Nomads Issue 1

Issue 01 | Spring 2008 www.nomads.com.mt

Takes you places

African Magic

One of the stops in an incredible journey through Africa

Cristo Redentor Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable as this statue in Rio

Rome in 2 hours A business traveller’s guide to this wonderful capital city

contents

contents Issue 01 • Spring 2008

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editorial

Issue 01 | Spring 2008 www.nomads.com.mt

Takes you places

travel tips

Valerie Vella shares some simple advice to make one’s travel experiences simpler – and more enjoyable!

where else?

John Paul and Marie Stell Scicluna take us on a wild journey through Africa.

on the cover African Magic

One of the stops in an incredible journey through Africa

Cristo Redentor Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable as this statue in Rio

Zanzibar

by John Paul Scicluna

Rome in 2 hours A business traveller’s guide to this wonderful capital city

sports around

Visit Moscow on the occasion of the Champions League Final or tour Austria and Switzerland during EURO 2008, by Richard Muscat Azzopardi

just married

Featuring the Canadian Rockies & Alaska Cruise as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations, by Lilly Muscat.

fashion

Ben Camille keeps us updated with what to expect from the fashion world in the upcoming months.

adventure

Joe Schembri on Fiji, a paradise in the South West Pacific, and its beautiful remote islands and relaxing scenic views.

where else? african magic

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humanitarian • Kenya

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destinations • Dubai

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humanitarian travel

Ryan Bugeja explores the beauty in ‘Helping Others Help Themselves’ in Kenya

destinations

Our editor, Omar Busuttil gives us an in-depth insight of the United Arab Emirates’ city renowned for its sun, sand and shopping – Dubai.

operas & musicals

Review of successful London West End musical ‘Billy Elliot’ by Antonella Seguna.

business travel

Richard Muscat Azzopardi discusses why we should make an effort to enjoy business trips and gives us some ideas for Rome

photography tips

Professional photographer Gerald de Conti Manduca lets us in on his expert tips and tricks on photographing an African safari.

landmarks

Fascinating facts & figures about one of the most popular landmarks in the world – Cristo Redentor, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

speak easy

Interesting facts about the French language and some simple phrases to get you around in France,

by Omar Busuttil

wine bar

An expert review of the famous wines in the New World country, New Zealand, by Dione Sius.

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editorial Merhba On behalf of the whole editorial team and BMA Ltd, I bid you welcome to the first issue of Nomads, the magazine that takes you places.

Nomads is not only meant for all the travel fanatics but also for those who never had the opportunity to leave our island to visit another country or continent. All the contributors have traveled extensively and are keen to share their experiences. Nomads will encourage you to explore new destinations and will make sure you’re well prepared for the trip.

In this issue we are covering different aspects of traveling to Africa.

Needless to say, Africa - with its diversity, wildlife and nature trails - is one of the most beautiful continents. Although tourism is very important, there are still loads of places waiting to be discovered, like Zambia and Zimbabwe. From walking with the lions to the rumbling gorges of the mighty Zambezi river, our special feature about these two countries will inspire you to start preparing for your next trip! One of our contributors visited Kenya to do voluntary work and through his experiences he demonstrates that volunteering with the locals can be as thrilling as bungee jumping off the highest location in the world, the Bloukrans River Bridge in South Africa.

We will also be featuring places from other continents such as Moscow, which this year will be hosting the Champions League final. Not to be missed is our adventure trip in Fiji. And for all those getting married soon our honeymoon specialist is sharing some information about the whereabouts of romantic destinations in Canada. We have also included a feature about one of the most popular landmarks in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Our aim is to give you a flavour from across the continents!

To conclude my first editorial, I really hope that you will enjoy reading our articles just as much as we have enjoyed writing and producing them for you. So fasten your seatbelts, and get ready for take off !

Il-vjagg it-tajjeb!

Omar

www.nomads.com.mt Issue Number 01 Spring 2008 Nomads is a quarterly publication featuring themed travel, such as: cultural travel, sports travel, honeymoons, exotic travel, business travel, adventure travel and others.

Published by:

Directors Matthew Bugeja Richard Muscat Azzopardi 236, Mdina Road, Qormi, Malta Tel: +356 2149 0539 +356 27 300 500 Fax: +356 2149 8893 www.bma.com.mt info@bma.com.mt Editor Omar Busuttil editor@nomads.com.mt Executive Editor Richard Muscat Azzopardi richard@bma.com.mt Publication Coordinator Nakita Vassallo Contributors Valerie Vella, John Paul & Marie Stell Scicluna, Gerald de Conti Manduca, Ryan Bugeja, Ben Camille, Joe Schembri, Lilly Muscat and Antonella Seguna.

Photographic Contributors John Paul Scicluna, Ryan Bugeja, Gerald de Conti Manduca, Joe Schembri, Omar Busuttil Art Director Matthew Bugeja matt@bma.com.mt Designers Bertrand Fava Malcolm Bonello Prepress and Printing Progress Press Advertising & Information: +356 2149 0539 +356 9989 5100/1 nakita@bma.com.mt It is understood that all material supplied by agents (printed or otherwise) to promote their products is supplied with all necessary permissions for reproduction.

Whilst great care and attention has been taken by the editorial board to ensure accuracy of text, advertising and other published matter, we disclaim all responsibility for any omissions and errors. The editor and Publisher do not necessarily agree with views expressed in articles/ adverts/ letters etc. appearing in this publication. This magazine is being published in strict compliance with the laws of Malta. Any litigation is to be handled in Malta.

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travel tips

preparing for the trip

Valerie Vella Favourite travel quote:

Dear Readers, I have t he travel bug! A nd I ac tually love i t. During t he coming mon t hs I’d love to share wi t h you some simple advice which can help make your travel experiences less s tressful and more enjoyable.

‘The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.’

St. Augustine

Let ’s s tar t a t t he very beginning…

Befo re you leave your home on t he day of travel !!

1. Ensure t ha t you have: a. your passp or ts and valid visas (if required) b. f ligh t t ickets (unles s you have an elec tronic t icket ) c. ho tel vouch ers of ho tels you migh t have booke d. d. your credi t cards and excha nged mone y in a safe place e. your travel insura nce docum en ts wi t h you f. your E-111 (Euro pean Heal t h Insu rance C ard) g. freque n t travel ler card (if you have one) h. drivin g licens e if you plan to drive Keep all of t he above in a safe place , preferably in a money bel t or in an inside pocke t 2. Keep a pen handy 3. C heck your allowe d lugga ge weigh t.

4. P lan wha t you pack in your hand lugga ge. Make sure you don’ t have any prohib i ted i tems. Keep i t ligh t ! You migh t have to travel far wi t h i t.

5. Make sure you have all medic ines you require wi t h you. Ensure t ha t t hey are in t heir origin al packi ng so as to avoid delay s or confis ca t ions a t cus toms.

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6. Make sure you are comfor tably dress ed as si t t ing onboa rd an aircra f t can somet imes be uncom for table.

7. Keep a pair of socks and a ligh t cardig an as i t can get qui te chilly in t he cabin af ter prolon ged period s of sea t ing.

8. Leav e some inform a t ion about your where about s wi t h rela t ives back home (ex: mobile numb er, ho tel name s and con tac t numb ers of perso ns you will be visi t ing) Bet ter safe t han sorry!

9. KEY A DVIC E: pho tocop y of all impor tan t docum en ts and keep t hem in a separa te place from your origin als. T his can help speed up paper work if your origin al docum en ts are s tolen. A l terna t ively scan all docum en ts and send t hem by email to yours elf.

10 . C onfirm f ligh t t imes and detail s.

where else?

John Paul & Marie Stell Scicluna

african magic

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e had left Nairobi six weeks before; we had clocked over 10 thousand miles and traversed Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi not to mention the detour by ferry to the mystic island of Zanzibar. Even the daily pitching up of our tents in the dark and the subsequent taking them down at sunrise of the following morning, was not bugging us anymore… we were now more than half way through our Nairobi – Cape Town overland trip. But Africa does not let you take anything for granted and like an able magician, it keeps pulling one surprise after another.

www.youliveonlyonce.com

of thunderous noise. The locals called the falls ‘Mosi oi Tunya’ which means ‘the smoke that thunders’ until Dr. Livingstone, the first European known to see the falls in November 1855, named them Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria. The view of the gorge covered in millions of thunderous gallons of water is an overwhelming vertigo-inducing sight, particularly when we made out some figures performing what looked like a suicidal traverse on the Zambian side of the gorge. As it turned out, we must have been the only tourists in town not to have braved

Having left “the warm heart of Africa” (as Malawi is often referred to), we crossed the border into Zambia. Here probably more than anywhere else, the journey is as much a part of the adventure as arriving. Our destination: one of the world’s most famous landmarks and one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

The great 1653 miles long Zambesi River flows from Angola to the Mozambique coast and is the main source of water for millions of people and animals across the continent. Right at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the river surges over the edge of a plateau and plummets over 350 feet into the gorge below, to send up swirls of spray to a background

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where else?

the crossing for a refreshing dip in the calm waters of a rock pool, set only a few metres from the waterfall’s frantic edge. The town of Vic Falls is also known as the adventure capital of the world and reps from the local tourist agencies did not waste any time to drill this fact down. In fact, within an hour from setting foot on our campsite, we had already booked ourselves for more extreme sports and activities than most people do in a lifetime! In spite of Zimbabwe’s rampant inflation, anything that has to do with tourism carries a hefty price tag, but then again once you’re there…

A big must-do in Vic Falls and definitely one worthy of mention has to be the mind boggling Zambesi rafting trip. Centuries of fierce currents have carved an impressive zig-zag channel through the weaker sandstone and basalt rendering the Zambesi the world’s top spot for white water rafting. The current is so strong that it took us 20 minutes of muscle-wrenching rowing to get our raft in it and going. Once we rode the current, we were literally whisked away and our raft was soon bobbing up and down like a dead insect in the swirling waters; with the two sheer faces of the enveloping gorge reminding us that there was no turning back.

“When you fall in (notice that it is “when” not “if ”), avoid getting stuck under the boat, then look for a canoe to save you.

You shouldn’t be under for more than 30 seconds,” came the instructions. In the event, we were tossed from the raft like pop corn three times. Each time we couldn’t have been in the water for more than 15 seconds before being spat out at the sun drenched surface once more. However those few seconds are enough to get you visualising vultures circling overhead waiting to pounce on their share of fresh dead meat! Most of the rapids, whose names range from ‘Stairway to Heaven’ to ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Commercial Suicide’ are classed as grade 5 (out of 6) and all but one are navigable, even by novices like us. All you have to do is obey orders, like “Paddle or die!” and cling on. Our legs were shaking like springs as we clambered down the gorge at the start of the day and at the 23rd rapid our muscles were aching all over but it was easily one of the most thrilling experiences in our lives.

After Victoria Falls our next highlight was Antelope Park near Gweru, still in Zimbabwe. Antelope Park is a privately owned ‘small’ game park more or less the size of Malta. On the African savannahs it is everyday occurrence for the hunter to become the hunted and not even the king himself is spared from this crude reality. Orphan lion cubs often become easy prey for larger animals and with the numbers of roaming lions always on the decrease, the guys at Antelope Park are using tourism to finance a unique lion conservation programme. The campsite and lodge situated on the banks of a river that runs across Antelope Park, were easily the best accommodation we had throughout our backpacking trip in Africa. The location is spectacular, the place is kept top notch,

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the wildlife is abundant and some activities organised on site can be done nowhere else in the world. Where else can you have the privilege to walk with lions as they hunt for prey? Or where can you play tickle with a bunch of lion cubs, or literally go swimming with enormous African elephants under the strict vigilance of a five foot Nile monitor?

Antelope Park is probably Zimbabwe’s best kept secret… at least for now!

But when you think you’ve seen it and done it all, that’s when Africa brings you back down to earth... and it happened to us literally at our next stop! In fact, before leaving Zimbabwe we stopped at Matopas National Park for what turned out to be yet another hair raising adventure! After more or less half an hour’s drive into the park, “Stretch”, our 7 foot guide, who was introduced to us as the best rhino tracker

in business, got the Landrover to an abrupt halt. He had spotted a rhino turd and fresh footsteps which meant that the rhino was close. We abandoned our vehicle and we set to track the rhino on foot! We learnt that the rhino is quite a blind animal and if we crouched down in the long grass and stayed still, we would not be noticed. “If I don’t move you don’t move, if I run you run and go up the first tree!” came Stretch’s orders. I still remember looking around me and not seeing any tree within reassuring distance, let alone one that I could possibly climb. However I had no time to think of plan B because we were soon hushed down into the long grass.

We got more than we bargained for – right in front of us were a huge male rhino, a female and their baby rhino – the latter just a few weeks old. A slight wind was blowing from behind the rhinos in our direction and this was supposed to protect us from the

rhinos’ sensitive sense of smell. Crouching down, we got to within a few metres of the animals. They were enormous; even the baby, but the male was simply impressive.

They looked like three big statues moulded out of solid steel. At one point, the big male must have heard, seen or sensed something because he turned and made a few steps into our direction. He stopped not more than a few feet away from us looking at me straight into the eyes. I was not sure if he was actually seeing me or not, but I had never been in such a threatened position in my life.

I could almost feel the warm air breathed heavily out of the rhino’s big nostrils. The perception I had was that it was very angry and could charge at any moment. If it had to happen we definitely had no chance of surviving. In spite of its size and heavy body, the rhino is amazingly agile and relatively fast when charging. I was as still as a statue but my knees were aching and my leg muscles were burning with pain from the awkward position I was in. I looked at Stretch from the corner of my eyes hoping for his signal to run but I didn’t get it. Then the rhino rocked our adrenalin sky high with two heavy stamps of his rear feet. Luckily for us it must have been just a stern warning as he gradually gave us his back and rejoined his family. Relieved as I was, I thanked God for yet another once in a lifetime experience.

Not so many people are lucky enough to have been there and done such a thing.

The cherry on the cake of our Zambia – Zimbabwe sector were the last four days we spent chilling out on a house boat drifting in the middle of Lake Kariba – the largest man-made lake in existence. After the non-stop activities of the previous weeks, a few days of pampering, delicious food, comfortable beds and parties under the stars were an excellent way to get our batteries charged and us fired up for some more. After all, a few kilometres away was Botswana – another magnificent country beckoning to be explored… and I somehow sensed that the best is yet to come! www.youjustliveonce.com

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sports around

travelling for football in the finals season Richard Muscat Azzopardi

The ultimate accolade in football for a European club side is, and has been for quite some time now, winning the UEFA Champions’ League. On the 21st of May, Moscow host the final of this magnificent competition, which is sure to see two top sides battling to the last tackle, shove and hopefully goal. Champions’ League games are nearly always been nail biting affairs and have defined the European scene in the past decade including Real Madrid’s complete dominance in the beginning of this decade and some famous comebacks from English clubs - namely Liverpool coming back from three down against AC Milan to win it on penalties in 2005 and Manchester United coming back from one goal down to Bayern Munich in the

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dying seconds of the 1999 final only to score again within 30 seconds and clinch it without needing to go to extra time.

Bookies are claiming Barcelona and Manchester Utd as the top two favourites, but with so many strong teams left and so many games left to play at time of going to print, it is still anyone’s guess.

While the Champions League fills all football fans with joy on the night itself, the location of the final is always eagerly anticipated and this year it will be held in Moscow, the Russian Capital. Spanning over 1000 kilometres squared, Moscow is one of the biggest cities in the world and contains a number of gems which form part of the Russian identity. Situated in the middle of the city is the Kremlin, now the residence of

the Russian President. The Moscow Kremlin, as it is referred to, is easily accessible by metro and is the one place you should visit if you only had some spare time since it groups up a number of museums. Make sure to go before the game if you’re on a tight schedule though, because the only day the Kremlin closes is on Thursday - on every other day you can visit between 10.00 and 17.00. Outside the Kremlin there are plenty of museums to be visited too, including the Very Moscow Museum (a museum about Moscow’s history), the Novodevichy Convent museum (one of Moscow’s most impressive architectural monuments after the Kremlin) and the unmistakable Catherdral of Basil the Blessed.

Moscow is also a great location for shopping and nightlife - it is actually one of the busiest cities in the region and offers a really different holiday to the more frequently visited European capitals.

The Champions League Final Stadium:

The Luzhniki stadium The Luzhniki stadium, formerly known as the Grand Arena of the Central Lenin stadium, was inaugurated in 1956.

Owned by FC Torpedo Moskva, it is the biggest sports arena in Russia with 84,745 covered seats. The capacity reached 103,000 when the Luzhniki sports complex staged the Olympic Games in 1980, but was reduced following renovation work between 1995 and 1997.

Artificial pitch It is one of few major European stadiums to use an artificial pitch, having installed the UEFA-approved FieldTurf surface in 2002 to withstand the effects of the freezing winters, although a new natural grass pitch will be laid for the final.

Luzhniki held the 1999 UEFA Cup final between Parma FC and Olympique de Marseille, and recently hosted the first UEFA Champions League match on artificial turf, between FC Spartak Moskva and Sporting Clube de Portugal. from UEFA.com

Sticking to football but moving onto national teams next, June will see Austria and Switzerland hosting Europe’s top country competition - Euro 2008. Even though English fans would want to skip this final part of the article, both Austria and Switzerland offer wonderful potential trips. Accomodation close

to the 8 football hotspots will be very challenging to find since most fans book early and all the hotels inflate their prices in anticipation of such a major event. Seven of the locations are German speaking - all except Geneva, where French is the main language, but most people should be able to help you out in English if you’re stuck.

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just married

canadian rockies and alaska cruise

T

he Canadian Rockies combined with seven nights Alaska cruise.

An unforgettable honeymoon spanning twenty-one days.

More about this destination and a suggested itenerary: Your journey starts with a flight to Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, Canada, located towards the south of this province and featuring a landscape of foothills and high plains. From here a car can be hired and driven to Bannff, a small town in the Rockies, approximately one and a half hours away from Calgary.

Several activities such as rafting, hiking and canoeing are possible here.

Highly recommended is the Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain giving you a 360 degree view of the rugged, snow capped mountain chains. Situated only an hour away, Lake Louise offers a relaxing dip in the Hot Springs as well as several spas giving an array of treatments designed for couples. Close by, and not to be missed are Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka, flanked by breath-taking mountain landscapes. The drive to Jasper, ‘The Bow Valley’ is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. On the way, visit Athabaska Glacier and take a ride on the snow-mobile. A visit to Maligne lake and Mt. Robson are a must once you are in Jasper National Park.

Heading to Vancouver, one could take a coach or scenic train, or even drive there, possibly with an overnight stop to break the journey. Vancouver is a vibrant city unlike any other, boasting spectacular natural scenery, a bustling metropolitan core and one of the mildest climates in Canada. Various day trips are available, such as crossing to Vancouver Island visiting Victoria and Butchart Gardens; Grouse Mountain and Capilano

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Lilly Muscat

Suspension Bridge as well as Stanley Park with its array of attractions including art activities, The Vancouver Aquarium, horticultural displays, sports and more.

From here one can board the ship to cruise to Alaska.

The seven day cruises offer a northbound itinerary which ends in Seward (Anchorage) or returns to Vancouver. Either cruise is flanked by beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see various types of wildlife, making an outside cabin or a balcony a must so as to soak up the surroundings. There are various excursions available once at ports of call. Not to miss is the Juneau wildlife trip where one can see whales, sea lions, eagles, otters and more. Like all other cruises the atmosphere is relaxed, yet packed with day time entertainment and informative meetings.

The food is plentiful and varied whilst night time entertainment goes on all night with the likes of Broadway shows, casinos, discotheques, piano bars and more.

What better way to end a holiday in the Rockies, than a cruise where one is pampered like Royalty.

Royal Travel 68, Triq Geronimo Abos, Iklin.

Telephone: 21 423 994 info@royaltravel.com.mt www.royaltravel.com.mt

fashion

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If you’re up for a ‘slightly’ longer plane ride, then I suggest you make your way to Australia for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week on the 28th of April till the 2nd May ’08. This year it will be held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney.

Australia’s international fashion week presents trans-seasonal 2008 collections from designers

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based in the Australia and Asia Pacific region, including New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. Catwalk presentations are divided into three key categories: individual collection shows; ready-to-wear group collection shows; and a New Generation show featuring emerging designers. Over 100 designers will be displaying their collections during this five day program including Lisa Ho, Piper Lane, Nicola Finetti and Zimmerman.

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Closer to home one can visit one of the most awaited fashion weeks of the year, the Paris Fashion Week Men’s (Prêt-à-Porter) from 26th June till 29th June ’08. Designers present men’s ready-to-wear collections for Autumn/Winter 2008/09 to international press and buyers at various locations throughout the city. (Please note that the above dates are subject to change.)

On a different note, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, presents Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy – Gala on the 5th of May ’08. This is a spectacular event which you wouldn’t dare to miss if residing in the USA. Milan Fashion Week provided the first-ever glimpse of American Vogue’s Anna Wintour and the designer Giorgio Armani sharing a stage with a giant Batman, little did we know that this would not be the last time we see this strange triumvirate! As a matter of fact Giorgio Armani serves as Honorary Chair of the Gala whilst Anna Wintour, George Clooney and Julia Roberts are the Co-Chairs. The superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy gala will open with an exhibition featuring more than 60 movie costumes, avant-garde haute couture, ready-towear and high performance sportswear. Some of

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Did you ever know that Zagreb held an annual fashion week? On Monday 5th May till 11th May ’08 the Croatian capital will be showcasing all their local talent for the public to view with collections for Autumn/Winter 2008. Zagreb fashion week started in 2003 and has been a great success since. One would witness electrifying fashion shows, somewhat unusual looking models, unique fashion orientated parties complimented by some very thick accents – “Velcum to fashion veek!”

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Ben Camille keeps us updated with what to expect from the fashion world in the upcoming months.

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Ben Camille

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catwalk...

the world’s best-known designers are lending pieces for the exhibition. These include Armani, Versace, Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana; as well as Pierre Cardin, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Britain’s Alexander McQueen and many more.

Things to expect are Willhelm’s 2006 design of a royal blue dress, featuring a red and yellow ‘S’ emblem, characteristic of Superman, for example. Nicolas Ghesquière’s extraordinary metallic, articulated “robot” leggings for Balenciaga are reminiscent of Iron Man’s skin.

Beirendonck’s inflatable vinyl clothing can be compared to The Hulk, a metaphor for male potency, and Gaultier’s second-skin bodysuits share the streamlined aerodynamics of The Flash. Pugh’s techno-gothic, winged and masked costume in metal and Latex, meanwhile, is part of a cybernetic fashion exploration which merges metal, skin, mesh and rubber, in the manner of the X-Men or Batman and an early, web-like gown by Armani has the qualities of a Spiderwoman.

As if all of this wasn’t enough fashion for the next upcoming months, to top it all up The New York Public Library presents the much awaited CFDA Fashion Awards 2008 in June. This event has been billed as the ‘Fashion Oscars’. 2007 saw the Lifetime Achievement Award, renamed in honour of Geoffrey Beene, going to Robert Lee Morris following $5m donation from his foundation, plus Ralph Lauren being honoured with the first-ever American Fashion Legend Award, and Bono and Ali Hewson receiving the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute. Who’s it going to be this year? We’ll just have to wait and see…

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adventure

fiji a paradise in the south west pacific

Fijian Islands

“Along with natural beauty, the Fiji islands offer a rich local culture stemming from their position at the crossroads of the Pacific”

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F

iji is an archipelago made up of over 333, islands situated in the South Pacific Ocean . The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with capital Suva situated on the eastern part of Viti Levu island. The welcoming local population is quite equally divided between Ethnic Fijians and Indians, who were originally brought over by the British around 1880 as workers for the sugarcane plantations.

Together with sugarcane production, the Fijian economy relies heavily on tourism so it is no wonder that the locals are cheerful and welcoming, uttering the word ‘Bula’ over and over again. ‘Bula’ can mean many things, from hello or welcome, cheers or good health and is always delivered and received with warm, welcoming smiles.

Joe Schembri

The journey from Malta to Fiji takes a total of around 30 hours and involves several flights.

In our case we first travelled to London, then to Sydney Australina, proceeding to Nadi in Fiji, finally taking a domestic flight to Suva.

We naturally arrived travel worn and eager to rest, only to be told by our taxi driver that the hotel we were booked in, The Regent Palace, did not exist anymore. Hoping that this was some cruel Fijian joke we asked our driver to take us there anyway. It became apparent soon enough that this was no joke, as Suva had been hit by a typhoon two days previously and the aftereffects were still very much being felt.

Rain was still lashing Suva and everywhere seemed to be flooded, with Fijians trying to salvage what was left of their belongings wherever we looked. All that remained from our hotel was a pile of rubble, twisted logs and debris, all swimming in the silty soup making its way to the sea.

Luckily for us, the weather had improved dramatically by the following morning and we were thus allowed to enjoy Fiji in all its glory. The day started well before the crack of dawn, when we walked to a jetty and boarded a cabin cruiser on the way to Nukulau island, an uninhabited island blessed with nature’s bounty. Sunrise revealed the beauty of our surroundings, a coral sea and palm fringed beaches all around us.

Our day was spent snorkeling and fishing, along with the occasional walk along the beach looking for shells. Freshly caught fish were cooked on an open fire and devoured, everyone enjoying the last magical moments on Nukulau before returning to Suva around dusk.

Along with natural beauty, the Fiji islands offer a rich local culture stemming from their position at the crossroads of the Pacific, blending Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, European and Chinese culture. Fire walking is a spectacular tradition, probably stemming from India, since Indians perform it as a Hindu religious observance. We enjoyed this spectacle at Pacific Harbour, followed by mouthwatering lovo, a traditional feast in which food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked slowly in an underground oven over smoldering rocks, developing a distinct smoky flavor.

Endless sugarcane plantations and cattle farms finally brought us to Loutoka from where we went down to the marina to board a large sailing yacht, our base for the following three days. We sailed to the Yasawa group of islands, dream coral islands with powder white sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees and turquoise waters with ancient coral reefs that protect the islands from sea currents.

Treasure Island , Castaway Island and Beachcomber Island were just

some of the exotic islands we visited over the next two days. Scuba diving was a real trip highlight thanks to the clear waters, colourful soft and hard corals and multitudes of tropical fish species, around 1000 of which inhabit Fijian waters. For the active, adventurous traveler, Fiji offers a wide array of activities including white water rafting, trekking, biking and mountain climbing, all in breathtaking, unspoilt natural surroundings.

After three days in paradise we boarded a plane to Sydney, leaving the magical islands behind. With a blend of relaxation, adventure and local culture, Fiji is an ideal get-away that is so far removed from the humdrum of everyday life, it feels it is in a world of its own.

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humanitarian travel

helping others help themselves

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As with any decision we take in life, travelling to help people in need, is a one coming out of will and out of saying “I want to do it and I will do it”. Going to Africa was a dream of mine since I was a teenager. Last year the opportunity for me to realise that dream came.

I happened to come across Kare4Kenya (K4K), a local nongovernmental development organization (NGDO) based in Malta working to help Kenyan children reach their potential while working with youths and parents to help themselves build a better future. Rather than just providing the poor with food, goods and any other material they need, K4K strives at providing the skills and education for them to be able to fend for themselves.

K4K was preparing to go to Kenya with a group, and I joined this group so that by August of last year a group of 13 Maltese people of different backgrounds and ages were on the plane to Nairobi to spend a month working with children in the slums of Kawangware, just a few kilometres outside the capital.

Apart from ensuring the running of the on-going projects of K4K, mainly to make sure that the 96 sponsored children under K4K’s care are getting adequate education and medication when they need it, we were mainly involved in three projects.

Every morning around 200 street children and youngsters would gather in a church yard where up until noon a summer school project would take place. With outdoor games and sports activities, group songs, arts and crafts, we made sure these children were kept away from the streets. At noon, all those on the premises were given a ration of

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Ryan Bugeja

food, which most probably was to be their only meal for the day. The children’s eyes and smiles alone say a big Asante sana (thank you) for being there for them.

For two hours every afternoon another two projects were run simultaneously, namely a media project and a plasticcrotchet project. For the media project, a group of seven youngsters were given video cameras while we showed them how to use them, giving them basic video-production skills and interviewing skills. Eventually they filmed a documentary about life in Kawangware. Seeing the expressions on their face upon holding a camera for the first time is a feeling that’s hard to explain here.

The plastic-crotchet project was two projects in one and it went down well with mothers and young women. It promoted the idea of recycling plastic bags (and believe me there’s millions of them lying in and around the slums!) while creating crocheted goods and sell them in order for them to get by better. By the end of our stay there, a group of women formed a sort of cooperative while K4K managed to find a fair trade organization for them to sell at decent prices.

Visiting three families at rural villages near the central town of Embu during one particular weekend helped in trying to make sense of why these people move to Nairobi and end up in slums. In fact in my humble opinion I would probably prefer to stay upcountry. There, once stepping outside the mud-huts and shacks they live in you find nature surrounding you whereas in the slums… people live in corrugated metal shacks and the only nature one is surrounded with is one of filthy, stomachupsetting stench all over the place.

A land of contrasts in many ways, Kenya is one of them places you’ll become addict to once you visit especially if you get to know locals, get a taste of Kenyan life and become

tourist package. Kenya might not be the most glamorous holiday destination unless you just plan to go on safari and to the east coast… but Kenyan people and especially children leave one big mark in one’s heart that it will be for any visitor, hard to forget. part of it at least for a while.

I’ve heard experiences of people who went to Kenya as camera happy tourists wearing their safari suits photographing anything that moves and not. Some looked at the poverty and perhaps handed some shillings to anyone who asked for it to complete the

Would I go again? If I’m given the opportunity, most definitely I will, never, though, as a tourist but there to help Kenyan children help themselves.

(For more information about the work of Kare4Kenya and to see ways how you can help please visit www.kare4kenya.org)

destinations

dubai

L

Omar Busuttil

ocated on the southern coast of the Arbian gulf and surrounded by imposing deserts, Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates which constitute the United Arab Emirates. Renowned for its sand, sun and shopping, it was once a serene settlement for Persian traders, fishermen and pearl divers. Today’s flashy skyscrapers contrast with the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai, and

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demonstrate the audacity of the city’s rulers who have turned the tiny desert emirate into the commercial hub of the world’s top oil exporting region.

I have visited Dubai 11 times and have seen the city changing and evolving at a remarkable rate. Since my first visit in 1996, development has been impressive and the place is now unrecognisable.

Although the place is in a permanent state

of transformation, it now offers visitors a surprisingly wide array of activities.

The emirate, home to man-made islands shaped like palm trees and a ski slope in the desert, draws around 5 million visitors a year. Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, and claims to be the largest in the world.

The equivalent of three football fields, the winter wonderland preceedes other

highly ambitious projects, like building the world’s first underwater hotel, erecting the world’s tallest tower and creating a theme park which is larger than the city itself.

Even in a city that refuses to be restricted by geography and logic, taking temperatures from around 45 degrees to freezing seemed crazy. But the five-slope arena, complete with artificial mountains and real igloos, can hold up to 1500 skiers and snowboarders and is open all year round.

Outside the pristine white carpets of snow, visitors can experience the blistering heat of the desert. Loads of incoming travel agencies now specialise in bumpy and thrilling safaris. Visitors are picked up at their hotel in a 4- wheel drive and driven to the desert through sand dunes.

About fourteen 4-wheel drives follow each other through the mountains of sand at an alarming speed, stopping in time for the unforgettable view of the sunset over the desert. The adventure ends with a sumptuous barbeque in a Bedouin camp, complete with belly dancing. For the more adventurous, there is an opportunity for a sleepover under the starry sky.

Away from the desert, the most remarkable landmark of the city is the Burj Al Arab, the only seven star hotel in the world. Built on an artificial island in the shape of a sail, the hotel has become synonymous with the city. It dominates the Dubai landscape with its impressive height, and is an extraordinary sight, particularly at night time, with the beautifully choreographed effects of water and fire on the sail.

Away from the city lights, the Hatta mountain is not as popular as the attractions mentioned so far, but should still not be missed. The scenery on the mountain passes, and crystal clear pools of the Wadis provide a refreshing break from the heat of the city and the desert.

It is impossible to mention all the attractions in Dubai - the endless number of world-class shopping malls, Dubai creek and its little wooden boats with lanterns twinkling in the night, the friendly locals, the fantastic night life, the golden souk, the rich gastronomy, the beautiful beaches, the old city, Sheik Zayed road with its skyscrapers - the list is endless.

You need to experience it to fully understand the diversity of what Dubai offers its visitors. And now, this is all within easy reach, from Malta by direct flight, with one of the fastest growing and popular airlines in the world, Emirates.

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operas & musicals

ballet shoes for boxing gloves anyone?

Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, We will Rock You, Wicked… name all current London’s West End shows but none had an all-rounder success like Billy Elliot: The Musical.

Billy Elliot is the charming musical that not only manages to hold the audience’s breath but it makes them cry, laugh and roar with approval! This musical ahs been acclaimed by leading critics as ‘funny touching & shamelessly enjoyable’, ‘beautifully uplifting’, and ‘utterly captivating’; The current highlight on the West End (soon entering its 4th year) is also playing in Sydney and soon opening in New York Broadway, with up-coming production plans for Canada, Japan, and mainland Europe.

Billy Elliot: The Musical, a £6million award-winning opened in Newcastle before being premiered in March 2005 at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London following its adaptation for the stage from the 2000 hit film. This musical embraces the talents of its original director Stephen Daldry, Lee Hall

screenwriter (lyrics), and choreographer Peter Darling. The team was joined by the rock legend Sir Elton John who composed the electrifying and earcatching music. Sir Elton John manages to take this story to a different level as opposed to the valid contribution T-Rex gave to the film.

The storyline is simple and known by many. A teenage young boy who hails from a poverty stricken County Durham in the middle of the coal miners’ strike but he has different dreams and aspirations that go against the norms of that time. All he cared about was to trade his boxing gloves for ballet shoes … in more simple words he wanted to trade his father’s dream to his, but it wasn’t easy… lies, courage, oppositions, riots, norms, strikes, and struggles made it all up-hill to achieve his dream. This article would not do any justice to the emotions and sensations this musical offers to its audience. In actual fact, the way the people on and behind the stage manage to bring alive to all the feelings and sensations through the lyrics, ballet moves, the vast repertoire of music, accents, props, stage, etc. is a work of art on its own.

The musical was nominated nine times for the prestigious 2006 Laurence

Lee Hall’s key inspiration behind his screenplay is the 1935 published novel ‘The Stars Look Down’ by the Scottish writer A.J. Cronin;

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The film company, Working Title, have produced over 70 films including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Billy Elliot with this musical being their first.

Antonella Seguna

Olivier Awards of which it won the Best Musical (Sir Elton John and Lee Hall), Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Sound Design, and Best Actor in a Musical.

The latter went to the three young Billies (who were taking turns for the shows) being the first ever to be won in a shared capacity, and the youngest actors ever who won this award (13-15yrs).

In addition, the three also received the Theatre Goer’s Award 2005 for the Most Promising Newcomer. The musical also won the best live/stage performance for the Group Travel Awards, the Evening Standard Award, the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award and also the Best Musical at the 2008 Sydney Theatre Awards.

Charles Spencer from the Daily Telegraph just said it all “This is not a time to beat about the bush.

Billy Elliot strikes me as the greatest British musical I have ever seen, and I have not forgotten Lionel Bart’s Oliver or Andrew Lloyd’s Phantom of the Opera.

There is a rawness, a warm humour and a sheer humanity…big and bold, imaginative and great-hearted. Elton John has written a wonderful score that ranges from folk to hard rock, from razzle-dazzle show tunes to soaring anthems of human solidarity and defiance. The whole cast is blessed with a freshness and sincerity I have rarely seen equalled, and one leaves this triumphant production in a mist of tears and joy.”

“So exhiliarating the Audience didn’t want it to end – A dazzling 40-carat gem of a show” Daily Mail, London – UK “Sometimes five starts are not enough” Sunday Mail, Adelide - Australia

KEEP YOUR CAR SAFE WHILST AWAY ON HOLIDAY & EN ROUT ROUTE E

business travel

rome in two hours Business travel is probably one of the most dreaded forms of travel around by those who have to do it, and lusted for by all the rest. Business travel is usually no holiday thanks to very tight schedules, constant meetings and employers wanting to make sure they get their employees back to the office as soon as possible. However forward thinking companies are rapidly realising that a happy employee works better so if some free time is included in the itineraries of a business trip, business meetings can turn out better, especially since a relaxed attitude helps bring out the best in people.

Extending the travel period, taking a family member or at least using some spare time to get some sight seeing done also helps a frequent traveler actually look forward to the next trip and should result in better preparation and a more thorough approach to the business side of it. In this series of articles we’ll be taking a look at some major cities which are very frequently visited on work trips, starting off by one of the closest major cities - Rome.

Rome is probably the easiest city to frequent on business since Roman businesses are very keen on relaxing themselves and it is hard to find a bar or cafe which is not always full of Roman workers, however Rome also has the great advantage of having a city centre with a wealth of attractions within walking distance. The very first attraction in Rome is the city itself. The bustling city streets are very hectic, especially at peak hours, yet walking through them is surprisingly relaxing.

Even if you’re just walking from one location to another in

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Richard Muscat Azzopardi

the centre, you’re sure to come across a Roman ruin sandwiched in between a couple of high rise buildings.

If I only had a couple of hours in Rome I’d probably ignore the main attractions, not because they do not deserve to be seen but because they usually take too much time to get to and into. Rome’s character is in its streets and squares and I would grab a bag and a bottle of water and do my best to walk from the Colosseum (which is worth seeing from the outside) to the Spanish steps in Piazza di Spagna then on to Piazza Navona passing through the alleys as much as possible. On the way you should make sure to take detours to visit the Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon and don’t forget that the best food you can have in Rome is a Pizza al Taglio or if you have a sweet tooth

photography tips

african safari

equipment

A

Gerald de Conti Manduca

n African Safari can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’d want to record your trip with memorable photographs. Here are my tips for doing just that.

Most important of all is a good digital SLR camera. Compact digital cameras nowadays offer excellent quality and are obviously easier to carry around and to operate. However it is hard to match up to a good SLR camera. A compact digital camera would be ideal as a backup, just in case anything goes wrong with your SLR. If you do decide to use a compact or all in one camera, my advice would be to purchase a good brand. It’s not just about the Mega Pixels. A good brand camera has better optics resulting in better images. Most of these cameras usually

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have an optical zoom and a digital zoom.

It is best not to use the digital zoom as this will often reduce the sharpness and clarity of your images.

Moving back to digital SLR’s; as important as the camera body is, the lens you choose is of even greater importance. Cheap lenses on a good SLR camera body may not do you or your images justice. A good lens on a less expensive camera body would be a better choice. The lens is what makes the difference in your image. So if you haven’t bought your equipment yet, shop around before you decide what to buy. Read reviews on the internet and compare notes on various brands. Ask for advice in an internet forum. You’ll find many of these. Good lenses don’t come cheap so make sure you’re prepared for the expense. If you don’t want to carry

loads of equipment and a number of lenses, a 75 to 300mm lens should cover most of your needs. A wide angle lens such as a 17 to 55mm or 24 to 70mm won’t be much good when photographing wildlife, but they’re ideal when shooting landscapes.

Make sure you take enough memory cards. Think about additional portable storage devices on which to transfer your photographs in order to free up your memory cards again. It will save you having to carry a laptop or looking for other ways to transfer data. Shop around, there’s a good variety to choose from. If while out on a tour you’re

getting low on memory, lower the image quality from your camera settings. This will give you space for a few more photos until you’re able to download them onto your storage device.

You probably won’t even notice the difference in quality when viewing your prints. This will only become visible if you decide to print an enlargement of the photograph.

You’re going to need some sort of support when using long range lenses. A tripod might be hard to use in restricted areas such as a jeep or van, but other alternatives are available. Try a monopod. This will definitely give you some stability and is much easier to carry around. Even more compact is a bean bag or sand bag. You can place these on a ledge or the side of a jeep and rest your lens on them. There are also other gadgets such as clamps which can be fixed to various parts of the vehicle you’re in. You’ll have to try them to see what works best for you. Remember that you sometimes have to wait quite a while to get the right shot so you’ll be grateful for these supports.

Remember, most companies offer sight seeing tours and are not particularly geared for wildlife photography tours. So if you’re looking for someone who specializes in such tours, search the internet for the right company and the best deal.

Word of advice. I’ve been on holidays where I’ve had a camera in one hand and a video camera in the other and all I’ve done is shoot photos and videos. I’m not saying I regret it, but sometimes it’s good to sit back and just appreciate the beauty of your surroundings first hand and not just through a lens.

Enjoy!

Don’t forget to take lens brushes, cloths and other accessories such as a polarizing filter and maybe a UV filter and very important, enough batteries.

Last but not least, make sure you listen to your guide.

They’ll explain the behaviour of a variety of wildlife and as long as you’re patient, you’ll be able to shoot some amazing photos by hopefully anticipating an animal’s next move

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landmarks

Cri s to Redentor, Rio De Janeiro.

Omar Busuttil

Based atop the Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest, overlooking the ciudade meravigliosa, Rio De Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer is probably one of the most popular landmarks not only in Brazil and South America but also in the world.

Here are some facts about it.

In Portugese, this landmark is known as Cristo Redentor.

The statue stands 39.6 metres tall.

Works started in 1926 and it was completed in 1931.

A chapel was also built at the base of the mountain to house 150 visitors.

The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931.

It weighs 700 tons.

Cristo Redentor is located at the peak of the 700m Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking Rio De Janeiro.

The statue was built from concrete.

The outer layers of the idol were constructed from a mosaic of soapstone because of the materials’ known resistance to extreme weather and also due to its softness.

The Corcovado Railway was the only method to haul the huge portions of the statue to the crown of the mountain and thus was used as an important aide in the project.

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Christ the Redeemer can be reached by the Corcovado Rack railway or by taxi. The trip from downtown Rio is approximately 20 minutes and the train departs every half hour. The view from the train is captivating, offering those traveling an appetizer of what is yet to come. From the terminal the statue is reached by 222 steps.

Alternatively reaching the statue is possible by escalators and elevators.

The best time to visit the statue is late afternoon or evening so you can enjoy the grandeur of sunset.

The ultimate relaxation holiday - Podere Sant’Elena, Italy

speak easy

Omar Busuttil

Facts and phrases which will come useful in Paris, all over France as well as many other regions around the world!

Around 350 million people worldwide speak French as either their native or a second language in 54 countries.

French is the mother tongue of 75 million people around the world.

It is the official language of France, Luxembourg, Haiti and over 15 countries in the African continent.

It is also an official language in Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.

It is the second language in more than 41 countries including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Lebanon, Syria, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Today it is the second language most frequently taught in educational facilities.

It’s origin is from a romance language descended from Latin.

In the European Union it is considered to be one of the six

top official languages.

French is extensively present on the world’s business market.

The French language has changed by time and it varies from country to country.

The original French language is understood by the almost all the Francophones.

Francophones are the people who can speak French.

Beside the English language the French language is the only language to be present on five continents.

Around 49.7 million of the world’s population accesses the Internet in French.

It is also the official operational idiom of key international institutions such as, The Red Cross, The United Nations and it’s agencies, NATO, The Olympic Games, the World Trade Organization and the Universal Postal Union.

Some Basic Phrases English to French translated by Elizabeth Grech Hello Please to meet you.

How are you?

What is your name?

My name is Where do you come from?

I come from Malta.

Do you speak English?

I don’t speak French.

Where is this street?

How much is this?

I am here on holiday.

Thank you.

See you.

Can you help me?

Bonjour / Bonjoir Enchanté (e) Comment allez-vous?

Quel est votre prénom?

Je m’appelle ….

D’où est-ce que vous venez?

Je viens de Malte.

Parlez-vous anglais?

Je ne parle pas français.

Où se trouve cette rue?

Combien est-ce que ça coûte?

Je suis en vacances ici.

Merci A bientôt.

Pouvez-vous m’aider?

This beautifully rebuilt colonial house is just a stone’s throw away from the most important historical towns as Siena, Florence, Pisa and Volterra.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Pastries baked on the primes are served at breakfast. There is also a swimming pool, a large garden and private parking.

Call Active Travel on:

21346064 / 21319581 or email us: roberta@alliancemalta.com / henry@alliancemalta.com for more information or to book.

Visit Libya Welcome on board Libyan Airlines, the national carrier of Libya, presently operates three weekly flights to Tripoli in the afternoon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Passengers can travel in the comfort of our new jet aircraft, the CRJ-900.

Libyan Airlines offers very competitive passenger fares as well as cargo rates between the two countries.

For more information call 21237571 or 23696049, or email us on libyanairlines@waldonet.net.mt Cargo Agent: World Express Logistics Ltd. – www.welogistics.com

Can you afford to have your car stolen?

If your answer is no, then it is time to invest in a vehicle security system.

For more than 20 years, CLIFFORD has revolutionized vehicle security with the most innovative breakthroughs and sophisticated concepts in the industry. Better safe than sorry!

CLIFFORD vehicle security systems are exclusively available from: Code M Security Systems, Labour Avenue, Naxxar.

Call on 21 801 065 for more info: www.clifford.com

wine bar

new zealand New Zealand is a country that never escapes mention when New World wines are discussed. Sauvignon Blanc, a white, noble variety, has become synonymous with New Zealand, especially when the likes of acclaimed wine critic Oz Clarke describes it as a brilliantly successful wine that the rest of the world attempts to copy.

What isn’t pointed out very often is the huge diversity of growing conditions and terroir that New Zealand can offer. Vines are grown along a 1000-mile spread of wine-producing regions, lending a fabulous diversity of climates and soil types to the resulting wines.

If you’re traveling to New Zealand and intend visiting wine-producing areas, one thing you’ll want to keep in mind is to stick to the coast. The ten main growing regions are spread along the coast. This means that the vines are warmed by strong sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. Another factor that you should be well aware of is the seasonal differences.

Dione Sius

Taking Chardonnay as an example, harvesting in the warmer, more humid northern regions typically occurs during late February or early March, while the cooler Central Otago Chardonnay is usually first picked in mid/end-April. Be sure to visit during harvest time if you want to witness the world’s most southerly grown Chardonnay.

with passionfruit and other pungent fruit flavours as well as red pepper, gooseberry and herbal characters. The climate variation is the predominant factor in causing this clear distinction. The longer, cooler growing conditions in the Southern regions allow for stronger and more vibrant fruit flavours together with higher acidity levels.

Back to Sauvignon Blanc, probably the varietal more worth traveling for in terms of worldwide acclaim, we can trace its roots, quite literally, to 1970 when the first vines were planted. Three years later, these vines were used to plant the variety in Marlborough, the most successful combination of varietal and terroir.

Broadly speaking, Sauvignon Blanc may be divided into the northern and southern style wines. Northern Sauvignon Blanc styles tend to be riper and richer with melon, nectarine and other stone fruit flavours while Southern Sauvignon Blanc styles are typically lighter and crisper

Wines produced in New Zealand are excellent when enjoyed in New Zealand, where national cuisine draws heavily on that in the Old World, with plenty of French and Italian influence, and marries it with Pacific and Asian traditions. The fusion is perfectly suited to the bright and citrus-oriented Sauvignon Blanc as it is to the more mellow Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals. Pinot Noir and Riesling are also well worth looking out for while you’re on tour for an original and refreshing approach to these traditionally Old World grapes.

Main grape-growing regions:

Northland Auckland Walkato Gisborne Hawkes Bay Nelson Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Central Otago

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