Il-Bizzilla, September 2017

#57 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

12 Ways to Kill Time p.44 Some great ways to spend your time in Malta.

Talk of the Town p.58 This month take a look at what Sliema has to offer.

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5

#57 SEPTEMBER 2017

Contents

26 38

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

14 . INTER V IE W W IT H A C ARTOONIST Steve Bonello, a local artist in the limelight.

2 1 . LGBT+ RIG H TS

Malta’s stance on LGBT rights. Where does Malta stand at the moment?

54

24 . H IG H F LY ING D ENTISTR Y

An insight on professional teeth cleaning.

26 . M a k e i t M u n i ch Who said it's all about beer?

3 1 . OUT & ABOUT

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

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

3 8 . F IS H ING TRI P S

A fisherman’s tale of the deep blue sea.

45 . 12 WAY S TO KILL TIME

Some great ways to spend your time while on the island.

5 4 . RO C K T H E S H ORES

Some rocky spots to make the most of September’s sunny weather.

5 8 . TALK O F T H E TO W N

This month we’re focusing on Sliema – a shopping haven with so much to do.

62 . ISLAN D H IG H LIG H TS

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

67. TO P F OO D S TO TAKE H OME

Keep some luggage space available, you’re going to need it.

74

6

74 . OBS C URE F OO D The unconventional food that makes Maltese

cuisine unique.

78 . C OLOUR s O F T H E ME D ITERRANEAN

A fiction piece that takes you on a rainbow tour.

8 0 . MALTA - T H E ME D ITERRANEAN H UB F OR ENGLIS H

An industry that is ever growing and ever popular.

82 . A KITCHEN AT THE HEART OF MEDIE VAL MDINA

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the medieval kitchen.

8 5 . A TALE O F T W O ITALIANS

The scoundrel and the social climber. Painting the picture of perfection.

8 9. MALTA ON T W O W H EELS

Travel around the island in style – take it all in.

92 . W H EN A C IT Y BE C AME A C INEMA An outdoor event that is changing modern cinematography.

9 5 . RESTAURANT & BAR GUI D E

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

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

A round-up of this month’s news.

107. i n t e r v i e w

Il-Bizzilla talks to Victor Bajada, workshop technician.

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

All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

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.

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

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

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

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

Closing date is the last day of the month.

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8

MEDINA ...taste Malta #57 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

12 Ways to Kill Time p.44 Some great ways to spend your time in Malta.

Talk of the Town p.58 This month take a look at what Sliema has to offer.

ON THE Cover Independence Garden, Sliema.

Meet the Team Editorial and DESIGN TBWA\ANG Executive Editor Kristina Cassar Dowling Sales and Business Development Renata Vella

Jean Paul Demajo Julian Sammut Katrin Risiott Paul Vassallo Sarah Chircop TCD Teodor Reljic Tia Reljic Valletta Waterfront

Contributors Air Malta Alessia Caruana Antoine Borg Micallef Ben Mifsud Joslin David Mallia Fiona Mercieca Francesca Balzan Helen Raine

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

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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

National Victory Day where part of the

Don’t be fooled – just because we’ve

Malta flight. Thank you for choosing Air

celebrations involve the avidly competitive

flipped our calendars over to September

Malta as your preferred airline for your

traditional regatta race in the Grand

doesn’t mean that summer is a long-lost

travels to the Maltese Islands and beyond if

Harbour. If you are planning to travel to

concept that we are requested to mourn.

your flying onwards with one of our many

Gozo make sure you pay a visit to the

September’s weather can still pack a punch.

partner airlines.

quaint village of Qala and indulge yourself

In fact, it could also be that little bit better…

in traditional food, dance and folk music Over the past two months our team

during the Qala International Folk Festival.

Flying to Malta in September is a great idea,

worked hard on our upcoming winter

Malta is also home to an exciting list of

visiting the island can be a little bit more

schedule were we are planning to operate

International Music Festivals and this

manageable after the peak of Malta’s heat

over 100 weekly flights and expecting to

month the islands are hosting the 2nd

has passed. Locals start to shy away from

carry over half a million passengers to and

edition of the electronic dance music

the beaches, clearing up some sandy spots

from Malta. Our winter schedule will offer

festival, Glitch.

for tourists and the few diehard locals who would never waste a speck of sun.

the best connections with not less than 20 key European destinations including

For more information about Air

Frankfurt. After our absence this summer

Malta and our flight schedules please

Malta looks beautiful in September, a more

from the German city, we have been

visit www.airmalta.com and www.

culture friendly environment emerges

convinced by the travel industry that we

facebook.com/AirMalta and join our

from the sun-stricken limestone. Enjoying

are needed on the route and our new sales

newsletter mailing list to receive great

some of Malta’s historical beauties such as

initiatives with a lower cost-base have been

offers directly in your inbox.

temples, museums, caves or churches is more bearable come September.

key in deciding to go back to Frankfurt and offer an even better choice when flying

At Air Malta we are customer driven and

from Germany to Malta.

are always keen to know what we could

This month’s issue will highlight one of

do better to improve your Air Malta flight

Malta’s most frequented areas – Sliema

his is not the only good news we have in

experience. Visit www.airmalta.com/

- which is also a great location to enjoy

store for you, as final preparations for

wearelistening to answer a few short

this time of year. With the many cafés and

the launch of our new product range is

questions about your flight experience

restaurants open for business from early

underway and is set to make travelling with

with us and you can win one of the

morning till late at night and the spectacular

Air Malta even more attractive.

10 free return Air Malta flights we are

view of Valletta’s skyline across the harbour,

offering every month. It really only takes

Sliema is a great place to be.

Now the winter season is locked and

2 minutes!

Mix it up this month, hit the beach, visit a

loaded, the team at Air Malta is working on Summer 2018 schedule that promises new

Thank you for choosing Air Malta. As our

museum and buy yourself a fancy new hat.

and exciting destinations to be added to

welcomed guest we hope to see you on-

Whatever you choose to do on our colourful

our network.

board another one of our flights soon.

island, take it easy and enjoy the beauty.

There are a lot of events happening on the Maltese Islands in September. On the 8th of this month Malta commemorates

Joseph Galea Acting CEO Air Malta

Have a safe flight,

Kristina

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

‘The best name in Malta property’

FOR SALE | MELLIEHA | DETACHED VILLA

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Tigne Point ▪ A world-class seafront triplex PENTHOUSE with panoramic views of Valletta & beyond to the open sea ▪ Fantastic amenities within the complex including cafes, restaurants & Malta’s largest shopping mall ▪ Finished to very high standards throughout ▪ Entrance hallway ▪ Sitting/dining area leading out onto front terraces ▪ Fitted kitchen/ breakfast area & family room ▪ Laundry room ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 5 bathrooms ▪ Guest cloakroom ▪ Kitchenette ▪ Magnificent private swimming pool & entertaining area ▪ 2 car underlying garage ▪ Lift access

FOR SALE | SLIEMA | SEAFRONT APARTMENT

FOR SALE | LIJA | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

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

A large 200 year old period CORNER TOWNHOUSE located in the heart of this sought after residential village ▪ Spacious plot size of approximately 1,700m2 ▪ Property consists of 2 separate residences ▪ Arched hallway ▪ Central courtyard ▪ Sitting / dining room ▪ Kitchen / breakfast area ▪ Living room ▪ Mature garden with swimming pool & ample entertaining area ▪ Guest toilet ▪ 5 bedrooms ▪ 4 bathrooms ▪ Terraces ▪ Utility room ▪ 2 separate interconnecting garages

Price: €1,750,000 - Ref: DV600019

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

Sole Agents - Price: €3,950,000 - Ref: PH600100

Sole Agents - Price: €2,500,000 - Ref: HC01461

TO LET | SLIEMA | SEAFRONT APARTMENTS

TO LET | TA’XBIEX | PENTHOUSE

Exclusive to Perry - Introducing ‘One One 0 The Strand’ ■ 12 brand new luxurious SEAFRONT APARTMENTS & 1 PENTHOUSE with spectacular panoramic views of Manoel Island, Sliema Creek & beyond to Valletta ▪ Close to all local amenities including the promenade ▪ State of the art finish with high speed internet & air-conditioning throughout ▪ Fully furnished ▪ Large open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with sliding doors onto the front terrace ▪ Fully fitted kitchen/ breakfast ▪ 2/3 bedroom options available (with en suite facilities) measuring 164m2 or larger 328m2 4 bedroom apartment also available ▪ Underlying car parking

A magnificent PENTHOUSE in an exclusive development ▪ Prime seafront location ▪ Very wide frontage with stunning views of the marina & Valletta bastions ▪ High specification finish throughout ▪ Very spacious open plan kitchen, living & dining room leading onto front terraces ▪ 3 double bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (master en suite) ▪ Large back terrace accessible from the bedrooms enjoying sea & country views ▪ This south facing property is being rented with a garage ▪ Extra features include water softener, reverse osmosis, automatic drip irrigation & concealed air-conditioning system

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

perry.com.mt

PASSENGERS CARRIED ONBOARD AIR MALTA FLIGHTS:

SINCE 1ST APRIL 1974

ES

BU S TA R T A

SI

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THE EQUI VA

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AIR

320

MONUMENTS IN VALLET TA

885

6,000 TONNES OF POTATOES EXPORTED ANNUALLY

TIMES TO THE MOON AND BACK SINCE 1 ST APRIL 1974

349,386

THE MALTESE DRIVE ON THE LEFT

THE NUMBER OF LICENSED VEHICLES IN MALTA

28km long/14.5km wide

N

OF

M

LT

FL

T

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N

1W

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DECL ARED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

S

3

50,754,711

FANTASTIC

FORT CAMBRIDGE When considering an upmarket and exciting place to invest in Malta, look no further than Fort Cambridge – one of the island’s most innovative luxury developments.

Whether you’re flying into Malta for business or pleasure, chances are that Sliema will be high on your list of places to visit – and no wonder. Sliema is the island’s commercial capital, it’s a destination that blends high-street living with designer boutiques, traditional restaurants with fashionable eateries, and fast-paced living with the tranquillity of time spent just at the water’s edge.

Right in the heart of all of this, towers Fort Cambridge – one of the most impressive developments to be crafted in the whole of Malta. Seafront living at its absolutely best – from the incredible views, to the vast range of facilities you’ll find within the complex.

Fort Cambridge was built on the Tigne peninsula of Sliema – in one of the most picturesque parts of the town. Here you can wander along the promenade for the evening, stopping for a bite to eat or while your little ones play in the popular park nearby. Alternatively, you’re just a two-minute walk from The Point – the island’s largest mall, which is packed full of stores selling everything under the sun.

The complex itself also has plenty to offer its residents – especially as comfort and excellence were incorporated at every stage of the Fort Cambridge development. Here you’ll find an impressive selection of one-to-four bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses – all with gorgeous sea views that stretch out towards the horizon. In fact, it is these sea views that also help to set this property apart, as there are few places in Malta with such an excellent outlook, as well as such sizeable terraces from which to enjoy them.

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Kevin Buttigieg - CEO RE/MAX Malta

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Fort Cambridge

+356 9966 3322

www.remax-malta.com

16

A RT

A n I n t e r v i e w w i t h C a r to o n i s t

Ste ve Bonello

01.

02.

WORDS BY David Mallia

W

hile setting up to conduct this interview, freelance artist and illustrator Steve Bonello used a rather unassuming phrase to describe what he does; he called it his “pen and paper work”. It’s an accurate description, no doubt, but to somebody who is unfamiliar with Steve’s illustration style, knowing what he uses to make his creations won’t help you understand how he brings them to life.

In fact, Steve’s method for creating his detailed drawings involves placing thousands of fine lines made with technical pens in tiny point sizes on a piece of paper, using a technique

called hatching. The varying density of the lines gives perceived depth and dimension to the final piece, but often there are more levels of meaning to grapple with that are drawn from reallife observation and skilfully woven by the artist in between the lines.

S t e v e, you’v e been dr aw i ng for ov er 30 y e a r s. How do you t r ace t he e volu t ion of you r s t y l e f rom you r e a r ly wor k to t he pr esen t day?

“My earliest works are pretty dark and moody pieces from the early eighties.

Incongruously enough, that evolved into a kind of caricatural work but the direction wasn’t there. Then, sometime

A RT

17

My earliest works are pretty dark and moody pieces from the early eighties

in 1984, I was in London and stumbled into an exhibition called Between the Eyes by the legendary Welsh artist Ralph Steadman. It was a watershed; seeing how what we normally call cartoons could be not just ‘ha-ha funny’ but also dark, tragic even… stuff stronger than you see in supposedly more serious work. You can say that exhibition struck me – right between the eyes.”

“In 1991, I got an opportunity to start doing cartoons for The Sunday Times of Malta and I grabbed it, intending to try it out for a few months… It’s now been like 26 years and counting.”

W er e t her e a n y ov er-t hetop r e ac t ions to you r a rt wor k t h at you v i v idly r emember?

“My two personal exhibitions in 1988 and 1991 were well received and many considered them as a breath of fresh air at the time. As to my newspaper work, I have never had any real problems.”

03.

“One of the funniest incidents, however, was a strip where I invented a talking donkey as spokesman for the local Planning Authority. One of the employees there was convinced that he was being personally lampooned and ended up at the editor’s office complaining loudly. I think the editorial staff had a good laugh that day.”

Which a spec t s of M a lta do you f i n d you r sel f port r ay i ng mos t of t en i n you r wor k? Wh y t hese on es i n pa rt ic u l a r?

“The country’s day-to-day political agenda is of course the main feature in my newspaper work. The environment and its general degradation are also regular features.”

18

A RT

“In my personal work, I invariably draw people – I am equally fascinated, horrified and ever amazed by what man can do to himself and his brethren – in all senses… from the good to the utterly horrible. A recurring theme in my work is couples and love, relationships – it’s a subject that continues to inspire and fascinate me.”

Soci a l commen ta ry pl ays a n importa n t role in m a n y of your illust r at ions.

Do you men ta lly s w i tch ge a r s w hile wor k ing a s a poli t ic a l c a rtoonist or h a s i t become a nat ur a l pa rt of your a pproach a s a n a rt ist?

“In a way, political cartoons are my ‘job’ with a deadline and all that. You read the papers, you listen to the news and an idea comes to mind – or doesn’t come and then you sweat it out until it comes.

With the stuff I draw on my own time, it’s a more relaxed approach I suppose and I explore themes as wide ranging as love, relationships between people – the good, the bad and the ugly.”

“My subjects range from the light-hearted and playful – love, attraction, an older man fancying an impossibly younger

girl… to the darker – the collective madness of electing Donald Trump, the tragedy that is Syria, loneliness, and even child abuse. (I never sold that last one.)”

“There’s one major difference between the two that I should point out. My newspaper work is mostly digital these days, so obviously one works faster that way. The other work I do is painstakingly slow and a drawing can take as much as 10 to 20 days to complete. I work with technical pens, building layers of colour by random cross-hatching. It’s slow work – and almost therapeutic at times.”

Wh at’s t he h a r des t pa rt of bei ng a f r eel a nce a rt is t?

“My transition to freelance was sort of forced on me. I left Air Malta in 2012 and was in a new job the next day. But 18 months later I was made redundant.

It was a tough pill to swallow and it was difficult to find a job at 52. So I decided on going freelance, doing mostly drawing, design and a bit of writing.”

“The toughest part is you never know where and when your next job will come from – if at all. The plus side is

you work from home, you drive much less and you’re your own boss. The flexibility and the opportunity to meet and work with some really interesting people has been priceless. Being invited to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and exhibiting and meeting with some of Europe’s finest cartoonists and illustrators, was beyond priceless.”

As a for mer employ ee of A ir M a lta, do you h av e a n y i n t er es t i ng memor ies of w hen you wor k ed t her e?

“It’s impossible not to have some attachment to Air Malta after having spent some 30 years there. In that time it becomes a sort of extended family – you laugh and cry with colleagues and some invariably remain lifelong friends.”

“I worked in scheduling for 20 years as part of a very close-knit team doing what’s possible with a very small fleet.

I remember with some fondness ‘ad hoc’ work like transporting hundreds of Greek fans from Athens to Lisbon when Greece surprisingly reached the Euro finals (and won), and another time transporting some 300 Irish fans for a World Cup play-off… in Tehran.”

04.

Being invited to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and exhibiting and meeting with some of Europe’s finest cartoonists and illustrators, was beyond priceless

01. I Know You Still Love Me 02. Steve Bonello 03. The Triumph of Darkness 04. Heavy Heart

See more of Steve Bonello’s art and illustrations on Facebook, and check out examples of his published and unpublished work on the official website www.stevebonellocartoons.com.

§

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20

G OZO

Gozo: your perfect Autumn retreat PHOTO BY Daniel Cilia

T

hink Autumn, think Gozo. The season of the first rains is a unique time to visit Gozo for anyone wishing to enjoy the island without the summer crowds and with mild weather that allows swimming in warm waters well into November. While the excitement and bustle of summer may seem to have ebbed away, Gozo is still replete with wonder as the first rains transform summer’s golden landscape into slopes of greenery that meet the Mediterranean blue. The outdoor summer life lingers on as winter seems to be willingly postponed. Enjoy local cuisine in the open terraces of the various dining places spread around the island, or while away time in the villages and bay areas where delicious local snacks like ftajjar hot from the oven, tempt the senses.

The cultural calendar is in full swing during this season. Three of the main cultural events of the island take place during autumn. The two main theatres in Victoria (the Astra and Aurora Opera Theatres) hold two operas during the month of October, establishing themselves as key cultural events in Gozo and gaining international critical acclaim. In April 2014 Opera Now commented: “If only English National opera and Covent Garden had that sense of cut-throat competition, how much edgier London’s operatic life would be.” This October will herald the staging of the Lucia di Lammermoor and the Cavalleria & Pagliacci, so check out visitgozo.com for updates of these two grand events and be there on the great opera night.

If you would like to enjoy cultural life in its full essence, Gozo is definitely the place to be in Autumn.

Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci – 14 October 2017, Aurora Opera House

Lucia di Lammermoor – 26 and 28 October 2017, Astra Theatre

October also sees the staging of the Festival Mediterranea, another established event in Gozo’s cultural calendar. The festival uncovers Gozo in all its facets including classic and symphonic music, archaeology, history, folklore and cuisine.

For more information about events visit www.visitgozo.com

TES

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

Black

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

White

Blue Gradient 45º 100 57 0 40

C M Y K

100 57 0 60

C M Y K

Breath-taking PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS

The Strand Luxury Corner Seafront Apartment €1,650,000 Ref P000199587

A luxury home unlike any other, with an abundance of space and unmatched views. This top floor apartment lets you feel like you’re in paradise, almost touching the clouds, while being situated near all the benefits of central Gzira - entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and the seafront.

This distinguished 7th floor apartment is located above an office block at the Strand, Gzira. A home unlike any other, the interior is extremely spacious measuring over 245 square metres. Surely the highlight of this superior apartment is the 140 square metre outdoor terrace spanning the entire length of the property, which can be used as the perfect entertainment area to host guests. The impressive views display a panoramic vista of Sliema, Valletta, and the sea beyond.

Scan to view property. For details about this incredible property, or to book a viewing appointment call on +356 8007 4949 Dhalia Real Estate Services, Cobalt House, Notabile Road, Mriehel BKR 3000, Malta. www.luxurylivingmalta.com

RI G H T S

23

LGBT + Malta = <3 WORDS BY Diane Brincat

A

s of 2015, Malta began placing in the top three of the ILGA Europe rankings, and has done so for three consecutive years. In first place with an approval rating of 88% in 2016 and 2017, Malta reached new heights in LGBT+ legislation, an impressive feat considering the cultural identity of the islands.

So, how does a small Mediterranean country with a traditionally conservative background become an LGBT+ haven?

Here are Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top three LGBT+ milestones in the past years:

Ci v il U n ions l eg a l ised i n 2014 a n d G ay M a r r i age bil l pa ssed i n 2017 In a surprise move that seemingly happened overnight, civil unions for same-sex couples became official in 2014.

Just last July a bill was passed to legalise marriage between same-sex couples, effectively granting people of all genders in consensual monogamous relationships equal rights and obligations, should they choose to marry. The introduction of these laws does not only mean that samesex marriage can finally take place in Malta, but also that same-sex marriages officiated abroad are also recognised in the eyes of the law.

While IVF and surrogacy for LGBT+ couples are still taboo subjects locally and have yet to be fully legal for samesex couples, same-sex couples do have the right to jointly adopt, and a number of couples have started the process to start a family through adoption.

The Gen der Iden t i t y, Gen der E x pr ession a n d Se x Ch a r ac t er is t ic s Ac t The groundbreaking Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act took the world by storm when the bill was voted in by the Maltese Parliament on April 1, 2015. The first of its kind in Europe at the

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RI G H T S

time, the bill empowers each person to self-determine their gender identity, providing any trans or non-binary person with an efficient and accessible gender recognition procedure. The bill also protects minors by allowing them to apply for a change in gender identity on official documents through their parents or legal guardian. In the case of intersex children, parents are also able to delay listing a gender on their child’s birth certificate until the child’s gender identity has been determined.

G ay con v er sion t her a p y ba n n ed At the end of 2016, Malta became the first country in Europe to ban gay conversion therapy. A bill which prohibits any person, professional or otherwise, from trying to ‘cure’ individuals of homosexuality was unanimously approved by the Maltese parliament. Anyone found guilty of attempting any form of conversion therapy in Malta will be subject to fines of up to €10,000, as well as a jail sentence of up to a year.

PRIDE 2017 While June is usually that magical time of year when you can get your rainbow flag out and wear your sparkliest of accessories as you parade your way down Malta’s busiest streets, celebrations for Pride Week have been moved to September. If you’d like to join Malta’s LGBT+ community in celebration this month - keep an eye out for news on www.gaymalta.com to find out more.

in 2016 and 2017, Malta reached new heights in LGBT+ legislation an impressive feat considering the cultural identity of the islands

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M E DI C A L TOURI S M

HIGH FLYING DENTISTRY New broom sweeps clean

D

o you ever wonder what it would have been like if your teeth were in pristine shape?

What went wrong? Have they reached this state due to lack of care or do those genes you inherited have a part to play? Where has that left you? Besides the obvious poor aesthetic smile you carry around with you on a daily basis what has all this done to your confidence?

Take this case scenario; a middle-aged patient with a history of bad teeth toiling with the idea of correcting his/her teeth.

Where is the starting line? Firstly and most importantly is will power to make that call and fix an appointment for a consultation.

and wishes. Will that particular treatment plan tick all the boxes on the patient’s list?

4. Advantages and disadvantages: Listen to what the pros and cons are. Weigh everything out and choose what is best for you.

Extra-oral before treatment

The Consultation is broken down into the following main fields 1. Past Dental/Medical History: Listening to the patient’s past experiences puts things into perspective on why his/her teeth are in this state. What went wrong along the years gives insight to a dentist on what must be done to radically improve the patient’s oral and mental well-being.

2. Patient’s complaints: listing all of the patient’s wishes helps the dentist formulate a dental treatment plan and present it to them. The patient’s requests should be realistic, well addressed and convincing enough to the dentist that once all the work is done, what might have been poor dental attendance would be converted to good patient compliance.

3. Treatment options: Treatments may vary in time, expense and endurance.

Different lines of treatment can achieve different goals. This brings us back to the patient’s list of complaints

Extra-oral after treatment

A Case study: A middle-aged man presents a case of poor state dentition. The gums of the man are inflamed and enlarged and his teeth are extremely mobile. The initial investigation included a 3D CT scan.

1. Bone levels: is there enough bone to place dental implants?

2. Periodontal status of remaining teeth: are remaining teeth in good health or do they require removal?

Can the patient maintain good hygiene post-treatment?

3. Endodontic or root canal status of remaining teeth: do any teeth require root canal therapy? Is it worth trying to redo a root canal or does the tooth need to be pulled out?

4. Potential presence of pathology 5. Anatomy of jaws: sinuses, nerves, buried teeth etc

Plan: 1. Remove all upper and lower remaining teeth 2. Recontouring of bone and gingival plastic surgery 3. Simultaneous placement of twelve implants 4. Placement of provisional upper and lower dentures 5. Planning of upper and lower fixed implant-retained prosthesis four months post-implant insertion.

The dental work involved is anything but simple. It is enduring and requires dedication from both parties. Patients need to be patient and reassured at all times. This nature of dental work also carries a hefty cost in terms of time and money but the confidence achieved is priceless. Ask your dentist.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo

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

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TR A V E L

MUNICH Who said it's only about beer?

WORDS BY Fiona Mercieca/Air Malta

T

o all those self-confessed beer fanatics out there, please calm down. I didn’t mean to send you into a state of panic. Admittedly, beer does play a very important role in this city.

However, with this being said, I certainly hope that if you’re going to Munich you don’t just intend on perching yourself on a chair in one of the many beer houses all day long, in the hopes of achieving the finest of beer bellies. You’d be missing out on a great deal that this Bavarian city has to offer, take my word for it.

So, before I start to reel off a list of places you must visit, here’s a little background information on this spectacular destination.

Munich is the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg, and also happens to be the capital of the state of Bavaria. It is located in the southeast corner of the country, with Isar River flowing straight through it and the Bavarian Alps found close by. The place is brimming with culture, and an interesting fact (yes, I do like my fun facts don’t I) is that the name, which in German is München, comes from the Old High German term Munichen which means ‘by the monks’ as this city was actually founded by monks in 1158.

Nowadays, Munich is a thriving metropolis and a popular tourist destination. This is unsurprising considering it literally manages to tick all possible holiday desires - be it that of wanting to be transported back in time, enriching your knowledge through museum visits, taking your taste buds to heaven, admiring natural beauty or staggeringly exquisite architecture, or simply hitting the town for some well-earned relaxation.

Have I sparked your inner wanderlust yet? If yes, keep reading, and if no, keep on reading as well - who knows, maybe by the end of this article you’ll have a change of heart and be enthralled by Munich just as I once was.

ASTOUNDING CULTURE In a nutshell, Munich’s culture revolves around museums, music, football and the sacred four-letter word which in Germany, of course, is beer. And on that note, I’m willing to bet on the fact that we were just thinking the exact same thing - the latter two aspects mentioned make this city sound like every man’s dream.

Munich is home to a large number of museums, and for those who perhaps aren’t that fond of such visits you’d be surprised to learn that apart from being highly informative it also happens to be fun.

TR A V E L

One museum you must definitely include in your itinerary is the Deutsches Museum, which is the largest science and technology museum in the world. Its interactive exhibits make it an interesting playground for adults and children alike. For those with a passion for art, be sure to pay a visit to the 3 famous Pinakothek art galleries; the Old, New and Modern. Oh, and I almost forgot, Munich also has an attractive BMW museum.

Moving on to the more musical side of the city, the theatres in this area are impeccable, and there are two in particular which truly caught my eye. There’s the Rococo Cuvilliés Theatre which is where Mozart first performed his opera "Idomeneo", and the National Theatre which has been the home of the Bavarian State Opera since 1818 and is the largest opera house in Germany. The National Theatre is even worth going to see purely for its majestic grandeur as the building glistens from its marble, crystal and gold architectural inclusions.

Other glorious sights well worth taking a look around are the city’s cathedral, Frauenkirche - in here you must find the ‘footprint of the devil’ and read about the legend behind it (it’s not long I promise!), and the Neues Rathaus which towers above the city’s main square Marienplatz with its imposing neo-gothic architecture. For those football fans, why not delve straight into the heart of Munich’s football scene by booking a tour to the Allianz Arena, which is a remarkable football stadium that portrays the outstanding history of the FC Bayern Munich.

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choices for those seeking pure relaxation. You might also be happy to hear that Munich is also the perfect destination for those wishing to dabble in a spot of Alpine skiing.

SPECTACULAR NIGHTLIFE AND EVENTS The likelihood of a night out in Munich being disappointing is extremely slim. The city is overflowing with pubs and clubs of all different kinds, the four main areas being Schwabing, Glockenbachviertel, Kultfabrik and Ostbahnhof. However, the nightlife in this city goes beyond the mainstream party scene... which means that a visit to Munich isn’t complete without spending at least one evening in one of its famous breweries. The Hofbräuhaus beer hall is one of the most popular breweries due its size (it can fit around 5,000 people at any one time) and the fact that in the past it has hosted a number of famous guests.

Festivals aren’t lacking in Munich either. Without a doubt, the world-renowned Oktoberfest dominates the local scene.

This month, on 16 September, marks the start of the two-week beer-swigging that attracts around 7 million people every year, serving only beer produced by Munich breweries, countless fun on amusement rides, a wide variety of traditional foods as well as lederhosen and dirndl dresses everywhere.

Last but not least culture-wise, let's focus on the beer shall we - admit it, your level of interest just heightened a little. Well, Munich is actually considered to be Germany’s beer capital so you’re definitely in the right place if you like a pint or two. What’s more is that drinking this cold, refreshing alcoholic beverage in this city cannot be condemned as it’s a means to fit in with the locals, so keep the beers flowing and show the Bavarians your great appreciation for their drinking culture.

DELIGHTFUL SHOPPING FRONT Who doesn't pop into at least one shop and splurge a little when on holiday? Well, Munich’s shopping scene will most certainly entice you. There are plenty of major shopping districts or malls around so you can take your pick. Kaufingerstrasse is said to be the busiest shopping area, as it is the home to the more affordable highstreet brands, however, for the elite traveller seeking exclusive designer boutiques Maximilianstrasse Boulevard is the perfect match for you. I mustn’t forget to mention Riem Arcaden either, a phenomenal three-storey lavish shopping centre with an array of attractive shopping, food and leisure outlets.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS When going abroad I love nothing more than taking some time out, even if just for a few hours, to indulge in a more active, naturistic type of activity. And sure enough, Munich doesn’t falter in this area as the city has an abundance of parks and lakes, as well as castles and palaces with breathtaking scenery. For a day of undeniable fun and adventure you have to visit the English Garden, which is one of the largest city parks in the world, even bigger than New York’s Central Park believe it or not. On the other hand, if you’d like to take a little dip why not visit lakes Starnberger and Tegernsee, or Feringasee, all of which are superb

SCRUMPTIOUS DISHES Oh my. For the foodies out there, Munich is a real treat. It offers up delectable German dishes as well as mouth-watering Bavarian specialities. With this being said, it breaks my heart having to choose which plates to mention. First up, are the white pork sausages, also known as weisswurst, traditionally served with sweet mustard and pretzels, and eaten before noon. Yes all that is typically eaten in the morning. Sauerkraut is another German delicacy which also serves as a huge immune system boost.

Last but not least, what’s for dessert you ask? Hands down, the traditional apfelstrudel is the winner for me.

Munich doesn’t falter in this area as the city has an abundance of parks and lakes, as well as castles and palaces with breathtaking scenery

Air Malta currently operates two direct daily flights between Luqa International Airport and Munich Airport.

Fares from Malta to Munich start at just €64 one-way including taxes and charges. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

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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.

Event in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund iGaming Idol 2017, Hilton Malta

Press Lunch, Summer 2017 The Summer Kitchen, Corinthia Palace Hotel

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During the launch of iGaming Idol 2017 from left: Kevin Buttigieg,Pierre Lindh, Jeff Buttigieg, H.E. The President of Malta - Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Michael Pedersen, Hon. Silvio Schembri, Ramona Mifsud

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EVENTS

EVENTS this month

8th September Il-Vitorja Regatta Grand Harbour, Valletta A national holiday that commemorates Victory Day in Malta due to historical events in our islands’ past. 1565 saw the victory of the Knights Hospitaller against the Turks during the Great Siege. A traditional regatta takes place in the Grand Harbour on this day, in memory of our victory. www.visitmalta.com

16th September Annual Summer Concert Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta The London-based, Maltese tenor is heading back to his homeland for his ninth annual concert. This year, Cliff Zammit Stevens will once again host his concert joined by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mro Philip Walsh.

Animae Gospel Choir will also make an appearance, performing some of their greatest hits and numbers with Cliff himself. www.ticketline.com.mt

2nd - 7 th September Battle of Malta Join the friendliest and largest poker festival in Europe. € 550 buy-in for the Main Event and Side events staring as low as €100!

Play poker in the heart of the Mediterranean. Group rates and packages available, for more information contact battleofmalta@pokerlistings.com

EVENTS

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21st September Independence Day Valletta 1964 saw Malta’s Independence from the British, a political stance that most locals are proud of. On 20 September 1964, the Maltese flag was raised at Independence Arena, Floriana with a cheer from the crowd, marking Malta's Independenence the next morning. Various activities take place in honour of this day, specifically in Valletta. www.visitmalta.com

22nd September Red Electrick Live in Concert Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Republic Street, Valletta Red Electrick in Concert will feature one of Malta’s top local bands, Red Electrick and other guests musicians merging to create an impactful and industry standard entertaining show.

Red Electrick will perform their own material from their three current albums and some cover versions that inspired them throughout their ten-year long journey. www.showshappening.com

23rd September Żejt iż-Żejtun, Olive Pressing Festival Żejtun Żejt iż-Żejtun, celebrating the olive picking season and olive pressing for oil, is organised by the Żejtun Local Council. This event brings together village folk and farmers on carts carrying the olive harvest for pressing, while parading along the streets of Żejtun. Drummers and flag bearers in medieval costumes, together with folk singers and dancers, will provide the traditional musical input in celebration of bountiful harvest.

Join the festival and experience authentic folk dance, art and traditional village attire, music, and above all, the best in local Maltese cuisine with Maltese ftajjar dressed in freshly pressed olive oil for tasting.

The event will take place from 7:30pm onwards at Żejtun Centre.

On Sunday morning, the festival will continue with several folk activities, band music, a defile of horses for the animal blessing and of course olive pressing.

For more information please visit www.zejtunlocalcouncil.com

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EVENTS

23rd – 24th September The Malta International Air Show Ħal FarruĠ Road, Luqa The Malta International Air Show is one of Malta’s largest outdoor events and has maintained its well-earned reputation due to its exposure year in, year out. Supported by the Malta Aviation Society, this spectacle is held over the Masramxetto Harbour where a multitude of aircraft fly over our Mediterranean waters. www.maltairshow.com

27th September World Tourism Day Malta & Gozo World Tourism Day is an important day for locals as tourism in general is one of our biggest economical sectors. The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority unite with the world in organising a number of events across Malta and Gozo on this day. www.visitmalta.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 PL E S

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MADE IN

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

Mediterranean Ceramics

When in Malta don’t miss the opportunity to see true craftsmen at work. The artisans at Mediterranean Ceramics will amaze you with their artistry and passion. In their Ta’ Qali studio you can admire the detailed and artistic execution of volcanic stone table-tops and many other useful and decorative pieces. The designs on these unique pieces are alluring – and anything, from table-tops to kitchen counters, lamps, plates and dishes, can be produced to your own dimensions and design. Mediterranean Ceramics have crafted this bespoke tradition into a true art. Visit the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village studio/shop, or the shop at the Valletta Waterfront.

Have part of Malta in your home – worldwide delivery is easily available to add a dash of affordable art to your surroundings.

Feel free to contact us: +356 2010 5552/3 +356 9920 1055/ +356 9944 0922 www.MediterraneanCeramics.com

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 stunning glass sculptures of various objects and figures including this elegant Maltese Falcon. They are avaialble in a range of colour options, some of which include gold leaf - the result of skilled craftsmanship and pure dedication.

There is a vast range of small items that will fit into your luggage easily and Mdina Glass will be delighted to ship larger items to your door back home.

For more info tel: +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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PROP E RTY

GOZO - iS L A N D L I F E

I

f you are looking for a quieter life, a holiday home, or a retirement destination, consider beautiful Gozo. Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago that consists of the three islands of Gozo, Comino and mainland Malta. Roughly circular in shape, 14km by 7km in area, Gozo is hilly and from the south-west to the north-west the coast is entirely surrounded by cliffs. Gozo is Malta’s quieter, greener little sister and it’s for this reason that the island remains very popular with locals and tourists alike. Gozo is separated from mainland Malta by a 5km stretch of Mediterranean sea and is easily accessed via a twenty-minute scenic ferry ride which accommodates both cars and foot passengers. Gozo’s population of approximately 31,000 residents, treasure the peace, tranquillity and safety of the island and take pride in the almost nonexistence of crime. Until fairly recently, when they were not at home, the villagers of Gozo left their keys in their front doors, a custom which can occasionally still be seen.

For those who love the countryside, there are plenty of lovely treks to enjoy, from easy to more challenging hikes, with incredible views available on all parts of the island. Gozo is a popular choice for weekend breaks – there are many idyllic farmhouses available for short lets and a good variety of hotels to choose from. Although life in Gozo may be slower and more relaxed, it is far from boring and there are often art exhibitions, classical concerts and music gigs held in various locations around the island.

Understandably, there is an emerging trend of Maltese people moving to Gozo permanently. While the island has always held a

‘retreat’ atmosphere, telecommuting has allowed Maltese buyers to relocate to the sister isle for good, with flexible jobs, meaning a commute to the office is the exception and not the norm.

The real estate market in Gozo has shown significant growth over the last decade. Property seekers will find a selection of homes and can opt for restored farmhouses tucked away in the quieter corners of the island or can choose from a number of new, modern furnished properties with views of some of the island’s breath-taking scenery. It is difficult to pick the best spots in Gozo. Unlike Malta, which has obvious real estate hotspots (and matching prices), property on Gozo sells well wherever it is. Those looking for a sea view can head to Marsalforn and Xlendi. A quieter, more traditional village atmosphere can be found in places like Għarb and Għasri, while an active and increasingly vibrant cultural scene is growing in places like Qala, Nadur and Xagħra.

A key advantage to living on Gozo is its affordability, both in terms of cost of living and property prices. Apartments with sea views start from as little as €180,000. Charming farmhouses with traditional features and a cozy atmosphere start from €250,000. Gozo offers a wide array of properties to varying taste and budgets and enjoying the island lifestyle it provides, is certainly achievable.

If you’re considering purchasing a residential property on Gozo you need to act fast. Stamp duty has been reduced from 5% to 2% provided the promise of sale agreement has been registered by the Inland Revenue Department by the end of 2017.

For more information on properties in Gozo contact Gozo’s most experienced Estate Agency, Frank Salt Real Estate, on +356 2210 2000. www.franksalt.com.mt

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FI S H IN G

A Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tale WORDS BY Paul Vassallo

FI S H IN G

T

he view through the eyes of iċ-ċiefa (Cory’s shearwater; a common seabird), as it climbs up an air current gusting breezily over the Maltese islands, must be very beak-wateringly enticing. In the form of a gill-bearing aquatic animal, the island of Malta bears some resemblance to the very thing the shearwater is looking for. The waters churn and bear up all manner of marine life to add to delectable dishes such as the Frutti di Mare and Pizza Marinara. However, as the seabird swoops down lower, its beady gaze idly glances inside a Maltese dwelling, where an island native hunts ceaselessly for her absent husband.

Finally, her wanderings take her into the kitchen, where she hopes against hope to find her husband zealously preparing breakfast. If the ċiefa could read, its eyes would make out the following words scrawled dutifully onto a folded piece of kartonċin (cardboard): "Gone fishing".

The majority of fishing vessels in Malta are of an old, traditional build such as the luzzu and the kajjik. Painted in eye-catching primary colours and adorned with the Eye of Osiris across the bow (a superstition; sailors believe it discourages mischievous spirits), these radiant boats patrol the Maltese waters in search of aquatic game. Whilst most hunters worldwide might ‘bring home the bacon’, the Maltese fisherman is more likely to bring home a vopa or għarusa (two species of fish found in Maltese waters) to toss into the aljotta (Maltese fish soup), in time-honoured tradition. It is not an uncommon sight to see the silhouette of a watchful fisherman outlined against the rocky coastline, waiting with serene

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patience as white-tipped surf sucks greedily at the shoreline.

The big game, however, lies beyond the sheltered coves and shimmering little lagoons and out into the big blue open sea.

His flippers beat a steady rhythm and the diver lurched forward again, heading towards the next empty patch of sand. All of a sudden, a flicker of movement caught his attention Dotted across the horizon, you may spot wide-decked trawlers prowl the seas, equipped with trawl nets and powerful engines, to supply the fish markets such as Marsaxlokk with a frequent supply of marine stock. Here one can also see the aforementioned smaller traditional Maltese vessels, as well as more modern sea-craft, upon which saltencrusted hands reel enthusiastically on poles that flicker and whip in the sunlight. Out here, anglers are not casting their lines for a pint-sized meal. The shimmering Maltese waters teem with fish, such as the lampuka (dolphinfish; not actually a dolphin) and the pixxispad (swordfish), as well as large bream, amberjack, and grouper.

Speaking of ċerna (grouper), a story comes to mind. When one mentions fishing in Malta, talk will inadvertently turn to the popular sport of spearfishing. Obtaining the right

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FI S H IN G

equipment for spearfishing is a simple process – just make a stop at your nearest fishing shop in one of the outlying bays.

Pick up your fishing gear while you’re at it. On the other hand, spearfishing as a sport is a bit more challenging than simply going to pick up the gear. Our story begins some thirty-odd years ago, when the best spearfisherman would participate in annual freediving tournaments to see who could catch the most, and the biggest of fish. The rules were simple. You had four hours to head out of the bay and bring back your catch. Our protagonist was among the event’s participants, a young man whose heart raced at the challenge of taking home the gold. Several hours had already gone by since the whistle had been blown for the start of the race however our fellow had only a string of sardines to his name on the shore. He skimmed under the surface of the water, his rope around his waist tightening and relaxing as the buoy, thirty metres away, bobbed and churned in the wake of the diver. Below him, the sandy bottom yielded up an old shipwreck, one of many that lay scattered across the seabed.

Rotting timber and a broken mast etched a murky image against the surrounding gloom. Swimming-goggles twisted back and forth as the spearfisherman scanned the wreck for signs of tournament-winning life, but to no avail. His flippers beat a steady rhythm and the diver lurched forward again, heading towards the next empty patch of sand. All of a sudden, a flicker of movement caught his attention. As he

turned his head to follow, the diver witnessed a monstrous grouper sliding in and out of the sunken craft. Easily three metres from head to tail, the mammoth fish was sure to secure him the title, if only he could catch it. Adrenaline surging through his wetsuit-clad body, the diver propelled himself down into the depths. Keeping the leviathan in his sights, he noticed a silvery shaft protruding from the monster’s side. Another spear had already been fired at this gargantuan creature. The diver paused for a moment, recalling tales of a gigantic ċerna that was said to roam these waters and had once survived a shot from a speargun. As he sped deeper, coldness closed in around him, seeping into the wetsuit and chilling him. Suddenly, he felt a tug at around his waistline. Looking up, to his dismay he saw that he had reached the end of the line attaching him to the surfacebobbing buoy. Many a foolish divers who had detached themselves from their buoy had been lost to the unforgiving sea, and the diver was not ready to be added to that list. With a heaviness of heart, he watched as his prize majestically swam away into the murky depths.

I hope that the information provided and my rendition of an old story has inspired you to find the time to experience the world of extreme fishing in Malta and make the most of your time on the island. Remember the fisherman’s motto: ‘Early to bed, early to rise, fish all day, and make up lies’.

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12 ways

to kill time What are some of the stress-and-planning-free ways one could pass the time in Malta without thinking too much about it? Teodor Reljic’s handy list should help you keep boredom on the island at bay.

1. G o to t he be ach Okay, let's get the obvious one out of the way first. Swimming will take your mind off practically anything, and Malta's beaches run the gamut from rocky to sandy, from bustling to isolated, so you should find one that suits you just fine for a dip. In winter? Why, provided the waves aren't too crazy, they're great for a spot of walkies.

2. G o to Va l l e t ta Told you we're getting the obvious stuff out of the way first. A baroque gem from top to bottom, Valletta is Malta's historically rich yet – in parts – also gloriously unkempt city.

Even if you don't feel like stepping into one of its churches, museums or bars, just soaking in the grid-like streets and

gorgeous balconies should be a nice-enough way to salve your restlessness.

3. G o to Mdi n a We leave the 'new' capital city only to dip into the 'old' one.

Mdina is yet another top tourist-attraction, but not without its reasons. Fortified within an inch of its tiny life and exuding preserved medieval charm, it's good to visit during any time of year.

4. V isi t a f e s ta If you're here for the summer – and there's a high chance you are – then it means you're here for festa season. Go on, just pick a town from the map and see when the festa dates are. We'll wait.

48

TO DO

5. V isi t t he t empl es Ħaġar Qim, Tarxien, Mnajdra and beyond... they're all worth a visit, though the Hypogeum is the big kahuna if you get around to booking at some point in advance.

6. V isi t S a n A n ton G a r dens This easy-to-get-to botanical garden is a favourite of the Maltese, and now it can be one of your favourites too. Keep an eye out for the peacocks.

7. Ch at to t he loc a l f i x t u r es Hop on over to any church parvis for some home-grown wisdom. You're likely to find at least three elderly men at any given time. Their English may not be perfect, but their stories should make it worthwhile. Put on your best 'kindly but hapless foreigner' face to get the most out of the exchange.

8. Ge t s t uck i n a t r a f f ic j a m Be it on the bus or your rental car, no experience brings Malta's dense, overpopulated nature into relief more than getting stuck in a traffic jam in the middle of a hot day. Enjoy, and tell your fellow motorists we sent you.

9. Pick a promen a de of you r choice Just choose any of Malta's seaside walks and let your mind (and, of course, legs) wander. Go in the evening, whatever the season.

10. G o to a gig Do your bit to support local musicians by checking out a concert. Dates will of course vary – and so will musical genres – but a cursory glance online should give you a good selection of what's going on, musically, around the island.

11. G o to G ozo Really, this should be at the top and bottom of the list – Gozo is the chill-out lounge to Malta's main dancefloor, and thus makes a perfect time-killer whatever the season, or your inclination.

12. S tay at home Let's face it – Malta is small. Which means that staying at home does not mean a wasted social day. It shouldn't be that hard to get people to visit you.

Swimming will take your mind off practically anything, and Malta's beaches run the gamut from rocky to sandy, from bustling to isolated, so you should find one that suits you just fine for a dip

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

That’s right, Malta’s most loved lager beer is available on board. So now is a good time to discover the distinctive and well-balanced character, rich hop aroma and pleasant bitterness of Malta’s Finest award-winning lager beer.

Available on Brewed at Farsons Brewery – Malta. www.farsons.com

50

HOT SPOT

Valletta Waterfront: The Historic Summer Destination

– from ceramics, mouth-blown glass, jewellery, to that book you’ve been meaning to buy and more.

Enjoy Maltese Nights on Thursday evenings: patrons can go back in time through the Maltese Islands’ history and experience traditional folk dancing, falconry displays, the terramaxka – a musical instrument which was popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as battles between the Knights of St John and the Ottoman Turks, amongst other activities.

Meanwhile little guests can enjoy free activities including: balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouringins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more, every Saturday and Sunday evening (from 19.30 onwards).

Getting to Valletta Waterfront •

T

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

For those in search of a relaxing time with good food and entertainment, the Valletta Waterfront’s many restaurants and bars present a variety of offerings and caters for different tastes, while dining right at the water’s edge. The establishments’ indoor dining areas are situated inside the tastefully refurbished historical stores, originally constructed by Grand Master

Pinto in 1752. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past: blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine.

•

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

•

Browse the shopping outlets for interesting gifts including local trinkets

•

• •

•

Valletta circular bus (133) from the main bus terminal.

Valletta Waterfront features on most hop-on hop-off buses’ routes.

You will be dropped off a few metres away.

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

Electric cabs are available from just outside Valletta.

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

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

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

For more information visit www.vallettawaterfront.com

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53

Smart safe travel with Visa

T

ravelling is getting easier and simpler in large part due to the great technological advances which have delivered apps and technology to ensure safe, simple and smart travel. With Visa this is now even simpler. Every day millions of travellers around the world use their Visa card to get the most out of their trip. And with Visa welcomed at over 44 million locations in over 220 countries worldwide, that basically means that you don’t need to carry great big wads of cash when travelling, you will always have the right currency even if hopping from one country to another and you have access to over 2.6 million ATMs worldwide.

As we enter the busy summer holiday period, countries like Malta will see

millions travelling to and from it. So, whether you are on this flight travelling on business or taking a well-deserved break, there are a number of ways to make your travels more secure, hassle free and enjoyable. The Visa Travel Tools App is one of these. Since Visa uses the same high-tech anti-fraud systems the world over you can put your mind at rest in the knowledge that all payments are made securely wherever you travel to and from. You also won’t need to worry about carrying large amounts of foreign currency especially since Visa is accepted in over 25,000 places in Malta. Don’t forget that selecting the local option when making a payment or withdrawing cash, choosing the local option will usually give you the most competitive rates.

There are a number of ways to make your travels more secure, hassle free and enjoyable.

Smarter Spending while in Malta • If you need cash while in Malta, it’s easy to use the ATM locator capability on the Travel app to quickly find out where to safely and conveniently withdraw money. With over 190 ATMs across the islands you will never be far from a supply of cash.

• Look up how much the basics cost in comparison to what they cost back home, such as a bottle of water or a taxi from the airport. The Travel app will assist you with a currency convertor, if needed, with official Visa exchange rates, so that your holiday budget will get a bit further. The currency conversion even works when you are offline.

• If you lose your Visa Card whilst on holiday in Malta, you can get immediate assistance with a worldwide 24/7 customer service helpline, accessible straight from the main menu.

The application can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store on a compatible mobile device.

54

M A LT E S E C H A R A C T E R

Keeping

the Craft WORDS BY Lisa Borain

The most interesting homes in Malta are those which incorporate nuances of Maltese character in a contemporary way. The strikingly characteristic Maltese patterned cement tiles are a great way to begin achieving this. The century-old craft has been revived by leading supplier of bespoke surfaces in Malta, Halmann Vella.

T

here are some elements of these truly unique Maltese islands that are instantly recognisable and characteristic. On the old streets; the colourful Maltese balconies, the limestone work with nuances of craftsmanship in every nook, and the striking array of doors and their brilliant doorknockers, each one outshining the next. Inside the homes, amongst the distinctive high ceilings and arches are the magnificent cement patterned floor tiles, which have been used in Maltese homes for over a century.

This century-old craft slowly began to die, in danger of being lost and forgotten forever. Leading supplier of bespoke

surfaces in Malta, Halmann Vella has stepped in to revive the craft with expert artisans skilfully handcrafting these little cement patterned charms one by one, giving them individuality and distinction.

Hand-made one tile at a time by using the same methods and machines of old, these tiles are now being produced again in a vast selection of colours, and are available in antique, classic, and contemporary styles.

Made from 100% natural materials, this hand-crafting method means that each piece is unique and different. Made of several layers of fine mortar comprising of a mixture of sand, marble powder and cement, the mixture is poured

M A LT E S E C H A R A C T E R

55

into a mould with vertical partitions, dividing the surface into separate compartments corresponding to the pattern and colour required.

The tile-making team is small and close.

It’s headed by Chief Engineer Rachel Micallef, who has re-engineered the entire project to revise the efficiency process and product, considering elements such as temperature, humidity, and mix ratios.

Stephen Galea oversees the impartation of the craft to the others through his experience of tile production for his family tile business from a young age. Also part of the team is Julian, who is the newest member, as well as members of the Deaf People Association, Paul, Roderick and Matthew, who are involved in the daily tile production process, and are now amongst the few who are mastering this unique and beautiful age-old craft. As a further initiative to support the organisation, Halmann Vella donates 5 cents per tile sold to the Deaf People Association.

Halmann Vella’s collection comprises over 300 original patterns and designs, which can all be customised according to the client’s distinct tastes and specifications.

The tiles are available in either single colour or multicolour, as well as in an extensive range of geometric and organic patterns. The sizes vary, with the traditional 20x20cm tiles also available in a hexagonal shape. Finishes available include polished and lightly brushed for wall cladding.

Even though they’re made in the traditional way, the tiles don’t limit a space to a classical look. The pattern options allow for modern styles, and there are special ways to achieve a more contemporary look, such as implementing a faded border, using nuances of the main tile in various areas throughout the home, or even using the tiles on the walls by way of artwork or cladding.

The most interesting homes in Malta are those which incorporate nuances of Maltese character in a contemporary way. Pattern cement tiles are a great way to begin achieving this. To help start the process, www.versatile.com.mt offers a handy online simulator, which allows users to combine colours and patterns to design their own unique (distinctly Maltese) flooring or wall features.

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S C E N E RY

rock the shores WORDS BY Helen Raine

Dwejr a, Gozo The iconic arch of the Azure Window might have dramatically collapsed earlier this year, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit Dwejra. The roof of a huge cave fell in here, creating the ‘inland sea’, trapped behind the cliffs but linked to the open ocean via a tunnel just large enough for fishing boats. The beach is pebbly and the waters are shallow and calm, making it the perfect place for family swimming.

It’s also fun to take a boat or kayak through the narrow passage to the open ocean.

On the nearby shores, you can walk over beautiful fossil beds, where you’ll spot marine creatures from eons ago, frozen in

01.

I

f you’re not a fan of sand, or you want to broaden your swimming horizons, Malta has some fantastic spots where you can jump into the sea to escape the heat without getting sand between your toes. These rocky beaches usually have crystal clear waters and offer great opportunities for underwater photography.

So grab your goggles – we’re going under.

time beneath your feet. Strong swimmers can head out from the shore to see the huge submerged boulders, left there when parts of the Azure Window’s arch fell off due to natural erosion. Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo With bathing ladders descending from a concrete dock into the sea, this bay is a firm favourite with local swimmers and snorkelers (it’s fun to skip the ladders and just jump into the deeper areas). The village of Qala is the gateway to the bay, with the walk taking around 25 minutes down a quiet road, lined with ancient rubble walls. Once you get there, you’ll find turquoise waters lapping up against the openings to several caves and a little inlet to explore. Some of the entry steps are cut into the limestone itself. Just along the rocky coast, you’ll find several traditional salt pans, some of which are still in use; it’s a beautiful place to continue your hike and will take you away from the summer crowds. Across the water, there’s a gorgeous view of the island of Comino.

Blue Lagoon, Comino One rocky spot that you really shouldn’t miss is Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The only problem is that everyone else is going to have the same idea. There are small ferries from both Gozo and Malta which will take you right there for a day trip, but if you get the chance, it’s worth staying overnight at the hotel so that you can have the place to yourself after the visitors have gone home.

If you can’t manage that, then try to go early – it gets very busy. A series of rocky outcrops and labyrinthine underwater scenery make this a fantastic place for swimming and snorkelling. On a good day, the visibility seems infinite and when you surface, you’ll see the sculpted limestone islets in the bay, silhouetted against the blue of a Maltese sky – pure magic.

Anchor Bay, North West Part of the fun at Anchor Bay is swimming in the surreal shadow of the Popeye Village.

This curiosity is a left-over film set that has been developed into a theme park, full of crooked houses in bright colours.

Beneath the Village, the original bay provides sheltered waters for swimming. A long, somewhat crumbly concrete pontoon provides a launch pad if you want to go in with a splash.

There’s lots of marine life to enjoy and it’s a popular spot for divers and fishermen alike. If you pay to enter the Popeye Village in summer, you’ll have access to the water games and trampolines moored in the bay.

02.

St Thomas Bay, Marsask ala If you want to hang out in a real locals’ spot, try St Thomas Bay. It’s located near the town of Marsaskala in the south-east of Malta, and is especially popular with the Maltese in the summer. This expansive bay does have a sandy section but there’s also a long rocky escarpment with concrete sections, perfect for lounging in the sun or jumping in to cool off. There’s usually a great atmosphere here, and the limestone cliffs form a commanding backdrop to the azure waters. When the wind conditions are good, this is a popular spot for windsurfers. It’s just a 4km walk from here to the fishing

01. Blue Lagoon, Comino 02. Dwejra, Gozo

village of Marsaxlokk, where you can visit the famous fish market and see the traditional luzzu (fishing boats) in the harbour. There’s more swimming at St Peter’s Pool, a rocky little suntrap that is often deserted (don’t swim in rough weather here as it can be hard to get back out).

Għar Lapsi, Wied iż- Żurrieq If you visit the temples of Mnajdra or Ħagar Qim on a hot day, you’ll enjoy a side-trip to this lovely swimming spot afterwards. It sits at the base of the beautiful Dingli cliffs and in calm weather, it’s an ideal place to launch yourself off the rocks into the cool water; there’s a stretch of smooth concrete terrace if you don’t want to risk hurting your feet on the limestone.

The snorkelling is lovely here and above the waves, you can see the islet of Filfla, home to thousands of European Stormpetrels. After you’ve swum, you can enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or take a coastal walk to admire the endless views of the Mediterranean.

Follow the winding road from Siġġiewi or Dingli to get there.

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LO C A L

TALK O F T H E TO W N With so many cities, towns and villages on our little Islands, it’s hard to decide what to see and where to go. Throughout the year we’ll be highlighting our top locations for the season. This month it's Sliema.

shopping

C afé Centr al

For the best shopping experience in Malta, the go-to area is the Sliema Ferries. With Malta’s biggest brands a short walk away from each other, so many afternoons can be spent jumping in and out of changing rooms. The best feeling after a hard day’s efforts in various boutiques comes in the form of a welldeserved glass of wine.

One thing is sure when visiting Sliema, you’ll never run out of choices when you’re feeling parched or craving a bite to eat.

Just as you leave Balluta Bay in St Julian’s, the wide promenade greets you with a select number of eateries all the way down to the outskirts of Gżira – a mere forty, minute walk.

promenade

rock y be aches

Take a Trip

Stroll down the Sliema promenade and watch the waves crash against the rocky shores. For an easy start to the day Sliema’s ample shopping centres and chic cafés will do the trick for some well-deserved people watching sessions. The wide pavements allow for brisk walks or fully blow jogs in the early hours of the day.

If sand is not really your thing, then a variety of rocky beaches in Sliema are your ideal spot to take in the sun and enjoy a cocktail from one of the many nearby lidos. Grab a sunbed or lay your towel on the hot rocky area and work on that tan while watching the waves crash on the Mediterranean shores.

If you’re looking for a sea adventure, why not catch the ferry to Valletta from the Sliema promenade?

Alternatively, make it a longer trip and head towards the Three Cities, go for something adventurous and book a boat trip with your friends – you’ll surely enjoy the waves.

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61

SOU V ENIRS T H AT D ON ’ T SU C K

Art

The View

Although Sliema is not overloaded with art, there are a few figures and displays to look out for. Firstly, the White Shadows Monument, a work of art that depicts different shadows visible throughout the day. Keep your eyes peeled for the graffiti by the sea – some quirky stuff sure to put a smile on your face.

Do yourself a favour – sit on a bench in the gorgeous sun, cold drink in hand and take in the view – the Valletta skyline that is. Right across the Sliema promenade is Malta’s capital, full of culture, an inexhaustible amount of tales and a priceless architectural site. Sit back, relax and take it all in.

Souvenirs That Don't Suck is leading the fight against a worldwide epidemic of bad souvenirs. In a tastefully upcycled boutique, you’ll find clothes, mugs, bags, keychains, and stationary goods with hip designs and Maltese slogans. All designed locally and produced within the EU, to keep logistics short and quality high.

108, Triq Manuel Dimech, Sliema Maltasouvenirs www.souvenirsthatdontsuck.com

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64

LO C A L

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.

THE RED TOWER, MELLIEĦA MALTA Fort St Agatha, more commonly known as The Red Tower due to its brightly coloured walls, was built in the middle of the 17th Century and served as a bastion watchtower in its day. It is also the sixth addition to the Lascaris towers.

LO C A L

65

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.

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

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.

ACHIEVING MILESTONES BY SHAPING A POSITIVE CORPORATE CULTURE Your

company’s

culture

and

environment

have

a

As we look for the common denominator of successful

strong effect on how well the company performs.

companies, a culture-shaping strategy is always a key

The company culture directly influences employees’

factor. The workplace should not be something that people

attitudes and practices every day. It evolves with or

dread every day. Employees should look forward to going

without active effort on your part; hence, it is best to

to their jobs. Jobs shouldn’t provoke stress in employees.

determine the qualities you wish to instill in your work

While the work may be difficult, the culture shouldn’t

environment based on your vision for the company.

add to the stress of work. On the contrary, the culture should be designed to alleviate the work related stress.

Studies

prove

that

the

majority

of

employees

in

a company tend to adopt the same characteristics

This is why culture matters. Culture sustains employee

and

enthusiasm. That is what we work hard on at Tipico.

styles.

Influence

comes

instinctively

when

spending the majority of the day with your co-workers.

Dissatisfied and discouraged employees will be disinclined

We

try

to

embrace

experience

amongst

creating

fun

a

collaborative

employees and

and

exciting

and

enjoyable

partners

by

experiences.

for optimal productivity. This is bad for both employers and employees. Disengaged employees may show up to

Strategies are easy to draft but not as easy to implement.

work but they lack the enthusiasm and energy necessary

Having a total of approximately 500 global employees, this is

to thrive. Furthermore, such employees are pervasive yet

a regular challenge to rise to. A healthy degree of optimism,

not actively disengaged, which can be especially harmful

self-confidence and openness, along with an adventurous

to a company. Nevertheless, it is this lack of engagement

spirit, turn challenges into opportunities. We believe that

that really hinders organisations. It also impacts the ability

these are the fundamental characteristics of excellence.

for employees to thrive. Without thriving employees, companies cannot bring about the innovation and creative problem solving required in today’s competitive world.

While the work may be difficult, the culture shouldn’t add to the stress of work.

UI Designer

We believe that embracing diversity is the ability to truly connect and collaborate with others while solving the most challenging problems.

Department: ProTech Location: St. Julians, Malta

Scrum Master

Challenges are even more puzzling when having over 30 nationals in a single workplace

Department: ProTech Location: Karlsruhe, Germany

of the puzzle is frequently titled as diversity. As much as we have learned the importance of diversity in the workplace, it is often focused on gender, race and ethnicity. Taught diversity is subtler but just as important. We believe that embracing diversity is the ability to truly connect and collaborate with others while solving the most challenging problems. Diversity at work is vital as it enables out-of-the-box thinking to bring about creative solutions to 21st century challenges. When people are actively encouraged

Web Designer Department: Marketing Location: St. Julians, Malta

to present different perspectives and ideas to challenge assumptions and the status quo, one will see new insights, innovation, collaboration and the very best of teamwork.

executives

and

decisions

and

entrepreneur

other

managerial

give

strategic

a

remarkable

and

staff

in

their

direction.

David

leader

corporate

in

role

to

Novak,

make

a

very

culture,

once

effective successful

said

Gaming CRM Manager German Speaking

Department: Marketing Location: St. Julians, Malta

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Every

leader cast a show, so be aware of the fact that people do what you doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

for thriving employees. We believe in a transparent and innovative culture that awards intelligence and courage in an environment where team effort and passion excel.

These

principals

help

knowledgeable,

Thriving

should quo,

our

employees

comfortable

employees

need

to

feel

free

to

speak

while

they

are

able

feel

openly to

that

feel

empowered,

and

their

even

continue

to

contribution

when learning

they and

self-aware.

is

making

disagree growing

with in

a

positive

the

status

their

career.

A thriving workplace is one where both organisations and their employees take

is always a win-win and this is how we continuously aim to keep it at Tipico.

Find out more about working for Tipico at

www.tipico-careers.com

l o ca l f o o d

69

Pack soME PACKED GOODS WORDS BY Antoine Borg Micallef

W

hen travelling to a new country, every visitor will have this instinctive mindset to explore and discover their new surroundings. Whether this is participating in religious activities, immersing yourself in the rich history, or simply absorbing architectural landscapes, each of these aspects embody the living and breathing characteristics of a nation. But while customs and tradition may often prove to be a barrier between different civilisations, there is nothing that connects us more than food.

This basic need is the perfect epitome of a country’s identity, with every single flavour and recipe evoking both familiar and new sensations in our taste buds. Malta’s unique geographical position and its Mediterranean climate contribute to a rich and diverse food culture, which include a wide range of delectable and wholesome foods such as fish, meat, cheeses, bread, sweets, and even beverages. The great news is that Maltese food is not only best served fresh, as there is a multitude of edible choices that travellers can take home with them.

One of the most well-known products of the Maltese Islands is honey, which is also believed to be the etymological source of the world Malta, derived from the Ancient Greek word Meli.

Malta is home to an endemic species of honeybee that produces

three types of honey throughout the year, each containing a unique colour and taste.

Springtime multiflora honey has a light colour, honey harvested in July contains nuances of wild thyme, while autumn honey has a darker colour as a result of pollen collected from the carob flower.

Apart from its prominent role in the production of honey, the indigenous carob tree also produces pods that can be transformed into a sweet syrup known as Ġulepp tal-Ħarrub. This syrup was traditionally used to treat coughs and sore throats, but has now found a renewed purpose as a sweetener in drinks and desserts or as a substitute for chocolate in many recipes.

Syrup-like goods are not the only sweet products one can take home to share with friends and family. Despite its relatively small size and modest agricultural production, Malta supports a number of fruit species that thrive throughout most the year. While fresh is without a doubt the best way to consume fruits, they are equally as delicious when turned into jams and marmalades. In fact, travellers to Malta can choose from several homemade conserves that are prepared using seasonal produce that is harvested at the peak of its sweetness. These include Bajtar tax-Xewk (Prickly Pear), Naspli (Loquat), Orange, Strawberries, Figs, and Pomegranate.

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Wine production was introduced in Malta by the Phoenicians around two millennia ago, and it has boomed ever since the country joined the European Union in 2004

Visitors with a more savoury palate can also find a substantial variety of such foods grown in Malta. In fact, one of the most celebrated agricultural products in Malta is the tomato. This fruit is infused with nutrients from the rich reddish-brown soil and has a natural sweetness that is imparted by the scorching Maltese sun. In fact, some of the best items to take home include sun dried tomatoes, homemade tomato pasta sauces, and the popular Maltese Kunserva (tomato paste).

Pickling is also a very popular way of preserving vegetables for the winter months, which was especially important in the olden times when resources were scarcer. Maltese people used to rely on a wide range of produce that they could easily forage from the countryside, and conserve in brine, vinegar, or oil. These include onions, olives, peppers, and capers, all of which are still produced today using these same artisanal methods.

Cheese can also be found preserved in jars using the pickling method, but visitors to Malta are highly encouraged to pack some traditional dried cheeselets in their suitcase. These small blocks of cheese are made from sheep’s milk in both Malta and Gozo, where

they are allowed to naturally dry in the humid North-Western wind. Available in both standard and peppered versions, Maltese cheeselets are a great gift for any avid cheese lover.

And if you are looking for the perfect companion for your savoury or sweet Maltese foods, local wine should be at the top of your list. Wine production was introduced in Malta by the Phoenicians around two millennia ago, and it has boomed ever since the country joined the European Union in 2004. While most well-known types of grapes are grown in Malta, consumers can also find two indigenous varieties that are unique to Maltese viticulture. These are the Ġellewża, used in red wines, and the Girgentina, used in white wines, both of which can only be found on Maltese shelves.

Food is intrinsically linked to Malta’s history, culture, and nature, with every single product telling its own story through a myriad of tastes and textures. Taking some Maltese food stuffs back home with you is a simple yet effective way of bringing a piece of Malta closer to your loved ones.

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LO C A L S P E C I A LITI E S

02.

Lampuki Fest in St Julian's Bay

01.

I

t is justifiable that Lampuki the quintessential fish of Malta should be celebrated. Also known as the Dorado, “the gilted one” for its shiny golden hues, and Mahi – Mahi far away from Malta along the Atlantic coast of the southern USA where the fish grow considerably in size. In Sicily the Lampuka is called Capone and this is where the popular summer dish of Kappunata takes its name from, as it is a favourite accompaniment. Lampuki has been fished in Maltese waters for centuries, since classical times. Proof of this is the pretty unique fishing method engaged, using floating rafts of woven palm fronds called kannizzati.

Many centuries ago, in classical times, far aross the Mediterranean, Homer described how these fish gathered below floating driftwood seeking shade from the sun. Fishermen would have

noticed this and by means of kannizzati provided shade for the Lampuki at simultaneously setting up an ambush for the unsuspecting fish. What makes Lampuki a “Maltese” fish is probably the fact that large catches resulted in abundant supply and affordable prices.

Every table could therefore eat fresh fish regularly in high season, not the norm during other times of the year.

The Lampuki season traditionally kicks off in the second half of August after the popular festa of Santa Marija with the blessing of the boats. The Parish Priest boards a fishing boat and is taken slowly round the bay reciting prayers for protection and good fortune all the while sprinkling any given Luzzu or Kajjik with holy water. The preparatory work done, with the laying of the kannizzati at intervals of circa one kilometre several

LO C A L S P E C I A LITI E S

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03.

kilometres out to sea, the three month fishing season begins and week on week the fish become larger and the catches more abundant. The fishermen set out with high expectations, hoping that many Lampuki would have gathered in the shade of their kannizzati which they surround with nets to haul in their catch.

Ironically, until recently, many restaurants around Malta did not offer Lampuki on their menu. This fish was considered to be common and inferior to many of its “posher” cousins like the grouper, the John Dory and the rock fish. Certainly the flesh is neither as white nor as fine, however the Lampuka offers a particular flavour, a unique personality of its own.

Three restaurants, in picturesque St Julian’s Bay, namely Gululu a casual Maltese diner, Pexxi a Mediterranean fish restaurant and Cuba, which offers a less conventional menu, join forces during September and prepare a menu for “Lampuki Fest” to celebrate the age old Lampuki season, creating a variety of different dishes, both traditional and modern, to the delight of local food lovers and foreign visitors alike. These menus can be browsed by visiting any of the restaurants’ websites.

04.

Reserving a table during the Lampuki season is recommended.

01. Freshly caught Lampuki 02. Pexxi and Gululu 03. The terrace of Cuba restaurant over-looking St Julian's Bay 04. Fishing boats moored besides Gululu and Pexxi

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FOOD & DRINK

OBSCURE LOCAL FOOD WORDS BY Tia Reljic

W

hile ‘unconventional food’ for some might simply mean an unusual combination of ingredients – these Maltese dishes vary from peculiar to bizarre according to some tastes.

Not all locals eat these dishes everyday, and you’ll be hard pressed to find some of them in restaurants, but many have nonetheless featured in Maltese households throughout history. Others, on the other hand, feature quite regularly on Maltese plates – which leads us to our first dish.

R a bbit Rabbit meat, and fried or stewed rabbit in particular, is considered to be a national dish. Stewed rabbit is near and dear to those appreciative of Maltese identity, possibly due to the island’s culture of rabbit hunting, as well as the historical connotation with the hunting restrictions enforced upon the Maltese by the Knights of St John throughout the 16th century. Nonetheless, due to the domestication of rabbits as pets in many cultures, this delicacy is often frowned upon.

Sta llion me at Brought to the limelight in recent times by Brigette Bardot who urged the Maltese to “stop eating horses”, horsemeat is not an unusual type of meat on the island. The tradition stuck from times of scarcity when farm animals would need to be used to their full capacity. The meat is typically cooked in red wine and traditional tomato paste (kunserva).

Qua il eggs In line with the Maltese quail-hunting tradition, cooking quail breast together with its own egg is not uncommon.

The eggs are cooked similarly to chicken eggs, but are most often poached.

Esc a rgot Escargot, or cooked land snail, has been described as the ‘latest superfood’ in 2017 due to its iron, protein, and omega-3 content. Although common in other countries such as France, a plate of snails doesn’t always go down well by everyone visiting Malta.

Se a urchins Sea urchins in Malta are easily caught, split up, and eaten on the spot. They are often also eaten with fresh bread or prepared with spaghetti and olive oil, and restaurants which serve seafood or are situated by the sea are most likely to serve them.

Pigeon me at There are various ways how the Maltese eat pigeon – roasted, in a pie, or in a stew with artichoke hearts. The meat is common in many households, particularly around Christmas time.

W idow’s soup Soppa tal-armla is a slow-cooking vegetable soup popular during Lent – and probably the most traditional soup you will find on the island. Its most interesting features are beans, peas, cheeselets and eggs.

Let your career Not all locals eat these dishes everyday, and you’ll be hard pressed to find some of them in restaurants, but many have nonetheless featured in Maltese households throughout history

Take Off

Maltese blood sausage Although the Maltese mazzita, black pudding, or blood sausage is popular in slight variations across Europe, the Maltese have made it their own after inheriting the dish from the Knights of St John. While the typical pork and herb Maltese sausage is far more popular nowadays, the pig-blood and raisins blood sausage can still be found around butchers across the island, and often served with English breakfast.

V er micelli omelet te A dish almost exclusive to the Maltese, froġa tat-tarja can be prepared a variety of ways. The typical ingredients are vermicelli spaghetti, eggs, oil, and cheese. The cooked pasta is added to the omelette and fried until crispy, sometimes served with ricotta.

Tea in a glass A variation of Builder’s tea, the Maltese te’ fit-tazza usually consists of a tea infusion made with tea leaves, condensed milk, and sugar – served warm in a glass. The drink is a staple at most typical Maltese bars and cafés.

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Whether shopping or grabbing a snack, any transaction made with a Visa card at The Point shopping mall during the duration of the campaign will earn loyalty points.

There is also the referral element now where existing card holders get bonus points when they refer a friend.

To activate The Point shopping mall’s loyalty card, shoppers need to present their Visa purchase receipt made at any outlet at The Point to the Visa stand on level -1.

Please visit www.visa.com.mt for more details and terms and conditions.

MEDITERRANEAN CERAMICS GOES GLOBAL

M

editerranean Ceramics was incorporated in 2010 by two dynamic characters, Brian and David Grima. Over the past 35 years these two business partners have embarked on an exciting journey within the industry by sharing their passion for Mediterranean craftsmanship with the rest of the world. They have always specialised in high quality materials including clay and volcanic stone, as these natural materials are highly durable and versatile.

With their experience, and knowledge they have developed a vibrant range of bespoke products including: volcanic stone table tops; kitchen counters; signage; ceramic dinner-sets and the list goes on.

These unique works of art are exported all around the world and have been given as gifts to various visiting dignitaries and heads of state.

The volcanic stone products are produced to their customers’ specification, resulting in endless design possibilities. For this reason the company has won various tenders over the years, including a large scale project in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, for a luxury housing compound.

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FI C TION

Mediterranean THE COLOURS OF THE

WORDS BY TCD

FI C TION

T

he alarm rang quietly at precisely 05:37. I was right there to wake her up. My Lady Master was always very meticulous with timing; three minutes to wake up and walk to the bathroom and twenty minutes to get ready, with my help of course.

‘I must be out of the house by 6 am,’ she said out loud to no one in particular.

At the age of 75, Lady Master was still the talk of the town.

She’d never leave the house without her make-up and pearl earrings, her shoes always matched her bag and she constantly smelt of Chanel.

05:59; we were both out the door, making sure to lock it three times.

‘You can never be too sure nowadays,’ she commented.

Walking along the promenade, which served as her daily exercise, she made it a point that I always led the way. Many people would often stop and stare at the pair of us, even commenting on my age or hair colour and how I always looked a little worse for wear. But what did they know? My Lady Master was very kind to me. She fed me her left-overs and bathed me once a month. In return, I helped around the house and served her well.

We passed Fond Għadir, a long stretch of rock terrain where the ocean crawls up, filling the man-made pools with the azure water, and continued on to Tigné Point where, if you look right ahead, you could see the sun glistening down onto the bastions of Valletta. Lady Master wanted to have her morning cappuccino on the Sliema Front and wait for the shops to open before buying her granddaughter, who was visiting later today, a birthday present.

After helping her choose a gift; a beautiful designer bag which I think was yellow, but I’m not very good with colours, she was kind enough to set me free for fifteen minutes so I could have a quick jump and a paddle in the sea. I always returned to her and she trusted me tremendously. I sat back down next to her when I was done and allowed her to tie me up again. I don't mind the chain; it makes me feel safe and I don't have to wear it when we are at home. It’s mostly because of other people’s comments.

Last stop of the morning was the grocery shop just round the corner. Nenu, who’d owned the corner shop for years, was an old chap. I’m pretty sure he had a crush on Lady Master.

He always packed her bags for her and tried to make their conversations last just that little bit longer. He likes me too

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and always calls me by my name, which is Billy by the way, if any of you were wondering.

Back home I helped my Lady Master unpack the bags, fetched her emerald green slippers, put the clothes in the washing machine and by the time we knew it, it was 12:00. Jessica would be arriving any minute now.

12:15; the doorbell rang, Jessica had arrived. I rushed to greet her but Lady Master always answered the door first and I was always right beside her when she did. I gave Jessica a kiss on the hand and she gave me a hug. They then went into the living room, the only room in the house I wasn't allowed to enter, and I sat there, peeking in from the door way. Lady Master gave her the birthday present and Jessica asked her grandmother about her day.

“Oh my darling, same as any other day, Billy woke me up at about 5:30 am. He took me for a walk down the promenade.

We then stopped for a coffee and some water before buying you your birthday present.”

“You know, Billy kept prodding around this one bag and the shop keeper told me that he seemed keen on it. So, in actual fact, Billy chose your birthday present. It’s yellow, isn’t it Jessica?” she asked.

“Yes nanna, it’s a beautiful yellow bag. He chose well.”

Jessica replied.

“I then let him go for a swim. I love it when he comes back brushes passed me and I get to feel the salty Mediterranean sea on my skin.” Lady Master said excitedly.

“Nanna, how do you know that Billy will always come back to you?” Jessica asked, curiously. “Well, my darling. It’s all about trust. Billy is the reason I can still go out for a walk, he is the reason I still appreciate life. He is with me wherever I go, he always protects me and he even helps me with the housework. Without him I wouldn't be able to do much.”

“Through him, I can see the wonderful blues of the ocean and the sky, the creamy tones of my morning cappuccino and the red apples that Nenu slips into my grocery bag. Through him I get to see the colours of life.

That evening, I handed Lady Master a blanket and tucked her into bed. I waited patiently for her to close her eyes and fall asleep. I then gently climbed into bed, wagging my tail and slept like a dog, dreaming only of my Lady Master.

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E DU C ATION

The Mediterranean Hub for

English language teaching WORDS BY Katrin Risiott

T

he warm sunny weather… bright blue skies… crystal clear waters… the oldest freestanding buildings in the world… the cool and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle with a hint of British zealousness… the nightlife… the rich history… friendly Maltese people…

These are some of the answers most English language students give to the question “Why did you choose Malta to study English?”

English, today, has become the world language, with the way globalisation and business transactions have soared. More and more people are interested in learning it, for different reasons: some require English for their professional careers and others desire knowing the language in order to communicate when travelling.

English, being one of the major widely spoken languages around the globe, has become a requirement for prospective workers in large and multi-national companies. Most of these companies have

English as their official company language.

For students reading specific courses at universities worldwide, the English language is necessary: it has become a requisite for entry.

An ex-British Colony and a Commonwealth country, Malta boasts having two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese children learn British English at a very early age, the vast majority of whom are bilingual. This fact alone is an asset for the many Maltese teachers in local language schools because they view the English language as a natural way of communicating. Apart from employing Maltese teachers, many language schools employ teachers from all over the world.

There are over 40 English language schools in Malta, all of which are licenced by the ELT Council, a government organisation which falls under the remit of the Ministry of Education. It aims to safeguard and promote English language teaching in

Malta at high standards, whilst linking education and tourism together. Teaching English as a foreign language in Malta has become one of the most important contributions to the economy of the Maltese islands.

Quality and standards are top priority in this thriving industry. Teachers must be in possession of local and or international qualifications, such as those issued by Cambridge ESOL or Trinity College as a legal requirement. It is only then that the ELT Council issues a teaching permit, renewable every four years. This permit is only renewed when teachers carry out a substantial number of Continual Professional Development hours, such as attending workshops or furthering their studies.

Although many link English language courses to the summer months, language schools operate all year round. Malta, being an attractive and popular tourist

E DU C ATION

destination, learners choose to mix business with pleasure. Students combine study and holidays. What more can you ask for than being fully immersed in an English- speaking country, while enjoying the beautiful sunny weather?

Nothing beats the feeling of a classroom that is full of life. Having been in the industry for over nine years, I have never fallen short of motivation or interest. A classroom, in my opinion, is like a stage – the teacher is the performer, the students are the interactive audience. A classroom is also the place where nations join for one common reason – the beautiful English language. Friendships are formed and barriers are broken. A world in one tiny room. Teachers, like me, teach using modern methods and techniques, all of which provide the students with the opportunity to communicate in English, in real-life scenarios.

Students of all ages come from all corners of the world, with the majority of them from European countries. Schools offer

courses to adults and minors. Minors are provided with 24-hour care. According to market research, a student stays in Malta for an average of two to three weeks; however, there are students who only stay for one week and others who choose to stay for months on end.

A classroom, in my opinion, is like a stage – the teacher is the performer, the students are the interactive audience The longer students stay, the more they learn, especially if they seize the opportunity to participate in leisure activities that are organised by their respective schools. Activities vary, students are encouraged to visit the many

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beautiful and cultural cities in Malta, such as Valletta; Mdina; The Three Cities, and the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. The Mediterranean blue sea beckons a swim without much convincing needed, whilst the bustling nightlife that Malta has to offer puts students and holidaymakers alike in a different dimension. Students can also attend the various extracurricular academic workshops organised by the schools.

Schools also organise students’ accommodation, and provide them with the option to stay in self-catering apartments, hotels, residences or host families; the latter giving students a taste of what a Maltese family is really like. The combination of lessons, leisure activities and accommodation make learning more fun and interactive.

Over the years, Malta has become an expert in hosting. Many that have been through the English learning experience re-visit. Thus branding Malta: a stunning holiday gem and learning destination.

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H I S TORY

a kitchen at the heart of

MEDIEVAL MDINA WORDS BY Francesca Balzan

I

t is a hot Friday afternoon at the very height of a burning Maltese summer. I sit at my desk after a busy day that included a photo shoot of some lovely antique fans from our Museum collection. I check my email and blink. Very, very few. Too few. Ah yes, summer. Friday afternoon. Emails are always suspiciously low in this period.

Everyone is too hot, too tired, too far away from their desks to be productive and you can invariably measure this by the rate of emails tumbling (or not) in. I take a moment to muse about this place that I find myself in. A lovely old building, created so much earlier than the email generation, that has accumulated so many stories with each successive family that has lived here. And there have been very many.

Let’s zoom out a bit and consider the building. Sited in the former capital of Malta, Mdina, which has been inhabited since pre-historic times, Palazzo Falson was built on one of the principal streets of this city stronghold. Albeit small,

Mdina still preserves the beauty and majesty and is a mirror of the aspirations of the ancient Maltese. To this day, a stroll through its well-preserved streets is one of the most pleasant ways to while away a summer evening, particularly in September when the weather starts to cool down a bit. Palazzo Falson was built over the remains of older structures and overlies, as does the rest of this city, Roman and earlier remains. It was initially built as a one-storey structure in the 13th century, the late medieval period of Maltese history, and the second storey was added in the 15th century with some rebuilding occurring later. Every century left its stamp on the house, not least of which was the historicist style that Olof Gollcher (1889-1962), the last ownerresident of the house, added to his home in a romantic and nostalgic manner soon after he acquired it in 1927.

As one enters the house, which has, since 2007, been re-opened to the public as a historic house museum under Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s

management, and crosses the courtyard, medieval elements are immediately apparent. It can, in fact, be considered one of the last remaining, and perhaps the best preserved, of medieval homes in Malta. The visitor’s attention is drawn to the pointed arches and lancet windows - all hallmarks of medieval vernacular architecture. The kitchen, in the very inner reaches of the house, tucked away beyond the courtyard in the heart of the medieval quarters of the building, is a romantic excursion into the past.

Olof Gollcher, it is said, referred to this room as his ‘trattoria’ and it certainly does preserve the homely, congenial atmosphere of a tavern meant to welcome the hungry traveller in search of food and solace. Is it authentic or is it all play? The architecture is most certainly authentically medieval, but overlaid on it are bits and pieces that Olof Gollcher added to his house in a playful manner that sought to emphasise the medieval past. The grand fireplace and Victorian oven, covered in Sicilian patterned tiles are a focal point of the room but

they were added in the 20th century.

Likewise, the chamber that was excavated near the fireplace for the eminently practical purpose of holding wine – we still store wine in this chamber as we believe in continuity.

The artefacts are also a wonderfully eclectic collection of antiques but they are staged in a manner which is uniquely Gollcher-ian. Anyone who is interested in culinary history (and who isn’t?) will appreciate the various items of kitchenalia decorating the walls. Several jelly moulds as well as pots and pans speak of industrious Victorian kitchens in lofty households, but the four earthenware containers known in Maltese as il-baqra (which translates to ‘the cow’) are more closely linked to Maltese ethnography.

These containers were used to stew rabbit – one of our most historic and enduring national dishes. Contrasts abound. The three Maltese 17th century half-cabinets known by the moniker ‘of the sacristy’ were originally used in church sacristies to store vestments but were eventually adopted for use in homes to store all manner of items.

Running down the centre of the room is a long refectory table made of oak with carvings down one side (the other

side was not meant to be seen) and with the date 1677 clearly carved on it. It was made in England in the 17th century and somehow found its way to a Maltese kitchen.

I don’t know if it is the acoustics, or the very particular light that enters this room, or the embracing quality of the architecture but our visitors always seem so drawn to this kitchen, we actually have to keep asking them not to sit at the table.

The familiar ping of an email interrupts my musings and draws me rudely back into the 21st century.

At least one other person out there is working on this hot Friday afternoon. But even as I silently cuss at technology, I think our emails, and laptops and sleek new audio guides are adding another layer to the history of this house. So let them be.

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Francesca Balzan is curator at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum. The medieval Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, Villegaignon Street, Mdina houses a splendid collection of antiques and is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 (last entries at 16:00). Follow Palazzo Falson on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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H I S TORY

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A Tale of Two Italians WORDS BY Alessia Caruana

If we are to tell the story of an artist we must do it with a brush, but for today we'll have to settle for a keyboard because I just don't have the time to paint through this article (apologies). Over the long and eventful course of the history of Malta there have been a few Italians who made their way to our charming Mediterranean shores with the hope of starting anew. Malta has served many an artist as their very own blank canvas, their new page to a book that seemed written but demanded a rewrite, and here I will focus on just two of the most famous names to grace our island.

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H I S TORY

and volatile temperament are what put the artist right on the radar of the authorities and which would eventually lead him to pack his bags in a flurry and flee to Malta (see I told you we'd get here). Ranuccio Tommasoni's murder was the result of a heated argument between the two that ended in bloodshed, so violently it almost cost the artist his future. It's a story that's been told a hundred times over, with one common ending: Malta (and here we are). It didn't take much for Caravaggio to get noticed by the Courts, the Knights Hospitaller were well acquainted with the capabilities of the painter and his work in Rome, so they jumped at the chance to use Caravaggio's unstable political situation to their advantage (animals) and allowed him to pay his way into knighthood by completing the titular for the Oratory of St John the Baptist (1608). This masterpiece, bearing the artist's signature in a pool of St John's blood, encapsulates the solemnity and temperament of the environment in which Caravaggio completed the most famous oil painting on our island.

The artist whose story I shall begin my painterly tale with is the same Italian whose artistic legacy graciously gifted our country with two of its most treasured historic gems. Michelangelo Merisi di Caravaggio (1571-1610), better known as just Caravaggio, was born into the world of dark and light, in Milan in 1571. The gentleman with the temper, or rather the boy who ceased to grow up, would mature to be one of the finest painters known to the history of art.

Caravaggio brought life to his canvasses, breaking ties with the mannerist and rigid methods of his ancestors, and honing a realistic style that his oeuvre would eventually become synonymous

with. He'd spend his days sprawling Italian taverns and observing his surroundings, leading him to summon the most unsuspecting women and men off the streets and into his studio to act as models in an attempt to recreate his day-to-day reality through paint and accurate depictions. (If you're wondering why this article is slowly turning into a biography on the life of Caravaggio, we'll fast forward to Malta in just a moment.)

It wasn't just Caravaggio's eye for detail and mastery of chiaroscuro that won him the respect of the finest courts and garnered him the attention of Italian nobility. His mercurial nature

All the works completed during Caravaggio's 'Maltese Period' as it would come to be known - The Portrait of a Knight in Malta (1608), the Sleeping Cupid (1608) and St Jerome Writing (1607-1608) - show a darker, yet calmer side of the once fiery Caravaggio. This painter does away with the theatrics of his earlier work and focuses on producing canvasses that capture the elegance of pious silence, through the masterful poetry of chiaroscuro. Absent are the violent screams of the artist's evocative Medusa (1597), gone are the playful mannerisms of his Bacchus (1595); stylistic differences that built a body of work that drastically changed the course of the Maltese artistic climate. Caravaggio eventually fled Malta in a similar fashion to which he entered it; surrounded by scandal.

The great artist would be defrocked in the very same oratory that became synonymous with his name, and fleeing the island he came to call home to tragically die just two years later in 1610 (cue the sad instrumental music).

With the absence of a strong personality to provide paintings for the Order of St John, Grand Master

H I S TORY

Caravaggio eventually fled Malta in a similar fashion to which he entered it; surrounded by scandal

de Redin was left with no choice but to look to Italy yet again in the hopes of finding an artist who could step in where the great Caravaggio left off. His prayers were answered and not long after Mattia Preti (1613-1699) was found.

Preti was actually already a member of the Order, a knight of magisterial obedience to be exact. The Calabrese was heavily influenced by the likes of Caravaggio, Manfredi and the NeoVenetians, all clearly reflective in the blue hues and dark undertones of his wonderful work. One of my personal favourites is Preti's St John on Horse Back, ''a tour de force of Baroque invention and technical dexterity'' as my former mentor, Professor Keith Sciberras would say. However, nothing compares to the wondrous mural that adorns the baroque gem that is St John's co-Cathedral. This masterful ceiling mural tells the long and eventful biblical tale of St John the Baptist with such

89

fervour that the wandering spectator's eye can't help but unknowingly leap from one scene to another, while figures guide them through the progressive narrative of the life of St John (who needs Netflix when you have Preti?). Preti, as you may have noticed, was far less dramatic and troublesome than the Italian who preceded him, and in fact he continued to make a name for himself locally, gracing many a church all over the island with his fine brush, until his death in 1699.

This article really doesn't do these two artists justice (believe me I spent a whole semester studying both, so I know), but how much can you really say on just one flight? God knows I've already exceeded my word limit (my editor probably knows this too), this is an article not an Andrew Graham Dixon BBC special after all. So the rest I will leave to the history books. Happy flying.

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Visiting Malta on Two Wheels WORDS BY Ben Mifsud Joslin

B

efore getting comfortable in your airline seat with your copy of the in-flight magazine, why not think about alternative ways to commute during your stay on the islands? A word of caution, two-wheeled commuting is not easy around Malta.

Lots of measures could be taken to improve our infrastructure to accommodate two-wheeled commuters better. Yet, I have no intention of making this article look gloomy.

Currently we don't have the luxury of bicycle lanes on every road; however if you want to foster a culture in which

children and adults can ride freely and risk-free, then we need to understand what two-wheeled commuting is actually all about in Malta. The truth is that with a love for the roads less travelled, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot about cycling and similar transport methods that is really quite wonderful, and even quite safe.

Indeed, a smidgen of research reveals that Malta has made quite a few strides in the last decade to accommodate its growing community of cyclists, for example. The clearest proof of this lies in a recent EU-funded project called SIBIT.

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the way I see it is that in Malta, whenever you bust out your two-wheeled vehicle, you can really make it special

Benefiting Malta, Gozo and Sicily, SIBIT was an initiative to make cycling more accessible by means of laying over 1000 collective kilometres of new cycle lanes. There are now three main cycling routes courtesy of SIBIT across the archipelago, each one of them breath-taking.

The two SIBIT routes in Malta cover between them the North-West and North-East of Malta. Both of them start in Rabat, but lead you in opposite directions. In addition to the fact that both routes are incredibly scenic and beautiful, a huge plus is that you don’t need to be an accomplished cyclist to give these routes a go.

Either one will take roughly two hours of your time to complete, though, so a bit of stamina is in order.

For a real challenge, you’ll want to check out the SIBIT route in Gozo, which begins in Mġarr Harbour and ends in Qala. On that note, it’s good to point out that biking in Gozo is actually a slightly different practice to that in Malta. Due to its natural landscape being more intact, there are definitely a few trickier areas that experienced cyclists can enjoy. On the other hand, because Gozo is slightly less car-dense than Malta, daily commuting on two wheels is definitely a better idea there.

Let’s put cycling aside for now, though, as you definitely don’t need to be a bicycle enthusiast to cruise around the islands on two wheels and in style. Segways, for example, have become a popular means of touring around the island. Whether you think Segways are the pinnacle of cool or not, there’s definitely appeal in the idea of using them to get an extended glimpse of the archipelago. They’re slow enough that you can really keep more of an eye on your surroundings while staying safe, and effortless enough to use that you won’t get tired as you enjoy the views.

All in all, I would love for us to evolve to the point where everyone can be completely accommodated on the roads, despite their preferences when it comes to getting around. The truth, though, is that although the dangers on the road are real, it’s not all doom and gloom. With enough tact and caution, motorbikes, mopeds and similar vehicles can be a great way of zooming past traffic.

If you want to further your foray into the realm of two wheels, you could even opt for solutions like kick scooters, which would let you mostly stick to pavements, making travelling a little easier.

Still, that’s not my personal preference. Until Malta becomes a utopia for two-wheeled commuters, I would much rather view these options as leisure activities, or transport methods to break out when visiting more secluded parts of the island. It really isn’t about doom and gloom, after all. If anything, the way I see it is that in Malta, whenever you bust out your two-wheeled vehicle, you can really make it special.

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C ULTUR E

When a City Became a

Cinema

S

ummer 2017 saw the third edition of the Valletta Film Festival (VFF), Malta’s most important cinematic event, showcasing a programme of quality films screened in various indoor and outdoor locations around the city. Organised by the Film Grain Foundation, this year’s programme included over forty feature films and twenty-three short films from all over the world, curated into various sections with three different juries for the feature, documentary and short films.

Screened over 10 days, Valletta was transformed into a cinema where viewers could experience films in venues like Pjazza Teatru Rjal, a renovated open-air venue which has kept its original 19 th century theatre ruins, Pjazza San Gorg which is located on the city’s main street and

WORDS BY Sarah Chircop

the Herbert Ganado Gardens situated outside the fortified walls of the city. Films were divided in different categories, including Feature and Documentary, Teens Only - aimed specifically at the younger crowd - Without Borders which this year focused on the vast cinema of the large geographical region of Latin America, and finally Islanders, a section of films aiming to bring together films from various islands around the world.

A retrospective of renowned French film directors Jean-Pierre Jeunet was also screened under the Master of Cinema section.

Further enriching the already packed programme, a number of workshops were open to the public and included sessions on digital marketing for film and TV, script presentation and film pitching, starting an animation studio

from scratch, and a VR masterclass. A number of special screenings were also shown for free in Valletta’s main square and included titles like Land of Light - a fiction film supported by the UNHCR and based on workshops held by Syrian refugee children, Fishers of Men -an inside look at the work of MOAS (the Migrant Offshore Aid Station which attends to migrants in distress), Burning Bikinis - a documentary inspired from the Maltese urban legend of seeing bulks of bikinis being bought and publicly burnt in the 1960s, and Spanish film Delicate Balance, a fulllength documentary that deals with universal issues through three stories in three different continents.

The week saw a number of special guests landing on the island. They formed part of daily Talent Talks which aimed to bring audiences closer to the

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Holland spoke about various things, from her interesting career, to the Netflix phenomena, to how great it is that the VFF’s programming team is an all-woman trio filmmakers and actors behind the films, in an informal and fun environment.

Some of these guests included three-time Oscar nominated filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, whose film Spoor (Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlinale this year) competed for the Triton Award.

Holland spoke about various things, from her interesting career, to the Netflix phenomena, to how great it is that the VFF’s programming team is an all-woman trio. Another afternoon saw Giovanni Robbiano, screenwriter, director, producer, head of international department at FAMU and also a member of the European Academy, talk about the essence of a cinematic story whilst offering tips on how to pitch your film.

Diamand Abboud was VFF’s special guest this year who was present in Valletta with the film Insyriated, one of the main films competing. Sicilian directors Antonio Piazza and Fabio Grassadonia were also present to talk about their partnership and careers as well as their film Sicilian Ghost Story, which also competed in the main programme.

Moreover, as part of Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the VFF was commissioned by the Arts Council Malta to produce a number of short films that shed light on how Malta’s identity has evolved over the 13 years since it joined the EU. The five films produced over the months leading up to June were premiered at Pjazza San Ġorġ under the collective title of Ewropej.

In all its diversity, the VFF makes it a point to shine the spotlight on smaller countries and give them the opportunity to talk about their situations and

cooperate to find solutions to common issues. Although still in its infancy, the VFF keeps getting bigger and better with each year and has the potential of becoming one of the most important festivals in the Mediterranean region.

Even though the festival came to a close last June, it certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t seek out some of the winning films, some of which have only just begun their journeys. Stay tuned for 2018, the year Valletta will hold the European Capital of Culture, and which will enable the festival to reach out to a bigger and more international audience.

Audi Audience Award Insyriated (France, Belgium) Best Feature Film Columbus by Kogonda (US) Best Director Phillipe Van Leeuw for Insyriated Best Actress Haley Lu Richardson for Columbus Best Actor Nikola Ristanovski for The Black Pin (Serbia, Montenegro) Best Cinematography Luca Bigazzi for Sicilian Ghost Story (Italy) Best Screenplay Nico Mensinga for Daphne (UK) Best Documentary The Good Postman by Tonislav Hristov (Finland, Bulgaria) Best Short Film Ayny – My Second Eye by Ahmad Saleh (Palestine) Teens Choice Award Goodbye Berlin by Fatih Akin (Germany)

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

Restaurant

& bar guide

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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.

MELLIEĦA

One80 Kitchen & Lounge,

30, Triq Wied ta' Ruman, Mellieħa, MLĦ 4023. +356 2152 1637 www.one80.com.mt one80@foodrinksconcepts.com Situated on the way down from Mellieħa centre, one80 enjoys picturesque views stretching from the majestic parish church perched on top of the hill, down to the lush greenery of ‘Wied ta’ Ruman’ and onto the largest sandy beach of the island, Mellieħa Bay. Perfectly positioned for a quick lunch if you are on the way to Malta’s sister island – Gozo.

Watch out though, as lunch might extend into a full-blown dinner. Enjoy a spectacular sunset view from the spacious terrace and every spot of this stunning restaurant. one80 is a food and drink destination for a complete night out. You may visit the lounge area for lighter snacks, cool cocktails and drinks.

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.

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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 warm and cosy during the winter months. The restaurant is a mixture of ingredients designed to please the most discerning clients. The foundation for our cuisine is solely based upon three principles: the sourcing of local produce, for every single dish to evoke the skill and talent of our chefs and to provide our clients with honest food. The Medina presents a selected à la Carte menu based on Mediterranean and local cuisine, frequently changed to guarantee the pleasure of regular diners.

Trattoria AD 1530, 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.

MOSTA

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

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B A R S & R E S TA UR A NT S

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

+356 9942 4877

takolina@gmail.com

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

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

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro, 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 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.

ParaNGA, InterContinental Malta, St. George's Bay, St Julian's, STJ 3310 +356 2376 5064 malta.fnb@ihg.com malta.intercontinental.com/gastronomy/paranga

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

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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.

VALLETTA/QAWRA

Cheeky Monkey GastroPub, Qawra Coast Road, Qawra/ Triq il-Merkanti, Valletta, Malta +356 2124 3243 (Valletta)/ +356 7954 3853(Qawra) www.cheekymonkeymalta.com Don’t be sorry anymore for what you had said when you were hungry – Cheeky Monkey has your back. With monkey nibbles, cheeky mains and your favourite burgers – you will never be hungry at Cheeky Monkey Gastropub. You also have to try the many kinds of high-end beers and the legendary cocktails we mix up only for you. The Cheeky Monkey Gastropub is a unique venue where fun is not an option, good food is compulsory, and being drunk is permitted! Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram.

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

To Increase Its Aircraft Fleet in line with Growth Strategy

A

ir Malta is committed to increase the frequency of its current flight destinations and to service new routes. In line with its commercial strategy, Air Malta’s management has recommended to increase its fleet as from summer 2018. This recommendation was supported and acknowledged during a recent Board of Directors meeting.

The additional aircraft will give the airline added flexibility to increase frequencies on its most popular services while also allowing it to add new destinations, some of which may be currently unserved routes by other carriers. These new destinations will be announced following further in-depth market studies that are currently being undertaken by the airline’s commercial team in a number of working groups and discussions with key industrial stakeholders.

The additional aircraft is expected to boost Air Malta’s seat capacity and fuel growth in the number of passengers it carries which currently stands at 1.6 million passengers annually. This is part of the airline’s strategy to consolidate its strong market position as the national carrier of the Maltese islands as it continues to invest in order to support the local economy and Tourism Industry while providing more travel opportunities for its home market.

More good news is the recent announcement that Air Malta will resume services to Frankfurt once again. This announcement also reflects the confidence in the potential of the airline, the local tourism industry, stakeholders and the economy of the islands.

For more information visit www.airmalta.com, or log onto

AirMalta.

A IR M A LTA N E W S

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Our children: ocean champions of the future

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

I

f you’re reading this you are probably on an aeroplane, on your way to or from Malta. Look out your window at the blue water, sparkling beneath the sun. It's beautiful, isn't it? From the dawn of human history, we've been fascinated by the ocean. We’ve also depended upon it. Now, we must protect it.

The European Union has shown its commitment to protecting our ocean with numerous actions. Hosting the Our Ocean conference in Malta on 5-6 October is one of them. The conference will bring together world leaders in ocean conservation to collaborate for the sustainable management of our seas and ocean.

However, we also understand that protecting the oceans goes beyond political decision making – all people must be actively involved. Therefore, the European Union is working to deepen our citizens’ ocean literacy, and their personal commitment to this essential objective.

Our actions to involve citizens have been especially focused on youth.

Young people and their participation in protecting our ocean are essential to secure its health and sustainability.

The findings of today’s scientists and researchers are working to equip the next generation with essential knowledge about marine environments, the threats they face, and potential solutions to be developed; and the European Union is working to support them as tomorrow’s ocean champions.

Earlier this year and in connection with the Our Ocean conference, we launched an initiative that is very dear to my heart.

We involved Maltese students in a project very aptly named 'Malta's Schools Love Our Ocean'. This school project teaches them about marine environments, and the ecosystems and amazing biodiversity that can be found in them. It also empowers them to take action, with each participating school designing and carrying out its own initiative for our ocean.

Also, taking place in parallel to the conference, the European Union, the Sustainable Oceans Alliance, and

MALTA, 5-6 OCTOBER 2017

the University of Malta will co-host the second summit of young ocean leaders. Our Ocean, An Ocean For Life Leadership Summit will bring together the next generation of entrepreneurs, political and civil society leaders, scientists and researchers to present their own ocean solutions and work together to create new ones.

Along with the summit, the University of Malta will host the fifth Conference of the European Marine Science Educators Association (7-10 October). Participants will discuss how to promote ocean literacy and make it part and parcel of school curricula – an objective that I very much support as one of the keys to guaranteeing the health of our ocean for many generations to come.

Every opportunity to protect our ocean is one we can’t afford to miss – our future literally depends on it. Taking care of our ocean's health means taking care of our own wellbeing. And we need everybody – first and foremost our youth – for this huge endeavour to be successful.

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

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A IR M A LTA N E W S

AIRPORT TREATS FOR TRAVELLING FAMILIES

S

ummer is in full swing at Malta International Airport, bringing with it many holidaying families.

Most parents seem to have a knack for making travelling with children appear to be a breeze. However, carrying luggage in one hand, a toddler in the other, and providing entertainment whilst on the go surely can’t be all that easy.

The airport team is stepping in with surprises to keep little globetrotters occupied and grown-ups refreshed, as they travel through the terminal.

A visit to the airport’s revamped observation deck is a must for more than one reason. The runway activity that can be enjoyed from this spot can be quite engrossing, but missing a scoop of free artisanal ice cream when the airport’s ice-cream man makes an appearance would be a real pity. His

Glitch Festival THIS month The biggest line-up ever to hit Malta

cart may be small and unassuming, but the selection of flavours - ranging from classic chocolate to the traditional Ħelwa tat-Tork (Maltese halva) – contained in it, is quite impressive.

Freebies apart, Malta International Airport will soon be opening a family lane at security to make families’ journeys even smoother.

This is not the only free treat that can give you a taste of Malta. Look out for the airport’s greeters distributing small cans of the island’s very own bittersweet soft drink and mini packets of its favourite, cheesy snack on certain days around the terminal.

Young travellers can even get their hands on a colouring book, featuring the airport’s mascot Rijxu, and unleash their inner Picasso as they wait for boarding.

Games at departures provide another great way of killing some time before take-off. If Lady Luck happens to be in a good mood, and passing through the terminal at the same time you’re playing, you might even win some airport shopping vouchers!

A

f ter last year’s successful and ground-shaking debut, Glitch Festival is coming back with its second edition this month.

Electronic music enthusiasts from all over the world are once again called to gather at the gates of the mystical House-andTechno fortress for two solid days on a sonic adventure on the Mediterranean Island of Malta.

The 2017 edition of Glitch Festival will officially take place over 7 and 8 September at Gianpula Fields, framed against the iconic skyline of Malta’s fortified city, Mdina. Party-goers can lap up the last of the summer sunshine against a backdrop of sun-kissed house and disco followed by darker, disjointed techno, acid and electro music which will take the party well into the night.

Glitch Festival will feature multiple stages and promises a diverse quality line-up of industry titans, including Maceo Plex, Jon Hopkins, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock and Recondite.

A rare appearance by the legendary Mr. G will also be one of the festival’s highlights, together with Drexciyaaffiliated DJ Stingray, Blawan, Dax J, Legowelt, Vril, Palms Trax, DJ Seinfeld, Jupiter Jax, Hail Blk and more.

As though this year’s solid two-day lineup isn't mind-blowing, Glitch Festival will also set sail. Happening on Saturday 9 September, the day-time boat party will feature a carefully curated lineup of international acts – making this an unmissable, intimate, sun-soaked expedition. Space Dimension Controller, DJ Seinfeld and Jupiter Jax will take over the boat in a grand-finale, closing off the second edition of Glitch Festival in proper fashion.

Find the fortress, find the Glitch.

Air Malta is proud to be assisting this event and supporting initiatives that enrich the calendar of events happening on the Maltese Islands throughout the year.

Check out www.glitchfestival.com for more info.

A IR M A LTA N E W S

Air Malta Upgrades Services at Two Main Airports

I

n response to feedback received from its guests regarding service given at two of the national airline’s key airports, Air Malta has upgraded its services at two of London Heathrow and Paris Orly. The Maltese airline has contracted a new ground handler at London Heathrow and now offers business class passengers a new lounge at Paris’ Orly Airport.

4. ASC handling was identified following a thorough review of ground handling providers at the airport. ASC offers a unique and personalised ground handling service by a dedicated team of professionals. The services provided are expected to meet Air Malta’s service standards ensuring a high quality service and an exceptional customer journey for the airline’s guests.

Recently Air Malta has contracted ASC to start managing its ground handling operation in London Heathrow Terminal

At Paris Orly’s airport Air Malta business class customers can now avail themselves of the added comfort and

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the relaxing surroundings of the new ICARE lounge. This lounge is located at Orly’s West Terminal Hall 4 at Departure Gate 40.

Commenting on these improvements Chief Operations Officer, Silvio Falzon stated, “Air Malta is committed to offer its esteemed guests quality and comfort through its extensive range of services and products. All our services including our ground handling partners at various airports are continuously monitored and audited from time to time while we always listen to feedback from our guests to ensure the highest customer satisfaction and a consistent quality operation in line with high standards of service.”

These upgrades are in line with Air Malta’s commitment to be “More Than Just an Airline” and improve its products and services. The airline is working to soon launch a new range of products and services and improve its customer journey.

MALTA pride week

A

ir Malta has been appointed the official airline of Malta’s 14th LGBTIQ Malta Pride Week and is proud to announce that it will be facilitating the travel arrangements of the large number of passengers who will be travelling to Malta both in the run-up to and throughout the entire Pride week celebrations.

Malta Pride week 2017 will take place between the 4th and 10th September 2017; a week packed with activities ranging from football tournaments to seminars, to themed nights leading to Pride Day (9 September). The LGBTIQ Pride Parade will feature marchers parading through the capital city of Valletta; accompanied by celebratory floats, music, banners, balloons, drag queens, performers, and several other attractions. A giant 82 foot rainbow

flag will be unveiled on the day.

The theme of this year's Malta Pride is Celebrate Love, Life and Diversity.

Malta Pride will celebrate Malta's top ranking as the most LGBTIQ friendly country in Europe (ILGA Rainbow Index), the introduction of Marriage Equality Bill, Diversity within Maltese society and highlight the need to raise more awareness, improve and tackle LGBTIQ health-related issues.

A free open-air street party and concert will take place in the centre of the city right after the Pride Parade, featuring top local and international acts, followed by the official Pride Party taking place on the same night, with the participation of top local and international DJs and performers.

Everyone is welcome to join the national celebration.

For the full schedule of Malta Pride Week activities, tickets and more details please visit www.maltapride.org

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A IR M A LTA N E W S

Frankfurt Reloaded

Air Malta Announces Frankfurt Flight Schedule

A

ir Malta will be flying to Frankfurt again as from Sunday 29 October with up to four weekly frequencies every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

"Air Malta is committed to expand routes and flight frequency to Europe's main airports. Frankfurt is an important hub for both incoming tourists as well as business travellers and trans-continental flight connections. Air Malta's decision is aligned to the airline's growth strategy”, Dr Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism said.

Paul Sies, Air Malta Chief Commercial Officer added: “We are thrilled that the new Board of Directors supported our plans to re-introduce the Frankfurt route. We believe that through changing conditions and a new commercial drive we can make this route profitable again and reconnect Malta to this important European hub. This is more good news for both Maltese and Germans visiting the two countries, either travelling in groups or making their individual arrangements.

Air Malta’s new commercial structure and pricing strategy will definitely attract more people to make use of this service.”

Frankfurt am Main is a metropolis and the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany.

Currently finding itself as the most important commercial and economic centre on mainland Europe, Frankfurt frequently ranks among the top ten best cities in which to live and do business.

Timings will be as follows: KM328 dep Malta

16:25 arr Frankfurt 19:10

KM329 dep Frankfurt 20:10 arr Malta

22:40

Frankfurt is an important tourism metropolis with many of the best tourist attractions found right in the heart of the city centre, including the Frankfurt museum embankment (Museumsufer), historic churches, quaint shops, and the Old Town (Aldstadt) with its lovely half-timbered buildings and picturesque town square (the Römerberg). Top things to do in Frankfurt include visiting the many historic sites (Goethe House, Gothic Cathedrals and churches, the Hauptwache), Museums (Staedel, Museumsufer, Senckenberg Natural Museum), Nature and Parks (Palmengarten, Chinese Garden, Lohrpark), Monuments and Statues (Goethe, GutenbergDenkmal, Schillerdenkmal), as well as other points of interest and well-known landmarks (Romer, Mainkai street, Berger street, Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen).

A IR M A LTA N E W S

107

A IR M A LTA N E W S

il-bizzilla talks to

Victor Bajada Workshop Technician

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working with Air Malta as a workshop technician for the past 16 years.

Three words that describe your job?

Technical - Aircraft technicians need to be able to read gauges, understand instrumentation, and diagnostic tools, when assessing and repairing aircraft components.

Precision - The aircraft need to be maintained to very specific standards. It is of key importance to be precise and make sure that things are repaired in the correct manner.

Dexterity - Aircraft technicians need to use their hands to manipulate and work with a number of components.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

We carry out approved maintenance within the workshop: by repairing and overhauling specific components removed from the aircraft. However, the sporadic nature of demand pattern of aircraftmaintenance repairs renders the forecasting of these spare parts a complicated task.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love riding on anything with two wheels, especially going off-road: both for leisure and as a

sport. As far as I can recall, this has always been my passion. I rode my first bicycle when I was 2 years old, then went on to a BMX as a teenager and from then on tried all sorts of two wheelers. From motorbike trials, moto cross, Enduro, mountainbike downhill and mountain-bike Enduro.

Riding as well as maintaining the upkeep of my motorbikes and bicycles gives me total satisfaction.

When I have some free time I also enjoy restoring vintage two wheelers such as my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1958 Lambretta Ld and my 1972 Raleigh Chopper.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

It has to be Italy, specifically Sicily. Apart from having a fair climate and good food, it is my alltime favourite because it is especially so close to Malta. Although being similar to Malta in some respects, it also offers other areas of appreciation such as the snow, the volcanic terrain surrounding Etna, and large stretches of land that one can venture into and explore by bike or on foot.

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

Whereas many visitors might only be attracted to the island for its beaches and sunny weather, one must also pay a visit to Malta, and in particular Gozo, throughout the winter months. During this period of the year, one can enjoy various country walks as well as visit the more smaller villages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which depict a more traditional way of Maltese life.

10 9

i n f l i gh t i n f o r mat 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 i gh t i n f o r mat i o n

Air Malta Fleet

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

Join our business class Upgrade to Air 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

HUNGARY

SWITZERLAND • Geneva

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA Trieste •

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

• Otopani

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

• Ancona ITALY • Pescara

Pisa •

SPAIN

• Bari • Brindisi ALBANIA Naples •

• Cagliari

BULGARIA • Istanbul

TURKEY GREECE

Lamezia Terme

Palermo •

TUNISIA

• Sofia

F.Y.O.M.

• Olbia

Tunis •

SERBIA

MONTENEGRO

• Rome Alghero •

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

• Nice

SLOVAKIA

• Vienna

• 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 Milan

8 1 1 1 10 15 2 5 15 3 2 7

airport

Weekly Flights

Moscow Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Prague

Rome Tel Aviv Tunis Vienna Zurich

2 14 2 7 9 2 10 3 (fortnight) 3 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

11 4

E l ec t r o n i c d e v i ce i n f o r mat 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

11 6

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