“Il-Bizzilla” - Air Malta’s In-Flight Magazine - June 2017

#54 JUNE 2017

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

the Rise of Coffee Culture in malta p.26 An enthusiast's look into our daily morning brew. talk of the town p.58 Take a look at Malta's Northern sphere for a vibrant summer feel.

WARRANTY INCLUDED ULTRA FAST REPAIR

90 OUTLETS IN ITALY, SPAIN & MALTA Sicily: Catania, Gela, Trapani, Rome: 40 Outlets in Rome, Milan, Valencia Spain, and Germany soon.

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TÀ XBIEX: 29, Abate Rigord Street, Tà Xbiex SLIEMA: 6, Bisazza Street, Sliema VALLETTA: Opening Soon!

Phone: +356 2741 5106 Phone: +356 2702 6258

OPENING HOURS: 9.30am - 7.00pm (Open All Day) Closed Saturday and Sundays

5

#54 JUNE 2017

Contents 10 . m a lta & g o z o i n n u m b e r s Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

26

14

14 . C & R : U P C LOSE AN D P ERSONAL Malta’s best fashion export, how they started and what drives them.

2 1 . E X ER C ISE AT SUNSET

Looking to break a sweat, do it at sunset. Here’s where to go.

24 . H IG H F LY ING D ENTISTR Y: Yo u n g a n d h e a lt hy w i t h diseased teeth!

44

Dr Jean Paul Demajo’s expert advice for the young and healthy with diseased teeth.

26 . T H E RISE O F C O F F EE C ULTURE IN MALTA

An enthusiast’s look into our daily morning brew.

3 1 . OUT & ABOUT

What’s been happening and who’s been seen where.

32 . W H AT ’ S H A P P ENING IN MALTA A collection of events to keep you occupied this month.

3 8 . YOUNG MALTESE ARTISTS

Hot local artists who are painting the town red.

4 4 . LET ’ S GO TO LYON

Here’s what to do in Lyon. A haven of culture and entertainment.

5 0 . MALTA C LASSI C

Cars. Do you know enough about some of the finer cars on our island?

5 4 . STRAN D E D ON C OMINO

Funny situation… what would you do if you were stranded on Comino?

5 8 . TAL K O F T H E TOWN

This month’s town of interest features St Paul’s Bay and its surroundings. Take a look at the traditional spots to visit and the historical background that shapes the summer cities.

66

6

62 . ISLAN D H IG H LIG H TS

Here’s what not to miss while visiting the Maltese Islands.

Palazzo Falson’s courtyard is an absolutely magical place.

6 6 . REGGAE LOV E

One love? Finding your roots in reggae.

9 5 . RESTAURANT & BAR GUI D E

74 . C ELEBRIT Y S K IN

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

Why do VIPs visit Malta? Rather, which celebs visit us?

10 0 . a i r m a lta n e w s

78 . T H E A DV ENTURES O F J UNE AN D PAULETTE

A round-up of this month’s news.

Our Fiction section takes you on an adventure to St Paul’s Islands.

8 0 . TOP MALTESE ALBUMS

82 . BU D GET V S LU X UR Y H OLI DAY S

Malta’s hot, hot band – live and in stereo.

110 . d e s t i n at i o n i n f o r m at i o n

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

Taking a closer look into the Start-Up Scene in Malta.

8 9. MANATA P U ARE IN T H E AREA

Il-Bizzilla talks to Alan Muscat, Captain.

All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

Whether you’re saving pennies or looking to blow your savings – Malta’s the place.

107. i n t e r v i e w

10 8 . F l i g h t a n d C o m pa n y i n f o r m at i o n

Turn up the volume. Malta rocks and here’s why.

8 5 . Ach i e v e m e n t UNLO C K E D

92 . H OW T H E Y DAN C E D IN T H E C OURT YAR D…

112 . ELEC TRONIC DE VICE INFORMATION All the information you need with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage onboard.

Malta’s Clubbing Destination www.gianpulavillage.com

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8

MEDINA ...taste Malta #54 JUNE 2017

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

the Rise of Coffee Culture in malta p.26 An enthusiast's look into our daily morning brew. talk of the town p.58 Take a look at Malta's Northern sphere for a vibrant summer feel.

ON THE Cover St Paul's Islands.

Meet the Team Editorial and DESIGN TBWA\ANG Executive Editor Kristina Cassar Dowling Sales and Business Development Renata Vella Contributors Air Malta Alessia Caruana Antoine Borg Micallef Ben Mifsud Joslin David Malllia Diane Brincat Fiona Mercieca Giselle Scicluna

Jean Paul Demajo Julian Sammut Mark Debono Palazzo Falson Paul Vassallo TCD Teodor Reljic Tia Reljic Valletta Waterfront Wayne Flask Photography Aarun Nevader Carlton Aguis Elisa von Brockdorff Joseph Zammit Laszlo Szilagyi Leinad Rodiger Nick Bugeja

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 Kristina on kristina@contentfactory.com.mt.

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

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

Although the authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct 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.

VISIT THE FULL RANGE OF MEDINA WINES AT: WWW.DELICATA.COM /DELICATA WINERY

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

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Prime location in the highly regarded Tigne Point complex ▪ Seafront Apartment with magnificent Valletta & sea views ▪ Exceptional amenities including The Point shopping mall, restaurants, cafe’s & exclusive swimming pool club ▪ Entrance hallway ▪ Large open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with sliding doors onto front terrace ▪ Spacious layout with a total property area of 263m2 ▪ Fully fitted kitchen/breakfast ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 3 bathrooms (2 en suite) ▪ Laundry room ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Rear terrace ▪ Optional underlying 2 car lock-up garage

A spectacular converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER in this traditional Maltese village ▪ Immaculately presented & restored ▪ Includes an abundance of architectural features Entrance hall ▪ Formal dining room with exposed wooden beams ▪ Spacious central courtyard ▪ Fully fitted kitchen/breakfast ▪ Sitting / dining area leading onto garden ▪ Swimming pool & surrounding terraces ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 3 bathrooms ▪ Study ▪ Sala Nobile with magnificent restored frescoes & high ceilings ▪ Maltese gallarjia ▪ Large roof terrace

FOR SALE | BALZAN | PALAZZO

FOR SALE | SLIEMA | SEAFRONT APARTMENT

A unique double-fronted PALAZZO in this highly sought after location ■ Beautifully converted with many exquisite original features ■ Palatial accommodation with large rooms throughout ■ Entrance hallway ■ Formal dining room ■ Sitting room ■ Living room ■ Fully fitted kitchen/ breakfast ■ 5 bedrooms ■ 3 bathrooms ■ Cloakroom ■ Laundry room ■ 200m2 mature garden ■ Underground shelter ■ Entry & exit drive with parking for 4 cars ■ 2 x 2 car lock-up garages

Prime location on Tower Road - SEAFRONT APARTMENT enjoying unobstructed sea views ■ Close to all amenites including the popular promenade with its restaurants & cafe’s ■ Entrance hall ■ Spacious open-plan sitting/dining room enjoying sea views with sliding doors leading to a balcony ■ Fully-fitted kitchen/breakfast ■ 3 bedrooms ■ 2 bathroom (master en suite) ■ Large back terrace ■ Utility Room ■ Underlying car space ■ Lift access ■ Size: Internal 122m2 - External 35m2 ■

Price: €2,350,000 - Ref: FA600568

Price: €2,350,000 - Ref: DV500019 - Sole Agents

Price: €950,000 - Ref: HC600159 - Sole Agents

Price: €835,000 - Ref: FA600557 - Sole Agents

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Exclusive to Perry ▪ Prime location - 12 brand new, fully-furnished SEAFRONT APARTMENTS with majestic views of Valletta, Sliema Creek & Manoel Island ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ High speed internet access ▪ Open-plan fitted kitchen/sitting/dining area leading onto front terrace ▪ Laundry room with washer & dryer ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Excellent local amenities in the area & close to Valletta ferry ▪ Air-conditioning throughout ▪ Apartments are offered with an underlying parking space

A unique palatial DETACHED VILLA built on a large plot of 5000m2 ▪ Private road access ▪ Magnificent mature garden with wonderful swimming pool area ▪ Entrance hall with grand staircase ▪ Large lounge area ▪ Formal sitting room ▪ Dining room ▪ Spacious study ▪ Exquisite fitted kitchen ▪ Playroom/gym ▪ Laundry room ▪ 7 bedrooms ▪ 6 bathrooms ▪ Independent guest/staff annex (130m2) ▪ Garage & parking for 10/12 cars ▪ Air-conditioning throughout

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10

FROM THE CEO...

F ROM T H E e d i to r . . .

Merħba, we welcome you on board this Air

I am confident that your stay on the

Summer’s here everyone, we’ve officially

Malta flight.

Islands will be full of lovely memories

hit the season for beaches and mojitos,

and this issue of Il-Bizzilla will provide

where the sun shines for hours after a

We are pleased that you chose Air Malta to

you with a fascinating walk, through

day’s work and all you can think of is the

travel to or from the Maltese islands.

our unique heritage, history, arts and

fastest route home to get that BBQ going.

cultural traditions.

Air Malta is the national airline of the

The Maltese Summer is a phenomenon

Maltese islands. For the last 43 years our

For more information about Air Malta and

that initially pumps happiness into your

small airline has connected Malta to the

our flight schedules please visit www.

veins, putting a skip in your step from

rest of the Mediterranean, Europe and

airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/

the take off and blissfully carries you on

beyond. We are very excited to announce

AirMalta. We also welcome you to join

throughout the day.

that this month, after an absence of years,

our newsletter mailing list to receive great

we will be returning to Tunisia with up to

promotional offers directly in your inbox.

three direct flights a week. I must say, this

A perfect Summer’s morning in Malta would have to be spent by the sea, on a

is a very interesting period for the airline

At Air Malta we are customer driven

deck chair with your toes in the sand, the

as we are not just offering another new

and are always keen to know how

smell of sun protection around you and

addition to our summer schedule but also

we can improve your Air Malta flight

the sound of the waves gently caressing

re-connecting Malta to North Africa. This

experience. Visit www.airmalta.com/

the sea bed. Needless to say, a perfect

announcement came shortly after we

wearelistening to answer a few short

Summer’s evening can also be spent by

started operating to Tel Aviv, another new

questions about your flight with us and

the sea, replacing swimwear for the iconic;

destination which will connect the islands

you can get 10% off your next Air Malta

tee, shorts and sandals while laughing the

to the Middle East.

flight. It really only takes 2 minutes!

night away with family and friends.

Locally, June offers a varied programme of

Air Malta is much more than just an airline

This month takes us to the start of festival

diverse events and activities. This month

- we are part of Malta. I do hope you have

season, the colossal music events of the

our capital Valletta will be transformed into

a great flight wherever you travel with the

year and the cultural continuation of

a city sized cinema during the Valletta Film

Airline of the Maltese Islands.

local talent. We’re taking you to the North

Festival. Furthermore, the annual Isle of

with this issue and introducing you to St

MTV Music festival and its accompanying

Once again, I thank you for choosing Air

Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Qawra, the typical

Music Week will dominate the local

Malta. As our welcomed guest we hope

tourist area, with a lot to offer.

commercial music scene this month.

to see you on-board another one of our

Visitors to the islands can also experience

flights soon.

Have a safe flight,

Joseph Galea

Kristina

the traditional celebrations of the Imnarja feast, which is one of the oldest feasts on the islands and somewhat different from the other traditional village festas.

Acting CEO Air Malta

RE/MAX

EXCLUSIVE DREAM HOMES Detached Villa in Mġarr

A beautiful residence set on 7 tumoli (approx 7868sqm) of land on the outskirts of Mgarr. This stunning 3 bedroom property is surrounded by beautiful mature gardens, walkways and stunning outdoor entertainment areas with a pool overlooking a most magnificent valley and distant sea view. The home is extremely spacious and bright.

Each room designed elegantly making it a truly luxurious residence offering its owners both indoor and outdoor luxury living.

Price: P.O.R.

MLS240011024-761

House of Character in Attard

Set in one of the most sought-after locations of this village, this House of Character enjoys a nicely sized mature garden, large pool, turf lawn, BBQ area and ample entertaining space. Accommodation comprises a welcoming hall overlooking a large central courtyard, fully fitted kitchen breakfast, a family TV room, a formal sitting room leading to a formal dining room, a loft which doubles up as a TV room, a large study, three guest

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toilets, ample storage rooms, four double bedrooms – main complete with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, two family bathrooms, a large laundry room leading to a drying terrace, interconnecting two car garage and two car ports.

Very well kept, highly finished and ready to move into, this lovely home is not to be missed!

www.remax-malta.com

Price: €1,750,000

MLS240011024-777

PASSENGERS CARRIED ONBOARD AIR MALTA FLIGHTS:

SINCE 1ST APRIL 1974

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BU S TA R T A

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320

MONUMENTS IN VALLET TA

885

6,000 TONNES OF POTATOES EXPORTED ANNUALLY

TIMES TO THE MOON AND BACK

349,386

THE MALTESE DRIVE ON THE LEFT

THE NUMBER OF LICENSED VEHICLES IN MALTA

28km long/14.5km wide

N OF

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LT

FL

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DECL ARED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

S

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50,754,711

MALTA · Portomaso Development / St. Julians Portomaso Laguna Apartments is a foreseen project located in St Julians built as a low-lying residential development of 44 two and three bedrooms apartments covering a total surface area of 7.560m2 BEDROOMS : 4 | LIVING AREA : From 130 to 240sqm | PRICE : 1.085.000 to 3.000.000 €

LUXURY

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THE GREATEST TRANSACTIONS ALWAYS BEAR THE SAME SIGNATURE

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THIS SUMMER

01.

Choose GOZO

F

ireworks, band marches, beautifully decorated village churches and patron saints in spiritual guard. Add local food and a vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the sight and sound of a Gozo festa.

Practically, every week during summer a village festa is dedicated to a patron saint in a locality around Gozo, showing that this island is passionate about religious celebrations and traditions.

Summer is also the ideal time to enjoy Gozo’s many beaches and the leisurely way of life that this season brings with it. Enjoy a sip of local wine in the traditional pubs in village squares, places where you can meet the locals and soak in the laid back way of life.

Taking a boat ride around Gozo’s coastline can provide another alternative to simply staying on the beach, whilst

02.

01. Ramla Bay/Nick Bugeja 02. Kayaking in Gozo/Joseph Zammit

enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Diving is a mainstay during this period and many choose to enjoy the internationally renowned diving sites and scuttled wrecks along Gozo’s coast line. Various diving schools in Gozo provide expert and safe guidance for the enjoyment of the unique underwater environment.

composition of artists and ensembles who leave a lasting imprint on the cultural soul of the island. The varied programme of cultural events includes a jazz festival at Mġarr Harbour, a Brass Festival, the Qala International Folk Festival, musical performances in Xlendi, Mġarr, and Marsalforn, and a night of cultural activities at the Gozo Citadel, on 1 July.

For 'culture vultures', Gozo has plenty of events lined up this summer. The Victoria International Arts Festival is a feast for the senses. For five weeks in June and July, Victoria joins the festival cities of the world with an international

The warm summer sea, the relaxed way of life, the village squares coming to life in the evenings as the scorching sun sets, the festi… this is the place to be with family, friends or on a solo trip. It is pure fun. An experience to treasure.

For more information about events visit www.visitgozo.com

buy.

sell.

FOR SALE

ST. JULIAN’S €3,500,000

BUNGALOW SBNG39821

� Immaculate 600sqm bungalow with an astonishing 800sqm of outdoor space � All rooms overlook a lovely outdoor area featuring a mature garden, pool, gazebo, waterfall, cascade, BBQ and an outdoor kitchenette � Four bedrooms, three bathrooms � Airspace can be built further

APARTMENT SAPT41881

� 250sqm highly finished and furnished apartment � Elite block � Seafront terrace with unobstructed sea views � Open plan � Three double bedrooms, two bathrooms � Jacuzzi � Washroom � Two car street level garage

SLIEMA €3,500 MONTHLY

DINGLI €2,999,000

FARMHOUSE SCFH41929

� 250sqm farmhouse set on 15,700sqm of private land � Set in the outskirts of Dingli � Enjoys complete privacy, mature gardens and a lovely fountain � Four bedrooms, four bathrooms � Wooden beams, well � Four car garage � Permits for pool � Stunning, one of a kind property

BORMLA €550,000

PALAZZINO PP00020142

� Semi-converted 17th Century Palazzino in Baroque style � Ideal as a Boutique Hotel � Features include a central courtyard, Sala Nobile, barrel vaulted high ceilings, birth room, rain water cellar and more � Airspace can be built

TO LET

APARTMENT PP00008718

RABAT CONVERTED HOUSE OF CHARACTER €1,800 MONTHLY LCCH41742

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

FOR SALE

TO LET

� Seafront, 320sqm luxuriously finished and modernly furnished apartment � Fully equipped kitchen/living/dining � Two living areas � Four double bedrooms, four bathrooms � Front and back terraces � Washroom, two car spaces � Forming part of an exclusive block

SALES

consult.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

SLIEMA €990,000

rent.

� Expertly converted 500 year old House of Character � Five minutes from the old capital, Mdina � Three bedrooms, three bathrooms � Four large balconies � Roof terrace with wooden decking � Fully equipped including ACs, security system, TV, Wifi etc.

LETTINGS

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

PHOTOS BY Aarun Nevader/Carlton Agius

FA S H I O N

17

CHARLES & RON:

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH MALTA’S BEST FASHION EXPORT WORDS BY Giselle Scicluna

T

here is something whimsical and thoroughly magical about a C&R design; the spellbinding palette, the mesmerising print, the sinuous form. But what makes the talented duo Charles and Ron a cut above the rest, to the extent that now their designs are taking the coveted New York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks by storm? Even more to the point, who are Charles and Ron, our Maltese ambassadors on the global fashion stage?

When I eventually meet up with both, they are still buzzing from their success at Los Angeles Fashion Week, so a chat is in order. We kick off our interview with the obvious… who are Charles and Ron in their very own words? Very simply they respond, “Two people who are in love, in love with their heritage and in love with Malta and the Mediterranean. They have a passion for couture and feminine shapes and put their heart and soul into everything they do.”

Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd hails from the Netherlands, but after meeting and falling in love with Charles Borg, the other talented half of C&R, he also fell in love with the islands and for the past couple of decades has made Malta his home.

Ron speaks fluent Maltese – no mean feat, learning a semiSemitic language containing so many different nuances. But, as the old cliché goes; love conquers all.

For two people who have created a recognisable and much coveted local fashion brand and who despite hailing from an ‘insignificant’ country on the international fashion map, are making huge inroads in the global industry, where did it all begin? Charles can trace his interest in fashion to his childhood, “an interest sparked by relatives who were gifted dressmakers and who I used to watch as a little boy.” Ron, on

18

FA S H I O N

Our collections are very well received internationally and the fact that our designs tell a story about our background and culture, adds an extra dimension

the other hand, has, since his younger days, always considered fashion to be his preferred form of creative expression.

A married couple to be working together would prove a challenge for most people. How do they cope? Charles shrugs this off, “For us it’s very normal and we couldn’t imagine otherwise. Besides, we work very well together.

Brainstorming and being open to ideas is one of the most important aspects of the creative process and this is where our bond is vital. The creative process is a journey which needs to be innovated, which along the way can be tweaked or changed completely. A journey which we have enjoyed together for quite a while now,” he says with a smile.

Maltese icons have consistently been an integral part of C&R collections; cultural, architectural and traditional symbols add a local flavour to every piece, besides providing a quirky talking point. Iconic filigree, the indigenous flower widnet il-baħar, intricate ganutell (traditional beadwork), the Maltese gallarija (balcony), the famous luzzu (fishing boat) and the most globally recognised symbol of all, the Maltese cross. How do these elements find their way into their work and how are they incorporated so seamlessly, I ask. With a certain pride Ron explains, “Malta has a lot to offer culturally and there is so much to draw inspiration from. We love incorporating Maltese symbols and icons into our work. I believe that we tend to take our cultural aspects and heritage for granted, so it makes sense that these are explored and displayed though a different medium. Fashion is as innovative a medium as it gets.”

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FA S H I O N

Quite swiftly, C&R are evolving into a global brand. Forming part of the renowned Art Hearts Fashion, a popular Fashion Week organisation which showcases emerging international designers during the much-anticipated New York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks, they are attracting international attention and a global following. “Our collections are very well received internationally and the fact that our designs tell a story about our background and culture, adds an extra dimension. We recently had several international celebrities wear our designs; singer Ashanti wore several outfits for TV shows in the US, actress and singer V. Bozeman wore one of our Maltese gallarija inspired jumpsuits on the red carpet for the Soul Train Awards. Kat McNamara, Brenda Song, Jean Watts, Chloe East, Madisyn Shipman and Jessica Pimentel from Orange is the New Black have all been photographed wearing C&R,” says Charles beaming.

Ron continues, “This goes to show that our Malta inspired designs also have an international appeal. It’s also great to be part of Art Hearts Fashion, which is also a platform that creates a lot of awareness and does important work for the Aids Healthcare Foundation.”

The C&R brand has now expanded into the accessories sector, probably a first for the Maltese fashion industry. How has

this impacted the label on the whole? “Accessories are very important for any label, on the runway they complete the look and are a great way to express the overall vision. It’s also a sort of ‘initiation’ into the brand, a great way for new customers to explore and get to know our aesthetic,” says Ron. With so much going on through this amazing journey, how would they describe the C&R success story? “We had many highlights and amazing experiences throughout our career; showing our collections in NY and LA and receiving an award in NY last February were definitely unforgettable milestones. Being invited on Rai TV to show our couture collection some years ago was also a definite highlight,” says Charles. “That said,” continues Ron, “we don’t dwell too much on our achievements as there is still so much work to do and a lot to look forward to. However, maybe we could define success by being able to inspire other people though our perspective, or perhaps make them feel better about themselves by wearing or viewing our collections.”

The C&R brand has undoubtedly gone from strength to strength especially in the past decade – where do Charles and Ron see themselves and the label in five years’ time? “We will hopefully expand our markets, but mostly we hope we will be healthy and happy and able to keep on doing what we love doing,” they conclude in unison.

The Rooftop Bistro: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8pm, Sunday from 5pm www.gianpulavillage.com

/gianpulavillage

#experiencegianpula

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

Space & Splendour LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

Black

White

Black

White

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

Blue Gradient

THE Blue IN Gradient 45º

100 57 100 0 57 40 0 40

C M C Y M K Y K

MIDST OF URBAN LIVING

45º

100 57 100 0 57 60 0 60

C M C Y M K Y K

St. Julian’s

Apartment €1,200,000

Ref P000197644

This luxuriously finished and furnished apartment is located in the most prestigious area of St. Julian’s. A spacious hallway leads to a large open plan lounge and dining area. The new kitchen is fully fitted and equipped, and leads to the bright and comfortable living area. The surrounding terrace is massive and equipped with a jacuzzi.

There are in all four double bedrooms, three of which have large terraces.

The master bedroom enjoys a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom with both a shower and bath. The apartment also features a separate guest toilet and cloakroom. This property comes with one car space included in the price.

A true example of luxurious city living, the property is full of natural light with open views.

A.1st Floor, Cobalt House, Notabile Road, Mriehel T. +356 2149 0681 E. info@luxurylivingmalta.com www.luxurylivingmalta.com

Scan to view property.

For details about this incredible property, or to book a viewing appiontment call Michael Mifsud on +356 7947 0881

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SPORTS

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THE BEST SPOTS to exercise at sunset

01.

WORDS BY Antoine Borg Micallef

and sea-level areas to the east. In fact, most of the beaches and harbours are situated to the eastern side of Malta and Gozo, which in turn has led to urbanisation in these regions.

The great news for travellers heading over to the Maltese Islands is that their unique geography makes it possible to enjoy sunsets undeterred and free of the hustle and bustle that dominates major cultural attractions of the country.

While it is true that you can still view the sunset-coloured sky from any promenade or site on the eastern side of Malta, it is highly recommended to venture to the more rural areas of the west. So if you are planning to undertake a bit of cardio during your stay in Malta, there are a number of places where you can exercise while soaking in the warm hues of the Maltese sunset.

The Maltese archipelago consists of low-lying islands that are characterised by elevated cliffs on the western coast

Dingli Cliffs boasts some of the most stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and a recently resurfaced road

02.

S

unsets have a magical allure that should not solely be confined to the storage space of a digital camera or smartphone. Apart from serving as a source of artistic inspiration, this natural process also provides an ideal time for self-reflection and concentration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which makes for an excellent time to workout.

01. Panorama of Miĥra l-Ferħa, at sunset.

02. Sunset over the water, boats and sea of

Spinola Bay, St Julian's.

03. Sunset near the Gozitian coast.

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SPORTS

Apart from serving as a source of artistic inspiration, this natural process also provides an ideal time for self-reflection and concentration – which makes for an excellent time to workout

running along this site provides plenty of comfortable and flat terrain that is ideal for activities such as jogging and cycling.

While it may be true that these latter forms of exercise might not leave much time to take in the sunset, travellers might want to consider enjoying this time of day by either walking or hiking, which are better suited for some of Malta’s more rugged areas.

Visitors can venture into the villages of Siġġiewi and Mġarr, which boast several breath-taking natural landscapes that merge the green beauty of the Maltese countryside with the burning colours of the sunset. These include hiking trails and pathways that pepper the areas of Fawwara, Għar Lapsi, Binġemma, and Fomm ir-Riħ.

Furthermore, if you are heading over to Gozo, the areas of Munxar, Xlendi, and Dwejra also offer the same experience.

Another great option to squeeze in a bit of exercise during your stay in Malta is a visit to the sandy beaches at Golden Bay, Ġnejna, and Għajn Tuffieħa.

Whether it is swimming, beach volleyball, or even yoga, these spots will allow you to capture the sunset in full force as the sun sinks into a calm watery horizon.

SPORTS

25

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Contact us to learn more ACT Advisory Services Limited St. Julians, Malta Tel: (+356) 2137 8672 Victoria, Gozo Tel: (+356) 2155 9202

03.

Email: info@act.com.mt www.act.com.mt

26

ME D I C A L TO U R I S M

HIGH FLYING DENTISTRY Young and healthy with diseased teeth

01.

02.

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01. Extra-oral before treatment showing anterior teeth splinting with wire to reduce mobility.

02. Extra-oral after removal of teeth and placement of temporary bridge.

03. Extra-oral after placement of final implant ceramic crowns.

A

s dentists we see all sorts of dental problems. These patients fall mainly into two categories. There are those patients who suffer from developing cavities and others with gum disease. Dentists are very quick to point their finger at poor oral hygiene, but is it always to blame?

Of course we see patients with very dirty teeth and yes this is a cause of holes in their teeth and inflamed gums. However we also see patients who have dirty teeth and yet never require a filling.

Others who keep their teeth very clean but still need fillings.

Predispositions and genetic traits also play a part.

Predispositions include certain medical diseases and conditions resulting in a compromised immune system. These might include diabetes, HIV infections and leukaemia. Other risk factors such as the use of tobacco and poor oral hygiene, stress and certain diets also affect the condition of your gums and teeth.

With gum disease and tooth cavities, the best preventive advice dentists can deliver, is to maintain very good oral hygiene, visit the dentist once to twice a year, use floss and stay away from tobacco and other risk factors. Remember, in almost all cases gum disease and tooth cavities can be prevented. Ask your dentist.

A Case study: A young woman in her late forties presents herself with mobile upper central incisors. The teeth have inclined forward and look longer than they ever have. The inbetween spaces have increased and the teeth appear rotated. She is concerned that these two teeth will fall out by themselves. She also experiences pain on biting.

Radiographs show generalized bone loss throughout her dentition with deep pockets around most of her teeth.

However, apart from these two very mobile teeth, most other teeth were stable with little or no mobility.

The treatment started with the stabilization of the teeth and gums. The gums required deep sub-gingival scaling and root planning. This is performed under local anaesthetic eliminating any discomfort by the dental hygienist; a very important member of the dental team. The upper central incisors were too diseased and therefore had to be removed.

The teeth were extracted and immediately replaced with two dental implants with simultaneous bone grafting. A provisional fixed resin-bonded bridge was cemented and used during the healing process of the implants. Four months later the implants were exposed and ceramic crowns fixed onto the implants. The patient was placed on a maintenance program and reviewed regularly.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo

Dental & Implant Surgeon Trained in London and now works in private practice in Malta.

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THE RISE OF

COFFEE CULTURE WORDS BY Paul Vassallo

I

t's the break of dawn. You've done your morning sanitation ritual, packed a sandwich for lunch, and caught the first xarabank (Maltese bus) to the office. So what's the one thing foremost on your mind?

Checking your in-tray? Sending out that important, overdue email? Scheduling meetings? If you're anything like me, the morning-addled zombie inside is crying out for only one thing: one cup of the hot, brown stuff, one sugar, hold the milk. After all, a yawn is a silent scream for coffee. These caffeine-infused thoughts brought about an interesting discussion among some of my peers recently: how much do we actually know about the brew that we guzzle on a regular basis?

Legend has it that the origins of our daybreak drink can be traced back to ancient Ethiopia and an observant goat-herder. Kaldi, the herder in question, was out with his flock one day when he noticed the unusual, energetic mood his goats were in. On further inspection, he came to the conclusion that they had been grazing on the bright red berries of a nearby bush. Imagine his surprise when, having nibbled on the fruit himself, he felt a rush of exhilaration coursing through him. Kaldi immediately reported this incredible find to a monk in a neighbouring monastery.

The monk however, disapproved of the potent berries and promptly flung them into the fire. Lo and behold, a delicious aroma billowed forth and seeped out into

F O O D & DRI N K

the corridors of the monastery, causing the other curious monks to investigate.

Raking these freshly-roasted coffee beans from the embers, the audience decided to ground up these enticing remains and add them to some hot water. Thus, the coffea plant yielded up its first brew. Now granted, this story may be dubious at best, however one thing is certain: monks definitely know how to stay grounded.

Ever heard of the French café au lait?

You might have heard of its Italian counterpart, the famous caffè latte, but did you know that the first coffee to be crowned with a drop of milk was in the 1600s? That’s right. A resourceful French doctor suggested coffee and milk as a remedy to his patients. The idea quickly caught on and inspired people worldwide.

Better latte than never. Interestingly, coffee was at one point a controversial debate among Catholics. Fortunately, Pope Clement VIII was quite partial to his cup of joe and so coffee stuck around.

On the other side of the pond, cowboys were shoving ground-up beans into a sock, and heating them in tin cups over a campfire. That's called "Cowboy Coffee" and proves that cowboys always took the time to slow down and smell the coffee.

A resourceful French doctor suggested coffee and milk as a remedy to his patients. The idea quickly caught on and inspired people worldwide

29

As mentioned earlier, Maltese are no strangers to the brewing of the jolly java.

Their tastes in coffee can be considered very traditional. Whilst most cafés will advertise a latte mocha vanillaflavoured cappuccino with a sprig of mint as the coffee of the day, the typical orders in Malta would have to be for the ‘fuzzy’ cappuccino (lactose-loathers beware), the quick and cheerful espresso (more fondly ordered as “one EXpresso please.”), or the bog-standard americano (my personal favourite). Whilst the mundane coffee vending-machine may fit your needs just fine when you're on the hunt for your morning fix, it's always a pleasure to see the ever-helpful barista standing behind a futuristic-looking coffee-spewing mega-contraption, ready to serve up whatever your heart desires.

The trained and experienced barista, scattered in café across the island, seem to be capable of tending a tide of incoming orders while simultaneously setting up each cuppa to the precise requirements of its grateful recipient.

So it's not a surprise to see a barista on high alert, glancing around as they pour cup after cup of your favourite pipinghot brown goodness during the early morning rush.

Open a World of Opportunity with Maltese Citizenship International residence and citizenship planning has become an important focus for entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals and their families who want to operate globally, reduce their exposure to risk, increase their international flexibility and open up new opportunities for growth. Citizenship-by-investment programs enable individuals to naturalize and acquire full legal citizenship status by making an exceptional economic contribution to another country. Most of the programs are structured to ensure that the contribution is used for the welfare, advancement, and economic development of the country offering such a program.

Malta’s world-class facilities and high living standards make the country one of the most attractive options for high net worth individuals seeking a valuable second or third citizenship.

In 2014, leading global residence and citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners secured the concession to design, implement and promote the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP). “The MIIP is ranked worldwide as the top citizenship-by-investment program in the firm’s Global Residence and Citizenship Programs 2016 index.

The index considers a broad range of factors such as immigration law, tax and quality of living, as well as transparency, risk and compliance issues, from multiple sources. On almost all benchmarks, the MIIP comes out head and shoulders above the rest,” says Stuart MacFeeters, Managing Partner in Malta for Henley & Partners.

The Mediterranean archipelago holds the 10 th highest ranking on the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index 2017, offering its passport holders visa-free access to 167 countries around the world. It also placed 22nd on the Henley & Partners – Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index, a comprehensive ranking of the internal and external value of nationalities worldwide.

The country received excellent scores in terms of Human Development, Travel Freedom, Settlement Freedom, and Stability and Peace.

Live, work and study in the EU Critically, the MIIP provides citizenship in a well-respected and stable country within the EU, and the right of settlement in 32 European countries including all 28 EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Luxembourg. The MIIP’s capital requirement is reasonable and the application process is efficient. It also has the world’s strictest and most advanced due diligence processes and standards, ensuring only the very best applicants are admitted.

The MIIP is currently capped at 1,800 applicants, making it the most exclusive such program in the world. It is also widely considered to be the most successful program, already securing significant new capital for the country within the first two years of operation. All individuals and families applying for the citizenship-by-investment program are expected to make a contribution to the country’s National Development and Social

Fund. There is also a requirement to maintain a residence in Malta, either purchased or rented.

“The desire for Maltese citizenship is further bolstered by the Mediterranean island’s resilient property market. A 5.4% increase in property prices was recorded in the third quarter of 2016, which is mostly attributed to the 2017 budget providing several tax incentives for both locals and expats,” says MacFeeters.

World-class business environment and favorable taxation Malta also boasts an excellent reputation as an international business hub, developing an excellent infrastructure over the past 15 years. Since the island nation joined the EU in 2004, its financial industry has experienced constant growth, offering numerous key advantages for businesspeople.

From a tax perspective, Malta places one of the lowest tax burdens on its residents, with the system combining corporate taxation with favorable tax credit incentives.

Besides these key advantages, the small island nation also offers its citizens a certain rare beauty and distinctive cultural heritage.

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the humble archipelago has a history that dates as far back as 5,000 BC when the inhabitants of neighboring Sicily crossed the waters to settle there.

They built infrastructure unlike anywhere else, and these buildings still exist today as the oldest megalithic structures known to man.

In fact, Malta’s capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Benefits of citizenship-by-investment By all accounts, citizenship-by-investment programs provide a mutually beneficial solution that meets both the economic needs of countries such as Malta as well as a growing movement of global citizens. By offering greater choice, opportunity, freedom and security to these talented and wealthy individuals, governments secure much-needed foreign investment which helps drive economic growth and enrich their own citizenry by attracting people with proven business success, valuable networks, and interesting personal experiences.

“The MIIP’s exclusivity and the sustained growth of the Malta’s real estate market are expected to continue to drive interest in acquiring citizenship in one of the most stable, secure countries in Europe,” concludes MacFeeters.

Henley & Partners was the first firm to specialize in global citizenship and residence planning and has worked closely with different governments for over 20 years on the design, set-up, and operation of many of the world’s most successful investment migration programs. To date, it has raised more than USD 6 billion in foreign direct investment.

Secure your family’s future with European citizenship

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The Malta Individual Investor Program offers your family safety and security by providing a better quality of life and the right to live, work and study in all 28 EU member states. +356 2138 7400 | malta@henleyglobal.com

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O U T & A B out

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

James Beard Award for General Cooking

Pincho’s at Le Meridien Grand Opening

Meike Peters’s award winning cookbook featuring Maltese cusine.

New Tapas restaurant official launch at Pincho, Le Meridien, St Julian's.

33

34

EVENTS

EVENTS this month

1st June â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4th June Earth Garden National Park, Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Qali A green-finger festival that brings together music, food, creativity and a general love for the environment. For good vibes and great music, Earth Garden welcomes well established artists that keep the crowds pumping late into the night. A camp site makes the experience all the more special. www.earthgarden.com.mt

7th June A Little Crush Surfside, Sliema

fside wednesdays at sur

A Little Crush is an intimate, weekly beach party with a strong focus on the music, attracting a select crowd of Malta's finest.

Enjoy a sunset cocktail, mingle with locals and dance to a variety of hand-picked records, ranging from Afro and Funk to obscure Disco and feel good House music. The season kicks off on 7 June and runs every Wednesday throughout the Summer. /ALittleCrushMalta

16th to 25th JUNE Valletta Film Festival Valletta One of the most awaited events of the year is back for its 3rd edition. The Valletta Film Festival will kick off its 10-day program of open-air screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, workshops, masterclasses and parties on Friday 16 June 2017. An eclectic selection of feature films, documentaries and shorts from all over the world will compete for the Triton award handed by a jury of high-profile professionals. Audiences will be invited to vote for their favourite film. Tickets can be purchased on www.vallettafilmfestival.com

EVENTS

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8th June In Nomine Domini St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina The St Monica Choir, one of Malta’s leading choirs, will take you on a journey through sacred music from Bach and Handel, to traditional spirituals and contemporary compositions. The concert will feature internationally renowned British tenor Nicholas Mulroy in the role of singer and conductor as special guest. /st.monica.choir

9th – 11th & 16th – 18th & 23rd – 25th June Little Red Riding Hood Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta This year’s adult panto offering is Little Red Riding Hood.

Produced by Michael Fenech and featuring Malta's top comedy talent, including Joe Depasquale, Joseph Zammit, Larissa Bonaci, Taryn Mamo Cefai, Malcolm Galea as the out-of-control dame, and, of course, Steve Hili. The show promises to be a madcap adventure. www.kreattivita.org

23rd - 24th & 28th – 29th June Għanafest Various Locations, Malta An evening event that will take place over two weekends that comprise of folk music celebrated by established folk singers who sing the night away. An impressive showcase of local and international skills and absolute energy. For two weekends, various locations in Malta will flourish in the sounds of acoustic guitar and sing-along tunes. www.maltaworldmusicfestival.org

24th JUNE Carnaval Romain – Season Closing Concert Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the conclusion of its 2016/17 concert season in style with a distinctly Roman-themed concert, under the direction of its principal conductor Brian Schembri. After setting the scene with Berlioz’ Roman Carnival Overture, the orchestra will be joined by young piano prodigy Dmitry Ishkhanov for a performance of Kabalevsky’s Third Piano Concerto. Khachaturian’s famous Spartacus Suite, featured in many movie scores, and Respighi’s symphonic poem Pines of Rome bring the concert to a www. maltaorchestra.com dramatic close.

36

EVENTS

Till 26th June SEAesta Orange Grove, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard SEAesta is an art exhibition displaying plein-air coastal paintings of Malta with participating artists being Andrew Smith, Anthony Weitz and Sarah Calleja. The exhibition is organised by Christine X Art Gallery and will showcase a number of artistic renditions inspired by the sea. A must-see for artists and art-lovers alike. www.christinexart.com

27th June Isle of MTV The Granaries, Floriana Held yearly, the Isle of MTV Festival is an MTV Network International production that showcases world-class, charttopping artists who perform live at The Granaries, Floriana for thousands of locals and tourists. With free admission, this is a hot event every summer. www.isleofmtv.com

Are you a Game of Thrones fan?

Fancy a tour of some of the show’s most iconic filming locations? Then why not book your spot on one of our exclusive Game of Thrones Tours? Group Tours take place on most Saturdays while Private Tours are held on most weekdays and Sundays.

Relieve the quest for power between the Houses of Stark, Baratheon, Lannister and Targaryen on the island where it all started. Join local actors who actually took part in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones on this exclusive tour as they unravel the secrets and adventures of your favourite characters.

Group tours cost €59.

For info and booking: info@maltafilmtours.com +356 7942 1112 www.maltafilmtours.com

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Led by two talented local actors who took part in Game of Thrones • Exclusive locations and photo opportunities not accessible on any other tour • The joys & tribulations of being on a GoT film set and the latest about the stars • Includes hotel pick-ups and drop offs in luxurious air-conditioned comfort • Includes visits to the locations used as the Garden of King’s Landing, The Tower of the Hand, The Red Keep, The Stables, The Baelish Brothels, The Red Waste and The Village of Lhazar WHY OUR TOUR? Well, we do it differently. We have worked on Game of Thrones and want to share our experience of working alongside your favourite actors with you. We want you to relive the emotions we shared in the different locations and to go back home feeling that you were part of the Game of Thrones world.

I S L E S TA P L E S

MADE IN

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

Mdina Glass Head over to Mdina Glass at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to see the glassmakers at work. No fee and no bookings required.

While you’re there, check out the wide range of practical and decorative handmade glassware on show including these exquisite Nero Lattice lanterns.

Mouth blown glass is encased in a metal structure and finished off with a highgrade leather handle. Available in three sizes and a range of colour options, they look stunning during the day and even more so at night when lit with a candle.

If you would like to take some unique glassware back home with you but cannot put it in your luggage Mdina Glass will ship it to you - wherever you are from.

For more info call on +356 2141 5786.

You can shop at any of the eight outlets throughout Malta and Gozo or online with worldwide delivery at www.mdinaglass.com.mt Find Mdina Glass on

/mdinaglass

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

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38

PROPERT Y

Malta's ever evolving real estate market WORDS BY Grahame Salt

Let's be frank!

F

rank Salt is a name synonymous with real estate in Malta. Frank started his real estate business almost 50 years ago in 1969 and from day one the core values of the company were clear - to service home owners and property buyers in the most efficient and ethical way possible. The business has evolved over time and has today grown into the Islands largest family run real estate group.

Besides the main functions of sales and letting of residential and commercial real estate, the services offered have grown to include property management, project management, home interiors services and property development. However, the core values have never changed.

This is what led to the group's new corporate campaign the Let's Be Frank campaign. This playful phrase catches what the group stands for. Every single one of our employees wants to emulate

the founder and be great at what they do in the most efficient and honest way possible and equally importantly, have fun doing so.

The campaign targets every market segment that Frank Salt Real Estate services deals with, from first time buyers to second time buyers, people looking for luxury real estate, those looking for great rental investments and of course, the home owners and developers who entrust us with their property for sale.

I hope everyone enjoys this campaign as much as we have enjoyed creating it and we hope it will properly reflect everything we stand for. In the meanwhile, let's get down to doing what we have always done best - matching the perfect buyer to the perfect home time and time again.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be Frank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nobody knows the real estate market like we do.

Frank Salt Real Estate is one of Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading real estate agencies. With almost 50 years of experience behind us, we provide a professional, one-stop-shop solution for all your property and relocation needs in Malta and Gozo, and specialise in helping foreign nationals to settle on the island. For more information, please email us on fs@franksalt.com.mt, call +356 2379 4794 or visit www.franksalt.com.mt

AR T S

01.

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YOUNG MALTESE ARTISTS WORDS BY Alessia Caruana

AR T S

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B

lank canvas. The two most intimidating words known to an artist's existence. Anyone brave enough to take on the beast is a warrior deserving of the utmost respect. I myself paint and draw and cannot begin to express how difficult it is to put talent to paper. I'm here to talk about those human beings who were gifted with the ability to create works that tell stories without writing a single word.

Artists who write with their brush as well as Dickens did with his quill.

Canvases that go beyond technical mastery and bravura, and primarily art that transcends the physical. These are a few of my personal home grown favourites, young Maltese artists who are making enough colourful waves to swallow our little island whole.

From loud colours and violent messages to plastic dreams and

02.

First up is the visually captivating Ryan Falzon, a young talent brooding with ideas and a hunger for art that communicates with his audiences on more than just a visual level. A lot of Falzon's work is, in my opinion symbolic and reminiscent of the didactic wall art of our prehistoric ancestors. His canvases are very loud and extremely evocative; I've chosen to use the word 'loud' not only because of the solid and vibrant palette the artist tends to lean on professionally, but because of the lessons his subjects scream out at passers-by, challenging them to not just look but to explore all the possible meanings that lay beneath the arduous brush strokes and meticulously laid out prints. At first glance his art may seem primitive and childish even, but Falzon's work is so much more than just what meets the eye. More often than not, what seems simple to the naked eye is only intended to seem as such in order to challenge the average viewer into digging deeper, and exploring further than merely reading and settling for the title beside the work of art as the only insight into the mind of the artist.

Falzon has had a few but very successful solo exhibitions so far and I for one am very eager to see what story he's preparing to tell us next. Definitely one to watch.

01. Plastic Dreams/Eliza von Brockdorff 02. Death of two Gangsters/Ryan Falzon 03. Deepwater/Gulja Holland

playful themes. Elisa von Brockdorff, a photographer by profession is no new name on the local art circuit. This artist has been exhibiting for a number of years and her prints can be found hanging all over our pretty island and if you know her work, you can understand why. Elisa has mastered the art of escapism through her bright and colourful portfolio of work. Best known for her ability to turn the most unsuspecting mundane objects into protagonists in her very own plastic world, this artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penchant for bold and brightly coloured experimentation deserves recognition in its own right.

Malta, like many other countries, is full of photographers; or rather people who think they're photographers because they spent way too much on a camera they probably couldn't afford but bought anyway. So standing out is no easy task in a sea of impostors, but von Brockdorff manages to do just that with very little effort. It's clear that this artist knows what she's doing and is after so much more than just a pretty picture. Her work stands out as much as a Warhol in the Louvre, because of her ability to marry her photographical talents and expertise with her love for installation art with

such panache that you can't help but take notice.

Her work stands out as much as a Warhol in the Louvre, because of her ability to marry her photographical talents and expertise with her love for installation art with such panache that you can't help but take notice In this day and age there is so much of everything, that it's become almost impossible to make a real name for yourself in the art world. Art can literally be anything, and anyone with an idea has the right to call themselves an artist. So how does someone stand out? How does someone get noticed?

This was certainly a question, Gulja Holland must have asked herself while trying to find herself in her art. Holland certainly succeeded at creating art that is true to herself. Her belief that art should serve to explore and expose the self is an ideology

42

AR T S

that resonates exceptionally well with viewers who find themselves on the self- righteous path of discovery. She merges the painted and photographic world effortlessly, conjuring up the most melodic symphonies of colour on what once was the blankest of canvases. The artist's wide array of portraits, leap off the walls where they hang, and speak volumes to all those who lock eyes with her subjects.

Looking at Holland's work feels like you're staring at your own reflection in the most surreal of mirrors, and been left in solitude to wonder, which canvas truly is the fairest of them all.

Art, like most things is subjective. But talent most certainly, is not and I like many others, look forward to seeing more art produced by emerging artists who are truly deserving of the title and the respect that comes with it.

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your COrpOrate, tax and legal partner in Malta Palace Court, Church Street, St. Julians, STJ 3049, Malta Phone +356 2010 3020 | E-mail: info@ellulschranz.com | www.ellulschranz.com E&S Consultancy Limited (member of the E&S Group) is registered as a corporate service provider with Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

SOLV International Ltd. (member of the E&S Group) is authorised by the MFSA to receive property under Trusts and to act as a Trustee or Co-Trustee.

Creativity is born of dreams.

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46

T RAV E L

Dear Lyon,

I can’t wait to see you WORDS BY Fiona Mercieca/Air Malta

I

’m a diehard travel fanatic. There’s no question about it. As soon as I get back from one holiday abroad, I need to have another adventure in the pipeline or I start to feel restless.

Most probably you will ask, what my next destination might be, well, a friend of mine suggested Lyon and she had barely finished recounting all her memorable experiences there by the time my flight was booked.

Since my spur of the moment decision, I’ve been conducting my own research about this destination, and the more I read about it the more excited I become. The day I go can’t come soon enough.

So, let me start off by inviting you to a walkthrough into this French riverside beauty. To begin with, Lyon is the second-largest city in France, and perhaps, a fact not known by everyone, it is also an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from this, the location is remarkable – it is strategically positioned at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers. An enchanting setting don’t you agree?

On a different note, Lyon is overflowing with history too, a heritage of over 2000 years. It was founded by the Romans in

43 BC, at which time it was known by the name Lugdunum, later on it became renowned for its silk weaving industry. It cannot go unmentioned that Lyon is also the birthplace of the cinema as the French Lumière Brothers, inhabitants of this magnificent city were the inventors behind the first motion picture. Nowadays, it is regarded as a leading commercial and industrial hub. With this being said, it is clear that along the years the city has evolved gracefully, leaving much to uncover – and rest assured that I am definitely looking forward to do so. This place really does appear to be an explorer’s dream.

So without further ado, it’s time for me to get down to the nittygritty and convey to all of you just why this French focal point instantly captured my ever-growing inner traveller’s curiosity.

ENTHRALLING CULTURE Lyon is so rich that when it comes to prioritise which Landmarks to visit first, this actually translates into a difficult task for me. Perhaps, the Traboules are a good way to start.

These are hidden, narrow Renaissance passageways which exude an air of secrecy and intrigue. To explore these tunnels,

T RAV E L

one must visit the Vieux Lyon and the Croix Rousse areas, considered the oldest parts of Lyon. Also in the historic whereabouts of this city lies the medieval gothic Cathedral Saint Jean, which boasts an impressive astronomic clock.

As in every other city, there is always a particular monument which hogs most of the spotlight, and in Lyon it is said to be the late 19th century basilica known as Notre Dame de Fourvière.

This neo-Byzantine style building is architecturally stupendous in pictures, let alone in real-life. Furthermore, not far from this basilica, lie the two must-see Roman amphitheatres which to this date are still being used to host concerts.

Another area recommended for discovery is the Presqu'ile District, a truly delightful neighbourhood located between the two rivers. It is decorated with attractive buildings, dotted with several squares, and generously sprinkled with a handful of small cafés and restaurants.

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SHOPPER’S PARADISE Calling all shoppers and fashionistas. Warning: you may want to sit down before reading the following piece of information. Here goes, Lyon is home to one of Europe’s largest inner-city shopping centres – La Part Dieu. Yes, you read correctly. It’s a shopper’s dream, and you can retreat there for the whole day for a retail therapy session which is sure to leave the biggest smile on your face but leave your purse in pain. But fear not, everyone’s allowed to splurge once in a while.

If you’re one who likes to grab a bargain, I’ve found out that there’s a historical flea market on the outskirts of Lyon called Les Puces du Canal which occurs every Sunday. That's not all, there are plenty more shopping streets and malls you can choose from, some which are renowned for luxury boutiques and others which offer an array of International Fashion franchise outlets.

TOP-NOTCH GASTRONOMY

Lastly, what’s a holiday without a visit to a museum? Restassured, in Lyon there are plenty to choose from. Be it the Textile Museum, Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets, the most modern Confluences Museum of Science and Anthropology or any other.

The choice is yours and you won’t regret it.

AFTER DARK FUN AND ENTICING EVENTS It was surprising to me to find out that Lyon actually boasts a highly commendable party scene. The list of recommendations for the best places to go, if you want a guaranteed memorable night out is endless, and I can’t deny that I had a twinkle in my eye at this prospect. I mean, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the odd drink and occasional dance.

When it comes to festivals, there are two events which immediately stand out. One is the city’s reputable Festival of Lights, which is a four-day celebration that starts on 8 December.

During this festival the entire city is lit up by impressive lightfilled art installations, and as tradition dictates the inhabitants place candles on their window sills in order to create an absolutely wonderful atmosphere. The other festival is Nuits de Fourvière, an annual festivity which takes place in June and July. The Roman theatres mentioned earlier feature prominently during these celebrations by hosting live performances, as well as other open air concerts. Without a doubt, the liveliness of the city peaks around this time of year.

Now we’re talking my language. Me being the foodie that I am, makes this is an integral part of my holiday traditions. So, you can only imagine my delight when discovering that Lyon is the gastronomical capital of France. This means, that it is a must to dine out in one of the traditional brasseries located all over the city, known as Bouchons Lyonnais, in order to get a taste of the classic French dining experience. Such restaurants offer food that is typical in Lyon, including sausage and charcuterie. But this city’s culinary front doesn’t stop there. Lyon currently hosts fourteen Michelin-starred restaurants for travellers seeking a memorable fine-dining experience.

One thing’s for sure, you will not die of hunger. On the contrary, there’s a high probability that you might gain a couple of extra kilos but with all the sightseeing you’ll be doing you would most probably walk them off anyway.

To wrap it up, I recently read an article where it was stated that an entrepreneur from Dubai fell so head over heels in love with Lyon that he decided to embark on an assignment to merge aspects of this city with Dubai through a development project in the United Arab Emirates. This made me think that perhaps I’m going to be more heartbroken about leaving this specific destination than I normally, do when it comes to say goodbye to a place at the end of each holiday, in the meantime, however, roll on Lyon.

It’s a shopper’s dream, and you can retreat there for the whole day for a retail therapy session which is sure to put the biggest smile on your face but leave your purse in pain

Air Malta currently operates three times a week to Lyon. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

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HOT SPOT

Valletta Waterfront:

The Historic Location with the Coloured Doors

T

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

For those in search of a relaxing time with good food and entertainment, the Valletta Waterfront’s 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 tastefullyrefurbished historical stores, originally constructed by Grand Master Pinto in 1752. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past: blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine.

An exquisite place at any time of the day.

Relax with a coffee in the morning whilst watching the small boats bobbing along, occasionally the bigger cruise ships with their bustling activity, then a bite to eat at lunchtime or a lovely meal of whatever takes your fancy at sundown, always with magnificent views of the historic Grand Harbour around you.

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

Younger guests can enjoy free activities including: balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more, every Saturday and Sunday evening (from 19.30hrs onwards), and public holidays (7 June and 29 June).

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

• Electric cabs are available from just outside Valletta.

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

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

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

For more information visit www.vallettawaterfront.com

Your cisktime starts here, on board your Air Malta Flight.

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L O C AL S P E C IALI T I E S

SURF

& TURF

in Malta

03.

02.

01.

WORDS BY Julian Sammut

01. Fried rabbit simmered in red wine and garlic at Gululu.

02. A good catch of tuna - early 1960s.

03. Tonn il-forn. Baked tuna at Gululu.

T

he fishing season for Bluefin Tuna reaches its peak at the beginning of June. Until two years ago when threatened, through over-fishing, with the threat of extermination, EC imposed controls went far, in a relatively short time, to increase the tuna stock in the Mediterranean and in turn the fishing quotas. Freshly fished tuna, as opposed to farmed tuna, is therefore available in abundance at this time of year.

For centuries families in Malta have depended on Tuna as an important part of their diet. A Tunnara operated in Mellieħa and other surrounding bays since the Middle Ages, very possibly back to Classical times, calling it a day as recently as 1961. A poor fishing season meant true hardship for many families in what already were hard times. Tuna flesh was salted and preserved – not a morsel went to waste and consumed frugally throughout the winter months, especially during Lent.

There are few places like Malta where this fish can be enjoyed. Restaurants all over the island make the best of the daily freshness to conjure up not solely traditional dishes like Tonn biz–zalza pikkanti – pan seared tuna served with a tomato and caper sauce with vinegar and a pinch of sugar giving it a sweet and sour flavour - but a myriad of other dishes – salads, pasta sauces, carpacci, grills and roasts. Gululu, the casual Maltese diner in St Julian's, dedicates a menu during the month of June, to celebrate this magnificent fish. Each year Gululu’s chefs compete to conjure up the most tempting and delectable tuna recipes, always remaining faithful to the simple cooking techniques and local ingredients which are the hallmark of Gululu’s Kitchen.

Away from the sea now, 29 June is the feast of Saints Peter & Paul celebrated at the Cathedral of Mdina, Malta’s old, walled, Capital city. Probably the oldest

feast in Malta’s festa calendar and affectionately known as l–Imnarja – this name originates from Illuminaria and the feast possibly from a pre-Christian era festival of light - one of the festive highlights is the gathering of people in Buskett, the little wood below Verdala castle. There, shaded by the trees, families gather to cook rabbit, drink wine, play guitars and sing late into the night. This cooking of rabbit fried with garlic or stewed with red wine, and often preceded by a plate of spaghetti with rabbit sauce is called a Fenkata. Gululu serves both the rabbit with fried potatoes and marrow fat peas, as is typical, and the spaghetti dish. Rabbit livers pan seared with orange and thyme and tender rabbit belly simmered with garlic and red wine are also available on the daily menu.

Apart from the sights and sounds one must also savour the tastes of Malta and Gululu is certainly a good place to do this.

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MOTO R I N G

MALTA

01.

Classic

02.

I WORDS BY Mark Debono PHOTOS BY Laszlo Szilagyi

01. Saluting friends from his Jaguar.

02. Polishing the Porsche 911 Targa.

03. Zooming through town in a Ferrari.

f there is one thing Malta does not face a shortage of, that would be cars. Even with one of the highest densities of car ownership the world over, a fact few of us ought be proud of, there is a silver lining to this; countless beautiful cars call this island their home. I caught up with Clint Tabone, a partner and designer at Hangar, and asked about his love affair with cars, and about how his agency rebranded Malta’s foremost classic car event, Malta Classic.

“I grew up surrounded by Alfas: Sud, Sprint, 1750 Berlina, GTV, 33, 155. The first car I drove was actually a 1978 Giulietta. Then my interest for cars had slowly died for a few years, until I found myself inside an Alfa Romeo Spider Series 2. It was love all over again, partly with nostalgia to blame. I

immediately decided that I had to buy one and that’s when I started my long hunt for the right Spider.”

I asked Clint why he thinks the Maltese love their classics so much, to which he replied that he believes the Maltese love all sorts of cars in general, though it may be strange for a country our size.

“When you think about how many people drive on a daily basis, it kind of makes sense. We’re more exposed to cars than, say a major city, where the main means of transport is not your privately owned vehicle.”

W hat 's the most impressive classic car you've seen locally?

“I would rather say the most impressive I’m yet to see in person, and that would

MOTO R I N G

be a Ferrari F40. This was my poster car growing up; I know there’s one on the island, but never had the opportunity to see one in the flesh.”

Given that it's one of his passions, I assume that working on the creative side of Malta Classic must be a dream job come true for Clint. I asked how that happened.

“It was indeed a dream job come true”, says Clint, “and when I set my mind to work on this project, I did everything possible to set one foot in and start the relationship with the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation. I couldn’t hide my excitement from the board and I think that helped seal the deal.”

One of the boldest moves in the rebrand was the renaming of the Mdina Grand Prix to Malta Classic. According to Clint, the name Mdina Grand Prix was somewhat misleading and perhaps limited, as the event is in fact 3 events that happen in different localities—the Hill Climb, Concours D’Elegance, and Grand Prix. The previous name wasn’t clearly communicating this. “In recent years, Malta has also been enjoying more and more international media coverage, so we thought it would be smart to ride that wave and include Malta in the name since this is also an

international event with international participants and audiences.”

I did everything possible to set one foot in and start the relationship with the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation. I couldn’t hide my excitement from the board and I think that helped seal the deal W hat were the biggest changes that were made between the 2015 edition, and the 2016 one you were involved in?

“We wanted to change all aspects of the event – both prior to the event and during the event. Our main focus as Hangar was to reach the biggest audience possible through marketing and also through the promo video – which saw over 120,000 views before the event and was possibly one of the biggest local videos in 2016. We managed to build up enough excitement to get people – including many who weren’t previously

53

interested in cars – talking about this event. We also introduced online ticket sales and improved communication with drivers and participants.”

Tickets to Malta Classic were sold out 2 weeks ahead of the event, which had never happened before. Media coverage was also the best it has ever been – Malta Classic found itself on Petrolicious, which is possibly the biggest media outlet for vintage and classic lifestyle brands. In addition, social media saw a 70% growth in audience size over the previous year.

W hat should we e x pect for M alta Classic 2017?

“This year the focus is on improving the holistic event experience both for drivers and spectators. We are looking into introducing new seating areas for spectators and a new ticketing structure to give more options and value to spectators.”

Last, I asked about suggestions for anyone thinking about getting started with classic cars, and the answer came in hard and fast.

“Buy a pre-1976 and take part at Malta Classic, you’ll love it!”

03.

54

LIF E S T YL E

G

lorious sunshine, pristine waters and good company make for carefree days to remember. The newest member of the Charles Grech family seeks to bring all those elements together to provide its esteemed clients with a whole new experience in luxury lounging: Pearl Beach. The epitome of class, Pearl Beach is the long-awaited answer to those looking for a high-end beach club. Kick back and unwind in impeccable style with our beautiful back-to-basics menu or let loose and dance the day away with select sounds

from all over the globe. Resident DJs take it up a notch during weekends for some unforgettable party sessions (Admission restricted to ages 18 and over from Friday to Sunday).

If you choose to visit Pearl Beach for Lunch or Dinner or simply for a Drink at the Bar with friends, entrance is absolutely free. All you need to do is ask our hostess to lead you to our Dining Area or to the Bar Area.

Reward yourself with the exclusive treatment at Pearl Beach.

For more info visit www.pearlbeachmalta.com , call on +356 21338341 or email us on events@charlesgrech.com

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56

ADV E N T U R E

WHAT WOULD YOU DO if you got left behind on comino?

WORDS BY David Mallia

T

he worst thing about getting left behind on Comino is the fact that you’ll still be able to see your missed ferry until it docks in Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour.

If visibility is good and you have exceptional eyesight, you might even spot your friends jeering back at you while they disembark, although it’s hard to tell whether they’ll be able to see any retaliatory gestures.

Luckily, in the high season, ferries depart from the islet every hour. Even if you were unlucky and distracted as to miss the very last connection, there’s no way you’re going to be stuck on Comino unless you want to stay there

overnight. However, until the next ferry arrives, you may count yourself a temporary inhabitant along with the other four full-time residents.

As a castaway on Comino, you’ve joined a historical roll call that includes pirates, hermits, disgraced knights, and POWs among others. The rocky ground under your feet could be the same place where Abraham Abulafia, a 13th century Jewish mystic from Zaragoza, Spain, sat meditating during this exile on this windswept island.

Besides, if you’ve spent most of the day by the Blue Lagoon like most travellers do, then you can take advantage of

Yet for all Comino’s natural beauty and historic buildings, there’s little question that the creature comforts of the larger islands will prove irresistible to any modern-day Crusoe who’s been stranded there even for a few hours

ADV E N T U R E

your situation to explore the other attractions that Comino offers to its visitors. For an island measuring 3.5 km 2 – roughly the same size as New York’s Central Park – it’s fascinating to discover how many of its sights bear witness to locals’ devotion to Our Lady.

St Mary’s Tower is a landmark that (ahem) towers above everything else on the island. This structure occupies the highest ground, and has stood watch over Comino and its surrounding waters since the early 17th century. The tower has been restored recently and it is open to the public on certain dates.

Keeping St Mary’s Tower at your back and walking along Governor’s Road past the abandoned isolation hospital, you’ll eventually arrive at a fork road that takes you to the other main sights on Comino. A left turn will put you on

the road that leads to San Niklaw Bay, where you’ll find sandy beaches, access to diving spots, and the beginning of hiking trails along the northern cliffs.

If you keep heading straight, you’ll encounter another trio of locations that testify to the islanders’ Marian devotion. St Mary’s Chapel is a diminutive church that is dedicated to the return of the Holy Family from Egypt; the site where it stands has been a place of worship for Catholics since 1296, which is the earliest mention on a map of a chapel standing there.

The same road eventually opens into a popular campsite and picnic area that overlooks Santa Marija Bay, which is a worthy competitor to the Blue Lagoon both for its otherworldly cyan hue and activities such as swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. For

57

underwater enthusiasts, the nearby Santa Marija Caves are another attraction that can be explored and photographed by divers of any skill level. This system of ten partially submerged caves feature large interconnecting tunnels that teem with all sorts of marine life.

Yet for all Comino’s natural beauty and historic buildings, there’s little question that the creature comforts of the larger islands will prove irresistible to any modern-day Crusoe who’s been stranded there even for a few hours. Like the cumin plants that once carpeted the karst landscape and which lent their name to the rocky outcrop, many of Comino’s unintentional inhabitants over the centuries left without a trace, but perhaps it is the island itself that seems to leave an indelible mark on those who visit it.

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L O C AL

TAL K O F T H E TOWN With so many cities, towns and villages on our little Islands it’s hard to decide what to see and where to go. Throughout the year we’ll be highlighting our top locations for the season. This month – St Paul's Bay, Qawra and Bugibba.

S t Pa u l’ s I s l a n d s

Promenade

Found not too far from shore, St Paul’s Islands pop out of the deep blue in a grand and robust manner. Urging all those who gaze upon their beauty to grab a luzzu and discover the untainted terrain, St Paul’s Islands are marvellous. St Paul stands tall on the islands, guarding the land and marking his territory.

Why not take a walk down the Buggiba promenade, gaze at the sea and enjoy a delicious ice-cream while you stroll along. The square or piazza is packed with restaurants ready to serve you – try out a classic English Breakfast paired with a traditional Maltese beer for that real holiday vibe.

S a n Paw l M i l q i

Wig nacourt Tower

Tradition holds that San Pawl Milqi is the site where Malta’s first bishop, St Publius, lived in his villa and welcomed St Paul after his shipwreck in Malta. However, there is no archaeological evidence that Publius ever lived in the villa, the fact that Christian worship dates back to the fourteenth century still poses a great historical detail for Maltese culture.

Photo by Peter Grima

Also known as St Paul’s Tower, this bastioned watchtower is a colossal beauty. It was the first of six Wignacourt watchtowers that was built to secure St Paul’s Bay. Serving as an artillery battery in 1715, this historical structure can now be visited as a museum. Wignacourt Tower is now the oldest surviving watchtower in Malta.

K e n n e dy G r o v e Kennedy Grove is found on the outskirts of St Paul’s Bay where families relax and throw picnics.

The park is named after the US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy after his assassination in November 1963.

A popular spot for outdoor activities where a memorial monument of JFK can be found.

L O C AL

T H E F IS H LOUNGE Pamper your feet with an absolutely fascinating Fish Pedicure. Get kissed by over 100 fish which gently massage you while sucking away unwanted dry skin cells, leaving your skin soft and healthy.

Not many things that are good for you are this much fun. Visit us at The Fish Lounge, 210 Triq San Xmun, Bugibba.

Also available in St Julian's and Mellieħa. +356 2157 1565 www.thefishlounge.com

dB i s t r o R e s ta u r a n t dBistro restaurant serves delicious and fresh Mediterranean dishes in an indoor and outdoor setup overlooking the hotel's main pool. One can enjoy a selection of pizza, pasta, salads and grill. Kids' Menu also available. +3562158 3434 www.dbhotelsresorts.com/ dbsanantonio dbistro@dbhotelsresorts.com

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Myo k a Spa s Breath in. Breath out. You finally got away for a well-deserved break.

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A GUIDE TO THE LITTLE

MALTESE ISLANDS

għasri

għarb

żebbuĠ

san lawrenz

xlendi

marsalforn

xagħra

victoria kerĊem munxar sannat

xewkija

nadur gĦajnsielem mĠarr

qala

comino

Ċirkewwa

st paul’s island mellieĦa

qawra 05

xemxija

01

st paul’s bay

buĠibba

mĠarr

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L O C AL

ISLAN D H IG H LIG H TS Despite its diminutive size, the Maltese archipelago is bursting with historic sites, idyllic spots, culture and tradition. The Maltese Islands are like nowhere else. Here you’ll find fossil-studded geo formations, prehistoric temples, intriguing diving opportunities, and a richly woven history of remarkable intensity. Here’s a handy guide on what to look out for during your stay.

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

BLUE GROTTO, QRENDI The mesmerising natural display of sunlight and reflections in the water found in the Blue Grotto are sure to be one of the highlights of your Malta holiday. Daily boat rides can be taken to the many caves and caverns found in the area.

L O C AL

ĊITtADELLA , GOZO This small fortified city is also known as the Citadel and can be found in the heart of Victoria in Gozo. With all its fortifications, including the medieval epicentre intact, this historic area hosts a number of prime locations which are a must see on your Gozo trip.

BLUE LAGOON AND SANTA MARIA BAY, COMINO A short boat ride away, Comino boasts two picturesque beaches; the Blue Lagoon with aquamarine waters and Santa Maria Bay with crystal clear waters excellent for snorkelers and divers. This paradise welcomes large amounts of visitors each year.

PACEVILLE, ST JULIAN’S Swarming with clubs and bars, Paceville is the party area that will have you dancing till the early hours of the morning. If you’d rather a more relaxed evening then a pub or restaurant in the area could even hit the spot.

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TRENDS

69

REGGAE

Love WORDS BY Teodor Reljic

While Malta's musical landscape is surprisingly eclectic, reggae has stood the test of time and remained a consistently popular genre among locals. We chat to a musician and producer, an event organiser, and a club owner who hold reggae close to their heart in an attempt to figure out what lies behind Malta's love affair with this 'evergreen' musical style.

I

n a lot of ways, perhaps, Malta's embrace of reggae has an intuitive bent to it. After all, the sun-soaked island invites a large swathe of beach-hungry revelers all day, who not only enjoy baking in the sun but also indulge in its descent during the twilight hours too – the epitome of natural chill that would go down a treat when laced with some reggae sounds in the background.

We may also be tempted to add that the typically 'Mediterranean' Maltese vibe lends itself rather nicely to the genre, which promotes the idea of an easy-going attitude towards life that seems already ingrained in the Maltese DNA. But these will remain mere speculations unless we investigate a little further.

Happily, three ardent exponents of the reggae genre in Malta – who channel it in various ways – took some time to chat with us in an attempt to get at just what informs and influences Malta's love affair with the genre.

“It’s the island vibes I believe – the laid back, chilled out attitude towards life that is common with both Malta and Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae,” Miguel Cachia of Bass Culture events says, confirming at least one intuitive interpretation we may have had about what makes reggae so popular in Malta.

However, he's quick to add that we shouldn't make too much of any specific, 'national' connections between Malta and the reggae genre, suggesting that its appeal is really rather universal. “Reggae, and its offshoot dub music, have also greatly influenced other styles and artists across different genres, from punk and rock to electronic music all the way to Rihanna, so really there’s a bit of reggae in a lot of the music we listen to. Little wonder everybody loves it.”

Going a step further, Nicki Sultana – owner of Juuls– and David Magro, founder of Malta's most enduring reggae act, Mind's Eye Dub, remind us that there is a spiritual basis behind even the hoariest surrounding of reggae genre and sub-culture. Lest we forget, reggae has African roots, where it has emerged from slave narratives to morph into a musical style that's all about solidarity, community and inclusion. In fact, it preaches a kind of cohesion whose consistent practice can be compared to a religious experience.

“Reggae is all about creating a vibe, where people can dance to the beat and ultimately live their way of life. A way of life that derived from Biblical roots and resulted in the ‘peace and love’ attitude that we have today,” Sultana says.

“It’s not about the image but what’s going on inside. The image is what takes you into the sphere but the passion overrides this aesthetic element,” Magro adds.

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TRENDS

Reggae is all about creating a vibe, where people can dance to the beat and ultimately live their way of life

So it's hardly surprising that such a rich and widely appealing genre has taken root in Malta in a big way, and Miguel Cachia mentions Sultana's own Juuls as being a primary meeting point for reggae culture in Malta, along with Zion Reggae Bar. The events he himself organises under the Bass Culture banner have, significantly enough, included a strong dub element which lends a more diverse and contemporary sheen to the events. Cachia is also sure to name-check Mind's Eye Dub as Malta's longest-running contribution to reggae, while being sure to also mention acts like ManaTapu and Pon Di Corner who are keeping the reggae flame alive in Malta, and making sure their sound retains a refreshing twist by fusing it with other genres.

However, he is also sure to mention that a very clear and memorable historical moment will forever serve as a beacon for the Maltese reggae scene – when Ziggy Marley performed to 12,000 people in Golden Bay in 1993. Ziggy Marley being, of course, the son of Bob Marley – who, as David Magro reminds us, is “sometimes thought of as the Che Guevara of Africa”, who remains a strong symbol of the power and influence of reggae music worldwide.

Sultana also pointed out that the culmination of the reggae vibe is predominant in Malta and connects quite well to the

TRENDS

Reggae, and its offshoot dub music, have also greatly influenced other styles and artists across different genres, from punk and rock to electronic music Jamaican ethos. He stated “My next project will take me to Jamaica where I will start a new adventure in the most known home to the reggae sound. Taking what I learnt from the historical background I’ve come to understand together with the philosophies I adapted to my adventure in Malta; I know my new challenge in Jamaica will make people’s stay in the hub of reggae an inspirational trip.”

“Much like Picasso’s Guernica was considered as the biggest political art work in history, Marley’s Get Up Stand Up is the biggest freedom song to date,” Magro adds. “Used as an anthem for community and respect, Marley’s music moves people and inspires them, urging them to reconcile and join together in love.”

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L O C AL S P E C IALI T I E S

THE BOUNTIFUL MEDITERRANEAN SEA

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estled between established restaurants on the Spinola Bay waterfront in St Julian’s, one comes across a pretty little fish restaurant.

Pexxi – Mediterranean fish has moved away from the quasi-standard Sicilian and southern Italian cuisine to be found in most local restaurants. Pexxi’s chefs: Maltese, Sicilian and Egyptian have widened their source of inspiration to create a diversity of typical flavours from different parts of the Mediterranean.

The chefs at Pexxi whilst selecting only the freshest fish caught by Maltese fishermen, have not tied themselves down solely to Maltese produce – they leave that to the experts at Gululu next door – but flavour their food using ingredients and recipes from far and wide.

Some dishes like the Tagine Samak and Spaghetti con le Vongole are pedigree

01.

What is it about the Mediterranean that conjures up such exotic, romantic and happy feelings? What is it that makes the mediterranean people outgoing, friendly and adventurous? It is the sea, the deep blue waters that ebb and flow along the historic shores; turquoise in the sandy lagoons of the Maltese archipelago and the Aeolian islands; emerald green along the rugged coasts of Sardinia and the Aegean. This sea, the cradle of Western civilisation, has as many stories to tell as there are grains of sand on its beaches.

Tales of triumph and tragedy, tales of seafarers and sailors, tales of fishermen and sea monsters. The fruit of its waters have always been bountiful and provided for generations. Similar or same species are fished all around this middle sea, it is the way that they are prepared that is different. Each house wife, every chef uses ingredients indigenous to her or his homeland, what they find at their local market, or perhaps what they grow in their back garden.

Tunisian and Italian. The olives are Greek, the Burrata comes from Puglia and the Kappunata, Maltese. Other dishes are left to the chefs’ creative skills, like the Linguine con calamari e guanciale – pasta with squid and smoked pork cheeks – and the local “rossi” prawn carpaccio with ginger, mint and grapes.

The fruit of its waters have always been bountiful and provided for generations

The fish, delivered daily, sometimes off a boat some five metres away, is cooked in different ways depending on which method suits it best. Al sale is a favourite, but fish grilled a la plancha is also wonderful.

Pexxi boasts a fine selection of wines and prides itself with its choice of local whites.

Many opt to skip dessert these days, doing so at Pexxi is a big mistake. If you can’t handle a whole one then opt to share.

Pexxi awaits you.

01. The freshest fish is supplied by St Julian's fishermen. Frans (left) and Ġużi (right) known to all as 'joker' .

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MÄ¡arr ix-Xini, the location of Brangelina's By the Sea.

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Malta's celebrity skin WORDS BY Wayne Flask

F

or a small island like Malta, celebrity sightings are becoming more frequent than reports of UFOs leaving crop circles in the US. The lure of this peaceful, sunny island has remained alive, entertaining celebrities who probably don’t get their holiday advice from TripAdvisor.

From actors to footballers to popstars, Malta has hosted its fair share of celebs who have chosen it as an alternative to the glitzy bustle of resorts like Miami or Malibu, or the paparazzi-infested beaches of Formentera, Italy. Indeed, some have chosen to take up residence here, such as comedian Billy Connolly who owns a house in tranquil Gozo.

There seems to be some love story going on between Malta and Angelina Jolie, who has been here on numerous occasions.

In 2014, Brangelina were in Gozo for the filming of By the Sea, a feature film directed by Jolie herself, but it wasn’t the first time the couple had been to Malta.

Pitt had chosen Malta for the production of World War Z (2013) and the then-couple were also spotted having lunch in a well-known Valletta restaurant. In 2016, the rumour mill speculated on the possibility of Jolie returning to Malta for a remake of Murder on the Orient Express, but the actress has also been active on the humanitarian front as UN Special Envoy for Migration, with a particularly emotional meeting with migrants back in 2014.

The booming film industry is largely responsible for bringing movie stars to Malta. With an ever-increasing investment in production facilities and multiple scenic spots, movie productions filmed in Malta have brought the likes of Jon Bon Jovi (U571), Eric Bana (Munich), Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz (The Mercy), and Jim Caviezel (The Count of Monte Cristo). Other notable productions have included Risen (Joseph Fiennes) and 13 Hours, an action movie directed by none other than Michael Bay. The now-defunct Azure Window had also

served as a backdrop for the filming of an episode of Game of Thrones.

But movies aren’t the only magnet attracting celebrities to Malta. In recent years, crowds have thronged to performances from Elton John, Sting, Bryan Adams, Eros Ramazzotti, Zucchero, Suzanne Vega, The Alan Parsons Project, and Anastacia among others. In 2016, Liam Gallagher popped by for a quick weekend holiday with former Oasis sidekick Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, delighting the patrons of a pub in Valletta with a session of impromptu jamming in the company of Peter Borg from local hotshots Red Electrick.

Interest in Malta as a venue for large concerts has spiked after the arrival of the Isle of MTV franchise, now celebrating its eleventh issue. Debuting in Malta with a line-up of international stars featuring Enrique Iglesias, Maroon 5 and Akon, over the years Isle of MTV has featured superstar acts such as Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Nelly Furtado, will.i.am, Snoop Dogg, Afrojack and Wiz Khalifa.

While the main concert is usually staged at the Granaries in Floriana, there are a number of satellite events being held throughout the week as warmup for the big day. This year, the Isle of MTV Malta Week will be held between 23 and 28 June, with yet another cracking line-up. The Granaries will roar to welcome 2016 chart-toppers The Chainsmokers, who will be launching their debut album later on this year; Dutch DJ Don Diablo, one of the pioneers of the Future House genre; KUNGS, a young DJ come producer from France whose single This Girl shot to the top ten in the USA; and finally, LA-based trio the Cheat Codes whose 2015 single Adventure topped Spotify’s Global Viral 50 chart.

Music events, movie stars and relative shelter from paparazzi: Malta, the Isle of MTV, is rapidly and surely growing its own celebrity skin.

BUSINESS NEWS

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2016 Vintage,

MEDINA WINES RELEASED

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he 2016 vintage of the Medina collection of quality Maltese wines has been released.

All the wines are skilfully crafted with passion and craftsmanship by Delicata, Malta’s most awarded family of winemakers.

The abnormally dry 2016 growing season was particularly challenging. However, the quality of the hand-picked grape crop destined for the Medina labels was excellent for the making of expressive Maltese wines.

As always, all 2016 Medina wines are released in boutique-like quantities and certified with one of two Maltese appellations: either DOK Malta or IĠT Maltese Islands.

The highly recommended Medina range is a collection of unoaked, fruity and particularly food-friendly wines.

The latest selection consists of a Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc, a blend of the native Girgentina grape with Chardonnay, an assemblage of Vermentino and Zibibbo, an elegant dry rosé made from Grenache as well as four suave red monovarietals made from Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese, and a blend of Syrah with Grenache and Carignan.

Medina has been bestowed with prestigious awards at international wine concours such as Vino a Corte Monferrato and Emozioni dal Mondo Merlot e Cabernet Insieme, Italy, International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards, UK, and Challenge International du Vin, France.

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ehind the seemingly impenetrable thick walls, flanking Malta’s Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourist radar.

Predominantly a maritime hub, rich in history, this area is reviving itself and the Rolling Geeks are paving the way with their modern take on touring.

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

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

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

The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest is up to you to capture.

Overall this is a great value for money experience, suitable for all ages.

Visit the website at www.rolling-geeks.com for more information.

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FI C T I O N

June & Paulette THE ADVENTURES OF

WORDS BY TCD

FI C T I O N

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M

y name is June and ever since I was 4 years old all I ever wanted was to run away. Mum is constantly telling me off and says I’m a dreamer and always looking for an adventure.

“Up to no good.” she says.

I agree with her. But then again isn’t that what life is? One hugenormous fun park waiting to be ridden? With all that candy floss waiting to be eaten and those toys and hotdogs and oh… wait, I'm going a little off topic now.

Anyway, the reason I’m here today is to tell you about the adventure I actually did have. So, last Friday during break time at school, I was sitting under the stairs, that’s my usual place where the immature kids can leave me alone.

Anyway, I was sitting there, quietly eating my ħobż biż-żejt, [that’s bread with olive oil, tuna and stuff, for those of you who don't speak Maltese] when a little ladybug came crawling up the sleeve of my uniform.

Her body was the exact same colour as my hair, bright orange [but not as curly], and she had seven black spots on her back. Seven is exactly my age. We quickly made friends and she then told me her name was Paulette which I found totally weird as I live in St Paul’s Bay [that’s in Malta, next to the sea].

When the bell rang for me to go back to class, I asked her if she would like to live in my pencil case for the next hour until we got home. She agreed.

When the end of the school day finally arrived I was so excited to spend the rest of my afternoon with my new best friend. I placed Paulette on my shoulder but she seemed a little sad so I asked her what was wrong. I was worried she didn't like me, like all the other kids at school. Paulette told me that she’d never had a friend like me but that she was lost and needed to get back home because her mums would be worried about her.

I asked her where she lived and she pointed to the islands just opposite the school. The big one, with the statue of a man reading a book to a snake. I didn’t know how to get there but I told Paulette that I would.

I asked her where she lived and she pointed to the islands just opposite the school. The big one, with the statue of a man reading a book to a snake So off we went on our adventure to get my little orange friend home to her family. As we sat there by the sea, eating the most delicious, vanilla, bubble-gum ice-cream, Paulette had an idea. She could just ask her friend Edward, who happened to live in the sea, to take us to the island.

Edward is a dolphin. This was the first time I’d ever seen a dolphin and it was amazing. So, we got on Edward’s back and started to make our way to the island. We had nearly arrived when an evil octopus appeared and grabbed hold of Edward’s tail. Paulette and I fell right into the sea, which was terrifying. After wrestling with Mr Octopus for about 10 minutes, Edward

managed to escape. We quickly held onto his tail and were at the island in no time. Safe and sound [and a little bit wet].

Paulette found her way to her mums who were so happy to have Paulette back in their arms. As I looked at this perfect family hugging I suddenly felt lost. I’d had enough for one day and just wanted to go home and be with my mummy.

I quickly remembered the bubble gum that came at the bottom of my ice-cream.

Pulling it out of my pocket, where I’d placed it the moment we left shore, I popped it in my mouth and after a whole minute of chewing it was ready. I then blew the biggest bubble imaginable. I took the bubble out of my mouth and held it with both hands, it was a little sticky but I didn't mind, I was going to fly home. I said goodbye to Paulette and her mums, told them I will visit soon and off I went.

Soaring high, St Paul’s Bay looked so tiny from up there. As I saw my house approaching I quickly burst the bubble and landed in my balcony. I ran straight into my mum’s arms and told her I missed her. I told her about the day I’d had and promised her that I will never go on any adventures again.

That’s when I saw him. Henry. A little frog who seemed lost…

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MUSIC

TOP MALTESE ALBUMS

you have to listen to WORDS BY Ben Mifsud Joslin

L

et me start off by saying that attempting to condense a history of great albums into a space of less than 1000 words is not an easy feat for any self-confessed music nerd. To my dissatisfaction, there are many albums that I’ve excluded here as a result, though this list should be plenty to get you started.

Additionally, we need to take a moment to address a few clichés surrounding Maltese music. The idea that our only creative outlet is the Eurovision has long been debunked, and I’m not sure it’s fair to say that it’s even a persisting idea anymore. Yet, I think we’re still plagued by the notion that we can judge the quality of Maltese music only relative to Malta.

The albums I’ll be mentioning here aren’t just great albums ‘for Malta’ they’re great albums.

With that out of the way, let’s begin with a colossal album that was released this year, and that is Brikkuni’s Rub Al Khali.

Ironically launched on Valentine’s day, Rub Al Khali might be the greatest set of heartbreak songs ever to be penned in Maltese. That sounds a lot cheesier than the album really is. In fact, there’s no cheese here at all. Rub Al Khali is orchestral and epic, with tinges of loud, atmospheric guitar work.

Speaking of 2017 albums, Plato’s Dream Machine's ĠUF is an obligatory mention. It’s just been released, and seems like it’s going to remain a fresh listen for a very long time. The songs here are warm, poppy (though packed with intense musicality), and philosophically religious. The album can practically be seen as a response to the colder, more agnostic (and no less great) Għera album, released in 2014. This is intelligent music we’re talking about here, folks.

Brodu’s Ħabullabulojb is intelligent too, but if I could pick one word to truly describe the album it would be ‘honest’. Ħabullabulojb is easily one of the most honest albums I’ve ever heard in my life. It doesn’t sound like it’s trying to be flashy, yet the compositions are great. Sometimes bouncy and

The albums I’ll be mentioning here aren’t just great albums ‘for Malta’ – they’re great albums

MUSIC

fun, and often heart-wrenching, Ħabullabulojb is perfect in its imperfections. As you may have guessed, I’m a bit of a fan boy, so take my raving with a pinch of salt (but only slightly).

Emotionally charged music seems to be the theme here, and Stalko doesn’t deviate from this. A Long Wave Goodbye, the band’s sophomore album, offers a reverb-laden, slightly spacey sound that is fused with contemporary folk. The result is an album that is sonically lush and gorgeous, despite the band only being a trio. This is also the first album here with lyrics in English.

Perhaps something a little bouncier is in order, and the obvious pick from me is Cuckoo Island, the debut album by The Ranch. Now synonymous with their improvisational, and adrenaline-fuelled live shows, Cuckoo Island is an excellent attempt at capturing the energy that The Ranch permeates.

You could call this album a jazz fusion if you wanted to, but it’s really even more dynamic than that.

Now that we’re in the realm of jazz, I must mention Jes Psaila’s self-titled (or is that untitled?) album. Jes is hardly a new face to the local jazz scene, but this album is incredibly underrated and doesn’t get the discussion it deserves. Why it seems to have slipped under the radar of many is beyond me

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– the album is chock full of feel-good tunes that are bursting with charisma. I’ve always loved that Jes never overplays and makes every note feel valuable, and that characteristic of his style shines through here.

I’m definitely a firm believer that there is great value in pop sensibility, and nosnow/noalps seems to agree. Perhaps pure pop isn’t the right descriptor for this band, but there’s no denying the sugary side to the tunes on their seminal Romantikpolitik, album. Having been released in 2011, this is one album that’s definitely passed the test of time. As has The Beangrower’s Not in a Million Lovers, an even older album that functions with the same ethos of being punchy yet catchy.

My word count is drawing to an end, leaving me frustrated. As everyone knows, the cure for frustration is an album with a lot of grind and bite, and my medicine of choice is The Violent Violet’s Tame, which is a wonderful misnomer of an album title. The tracks here are pretty aggressive with a post-punk feel, yet the album manages to avoid being one-dimensional.

That wraps up my picks for some of the greatest albums to come out of Malta. There’s a whole other wealth of albums I didn’t have space for – but I definitely think that these gems should get you on the right track.

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H O LIDAY S

BUDGET VS

Luxury

HOLIDAYS IN MALTA WORDS BY Tia Reljic

T

here is no doubt that Malta can be enjoyed on a budget – cheap package deals which are plenty, and the best things in Malta are free. You can have your pick from hotels to hostels and Airbnbs for your accommodation, and build your Malta bucket list around sightseeing of natural landscapes and heritage.

You could get away with cooking for yourself – though cheap eats are around every corner. Public transport might make commutes longer and more arduous, but could double up as a chance to explore various parts of the island.

But if you want to take your experience to the next level, Malta is an underestimated luxury destination. It is rife with history, culture and cuisine – the three pointers of any quality holiday. Since Malta is actually composed of three islands, there is no shortage of things to do, particularly in the quieter and more exclusive islands of Gozo and Comino.

Budget Here’s where to stay Nowadays, you can fly to Malta from many different locations.

This has created the need for lower cost accommodation, and you should have no trouble finding the right place for you: flats for rent and shared rooms can be found around any corner, and couch surfing is not uncommon either. A number of hostels can also be found scattered around the island, these are ideal for students and young people in particular.

Here’s what to do Most of the picturesque scenery and architecture in Malta is free to admire, and due to the exceptional weather most of the year, outdoor experiences are the ideal way to spend your holiday. If you’re the adventurous sort, rockclimbing and other outdoor activities can be worked into your budget. Backpackers will be thrilled to discover the wonders of the Maltese outdoors – at no cost.

H O LIDAY S

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During warmer months, young couples and families will undoubtedly enjoy the numerous beaches around the island. Wherever you’re situated, it’s likely that you’ll have the sea within reach, where you can enjoy a romantic view of the sunset or a BBQ and drinks with friends.

Lu x ury Here’s where to stay Due to the charming nature of Maltese architecture, luxury travellers often opt for farmhouses and converted palazzi in historic locations. This self-catering experience is truly unique – allowing you a house to yourself with beautiful surroundings.

There is no shortage of high-end hotels either, and Malta has been a popular choice for those looking for their honeymoon hotel. A relaxing atmosphere and view of the beach is ideal for a couple’s retreat – and many of Malta’s luxury hotels provide you with just that. Boutique hotels – perfect for business travel – can also be found in various locations, depending on your needs.

Here’s what to do If you opt for one of Malta’s luxury hotels, you will undoubtedly be indulged with wellness amenities, including access to luxury spas and club resorts. But regardless of where you’re staying, you will also have access to excellent 5-star cuisine all around the Maltese islands, serving authentic Maltese dishes in quaint-yet-sophisticated environments.

Enjoy your tea-time at one of Malta’s baroque-style palaces, or opt for a Grand Harbour boat tour. Visits to some of the oldest archaeological sites is a must – such as the Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of prehistoric temples.

An escape to the quieter islands of Gozo and Comino will also add something special to your holiday – especially if you spend your day trip visiting the dive sites.

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BUSINESS

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ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: THE START-UP SCENE IN MALTA WORDS BY Diane Brincat

W

hen you think of ‘start-ups’, you picture a group of tech geeks huddled over a computer somehow making tons a of money with every keystroke, and reality probably isn’t all too different from that scenario. However, not all start-ups in Malta are run by tech wizzes – in fact, many young businesses are founded by bright entrepreneurs with an eye for opportunity and a knack for spotting gaps in the market.

On an island where small businesses are the order of the day, from village grocers and small cafés to bespoke jewellery and glitzy boutique hotels, the start-up scene in Malta is thriving.

But how does a start-up differ from a small business? The main point of a start-up is to offer something unique, and is usually achieved through a digital platform of some sort.

While the start-up is likely to offer a service or product that fills a gap in the market, it is also likely to need stronger financial backing and a detailed plan in order to stay afloat until an audience or clientele is established.

The Maltese market has seen start-ups come and go – but the ones that succeeded have become leaders in sectors related

to IT, transport, hospitality, marketing, and more. So, what do these start-ups have in common? It seems that the service or product offered, supplies to a demand that the market isn’t always aware of. Case in point, Hotjar is a Maltese-led web analytics product that allows its customers to have a fully detailed recording and analysis of the traffic and user behaviour on their website. When a myriad of online tools exist to give you facts and figures about your web traffic, why would a product like Hotjar take off? In a nut shell – the way Hotjar presents its data through heatmaps, charts and actual recordings of user journey, is a dramatic departure from simply having analytics dispensed as tables of figures with no actual analysis involved.

From a local point of view, a quick overview of successful Maltese start-ups shows there’s a curious question at the helm – it’s unclear if the young entrepreneurs at the forefront of the start-up revolution are responsible for the breakthrough the Maltese market has seen, or if consumers have simply begun to develop needs that were not being catered for by the traditional market. While this chicken or egg situation may remain a mystery for the foreseeable

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BUSINESS

W h at does i t ta k e to l au nch a s ta rt-u p?

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•

•

•

•

A really good idea – there’s hardly any point in trying to sell a product or service that’s already being catered for. This might sound limiting but it’s all about taking something and making it better. For instance, as a taxi service Uber works in the same way any other ordinary taxi, however Uber allows customers to order a cab and pay online providing a complete game changer.

Funding – whether it’s a one-person-band or a whole team working on the start-up, funding is crucial for getting a project off the ground, be it for production, marketing or paying people’s wages.

Good timing – timing is often part luck, and part gauging when to take action. In some cases, it is possible to launch a start-up at a point when the market is simply not ready for your genius idea. Sometimes, unavoidable delays cause startups to launch when the market is oversaturated with similar products, making it tough to stand out.

Perseverance – no start-up skyrockets to the top right away. Success takes time and effort – which means that entrepreneurs probably experience doors slamming in their faces before that proverbial window finally opens.

Guts – each day of running a start-up involves an element of failure, and if that failure has any room for growth, entrepreneurs are faced with risking not only their livelihoods, but also copious amounts of money. It takes a combination of determination, courage and ambition to follow through with your vision.

While this chicken or egg situation may remain a mystery for the foreseeable future, one thing is certain – there’s no slowing down the start-up train

BUSINESS

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future, one thing is certain – there’s no slowing down the start-up train.

Start-ups nowadays have a number of helpful grants and systems in place to help them flourish – be it the Take Off Scheme funded by the University of Malta, or the recently government-launched Seed Investment Scheme, which is expected to generate €5 million in funds for start-ups, where every start-up company can be awarded up to €250,000, or 35% in tax credits. In the private sector, a number of mentorship initiatives run by investors have afforded startups’ sorely needed support. This usually happens in the form of incubators, a system where a group of start-ups are located in one central work space where they are allowed to grow their business until they become self-sufficient.

In addition to its economic strengths and advantageous tax breaks, the recent introduction of Silicon Valletta has turned Malta into a unique and sought-after start-up hub in Europe.

According to Silicon Valletta president, Simon Azzopardi, not only does Silicon Valletta act as a representative group for founders and investors on the island, but it also lobbies for young entrepreneurs who require support as they differentiate themselves from traditional market leaders.

For foreign entrepreneurs, choosing Malta seems like a no brainer – English is widely spoken and the warm weather is a major plus.

An unforgettable dining experience Indulge yourself in our decadent Mediterranean fusion dishes while tapping your feet to the smooth sounds of live jazz playing every night.

M A L TA ’ S G R E AT E S T LIVE JAZZ R E S TA U R A N T

Hotel Juliani, St Julians. Malta info@jazzcaverestaurant.com t. +356 7991 9303 jazzcaverestaurant.com

L O C AL S TAR S

ManaTapu:

Global ambassadors of Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast-moving, modern, multicultural music scene INTERVIEW BY Kristina Cassar Dowling PHOTOS BY Leinad Rodiger

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2010 and 2012. We all had pretty extensive backgrounds in music, and the fact that we all hung out at the same bars and venues here is ultimately how we all met five years ago, and started playing. It’s been an absolute blast. We love it here, and Malta has definitely become home.

How did you come up with the name M anaTapu? Does it mean anything?

The inspiration for the name comes from two separate but closely linked words, ‘Mana’ and ‘Tapu’, which are rooted in Māori culture and spirituality. “Māori” are the indigenous people of New Zealand, so, ‘Mana’ translates loosely to respect, prestige and power while ‘Tapu’ is a traditional concept referring to someone or something as sacred. There’s a kind of magical energy which ties the two concepts together. Kind of like the interaction we have between us, and especially with our fans when we’re playing live. Anyone who’s ever been to our shows can attest to the fact that there’s a palpable energy there.

How did you develop your sound?

A

fter a well-deserved break from 'Il-Garaxx' – the band's rehearsal studio, and home away from home – ManaTapu is back on Malta's summer festival circuit, much to the delight of its diehard fans… myself included. I got in touch with this cultural and stylistic melting-pot of a band about conducting interview, allowing meprivilege of sitting in on the most exclusive of gigs.

If you’ve never heard of ManaTapu, you’re missing out. Your first assignment today is to hop onto your favourite music browser and queue up the songs from their debut album, Timpana, a title sarcastically inspired by a traditional Maltese street-food. Featuring the trademark ManaTapu sound – a potpourri of musical styles peppered with multilingual lyrics – their songs have been touted as a direct result of Malta's fast-evolving multicultural music scene.

Our encounter together was basically as win-win as they come. Star struck at first, my meet-up with the band turned out to be an ultra-chilled chat about their vision, the way they aim to represent locally and internationally, as well as their unprecedented love for the art of music. This is what went down...

How did the band come together? W hat’s your story?

We get that question a lot!

Understandably too if you consider that, between the six of us, we hold passports to eight different countries and speak about six different languages. Dario and Aaron are Maltese, Jogy is Swiss German, Andrew is Canadian with Irish roots, Pupa is Chilean but grew up in France and Tete is Spanish.

The four of us who aren’t Maltese emigrated to Malta separately between

Between us, we have a pretty eclectic and diverse set of musical tastes, from reggae, to funk, to blues, to rock, to punk and even hip hop, so it’s fair to say our sound is a mash-up of our respective influences.

We’re pretty democratic about our song-writing too, so that has resulted in numerous songs featuring four different voices, in four different languages.

We got lucky with four singers who all compose and sing differently, and who sound really distinctive. Add to that the different languages, and you know, we suppose the result is the ManaTapu ‘sound’. One thing is certain; our ‘sound’ is in constant evolution.

W ho calls the shots?

Everyone takes turns taking lead when it’s necessary but there definitely isn’t one leader per se. It’s a very democratic thing we’ve got going on here. We all contribute equally in our own ways.

Luckily, we’ve got a solid set of skills which allow us to do everything we need

L O C AL S TAR S

as a completely self-managed band. And that’s a lot more than just writing and playing music...

W hat can you say a bout the lyrics?

There’s definitely synergy with the lyrics, even if they appear in multiple different languages per song. Our songs generally start off with a few core lyrics sometimes combined with riffs, and we’ll have a quick chat about the general idea or message, translate as necessary, and everyone will write their own thing.

After a lot of blood sweat and tears, if we’re lucky...BOOM...we’ve got a song!

W hat’s your message?

Well, we’re not the preachy types, and we write and play for ourselves, so if it sounds good and if we’re having fun, that’s what counts. But if there was a message we wanted to put out there, it’d

be that we’re proud to be Maltese! That no matter where we’re all from, Malta is home. We feel that we’re a direct result of a new, dynamic, multicultural landscape here, without which, we’d never have come together. ManaTapu is as much a part of the modern Malta, as the new modern Malta is a part of ManaTapu.

W hat are your plans for the future?

We’re at our best when we’re busy, and busy we are! In the near term, we’ll be playing some big shows here in Malta.

You can catch us live on closing night of Earth Garden, and headlining a night at the Farsons Beer Festival. We’ll also be announcing a few other fun shows later this summer.

We’ll be hitting the studio in autumn to start recording two albums worth of material, and we have a few music videos lined up too. With a few tours and

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appearances at foreign festivals in the works, there’s a lot to be excited about... and to be grateful for.

We’ll be hitting the studio in autumn to start recording two albums worth of material, and we have a few music videos lined up too We’re just humbled to have such strong backing from our supporters and fans, without which, none of this would be possible. It’s an honour to be representing Malta on an international level, and to be doing our part in putting Malta’s music scene on the map.

C U LT U R E

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The Courtyard at Palazzo Falson

A ROMANTIC EXCURSION INTO THE PAST WORDS BY Francesca Balzan

N

othing evokes the Mediterranean home like a shaded limestone courtyard animated with splashes of crimson bougainvillea. The courtyard at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum is perhaps the perfect expression of a Mediterranean courtyard house. Its courtyard is the focal point of the house, clearly visible from the entrance hall, drawing the idle stroller in from the street with its promise of beauty and shade, the cooling sound of water that plays in its fountain gives a privileged view into a private Mdina home. Unlike countless other courtyards in the many old houses of the Maltese islands, Palazzo Falson’s courtyard has a wealth of history that is almost unrivalled. The courtyard reveals the various changes that this historic home underwent, from its earliest building in the middle ages right down to the 21st century.

But first a few historic facts about Palazzo Falson. This building, which now houses a Museum, was originally built as a one-storey high courtyard house around the first half of the 13th century on the remains of an even earlier structure known as La Rocca, in Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. A number of architectural modifications occurred in the 15th century which led to a change in the orientation of the house, and the building of its present façade on Villegaignon Street.

Around this time the building grew further with the addition of a second level. We do not know who built or lived in the house in the first few centuries of its existence, however by the 16th century, Palazzo Falson was inhabited by the de Falsone family. These were the first securely documented

residents of the palazzo and the house has been given its name in their memory.

We even know who the individual members of the family were. The Palazzo was owned by Ambrosio de Falsone, who was the Head of the Town Council, and was then inherited by his cousin, the Vice-Admiral Michele Falsone. At this time, further architectural changes were done in preparation for the visit of Grand Master Philippe Villiers de l’Isle-Adam, who was hosted here in 1530 when he visited Mdina, after Malta was donated to the Knights of the Order of St John

by Emperor Charles V. Later in the century Matteo Falson became one of Palazzo Falson’s most notorious residents.

He was Master of the Rod in Mdina, but fell foul of the Inquisition due to his Lutheran sympathies, and fled the island in 1574. The Inquisition seized his estates which included Palazzo Falson. Possession of the house eventually passed to the Cumbo-Navarra family and their descendants.

By the 20th century the house had been broken up into different tenements and in 1927 a part of the house was acquired by Olof Frederick Gollcher (1889-1962) together with his mother. He was later able to purchase the rest of the original house some years later and renamed his Palazzo ‘The Norman House’ due to the stylistic features it displayed, which at the time were believed to be Siculo-Norman.

Gollcher, who was the descendant of a Swedish family on the paternal side, was a wonderful character who loved art, practiced it, and appreciated objects of beauty and history.

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C U LT U R E

He thus set about filling his house with a vast collection of antiques and historical relics which he displayed in this historic building He thus set about filling his house with a vast collection of antiques and historical relics which he displayed in this historic building. The collection he put together is now on display as the permanent collection of the Museum.

In the 21st century, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (Maltese Heritage Foundation) entered a management agreement with the owning foundation, the O.F. Gollcher Art & Archaeology Foundation, who wisely entrusted the conservation and management of this house to Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, thus enabling years of gradual decay to be halted to restore Palazzo Falson to its former glory, and transform it into a Historic House Museum. Patrimonju is a non-profit making organisation established in 1992 to promote and disseminate Maltese cultural heritage through exhibitions, research and publications. Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum opened to the public on 4 May, 2007 and is this year celebrating its 10 th anniversary.

The courtyard embodies all of this history providing clues for the discerning visitor to unravel. Most of the rooms centre around the courtyard and look to it for light and ventilation

thus ensuring privacy from the neighbouring houses. The left side of the courtyard as one enters through the entrance hall is the oldest part of the house. The size of the stones and traces of the pointed arch openings show its antiquity.

Ship graffiti etched into the wall and the occasional roundel reveal marks of previous generations. Olof Gollcher added on a number of decorative features in the courtyard turning it into a charming exercise in historicism overlaying genuinely medieval features. The fountain, with its ornate column was erected by Gollcher in homage to the original medieval fountain at the Benedictine cloister in Monreale in nearby Sicily, an island from where the Maltese have always drawn architectural and other influences. The folly and staircase are similarly modelled on earlier exemplars and blend in well with the original stonework of the courtyard, while the coat of arms of Grand Master l’Isle-Adam draws attention to the house’s illustrious visitors of the past.

This courtyard has continued to serve its original function well into the 21 st century. It is still very much the focal point of many museum activities. Not only does it continue to delight the museum visitor who visits by day, but it has also hosted evening lectures, open air concerts, literary gatherings and a number of other events. It has also played its own romantic part in the life stories of some individuals who have chosen its beautiful jasmine-scented, bouganvillaecoloured space to pop the question or even to hold their marriage ceremony amongst its age hallowed stones.

FOR SALE

IKLIN

€2,350,000

Beautiful Villa with Garden

Large pool and deck with ample space for entertaining, enjoying stunning distant country and town views. The property comprises grand welcoming hall leading onto a lovely reception area through its grand imposing marble staircase letting in floods of natural light and serving as a beautiful feature. Accommodation comprises of 4 double bedrooms (3 of which enjoy their private ensuite), main bathroom, butler room and facilities, 2 studies, play room, and main bathroom.

A large interconnecting formal living room and cigar room with a functional built in fire place, dining room, fully fitted and equipped and

2

guest

toilets.

Each

room

enjoys

spectacular views over the pool area and beyond and the detail taken into much consideration to the practicality of the property layout itself. Also includes an eight car car-port leading onto a side entrance to the property and a 6 car lock up garage and basement.

Air-conditioning, Potez heating.

Contact: +356 7799 9961

€6,000 Monthly FURNISHED

A splendid large DETACHED VILLA within a fantastic and privileged Villa area.

kitchen/breakfast

FOR RENT

Email: srjrjp@aol.com

Restaurant

& bar guide

Marsaxlokk

TERRONE RESTAURANT, 1 Wilga Street Marsaxlokk +356 2704 2656

www.terrone.com.mt

/terrone

We could tell you about our restaurant but we think you would rather hear from our customers, so we present a small selection of headlines from recent TripAdvisor reviews since March 2017: Original flavours Amazing place – Lovely fresh seafood whilst overlooking the waterfront – A healthy south Italian restaurant – Perfect food – Very good restaurant – A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Highly recommended

by TripAdvisor so we invite you to look us up and read the details yourself. Booking recommended. Parking available outside. Short taxi ride from most locations including Sliema/St Julian’s/Valletta.

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B AR S & R E S TA U RA N T S

MDINA

de Mondion Restaurant,

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina +356 2145 0560 www.xarapalace.com.mt/www.demondion.com info@xaracollection.com Set atop Mdina’s century-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island. Awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world and consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cusine, refinement and excellence. Promising discreet yet impeccably-attentive service, de Mondion allows its patrons the time and privacy to savour their cuisine. Group lunches are available on request while bookings for private functions and special celebrations are also welcome.

Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café & Bistro,

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

info@xaracollection.com

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

The Medina Maltese Cuisine Restaurant, Mdina +356 21450 560

info@xaracollection.com

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

Trattoria AD 1530, Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150 +356 2145 0560

www.xarapalace.com.mt

info@xaracollection.com

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

B AR S & R E S TA U RA N T S

MOSTA

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TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT – EST. 1964, Constitution Street, Mosta +356 2143 4444

www.tamarija.com

info@tamarija.com

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

SLIEMA

Charles Grech Bistro, Sir Adrian Dingli Street, Sliema +356 2132 0926

www.charlesgrechbistro.com

bistro@charlesgrech.com

The original tobacconist, bottle shop & Cafe on Republic Street Valletta has evolved, opening its doors as the elegant Charles Grech Bistro in Sliema, serving sumptuous breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch and dinner. The combination of the belle époque style décor, the clean smell of fine leather and the warm ambience are sure to hit all the right notes as you make your pick from the wide range of drinks and cocktails available at the bar. Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 12:00 till 22:30 Sat: 09:00 till 22:30 Sun: 09:00 till 16:00

MARGARET ISLAND BISTRO & WINEBAR, The Strand, Sliema + 356 2748 3280 + 356 9935 5210 margaretisland2016@gmail.com www.margaretisland.eu margaretislandsliema

Margaret Island is your place to discover new flavours as Hungarian cuisine surely has some delights for you. Fresh dishes, kids’menu, daily specials, delivery or take away are all available. We have a wide selection of Hungarian wines and you can also try our traditional fruit brandy: „Pálinka”. The restaurant is situated on the Strand in Sliema, close to Sliema ferries. From our terrace you can enjoy the fantastic view of Valletta. Our seating capacity is 80 seats inside and 40 seats outside. We have an open kitchen and kids can have fun in our playground. Our bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Hungry for Hungary? Modern interior, attentive waiters, professional chefs from Hungary are looking forward to welcoming you! Jó étvágyat!

Ta’ Kolina, 151, Tower Road, Sliema +356 2133 5106

+356 9942 4877

takolina@gmail.com

Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been open since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with its traditional Maltese limestone interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of five local starters; five main courses; dessert & coffee for €20. There’s a unique à la carte menu with some 20 starters from €4.50 to €7.50, and 20 main courses from €11 to €24 to choose from. Ta’ Kolina offer a variety of fresh fish, rabbit, steak and many more traditional dishes.

A wide selection of the best Maltese wines are available offers ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

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B AR S & R E S TA U RA N T S

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema +356 2133 7367

+356 9984 771

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

st julian’s

The Bedouin Bar Malta, Dragonara Road, St Julian’s westin.dragonara@westin.com

www.bedouinbarmalta.com

The renowned Friday nights at The Bedouin Bar are back starting from Friday 26th May 2017, and every Friday night after that throughout the summer months.Relax and unwind right by the water's edge at our exclusive and unique Bedouin Bar. Set on a peninsula in the heart of the Reef Club Lido at The Westin Dragonara Resort, the Bedouin Bar is the ideal outdoor chillout venue. Being so close to the sea, The Bedouin Bar is open only during the hot summer months. For more information and updates, visit our Facebook page: /bedouinmalta

The Avenue, The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian’s +356 2135 1753/+356 2137 8731

www.theavenuemalta.com

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

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

The Boathouse Lounge Wine & Tapas, Dragonara Road, St Julian’s +356 2138 1000 www.boathouseloungemalta.com restaurants.dragonara@westin.com boathouseloungemalta

A new, distinctive venue within The Westin Dragonara Resort, set in a unique location right on the water’s edge offering a selection of fine wine & tapas. Booking in advance is recommended. Call us or send an email to book your table.

B AR S & R E S TA U RA N T S

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WATERBISCUIT, St George’s Bay, St Julian’s +356 2376 2225

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, tasty 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.

Zest, Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian’s +356 2138 7600

www.zestflavours.com

info@zestflavours.com

Opened over 15 years ago as Malta’s first Asian fusion restaurant, Zest’s menu will take you on an exciting culinary journey. Get swept off your feet with delectable dishes from Zest’s signature Indonesian beef rendang, to lobster Phad Thai, 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?

ta’ Xbiex

The Galley, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex +356 2131 8801

thegalley@artisanfoods.com.mt

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

MARSALFORN, GOZO

ARZELLA, Il-Menqa, Marsalforn, Gozo +356 2155 4662

+356 7940 9924

bookings@ristorantearzella.com

The shimmering Mediterranean encircling our island has always been regarded by the islanders as an unfailingly reliable source of nutrition - and Ristorante Arzella is certainly no exception. It is with the same consistency that we ensure to deliver only the tastiest selection of fresh fish and seafood to our clients’ plates. Your host, Christian, will be delighted to recommend a dish perfectly suited to your tastes, which you can enjoy either during a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner on our open terrace whilst feasting your eyes on wide uninterrupted sea views. Choose from an array of colourful pasta dishes, meats, mouth-watering antipasti and a vast selection of wine guaranteed to make your dining experience the most memorable yet.

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EVENTS & NEWS

from Malta’s national airline The following pages will give you an insight on what’s going on at Air Malta. The behind the scenes and highlights of past months and forthcoming ones. Malta’s national airline tells it like it is, ensuring all Air Malta passengers are well-informed while soaring high in the sky.

Air Malta Inaugurates Tel Aviv route

A

ir Malta has recently inaugurated a new scheduled service to Israel’s political centre, Tel Aviv. The service, will be operated with up to three times a week on alternate weeks, and will connect Malta with Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. The launch of this route continues to enhance Air Malta’s position as the leading carrier connecting the islands to important regions in Europe and across the Mediterranean.

Passengers boarding the flight were welcomed to a ceremony inside the terminal to celebrate this new connection. This is the first Israeli route on Malta International Airport’s schedule, further enhancing its network to the Middle-East.

“We are proud that we have reached another milestone and managed to inaugurate Tel Aviv as our new scheduled destination for this year. We offered this route as a charter destination for years, working closely with leading Israeli tour operators. Now that the market has matured enough, we are confident that the inauguration of this route as a scheduled service will translate in new opportunities for both countries,” commented Joe Galea, Air Malta’s Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Tel Aviv is Israel’s second largest City, a cosmopolitan and vibrant destination stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. It is rich in culture and hosts a large number of museums. Various cultural attractions make this city a unique place to visit. Travellers can explore the fascinating Old Jaffa located at the southern part of Tel Aviv and admire the picturesque alleyways.

Air Malta’s Acting Chief Executive Joseph Galea cutting the inauguration cake with Captain Alessandro Muscat in the presence of the crew of the first scheduled flight from Tel Aviv. Also present are Alex Cardona Malta International Airport Manager Traffic Development (1st right) .

Being the place where three major monotheistic religions meet, Israel offers several sacred and historical landmarks providing a unique and distinctive experience. Tel Aviv doesn’t just offer history, religion and art, it is also a leader in gourmet cuisine and culinary traditions.

A I R M A LTA NE W S

103

Air Malta's In-flight Magazine Given Fresh New Look

L

ast month Air Malta presented its monthly in-flight magazine Il-Bizzilla in a totally modern look. The magazine was given a complete makeover with a new design that carries a fresh and modern tone in the hands of a recently appointed editor. This in order to keep on creating one of the best inflight magazines in the industry.

The new design makes use of sharp lines that complement the layout and editorial elements of the magazine while allowing the feature spaces to breathe and flow easily. Following geometrical shapes such as linear or circular elements, the redesign of Il-Bizzilla took on a new image; that of style and elegance.

With the use of larger pictures readers can experience a pleasant journey through a local's perspective. In addition, white space plays a key role within the new design, it allows the reader to flow through the pages at an easier pace. Little details that one may notice add a contemporary feel while a touch of editorial edge is also present, which reflects the team behind it. This combination of elements is rarely seen on an in-flight magazine.

In order to further enhance the new design, a matte cover finish was adopted with a structured look allowing clarity and absolute aesthetic appeal.

Apart from an exceptional new design, some editorial features have also been added on, to vary the content and improve the quality of the text that makes any Air Malta flight more enjoyable. Starting off with a feature titled Talk of the Town, where emphasis on a local city, village, town or collection of localities is focused upon for the month’s issue, highlighting the major Maltese attractions with a cultural or historical approach or by tapping into the entertainment sphere and pin-pointing the top spots to visit within the area.

A new feature that will transport readers into an entirely new world, much like travelling itself, is the 'Fiction Section', that uses the city highlighted in Talk of the Town as inspiration for an engaging and freeing piece where one’s imagination can run wild. Another element that promotes relaxation and ensures easy reading comes with the introduction of shorter, varied articles that allow for quick reads on many topics disscussed within the issue.

The new face of Il-Bizzilla took time and effort to take shape and both the airline and the publishers intend to continue working together to further improve this publication. Enhancements and changes

will not stop as the primary objective is to make the national airline’s magazine a joy to read and a token of the heritage of the Maltese Islands.

“Il-Bizzilla is one of the most read and loved magazines in Malta. We must realise that for many tourist it’s the first and last encounter with Malta, possibly also many holiday plans are made based on the magazine. Together with our publishers we strive to offer the best possible topical and entertaining content for our wide spectrum of readers. A lot of work revolves around the publication of this magazine and I am confident that the new, more modern layout and content will go down well and will offer our guests a unique reading experience”, said Joe Galea, Air Malta’s Acting CEO. “Working on Il-Bizzilla requires not only a passion for writing and publishing in general but also a sheer love for Maltese culture and the Maltese Islands, together with an eye for detail, the creativity to further improve a national gem as well as time, lots and lots of time. I’m proud of our redesign and our new features and I know that in time every element that we’ve implemented will once again improve,” said Kristina Cassar Dowling, Editor of Il-Bizzilla.

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A I R M A LTA NE W S

Air Malta connects Malta with North Africa again, new scheduled Services to Tunis start 26th of June

A

ir Malta is reconnecting Malta to North Africa following the re-start of scheduled services between the islands and Tunis Carthage Airport as from Monday, 26th June 2017.

“We are very excited to announce that we will be returning to North Africa this summer with up to three direct flights a week. This is the second destination we are announcing during this season.

We have been following the situation in North Africa every day and now that the situation in Tunisia has stabilised, we want to be amongst the first airlines to connect Europe with the country again.

Tunisia is a great destination and we are confident that it is going to be a great addition to our schedule as we connect Tunis not only with Malta, but also with a lot of our European destinations. The country is, ideal for weekend breaks particularly for those seeking the sun,’’ said Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Air Malta’s flights will increase flight connectivity between Tunisia and the

European cities of Vienna, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Prague, Munich, Brussels, Marseille, Catania, Milan and Zurich with short connecting time through Malta International Airport.

Air Malta will also provide full cargo services on this route, thus facilitating the movement of goods between the two countries and opening a new cargo gateway to and from Tunisia and beyond.

Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia. Built on a hill slope this hybrid and provincial city offers travellers a glimpse of different empires and civilisations. Travellers can wander through the narrow streets and lanes of the historic city of Medina, a UNESCO Heritage site since 1979. Medina hosts an incredible number of spectacular monuments and landmarks mainly palaces, mosques and museums. On the eastern side of the lake of Tunis, lays the ancient magnificent Phoenician city of Carthage. Visiting this extraordinary city leads to a unique distinctive experience that will definitely take you back in time. Visitors can explore various Phoenician ruins and admire

impressive roman remains structures ranging from villas and baths. This imposing city is also home to the Presidential Palace. The picturesque cliff top village of Sidi Bou Said, full of quaint cobbled streets is surely worth a visit. It is lined with white washed buildings which are adorned with interesting iron works, blue decorated doors and windows. Tunis offers more than just historic sites and landmarks, the fishing village of Hammamet is synonymous with sandy beaches, beautiful resorts and a vibrant nightlife.

Other popular attractions include Sousse, Monastir, Port El Kantaoui, the Amphitheatre of El Jem and others. While visiting Tunisia and the surrounding areas travellers can indulge themselves in the inviting authentic local cuisine and sweet delights that this North African country can offer.

Malta on the other hand has a lot to offer to Tunisians from balmy beaches and trendy nightclubs, to magnificent ancient monuments and a stunning legacy of centuries’ old art and culture.

A I R M A LTA NE W S

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ISLE OF MTV MALTA 2017 IS ALMOST HERE

TUESDAY 27 JUNE 2017, THE GRANARIES, FLORIANA THE CHAINSMOKERS, DNCE & JONAS BLUE CONFIRMED

M

TV, in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority, will be returning to the sun-lit island of Malta, on Tuesday 27 June, for what is the 11th consecutive year of Isle of MTV Malta.

Multi-platinum selling duo, The Chainsmokers will headline the free entry concert on the historic granaries of Il-Fosos Square. The DJ’s will be joined by global super-group DNCE and chart-topping DJ and producer, Jonas Blue, performing for thousands of festival goers at Europe’s largest, free, summer live music event!

Shooting straight into the global charts with their debut single #Selfie in 2014 - just a few short years, three multiplatinum singles and five billion streams later, The Chainsmokers (comprised of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart), hit stratospheric status with their 2016 single Closer. Billboard Hot 100’s longest running #1 single of 2016, the track held the top spot for 12 uninterrupted weeks and recently broke the record for number of weeks at #1 on the Billboard Dance/ Mixshow Chart, topping the chart 17 weeks running. Their latest single Paris is out now.

Making their global debut in 2015, with their triple platinumselling breakout smash Cake By The Ocean, DNCE (Joe Jonas, Cole Whittle, JinJoo Lee and Jack Lawless) recently took home the win for ‘Best PUSH Artist’ at the 2016 MTV EMAs and ‘Best New Artist’ at last year’s MTV VMAs. Their self-titled debut album DNCE, released in November 2016, charted internationally and includes the follow up hit singles, Toothbrush and Body Moves. Their new single Kissing Strangers, features global superstar Nicki Minaj and is currently the most added song at Top 40 Radio in the US. 2016 MTV EMA nominee Jonas Blue, took the music industry by storm in last year with his debut single, Fast Car featuring Dakota.

Selling over 6 million records worldwide, it was the biggest selling single globally of the year from a debut British artist. This followed with equally great international success with his second and third dance hits, Perfect Strangers featuring JP Cooper and By Your Side featuring RAYE. Jonas is poised for continued worldwide success in 2017 and beyond, having now sold more than 13 million records and been streamed 2 billion times.

This year Isle of MTV Malta forms part of a week-long series of live music events and club nights. For more information about tickets and travel packages visit www.isleofmtv.com.

Friday 23 June: Saturday 24 June: Sunday 25 June:

Tuesday 27 June:

Cheat Codes & Club MTV @ Gianpula Pacha on Tour with Don Diablo @ Aria Café Del Mar Sunset Party featuring Kungs @ Café Del Mar Isle of MTV 2017 headlined by The Chainsmokers @ Il Fosos Square Tuesday 27 June: Isle of MTV Malta Official After

Party @ Uno Wednesday 28 June: HedKandi House Sessions

@ Café Del Mar Isle of MTV Malta will be filmed and edited into a 60-minute special that will broadcast across 20 MTV channels throughout Europe. The show will also be supported across all MTV social media platforms as well as via a bespoke website. As part of an extensive integrated marketing campaign, the Isle of MTV Malta concert will be supported by marketing initiatives, all of which will drive awareness of the event as well as leverage MTV’s world renowned brand and unique youth insight, to further cement and promote Malta’s position as a holiday destination for young people.

Over the ten years that Isle of MTV has been held in Malta, the number of visitors to the island under the age of 24 has increased by 120% and now accounts for 20% of all tourists.

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A I R M A LTA NE W S

THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2018 Valletta at the heart of Europe

Sites including Strait Street – a centre of social life and creative activity; is-Suq tal-Belt, the iconic landmark which will once again serve as an indoor market as from autumn; MUŻA, the new national community art museum and the Valletta Design Cluster, which is transforming a long neglected area of the capital city, are offering new homes for artistic and innovative practice.

M

ore than ever before, the year 2018 will position Malta’s capital city Valletta at the heart of Europe. With its unique, natural harbour considered as one of the most beautiful in the world, Valletta, suitably located in the centre of the Mediterranean, will act as a platform for a multitude of cultural, artistic and participatory projects spread throughout the year.

In preparation for this, Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture is working relentlessly to create a programme that reflects and encompasses diversity, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for all.

The first step in our European Capital of Culture story will be the opening of a year-long cultural celebration on Saturday 20 January 2018. In keeping with the spirit of the traditional festa, brightly adorned streets will set the scene for celebration in Valletta kicking off a programme of extravagant outdoor events. Various dynamic shows will take place at the Triton Fountain, Castille Square, St John’s Square and St George’s

With its distinctive entrance, transformation in the capital city is now being complemented by the general restoration of auberges and historical palaces that mark its streets. Privately owned houses are being injected with new life by local residents and expatriates alike who are choosing to settle in Valletta.

While the several boutique hotels housed in old palazzi lining the streets have become the obvious choice for tourists visiting Malta.

Square, under a canopy of ornate decorations and lighting effects.

This special time and space for local and international communities, will bring together all sorts of ingredients – collaboration, innovation, initiative and participation – to the festive mix. Moreover people from different backgrounds will come together to participate in cultural activities and explore meaningful connections.

Life in Valletta will entice you as you feast your eyes whilst navigating the narrow streets and alleys, protected by its bastions and fortifications.

Although deeply rooted in its historical architecture and events, Valletta did not cease to evolve and progress with the times, resulting in an imposing, versatile mix between the old and new.

Known as "the humble city", Valletta is currently undergoing cultural, social and economic regeneration. Infrastructural works with an investment of millions of Euro from the central government, the European Union and the private sector.

This highly active context dominating the 451-year-old capital city will set the backdrop for all those visiting in the months to come.

Since its foundation, Valletta has always acted as a main cultural hub of the island, and will continue to do so as European Capital of Culture. The mix of local and international talent will not cease in 2018 but rather stimulate further initiatives of creativity, innovation and collaboration between future generations over the years to come.

Renowned contemporary local and international artists will create vibrant relationships through links between art and the local environment.

Furthermore, identity and culture will be explored through the active participation of communities.

The 6,000 residents of the capital city and the rest of the islanders deem Valletta to possess a unique style of life where passion, enthusiasm and skills give rise to the best recipe possible for a wonderfully colourful experience. We invite you to join us in Valletta over the weeks and months to come.

NEWS

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Letting you in on Valletta’s Secret Underground World

T

he Malta Airport Foundation, in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, is restoring the Combined Operations Room within the Underground War Headquarters in Valletta.

The project focuses on part of an underground complex consisting of rooms and tunnels, which served as the island’s nerve centre from where war was waged against the Axis powers and went on being used well into the 1970s. Built in the early stages of the Air Battle for Malta in 1940, the Combined Operations Room was where some of the key military figures of the time worked from and took crucial decisions, which helped the strategically located island emerge victorious from what was to become one of the greatest battles of World War II. Having played a crucial role in Malta’s defence history, this project aims to complete one big subterranean museum of times gone by. Moreover, being the first operations room to simultaneously play both defensive and offensive roles, the significance of the Combined Operations Room stretches even beyond Malta's history, making it an important point of reference in combined operations training. After the war, the complex went on to be used by NATO as a submarine tracking centre and had an active role in the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. It was permanently closed in 1977.

With a contribution of over €280,000 to the project, the restoration of the Combined Operations Rooms is the Malta Airport Foundation's heftiest investment in Malta's heritage to date.

The restored complex, which covers an area of 28,000 square metres and spreads right underneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens all the way to St Peter and Paul Counterguard across Valletta’s main ditch, will be accessible to the public in 2018 via guided tours.

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A I R M A LTA NE W S

How business can take centre STAGE for the health of our oceans

Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

I

n Malta, we have a deep connection to the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, the people of Malta have depended on the sea as a source of food, and a means to trade. More recently we have learned to harness the sea for diverse businesses, from fisheries to tourism.

It is not just the Maltese but also those from other countries who rely on the oceans and seas. This will be true for future generations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for livelihoods, for leisure, for business. It is therefore up to us all to protect them from the threats of pollution, climate change and overexploitation.

It is only by involving those who know the sea and have harnessed its powers for new enterprises that we can ensure sustainable progress. But this is not enough. We need all businesses with the will and power to change the course of our oceansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; future to get on board.

This is why the European Union is hosting the fourth edition of the international Our Ocean Conference, 'An Ocean for Life,' on 5 and 6 October 2017 in Malta. Therefore the business community will be such an active partner.

The event will bring together decision-makers and forward-thinking corporate leaders with one single aim: to transform the challenges presented by our oceans into opportunities by committing to sustainable cooperation, innovation and entrepreneurship.

This year, the conference will encourage actions that help reduce marine litter, support sustainable fisheries, mitigate climate change, and establish Marine Protected Areas.

MALTA, 5-6 OCTOBER 2017

The event will tap into the business community's ambitious spirit of initiative to help care for our oceans.

The past editions of the conference delivered over 8.2 billion euros worth of pledges globally, all taking practical steps towards ocean recovery. Now we are inviting the commercial sector to take centre stage.

Simple steps like removing plastic bags from retailers can make a real difference. But now is the time for fundamental shifts.

It is time for commitment towards creating circular economies and substantially reducing our impact on the marine ecosystems. Companies can choose to sponsor the creation or expansion of a marine sanctuary, or provide incentives for sustainable fisheries. They can fund the restoration of a polluted coastal area, or lead the way to reduce plastic consumption and waste in a specific industry.

Our oceans represent not only environmental but also economic opportunities that are within reach for any visionary player ready to seize them. And Our Ocean 2017 is a chance for demonstrating businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to invest in a greener value chain.

Companies announcing the most ambitious pledges will have the opportunity to take the stage at the conference in Malta and present their activities to a global audience.

I sincerely hope that your visit to Malta has inspired or will inspire you to dream of a sustainable sea that offers beauty, sustenance and leisure for millennia to come.

Find out more at www.ourocean2017.org or contact us via email at MARE-OOC-2017_BUSINESS@ec.europa.eu #OurOcean

A I R M A LTA NE W S

il-bizzilla talks to

Alan Muscat Captain

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

Do you have any hobbies?

I was cleared for my first independent flight as a First Officer on the 4th of August 1994. This August will mark my 23rd year working with Air Malta.

I have many interests which include scuba-diving, sailing and horse-riding which unfortunately I do not practice very often anymore. Of the three, scuba-diving is definitely at the top of my list especially when away on holiday. I also have less adventurous hobbies such as tinkering with computer hardware and writing snippets of software code to do tasks for myself, astronomy, reading and watching movies which I manage to do more frequently.

Three words that describe your job?

Responsibility, teamwork and dedication.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

Each flight is a big challenge in itself. The job requires us to deal with many variables. The aircraft, with its multitude of systems, coupled with the weather which is very dynamic and constantly changing over the duration of a flight and at a destination, makes our job interesting yet challenging. Passengers with special needs who require specific attention: such as babies in incubators, stretcher cases or wheelchair or blind passengers with guide dogs need to be given special attention. For example, I have on several occasions carried babies in incubators in need of special care and this special care may entail flying at lower altitudes to have a higher cabin pressure and also flying faster as time may be an issue. This would involve coordinating with the destination Air Traffic Control to get on the ground as quickly as possible and avoiding turbulence. Whatever the case, it is all part of the job and the continuous challenge is what makes it very rewarding.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

Flying to any one of the destinations close to the Alps on a beautiful day would be the destination to pick but I would say that if I were to choose one particular destination it would have to be Geneva. The descent into Geneva takes us past Mont Blanc and then onto Lac Leman. The scenery is just incredible.

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

Where do I begin? Our Islands are small but very rich in history and packed with historical places, beautiful beaches and diverse attractions, including an abundant nightlife.

Some of the places I would definitely recommend to visit are the Mnajdra Temples and the Hypogeum. Malta has a great advantage in being so small. Our size makes it possible to visit a historical sight and then go for a dip to freshen up - the best of both worlds on a holiday.

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i n f l ig h t i n f o r m at i o n

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

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

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

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

Alcohol consumption

Smoking

Alcohol consumed at high altitude can have a stronger effect than usual.

Cabin crew are legally empowered to refuse serving any alcohol to an intoxicated passenger and to anyone under the age of 18. In extreme cases, crew may also temporarily confiscate the passenger‘s own drinks so that the passenger would not become a nuisance to the other passengers and crew.

Furthermore, Air Malta is bound by international regulations which prohibit embarkation or the carriage of drunken passengers. But once you are reading this article, Air Malta‘s Flight Safety Committee is confident that you are a law-abiding and exemplary passenger. Indeed, the cabin crew may need your assistance to restrain another passenger in the unlikely event that he or she may act irresponsibly during the flight. The consumption of one’s own alcoholic beverages inflight goes against Air Malta policy.

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

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

i n f l ig h t i n f o r m at i o n

Air Malta Fleet

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

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Join our business class Upgrade to Air Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Class for priority service.

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

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

Qty: 1 in fleet Number of seats: 141 Engines: CFM56-5B6/P Maximum take-off weight: 73.5 metric tons Overall length: 33.84m

Fly in comfort Enhance your comfort with extra legroom during your flight.

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

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

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

Groups

AIRBUS 320

We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than 10 adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anywhere else. Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

Qty: 7 in fleet Number of seats: 168/180 Engines: IAE V2500/ CFM565B4/P Maximum take-off weight:

Web check in Skip the line and check-in before you get to the airport. You may check-in online before you get to the airport, up to 24 hours prior to departure up until one hour before your flight. Visit www.airmalta.com/information/check-in for more information.

77.0 metric tons Overall length: 37.57m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,055 km

destination information finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • Oslo Stockholm

ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK • Copenhagen

UNITED KINGDOM

REP. OF IRELAND

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

BELARUS • Bremen

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

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

Lyon •

Marsille •

UKRAINE

• Prague

• Frankfurt

CZECH REPUBLIC

• Munich

FRANCE

• Warsaw

POLAND

• Vienna

HUNGARY

SWITZERLAND • Geneva

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA Trieste •

Milan • Turin • Verona • • Venice Florence • • Bologna Genoa •

• Otopani

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

• Ancona ITALY • Pescara

Pisa •

SPAIN

• Sofia

F.Y.O.M. • Bari • Brindisi ALBANIA

• Olbia Naples • • Cagliari

BULGARIA • Istanbul

TURKEY GREECE

Lamezia Terme

Palermo •

TUNISIA

SERBIA

MONTENEGRO

• Rome Alghero •

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

• Nice

SLOVAKIA

• Reggio Calabria • Catania

Larnaca •

CYPRUS

Malta Tel Aviv •

ISRAEL

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

IRAN

Air Malta direct flights airport

• Abu Dhabi

OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

Weekly Flights

Amsterdam Berlin Birmingham Bristol Brussels Catania Düsseldorf London Gatwick London Heathrow Lyon Marseille

8 1 1 1 10 15 2 5 15 3 2

airport

Weekly Flights

Milan Moscow Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Prague

Rome Tel Aviv Vienna Zurich

7 2 10 2 7 9 2 10 3 (fortnight) 8 8

Code-shared RouteS • BRISBANE

Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi

Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

australia

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

• Sydney

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

• Melbourne

brussels AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

• Perth

via Catania via Brussels

Czech Airlines Prague

australia Swiss International Air Lines

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

Austrian Airlines

Zurich

Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw

Emirates Larnaca

Meridiana Olbia Naples

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

via Rome via Catania

Turkish AIRLINES Istanbul

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna

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E l e c t r o n ic d e v ic e i n f o r m at i o n

Use of Portable Electronic Devices on board Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

Non-Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

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

These could include, but are not limited to, items such as DVD players, electronic games, music players and personal cameras. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing.

Larger devices shall be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

Laptops and notebooks Such devices may be used during boarding and during flight but not during taxi, take-off and landing. Any built-in data connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must be disabled.

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

Are there times when I cannot use my electronic devices?

Can I use headphones?

Personal headphones can be used during all phases of the flight.

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

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

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

I should inform the cabin crew when … … portable electronic device is damaged, becomes hot, produces smoke, is lost, or falls into the seat structure. If safe to do so, the device must be switched off immediately.

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

PHASE

Boarding

Hand Held PEDs (e.g. smart phones and tablets)

Larger PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HEADPHONES

Wi-fi, text & phone call functions

YES

YES

YES

YES

instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

no

no

no

Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

Cruise

YES

YES

YES

no

(Cabin Crew PA)

YES

no

YES

no

Landing

YES

no

YES

no

Taxi to Stand

YES

no

YES

YES

Extended Ground Delay (when

Circa 10 minutes to landing

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

Gozo, the most rewarding extra mile.

Tal-MerĹźuq Hill, photo by Daniel Cilia

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