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page12_13.pdf
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23/07/2012
11:16
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ENJOYING THE MEDITERRANEAN BLUE
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THE MALTESE ISLANDS ARE BLESSED WITH CLEAR BLUE WATERS. AND BEING SURROUNDED BY WATER MEANS THAT THE SEA IS ENJOYED IN A 360 DEGREE EXPERIENCE. SWIMMING REALLY COMES INTO ITS OWN IN SUMMER.
Image © Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com
Open air activities become possible once again in this rainless season, and the whole great outdoors is open for all to enjoy. There is always an element of bonhomie and carefreeness around the daily dip, but it is always wise to play safe, be careful and only swim where the locals swim. They are at home and know the different bays and beaches well enough to avoid getting into trouble such as currents, deep ends, craggy rocks, slippery shores…. Image © Rene Rossignaud - viewingmalta.com
page12_13.pdf
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23/07/2012
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If you wake up thinking of sandy beaches – the likes of Għajn Tuffieħa, Ìnejna Bay and Paradise Bay in the north of the island of Malta are in close proximity. Visit in the early hours of the morning for an unforgettable dip and do not venture too far out even if you swim well. The sea dips deeply suddenly and currents typically put strangers in difficulty. Then there are the new swimming zones which were recently introduced. Thus the total number of swimmers’ zones around the Maltese islands now totals 45 in all. Most recently listed are the southern bay of Marsaxlokk, Tigné in Sliema and Çirkewwa with its passage to Gozo. Classics are the Blue Lagoon in Comino and Mellie˙a Bay in Malta, both being the most popular bays with the locals and the tourists. To further safeguard the health and safety of bathers, these bays are being controlled to make sure that speeding of marine vessels is kept under control and also to prevent any accidents that may be caused to swimmers. Alternatives are the bay of Marsalforn in Gozo and G˙allis Rock in Qawra where the authorities in charge have been installing speed marker buoys and other type of buoys so as to mark any unsafe reefs that may cause potential threats to boat owners.
PAGE14.pdf
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23/07/2012
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FA B E R G É
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T H E
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We have all heard of Fabergé and the famous jeweled eggs he created. The story goes that Fabergé popularized this egg ‘species’ in 1917 as a gift for the royal Russian family. The royal Russian family is no more, but the Fabergé egg has remained a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage and creativity. Sergio Zampa, Malta’s leading jeweler is presenting an exclusive spectacular series of one-of-a-kind egg pendants highlighing Les Saisons Russes collection of High Jewellery by Fabergé. Each with its own intriguing story, and full of surprises, the first in a series of Couture Egg Pendants herald Springtime in the new Saisons Russes High Jewellery Collection from Fabergé. Why did Faberge introduce eggs within his jeweled repertoire? He wanted the eggs to represent rebirth, the new life that bursts forth in spring, much more appreciated, welcomed and celebrated after a typical long, harsh Russian winter. Fabergé has designed a collection of one-of-a-kind High Jewellery Egg Pendants, Les Fameux de Fabergé, each illustrating a traditional Russian proverb, through complex, multi-layered concepts brought to life by the finest craftsmanship in the world today. The first of these creations were launched in Paris, during Couture Week, July 2011, and marked the beginning of a series of 12 High Jewellery Egg Pendants, one for every month of the year. Each egg pendant, such as The Ribbon Egg or The Cherry Egg, is a wearable object of desire, and involves a lengthy, exacting and in many cases pioneering fabrication process, taking contemporary craftsmanship to a new level of sophistication. Fabergé is exclusively available from Gioielleria Zampa, 12, Republic Street, Valletta / Hilton Malta, Portomaso / Sergio Zampa Jewellery, 159, St.Lucia Street, Valletta.
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PAGE16_17.pdf
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24/07/2012
08:42
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© Markus Kirchgessner - viewingmalta.com
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GOZO’S
HIDDEN SECRETS GOZO IS THE LAND OF TRANQUILITY AND QUIET AND ALTHOUGH SMALLER IN SIZE THAN THE MAIN ISLAND OF MALTA, IT STILL DOES OFFER SEVERAL UNIQUE HIDDEN GEMS JUST WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED BY CURIOUS VISITORS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HANKER AFTER THE OPEN SEA AND ITS MYSTERIOUS WITHIN. A Gozitan summer promises the enjoyment of a number of lovely bays and beaches well-appreciated for their unadulterated beauty. An added attraction comes from the advantageous diving spots around Gozo which © viewingmalta.com offer some very deep and enticing spots teeming with colourfully rich marine life. Underwater caves and wrecks from various eras are well-documented diving sites which function also as effective artificial reef habitats, providing a home for a growing number of marine species. A particularly enticing site, both to amateur and seasoned divers, is the site of the Azure Window with its crystalline waters and deep crevices as well as a beautiful stretch of rocky coast with beautiful views of the Fungus Rock. Places such as “Wied il-G˙asri” - a long and narrow cleft and “San Blas” - a small beautiful beach at the bottom of a steep valley are other typically picturesque bays worth a visit. Divers flocking to Malta are ensured of finding professionals to assist them all the way, from instructors to equipment suppliers. Dive shops cater for all ranges of diver experience and requirements. Underwater photography enthusiasts will find plenty of scope for some picturesque shots as well as plenty of similarly enthusiastic divers with whom to share their experiences. The diving crowd is definitely a strong one here! If you’re into diving, then Gozo is definitely an experience not to be missed.
PAGE16_17.pdf
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GOZO EVENTS DURING AUGUST 1
That All May Be One. 20th Gozo International Celebration (GIC). Socio-cultural ecumenical event for national foreigners, residing or visitng Gozo. St. Joseph Square, Qala. frzammit@gmail.com
11-12
Il-Fjakkolata tax-Xlendi. Traditional fire-lighting of Xlendi’s bay commemorating the “Night of Saint Lawrence”. Xlendi Bay. www.munxar.gov.mt
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Xlendi Summer Nights. Open-air film screening of Vittorio de Sica’s Italian movie Ladri di Biciclette (Bicycle Thieves - 1948). Pjazza Madonna tal-Karmnu, Xlendi. munxar.lc@gov.mt
14-15
Il-Wirja ta’ Santa Marija. Agrarian show of farm animals, local produce, artisan works and traditional folklore. Villa Rundle Gardens, Republic Street, Victoria. www.gozo.gov.mt
1-30
Art Club 2000 Collective. Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo, St Francis Square, Victoria. www.gozo.gov.mt
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Traditional Horse Races. Republic Street, Victoria. info@leone.org.mt
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Gozo International Contemporary Arts Festival. A collection of art exhibition featuring Gozitan and international artists. Cittadella Wartime Shelters, Citadel, Victoria. icontact@raphaellabro.com.
G˙ajnsielem Fest. Festival of dance and music by local artists. Our Lady of Loreto Square, G˙ajnsielem. www.ghajnsielem.com Iljieli Sajfin. Summer musical nights with local bands and singers. Pjazza Vittorja, Xag˙ra. xaghra.lc@gov.com.mt
3-15
150th Anniversary celebrations of the Leone Philarmonic Band, conisisting of photographic and memorabilia exhibition. Banca Giuratel Foyer, Independece Square, Victoria. Info@leone.org.mt.
17-19
The Saints of Malta. Paintings exhibition by Adriana Caffaro Rore. Banca Giuratale Foyer, Independence Square, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
3-24
Gozo Lights (Dwal G˙awdxin). Painting exhibition by Hungarian artist Todor Radunov. St. Michael’s Hall, Cittadella Centre for Culture and Arts, Citadel, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
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Annual Band Concert by Banda Filarmonika San ÌuΩepp. Pjazza Madonna ta’ Loretu, G˙ajnsielem. www.ghajnsielem.com/stjoseph
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BISYOC – Orchestral and Choral Concert. Intercultural Youth Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir together with soloist singers. Direction of Mro. Julian Gibbson and Mro. Colin Attard. Ministry for Gozo courtyard, St. Francis Square, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
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Xlendi Summer Nights. Open-air film screening of Some Like it Hot (Monroe - 1959). Pjazza Madonna tal-Karmnu, Xlendi. munxar.lc@gov.mt
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Collective Art Exhibition. Paintings exhibition curated by James Willberforce for young artists. St. Ursula Hall, Cittadella Centre for Culture and Arts, Citadel, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
Cirque du Soleil. Sweet music and dance on big screen. St John’s demi-Bastion, Gozo Citadel, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
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Choral Anniversary Concert by Chorus Urbanus and soloists, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the University of Malta and Gozo centre. Directed by Mro. John Galea. Courtyard of the University of Malta, Gozo Centre, Xewkija. ugc@um.edu.mt
29
Jum l-G˙arb – Locality Day. Pjazza Ûjara tal-Madonna, G˙arb. www.gharbnet.com
30-2
Delicata Wine Festival. Wine tasting, food stalls and entertainment. Ìnien il-familja, Nadur. www.nadur.gov.mt
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Se˙er il-©nien ma’ Rosabelle u l-˙bieb. Opera evening from renowned musicals, co-ordinated by the Gozitan soprano Rosabelle Pavia, tenor Fabian Galea and harpist Jacob Portelli. Greek Theatre, Villa Rundle Gardens, Republic Street, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
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Festival San Lawrenz. Festival of dance, concerts and folklore. Main Square, San Lawrenz. Parish office – 21556073, caly71@hotmail.com
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Annual Band Concert by Band Filarmonika Leone, under the direction of Mro. Colin Attard featuring music from movies and themes. Pjazza Savina, Victoria. info@leone.org.mt
10
Annual Band Concert by Band Filarmonika Santa Marija, under the direction of Mro. Joseph Grech featuring classical and popular music excerpts. Pjazza l-Assunta, Ûebbu©. webmaster@bandasantamarija.com
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10-19
Photographic exhibition about the environmental destruction of the Amazon Valley, Movimento Sam Terra (Brazil). Co-ordinated by Chaim Waibel. Greek theatre, Villa Rundle Gardens, Republic Street, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com
11
Riflessi Sajfin. Festival of dance and music by local artists. Il-Menqa, Marsalforn Bay. www.oasi.org.mt
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Tomato Festival (Festival tat-Tadam). In collaboration with the Ministry for Rural Affairs. Pjazza Orvieto, Kercem. kercem.lc@gov.com.mt
PAGE18.pdf
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27/07/2012
10:31
LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO A PLACE IN THE SUN Malta and Gozo are becoming increasingly popular locations for the purchase or rental of second homes. Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with easy access from all major cities in Europe, North Africa and neighbouring states, the Islands have many advantages to offer, including the following:
WHY MALTA
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• An excellent climate with pleasant all year round weather. • Genuinely friendly and hospitable people who will make it easy to integrate within the local community. • Very low levels of crime which make Malta one of the safest places in the region. • A member of the European Union since 2004, Malta is an independent republic enjoying political stability. • English is one of the two official languages of the Islands and is spoken fluently by everyone. • The Island boasts a high standard of hospital and medical services, both private and public. • Excellent schooling, often exceeding international standards, with a choice of English-speaking schools and University. • A relatively low cost of living. • A stable property market offering a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, and good prospects for capital growth. These, together with an abundance of historical and cultural attractions, crystal clear seas, a variety of sporting facilities (including world class diving) and a lively calendar of events, make these Islands a favourite for those seeking their dream ‘Place in the Sun'. Moreover, the residency conditions are very attractive and include a favourable tax regime and the absence of Rates or Council taxes.
FLYING TIMES Malta – London 3.05hrs Malta – Frankfurt 2.35hrs Malta – Rome 1.15hrs
Malta – Amsterdam 3.05hrs Malta – Paris 2.35hrs Malta – Cairo 2.25hrs
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY NON-MALTESE BUYERS It is quite easy for a non-Maltese to purchase property in Malta and Gozo. Naturally, some conditions apply including certain restrictions regarding the minimum value of property that can be purchased and the use that the buyer will make of the property. Some buyers may also require a special permit.
MORE INFORMATION For further information and assistance, we recommend that you contact one of the excellent local Estate Agents who can offer professional guidance and advice to help you make the best choice.
If you are an expatriate living in Malta or Gozo...
you may regularly receive a copy of this monthly magazine in your mail with our compliments. Simply e-mail your name and address to: info@impactpr.com.mt
PAGE19NEW.pdf
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26/07/2012
13:36
MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 18 l 19
D A Y B Y D A Y
Santa Marija 15th August
If there is one day when Malta holds its breath and shares a distant memory of victory over suffering, then it is on the 15th day of August. For one thing, the day is usually characterised by stifling heat which is typical of the period. For another, it is the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, a predominant feast in Malta which is celebrated in seven different localities simultaneously on the day, which also happens to be a national holiday, so it’s festa time all round. The locations are Mqabba, Qrendi, Mosta, Gudja, Attard,G˙axaq in Malta, and Victoria in Gozo. The Maltese way of celebrating a summer festa is with marching bands, food, firework displays, religious processions and ceremonies. Yet, the 15th of August is a day that has specific meanings beyond the merry-making of festa time. It is also a day of remembrance, of religious connections and of national pride. C
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Malta’s experience of World War II included massive and constant air raids, which regularly blocked food and medical supplies from reaching the Islands. At one point, the inhabitants of the Islands were almost on the brink of starvation. After several unsuccessful and oftentimes tragic attempts during summer of 1942, the 15th day of August saw one part of a convoy called ‘Operation Pedestal’, chugging its way slowly into Malta, albeit severely badly damaged with its vital supplies aboard practically intact. What had been a long and worrisome siege lifted and the Maltese could hope for better days. As it so happened, this timely arrival coincided with the feast day of Santa Marija - a double cause for celebration for the Maltese populace. If you are in Malta during this period, be sure to be in one of the localities where the “Festa” is being celebrated to experience the Maltese “Festa” first hand. In one particular location, the rural village of G˙axaq, one can hear the sounding of a war-time siren – its sounding is a reminder of the suffering of our ancestors in war and of the courageous valiancy with which the convoy’s personnel arrived in the Grand Harbour of Valletta, at their own risk and peril and amidst enemy attack. The second siege of Malta is what it is all about.
Images © IMPACT PR
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PAGE21NEW.pdf
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26/07/2012
13:40
Image © Mario Galea - viewingmalta.com
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ÓobΩ biΩ-Ûejt
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MALTESE BREAD, MEDITERRANEAN TOMATOES, OLIVE OIL. THE THREESOME CREATES ONE OF MALTA’S SIMPLEST YET TASTIEST CULINARY RELISHES – HOBÛ BIÛ-ÛEJT. A BASIC RECIPE, YET ONE WHICH IS STRONGLY FAVOURED NOT ONLY AS A SNACK BUT ALSO AS A LUNCH-BOX STAPLE, A SEASIDE PICNIC LUNCH, A DINNER STARTER…. YOU NAME IT! HobΩ biΩ-Ûejt is typically eaten with a miscellany of foods such as tuna, olives, capers, onions, Bigilla (traditional broad bean paste), peppered or plain Ìbejna (traditional cheeselet). It brings together Malta’s traditional ÓobΩa – the national bread with its soft interior and hard crunchy crust. The tomato paste is typically spread on the bread but for those who prefer something more natural, a juicy tomato, sliced down the middle and pressed hard onto the bread will create a smearing
of tomato pulp that, when coupled with some seasoning and olive oil, makes a deliciously nutritious food. An alternative to the bread is the Ftira which is a flattened loaf similar to the Italian Focaccia but without any flavouring. The Ftira is practically all crust but softer than the crust of a loaf of bread and the experience of a Ftira biΩ-Ûejt is totally different from the ÓobΩ BiΩ-Ûejt. The Ftira allows a better inclusion of ingredients within so that the meal becomes somewhat wholesomer and richer. So next time you see a Maltese family eating sandwiches at the beach – don’t assume they are eating ham and cheese sandwiches – they will be probably eating what tastes best by the sea – Maltese ÓobΩ biΩ-Ûejt!
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PAGE27 .pdf
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23/07/2012
10:29
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Iljieli Melle˙in 2012 – Mellie˙a Nights 2012 Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 August 2012
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What better way to discover the seaside resort of Mellie˙a than by visiting the Mellie˙a Nights 2012 event. Also known as Iljieli Melle˙in, this event which in 2009 was awarded the European Destination of Excellence, is a three-day open-air activity which focuses on the arts, culture, history, sports and culinary specialities. The village of Mellie˙a is transformed for three evenings during which the main street is closed for traffic and becomes completely pedestrianised. And then it’s literally festa time, as everybody shares in the fun. Visit any one of the inviting restaurants which serve their mouth-watering food in an open-air environment, with a folklore entertainment just round the corner. Before or after dinner you may choose to visit open-air gallery in the sanctuary’s courtyard or feast your senses with live entertainment by well-known musicians, various choirs and bands, which will be performing on various stages around the Parish Square and main streets. Then there will be traditional crafts exhibitions, a kids’ area, car shows and street performances. If you have never visited them, both the 16 th Century Sanctuary of Our Lady and the World War II shelter which is one of the largest and was dug entirely by hand, will be open for public. For detailed information on ‘Mellie˙a Nights 2012’ programme of events, contact the Mellie˙a Local Council on 21521333 or visit www.mellieha.gov.mt. Locals and tourists are welcome. Entrance for the whole event is free of charge. This event is organised by the Mellie˙a Local Council.
Images © Mellie˙a Local Council
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