access to swim in the Laguna. A car space is also included. Freehold.

Homes of Quality, 211, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: +356 2342 0000 UK Tel: +44 (0) 871 711 8994 Mob: +356 9947 4340 Email: info@hoq.com.mt

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The Air Malta In-flight magazine

JANUARY 2017 issue 49 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

Meet the Team Editorial and Sales Content Factory Executive Editor Dana Bonello Business Development AND PROJECT CO-ORDINaTOR Renata Vella Design TBWA\ANG

ON THE Cover Old City Alley Photo by Adam Nettleton Photography Aaron Briffa Bernard Polidano Clive Vella Iven Maniscalco Mandy Briguglio Mario Galea

Art Director Jeff Fabri Designer Berthrand K. Pisani Contributors Air Malta Alfred Dunbar Chris Falzon Eleanor Balzan Francesca Balzan Helen Raine Jean Paul Demajo Jenny Galea Jessica Vella Maria Vella Matthew Galea Ministry for Gozo Valletta Cruiseport Veronica Stivala

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 at press time, 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 and ViewingMalta.com for the provision of photographic material. Printed in Malta by VelPrint Ltd. All magazine rights are reserved by Air Malta PLC.

Would you like to be featured on il-Bizzilla?

For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with Renata on (+356) 2142 4924 or renata@contentfactory.com.mt For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Dana on dana@contentfactory.com.mt

‘The best name in Malta property’

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

FOR SALE | TIGNE POINT | SEAFRONT PENTHOUSE

FOR SALE | NAXXAR | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

Tigne Point - SEAFRONT PENTHOUSE in a prime location in one of Malta's leading luxury developments ■ Majestic unobstructed views of the 'European City of Culture 2018' Valletta & the harbour ■ Newly renovated & now in an advanced stage of finish ■ Large sitting/dining area with a front terrace ■ Kitchen/breakfast ■ Living room ■ 3 bedroom (master with seafront position) ■ 3 bathrooms (all ensuite) ■ Laundry room ■ Wonderful private swimming pool with large decking area - ideal for entertaining ■ Underlying 2 car lock-up garage included

An outstanding converted Palazzo retaining a host of architectural features & a new contemporary extension ■ Meticulous restoration whilst incorporating the latest technology ■ Vast central courtyard with a new swimming pool & deck area ■ Garden ideal for entertaining ■ Imposing grand entrance ■ Formal sitting room with a functional fireplace ■ Dining & library room ■ Study ■ Fully equipped kitchen /breakfast room ■ 2 living areas ■ 5 bedrooms ■ 5 bathrooms ■ High ceilings ■ Stone & parquet flooring ■ Underfloor heating ■ Air-conditioning ■ Guest annex ■ Garage

FOR SALE | ZEBBUG | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

FOR SALE | SLIEMA | SEAFRONT APARTMENT

An impeccable HOUSE OF CHARACTER boasting a wide façade in this sought after village ■ Excellent layout with rooms overlooking the swimming pool & garden ■ Recently converted to the highest specifications ■ Fully-furnished with quality interiors ■ Air-conditioning throughout ■ Hallway with double heighted ceiling ■ Sitting / dining room with fireplace ■ Separate living room ■ Fitted kitchen / breakfast room ■ 3 bedrooms ■ 2 bathrooms (master ensuite) ■ Study ■ Roof terraces ■ Basement ■ Ample parking in the area

Tower Road - prime location SEAFRONT APARTMENT ▪ Positioned on the 5th floor with superb unobstructed sea views ▪ Close to all the local amenities of this highly sought after area including the promenade & multiple sea swimming areas ▪ Hall ▪ Large open-plan sitting/dining area ▪ Kitchen/breakfast ▪ Separate living room ▪ 2/3 bedrooms (including large master suite with ensuite bathroom) ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Store room ▪ Laundry room ▪ Lift access

TO LET | SAN GWANN | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

TO LET | VALLETTA | APARTMENT

Fully detached HOUSE OF CHARACTER with an impressive mature garden ▪ Recently refurbished ▪ Fantastic secluded swimming pool ▪ Open plan lounge & dining area leading onto the garden ▪ Separate modern fitted kitchen with all appliances ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 3 bathrooms ▪ Study ▪ Independent guest annex ▪ Short walk to local amenities

Contemporary APARTMENT in a period building ▪ Excellent quiet location yet close to the city centre ▪ Designed by one of Malta’s leading architects ▪ Hallway ▪ Large open plan kitchen/ breakfast/dining/living area with terrace ▪ 2 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Roof area with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour ▪ Underfloor heating & AC ▪ Fully-furnished to very high standards

Price: €2,750,000 - Ref: PH600069 - SOLE AGENTS

Price: €560,000 - Ref: HC02178 - SOLE AGENTS

From €4000 monthly - Ref: HC500072

Price: €2,700,000 - Ref: HC600049

Price: €750,000 - Ref: FA700012 - SOLE AGENTS

€2600 monthly - Ref: FA600198

▪ Collect your free copy of our leading Real Estate publication from the exit of the arrival lounge ▪ ▪ Our Perry Letting department offers a wide selection of both prime commercial and residential properties for lease ▪

perry.com.mt

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From the CEO...

Merħba. We welcome you on board this Air Malta flight.

Thank you for choosing Air Malta to start your travels in the New Year! We are all looking forward with enthusiasm to 2017 as we seek to continue to be your airline of choice when flying to or from the Maltese islands.

At the end of last year we have been busy finalising our ambitious summer 2017 schedule. This year our summer schedule will see increased frequencies on Munich, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Rome, Catania, Lyon, Palermo, Prague and Moscow. We are happy to announce that we will even operate with up to double daily flights in peak summer to Munich, Rome and Catania.

Next summer we are planning to operate 150 weekly flights to 29 destinations in Europe. With this schedule, running from the 26th March till 28 October 2017 we are planning to carry 1.2 million passengers while continue operating with a fleet of eight aircraft similar to last year.

We are really excited that this year, on board our Air Malta flights, we will host a large number of delegations and accredited members of the international media from Europe and beyond. They will be travelling to Malta to cover and participate in meetings related to Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union which commenced on 1st January 2017 when Malta will hold the presidency for a six month period.

For more information about Air Malta and our flight schedules please visit www.airmalta.com and www.facebook. com/AirMalta and join our newsletter mailing list to receive offers directly in your inbox. Please do give us feedback about your experience with Air Malta and what we could do better. Visit www.airmalta.com/wearelistening to answer a few short questions and you can get 10% off your next Air Malta flight. It really only takes 2 minutes!

Wherever you are flying with us I hope you have a great flight! Thank you for choosing Air Malta. As our welcomed guest we hope to see you abroad another one of our flights soon.

In the meantime I wish you all the best for 2017.

Joseph Galea, Acting CEO Air Malta

From the Editor…

First of all – Happy New Year!

Now that’s off the agenda we can move onto more pressing matters - like what an insane whirlwind 2016 has been, and our hopes and aspirations for 2017 amongst others.

Whereas we normally set out with the best of intentions, it’s no secret that most of them are easily forgotten by the end of the first week in January. For this reason I’ve decided not to burden myself with aspirational endeavours I am very unlikely to achieve.

I’m going about things differently this year – I’ve just decided to be thankful for it all. I'm thankful for the past which has made me the person I am today, am thankful for the present which gives me the energy to improve and advance in my personal and professional realms, and finally, thankful for the future with all its surprises, adventures and mishaps.

It’s going to be a good year, I can feel it already, and worse case scenario, there’s always 2018 to look forward to!

Safe travels – see you next month!

Dana

MALTA: HOT PROPERTIES At RE/MAX, we find that the best way to cater to our clients’ needs is to have associates who specialise in niche markets. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a rental investment, or perhaps plan to relocate to Malta, our associates can provide you with up-to-date market knowledge, support and assistance that will ensure you make the right decision and your investment is sound.

The company is continuously investing in on-going training. The most recent of these courses is the RE/MAX Collection course – a luxury course which guides our associates on how to deal with high-end properties and their respective clients.

Kevin Buttigieg - CEO RE/MAX Malta

Only a few associates are hand-picked for the course, with a group of 20 associates officially certified to deal in this niche market.

RE/MAX Collection properties are ideal for those looking for an investment or luxury property in Malta, whilst our specialised RE/MAX Collection associates will guide you through the process, introduce you to the professionals needed and provide you with advice in brokering a Promise of Sale agreement.

The brand ensures that no stone is left unturned - discover a new level of excellence in real estate, with RE/MAX Collection.

Below are a few listings from our RE/MAX Collection portfolio.

Should you need information on any of these properties, please do not hesitate to contact me on: kevin@remax-malta.com or (+356) 99663322.

Water’s Edge Apartment in Portomaso

— — — —

Forms part of a high end, prestigious complex.

Sheer luxury.

Terrace at water’s edge overlooking the Laguna.

2 Double Bedrooms.

Price €1,650,000

Ref No: 240011024-782

Duplex Apartment in Portomaso

— — — —

Price: €3,750,000

Apartment in Tigné Point

— — — —

+356 9966 3322

Ref No: 240011024-801

Apartment in Pender

Over 200sqm apartment.

Partial Valletta views.

3 Double Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms.

Parking Spaces Included in the Price.

Price: €950,000

Consists of 416sqm of luxury.

4 Bedrooms, each with closet and ensuite.

Open plan layout with 2 terraces.

Terrace at water’s edge overlooking the Laguna.

Ref No: 240011024-793

www.remax-malta.com

— — — —

Found in the heart of a prestigious complex.

Enjoys 100sqm External Area.

3 Double Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms.

2 Parking Spaces Included in the Price.

Price €950,000

Ref No: 240011024-789

The Maltese Isles

in numbers Passengers carried onboard air malta flights:

It has been said that numbers speak louder than words – we’ve put together a few to give you a better idea of what to expect from our small, idyllic, Mediterranean archipelago.

50,754,711 since 1st April 1974

us s ta r t a b

ine

tonnes of potatoes exported annually

320 Monuments in valletta

flew the equiva len lta a m

f to

air

e k to

unesco 3 declared world heritage sites

ss

1

we

6,000

885

The old maltese currency (lira) was used for

182 years

times to the moon and back

349,386 the maltese drive on the left

14km long/7km wide

The number of licensed vehicles in malta

travel distance to cross the island by car

supporting our customers At Bank of Valletta we are proud to support our business customers to grow locally and internationally, to expand their operations and to finance major projects.

We understand that a supporting and long term relationship helps businesses to grow as they continue to invest in the Maltese economy.

your success is our goal

Maintenance Centre Malta - New Hangar

BOV BUSINESS BANKING 2131 2020 I bov.com

Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Ĺťakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130

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INSERT TEXT HERE

Valletta Waterfront: The historic destination with the coloured doors

H

era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past, with blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine.

istorically of great cultural and economic importance, the Valletta Waterfront has been restored and revitalised by the Valletta Cruise Port consortium to suit the ever-changing requirements of a dynamic Grand Harbour.

The Valletta Waterfront destination combines food, retail and entertainment outlets within a maritime hub, which for the past 14 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.

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

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; a bite to eat at lunchtime; or a lovely meal of whatever takes your fancy at sundown, with magnificent views of the Grand Harbour.

Browse the shopping outlets for interesting gifts including local trinkets – from jewellery, ceramics, mouth-blown glass, 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, colouringins, 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).

A traditional animal blessing will be held on Sunday 15th January 2017 in front of

the Chapel. The activity takes the form of a défilé starting with bigger animals, followed by smaller ones. The afternoon event includes a number of activities highlighting animal welfare and nature.

Getting to 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 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 flat rate, 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 the Laguna Marina on request.

Visit www.vallettawaterfront.com for more information.

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Increase Your Productivity 5 tips and tricks to help you get more done in less time

P

roductivity is the result of focussed efforts and smart planning. Being – and remaining – productive at home or work can be a challenge at times. At the end of every workday, chances are that you’re not entirely satisfied with what you have accomplished – there always could have been that little bit more. I’ve thought about this for a while, and here’s what really worked for me:

1. SEEK HELP AND DELEGATE Everyone needs a helping hand every now and again, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. However, in order to get help from others you need to trust your colleagues. Should you choose to brief a colleague, ensure that all the necessary information and materials are passed on. If people are going to volunteer to help you out, it’s important that you’re on top of your game.

2. TRIM DOWN ON MEETINGS Time is your most valuable asset, and whereas it may be tempting to meet up with people in the name of networking, the time you get at your desk is significantly more important than you might imagine.

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BIZ HACKS

If your manager has requested a one-on-one with you then it might be important, whereas you might want to think twice before signing up to the party planning committee.

3. CREATE A TO-DO LIST In life, some tasks are simple and others more complex. My preference is always to tackle the small fish first and then escalate to deeper issues later. I find Google Tasks very useful, as apart from creating easily accessible to-do lists, it synchs to Gmail, my Calendar, and the Google mobile app, making my lists readily available wherever I am.

Putting a timer on tasks is also worth considering, as this will keep your focus consistent.

4. PICK A POWER HOUR Commit to dedicating the first hour of your day to getting as much done as you possibly can. Avoid your inbox, your favourite social site and your horoscope, and get right to work. This will set the general tone for the rest of the day and give you a great sense of satisfaction that you can strive to keep going.

5. KEEP YOUR MAIL ORGANISED I guarantee that things will appear much less chaotic if you take the time to tidy up your email inbox. Use folders and filters to keep it up-to-date and you’ll immediately start feeling the difference – it’s literally as beneficial as clearing up your desk or cubicle.

6. LEAVE YOUR DESK FOR LUNCH Despite disrupting your productivity flow, actually leaving your desk for lunch will contribute towards much-needed relaxation and wellbeing. Enjoy your lunch break out of the office and return to your desk with renewed energy and focus.

Avoid your inbox, your favourite social site and your horoscope, and get right to work

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01

Winter warmth and sustenance for the souL WORDS BY Alfred Dunbar

A

fter an increasingly mild Autumn which takes the fine weather - allowing for pleasant bathing - right up until Christmas, January weather hits hard. Day temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees yet the frequent rainfalls and cold northerly winds blowing off the surrounding sea increase the level of humidity and cold factor and can make life in Malta rather miserable.. Maltese houses are built of stone and bricks, the floors are stone or tiled, not wooden, and integrated heating systems are for the most part non-existent. It is not surprising then that more time spent indoors is more often than not around a table seeking solace and sustenance in food and drink, always in good company.

sauce followed by fried or stewed rabbit served with crispy fried potatoes. Several of these joints still operate and it is worth while paying a visit to one, that is if the thought of eating rabbit does not conjure up thoughts of poor little bunny back home.

Of course when one is away from home comfort must be sought after in restaurants. One would also want to taste what the country they are visiting has to offer, and that is certainly no problem in Malta. Over the last couple of decades not only have restaurants and other more casual eateries multiplied in numbers but they have also grown in diversity. Apart from the more popular Italian trattorias and local fish restaurants, Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Japanese have all established footholds on the Maltese restaurant scene.

Traditionally Maltese food was found in outlying rural villages like Mgarr and Bahrija, bars cum restaurants which served Fenkatas – the festive meal comprising of spaghetti with rabbit

Gululu’s menu is pretty vast and can deal with most eating moods. For a dismal day there is nothing better to lift the spirits than starting off with mize, a wide selection of dishes which could include tuna and salt cod fritters, Maltese pork sausage flavoured with coriander seed, braised rabbit belly, pulpetti – patties or mini burgers – of which there are several including lamb, pork and beef all cooked with different herbs and spices. Gululu is also home to the traditional Ftira which is a rustic bread dough with different savoury toppings, not unlike the Neapolitan pizza, and baked in a wood burning, stone based oven. The distinctive characteristic of the Ftira is the hole in the middle. This allows for more even cooking.

For a cold and rainy day I would recommend two restaurants, both very different, one a typical Maltese diner, Gululu in St. Julian’s, and the other The Chophouse in Tigne Point Sliema.

Both these restaurants are beautifully located, the former on the water’s edge in pretty Spinola Bay, St. Julians, and the latter high above Sliema creek with unparralel views of Valletta, Malta’s fortified Capital city across the water.

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GASTRONOMY Fresh fish in season, meat stews and some very interesting pasta dishes are also available here.

The Chophouse, very international in both cuisine and ambience, is an extremely welcoming restaurant with the brass surfaces and open coal grill oozing a feeling of warmth and cosiness. Grilled meat predominantly beef is what this place is mostly about, yet the choice of starters is varied, often fishy and sensibly delicate when compared to the more robust main courses. The meat, carefully chosen, is predominately Scottona Beef from the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Scottona is the meat from a 16 to 18 month old Heifer. The special attention this animal receives in its rearing and the fact that it has not been pregnant results in some of the most beautifully marbled beef imaginable. To warm the cockles of your heart The Chophouse boasts one of the finest whisky bars on the island, some 120 special blends and single malts from across the world, as well a top wine cellar. The latest toy is a Coravin which allows the sommeliers to offer guests the most exclusive wines by the glass.

What apart from its excellent food, drink and service makes The Chophouse unique is the magnificent view of Valletta. This was once described as “one of the finest views in Europe� by an 18th century Grand Tour traveller.

03

01. The impressive view of Valletta across the harbour from the Chophouse terraces 02. Gululu, voted best Maltese restaurant for 2017 03. Fire baked Ftira at Gululu in Spinola Bay, St Julian's

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Holey moley Maltese culture and Catholicism are, whether you like it or not, whether you believe or not, inextricably intertwined. Veronica Stivala looks at some of the protagonists who starred in many of Maltese children’s childhoods, including her own.

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BELIEFS

M

y school diary had gone missing again and I was searching frantically all over the house for it. My aunt was at home that day and, when she realised what had happened, cheerily told me to “pray to Sant’Antnin (Saint Anthony).

He’ll help you find it,” after which she proceeded to join in my search, muttering “Sant’Antin help us find the diary” throughout. We eventually found it and, as they say, it’s always in the last place you look.

Maltese culture and Catholicism are, whether you like it or not, inextricably intertwined. From the hundreds of churches dotted around the tiny island, to the flamboyant carnival, special Lenten bread and statues of baby Jesus in many of our homes, religion’s roots are deep embedded into our everyday culture. But in addition to the physical manifestations of our beliefs, Catholicism, of course, manifests itself in the more spiritual, intangible aspects. Prayer is the Catholics’ way of communicating with the spiritual world and, while this is naturally taken very seriously, its protagonists have also

evolved into our everyday vocabulary, habits, and perhaps a convenient way of teaching children how to behave.

Take Don John Bosco for instance.

I cannot think of this Italian priest without thinking of my grandmother narrating endless stories to us about him when he was a child. Whether these accounts were true or perhaps tweaked a bit, I do not know, but I do know that Don Bosco played a big role in my childhood – for he was portrayed as an exemplary child to whom I should aspire. I’ll never forget the tale of when Don Bosco dropped a jar of oil by accident and spent ages trying to clean up the mess (as opposed to running away, one assumes). Of course, Don Bosco really did exist and went on to found the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Another saint that featured, and still features, in many Maltese children’s lives is San Martin (Saint Martin).

Come 11 November each year, children look forward to what are known as ‘San Martin bags’. Admittedly, as a child, the most important part of this feast was the cloth bags we would receive

I’ll never forget the tale of when Don Bosco dropped a jar of oil by accident and spent ages trying to clean up the mess

22

BELIEFS

As with many incidents and morsels of knowledge seen through the eyes of a child, these are often skewed

that used to be filled with nuts, fruits, a hot cross bun and sweets, if we were lucky enough. We would also go on a ‘San Martin walk’ and, again, my childhood self would look forward to the picnic food we would be treated to on this occasion. As with many incidents and morsels of knowledge seen through the eyes of a child, these are often skewed. We were of course told of the real reasons behind the bags, and which now, as an adult, I can

appreciate: Saint Martin is understood to have been a kind man who led a quiet and simple life. The best-known part of the legend of his life is that he once tore his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a storm.

Perhaps the saint whose life we were taught about as children who stands out most strongly in my memory, and who I still think about from time to time, is St Frances of Assisi. Every year,

come October, when his feast day is marked, my school would organise a ‘blessing of the pets’ where all the children would bring in their dogs, cats, fish, hamsters (and soft toys if they didn’t have any real pets) to school. The pets would be blessed by a priest and we would be reminded of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Many of the stories that surround his life say that he had a great love for animals and, through him, we were taught to respect and love animals. I will never forget the days when our pets were blessed, nor the emphasis that was placed on respecting our furry, feathered and other creatures, and which most definitely also taught us to respect our fellow humans.

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE

Creating SUSTAINABLE fashion

WORDS BY Jessica Vella PHOTOS BY Bernard Polidano/ Mandy Briguglio

FASHION FOR A CAUSE

T

his year’s fund-raising fashion show organised by Ferramoda continued to promote the message that fashion and culture go hand in hand, and was held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Malta last month.

The main purpose behind the show was the protection and promotion of culture through the work of the designers taking part, embodying the ‘Made in Italy’ slogan, as well as launching the introductory concept of Ferragiu; a combination of Italian and Maltese design.

Dr Juliana Scerri Ferrante, who is also the founder of the Chamber of Fashion Malta, created Ferramoda 12 years ago.

Dr Scerri Ferrante, a lawyer by profession, is also interested in fashion, style and culture as well as the environment.

“Without culture we are unable to reflect our beliefs and values,” she explains. As a matter of fact, the aim of the Chamber is strictly cultural and not for commercial or profitable purposes.

Another aim of Ferramoda is to collect funds for children in out-of-home care, and to give these youngsters the opportunity to develop themselves. Ferramoda has also concluded a number of agreements with fashion academies in Rome and Florence for an exchange of designers. Two new designers, namely Grazia de Carlo and Amanda Biscossi, exhibited their designs at the Corinthia Palace.

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE

The House of Emilio Schuberth, the internationally renowned designer who died in 1972 and who dressed so many stars including Bridget Bardot, Sophia Loren and Rita Hayworth among many others, also presented its 2017 collection during this year’s event.

Additionally, Ferragiu also presented its 2017 collection, called Revival – a revival of past fashion.

The use of Italian and Maltese textiles was very well received by the audience, with a range of futuristic designs that contemporarily serve as a reflection of the past. The idea behind this line was to protect and promote Maltese culture and traditions – which explains the use of lace and ganutell, a Maltese art form that sees artisans create artificial flowers from wire, thread, and beads.

That evening models also wore jewellery made by various Italian craftsmen.

Materials used to make the garments were by the Emilio Ricci group whose latest collection My Natural Dream was very well received by the audience. This company has long been dedicated to the research of eco-friendly fabrics and the possibility of treating them in order to create garments that are entirely ecological. As a consequence, the materials selected by Emilio Ricci include no chemical additives.

The collection presented at the Corinthia Palace, which included lingerie and nightwear designed by Ricci, was entirely made of 100 per cent eco-friendly wood fibre. This is hypoallergenic, antibacterial as well as being a natural

27

thermo-regulator. Moreover it is soft, anti-static and durable.

The trees from which the wood fibre is extracted are specially cultivated, and are not responsible for any deforestation. On the contrary they provide jobs and sustainable resources.

A short film commissioned by Ricci, written and directed by director and photographer, Mauro Giordanella, and also called My Natural Dream, was shown before the fashion show started.

The film illustrated how life is going to become impossible if we do not respect nature and live in harmony with that which surrounds us. This is the message that Giordanella conveys very elegantly in his dreamlike projection of our world and how, through our actions and greed, it has deteriorated into an ‘offensive and huge darkness’. He conveys the idea that all that is considered feminine and sensitive must be brought back.

‘We have to get back to living in the world we have almost entirely destroyed.’ He also pointed out that it takes 11,000 liters of water to produce a single kilo of cotton yarn. While to produce a kilo of wood fibre into yarn it takes just 110 litres of water, which is effectively 1,000 times less.

The film’s positive message was expressed through music, theatre, readings and, finally, through Ricci’s glamorous creations. The stylist brought with him his artistic team ¬including models, musicians, make-up artists and hair stylists for the fabulous show. Seven Maltese models also participated.

All proceeds were allocated to disadvantaged young women in order to offer them the chance to improve their lives and receive further education with the hope of becoming gainfully employed, independent citizens.

28

A heaven of public gardens

HORTICULTURE

M WORDS BY Maria Vella

01

alta, unlike, say, Britain, cannot by any stretch of the imagination be called a ‘garden isle’. Over the centuries, inspired botanists and landscapers have taken advantage of Britain’s temperate climate to create a unique and astonishing variety of gardens – from landscaped parks and woodlands, to intimate rose gardens and small, flowery cottage gardens. Some of the gardens are run by major organisations, such as the National Trust or English Heritage, while others are privately owned, some of which have been gardened by the same family for generations.

In Malta, the climate dictates much of what happens to everything, especially with regards to nature. The long hot summer months and a relatively low annual rainfall make it difficult for all but the hardiest of plants to survive.

Nevertheless, walled gardens do exist and they are more often than not beautifully kept. Many of these gardens also contain exotic and unusual plants.

In some you may also find statues, monuments, plaques commemorating an event or an important personality.

Recently the Local Council of Floriana made a special effort to change the common perception that all this city could offer were the Granaries and St Anne Street. With its large number gardens, Valletta’s greener neighbor has often been described as ‘A Heaven of Gardens.’ One of the most popular and secluded of these gardens is that of Sa Maison, which situated along the perimeter of the bastions with the extra bonus of spectacular sea and

02

29

HORTICULTURE

01

Starting out as a medicinal garden, the area was eventually developed into a botanical garden under British rule

01. San Anton Gardens 02. Fountain found in San Anton Gardens 03. Lower Barrakka Gardens

harbour views. Enter its gate and enjoy a tranquil sanctuary.

The palaces built by the Knights of Malta also enjoy their own walled, beautifully-kept gardens. The best known is probably that of San Anton Palace, which is one of Malta’s largest public gardens. San Anton also has other walled gardens which are not accessible to the public.

The Argotti Botanical Gardens, with its superb main fountain, coincidentally also happens to be located in Floriana.

This particular garden enjoys a long and interesting history, and is the legacy of Fra Martino de Sarria Navarro, Don Emanuel Pinto de Fonseca and Bailiff Ignatius de Argote de Guzman. Starting out as a medicinal garden, the area was eventually developed into a botanical garden under British rule, before being placed under the tenure of the University of Malta. These gardens are among

the oldest in the Commonwealth, after gardens in Oxford (1632) and Edinburgh (1670). Their plan was based on the Italian model and, thanks to its many eminent Maltese curators, its name is well known worldwide. One of the most prominent, John Borg, endowed the garden with his unique collection of cacti; some 4,000 succulent plants to be precise.

Grand Master Lascaris constructed the Mall Garden in Floriana in 1656 as a place for recreation for the Knights.

Here they used to play a game called Palla a Maglio, a kind of croquet much in vogue at the time. In 1805,

by Order of Sir Alexander Ball, this garden was converted into a public garden and became known as Maglio Gardens. The wall that enclosed it was extensively damaged in World War II and eventually removed. Apart from providing the space for a soothing walk below its trees and among ponds, one can enjoy several Mediterranean plant

buy.

sell.

rent.

FOR SALE

MARSASCALA €2,300,000

FARMHOUSE PP18619

Ý Spread over 2200sqm Ý Highly finished including intelligent light system & surround system Ý Kitchen / living /dining leading onto garden Ý Four bedrooms Ý Four bathrooms Ý Large Pool with decking and turf surrounding the area Ý Paddock & Stables Ý Driveway leading to a garage

FOR SALE

ST.JULIAN’S €877,000

APARTMENT PP19950

Ý Within the exclusive and sought after Portomaso development Ý Spread over 150sqm Ý Kitchen / Living / Dining Area leading onto a large front terrace with magnificent marina / open sea views Ý Three double bedrooms Ý Two bathrooms Ý Utility room Ý One car space Ý Fully furnished.

FOR SALE

SENGLEA €475,000

PALAZZO PP20073

Ý Magnificent 16th Century Palazzo Ý Located in Senglea, one of the Three Cities Ý Floor area of 477sqm Ý Two separate entrances Ý Wide Hallway Ý Imposing staircase Ý Cellar Ý Unconverted Ý Ideal as a boutique hotel

FOR SALE

NAXXAR €890,000

HOUSE OF CHARACTER PP20276

Ý Located in a quiet area Ý Luxuriously finished / furnished Ý Three bedrooms Ý Four bathrooms Ý Utility room Ý Laundry room Ý Pool with decking area

TO LET

GHARGHUR €3,000 MONTHLY

PENTHOUSE PP20317

Ý Unique 300sqm duplex penthouse Ý Open plan Kitchen /living / dining Ý Three bedrooms Ý Two bathrooms Ý Pool with surrounding decking Ý Lounge area enjoying country views Ý Highly finished and fully furnished

SALES

48, Erin Serracino Inglott Street, Iklin, Malta ¨ (+356) 2258 4000 ċ (+356) 9999 9983 info@benestates.com

consult.

TO LET

LIJA €2,500 MONTHLY

HOUSE OF CHARACTER PP20214

Ý Situated in one of the best areas of Lija Ý Highly finished and furnished Ý Fully equipped kitchen Ý Dining room Ý Living room Ý Four bedrooms Ý Garden

LETTINGS

65, St George's Road, Spinola Bay, St Julian’s, Malta ¨ (+356) 2258 4010 ċ (+356) 9999 9983 benestates.com

31

HORTICULTURE

01. Upper Barrakka Gardens 02. Argotti Gardens/Clive Vella

01

02

species including olive trees, oak trees, as well as the Maltese national tree – the Sandarac Gum tree, locally known as Is-Siġra tal-Għargħar.

Valletta itself enjoys three additional well-known gardens: the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and Hastings Gardens. The Upper Barrakka Gardens ranks amongst the most popular gardens in Valletta, and are best known for the spectacular views from the huge open terrace overlooking Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The Saluting Battery below the garden was constructed in the 16th century by the Order of St John, on or near the site of an Ottoman battery from the Great Siege of Malta. From the 1820s a gun was fired at midday to signal out the exact hour of the day by which ship masters would calibrate their chronographs on board. These highly accurate clocks were used up until the 20th century to find the longitude at sea. The practice stopped on Malta’s independence from the UK, but was reintroduced after about 50 years with an additional ‘sunset’ gun salute at 4pm following extensive restoration of the site.

Today the battery also serves as a museum of guns and Maltese fortifications, and enjoys re-creations of the magazine (gunpowder store rooms) and equipment amongst others. You’ll also come across a useful history of Malta’s timeline to help you get your historical bearings. The guns that fire are (for safety reasons) replicas, but the real ones are in the colonnade behind the battery near the magazines.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are in very close proximity of Victoria Gate.

Here one can enjoy a view of the Grand Harbour as well as the Breakwater. A monument dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, the first governor of Malta, is located at the centre of the garden.

Sir Alexander had great charisma and sympathy, and was universally loved by the Maltese. He and Lord Nelson became friends after Sir Alexander saved Nelson and his flagship, the Vanguard, during a violent storm.

His secretary was the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge and there was mutual admiration between him and Ball.

In addition to the terrace area features, there are a number of commemorative plaques dedicated to, among others, the Hungarian revolution of 1956, the Prague spring, Giuseppe Garibaldi and the 50th anniversary of the European Union.

Hastings Garden houses the monument built by the Hastings family to the former governor of Malta who died in 1826. This garden has excellent views across Msida Creek and Manoel Island. The Marquis of Hastings was 70-years-old when he was sworn in as the second governor of Malta in 1824. He died at sea off the coast of Naples and his body was brought to Malta for a state funeral. In a letter found among his papers, he left directions that his right hand should be cut off and preserved until the death of his wife when it was to be buried with her.

And finally, if you happen to be in Rabat and going to Mdina, you are bound to stumble across Howard Gardens, situated upon the bastions opposite Mdina and interestingly named after Malta’s first Prime Minister.

32

GOZO

Photo by Tonio Schembri

Gozo, An island for all seasons Sunny winters and Carnival in Gozo Mild sunny winters are one of Gozo’s many blessings. If it is cold, dull or snowing anywhere else in Europe, you can count on Gozo for warmth and bright days. The island can be the perfect winter destination with a choice of health-restoring activities.

Climbing, hiking, biking or simply walking in the countryside are ideal from October till April when the weather is mild and not prohibitively hot.

Enjoy Gozo’s diverse cultural calendar, as the island brims with activities during the winter season. One of Gozo’s most important festivals is Carnival. During Carnival celebrations, Gozitans shed their usual customary religiosity centred around the celebrations of their feasts, saints and various religious festivities, to don a more celebrative and colourful attitude, which precedes the sombre Lenten period. Every village has its own twist on a feast that literally breaks the winter quiet.

The organised carnivals in Victoria, Nadur and Xagħra, among other localities, show off carnival dances, hilarious sketches, costumes, floats, and the traditional kukkanja. Then there is the notorious, spontaneous carnival held in Nadur, that stands out for its creativity without limits. The Nadur carnival has grown so much in recent years that people from all over the island flock for the five days of fun, colours and sounds where everyone can be anyone they want through provocative disguise. One could be easily carried away by the party atmosphere of costumes, dance and music but most of all of sheer imagination and creativity.

Carnival is celebrated from the 24th till the 28th February 2017

Food Gozitan cuisine reflects the succession of foreign rulers and their cultures. For so long condescendingly dismissed as poor man’s food, Gozitan cuisine is now lauded for the benefits gained from a simple, healthy and nutritious Mediterranean diet. Season produce makes for a wide range of delicious, moreish dishes. Gozo’s small size ensures zero kilometre food that guarantees frenshness. There’s nothing that can delight the palate better than a delectable local platter comprising fresh and sundried tomatoes, cheeselets, a few slices of Gozitan sausage enriched with undertones of garlic and coriander seeds, fried Lampuki, some crusty fresh bread or a ftira spread with tomato paste, drizzled with local olive oil and accompanied by local olives and wild capers. Delicious!

33

OUT & ABOUT

out and about Here's what's been going on, who's been seen, and where they were spotted around Malta last month.

The Happy Walk

In aid of Inspire and Ronald McDonald House of Charities Malta

SiGMA'16

Intercontinental Malta, St Julian's

Would you like to be featured on our social pages? Drop Dana an email on dana@contentfactory.com.mt

34

EVENTS

EVENTS THIS MONTH

Till 23rd July 2017

VALLETTA 1566 – MELITA RENASCENS

2nd - 8th January

Till 8th January

THE COMEDY KNIGHTS: JUST 4 LAUGHS

PUSS IN BOOTS – THE PANTO

Fort St. Elmo, Valletta

Teatru Salesjan, Sliema

Heritage Malta's forthcoming major exhibition, in collaboration with Malta Libraries, commemorates the 450th anniversary since the laying of the first stone of the city of Valletta. The exhibition will open at the National Library and the former National War Museum at Lower Fort St. Elmo on Saturday 23rd July 2016 and shall remain open for a whole year. www.heritagemalta.org

Following the massive success of last year’s show The Comedy Knights Three Times Funnier, the Lords and Ladies are coming back with this year’s festive season special. All your favourite members of this hilarious cast are returning to Teatru Salesjan this Christmas Season for more manic mayhem giving us a rundown of 2016 in a way only the Comedy Knights know how!

Join Chris Dingli, Marc Cabourdin, Jo Caruana, Pia Zammit, Colin Fitz, Thomas Camilleri, and Steve Hili , as they bring to life a whole host of characters from audience favourites like the Il Patriot, The First Lady, The Incompetent Committee and the Sliema Girls, to brand new characters who are guaranteed to make you laugh your socks off! www.comedyknight.com

Manoel Theatre, Valletta This Christmas season, Masquerade Theatre Company returns with another actionpacked laugh-out-loud Christmas pantomime. Following past panto successes like Little Red Riding Hood and You Know Who as well as The Curse of Snow White, this year's audiences will be treated to the story of Puss in Boots.

Written by Malcolm Galea, who will also be making a return in the role of dame following 2014's unforgettable Auntie Patka, the show will be directed by Anthony Bezzina with musical direction in the hands of Kris Spiteri while Elena Zammit will be in charge of choreography. The cast also includes Stephen Oliver, Joseph Zammit, Tina Rizzo, Anton Saliba, Joe Depasquale, and Katherine Brown in the title role. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

35

EVENTS

10th December

SÉBASTIEN HURTAUD CELLO RECITAL Manoel Theatre, Valletta The Manoel Theatre will be organising 'Gallic Music for Cello & Piano: Sébastien Hurtaud & Paméla Hurtado'. Performances will include music by Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, Camille Saint-Saëns, Frederic Chopin and Buxten Orr www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

12th – 28th January

VALLETTA INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE FESTIVAL

Valletta, Valletta Now firmly established on the international baroque scene, the Valletta International Baroque Festival has gone from strength to strength and is now in its fifth year.

The Festival takes place between the 12th to 28th January 2017 with top international baroque musicians and ensembles performing in 24 different events in 9 different venues in Valletta, Malta's baroque capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.cityofvalletta.org

15th January

21st January

BACH AND THE SPIRIT OF DANCE

TENEBRAE

National Library of Malta, Valletta Bach French Suites nos. 1, 3, 4 and 6 will be performed by John Irving, 'one of the foremost exponents of the period piano in the UK'. John Irving is an established performer on early keyboards (notably fortepiano, harpsichord and John Irving Copyclavichord), specializing in music of the 18th century.

International Piano has described his Beethoven playing as 'Excellent...played with historical awareness and humour'. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

St Mary of Jesus Church, Valletta The Lamentations of Jeremiah inspired many composers of the Baroque era, from Couperin to Jan Dismas Zelenka. Jan Dismas Zelenka, although very famous in his time, has only recently been rediscovered. Bassist and composer at the court of Dresden, he wrote many vocal and instrumental works, sacred and secular and has a very personal musical style which is instantly recognizable. This programme focuses particularly on the Lessons of Darkness the music for which has a unique style between motet and cantata.

A fusion of Germanic and Italian styles, these works make use of solo instruments rarely used such as the torch or the bassoon, and are distinguished by a rare quality in the mixing of arias and ariosos.

The Répons accompanying the Darkness lessons are remarkable for their counterpoint in the Stile Antico and contrast beautifully with them. www.maltadiocese.org

36

EVENTS

22nd January

TOI TOI BAROQUE TREASURE HUNT Manoel Theatre, Valletta Have some family fun on a treasure hunt all around Teatru Manoel to explore everything baroque! Teams are set up, historical events are unraveled... a fun afternoon that is full of surprises. For families with children aged 7-13 or groups of children accompanied by (at least) one adult. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

27th January

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

St George’s Square, Valletta The Changing of the Guard parade commences with the AFM Band marching down Republic Street onto St George’s Square Valletta. Here, the new guard marches out from the Main Guard in order to replace the old guard which marches out from The Palace Valletta. Following the exchange of ‘duties’ the AFM Band conducts a marching display in the same square. www.cityofvalletta.org

2nd - 8th January

FIT FOR A KING Manoel Theatre, Valletta VIBE will be performing two of Handel's most famous works: The Water Music which was performed for the first time to accompany King George I and his entourage during a Royal cruise and the jubilant Music for the Royal Fireworks which was first performed for King George II. Both events took place on the River Thames. VIBE (Valletta International Baroque Ensemble) is the resident ensemble of the Valletta International Baroque Festival. It was born out of a cultural need for Malta to have its own ensemble specifically focused on the study and performances of baroque music, including a rich repertoire of Maltese baroque works. The ensemble consists of predominantly Maltese musicians, guided by foreign baroque specialists. VIBE seeks to perform music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods in a historically informed way on original instruments. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

37

MADE IN MALTA

MADE IN MALTA Looking for local products? Then you've come to the right place. By purchasing authentic Maltese products, manufactured by skilled craftsmen using the finest materials, you are contributing towards keeping these skills alive on our Islands, and taking home something truly Maltese.

Welcome to Malta Simonds Farsons Cisk plc is today synonymous with a beer brewing tradition rooted in quality.

At the very base of this tradition are its long-established skills of selecting nature’s best ingredients. The finest imported malt and selected hops are coupled with the adoption of the best brewing methods and expertise of skilled and dedicated brew masters who give constant attention to detail to ensure that a high standard of quality is maintained at every step in the brewing process. Every single batch of their beer is thoroughly tested and tasted.

Over the years since 1929, this dedication has consistently contributed to creating the award-winning brews, that so many have grown to appreciate time after time.

Cisk Lager beer is a golden-coloured, bottom-fermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character. Its rich hop aroma and pleasant bitterness, combined with a mild astringency, make it an outstanding thirst-quencher. Alcohol content is 4.2%. Today Cisk Lager beer has developed and progressed considerably since its launch in 1929 and the range also includes Cisk Export Premium Lager – a smooth, well balanced and exceptional beer with a 5% alcohol content, Cisk Excel – a low carbohydrate beer, Cisk Chill – a lemon flavoured and a berry flavoured lager, and Cisk Strong – an outstanding extra-strong premium lager with a 9% alcohol content.

Cisk lager beer is now available online at www.amazon.co.uk

Charmingly Local Kinnie, Malta’s own favourite soft drink, is a unique tasting 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 and goes well with a number of alcoholic drinks and a variety of cocktails.

These distinctive characteristics have made Kinnie Malta’s own favourite soft drink, loved by the local population and tourists alike ever since it was launched locally in 1952.

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

The Kinnie range is now available online at www.amazon.co.uk with free home delivery being offered to UK residents. Never has ordering Kinnie been more convenient and user friendly, so place your order now for Malta’s very own favourite soft drink!

Go on – Have a Kinnie! www.kinnie.com

Sliema and St Julian’s WORDS BY Chris Falzon

I

t seems like only yesterday that I was having a coffee at one of the more frequented sidewalk cafés in Sliema and curiosity got the best of me: I caught myself eavesdropping on a relatively-intelligent conversation between two elderly gentleman seated nearby. The topic at hand included how, through the passing of time, Sliema and St Julian’s have changed distinctively, and how political forces have contributed towards both towns losing their distinctive, “we have made allowances for grave monstrosities to take place” they commented.

The conversation quickly became agitated and, between one sip of coffee another, I got into it all and am inclined to agree that, regretfully, the peaceful Għar id-Dud where my grandmother used to take us swimming as kids has now transformed into a hectic tourist resort, bustling urban city, and a cosmopolitan shopping hub. St Julian’s has also became a major international area, including several leading restaurants and hotels. Back in the day, I remember St Julian’s to be a small fishing village where Ġiljan, my grandparents’ handyman, used to while away the time trying his luck at fishing, with a limited degree of success.

39

THE PROMENADE

Today, Sliema is considered one of the most, if not the most, bustling urban cities on the island, offering locals and visitors a series of attractions, which include a wide variety of restaurants, bars and hip eateries, accommodation sites, shopping centres, and healthy-living and spa centres, as well as an ever-growing concentration of language schools that teach English as a foreign or second language to students.

The Sliema promenade is also extremely popular and includes a 3km seafront strip that’s loved by locals and tourists alike. Keep an eye out for the particularly striking Independence Gardens, located right beneath the promenade. It is mostly visited by young couples interested in catching up with one another, or families seeking to treat the kids to a go on the swings.

St Julian’s, on the other hand, is often considered a mecca for nightlife, with Paceville continuing to provide entertainment venues particularly suited to the younger generation. If you happen to form part of a more mature crowd, the Portomaso Yacht Marina definitely shouldn’t pass you by unnoticed – setting the bar a notch higher for St Julian’s as a town.

Walking from Sliema to St Julian’s, towards the north along the promenade, will lead you towards the beautiful

Balluta Square of St Julian’s. More often than not, I walk my dog along this promenade then find myself comfortably positioned in the heart of this square, only to spend part of some of my evenings dining at one of the exquisite restaurants or ‘trattorie’ found in the bay area.

St Julian’s brings back childhood recollections. Many years ago, my group of friends, would meet 10pm or thereabouts outside one of the still popular bars in Spinola and hang out until late. We usually then found out we’d surpassed our curfew way too late – boys will be boys!

If shopping is your thing then you’re also in the right place.

Simply stroll around the main streets of Sliema and St Julian’s and you won’t be disappointed. I would say Bisazza Street is among the main shopping streets. Name it and there you have it. Everything is readily available these days but, nevertheless, our elderly who inspired the writing of this story believe that both “Sliema and St Julian’s have allowed the residential aspects of these two towns make way to the commercial ones” and “today they are no longer quiet, but heavy in traffic and parking spaces are indeed difficult to find”. Nevertheless, these two seafront cities are still amongst the most popular locations in Malta, and definitely worth a visit during your stay here.

The Sliema promenade is also extremely popular and includes a 3km seafront strip that’s loved by locals and tourists alike

40

TRAVEL

When in Rome

TEXT SUBMITTED BY Air Malta

What to say about Italy’s capital city?

Take the liar’s test at Santa Maria church

From the Colosseum to the Sistine chapel, the Fontana di Trevi to St Peter’s basilica, Rome’s collection of antiquities need no introduction. But if waiting in line with a bunch of tourists is not your idea of a holiday, should you just skip Rome altogether? The answer is definitely not. They say that time goes slower here and people watching in the eternal city is sure to prove that as both old and young go about their business with a dolce far niente attitude.

If you have a superstitious soul you may want to avoid the Bocca della verita. This round stone carving in the Santa Maria church is said to look into your soul and know whether you are of a truthful disposition. If a liar places their hand inside the mouth of the carving, they are likely to lose it. Have you ever told a lie? Do you dare place your hand inside?

While the city’s main attractions need to be visited at least once during your life time, make time for some of the little things that the city has to offer. When in Rome, do like the Romans.

Take some time out to enjoy park life When spending a few days in a city famous for its pizza, pasta and ice cream, the idea of a jog is not an entirely bad one. Rather than get on a treadmill you could take in some sights at the park surrounding Villa Doria Pamphili to the west of Trastevere.

Run past fountains, tree-lined alleys and even more fountains until you come to the villa and the botanical gardens right at the centre. Climb up the stairs of Pinico hill at Villa Borghese to get a view of the city or take a hot air balloon 100m in the air at Galleria Borghese.

Stroll along the Via Appia Antica At 560km long, the Via Appia Antica is the longest museum in the world, running from the outskirts of the city all the way to Brindisi, where 18km of the ancient cobblestones are preserved. At every corner you will encounter catacombs, aqueducts and tombs between the pine and cypurs trees and old villas. Closed to traffic on Sundays and public holidays, this is the perfect time to meander along this ancient pathway that will propel you back in time to ancient Rome. Real Roman cuisine awaits you at à la Mama so give yourself plenty of time.

Shop like an Italian at Eataly One of the best things about Rome is going to be the food. Whether you are eating at a Michelin starred restaurant or buying street

41

TRAVEL

food you can be sure you are going to eat well. This stems from the quality of ingredients the Italians insist on. Eataly is supermarket heaven with four floors of Italian delicacies under one roof, you could easily spend a whole day here. 23 slow food restaurants and delicacy stalls invite you to taste the very best of what Italy has to offer and while you’re there take the opportunity to grab as much olive oil, pasta and biscotti you can carry.

Visit the oldest café in Rome Café life is pretty much a part of Italian culture, where people of all ages stop to take a moment to enjoy an espresso before continuing on their way. Saint Eustachio Café is the oldest café in Rome and though it is in the heart of the historical centre and therefore serve a throng of tourists, they still serve the best coffee in town. They roast their own beans in the same way they did in the 1930s so you can simply follow your nose to the café right behind the Pantheon.

Have your coffee standing up for a fraction of the price.

Sipping on an aperitivo You’re not really in Italy if you don’t go out for an aperitivo before dinner. Between 6pm and 7pm Italians flock to the bars to indulge in an alcoholic drink or two before turning up to a restaurant a little on the tipsy side. The prefect place for this is Trastevere on the western side of the Tiber. Alternative artists rub shoulders with students in this quaint part of town full of cool bars, cute restaurants and artisan shops.

Fresh fish at Fumicino Chances are you’ve only ever heard of Fumicino because of the airport. 30km outside of Rome, this harbour town, is famous for its seafood with an impressive fish and seafood market as well as a number of diverse, idyllic restaurants that line the Viale Traiano

Ice cream at any time of day Eating ice cream is always a good idea. Whether it is in the morning with your espresso, as dessert after a hearty meal or simply to break up a long stroll around the city. Rome is famous for its gelato as much as it is for its pizza and pasta.

Brush up on your haggling skills at the flea markets Haggle your way across the flea markets at one of Rome’s many markets. Porta Portese at Trastevere is the biggest flea market in Rome where you are bound to find almost anything you could possibly imagine at bargain prices. Pigneto market is a lot less touristy and much quieter. Every fourth Sunday in the month Italians converge in this district full of vegan cafes and organic shops to sell their old stuff. The farmers market is also something not to be missed where you can buy regional and seasonal fruit and veg.

Getting there All roads lead to Rome and there are many ways of getting there.

Air Malta offer regular flights to Rome starting from Eur 42 including taxes and charges.

Next summer Air Malta will be operating with up to twice daily services to the Italian capital

Air Malta offers direct flights between Malta and Rome with a current frequency of 7 weekly flights.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

42

MEDICAL TOURISIM

High-Flying Dentistry:

Long overdue dental treatment!

Stage 2 Smile design approved by patient •

• • •

Confirmation of new tooth shade following laser and overnight tooth whitening Milling of veneers, inlays and onlays Final touches to veneers Try-in and fitting of new dental restorations.

Stage 3 Preparation and execution of dental implantation. Implants are placed then left undisturbed until complete healing and integration with the bone (2-4months). These would then be restored with new implant crowns/ bridges.

Extra and Intra-oral Before and after treatment

T

he importance of your smile cannot be underestimated. Your smile is the first thing that people will pick up leaving a lasting impression on strangers and friends alike. It also plays a key role in your confidence and selfesteem. Minimally invasive procedures make a huge difference. Procedures of this nature include: 1.

Ceramic inlays: Conversion of metal fillings and/or old stained fillings to porcelain inlays/onlays 2. Tooth straightening: Braces or ceramic veneers may easily adjust the position of teeth. Adjustments include rotations, bringing teeth out, pushing teeth in, widening or narrowing of teeth.

3. Tooth whitening: Laser tooth whitening together with home maintenance kit may drastically improve the colour of your teeth.

4. Replacing missing teeth with fixed or removable prostheses

radiographic examination potential clients receive options for treatments including advantages/disadvantages, timeframes and costs.

Stage 1 Patient arrives at clinic and is interviewed. Reconfirmation of treatment plan and execution of initial treatment phase (3-4hours) • • • •

•

•

Planning: •

Patient contact: Following a detailed consultation including a

•

Periodontal/gum treatment planning Implant planning Tooth preparation for crowns and/ or veneers Safe removal of amalgam fillings using safe protocol as indicated by the international academy of oral medicine and toxicology Digital impression taken with CADCAM technique (Computer-aided design/manufacturing) Laser tooth whitening of remaining untouched teeth and immediate fabrication of night white trays given to patient to use for 1-4days for increased whitening.

Smile design using CAD-CAM software

Dr Jean Paul Demajo Dental & Implant Surgeon Trained in London and now working in private practice in Malta.

Review and set-up of maintenance plan This is the conventional sequence of events when dealing with a smile makeover. Technicians work hand in hand with clinicians ensuring that the expected planned results are achieved with no delay or mix-up.

A Case Study (see photos above) Patient complaints: colour, tooth position, small volume of tooth visible on smiling.

Age: 39years old Treatment plan includes: • 14 ceramic veneers and crowns • Removal of pathological benign cyst • Simultaneous laser tooth whitening and home whitening maintenance kit.

• Placement and restoration of 4 dental implants and 5 implant retained teeth.

Improving your smile is one of the greatest investments that you can make. With today’s technology and complete focus of the clinical team, many treatment modalities may be completed with relative ease and great satisfaction. The high caliber world-recognized dental materials come with guarantees, as does the clinical work delivered by clinics, which cater for such clients. Ask your dentist!

43

Boutique Hotels

Undiscovered Gems They say that good things come in small packages, and this is certainly true when it comes to Malta's finest boutique hotels. We've visited a couple and were impressed with what we saw; here are our favourites.

Three 400 year-old farmhouses perfectly renovated, lush gardens and courtyards and each room / suite is diverse from each other.

THIRTYSEVEN GOZO, gozo

When my husband bought a 400 year-old farmhouse on the isle of Gozo all those years ago and handed me the keys as a birthday present, I will confess to you, I was a bit nonplussed. I certainly did not see what he saw. But then he has a knack for discovering gems in unprepossessing places. That was the beginning, what followed shortly after was years of a laborious process of renovation of this place grounded in love which was eventually mixed with passion, sweat and dedication into creating our 37 Gozo. Twenty-some years later, I am at home in this place and we welcome the chance of sharing this modernised, once farmhouse with you today. Though our renovation included

The LABRANDA Rocca Nettuno Suites have been designed to pave the way to added comfort and luxury for those who visit the Maltese Islands. The hotel’s spacious 52sqm high-end suites offer a new concept for people on vacation, through serviced accommodation within boutique-styled suites.

LABRANDA ROCCA NETTUNO SUITES, SLIEMA

The property is centrally, though quietly located in the heart of Sliema, Malta’s leading metropolitan area. Situated within walking distance of The Strand, Sliema,

many upgrades in bringing it to civilization, the bones of this house still remain, and what also remains here is that ground base of love. Gozo, the island of Calypso, is an idyllic sanctuary of land in the middle of a sapphire colored sea. We have and continued to aim to create an idyll within our walls that matches the nature of the land we stand on. We don’t like the idea of relaxation and luxury being mutually exclusive at Gozo 37. We believe there is a place for both in the same room. There can be luxury without grandiose overtures and there can be relaxation without sloth.

At Gozo 37, we look to combine the best of both of these things.

A: 37, Triq Munxar, Munxar, Gozo E: contact@thirtysevengozo.com T: +356 7937 3707 W: www.thirtysevengozo.com

the Island's most exclusive and fashionable shopping locality, LABRANDA Rocca Nettuno Suites is just five minutes away from the Sliema Promenade, popular with locals and tourists alike for a pleasant and relaxing stroll.

A: Matthew Pulis Street, Sliema, Malta E: hotelmanager.roccanettunosuites@ labranda-hotels.com

T: +356 2134 4932 W: www.roccanettunosuites.com

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Boutique Hotels SU29 is nestled on the picturesque steps of Saint Ursula, a stone's throw away from Malta's working Grand Harbour and only a few minutes away from the main streets of the vibrant Capital City of Valletta. SU29 is a peaceful haven to eight luxurious rooms & suites and each carry a unique character of their own, designed to meet the perfect combination of classic charm with modern luxury. The en-suite rooms feature a selection of services to cater for a variety of guests’ needs.

SU29 BOUTIQUE HOTEL, Valletta

A: 29, St Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta E: reception@su29hotel.com T: +356 2124 2929 W: www.su29hotel.com

CASA ELLUL, VALLETTA With its elegant, tiered balconies overlooking the street, Casa Ellul captures the traditional style of a Valletta townhouse. From the outside of this boutique hotel, it seems little has changed from the moment the Ellul family made it their home back in the 1830s. But step inside and you’ll discover a contemporary haven that celebrates this elegant city’s past. Take in the tranquil central courtyard, gathered around classical statues and historic Maltese features, such as original patterned tiles. Then seek out your suite, where modern artworks and cutting edge design stand alongside original antiques and period features. Choose Suites 6, 7 or 8 and you’ll have your own private rooftop terrace – the place to take in panoramic city views. Otherwise Suites 1 to 5 offer guests the chance to experience the beauty of traditional Maltese design.

A: 81,Old Theatre Street, Valletta E: info@casaellul.com T: +356 2122 4821 W: www.casaellul.com

HOTEL JULIANI, St Julian's The 47-room Hotel Juliani effortlessly blends style with Mediterranean charm, reflecting the history of its location (Spinola Bay—once a traditional fishing village—is today the centre of Malta’s entertainment district). Hotel Juliani’s staff take pride in getting to know each guest, giving them one-on-one attention and an insider’s perspective on Malta’s attractions.

In the past year Hotel Juliani was expanded to include elegant new Designer Suites, a fitness centre, a business centre and a luxuriously refurbished rooftop pool offering expansive sea views. Malta’s #1 Hotel (TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards) is also home to Zest, an awardwinning Asian fusion restaurant.

A: 25, St George's Road, Spinola Bay, St Julians, Malta

E: info@hoteluliani.com T: +356 2138 8000 W: www.hoteljuliani.com

45

Boutique Hotels

Ursulino VALLETTA, Valletta

BLANC BOUTIQUE, SLIEMA

Ursulino Valletta is a family-run luxury boutique B&B, housed in a lovingly renovated townhouse in the heart of the city. Our dedicated staff ensure that all guests have a pleasant and enjoyable stay.

They are always available to advise and assist our esteemed guests, ensuring that everyone experiences the best that Malta has to offer. The highlight of the property is our roof terrace with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, where guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and our trademark sunset aperitivo - the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the islands!

At Blanc Boutique Hotel, we offer a very homely and welcoming environment, with a touch of luxury. The townhouse façade is typical of Sliema houses, complete with the traditional Maltese balcony. The interior has been converted to sophisticated standards, a blend of old and new, and features parquet flooring and a majestic staircase with wrought iron bannister; the hotel is not served with an elevator.

The hotel is decorated in Blanc’s Boutique Hotel's signature white, black and grey style. While the eight double bedrooms are modernly equipped, the common area includes carefully handpicked pieces of furniture imported from Italy and several antique decorations from France. Each item was personally selected by the hotel hostess, Maria Elena, and by the hotel owner himself.

A: 82A, St Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta E: info@ursulinovalletta.com T: +356 2122 8024 W: www.ursulinovalletta.com

10 STRAIT STREET, Valletta 10 Strait Street takes its place in the revival of an iconic quarter of Malta’s capital Valletta, breathing new life into the soul of 2018’s European Capital of Culture. 10 Strait Street gives you a home away from home.

We offer a collection of six beautifully

A: 84, Windsor Street, Sliema, Malta E: info@blancboutiquehotel.com T: +356 7703 0667 W: www.blancboutiquehotel.com furnished apartments in a painstakingly restored palazzo.The apartments are a tribute to Valletta’s history and its heritage of excellence. They combine space and elegance with comfort and privacy for independent travellers seeking to experience Valletta’s authenticity. In keeping with the spirit of the location, 10 Strait Street is at once modern and functional, romantic and traditional. The property’s position in Valletta is excellent, one street parallel to Republic Street and a minute’s walk from Renzo Piano’s City Gate and Parliament building. There are numerous restaurants and well-stocked wine bars a stone’s throw away, as well as many places of interest.

A: 10, Strait Street, Valletta, Malta E: info@10straitstreet.com T: +356 9943 8881 W: www.10straitstreet.com

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Architecture

Of palaces and exotic tapestries

WORDS BY Jenny Galea

T

tapestries instead of the normal eight. This was done so that the tapestries could fit the dimensions of the Council Chamber.

In fact the Maltese set (there were originally eight sets of the Anciennes Indes) is the only complete set which remains on display anywhere.

The Italian master Niccoló Nasoni da Siena executed the ceiling in the entrance corridor in 1724. He received a commission to paint this and other ceilings and corridors of this Palace. His work was much appreciated and he soon became famous as a decorative painter. He also painted frescoes in other buildings in Malta, such as Palazzo Spinola in St Julian’s.

It is generally maintained that the noted Maltese engineer and architect Gerolamo Cassar planned the Magisterial Palace in Valletta. This is built around a central courtyard. In the tradition of many Renaissance palaces, the building has two storeys. On the first floor, the piano nobile – a suite of well proportioned apartments –runs round the whole building. In the middle of the 18th century under the rule of Portuguese Grand Master Pinto de Fonseca, the façade was overhauled.

Two entrance portals facing St George’s Square were created and embellished with robust gateways. There are three other entrances in the centre of three of the remaining sides: Merchants Street, Archbishop Street and Old Theatre Street.

The set of Gobelin tapestries hanging in the Council Chamber are surely one of the most impressive sights today. It owes its existence to the generosity of the Spanish Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful. The arms of Perellos are worked into the border. These fabulous tapestries represent scenes from West Africa with exotic animals, vegetation and dark-skinned natives, and are among the most celebrated Gobelin tapestries in existence. The Maltese set is unusual for it consists of 10

One is struck by Neptune’s bronze statue in Prince Albert’s courtyard, a triton in his right hand, the traditional symbol of his lordship over the seas, and the Grand Master’s escutcheon shield in his left hand. He is said to resemble both Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, as well as Andrea Doria. Behind the statue you will find a baroque water fountain built in the early 18th century and carrying the coat-of-arms of Portuguese Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful (1697-1720).

he Magisterial Palace in Valletta (previously known as the Grand Master’s official residence) is connected to some of the greatest names of architects and artists who worked on the island. The magnificent frescoes depicting the Great Siege, for example, in the Hall of the Supreme Council or Hall of St Michael and St George as it is known today, were painted by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio between 1576 and 1581. The 12 frescos portray the various phases of the Siege of Malta of 1565.

When Grand Master Jean de la Cassière commissioned the work he wanted to make sure that the events of 1565 would remain fixed in the collective memory of the Knights of St John.

These fabulous tapestries represent scenes from West Africa with exotic animals, vegetation and dark-skinned natives 01. Neptune’s bronze statue in Prince Albert’s courtyard/Iven Maniscalco 02. Hallway in the Magistral Palace/Aaron Briffa

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Architecture

02

01

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Architecture

01

Grand Master Pinto’s clock tower, an ornamental work of art attributed to the Maltese clockmaker Gaetano Vella, was installed in 1745 and dominates the second courtyard known as Prince Alfred’s. This courtyard recalls the first visit of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Albert, the second son of Queen Victoria, in November 1858. With its variety of moving parts and dials it was the finest clock on the island in the 18th century.

The great Palace staircase is elliptical. It connects the ground floor loggia to the stately rooms on the piano nobile and is a fine example of renaissance architecture. Such a structure is certainly more convenient for persons in heavy armoury or hindered by old age. One visitor is said to have commented that ‘… the staircase is truly made for a person suffering from the gout who has to be taken up in a (sedan) chair to his room.’

On the wall at the foot of the stairs is a marble slab with the names of the 28 grand masters who ruled over Malta between 1530 and 1798. At the top is another slab with the names of the British governors.

On the upper storey of the Palace, the piano nobile is the armoury corridor with suits of armour, full length portraits and high ceilings. Rooms off the corridor lead to the Palace Chapel with frescos by Filippo Paladini (1544-1614). This room contains some of the finest works on the islands.

02

The State Drawing Room, known as the Ambassadors’ Room, has frescoes by Perez d’Aleccio under which hang full-length portraits of a young Louis XV (1715-74) by Jean-Baptist van Loo,

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Architecture

the Russian Czarina Catherine II (1762-96) by Dimitri Levitzky and several others.

Rooms off the corridor lead to the Palace Chapel with frescos

by Filippo Paladini

01. Tapestry Chamber/Aaron Briffa 02. Internal Courtyard 03. Marble Plaques 04. State Dining room/Aaron Briffa

The State Dining Room is where the Knights held their sumptuous dinners and banquets in honour of distinguished visitors, diplomats and so on. The ceiling is painted white and gold. Several large portraits of Maltese heads of state can be found in this room.

The Armoury is in the lower area of the Palace. The items now on display include a full-length panoply made for Grand Master Martin Garzes at the end of the 16th century. Another noteworthy item is the full suit of armour worn by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt with its rich and lavish décor.

Currently the Palace is more or less an open working site in view of the preparations for it to host the meeting of Malta’s Presidency of the EU. The ex-Parliament Chamber will be hosting such meetings from January to June 2017. Once the Presidency is over in June, all furniture set-ups and so on will be dismantled and work will start for the space to host the Armoury once again – in its original place (part of an EU cofunded project officially launched in October) – to be managed jointly by Heritage Malta and the Restoration Directorate.

The Tapestry Chamber, including the Gobelin tapestries, are still in their place (even though currently closed) and will remain there.

The preservation of this Palace today is almost miraculous. Two buildings nearby, the Casino Maltese and the block known as Kingsway Palace, were shattered by bombs in World War II.

03

04

DRAGONARA CASINO, ST. JULIAN’S, MALTA. OPEN 24 HOURS. FOR FREE TRANSPORT KINDLY CALL: (+356) 21382362 Entry Requirements: Maltese must be over 25 years old. Foreign nationals must be over 18 years old to enter the casino and proof of ID/Passport will be required on first visit.

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A guide t

Maltese dwejra

ghasri

gharb

zebbug

san lawrenz

xlendi

marsalforn

xaghra

victoria kercem munxar sannat

xewkija

nadur ghajnsielem mgarr

qala

comino

cirkewwa

mellieha

xemxija st paul’s bay

mgarr Dragonara Casino, St. Julian’s, Malta Open 24 hours. For free transport kindly call: (+356) 2138 2362 www.dragonaracasino.com

gnejna

mdina

dingli

to the little

e Islands

St. George's Bay, St. Julian’s Open 24/7 +356 2371 0555 www.casinomalta.com.mt

st paul’s island

qawra

bugibba

naxxar

mosta

st julians sliema gzira attard

san gwann

Valletta

msida

birkirkara floriana

the three cities

qormi rabat

tarxien

marsa

marsascala zejtun

luqa

marsaxlokk

qrendi

zurrieq birzebbuga

filfla

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Discovering malta & gozo

Exploring the islands 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.

The Red tower, Mellieħa MALTA Fort St Agatha has taken on its more common alias due to its brightly coloured walls.

Built towards the middle of the 17th century, the bastioned watchtower formed the sixth addition to the Lascaris towers.

Sliema Promenade MALTA Ġgantija Temples GOZO Did you know that the Ġgantija Temples are older than the pyramids of Egypt?

Explore the Neolithic temple complex found in the village of Xagħra [Sha-rah] in Gozo. The Ġgantija Temples are the earliest example of megalithic temples in Malta.

Chill at one of the many cafés, or take a leisurely stroll along this broad seafront promenade that links the bustling shopping centre of Sliema, to the cosmopolitan nightlife of St Julian's.

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Discovering malta & gozo

The Three Cities MAlta Birgu, Bormla and Isla are collectively known as the Three Cities. These cities had their names changed by the Knights of Malta and are, today, known as Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea respectively.

Despite their picturesque winding streets, and impressive harbour views, the Three Cities are surprisingly off the tourist radar and offer visitors an authentic opportunity to soak up local life.

The Azure Window, Dwejra GOZO This enormous natural limestone arch is found by the shores of the quaint village of Dwejra [Dewy-rah] in Gozo.

Known also for its charming Inland Sea, Dwejra bay is home to one of the most spectacular scuba diving spots in Gozo. We recommend visiting at sunset.

LOWER Barrakka Gardens, valletta MALTA 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. This baroque city is speckled with neo-classical and modern architecture and has been declared Europe’s Capital of Culture 2018.

Created in 1775, this public garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Valletta and was originally created as a recreational area for the Knights of St John. The garden includes several statues and breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.

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Discovering malta & gozo

Paceville, St Julian's malta The St Julian's nightlife district is heavily populated with nightclubs, bars, pubs and restaurants. It is considered one of Malta’s largest party areas and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

mdina malta Formerly known as Città Notabile, this beautiful medieval walled town served as the island’s capital until 1530. This majorly pedestrian city displays an interesting mix of Baroque and Norman architecture, including several palaces that, today, serve as private homes.

mosta dome malta Dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, the colloquiallyknown 'Rotunda' is a Roman Catholic church in the centre of Mosta. It is currently the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world, and the third largest in Europe.

Ċittadella GOZO Also known as the Citadel, this small, fortified, recently restored city is found at the heart of Victoria in Gozo. All its fortifications, including the medieval epicentre, are intact. A number of historic buildings are located within its walls making it a definite must-see in Gozo.

Discovering malta & gozo

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blue lagoon and santa maria bay comino Take a short boat ride to Malta’s tiniest island, Comino, and enjoy the glittering aquamarine waters of the aptly-called Blue Lagoon, or the secluded Santa Maria bay. Popular with snorkellers and divers, this tiny paradise welcomes a large number of visitors each year.

Blue Grotto, Qrendi Malta Located along the south coast of the island, the Blue Grotto comprises a number of sea caverns that are known for the mesmerising natural display of sunlight and reflections in the water. Daily boat visits to the caves are available throughout the year, weather permitting.

Marsaxlokk Fish Market malta The popular Sunday market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk [Mar-Sa-Shlock] is a main attraction for both tourists and locals interested in buying fresh fish and seafood caught earlier on that same morning. A number of seafood restaurants are also found here.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF CORPORATE EVENTS

Tipico is known to be a pioneer within the online gaming industry and is now well renowned for investing in employees throughout the year. The company invests in training and development, benefits, good salaries and more. However, the company invests also on corporate events to align the team behind Tipico & Partners with one mission and vision, together with fun and corporate social responsibility events in December.

Tipico invests time and money to produce an annual Tipico and Partners Conference, where colleagues from foreign offices are also invited to Malta.

The objectives behind the conference are quite a few. Sharpening the saw (your skills) is always of utmost importance, coming out with new ideas and approaches, creating effectiveness and efficiency at work. Uniting the team from foreign offices is a sought after approach for this event. Furthermore, new tips and tactics are given to employees, strengthening decision making situations at work.

The conference is also there to show the progression achieved over the previous year and to present the plans for the upcoming year, which continues to show consistency levels for improved progression.

Tipico and Partners left the conference with a fruitful day and was followed by the Christmas Party in a brand new venue having Mdina, the old capital city, as a background setting. The venue was carefully decorated to detail inside and out, creating a sense of belonging to Tipico for everyone. With a twist approach compared to the day event, everyone is engaged in a fun way through entertainment, projections, band, DJs, a Volkswagen Beetle as a photo booth in the middle of the dancefloor and much more. This was complemented with mouth-watering food stations, sweets sections and fine beverages all night.

Hot Jobs 59

Team Leader Customer Service German Speaking

Department: Customer Operations

The marathon didn’t stop there; it was then time to give away some of everyone’s time to community work and collect funds through corporate social responsibility events. Over 10 CSR events were chosen, varying from sports related activities, maintnenance works in various places, tree planting, helping elderly people for the day among others.

Location: St. Julians, Malta

Data Scientist Department: Business Intelligence Location: St. Julians, Malta

The trip for the employees from foreign offices and the series of activities for all ended with two activities; Poker tournament and Tipico Song Contest. Following a delicious dinner in a 5 star venue, everyone was led to their respective chosen activitiy. Poker tournament, having over 200 players, lasted overnight with attractive prizes for those who lasted, while the Tipico Song Contest brought out the natural talent of a few who tend to keep their voices closed in silence the rest of the year!

Events are highly important for Tipico as they are a key factor in improving employee moral, a critical piece of the marketing strategy, reaffirm values and transform employees into agents of its brand. The team strives to continue improving on such events, making them more engaging, worth while, relevant to the company and employees, together with leaving a nice brightful memory chipped to everyone’s mind.

Tipico would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

CRM Manager Germany Department: Retention Marketing Location: St. Julians, Malta

Odds Compiler Department: Bookmaking Location: St. Julians, Malta

Head of Gaming German Speaking

Department: Casino Location: St. Julians, Malta

Customer Service Agent German Speaking

Department: Customer Operations Location: St. Julians, Malta

Find out more about working for Tipico at

www.tipico-careers.com

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artisanal

A Tile of Gifts M

alta has been a meeting point for countless cultures over the millennia and the people who made these islands their home brought their unique crafts with them. We talk to three Maltese artists who are building modern works of art on the back of artisanal traditions.

Andrew Montague Vella Inspiration: Armour and Chainmail Andrew came to jewellery via a surprising route – a course that he failed to get onto. He explains, “I saw a course on making plate armour and was intrigued. Unfortunately, applications had closed so I started looking into how to make chainmail; it turned out to be highly addictive.”

Chainmail has a long and disputed history. Andrew thinks it was created by the Celts around the 4th Century BC and says, “The oldest example was found in Romania. A lot of the cultures that conquered Malta made use of chainmail; it is an integral part of our history.”

For people wanting to see the real deal in Malta, he says, “There are a couple of amazing examples in the Palace Armoury in Valletta.” And he points out that the use of this technology

WORDS BY Helen Raine

has not been relegated to the past; “Chainmail is used today in butchers’ cut resistant gloves.”

Andrew was working on different traditional designs and patterns for his first suit of chainmail when he stumbled across chainmail jewellery. He says, “It blew my mind – to this day, the suit I was making isn’t finished because I redirected all my energies into jewellery.”

In some of his work, he remains true to the patterns that would have been seen in the armour. “The ‘4-in-1 European Mail’ was used to make mail shirts like the Roman Lorica Hamata. It translates beautifully into jewellery,” he explains.

He draws most on Maltese history however with his ‘de Valette Sword’ jewellery. “I was approached by the Malta Fencing Association to create a Sword Lapel Pin like that used by Grand Master de Valette during the Great Siege of 1565,” he says.

Getting the sword right took a lot of research and unearthed a few legends. “Tradition has it that the Grand Master, upon victory over the Ottoman Turks, placed his personal side-sword and hat in the chapel of Our Lady of Damascus as an offering.

While documentary evidence is limited, both artefacts, currently displayed at St Joseph in Birgu, date back to the right period.”

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The work is technically demanding, with pieces taking anything from two hours to several days. Andrew says, “One of my proudest accomplishments uses 0.6mm wire cut into 2mm rings and woven in a tight Byzantine Pattern to create ‘Passion’ – a long, delicate necklace with a twin drop; it takes just over 10 hours to create.”

You can find his work at www.avmjewellery.com and various craft fairs in Malta.

Stephanie Borg Inspiration: Maltese Tiles Stephanie has produced a series of art works celebrating one of Malta’s most lovely traditions – the Maltese floor tile. She explains, “the first house I lived in had Maltese tiles. I was only five, yet I still have a clear recollection of them. I have always been fascinated by pattern and colour; I’m drawn to ‘mismatched’ colour combinations.”

The tiles have been used locally for around 300 years and the techniques for making them probably date back to the Ottoman Empire. Stephanie’s childhood passion was rekindled in 2008 when she returned to Malta after 10 years abroad. She says, “I started taking photos of every patterned tile I saw. The patterns usually have a floral or a geometric design; some combine the two. Traditionally, there was a white cement tile around the edges of the room, then a border tile which would complement the main pattern.”

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The traditional colours are ochre, dark brown, maroon, green, grey and a dusky pink. Blue isn’t often seen because the lapis lazuli pigment is very expensive. Stephanie has also discovered that certain colours are more popular in some areas because, “people in that location all got their tiles from their local supplier when transport wasn’t so accessible.”

The tile patterns also had unusual names such as 'Il-bettiegħa' (the melon), 'Għajn il-baqra' (the cow's eye)and 'Sieq it-tiġieġa' (the hen's leg).

Stephanie started to make ink drawings of the patterned tiles.

“My technique is time-consuming,” she says. “It involves layers of washes applied with a brush until I get the desired hue and opacity. My inks are very vibrant.” Each piece can take 40 to 50 hours, although when she designs the tile patterns on the computer, it’s quicker.

The idea to turn them into mugs came upon her unexpectedly. “I was lying on the sofa with a fever one day with a hot cuppa and my sketch book. I remember looking down at my floor and it clicked.”

She feels that using the old designs allows others to appreciate the patterns and conserve this ‘dying craft’.

To give her work a modern twist she initially broke away from traditional colours. “I gave the patterns my own colour combinations with a contemporary palette.” Lately, however,

artisanal

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artisanal

she’s noticed a nostalgia in her clients and has started customising her products, for example matching the tiles to someone’s childhood home. The range has expanded from mugs to espresso cups, blank cards and coasters.

Find Stephanie’s work at www.stephanieborg.com or at her studio, 33 St Catherine’s Street, Rabat.

Gaetano Saliba Inspiration: Filigree Silversmithing is in Gaetano’s blood – his father and grandfather were both jewellers – but he came to filigree at the age of 14 when an elderly silversmith showed him the technique. Filigree is a technique that uses fine, twisted threads or beads of silver (sometimes gold) to produce a lacey effect.

Gaetano says that filigree dates back to medieval times but it was the Knights of St John that brought it to Malta from the Holy Land. “In the beginning, they decorated churches with larger pieces like candleholders. Later, it flourished as jewellery.”

By the 1900s, filigree was highly sought after by foreigners passing through Malta.

Today there are very few Maltese craftsmen producing the jewellery by hand. Gaetano still uses the same ancient methods.

“I work only with tweezers while shaping the wires to create a piece. I don’t use castings.”

He produces historic designs such as butterflies, the Maltese Cross or leaf and flower motifs. But Gaetano also loves to create something new. He says, “we get ideas from clients. From time to time we combine filigree with different mediums like beads, stones or solid silver. I’m also inspired by nature and fashion.”

A new design can take many hours and he says, “We take it leisurely.” But once copying that initial design, he tries to reduce production time to keep the cost down. Gaetano has his own Hallmark (SGJ925), his work comes with a maker’s certificate and items are electroplated with pure silver. His specialties are very tiny earring studs.

He says that he is most proud of a miniature 15cm high galleon that he designed, which he describes as ‘3D, very intricate’. He also made part of the crown for Helen in the Helen of Troy movie.

You can find him at work in his Marsaskala workshop or at www.salibafiligree.com

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WE (heart) MALTA

Small is Beautiful WORDS BY Matthew Galea

S

aying ‘small is beautiful’ does not exclude that big may be beautiful too. Nevertheless, neither does it imply that only what is small is beautiful and nothing but that.

So, turning to Malta, while it is true to say that Malta consists of only about 390 meters and Gozo, our sister island, of only 65 square kilometers, does not really say much as to whether Malta deserves to be classified as a beautiful or not. However, if only one were to judge, at least initially, by its typically temperate climate offering warm, dry summers and mild winters, would not this lend itself as the ideal place for an unforgettable holiday? Furthermore, Gozo, though small, is greener than Malta, more spectacular, mostly unspoiled, featuring flat-topped hills and intensely-cultivated fields and would be the best choice for a weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of a hectic and stressful life.

Why Malta? Malta comes across as an island with a long tradition of social interaction. Besides that, the island is rich in the elements of folk life. The history, the architecture, the palaces, the auberges and the arts speak volumes of Malta’s greatness in her smallness.

Though practically undetectable on a map of the world, Malta has always played its role exceptionally well and left its indelible mark in international fora, and it’s safe to say that it has come to be relevant despite its size as a State. Over the years Malta has risen to the occasion and even acted as a catalyst, as for example with the far-reaching initiative of ambassador Arvid Pardo of Maltese descent with his now fully-recognised and acclaimed concept of ‘The Common Heritage of Mankind’ in the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. Such an initiative not only uplifted the

WE (heart) MALTA

The history, the architecture, the palaces, the auberges and the arts speak volumes of Malta’s greatness in her smallness

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reputation of our ‘small’ island but set in motion a fairer and more equitable use of our seas and oceans. There again, small as we in fact are, Malta this January will be taking over the Presidency of one of the Institutions of the European Union at a time when the Brexit issue will feature prominently and when Malta, as President, will have to take lead. I have no doubt that Malta will come out strong with flying colours in performing its prestigious role. Then again, whether one chooses to agree or not, way back in the 1970s, Malta brought to a halt an international conference in Helsinki on security and co-operation in the Mediterranean, and triggered the need to discuss the Euro-Med concept soon after to be adopted as a generally-accepted concept for best security and full cooperation in the Mediterranean. Again how can we not mention the success of a conference with its unparalleled logistics related to organisation, of the commonwealth meeting with so many high dignitaries coming to Malta? We then stole the spotlight of the international media and reaped the success of what we had worked for. Yes, despite our size, Malta can be relevant in the international fora.

Now, come 2018, Valletta, the capital city of Malta built by Jean de la Valette, French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem after an epic siege in 1565, will have a role to play as the Capital City of Europe. One need not dwell much on the prestige and glory Valletta has sought to further acquire in recent years, particularly with projects such as the new parliament building and the finesse and decorum

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with which the Valletta streets and its dĂŠcor were upgraded.

All this to complement the state-of-the-art national Museum of Archaeology, housed in the Auberge de Provence, the outstanding National Museum of Fine Arts located in an 18th century place, St John’s Co Cathedral so rich in art, style and magnificence, the Palace of the Grand Master, and so many other places where one can relish in paintings, sculptures, furniture and exhibits of repute.

A visitor to our island will readily relies that, in as small as Malta is there are lovely churches all over the place, some dedicated to Jesus Christ, Our Lady and a host of angles and saints. Firework displays (logħob tan-nar) are very widely sought after and enjoyed. Especially in the summer months you practically have one or two, at times even more, feasts per weekend and this to the visitor is in itself a taste of our poplar religiosity if not that of authentic Christian belief.

Malta was a British colony up till 1964. During this time, many Maltese worked for the British services. Our economy was highly dependent and very much related to a British base

WE (heart) MALTA

A visitor to our island will readily relies that, in as small as Malta is there are lovely churches all over the place, some dedicated to Jesus Christ, Our Lady and a host of angles and saints

WE (heart) MALTA

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in Malta, with the majority of our tourists coming from the United Kingdom. In 1964 Malta gained political independence from Britain but still retained the British forces until Malta would came into its own. In 1974 Malta then became a republic and we no longer recognise the Queen of England as our Head of State, but still remain a state member of the Commonwealth. By 1974 Malta had its first Maltese President of the Republic and a new constitution was modelled to suit better this political milestone. It was not merely a changing of the guards. Malta, though a newly-formed small republican state now had to forge its way forward.

In 1979, complete independence, even economic now, and not merely the useful 1964 political independence, was then achieved. Though Malta, like any other country is not selfsufficient for as John Donne puts it: “No man is an island�, the narrative of small Malta’s success is in the making. Our future beckons. Tourists enjoy coming over. No wonder!

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INSERT TEXT HERE

Locavores Loose in Malta WORDS BY Helen Raine

M

alta was doing ‘Farm to Table’ well before it became an international trend. To keep costs down and get the freshest food, people traditionally shop with their local vegetable wagon, buy fish from the ‘man in a van’ or get honey from a neighbour with a hive. We take a look at how you can get in on the locavore action.

Vegetables Where and when to buy: Most residential areas have a vegetable wagon within walking distance, selling mainly local produce. The prices are generally lower than the supermarkets and you can always try haggling a little if you’re buying a lot.

Malta has several growing seasons, so a lot of fruit and vegetables can be found all year round. In summer, figs, prickly pears and peaches are ubiquitous, while watermelons are usually seen May to October and strawberries November to July.

What to Make: Soppa tal-armla (vegetable soup with cheeselets and eggs), Patata l-forn (baked, sliced potatoes) Cheaters’ Tip: If you don’t want to cook yourself, several restaurants serve fresh Maltese food, sourced from their own farm or local suppliers.

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LOCAL PRODUCE

Fish

Rabbit

Where and when to buy: You’ll find several fishmongers at the bi-weekly Ta’ Qali market (Tue & Sat 7am-5pm). The local catch often includes swordfish, lampuki (mahi mahi) and sea bream. Marsaxlokk also has a famous Sunday morning fish market, where you can see the breadth of the Maltese catch; there’s everything from sargu (white bream) to trill (red mullet). Many residential areas are also visited by the ‘fishman in the van’, who drives slowly through the streets, yelling out his wares; he’ll gut and scale the fish for you if you ask him.

Where and when to buy: Stewed rabbit is often claimed as the ‘Maltese National Dish’. You can find fresh rabbit for sale at most good local butchers all year round.

What to Make: Torta tal-lampuki (mahi mahi pie), Aljotta (fish soup).

Cheaters’ Tip: If fish preparation isn’t your thing, many seaside eateries are a good place to find Maltese fish dishes; try their lampuki (pan seared mahi mahi) or pixxispad (braised swordfish).

Locally produced rabbits are processed in just two abattoirs and should have a numerical registration tag. Lately, there’s been a glut of cheaper, imported rabbit but connoisseurs will tell you there’s a difference; the local rabbit is said to be more ‘gamey’ and ‘wild’ tasting. Ask the butcher where the rabbit came from for an authentic experience.

What to Make: Stuffat tal-fenek (Rabbit Stew) or Fenek moqli (fried rabbit).

Cheaters’ Tip: Several rustic bars in Mġarr cook up a mean ‘fenkata’ (‘rabbit night’).

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Snails Where and when to buy: The edible snails (bebbux) in Malta have a brown shell with lighter brown stripes and they are mainly picked after the rains arrive in autumn – in the countryside, you’ll find lots of people bent double over rubble walls, looking for them. They need to be cleaned and then ‘fasted’ before eating.

Most vegetable wagons will have snails for sale, hanging in nets, or you’ll find them loose at the greengrocers, ready to be weighed.

What to Make: The traditional Maltese recipe calls for garlic, tomato, parsley and sometimes wine.

Cheaters’ Tip: Most ‘fenkata’ restaurants will offer snails as an appetizer.

Honey Where and when to buy: Malta has a long history of honey making. The very name of the island is linked to the Greek

LOCAL PRODUCE

word for honey (‘Meli’) and apiaries like the ones on the open-air Xemxija Heritage Trail date back to Roman times.

Buyers need to beware though – there’s a lot of imported honey for sale with Maltese-sounding names. Check that the label says ‘Made in Malta’ – the genuine ones are also likely to have the name and address of the beekeeper printed on them, as well as the flowers used in the process.

Bees that feed on the wild thyme in May and June make a particularly delicious honey, but every season offers a different nectar; in October carob trees are in flower; in April it’s orange blossom and, in July, Eucalyptus trees provide the nectar of choice.

What to Make: Honey features heavily in Maltese cookery – try options like ‘peaches stuffed with ricotta and honey’.

Cheaters’ Tip: Qagħaq ta’ l-għasel (honey rings) are traditional pastries made using honey (and sometimes treacle). You can bake them yourself, but they take time and patience. So, for instant gratification, seek them out in a local bakery, especially during carnival or Christmas time.

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LOCAL PRODUCE

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LET's GO

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Visiting Malta a handy three day guide

B

eing small in size also means that distances are relatively short, and getting from one place to another is also very simple. If you’ve been here before and have already visited the mandatory prehistoric temples and medieval cities we’ve got good news for you. Here are some ‘off the grid’ activities you definitely want to pencil in during your long weekend in Malta.

Friday Morning activity You could visit five museums and two or three attractions. Heritage Malta has set up a walk route to reap the benefits of “Valletta ticket”. This walk route includes Malta 5D, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Archeology, the Grand Master’s Palace Armory, the Palace State Rooms, Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum amongst others.

The Co-Cathedral of St John may also be visited, time permitting.

The National Museum of Fine Arts takes us back to the late medieval period all the way to the contemporary: a multi-faceted overview of art and artistic expression in Malta.

The National Museum of Archaeology includes a spectacular range of artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze age and Phoenicians and Punic periods.

The Palace Armoury, showcases the past glories of the Sovereign Hospitallier Military Order of Malta, exhibiting a refined collection of arms and amour amongst others.

The Palace State Rooms represent the seat of the office of the President of the Republic of Malta, was the official

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such as beef olives, stuffed marrows, roast chicken in gravy, fish with capers in tomato sauce amongst others. Round off the evening with a scoop of Maltese ice cream and date fritter with a local honey drizzle and you’re onto a winner.

Saturday 02

residence of the Grand Masters of the Order and of successive British Governors.

Fort St Elmo, best known for its role in the Great Siege of 1565 and World War 2 is worth visiting.

National War Museum has been recently refurbished to the highest standards, and includes exhibits ranging from the Bronze Age up to recent times. I like to think of it as a discovery into Malta’s military past.

Finally, Malta 5D is a new generation theatre where you really feel the “real” emotions of the movie that include an exploration of the colourful and

impressive episodes of Maltese history and culture. This is magnified with 3D film, moving seats, water spray, air blasts and more of the kind.

Evening activity Delight all your senses with a trio of food, wine and song. Enjoy a fabulous buffet dinner – a selection of some of Maltese’s best delicacies, while enjoying live entertainment under the night stars. Keep an eye out on the menu for local antipasti such as ħobż biżżejt, Maltese sausage, goat’s cheese from Gozo, sundried tomatoes, bigilla, stuffed olives, and baked macaroni.

Seconds include a selection of dishes

Morning activity A cruise around Comino. One may visit the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon, the Mġarr Harbour, as well as the inside of several natural caves by booking a place on one of the several cruise ships offering these sorts of tours. Snacks, lunch and drinks are also commonly available on these sorts of cruises depending on the length of the tour chosen. Feel free to ask about any of these when booking your tour.

Afternoon activity A visit to the impressive Malta Classic Car Museum. This museum has over 100 classic car and motorbikes on permanent display, all in pristine condition. One will be impressed by a large collection

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LET's GO

of model cars and motoring accessories.

The museum also boasts of a “state of the art” cinema that shows films relating to cars and the automobile industry.

Later in the evening, pick a local restaurant and feast on an enjoyable rabbit meal. Rabbit cooked in garlic to perfection with portions of hot vegetables and marinated potatoes is Malta’s national dish.

Sunday Moring activity Unravel 7,00 years of Malta’s history set in stone at The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens, considered to be amongst the best tourist attractions.

Embark on a journey of discovery where

history and nature blend together.

Enjoy the audio-visual presentation followed by an audio-guided tour of the premises. Expect to witness professional craftsman cave masterpieces in stone firsthand. Later, you may also relax in the sprawling landscaped citrus gardens where peacocks roam freely. Childern are also encouraged to feed and pet the resident friendly donkeys and goats.

Once that’s been crossed off the list, make your way to the café and relax over a delicious lunch consisting of some of Mata’s best traditional food served fresh.

If you’d like to step things up a notch, group olive tasting and limoncello making tours may also be organised.

Afternoon activity A visit to Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village.

Popeye Village was built as the film set up of the 1980 Musical Production “Popeye” and was produced by Paramount Pictures and Water Disney Productions. It is found in Anchor Bay in Mellieha. The village consists of nineteen wooden buildings that historically featured in the 1980 musical production starring Robin Williams as Popeye the Sailor Man and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl. Today, the film set has been converted into a tourist attraction and is open as an openair museum and a family entertainment complex all the year round.

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01. Museum of Fine Arts 02. Vintage car collection 03. Limestone Heritage/Mario Galea 04. Popeye Village

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It's a New YEAR

New Year’s Resolutions For The Maltese WORDS BY Lovin Malta

I

t’s that time of year again where everyone gets all introspective and re-evaluates their year, hoping to have learned from their mistakes to avoid repeating them in 2017. Here in Malta, we have a specific set of resolutions with the intention of making the world a better place. 316 km2 of it anyway.

1. Thou shalt learn to control your emotions... ...Do some yoga or something.

The Maltese are extremely passionate and emotion-driven people. It takes us one whole second to go from ‘Ah, beautiful day for a drive’ to reaching unprecedented levels of road rage including unlimited swearing and horn-thumping. Biting our tongue isn’t

an option, so perhaps some meditating while listening to the beautiful sound of dolphins on Youtube might help. Which leads to the next resolution:

2. Thou shalt drive not like a Neanderthal Non-neanderthal driving includes indicating where appropriate, not speeding up when approaching a puddle of rainwater in order to wet pedestrians, no screeching tyres and blasting music – especially when most people are trying to sleep

3. Thou shalt frequent places other than Paceville at the weekend The word Paceville is synonymous with local party animals and tourists alike.

However, there are plenty of hidden gems

away from St Julian’s where you need not be a 16-year-old trying to grow facial hair drinking yourself silly to have a good time.

Take your pick from the many cute little bars in Valletta’s Strait Street, Birgu, pubs in Buġibba or a more authentic, local każin (band club) – spread around the island and where, typically, free appetizers are served.

4. Thou shalt limit your pastizzi (traditional ricotta cheesecake) intake to one a week.

The struggle is real.

5. Thou shalt park not your car in the middle of the road to buy said pastizzi …leaving other drivers seething with anger in the process.

Lovin Malta is an online publication celebrating the island of Malta – its people, events, culture and news. It is the go-to source for a taste of real life in Malta. Visit: lovinmalta.com

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It's a New YEAR

6. Thou shalt invade not people’s personal bubbles... ...Because nobody wants to smell that pastizz you’ve just eaten for lunch.

Maltese people have a habit of getting really close when speaking to others, which foreigners or socially-awkward people may find uncomfortable. They also tend to open up pretty quickly, striking up conversations with whoever happens to be sitting next to them on the bus about anything ranging from the weather to bowel movements.

7. Thou shalt not take our next Eurovision loss personally Yes, it’s not fair nobody votes for us because Malta has no neighbours. No, we should not boycott the importation of biscuits from all European countries because they didn’t give Malta any points.

So there you have it. May the odds be ever in your favour!

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HISTORY

Snuff Boxes: From Accessories to Objets d’Art

WORDS BY Francesca Balzan

W

hat is snuff?

Ask anyone on the street nowadays and you get a mixture of blank stares/knowing looks/crooked smiles. Why? There is a popularly held belief that snuff is a drug and therefore illegal and naughty. Wrong. Put quite simply, snuff is nothing but powdered tobacco mixed with innocuous spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

Snuff-taking is a practice that emerged in Europe more or less on the arrival of tobacco. Tobacco smoking was discovered in the Americas by Columbus in 1492. The leaves and, eventually, the plants were brought to Europe and cultivated. Jean Nicot, French ambassador to the Portuguese court, famously brought tobacco leaves and instructions on how to use them to Catherine de’ Medici (1519-1589) and the European devotion, and sometimes aversion, to tobacco was underway.

Tobacco was initially a very costly commodity and the practice of taking

snuff emerged first in the courts of Europe and then, predictably, filtered down to the populace. Snuff-taking was eagerly taken up when the price of tobacco fell due to its availability as it was cultivated all over Europe, including in Malta. The practice of snuff-taking went out of fashion towards the beginning of the 20th century when the more convenient cigarette gained absolute supremacy over snuff.

Though snuff-taking was popular throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, among both men and women, there were those who opposed it and who noticed that it was harmful to the health. It was also terribly unsightly with critics of the habit saying that the noses of snuff-takers resembled a dust heap and snuff turned their face dirty. As the snuff-taker raised a pinch of snuff to his or her nose and inhaled it deeply it was inevitable that the dark powder would fall on the lips, chin and on the costume, necessitating large handkerchiefs to prevent or wipe up the mess. The inevitable sneeze – although a proper snuff-taker would suppress any sneezing – resulted in revolting stains.

Horrid practice though it may be, snufftaking had the great side effect of creating a need for boxes. These boxes needed to be small, portable and airtight… just big enough and close-fitting enough to hold a few hour’s supply of snuff. That is the practical aspect that underpins the design of most snuff boxes – a well-fitted hinge and a tight lid being the defining characteristics of snuff boxes. Because snuff was initially so expensive the boxes that held this precious powder were similarly costly. The snuff box became an essential part of the costume, an accessory, almost a piece of jewellery – and because of this it had to be beautiful.

Ornate snuff boxes were made all over Europe but the most celebrated were the French gold boxes made in the 18th century.

Bejewelled Dresden boxes and mosaicembellished Italian boxes were just some of the variety that emerged – all works of art in miniature as befitted their lofty owners. Enthusiastic snuff takers such as Frederick the Great of Prussia spurred the art of snuff box-making greatly. The boxes created for this great patron are legendary and considered the paragons of this art. As the centuries progressed and snuff-taking

HISTORY

became so widespread the boxes used by the populace naturally reflected the means at their disposal and a number of sparsely adorned boxes made of cheap material of easy availability, such as horn, attest to this. So popular was snuff-taking, that even the clergy and monks, from the popes downwards, were enthusiastically inhaling snuff.

Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, which manages the same museum, has crafted an exhibition dedicated to the snuff box. ‘Snuff Boxes From Accessories to Objets d’Art’ runs nutil 26 February 2017 at Palazzo Falson in Mdina. It is an opportunity to see a large number of snuff boxes which cover the gamut from costly fine examples to precious silver ones made by Maltese silversmiths, to more ordinary ones used widely, in this unusual exhibition. The exhibits have been drawn from various museum and ecclesiastic collections, and a large number of private collections, to present to the public a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the extent and

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richness in variety of the snuff boxes to be found in Maltese collections.

For comparison purposes, a number of other boxes, originally intended for other uses, have been included in the exhibition. Some beautiful gold bonbonnières to hold sweets, as well as other boxes that may have been used to hold face powder or patches or small pieces of jewellery can be seen, however, ultimately, we do not know and can never know what their owners used them for… perhaps they went through several uses throughout their lifetime. If only boxes could talk!

The exhibition ‘Snuff Boxes From Accessories to Objets d’Art’ is presently open at Palazzo Falson and runs until 26 February 2017.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-4.30pm. Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge. A catalogue and a full programme of activities accompanies the exhibition – for more details on forthcoming lectures, gallery talks and other related events happening throughout January please refer to the website www. palazzofalson.com and follow Palazzo Falson on Facebook and Instagram.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Restaurant GUIDE

MDINA de Mondion Restaurant The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: +356 2145 0560 E: info@xaracollection.com W: w ww.xarapalace.com.mt / www.demondion.com Set atop Mdina's centuries-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux and awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island from the terraces and charming features served in elegant surroundings. Consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cuisine, refinement and excellence, the de Mondion promises discreet yet impeccably-attentive service allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view. With exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalising dishes, the ‘award winning’ kitchen brigade have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele. Group lunches are available on request. They also welcome enquires for private functions and special celebrations. Booking recommended.

Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café & Bistro Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina, MDN 1131 T: +356 2010 0560; +356 2145 0560 E: info@xaracollection.com W: 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 Malteseislands, 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.

Trattoria AD 1530 Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150 T: +356 2145 0560 E: info@xaracollection.com W: www.xarapalace.com.mt 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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RESTAURANT GUIDE

MOSTA TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT – EST. 1964 Constitution Street, Mosta T: +356 2143 4444 F: +356 2141 8181 E: info@tamarija.com W: www.tamarija.com Awarded as the Best Maltese Food Restaurant for the 10th year in 2016, Ta’ Marija doesn’t just serve Maltese cuisine, they create dishes with what is locally traditional but then add their own signature flavours of sumptuousness. For an evening of culinary delights sprinkled with a lot of liveliness, head to their Folklore Dinner shows held every Friday evening, which start with strolling musicians playing mandolins and guitars, who belt out the sweetest of Maltese song with assured merriment in the making. 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. At some point, you or your special guest could be hand-picked to make their moves on the dancefloor so that you too, can make history of your own unforgettable night! And it is not quite over till it’s over... after the show Ta’ Marija’s dancefloor remains lit up so that you and your party can dance the night away to all-time favourite songs. Locals enjoy it every time too, so this night is aimed for their esteemed foreign guests as well as their ever-loyal local friends. Transport from and to your holiday accommodation can be arranged in their all inclusive package. Who says you can’t dine, dance and sparkle all in one place?

SLIEMA Ta’ Kolina 151, Tower Road, Sliema T: +356 2133 5106 M: +356 9942 4877 E: takolina@gmail.com Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been opened 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 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 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema T: +356 2133 7367 M: +356 9984 7713 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, to 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.

TemptAsian High Street, Sliema T: 22623604 E: temptasian@axhotelsmalta.com W: www.thepalacemalta.com TemptAsian is situated on the 9th floor of The Palace offering a new age of dining. Complemented with magnificent panoramic views of Sliema and Valletta’s Harbour, it delivers a fusion of Asian cuisines in relaxing settings.

The selection of food takes you to different places; being China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam and India. All dishes have been given an original twist and, with the restaurant’s very own distinctive touch, they have become signature dishes among the most discerning of diners. This hip restaurant offers the perfect atmosphere and the idyllic location for anyone seeking a special place to dine.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

ST Julian's WATERBISCUIT St. George’s Bay, St Julian's T: +356 2376 2225 E: info@waterbiscuit.com.mt Waterbiscuit, located in the heart of St. George’s Bay, is at the forefront of the Maltese culinary experience with delicious and innovative dishes for all to enjoy. Waterbiscuit, stylishly set on two floors, offers a gastronomic experience that will delight all with healthy, delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It is a truly contemporary location ideal for a business rendezvous, social gathering, casual dining or a night out.Breakfast promises to provide a wakeup call with a creative à la carte menu boasting six different types of Eggs Benedict, the signature dish of Waterbiscuit, ideal for those who wish to indulge in a truly unique breakfast experience. Waterbiscuit also allows patrons to lounge at the bar throughout the day and night with a variety of coffees, cocktails and wines that will tease the senses; the atmosphere is relaxed and offers a delightfully glamourous feel.

The Avenue The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian's T: +356 2135 1753 / 2137 8731 W: 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, freshlyprepared 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 20 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and décors: the arustic-styled 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.

Zest Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian's T: +356 2138 7600 E: info@zestflavours.com W: www.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, 48-hour 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?

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Ta' Xbiex The Galley Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex T: +356 2131 8801 E: 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, 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 on weekends so booking is recommended.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE ST JULIAN's Saddles Pub & Wine Bar Main Street, St Julian's W: www.saddlesmalta.com Situated in the heart of St Julian's, Saddles has been established for over 38 years. Considered a central meeting place, start your evening on a perfect note in a friendly atmosphere. A big screen is available for sports and you can enjoy an ice-cold pint of Guiness on the terrace. The first floor is a cosy wine bar popular for organised parties and you can have a tasty cocktail or a genuine glass of wine on the balcony with views. Open all day long. Wi-Fi available all day.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

EVENTS & NEWS FROM malta's national airline

Air Malta to operate double daily flights to Munich, Rome and Catania next summer

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ir Malta is planning to operate 150 weekly flights to 29 destinations next summer. With this schedule, running from the 26th March till 28 October 2017, the Maltese airline is planning to carry 1.2 million passengers while continue operating with a fleet of eight aircraft similar to this year.

The airline will continue code-sharing agreements with Air France, Alitalia, Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Meridiana, Swiss Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

These agreements expand Air Malta’s network to other markets worldwide.

Air Malta’s summer 2017 schedule sees the airline operate increased frequencies on Munich, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Rome, Catania, Lyon, Palermo, Prague and Moscow. The airline will operate with up to double daily flights in peak summer to Munich, Rome and Catania. Next summer Air Malta will decrease some frequencies for all or part of the season on London Gatwick, Berlin, Manchester and Geneva and dropping Athens and Frankfurt.

However the airline will still retain its code-share flights to Frankfurt where Lufthansa will be the operating carrier with two daily flights.

This summer schedule will maximise opportunities, increase efficiency and make flights more attractive, both for travellers from Malta as well as for the tourists visiting the islands next summer.

“We have focused on our core routes; increasing frequencies on them whilst decreasing or stopping operations to low performing ones. We have increased frequencies to the most convenient international airports enabling our guests to fly when they want with the least ground transportation costs possible. Our strategy to increase frequencies will translate into better

Visit www.airmalta.com for more info.

opportunities for short-break visitors, growth in tourism numbers to Malta, whilst operating with increasing aircraft utilisation”, said Joseph Galea Air Malta’s Acting Chief Executive.

“We are determined to continue maximising our limited resources to achieve better operational efficiency and reap the best opportunities from our route network. We pride to operate the best conveniently timed flight schedule and route network to and from Malta by operating to the best airports that offer connections far and beyond Air Malta’s network though our codeshare partners”, added Mr Galea.

Next summer Air Malta will also continue being the largest charter operator to/ from Malta and is planning an interesting program for Maltese and foreign operators. Discussions with charter operators are currently underway.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

The group of journalists from Palermo at Marsaxlokk's main square together with Stephen Gauci, Air Malta's Head Corporate Communications (2nd from left).

I Palermo The New Air Malta Market

n just four months since starting operations between Malta and Palermo Air Malta has transported over 8,500 guests.

“We are very satisfied with our new Palermo route. This new twice weekly operation is doing well and we on track to carry 20,000 passengers in our first year of operation. We have launched some fantastic fares on this route starting from less than Eur 45 one-way including taxes and charge. We are working hard to develop further this route like we did on Catania, Rome and Milan”, said Joseph Galea, Air Malta’s Chief Executive Officer.

To continue supporting the route Air Malta together with the Malta Tourism Authority hosted a group of Italian journalists from Palermo. The group was shown around Malta’s rich cultural and historical heritage and included visits to Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. They also had the opportunity to spend a day in Gozo

visiting Nadur, Dwejra and Ta’ Pinu Church amongst other interesting sites.

The services between Malta and Palermo are also continuing throughout winter.

They are being operated in addition to the 14 weekly flights to the island’s other important city of Catania. This strong presence in the Sicilian market reinforces Air Malta’s commitment to both markets.

Air Malta offers the best choice for travellers not only to Sicily but throughout Italy where the airline operate also with the most convenient timings to Rome and to Milan’s principal Linate airport that is conveniently located close to the city. These frequencies bring Air Malta’s operations to Italy to a total of 28 weekly flights this winter.

With over 2,700 years of history, the Sicilian capital has a lot to offer to the Maltese wishing to visit this beautiful city. Likewise the Maltese Islands have a lot to offer to Sicilians from a rich cultural heritage to entertainment opportunities.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more info.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

The award for best diving destination had a strong list of contenders battling it out for the top 3 places, Maldives came out on top followed by Egypt who came in at a close second.

Other achievements on the night included Alan Whitehead from Divewise Malta, who was crowned ‘Best PADI Instructor’ while Maltaqua was voted runner up for the ‘Best Dive Centre’ award.

Mr Nicolas Sancho – MTA Manager M.I.C.E UK & Ireland said “We are delighted to be recognised as a leading dive destination year after year by Sport Diver readers. We have a thriving diving community who care for the underwater world, achieving awards like these are a reflection of the valuable relationships between the diving community. It motivates us to continuously work together to ensure Malta, Gozo and Comino attract visitors from around the world”.

MALTA AWARDED ‘3RD BEST DIVING DESTINATION’ IN SPORT DIVER AWARDS 2016

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port Diver Magazine readers voted on their most prized diving destinations around the world and the Maltese Islands claimed ‘3rd best diving destination’ at this year’s Sport Diver Awards. This prestigious accolade places the Maltese Islands as the most popular diving destination in the Mediterranean as voted for by thousands of Sport Diver Readers.

The highly anticipated event took place recently at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. The Sport Diver Awards recognise the very best in the industry, from leading diving destinations to individual instructors to pioneering companies.

Mr Paul Bugeja, MTA CEO, commented that “the UK market is a very important one for the Maltese Islands and despite other countries gaining market share, it is still our number one source market.

For this reason, we continue promoting the Maltese Islands in the UK, and it is paying dividends. In fact, between January and August 2016, there was an increase of 6.2% in arrivals compared to the same period in 2015, which is equivalent to over 21,500 people”. Mr Bugeja continued by saying that the diving industry is an important niche market, and we are proud to have some of the best rated seas around. Mr Bugeja concluded by thanking all those involved in making these achievements possible, and congratulated Mr Whitehead and Maltaqua for their accomplishments.

Air Malta to Appoint New Chief Commercial Officer

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ir Malta is seeking to appoint a new Chief Commercial Officer to continue on the path of innovative commercial developments launched by Ursula Silling, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer. She was engaged by the airline specifically to lead this transformation and through her direction, in the last 18 months, Air Malta has become a more dynamic, commercially driven and customerfocused airline.

Ms Silling will continue supporting the airline in the interim period and with future projects.

She joined Air Malta in February 2015 for a definite period until March 2016 but her contract was extended to ensure the realisation of a number of key projects.

“Ursula has brought radical change in the thinking and the running of the Commercial Division. Through her resourcefulness she has spearheaded the digital transformation of the airline with projects like the re-design of the website with its mobile friendly features, fronted the airline’s digital communication and promotional initiatives, and directed customer-focused investments in new technology within commercial. She has also been instrumental in reducing costs by fine-tuning Air Malta’s route network in conjunction with the airline’s fleet plan initiative,” said Joseph Galea, Air Malta’s Acting CEO. “Last year she has also driven a radical transformation of Air Malta’s product offering with the launch of the new product range

that gives customers a choice of three tiers in Economy and three tiers in Business class. This was a very important development and a significant milestone for Air Malta,” added Mr Galea.

Before joining Air Malta Ms Silling has worked with both low cost and network airlines, IT systems providers and tour operators in different countries and held senior executive management positions with Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin Express, Brussels Airlines, the TUI group and Aerosvit Ukrainian Airlines.

“I feel privileged to have worked and assisted the airline as Chief Commercial Officer in these challenging times and ever changing aviation environment. In these last few years we have accomplished so much by being innovative, resourceful and flexible whilst reducing our costs. With the launch of our “We Care More” campaign we have actively demonstrated our commitment to put the customer at the heart of everything we do. I am proud of the accomplishments of the whole team and look forward to continue working with them to achieve further milestones,” commented Ms Silling.

The process to recruit a new Chief Commercial Officer has started and Ms Silling is supporting the airline in the process.

In the interim period acting Chief Executive Officer Joseph Galea, who was the Deputy Chief Commercial Officer until his recent appointment, will be overseeing the running of the Commercial Division.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more info.

MTA Welcomes German Couple on their 86th Visit to the Maltese Islands

T

he Malta Tourism Authority is pleased to have recently welcomed Mr. Rudiger Heinz and Mrs. Vera Heinz to Malta for the 86th time in the past 34 years. This German couple has been visiting the island at least twice a year since they came here for the first time in 1984.

a farmer, who initially refused, but later presented them with a bag full of lemons free of charge. Mr Heinz went on to explain how from that moment on, the farmer’s family and the Heinz’s became close friends and are regularly invited to their homes.

The couple, who were accompanied to the MTA Head Office in Valletta by Mr Henri Diacono, Guest Relations Coordinator of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, met with the MTA CEO, Mr Paul Bugeja, and Mr Martin Morana, Events and Customer Care Manager at the MTA.

Mr and Mrs Heinz visit Malta in spring (May-June) normally spending 3 weeks and in autumn (September-October) for another3 weeks. However, they have visited the Maltese islands in every month of the year, but their favourite time is in autumn.

They went on to say that they have made many friends with Maltese people from all around the island, as well as Gozo.

During the meeting, Mr and Mrs Heinz shared many stories from their previous visits to the Maltese Islands. For instance, they recalled how on one occasion they tried to buy lemons from

The couple often bring along their family and friends when they visit the island, and besides that, they always speak highly of the Maltese Islands to their friends back home and

AIR MALTA NEWS

91

show them some of the 18,000 slides which Mr Heinz has shot himself, as he is an avid photographer, during his numerous visits to Malta. In fact, Mr Heinz is often referred to as ‘The Malta Man’ by their friends in Germany as he owns around 400 books dedicated to the Maltese Islands, while Mrs Heinz often prepares traditional Maltese food from recipe books she bought during her visits.

When asked what their favourite things about Malta were, the couple answered that the overall best experience they had was the general friendliness of the Maltese people. The couple said that over the years they have made many friends and so two weeks out of their three week stays is usually dedicated to meeting with their local friends and doing things together. Mr Heinz said that his favourite local delicacy is definitely Kinnie, and whenever he is here, he always buys a large quantity so as to take back home, for himself as well as to share with friends and family. They also praised the local public transport system which they use extensively.

Mr Bugeja thanked Mr and Mrs Heinz for being such loyal fans of the destination. He said “people like yourselves are the best advert for our country, as they truly appreciate what we have and are our ambassadors abroad.” Mr Bugeja continued by saying that “dedicated visitors like you keep us motivated in working towards achieving better results for Malta, and ensuring that we look after the different and varied legacies left to us by our ancestors for the enjoyment of future tourists and the local community.

Mr Bugeja thanked Mr Henri Diacono for taking this initiative, and presented Mr and Mrs Heinz with two Malta books to add to their collection and augured them all the best for their future travels.

(right to left): Mr Paul Bugeja, MTA CEO; Mr Rudiger Heinz; Mrs Vera Heinz; Mr Henri Diacono, Guest Relations Coordinator Radisson Blu Resort & Spa; Mr Martin Morana, MTA Manager Events and Customer Care

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INTERVIEW

il-bizzilla talks to ERIKA MONTEBELLO Pricing Coordinator

Photp by Kyle Mizzi

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

This marks my fourth year with Air Malta. I spent two years working as a passenger handling agent and two years in my current position.

Three words that describe your job?

Interesting, informative, flexible.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

I guess it is the attention to detail that is required when working with such a high profile airline. In reality, each and every day has its own surprises and I always welcome challenges and do my best to involve myself in different tasks which in turn make my days at work much more interesting.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes I do. My passion is reading and, in my free time, I always enjoy a good book. For me it’s a means of escaping the chaotic life we live in. Lately, I have also developed an interest in photography and I simply love roaming around our lovely island and capturing its beautiful scenery. Apart from that, I enjoy being physically active and go to the gym to keep myself fit. Last but not least, I am very fond of travelling and working with Air Malta definitely inspires me to practice this hobby much more often!

Which is your favourite destination and why?

I simply adore our capital city; rich in culture, history, yummy restaurants and breathtaking views such as the Grand Harbor

I admit that it is difficult for me to identify one favourite travel destination as I enjoyed all the places I have visited so far. However, I must say that Italy is one of my preferred countries and it has to be every girl’s dream destination too; great food, heavenly ice-cream, romantic cities and splendid coastal towns.

What are your favourite spots or tips for anyone visiting Malta?

Well, Malta has so much to offer and being a tiny Island with wonderful weather almost all year round makes it very easy for tourists to enjoy endless days exploring this gem at the heart of the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, my favourite spot in Malta is Valletta, the European City of Culture 2018. I simply adore our capital city; rich in culture, history, yummy restaurants and breath-taking views such as the Grand Harbour as seen from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. In a few words... It’s a delightful city that never fails to amaze me.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Young Flyer

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t only 5 weeks old Edward Knight took his first flight with Air Malta. Now at two years of age he is already a seasoned traveller having flown almost 50 international flights, over 40 of them with Air Malta.

Despite his busy schedule Edward took time to visit the cockpit and meet Captain Kevin Whitehead (left) and First Officer Glenn Fenech.

As you might expect, his father, Crispian, is also well travelled with over 820 flights or 2 million kilometres under his belt.

Air Malta’s Staff Christmas Party Air Malta staff and management attended the annual Christmas party organsied by Team Air Malta, the airline’s Sports and Social committee. This year the event was organized at the Fortina Hotel in Sliema. The party was open to all Air Malta staff members and paid for by those attending.

01

01. Robert Bonello, Joseph Borg Giuliano, Malcolm Cordina.

02. LeeAnn Vassallo, Isabella Micallef, Yanika Grixti, Norita Formosa 03. Janina Goeschl, Maria Gauci, LeeAnn Vassallo 04. Sharon Calleja, Jeanelle Aquilina, Alison Galea, Romina Grima, Kathleen Saliba, Tamara Fava, Marika Jones, Patrizia Delia.

03. Lisa and Jacqui Losco

02

03

04

05

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inflight information

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) is also not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

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

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inflight information

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 that you may not have known about: Join our business cl ass 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 Qty: 2 in fleet Number of seats: 141 Engines: 2 CFM56-5B6/P Maximum take-off weight: 73.5 metric tons

C arry 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.

Overall length: 33.84m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,815 km

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-air-malta/seatselection or more information.

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

Qty: 6 in fleet

Groups 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!

Number of seats: 168/180

Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

AIRBUS 320

Engines: 2 CFM56-5B4/P Maximum take-off weight: 77.0 metric tons Overall length: 37.57m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,055 km

W eb 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.

destination information

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • Oslo Stockholm

ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK REP. OF IRELAND

• Copenhagen

UNITED KINGDOM

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

• Manchester

BELARUS • Bremen

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

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

• Frankfurt

UKRAINE

CZECH REPUBLIC

• Munich

FRANCE

• Warsaw

POLAND

SLOVAKIA

• Vienna

• Zurich

HUNGARY

SWITZERLAND

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA

Milan •

• Otopani

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

SERBIA • Sofia

MONTENEGRO

ITALY SPAIN

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

AUSTRIA

F.Y.O.M.

• Rome • Olbia

BULGARIA • Istanbul

TURKEY

ALBANIA GREECE

Palermo • • Catania

TUNISIA

Larnaca •

CYPRUS

Malta

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

IRAN

Air Malta direct flights airport

• Abu Dhabi

OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

Weekly Flights

Amsterdam Berlin Brussels Catania Düsseldorf Frankfurt London Gatwick London Heathrow Manchester

4 3 8 14 2 4 7 14 2

airport

Weekly Flights

Milan Moscow Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Rome Vienna Zurich

5 1 8 2 5 4 7 4 5

Code-shared RouteS Etihad Airways

• BRISBANE

Abu Dhabi Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

via Brussels, Geneva, Heathrow, Manchester and Rome via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi

Lufthansa

australia

• Sydney

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

• Melbourne

Emirates Larnaca

Meridiana Olbia Naples

via Rome via Catania

Czech Airlines Prague

• Perth

brussels AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

australia

via Catania via Brussels

Swiss International Air Lines Zurich

Turkish AIRLINES Istanbul

Austrian Airlines Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna

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Electronic device information

Use of Portable Electronic Devices on board Tra nsmitting Portable Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

Non-T r a nsmit ting Porta ble Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

Laptops a nd notebooks

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, take-off 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.

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.

A re t here times w hen I ca nnot use m y electronic devices?

C a n I use hea dphones?

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 t he cabin crew w hen …

… a passenger notices that his/her device is overheating. In such a case, the Personal Electronic Device must be switched off immediately and a member of the crew informed.

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.

PH ASE

Boarding

Ha nd Held PEDs

(e.g. smart phones and tablets)

Larger PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HE A DPHONES

W i-fi, t ex t & phone ca ll functions

YES

YES

YES

YES

(when instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

Extended Ground Delay

During Safety Briefing Demonstration Take-Off Cruise Circa 10 minutes to landing (Cabin Crew PA)

Landing Taxi to Stand

Gozo

Island Fun, All Year Round

Gozo Aqueducts – Photo by Nick Bugeja