April 2011 - Issue 16
www.vida.com.mt
Carlos Santana
Travel Special
Live in Malta
July 24th at The Granaries www.nngpromotions.com - Page 17
Pre-holiday jabs - page 16
Test drive:
Cars with a view - Page 24
Eating out:
Divine urchins at the marina - Page 48
The land of contrasts
CO MP E T
- page 20
IO IT
WIN!
Travelling in India
NS
VOUCHERS, EVENT TICKETS & FREE MEALS
The silent disability - page 12
• Home ideas • Beauty tips • Weddings • Storing your jewellery and more Monica Xuereb
Good Friday
Fashion
Fireworks Festival
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
1
vida.com.mt Issue 16 - April 2011 Vida Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed to all households in Malta. It aims to empower the people to lead a better, healthier and happier life. Publisher
St. Augustine is said to have written that “the World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Given Malta’s physical restrictions it is not always possible for people to travel very far, but even if we do not get out of our living room we can learn a lot about the world about us by making an effort to keep an open mind to different cultures and the beauty in variety. We are lucky enough to live in a time where, despite all the trouble and turmoil happening around us, travel is becoming increasingly affordable. With the increasing routes of low-cost airlines to and from our shores and with tour operators offering better packages every year (I recently saw weekend breaks in Rome being advertised at around €150) it is a wonder that not more people grab a bag and run off for the weekend. One of the things we love most at Vida is hearing what you have to say about the topics we cover. To help with this we have set up our new page on Facebook - find it (facebook. com/VidaMag) and feel free to use it to let us (and the rest of the world) know what you are thinking about the topics we cover. We shall also be having some competitions exclusive to the members of the Facebook page, so don’t dilly-dally, go ahead and click on the Like button! Enjoy the issue.
Richard Muscat Azzopardi
Vida in May...
Focused Knowledge Ltd Pitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214 Malta, Europe Tel: (+356) 2339 2403 Fax: (+356) 2141 9089 Managing Editor Richard Muscat Azzopardi editor@vida.com.mt News & Features Editor David Vella david@vida.com.mt Editorial Assistants Claire Camilleri - claire@vida.com.mt Sarah Micallef - sarah@vida.com.mt Layout & Design Alexia Baldacchino Kevin Abela studio@vida.com.mt Advertising Maria Pillow - maria@vida.com.mt Sabrina Wingfield - sabrina@vida.com.mt
• More interior design
Tel: (+356) 2339 2333 sales@vida.com.mt
• The landscapes around us • The tough baron
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 team 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, or other content appearing in this publication.
Sports Special
Printed by: Progress Press Ltd. Distributed by
Cover photo Carlos Santana (see page 17)
2
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Collect 3 NESCAFÉ Premium products and get a €6.00 Discount Voucher to reward yourself at Vascas or Marion Mizzi. Redeem your jars at Nestlé Malta Limited, Pantar Road, Lija.
www.nescafegoldrewards.com.mt Every moment is a luxury Terms & Conditions apply. Visit the website and read more. April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
3
10
26
38
contents Travel Vaccines Sarah Micallef
In guitar heaven Carlos Santana Live in Malta
Advising the world’s finest hotels
20
16 17 18
Jane Vella meets Monica Xuereb
A rough gem Janet Silvio travels to India
Couch Surfing Sarah Micallef
Keep of the grass Richard Muscat Azzopardi
Alive and blooming Annalise Falzon
Fashion Fairground Sarah Micallef
Passion David Vella
April at the movies Mark Camilleri
To classify or to censor? National Book Council
Delicate stillness Photography competition winner
The Maltese fireworks tradition Malta International Fireworks Festival
Events in April The urchin amnesty Ed Eats
Vida Shopping & Leisure
20 22 24 26 28 35 38 40
15
UPDATES Letters Ask the Experts Charlie Sheen
In his own words
Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta Not for Profit
42
Incontinence – the silent disability
44
Suspended Lives
46 48 49
6 8 10
12
Ready to play and help?
14
Hay Fever
Malta Medical Students’ Association
Rekindling the New Cuorey magic Kevin Drake
Keeping it short
15
letters
Your say
A smile
STAR LET TER Dear Editor,
The writer of this month's Star Letter wins a €100 voucher.
d, if not ople were shocke Many Maltese pe caught on tape s wa o a man wh scandalised, when t a petty fine. jus got away with beating a woman ent because his hm nis pu er rsh He was spared a ha ault, leaving p the charges of ass vic tim asked to dro n. tio ac r the fur to take police “powerless” izens who anisations and cit Opinion writers, org condemned rs, ito ed r pe pa ws sent in let ters to ne always the court decision. It’s the attack and the aggressors at t ou h quick to las same story – we’re ep up the ke we do t bu es, and the authoriti tion changes? sure that the situa pressure to make t to proceed ask the police no Why did a woman o violently wh n rso pe the st with charges again ref lec tion of a s thi Is r? he liated abused and humi ce? Forgiving len vio s ard de tow our society’s attitu to let pid stu r, ’t it, howeve is a noble ac t – isn y does the law Wh d? he nis pu un perpetrators go ses of domestic e ac tion only in ca allow police to tak e under the liv t no do o ns wh violence? Are perso of a lesser ren ild ch aggressors same roof as their liticians to change po r ou e urg all god? Shouldn’t we diately? this situation imme change? done. Will anything There’s a lot to be er vic tim. It may oth an for it wa to Perhaps we have . ative or your friend ac tually be your rel
Mary Camilleri Mosta
Share your views with the nation and get in with tthe chance of winning a €100 voucher from Hard Rock Café.
6
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
To be able to smile, you must change your attitude completely. Young poeple smile effortlessly. It’s because they are not yet burdened with the pressures of life. Adults smile less often because even when you start your day on a good note, something always manages to wipe your smile off your face again. We need to think about our life. Is my situation really that bad? Can I do things in a different way? Once you stand up on your own two feet, you realise that you can control your own happiness. Know and accept your limits. If we make things happen for ourselves, we become better, happier individuals. Let no one disturb your inner peace. Finally, leave the past behind. Wake up with a blank page and move only forward. Smiling from then onwards should be joyful and as easy as it is for children! Alessandra Bonanno
Queue jumpers bug me! Dear Editor, Queue jumpers make me see red! I hate the cheek of those who are always the first to be led in to meet one of the various consultants in hospital simply because they’re friends of a member of staff. Other patients who would have queued for hours before are left seething with anger.
P. Chetcuti St. Paul’s Bay
Roads and rain Dear Editor, I can’t understand why, in 2011, our roads still become rivers whenever it rains. I am mostly referring to major roads in Birkirkara, Iklin, Balzan, Lija and Mosta.
• What’s your idea?
• What’s bugging you?
A smile can bring happiness. Unfortunately, some of us find it hard to smile, considering it a privilege for the "happy" ones.
We meet these individuals everywhere – on the bus stops, in shops, in doctors’ clinics, in parking areas. People who resort to such behaviour lack consideration for others. Their audacity irks anyone who comes across them while their actions sometimes even cause trouble.
WIN A €100 VOUCHER • What would you recommend?
Dear Editor,
Send your letters, questions to the experts and suggestions to The Editor, VIDA Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on yoursay@vida.com.mt
The Iklin roundabout is the worst place to be driving during a downpour. Sewage drains quickly overflow, and raw sewage shoots out of manholes and flows onto adjacent streets. Business owners in Birkirkara get their shops flooded. Public transport slows down to a snail’s pace, and everyone ends up getting to work or school very late. Millions of euros have been spent to resurface and rebuild roads but the situation remains the same. Moreover, our country’s productivity is hampered whenever hundreds of workers have to stay at home, or get to work late, simply because it’s raining. This problem has been with us for years. It’s about time the authorities took serious action to solve it. C. Muscat Iklin
with the
new collection Womenswear Menswear Kidswear Home Lingerie Swimwear
Come and try our new shape enhancing models!
The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point w w w.deb e nha m s. com . mt
€10
OFF when spending €50 and over on new collection* on presentation of this advert
FOLLOW US ON
* Present this advert and be entitled to €10 OFF when spending €50 and over on new collection. This offer is valid until 30th April 2011. This offer is valid on full priced product and not in conjunction with any other offer.
ask the experts
Ask The Experts Ms. B.Zammit asked: The vaccination against chicken pox is not obligatory, and I’m confused whether I should give it to my child. I was told that persons who receive this vaccination stand a greater risk of developing shingles. What’s your advice? The chicken pox (Varicella) vaccine is recommended for adults and children who have not had chicken pox, to minimise their chances of getting the disease and its complications. Like any other vaccine, anyone who receives the vaccine may not be provided with full protection and thus one may still get the disease, but it is usually milder (with fewer skin manifestations, quicker recovery time, and less chance for complications). There is no evidence that vaccinated children have an increased risk of shingles. This vaccine works by exposing the person to a small dose of the virus or a protein from the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. It will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body. Becoming infected with chickenpox is much more dangerous to one’s health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, it can cause side effects, but the risk of serious consequences is extremely low. Dr. Malcolm Paul Galea, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Ask a question and win!
Tania Gauci asked: When a flight is cancelled due to an airport strike, what are the passengers’ rights in terms of expenses incurred? Across the EU, the remedies of passengers are safeguarded by a regulation which establishes the common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the case of denied boarding and cancellation or long delay of flights. The Regulation states that an airline is not obliged to provide compensation where the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures have been taken. It further states that when industrial actions such as strikes affect the operation of an air carrier, the airline is also not obliged to provide compensation. Dr. Adrian Muscat Azzopardi, B.A., M.A., LL.D
J.F asked: As far as I know the law states that the notary, when reading a will, is not obliged to call or advise all heirs mentioned in the will. Therefore how would someone know that he/she is the heir of a person who is not his/her direct relative? Such inheritors could be charity organisations.
K. M. De Giorgio asked: Is there any regulation enforcing owners of flats in the same block to keep the facade as uniform as possible? Can I, for example, replace my balcony railings with ones that are more contemporary and of a different colour, without first getting the approval of other owners sharing the same facade? In order to replace apertures and/ or railings fixed to the main façade of a building a consent from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) is to be sought, either through the submittal of a full development application or a development notification order, depending on the building’s location and the proposed works. When the façade is owned by various owners, such as an apartment block, the aesthetics of the façade of the whole block is considered by MEPA prior to the approval of any permit. Perit Joseph Attard, B.E.&A. (Hons.) A.&C.E.
A will normally specifies how the belongings of a person are to be divided amongst a list of heirs mentioned in the same document. In the absence of a will, a deceased person’s possessions are distributed according to particular laws (laws of intestacy). A will may also stipulate specific bequests or legacies (for instance a sum of money to a charitable institution or to an individual person/s) and also to whom the rest of the belongings are to be assigned (the heirs). The notary acts upon the request of the heirs to advise upon the liquidation (redistribution of belongings among the new owners – the heirs) of the estate and calls upon any person or entity mentioned in the will to have the assets released accordingly. Where the bequest made is an immovable property (such as a building), the heirs would have to appear on a deed to hand over the said property to the legatee (someone who receives inheritance). If the bequest is a sum of money or a personal effect, this may be assigned directly by the heir. When it is not clear who the heirs are, it is always advisable to seek a lawyer’s professional advice. Dr Maronia Fenech B.A., LL.D. (Notary Public)
Published questions to the experts get in the draw to win one of our prizes in the Suggestions & Questions Competition. Go to page 63 for more details.
8
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
LUXURY
HOME
JEWELLERY
Wedding Collection
Exclusive Silverware - Jewellery - Pearls - Crystalware
T: 2149 4654 / 2137 5606
Dun Karm Street (B’Kara Bypass) B’Kara April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt is a registered trade mark of
9
updates In his own words
Charlie Sheen
NOT FOR PROFIT Maltese voluntary organisations
Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta (HRGM) It all began… in 1998, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the French arrival in Malta. Our mission is… to commemorate important Maltese civil and military historical events from the Medieval and the French periods and to present educational living history displays. We seek to bring historical research to life by means of re-enactment activities that include displays by members equipped with authentic reproductions of firearms, costumes and props. Our enemy is… time! Not enough time to stage all the events we would like to!
“There’s a new sheriff in town. And he has an army of assassins.” “There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. And when you lose sight of what side you’re walking on, that’s when you are in trouble.” “The only thing I’m addicted to right now is winning.”
We have… 75 members. Any level-headed individual aged between 16 and 99 can join us! If you’re interested in making new local and foreign friends, sleeping on hay in Napoleonic era-tents, tasting tender suckling pig on the spit, enjoying period songs and music, firing real replica firearms and artillery, our armies and navies of Malta, Britain and France are now recruiting! We currently have a recruitment drive whereby we are subsidising the cost of equipment for up to 20 new members! Log on to our website now. Our greatest acheivement is... finding the right formula to balance the crucial correct historical representation of events with a great action-packed hobby.
“I don’t think it’s wise to dwell on regret. There’s regret, sure. But whatever you’ve done good or bad, is a part of who you are now. That’s the thing you can change and improve.” “I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen.” “I collect guns and shoot them regularly. It’s all purely recreational shooting, I believe in the right to bear arms. I’m beside myself on the banning of the semi-automatic assault rifle. Guns don’t kill people, people do.” “I have a disease? Bulls***. I cured it with my brain.” “There is such a thing as too much fun. It gets redundant. How many times can you wake up and struggle to remember your name, her name and where you are?” “Clearly I have defeated this earthworm with my words.” “If I’ve learned anything at all, it’s that I know nothing about women. They remain a mystery. But I’ve learned to stop trying to figure them out. There’s no end to the journey, and that’s what makes it so compelling.” “I have one speed. One gear. Go! I dare you to keep up with me.” www.hrgm.org | info@hrgm.org T: 79 999 363 / 99 499 805
10
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
updates
Incontinence - the silent disability
H
ave you ever experienced leakage, however small, when coughing or sneezing? Does this problem limit you from doing sports or other activities of everyday living? If this has ever happened or is something that happens regularly, you are possibly one of the many men and women who suffer from stress incontinence. This is not the only type of incontinence that can occur. Some people get a strong immediate urge to go to the toilet and sometimes don don’t even make it in time. Apart from urine, people may also be presented with loss of control from passing wind or leakage of stools. These symptoms are not a normal part of ageing and should not be tolerated. Conservative treatment is available to help most people with incontinence regain control over their lives. The underlying cause of incontinence is most often a weak pelvic floor, either due to pregnancy, birth or menopause in females and prostate surgery in males.
by Carolyn Sultana, Physiotherapist
This is made worse if the person suffers from constipation, is overweight or has a chronic cough. The pelvic floor is a large layer of muscles stretching from the pubic bone in the front to the tail end of the spine behind, providing openings for the bladder, bowels and vagina. A physiotherapist trained in continence care understands how the pelvic floor works and following an assessment, specific treatment and advice can be offered to strengthen this important layer of muscles. Treatment may include specific pelvic floor exercise programmes, use of vaginal cones for women, use of electrical stimulation and biofeedback. Successful treatment depends on the person following the advice and treatment programme given. Simple treatment can help alleviate most of the incontinence problems that both women and men tend to suffer from in silence.
Ready to play and help?
I
t’s time to pitch in! Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the charity organisation that provides care and accommodation to persons with disability, is looking for volunteers and volleyball players to help in this summer’s volleyball marathon.
benefit the residents directly but also offers respite to families of people with disability. We are counting on the generosity of all those who will be supporting this worthy initiative to help us keep offering the services we have offered to date”.
This year’s edition of the popular fund-raising event is taking place between July 1st and 3rd, at the organisation’s home in Siġġiewi. The 53-hour marathon will raise funds in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, which requires around €4,000,000 a year to offer its services to over 100 persons with disability.
The marathon will be held on the grounds of the home itself to give people the opportunity to see for themselves the work and the needs of such an institution. “Our residents will also feel more actively participant – for them, having the marathon here makes them feel like ‘playing home’ and this also encourages their interaction with the public,” says Manwel Zammit, chairperson of the event’s organising committee.
The players will form teams to compete during the marathon. Many other volunteers are needed for administration, the management of the bar, entertainment, services related to kitchen and laundry, maintenance and setting up, medical and physiotherapy, as well as for the reception area, transport and ushering. Around 400 volunteers are expected to be working together to make this event a successful one. Id-Dar tal-Providenza seeks to first and foremost offer residence to persons with disabilities within an environment that promotes respect and dignity, explains Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. “Our work however does not only
12
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Id-Dar tal-Providenza is a place which inspires hope and serenity in a time of uncertainty and anxiety,” Jesmond Saliba, another member of the organising committee, concludes, “it has a special place in Malta’s society and symbolises what is unique to the Maltese character – solidarity in practice.” Applications for players and other volunteers can be downloaded from www.volley4dtp.org or www.dartalprovidenza.org.
Vida will be updating you with the latest developments as the event approaches!
Dry fast core™
TENA enables you to mantain your lifestyle
TENA LADY TENA Lady pads are specifically designed for loss of drops or small leakages. All TENA Lady pads are body-shaped for a comfortable fit and contain Odour Control™ to prevent the development of odours.
TENA pads are so small and discreet, you sometimes wonder how they can provide enough security. But they do! Time after time, under all circumstances. For your FREE SAMPLE kindly e-mail tena@pharma-cos.com or call 2144 1870 www.tena.co.uk
The TENA Lady Mini range are particularly well suited to those women who are used to using sanitary towels or panty-liners. The TENA Lady Medium range pads also offer greater absorption for added confidence. TENA Normal, Extra, Extra Plus and Mini Super are breathable, which means they give extra comfort and are kinder on the skin. Droplets on the package indicate the level of incontinence to help users choose the right product.
updates
“They didn’t find me, they killed my father”
©Andrew Galea Debono
Hay fever
A
bdulkhadir was a farmer in Somalia, until one morning, he went to his fields to pick up some tomatoes and found armed men waiting for him. He had to run for his life, with only maize sticks hiding him from the men shooting in his direction. He could not return home. They would be waiting for him. Later he found out that after chasing him away from the farm, “they arrived at my home and when they didn’t find me, they killed my father. It was the worst moment of my life...” It was also the beginning of Abdulkhadir’s long voyage, across war-torn African countries, the North African desert and the Mediterranean Sea. He relates this experience in ‘Suspended Lives’, a new documentary filmed and directed by Andrew Galea Debono, and produced by the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta. The documentary takes viewers through the
experience of seven forced migrants who sought refuge in Malta in recent years. Through their words, the documentary becomes an awakening that shows the deep scars which asylum seekers carry all throughout their journey, explains Dr. Roberta Buhagiar, the documentary’s executive producer. “There are categories of forced migrants who are facing hardship and are at risk of poverty. Some also face realities of discrimination and racism. The stories related by the seven persons are similar to those of many others currently living in Malta. The protagonists were chosen because they were, or still are, at risk of poverty.”
situation - they had never seen that side of the coin,” Dr. Buhagiar says. “We wanted asylum seekers and forced migrants to recount their own experiences in their own words. This time we’re not speaking on their behalf. They, themselves, are telling it like it is. In this way, we feel that ‘Suspended Lives’ has already achieved its goal.”
Free public screenings of the documentary started in December and will continue until June. “People who have already watched it are approaching us to tell us they were never aware of the
Common symptoms
What’s the remedy?
How can it be prevented?
• Sneezing • Runny nose (clear, thin discharge) • Congested (“stuffy”) nose • Postnasal drip • Sensation of plugged ear(s) • Watery, bloodshot eyes • Itching of nose or soft palate • Fatigue • Trouble sleeping
• If possible, avoid any known allergens. • To soothe a mild sore throat gargle with warm salt water; 1-2 tablespoons of table salt in a glass of warm water. • Non-prescription antihistamines can be used to relieve sneezing and a runny nose, however they are no longer recommended as they may cause drowsiness.
• Keep your home free of pollen and other allergens so that you keep your allergy outdoors. • Use your air conditioner and limit outside exposure during hay fever season. • Allergy shots may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
www.mmsa.org.mt References: www.hayfeverexpert.co.uk/HayFeverMyths.html • www.emedicinehealth.com/hay_fever/article_em.htm
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
St. James Cavalier, Valletta: April 6th, May 18th, June 19th. University Chaplaincy, Msida: April 14th, May 12th, June 9th. All screenings are held at 19:00. Log on to www.suspendedlives.org, and look out for the page "What you can do" to learn how you can help asylum seekers and forced migrants.
Hay fever is an allergy to foreign material found in the air you breathe and is most common during the summer months. The most common materials that trigger this allergy (allergens) are pollen and mould. They are very small airborne particles which enter your lungs as you breathe through your mouth and nose.
health
Myths “Children will grow out of hay fever” Fact: Not only may childhood allergies persist as the children grow up, but they can also worsen, particularly if left untreated. “If I expose myself to the allergen, it will cure my hay fever” Fact: Repeatedly exposing yourself to the allergen can actually worsen symptoms and lead to complications. “There’s nothing I can do about hay fever” Fact: There are many ways to handle hay fever, including drug-based treatments, alternative remedies and preventative strategies.
This information was compiled by the Malta Medical Students’ Association and reviewed by Dr. B. Caruana Montalto
14
Upcoming screenings
I never get tired of Twistees and re-runs of Fawlty Towers & Blackadder.
Keeping it Short
Kevin Drake
My fondest childhood memory is burying my mother’s jewel box in our enormous garden, a la Treasure Island , not remembering where I’d buried it, and being engrossed by the two gardeners digging up the whole patch over two days before they located it!
My first acting experience was probably at a very young age, receiving some ghastly gift or other whilst mustering up sufficient enthusiasm to thank the gift-bearer profusely. I would love to play the part of the protagonist in the eponymous Shakespearean ‘Scottish play’. On stage, I was really embarrassed when performing, one night in ’88, to an audience of 19 people in an 850-seater auditorium. 11 of them were complimentary ticket holders! My favourite Maltese plays are Francis Ebejer’s “Hitan” and Karl Schembri’s “Manifest tal-Killer”. Tourists love Malta because of the country’s uniqueness on so many levels. Our heritage, hospitality and diversity are second to none. Malta loves tourists... being a small island, I think that we’ve always welcomed mingling with people from all over the world. It gives us a sense of belonging to the great global society. Plus, tourism is one of the main pillars of our economy – it provides a livelihood for several thousand people. My favourite football team is Southampton FC the Mighty Saints! I’ve got a thing for Chelsea, Inter and Floriana too. I always fight for discounts because haggling is fun and is a pastime that may be pleasantly pursued by all the family. It’s a Jew thing, what can I say? Life is “but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour on stage and is heard of no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury... signifying nothing” (see ‘Scottish Play’). I would never answer a question on life, the universe and everything... ...because the answer is 42. Kevin, naturally, went over his allotted space. You can find the full interview on our Facebook page as of April 1 - facebook.com/VidaMag
Rekindling the New Cuorey magic
I
n 1966, two youngsters, Sammy and Joe, decided to form a band. One sang, the other played guitar. Along with Joe Bartolo and Paul Abela, they gave birth to the legendary Maltese band ‘New Cuorey’. Sadly, the vocalist, Sammy Bartolo, passed away in 1997, months after the band’s final recording. Almost 15 years later, Joe S. Grech, the band’s guitarist, is back with a real treat – an instrumental interpretation of New Cuorey’s classics. “I have wanted to make an album of guitar instrumental music since 1980,” Joe explains, “in fact, I included two instrumental songs in the 1997 New Cuorey compilation album. Four years ago I passed some tracks on to a local radio station, and got a very positive response. Thanks to my family’s support, last winter I completed the project.” The band’s classics, such as ‘Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa’, ‘L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied ilGħasel’, ‘Riviera Blu’ and ‘Ir-Raħal’ are among the 17 tracks on the new album, ‘New Cuorey Instrumentals’. Most of them were originally composed by Joe himself. The last track ‘Leħen f’Tarf il-Wied’, is his 1997 tribute to Sammy Bartolo. “I was involved in all New Cuorey’s backing and arrangements on the previous album. In the new recordings I made some modifications, so as to make them more appropriate for this type of instrumental album. However, since most of these songs are placed amongst Malta’s top evergreens, I was very careful to keep the format as close as possible to the originals,” Joe says. “Each song brings special memories. I would have to write an entire book to express all the emotions they bring out.” His favourite, however, is ‘IrRaħal’, the first song he wrote for Sammy Bartolo in 1973. “It means a lot to me so I involved my two sons in the new version - Chris worked on the new recording while Julian played the keyboards. Whenever I composed new songs, I would teach my wife Alice to sing it. Sammy would hear that version when I first presented the songs to him. It’s a kind of tact I used and it worked,” the guitarist recalls. The new recording is also Joe’s revisiting of fond memories of playing alongside Sammy Bartolo. “We started working together when I was 15, playing regularly in Maltese hotels for years. We also played with a lot of foreign cabaret artists, including Mat Monroe and The Bachelors. We even played together in UK and Canada, and featured during several TV programs, including an unforgettable performance on a Canadian station.” ‘New Cuorey Instrumentals’ can be obtained from Anthony D’Amato Music Store, Valletta and Marianna Stationery, Mellieħa. Alternatively, contact Joe S. Grech himself, by email on joealice258@gmail.com or by calling on 99838477.
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
15
health & beauty
Travel vaccines:
will your stay be safe? S
o you’ve got the trip of your life planned, bagpacking in Thailand, an African safari or taking in the colours of Morocco, but before you rummage for your passport and pack your bags, have you ensured your stay will be safe? Sarah Micallef looks into travel vaccines.
After months of excited planning and saving up, it would be a shame to have the holiday of your dreams ruined by illness. If you’re planning a more exotic escape or travels in far off pastures, it is important to protect yourself as best you can via the necessary vaccinations. What vaccines you take and how long you take them before jetting off is dependant on the countries you will be visiting, and each is essential for ensuring travel health. Kristina Vassallo knows how important vaccines are, having travelled around Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia earlier this year. Before, setting off she made sure she was prepared, although you can never be too careful: “I was given Hep A and B (twinrix) and typhoid vaccines; however whilst in Indonesia, certain books advised that we should have taken malaria pills which we were not advised of locally - it made us very uncomfortable with the number of mosquito bites despite using the deet spray.” The majority of vaccines take a while to become effective and some varieties should be given in a series over a recommended period of time. Indeed, if you have planned a trip, it is best to visit your doctor as early as possible – ideally a couple of months in advance. Some vaccinations are considered routine, and these are generally the ones we are more familiar with and are given throughout our lives – such as those against Influenza, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and Tuberculosis. Once you are at your GP, it is a good idea to check whether you are completely up to date with these also.
16
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Besides your routine vaccinations, another variety of vaccines are required in order to protect you from illnesses prevalent in various parts of the world and for prevention of importation. Aside from where you intend on going, the vaccinations you will require depend on a variety of other factors such as whether you will be visiting rural areas, the time of year you are travelling, your age, health status, and immunisation history. Francesca Agius is looking forward to her trip to Kenya next month, and in so doing, receiving the appropriate vaccines, stating “I was given vaccines for Yellow Fever, Hep A, Hep B and Typhoid. I’d much rather be fully protected and have my mind at rest so that I can enjoy my trip.” Kristina and Francesca found out which vaccines were required for their travels through friends’ recommendations and the Vaccinations Department. On sorting this part of her holiday out, Francesca maintains, “I am visiting a friend who told me which diseases we will be most susceptible to once in Kenya, upon which I called the Vaccination Department to confirm which vaccines I'd need to take. Now less than a month to go and I'm all set!” You can find out which vaccines you will be required to take for your upcoming trip through your own GP or from the Vaccinations Department at Mater Dei Hospital. Always be prepared, and you’ll be set to have the time of your life and a worry-free travel experience.
events
In Guitar Heaven T
housands of Maltese rock fans are going to be tickled pink come July, as guitar legend Carlos Santana will be visiting our shores as part of his Guitar Heaven European Tour. Organised by NNG and set to take place at the Granaries in Floriana, it is sure to be a night to remember.
Carlos Santana will be performing, together with his band, at the Granaries, Floriana on July 24th. For more information visit www.nngpromotions.com.
Named number 15 in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2003, Carlos Santana is a name of legendary status. Known for his characteristic blend of rock and jazz with strong Latin and African elements, Santana formed The Santana Blues Band in 1961. Quickly gaining popularity with the West Coast crowd, their performance at Woodstock festival in 1969 cemented their international status and appeal. Boasting a number of double-platinum records in the 70s, the band changed in shape when keyboardist Gregg Rolie and guitarist Neal Schon left, and Carlos went on to record the jazz fusion album ‘Love, Devotion, Surrender’ with John McLaughlin and Stanley Clarke; which began his solo fusion career aside from his work with the band. The band went on to experience a number of different member lineups. Following this, Santana continued to record music, but experienced a resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim in the late 1990s.
WIN!
WIN VIP TICKETS Go to page 63 for more info.
1999 saw the release of the most commercially successful record of his career, ‘Supernatural’ which included collaborations with Everlast, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cee-Lo, Maná, Dave Matthews, K. C. Porter, J. B. Eckl, among others. The album enjoyed the number one position for 12 weeks and earned12 Grammy awards, as well as being Santana's biggest sales success by far. The noughties saw the release of albums ‘Shaman’, ‘Possibilities’ and ‘All That I Am’ as well as a number of collaborations with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Michelle Branch, Steven Tyler and Shakira among many others. Santana’s latest offering comes in the form of his eighteenth studio album ‘Guitar Heaven’, which features his versions of some of the greatest guitar classics of all time, including Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’, The Doors’ ‘Riders On the Storm’ and Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke On the Water’.
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
17
interview
Advising the world’s finest hotels A Gozitan consultant in New York
Born in Gozo, she moved to New York City when she was fourteen years old. Working her way up from Front Desk, she chose to follow a career in revenue management within the hospitality industry, working in hotel chains such as Marriot International and the Ritz-Carlton. Today she is the founder of MXHC Inc, her own hospitality consulting company. Jane Vella meets Monica Xuereb.
“
I started my career in hotels when a Maltese friend of my mother who worked in Housekeeping recommended me for a job at the Front Desk,” Monica explains. “I have always enjoyed working with people and I studied languages and International Relations, which set me up well for a career in hospitality.” In the late 1990s, Monica joined the discipline of Revenue Management, which was just beginning in hotels. “I worked for Marriott which has always been at the forefront of Revenue Management,” she says. “Revenue Management appeals to my sense of logic and relentless search for opportunity and improvement. In the classic terms, this concept is about selling the right product to the right customer at the right time. It is about identifying the value the customer puts on a product, then correctly aligning product prices, placement and availability, depending on the customer segment.” I ask Monica whether revenue management in a hotel is different from any another establishment. She explains that the discipline was pioneered by the airlines, when it was known as Yield Management. A recognisable example was the use of ‘early bird’ discounts that were used to increase demand for seats that would otherwise remain empty. “The fundamentals of Revenue Management remain the same, it is about
18
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
interview looking at demand and supply and making adjustments to your inventory, your price and your distribution,” she says. “Any business can use it and the principles can be applied to a wide variety of businesses, from your usual tourism providers like car rentals, cruise ships and restaurants, to your local hairdresser, that offers discounts on its slowest day to generate additional business and perhaps entice some of its customers on the busiest days to move their appointments to other, more favourable days.”
husband and my friends, as well as gardening in my New York City balcony,” she says. “But travel remains my favourite pastime, in fact I visit my parents and brother in Ghajnsielem, Gozo, twice a year.”
After working for a number of world renowned organisations, last year Monica decided to take the next big step and open her own consultancy. “My last position was for The Ritz-Carlton as VicePresident of Revenue Management for the International Division. I had worked for the company for the last 10 years and I was in a stage of my life where I needed a change,” she recalls. With the The work of a hospitality consultant involves analysing the encouragement of many former colleagues, Monica set up data, the processes, the systems and the people in place and MXHC Inc. “I wanted to be able to share my knowledge, making recommendations on how to improve revenue especially with independent and small luxury hotels and market share, in order to increase revenue and “gardening that would not have access to my experience within profit. “Many times, when people work in an operation in my their current support structures,” she explains. Leaving day in and day out, it’s difficult for them to see where New York City behind the corporate persona, and no longer working the opportunities are because they are emotionally for a high profile company offered a challenge in itself, attached,” explains Monica. “I take a customised balcony” but Monica admits that self-employment also yields many approach for each hotel, taking the time to understand benefits. “Now I can choose my projects and make my own their business, their history and their competitors, while schedule,” she says, “and of course with your own business you maintaining an objective view with the one goal of finding are less confined within a high profile structure, so you can challenge ways to make them more money.” the status quo.” I ask Monica if there is a lot of competition in the hospitality Although less than a year old, MXHC Inc. has already made some consultancy industry. “There are certainly many hotel consultants great strides forward, with two anchor clients having signed on out there but most consultants are hired because they maintain within the first six months of the business. “I hope to expand the contact with a network of hoteliers who are familiar with their work company in the next few years and continue to develop innovative and what they can achieve,” she explains. ways for hotels to become more fluent in revenue management and to maximise their revenue,” says Monica. In spite of her busy schedule, Monica does find some free time for herself.” I practice yoga daily, I play golf and I enjoy cooking for my
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
19
travel
A rough gem Facets of India
C
olourful saris peeking out from behind traffic exhaust; destitute children rummaging through five star hotels’ garbage; nerve-wracking hooting and braking in the stillness of temples; repulsive smells entwined with enticing aromas. India, the land of contrasts – fasten your seatbelts; this roller coaster is taking you for the ride of a lifetime. Attempting to give a description that would do justice to this amazing country in just a few words would be futile. Instead, I seek to give you a few favourite pieces of the colourful puzzle that’s my experience of India; a taste of this country’s charm as seen through my own eyes. India gives you an infinite amount of possibilities to unfold but there is only one limiting factor – time. I spent six months travelling in India and only managed to visit a chunk of the northern part. Most people might only have two to three weeks to spare, but there is a way to get a glimpse of the country’s culture, diversity and traditions without having to stick to the classic tourist route.
20
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Once in Haridwar choose from one of the many hotels available next to the train station to crash for the night. Make sure you visit the ghat (a flight of steps leading down to a river landing for ritual bathers) at seven in the evening to witness an ‘aarti’, a Hindu ritual where light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Have a go at performing a puja (a Hindu prayer for your loved ones) but mind the touts. Sit on the floor and share this fascinating ritual with the locals, watching the miniature lamps floating down the river.
you can manage to get in by tipping the caretaker
Landing in Delhi for the first time gives you a culture shock; absorb and savour it as it is mind blowing. Make your way out of Delhi as fast as you can by catching a train to Haridwar. You can book online and choose between different trains and cabins, ranging from a €13 first class air-conditioned cabin to a €2 euro sleeper class. Unless you are on an extremely tight budget avoid ‘second seating’ as you will be packed like sardines.
by Janet Silvio
Make your way to the train station early the following morning to catch a train to Rishikesh, the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Once there you will be assaulted by autorickshaw drivers. It’s best to try and find a rickshaw from outside the station. Then again the only way to avoid being ripped off would be to walk. The choice is between staying at Swarg Ashram or Lhaksman Jula. I opted for the latter as it’s much quieter - you can always walk from one place to the other anyway.
Rishikesh is a serene place nestled between forested hills and the River Ganga. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and immerse in tranquility. Meditation, yoga and sitar classes are the order of the day, amongst the chanting of mantras and the humming during meditation. There are various types of accommodations but ashrams (accommodations modelled on traditional Indian spiritual retreats) are by far the most popular. The city is also famous for the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram, The Beatles’ hideaway, which gave birth to some of their songs, including some of the classics in their
travel
A few tips 1
2
3
Rishikesh
4
5
6
Travel light with a backpack. Avoid suitcases, as you will become a fast prey for the touts. Make sure you carry a high deet insect repellent. Buy some neem tablets when you get there; you’ll need them if you are bitten by bed bugs. Bargain hard and ask for ridiculous discounts. Most of the times they will be asking you for ridiculous prices. When buying off the shelf, check out the pricing on the items. Most labels state what is the maximum price they can charge you, refuse to pay more than what is stated. Even though it might seem hard, avoid giving money to beggars, or you will end up with people following you everywhere. Arm yourself with a good sense of humor and loads of patience as you will definitely need them.
Golden Temple
Rishikesh
double disc White Album. The place is not open to the public but you can manage to get in by tipping the caretaker. Rishikesh is addictive, it can grow roots into you and leave you grounded for longer than expected. Listen out for the temple bells ringing, lulled by the breeze, while sadhus (spiritual men) prepare for the ‘ganga aarti’ ceremony. Taking your leave from this place is not an easy task so concentrate on what’s next, one of the most mesmerising places in India, The Golden Temple in Amritsar. The cheapest way to get here is to head back to Haridwar and board a train to Amristar. Presently there is only one train operating on that route. It departs at 22:40 and arrives in Amristar at seven in the morning. A sleeper cabin would cost around €3. Amritsar in itself is a bit of a dump and extremely chaotic but when you take your first glimpse of the Golden Temple you will need to gasp for air. The feeling is unearthly, like stepping into another dimension. The sense of peace engulfing you is unique. One day and one night should be sufficient here. Just make sure you don’t miss the daily Indian-Pakistan border ceremony at Attari.
Aarti
If you want to end your holiday on a good note avoid sleeping in the Golden Temple quarters as you will be feasted upon by bed bugs. Your way back to Delhi is a smooth and cheap train ride. Once in Delhi leave aside one day to pay your respects to the Taj avoid Mahal, in Agra, which is only two to three hours away if sleeping you get one of the fast trains. Visiting this country is a multidimensional experience. A final word of advice - go for it without any expectations and with an open heart - let India work its magic!
in the Golden Temple quarters
Rishikesh Photos by Yakof Azzopardi and Janet Silvio
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
21
travel
Couch Surfing Where sleeping on the couch isn’t such a bad idea by Sarah Micallef
L
ove to travel but can’t afford to jet off as often as you’d like? This is a common complaint among my group of friends – the majority of which being students; we simply don’t have the funds to see as much of the big, bright world as we want to, no matter how persistently it calls. It is for this reason that my ears pricked up when I heard talk of an innovative travel experience – Couch Surfing. Couch Surfing (CS) is an international non-profit network established in 2004, comprised of a community of people who host and ‘surf’ (stay with a local in their country of choice as a guest in their home). Aimed at bringing people together “for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences”, CS enables users to put up a profile and host travelers in their home, or surf and visit other members’ homes in a wide variety of countries. The good news is, if you’re unable to host due to not owning your own home or you simply don’t have enough room for guests, it still allows you to surf! Rachel Agius has couch surfed three times, staying with three different hosts last August as she travelled around Belgium. She explains the concept: “The community is based on having a little faith in people, which can be hard for some and near impossible for others. The pros however, are many. You get an insider’s insight into the city you are living in, with information you would never have gotten otherwise, no matter how good your guide book is. You are given a free pass to a whole social circle; when you go out with your hosts, you meet their friends, making it much easier to strike up conversations and friendships of your own.” Rachel maintains that, aside from the financial advantage, CS is a mode of travel which she felt a particular affinity with: “Initially, it was my desperate financial situation wrestling with my love for
22
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
travel that prompted the choice. Accommodation always eats away at your budget. Once I started reading about Couch Surfing however, I began to understand that it was not a free bed and breakfast service but a dedicated group of people all over the world with a very particular ethos, which I felt a positive connection with.” Peter Grech is a couch surfer who’s stayed with four hosts in different cities, and can’t seem to recommend it highly enough. He explains the reasons behind choosing this mode of accommodation: “I was abroad for a while and wanted to take weekend mini-breaks in different cities. I thought that Couch Surfing would be a great way to save a few Euros and also a way in which I could get an introduction to the city from a local’s perspective.” Upon learning more about the community, my interest is well and truly peaked. An insider’s guide to all the best spots in a foreign country, far removed from the beaten track of bumbling tourists with cameras swinging from their necks? This sounds ideal. Rachel further tempts me by relating one such experience that would have been otherwise impossible, where it not for CS: “I’ll never forget one evening in Ghent, in which I rode a Dutch bicycle into the outskirts of the city to an abandoned factory. There was a film screening in which the movie was projected onto the side of the old brick building. It was a spontaneous gathering, advertised by word of mouth and resulted in an unusual collection of people showing up.” Peter joins in on the recounting of unique experiences, recalling with a smile how his host in Marseilles, France introduced him to the local cuisine, “My host was extremely sweet and very accommodating, taking me around the city and showing me the best places to visit. She was also very enthusiastic about helping me experience the local flavours!” As amazing as this all sounds, if you’re generally as cautious as I
travel
Rachel on Couch Surfing in Belgium: “I’ll never forget one evening in Ghent, in which I rode a Dutch bicycle into the outskirts of the city to an abandoned factory. There was a film screening in which the movie was projected onto the side of the old brick building.”
Peter on his stay in Marseilles: “My host was extremely sweet and very accommodating, taking me around the city and showing me the best places to visit. She was also very enthusiastic about helping me experience the local flavours!”
am when it comes to trying new things, now is about the time you’ll have that niggling feeling at the back of your mind asking, but is it really safe to stay with strangers? Rachel acknowledges this fear, maintaining “disadvantages lie mostly with miscommunication or poor judgement. Since you are staying with someone you have never met before, it is important to have honest conversations before leaving home, about crucial matters like address, getting there, house rules and so on. I think it’s important to feel confident in what you will and will not accept and to ask for help if you feel threatened.” As a woman travelling alone, she understands my apprehension, but comfortingly adds, “I can’t say I have had any specifically negative experiences; I was a guest in people’s houses and felt safe and taken care of. There was one host, a real-life hoarder with a penchant for car boot sales and vintage cameras, who offered me the couch in his cluttered living room. It was difficult to find somewhere to step, let alone put my bag down!” Well, if tripping over a vintage camera or two is considered a drawback, I’m definitely in. According to Peter and Rachel, the risks are relatively low if you make smart choices and are entirely truthful in your exchanges. What’s more, Couch Surfing is not just an option for the young (and broke) among us. “While most hosts and surfers are younger,” Rachel says, “many hosts prefer older travellers and some are even willing to host families with kids.” For this reason, a little research goes a long way and there’s a good chance you will find exactly what you want. Peter concludes with enthusiastic recommendations, asserting “I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in meeting people and sharing ideas with an open mind.”
Rachel and Peter’s helpful hints for the future couch surfer: • Have a full profile, and be truthful. The entire system works on a basis of mutual trust between travellers, and so it’s imperative that your profile shows who you really are and what you are interested in. The more comprehensive your profile is, the better the response. • Send out messages first before couch requesting and make them personalized to the receiver with references to what they have written in their profile - it shows that you actually read their profile and are interested in staying with them. • Most people only host a small number of people at a time, and only for a few days, so if you are a big group it might be difficult to use CS, but you can always join the group that represents that city and post a message there and wait to see if anyone answers you. I also found a super cheap sublet for a month that way. • Once you get there, always be grateful and respectful. Small gifts from home are highly appreciated and a welcome courtesy. Respect house rules (and house mates, if there are any) and talk to your host; they are just as curious about you as you are of them and dialogue is the real value of the experience. • You do not need to host to be a couch surfer. You can also meet travellers in your country for a drink and show them around your favourite spots.
For more information and to get going, log on to www.couchsurfing.org. Happy surfing!
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
23
motoring
Keep off the grass by Richard Muscat Azzopardi
T
he market is currently flooded with mid-sized crossovers, so choosing three to try out was not an easy task. Japanese car builders have been building small SUVs for decades, however they struggled to make a big hit in Europe. The Toyota Rav 4 sold in decent numbers because it was quite unique and had lots of appeal. Then, Nissan decided to effectively replace its Almera with a slightly higher vehicle, the Qashqai, because it had been losing ground on its competitors in the C segment. It seemed quite strange because it was equipped with a relatively small engine - at the time a 1.5l turbo diesel unit would have been considered puny on a butch car. The Qashqai flew out of showrooms and in a few years the competition was catching on - drivers loved the high driving position, better ride and feeling of owning a bigger car, but didn’t want to have to pay the price in terms of impact on the environment, running costs and parking space. Nissan also realised that most owners, like drivers of the Rav 4 and the Freelander before it, will not be going off road, so by building a car which is primarily for road usage, the costs were driven down too. This group test shall be carried out in two parts since there are so many crossovers on the market. For the first one we have gone for a selection from across the spectrum, trying to offer as much variety as possible within a single category. We have a French offering which looks slightly quirky but offers exceptional value, a great looking Korean which will not break the bank and finally the premium European (though Ford is an American brand, the Kuga is all-European) which will steal hearts and turn heads.
24
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Hyundai iX35 In the Santa Fe and the Tucson, Hyundai had two very capable small to medium sized SUVs which did well internationally and sold like hot cakes locally. The iX35 is the direct replacement of the Tucson, however it was designed to look more like a crossover thanks to its sporty lines which are nearly reminiscent of a low flung hatchback’s. The off-road roots of the iX35 can be felt when you get behind the wheel - out of these three vehicles this one feels most like it could actually be useful venturing slightly off the beaten track. Even simply driving on our, let us say, rustic roads is enough to realise that this car was built to be treated to something rougher than the quasi-perfect European highways. While the scope of our test did not include off-roading, one guesses that this might come in handy every now and again in Malta. The interior looks and feels good, with comfortable seats and a boot which is spacious enough to take whatever a family should throw at it. The dashboard is well laid out and, even though not the most luxuriously finished, it seems very sturdily built. Overall the iX35 is a package which is worth considering, especially if you intend on hitting rough roads regularly.
motoring
Ford Kuga
Peugeot 3008
If looking good could kill, then the German-built Ford Kuga would definitely be accused of cold blooded murder on a regular basis. There is something about Ford’s current line of vehicles which is positively overwhelming. Even though this car is just a couple of centimetres taller and longer than the other cars on test, for some strange reason it feels significantly larger.
First impressions count, and the 3008’s looks are somewhat debatable, especially when seen in this company. It is the one which looks least like a crossover and most like an MPV which has grown tall. It is actually the lowest and shortest of all three, but the van-like shape means it offers a lot of space on the inside. The interior is well designed and practical, once again stealing a leaf from MPVs’ notebooks to offer lots of storage in every nook and cranny available. One little oversight in the conversion from left hand drive, however, was the cover of the (gargantuan) centre cubby hole - its hinges are on the right, so it makes it pretty uncomfortable for the driver to slot in a USB or auxiliary cable into the ports which are neatly hidden inside it.
The interior is finished to spectacular levels and the quality of the materials used all over the cabin is consistently high. The Kuga is also the one which feels most like a car when driving, both in seating position and in ride. The 2.0l Turbo diesel feels urgent and, despite its height, the car feels glued to the ground in corners. I was given the automatic version to try out and would really recommend going the extra mile and ordering it if you were to go for this car because the match between the engine and the gearbox was surely made in heaven. Since everything must balance out in life, all this bounty comes at a premium, the Kuga is effectively competing with a different class of vehicle, however in its price range I would be hard pressed to find anything that could stand its own against it.
The French have a history of offering the smoothest rides around and the extra height that was given to the 3008 resulted in an even better experience than we’ve been used to. The 1.6l HDi engine was powerful enough for daily running about, and with a return of over 55mpg and just 135g of CO2 it is also the most economical on test. When you keep all this in mind, the 3008 certainly seems like a steal - it is actually one of the most accessible of all the full-sized crossovers available locally.
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
25
special feature
Alive and blooming The wonders of Majjistral Park
A
pril is a colourful month in our countryside – the last widespread bloom of most flowers and plants before the onset of the harsh and dry summer – a perfect time to enjoy the countryside. Annalise Falzon takes us on a tour of Malta’s national natural park.
Set up in 2007 and managed by the Heritage Parks Federation, Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park is located in Mellieħa and covers the coastal stretch from Golden Bay to Anchor Bay (Popeye Village) spreading inland to the village of Manikata. Apart from its fresh air and panoramic views of land and sea, the park is home to no less than 400 species of plants including almost half (11 species) the total of local endemics – plants that exist in Malta and nowhere else in the world! At this time of year three main endemics you are most likely to recognise whilst walking in the area are the Maltese Spurge (in Maltese ‘Tengħud ta’ Malta’), the leaves of which will soon change to a striking rusty red colour, the Maltese Pyramidal Orchid (‘Orkida Piramidali ta’ Malta’) and the Maltese Sea Chamomile (‘Bebuna tal-Baħar’). If you are lucky enough you may also spot quite a rarity – the Sicilian Squill (‘Għansar Ikħal’), which is known to exist in Malta and the central Mediterranean area only. The truly wild rock-garden of limestone plateaus in the park enables a myriad of species to be seen at this time of year and can provide a great outdoor learning experience, as long as nothing is disturbed in the process. Too many of our local indigenous species have been lost due to people trampling excessively or destroying their habitat. Do be careful where to tread when you’re walking in the countryside. The Majjistral park is free for anyone to enjoy at all times – but this is to be done in respect of nature. Don’t pick flowers or any other plants. Most importantly, entrance is on foot or bicycle only – keep your cars on the road. You can catch a bus to Golden Bay and start your walk from there. You can also park near the Manikata Church or at the Golden Bay parking areas. Sulla
26
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Eastern Phagnalon
special feature Visit us Why not organise a half-day outing for your family, friends or colleagues at work? Guided walks are held regularly, both for schools as well as for the general public against a small fee and by booking on walks@majjistral.org. This outing can also be combined with foodtasting experiences enabling you to try locally-grown produce provided by the Manikata Farmers Cooperative. These delights include strawberries, which are grown organically in the park’s soils.
Sulla (red) and Tassel Hyacinth (violet)
Organically-grown strawberries
April at the park Springtime birds April 10th, 09:30* Get your binoculars ready for three hours of birdwatching in the park, as we team up with Birdlife (Malta) for a morning walk led by Richard Cachia Zammit.
Maltese Pyramidal Orchid
Sicilian Squill
Wild Carrot
Southern Star of Betlehem
Crown Daisy
Sea Squill
Giant fennel
Barbary Nut Iris
The World of Insects April 17th, 10:00* Dr David Mifsud, from the Entomological Society of Malta, takes us on a walk focusing on insect life. In this three-hour event, we discover some of Malta’s 10,000 different species of insects, including butterflies.
Join the Majjistral Park’s Facebook page. www.majjistral.org *Fee: €5.00, €3.00 for students and members of federation NGOs. Booking: Email on walks@ majjistral.org. Limited places available, early booking is recommended. Meeting point: Manikata Church. Butterflies at the park
Blue Stonecrop
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
27
fashion
Fashion Fairground by Sarah Micallef
Your Spring/Summer Essentials As the sun begins to flirt with the clouds and the breeze slowly becomes warmer, the time for SS11 edges closer. With fashion weeks in the major fashion capitals behind us, it’s time to take a look at what the style crowd will be sporting in the coming months! Fe
nt
on
• Bright Ideas: The big news on the catwalks this season is colour – the bolder the better. There aren’t many rules with the veritable rainbow of brights possible, but do be daring with your combinations! Colour blocking is big news for Spring, so belt up your royal blue tunic with a tangerine orange belt or throw on some neon accessories and you’ll be right on the money. • Sexy Seventies: The era to emulate this summer is the
laidback seventies with all manner of printed flair from maxi dresses and skirts to palazzo pants guaranteed to shine on those sunny summer days. The ultimate style staple of the group? The jumpsuit. Carried over from last year’s jumpsuit mania, this year the leg is wider and the prints are ditsier.
to r
Olivia
V ic
• Dreaming of Denim: Denim is a staple that fits in always
Miu Miu
&R olf
and everywhere. This season denim is faded and definitely not limited to jeans! A denim mini dress is a perfect carryover from afternoon to evening – just add a few (colourful, remember the first rule) accessories and you’ve got a perfect party look on your hands.
• Get Shirty: Seperates are huge this year, which means there’s an array of shirts and blouses prevalent on the runways. A crisp shirt or easygoing blouse makes for the ultimate in stylish dressing, so tuck into your belted trousers or wear over a wide leg pant and you’re set.
Mc Ca
winter, tailored trousers are all set to continue their charm through to spring. High waisted and narrow, rolled hem pencil styles are the way to go. Wear with chunky platforms for fashion-forward chic. If palazzo pants aren’t your thing, here’s your style alternative!
rtney
• Trouser Magic: Having clothed the fashionable all through
Stella
Alice &
Prada
• Novelty Nudging: Reminding us that fashion is really
about having fun, novelty is going to be huge this year. From fruity accessories such as cherries and bananas to offbeat prints that’ll put a smile on your face, we’re ready for a novelty good time. Embrace your inner Chiquita and have a ball!
Prada
Louis Vuitton
Wardrobe Diaries Name: Cristina Micallef Describe your style in 3 words: Comfortable, classic and girly. Favourite item of clothing: A zipper sweatshirt with a
faux-fur hood.
Most expensive piece: A pair of brown leather high
heeled boots.
Best bargain buy: : A lime yellow dress for Lm5 (It’s
28
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
been a while since I bought it, but it’s a dress that never goes out of fashion!) 3 items everyone should own: A comfortable pair of high heels, a dark pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down, and sunglasses. Ultimate fashion rule: Never wear something just because it’s in fashion; wear it because it makes you feel like you!
Midi Skirts
Peackos
Somewhere in between your childhood school uniform and sexy librarian chic lays the Peter Pan collar. This season, this playful beauty is everywhere from understated blouses to its more festive sister version – bejewelled and party perfect. The collar works best on high necklines, but other than that you’re free to mix it up to your heart’s content!
New Look
Asos
Peter Pan Collar
Asos
After a few years of thigh skimming numbers, fashion is set to embrace a new type of modesty in the form of the midi skirt. Falling just below the knee, this length is undoubtedly going to take some getting used to for some, but for those among us with a thing for ladylike styling – rejoice!
Topshop Bershka
Fashion’s new favourite: Tassels Long gone are the days that saw tassels limited to the fancy drapes in your living room. They now find themselves prettying up everything from bags to belts and shoes as fashion’s new favourite adornment. My own penchant for tassels is akin to my undying love of bows – and that’s really saying something. Go on and tassel yourselves up, girls!
What’s in your wardrobe
Dorothy Perkins
Asos
a
fashion
Dorothy Perkins
Bershka
?
Ours is constantly overflowing, but we simply can’t resist fresh ideas from your fashion diaries! Send us your ideas, tips, questions, even photos, on fashion@vida.com.mt, or to Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214.
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
29
Blouse – Miss Selfridge Trousers – Topshop Necklace & shoes – Mango Sunglasses – New Look Bracelet – Peacocks
Creative director: Sarah Micallef Focused Knowledge T: 23392403 Photography: Jacob Sammut Carabez Pearl Works T: 79857733, www.pearl-works.com Producer: Claire Camilleri Focused Knowledge T: 23392403 Hair: Lara Steer D Salon T: 21371245, dsalon@maltanet.net Makeup: Diandra Mattei (using Givenchy) T: 79828414 Model: Jacqui Losco
Pretty in
Blouse & bag – Miss Selfridge Skirt – Topshop Wedges – Peacocks Necklace – Mango
Top, shoes & socks – New Look Skirt – Topshop Bangles – Mango
Top & shoes – New Look Shorts – Topshop Leggings – Miss Selfridge Earrings - Mango
ACTIVE REPAIR
Perfect Heels in 3 days! promotes the skin’s natural repair process
NEW Advanced Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream with ACTIVE REPAIR
™
a unique new formula which helps promote the skin’s natural repair process produces visible results in just 3 days gives you smooth, supple heels in one week
Wo
rld
AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING PHARMACIES, SCHOLL FOOTHEALTH CENTRES AND LEADING SUPERMARKETS.
lis t
See the difference...in just 3 days
i ’s N ec o . 1 F o o t c a re S p
a
culture
Passion The making of a Good Friday procession
O
n Good Friday, hundreds of Maltese families take to the streets of Valletta to follow a procession that was first held in 1647. The same statues, and most of the traditions of hundreds of years ago, can still be seen today. Over 400 men, women and children volunteer to take part in the procession and help in its organisation. David Vella meets Ivan Grixti to learn more about what happens behind the scenes of this popular commemoration.
The Arch-Confraternity of the Blessed Crucifix starts gearing up for the Good Friday procession at the beginning of Lent. The first of the statues is taken out of the stores, assembled and placed on display at the Franciscan Church of St. Mary of Jesus (Ta’ Ġieżu) on the first Thursday of Lent. The other statues are then taken out one by one, every week. Ivan Grixti, one of the volunteers who has been assisting the commissioners that coordinate the Arch-Confraternity’s activities since 1988, explains that this is one of the most delicate moments. The set of eight statues representing the Passion of Christ date back to the 17th century, and most of them have just been professionally restored, in a project that cost thousands of Euros. The men who eventually carry the statues during the procession are also responsible for assembling the statue and
dismantling it at the end of the procession. “It is utterly imperative that each crew handles the statue with care. Everything has to be carried out in an organised and precise manner so as to minimise the risk of damaging the statue.” The next step is to decorate the statues and prepare them for the procession. “The flowers we put up on each statue are a work of art. They are designed and put together by fellow members of the Arch-Confraternity,” Ivan says, “I just help by passing them the carnations and belladonna.” The three commissioners, Dione Montfort, Anton Cassar and Ignatius Cumbo, are assisted by sub-committees, mostly made up of youths, who take care of the costumes worn by participants representing the various Biblical figures and the props they hold in their hands. The youths’ mothers are
usually roped in to help with mending and tailoring the costumes. “Everyone can take part in the procession,” Ivan explains, “some individuals have their own costumes and participate in the procession every year. There is a man who participates with a highly-detailed costume depicting an Egyptian pharaoh, for example. The vast majority of costumes, however, belong to the Arch-confraternity and are available to be taken up on a first-comefirst-served basis. Bookings commence on the third Friday of Lent and within ten days, the costumes are practically all taken up.” Most of the participants are residents from the city’s different parishes, but there are also some from other localities. The procession also includes a number of men dressed in robes and hoods. “These are members of the Arch-Confraternity who might have made a vow of walking barefoot
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
35
culture
for some grace they received during the preceding years. In Valletta, it was never a tradition for these members to drag heavy chains attached to their feet.” Other devotees also walk the entire procession behind one of the statues (particularly the ones representing Our Lady of Sorrows and Christ the Redeemer), while praying. The procession requires many other preparations, including PA systems for the prayers and street lighting. All these come at a price, and the Arch-Confraternity, being a voluntary organisation, depends highly on donations. All participants, including those who carry the statues, are asked to pay a token fee. Many other benefactors contribute by donating money to fund particular projects, such as the restoration of the statues, which is nearing its completion. The latter was also supported by the Good Causes Fund. “Thank God, we do manage
36
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
to make ends meet every year,” says Ivan, who, being an accountant, is also entrusted with keeping the Arch-Confraternity books of accounts. In Valletta, the statues are not taken back into the church at the end of the procession. Instead, they stop at St. Ursula Street. At this point, the volunteers’ work is not over. The men carrying the statues have to dismantle all the statues, and carefully place them in their individual storage places. “That is the high risk moment for damages as we would be extremely tired after the long walk with the statue on our shoulders and a busy week of getting everything ready.” Besides keeping its statues, costumes and props in good shape, the Arch-Confraternity also takes care of replacing worn or damaged items and occasionally, introducing new features. However, Ivan insists, adding
new characters or statues is not a priority. First of all, the Arch-Confraternity’s space and resources are limited. “There’s an even more important consideration. Any changes or improvements cannot detract from the procession’s principle function, that of being a solemn continuation of the religious commemoration which would have just ended inside the church.” As Good Friday approaches, the volunteers spend more and more time at the Church, making sure that everything is ready for the big day. Ivan’s family has an added reason to look forward to this year’s procession. “My son Daniel will be making his debut by carrying the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolises the Old Testament,” Ivan smiles, “he will be with another three boys, all sons of men who carry statues during the same procession.”
Carrying the statues The men entrusted with the eight statues in Valletta’s Good Friday procession have to carry them on their shoulders for about 1.5 kilometres. Ivan explains that during every procession in the city, the statues are traditionally moved from one street corner to the next (given that the streets are in the form of a grid), meaning that the carriers keep the statue on their shoulders for nine to 10 minutes before they stop for a short break while the weight is supported by wooden staves. Ivan explains that anyone can volunteer to carry one of the statues. Recently, the ArchConfraternity introduced a policy whereby no one is guaranteed to carry a statue year after year, so that anyone who wants to do it for the first time can get a chance too. “Still, you have to
climb up the ladder and prove that you are fit for the job,” he adds, “I first carried a statue during the 1988 procession and I had to wait 16 years before I managed to become one of the team carrying the Crucifixion Statue – probably the greatest honour of this procession. I have always dreamt of getting there and I cherish those three hours carrying the statue shoulder high through the city streets. I don’t consider it as a macho dare, or as a hobby – it is a devotion.” The procession ends at St. Ursula Street, but to get there, the men have to carry the statues down a 75-step staircase. “As we go down these steps, with the weight pushing down on us, I try to boost my team’s morale, ‘Have courage lads, let’s get there!”
Interested? For more information on the Arch-Confraternity’s events, email the commissioners on santissimukurcifiss@gmail.com.
cinema
April at the movies
by Mark Camilleri www.MarksMovieMarks.com
April isn’t usually that exciting when it comes to cinema. The Oscars already seem like last year’s news, and the films that swept the awards are either lingering in the smaller cinemas, or racing onto DVD before everyone forgets about them. And with regards to new content, Hollywood is usually having a sedate few weeks and taking a deep breath before plunging into five months of blockbuster summer, starting around this time next month. But thankfully, filmmaking and cinema-going are a yearround business, so some crafty producers and distributors will always try to slip their little gem into the quieter weeks, hoping for a sleeper hit. So if one does their homework and has a good look at the menu, you could often stumble upon your favourite film of the year, or simply a pleasant night out.
Limitless Have you ever taken a strong coffee to help you focus? Or maybe an energy drink to keep you up late working on a project? Or even one of those various medications that claim to increase alertness without sideeffects? Of course you have. We all do, at least occasionally. Nescafé is doing rather well, in fact. Limitless takes all this one step further. Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) stars as a writer who feels the stress of work and weight of his recent break-up bearing down on him. Desperate for help, he accepts an offer of a new drug which allows access to all his brain power at once (or something like that). His life changes overnight, and before long he is in the service of a wealthy businessman (played by Robert DeNiro). You don’t need to be a doctor to predict two eventual problems. One - he gets addicted. Two - side-effects. And not just mildheartburn-type side-effects. Big ones.
The Eagle A small group of people my age might remember struggling with a historical novel in secondary school by a certain Rosemary Sutcliff, entitled The Eagle of the Ninth. It was an interesting read, and I remember thinking that, in another setting - away from the classroom, not in onehour chunks and without a looming exam - I might actually have enjoyed it. Anyway, time heals all wounds, and if anyone wants to give the classic adventure story a second try, there’s a new film version coming soon. A Roman soldier goes in search of the lost standard (the Eagle) of his father’s legion (the Ninth) which according to legend once went missing in Great Britain. I remember Hadrian’s Wall featuring rather prominently in the plotline, but I could be mistaken. With regards to casting, it’s not exactly clear who this film is trying to appeal to. Historical war films are not usually aimed at teenage girls, yet rising heartthrob Channing Tatum (Dear John) was cast in the lead role. Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, King Kong) gets second billing, and Donald Sutherland adds some gravitas and nobility to the story.
38
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
cinema Ironclad If you’re drawn to The Eagle, you’ll probably like this too. Set around the time of last year’s Robin Hood, this action film chronicles King John’s drawn-out attempts to capture Rochester Castle as his power and rule expanded across Britain. The cast looks quite impressive - Brian Cox (25th Hour, X-Men 2), Jason Flemyng (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Paul Giamatti (Sideways, Cinderella Man) and Derek Jacobi (Amistad, Gladiator). The film is directed by a certain Johnny English, but I doubt he’s the one I think he is. If you like the clashing of swords, boots marching through mud, and flaming arrows coming down from the ramparts, then it looks like you’ve got two films to enjoy this month.
Battle: Los Angeles Moving swiftly forward, we arrive at another enduring type of film - the alien invasion film. Ever since the Roswell incidents sparked intense interest, cinema has devoted tonnes of time and talent to imagining how earth’s first encounter with extra-terrestrials would be. The hostile version of this futuristic moment is often the most impressive - it gives the filmmaker the opportunity to devise a full-blown war movie without having to pick a particular nation as the enemy. Few things unite the world like a common threat, as we all saw and felt during that moving President’s speech in Independence Day fifteen years ago. The focus this time is less global and more American. Set in the very near future, this film aspires to play out more like a war movie than a sci-fi movie, but the nemesis is unmistakably alien. Leading the ground forces are Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Michelle Rodriguez (Avatar) and Michael Peña (Crash). This will not be the first time aliens invade this year, but it looks like the first big battle.
Mars Needs Moms On a much lighter note, these Martians have a slightly different agenda. They aren’t bent on annihilating earth - they just want our mums. Apparently mums are a scarce resource elsewhere in the solar system, and since they appreciate their immense handiness, they decide to take ours. As you can expect, some of the newly orphaned boys and girls might have a problem with this, and one actually manages to hitch a ride to Mars to try and get his back. This film is the final product of Robert Zemeckis’ motion capture studio (The Polar Express, Beowulf, A Christmas Carol), so you can expect to see computer animation with (scarily) realistic detail. On the humans, of course.
Release dates are subject to change. All films released by KRS film distributors.
Mark Camilleri is running the London Marathon on 17th April, to raise money for UCL Cancer Research. Please visit www. JustGiving.com/MaltaLondon to donate, and to see the video which explains why he’s doing it. Thank you!
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
39
books news from bookland
Martin Amis ridicules children’s literature
Martin Amis recently sparked controversy by claiming that he would write books for children only if he had a serious brain injury. During an interview on BBC2’s Faulks on Fiction, the author said that “I would never write about someone that forced me to write at a lower register than what I can write.” Naturally, several authors of children’s books were deeply offended. Charlie Higson, author of the Young Bond books, commented that several children’s books have endured much longer than adult books. Lucy Coats, who penned the Greek Beasts and Heroes series, argued that when writing for children “I research and plan just as I assume Amis does.” Jane Stemp, author of The Secret Songs and who actually has cerebral palsy, complained that “Amis could not have insulted me harder if he’d sat down and thought about it for a year.”
Japan to ban sexuallyoriented publications Japanese public officials are expected to prohibit Japanese magazine and book publishers, as well as producers of DVDs and web videos, from showing provocative images of young children, DVDs and Web videos. Japan publications, particularly its manga comics, are known for tolerating depictions of teenage girls in sexual acts – images that would be considered to be child pornography in other countries. Paving the way for the banning of such material, Shintaro Ishihara, the governor of Tokyo, has recently admitted that such publications are “for perverts.”
To classify or to censor?
During the past weeks, books made headlines in local media. Unfortunately, it happened for the wrong reasons. The press reported at length about books that were banned from public libraries. Amazingly, we also read about books that were taken off the shelves at the university library and placed in a closet! In a close-knit society like Malta, discussing censorship is a delicate issue. There is a tendency to blow everything out of proportion. The National Book Council recommends that Malta should opt for a classification system. In this way libraries can surely benefit by seeing that their clients are choosing and borrowing items that are addressed to their needs. We are aware that not everybody favours such a system and that there may be difficulties in its overall implementation. However, if carried out properly, classification would be a good guiding tool, while avoiding a repetition of the incidents witnessed in February.
40
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Obama’s mailbox American President Barack Obama revealed that his office is working on a book that will include a sample of the 10 American citizen's letters he reads every evening. Since the beginning of his presidency, Obama has been receiving a folder full of these letters every day. HIs Correspondence Office receives thousands of letters to the President from the American people.
Respect teachers, Morpurgo says During the annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, Michael Morpurgo called for more respect for teachers, arguing that they should concentrate on enhancing their relationships with their students rather than on grades. Murpurgo, who wrote 120 books, praised those parents who put their children ahead of their career. He hailed teaching as one of the noblest professions, and called for greater respect and admiration for the people who take it up. “The trouble is that the status of those who work with and for children is low, and I’m not thinking here simply of the financial rewards,” he insisted. The books pages in Vida are coordinated by the National Book Council. Check out these pages for information from the world of books and reading!
5449 SE ONLY
ONIC U
ELECTR
5449
ELECTRONIC USE
ONLY
5449 E ONIC US ELECTR
ONLY
5449 SE ONLY
ONIC U
ELECTR
5449
ONLY
ELECTRONIC USE
5449 E ONLY
ONIC US
ELECTR
5449 SE ONLY
ONIC U
ELECTR
5449
5449
ELECTRONIC USE
ONLY E ONLY
ONIC US
ELECTR
free and exclusive UEFA Champions League merchandise ional URE ard Internat the ED SIGNAT ns m MasterC AUTHORIS uant to a licence fro e. The Card remai ly on of Us League ediate l.c. purs Champions This is your chance to obtain exclusive Conditions lletta p.UEFA act us imm limited edition Bank of Va with its Terms and en, you must cont Bank’s Branches or e ol ce st th is issued by ac an or of rd y ta. to own a st merchandise. BankThisofCardValletta is offering you a one-time opportunity co lo an is at 9030, Mal be used in lletta p.l.c. and, if it ould be handed in UR. Ve E nera SVR rCard International and must League , StCard, rd sh SIGNAT of Va MasterCard adAT SIGN aste Ca URE the Ro nk M e €150 UEFA Champions Prepaid available any ED Ba m on th IS fro of nn m d, ISED OR re l ains from , Ca enceterCarde.Inte rnatrdiona AUreTH If founAUTHOR property to a licMas Cent .nt from uace Us The Caimm BOV. purs rsSS 23 4821. ices Unit,p.l.c licen pu a. CE ediately on tp.tol.c ons ofCard uan ACcan the nditi.one ains official ttaSH +356 21card t us rvof Valletta Ba lle ac50 or UEFA CA dofCoUse BOV branch. Obtain and win of Vayou Tel:your ntrem Setoday an The es k of co NO s Ban rd ch t by nk rm us an ed ns Ca Te m issu Br ditio V is u Con Code stolen, yo by its Term nk’s on s and th its ThismCard uedwith to BO e Bately is issce ailed be of thedia usyimm t ormust conin rdance wiactuifreit is ID you tact Card rdan Malta. at an in acco t usedThinis acco ord,stolen,los an.uf us.edand and mus an Champions League matchballs. Mlost SVR 90 che30s, or l.c , iflleitttaisp. be handed k’sraBran p.l.c d mus . Vene ttat be ofadthe should Valle Va , StBan rd ded in atnnany Ro nk ofCard e Cahan Ba be on th property of Bank ofan ld of d, shou ta. ty Ca un Mal , 0, er fo the re nt d, St. Ven prop If found,23 4821. If era SVR 903 V CeRoa it, BOnon Tel: +356 2123 482Te1.l: +3ices ACCESS. s UnCan 56 21Unit, BOV Cen icetre, rv NO CASH V Card Se mailed to BOV CardmServ ailed to BO NO CASH ACCESS. ID Code
Your success is our goal.
BOV 29035
BOV PREPAID CARDS 2131 2020 I bov.com Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. 58, Zachary Street Valletta VLT 1130 - Malta
ture
Manufac
e
Manufacture ID Cod
50 official UEFA Champions League matchballs will be won. Offer valid until 2nd June 2011. Terms and conditions apply and are found at www.bov.com. Winners must answer a skill testing question to win prize. Offer valid until stocks last.
photography
Delicate stillness
Kurt Cuschieri
Two months ago, we gave you a few hints on how to take still life photos, and asked you to send us your best shots. Even though it needed a lot of work from your part, this month was one of the hardest for us to choose a winner.
Russel Mizzi
Noel Portelli
Elisa von Brockdorff
Kurt Cuschieri's entry (topmost photo), in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, well lit and composed also embodies a hobby perfectly. We loved the fact that it included a mixture of textures and colours and showed depth of field excellently.
WIN €100
Architecture photography competition
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Josian Bonello
42
Marco Borg
Have you managed to take a photo using the techniques explained in last month’s issue? Well, you’re still in time to send your entries. The deadline for this competition is April 11th, 2011. Your photo may win you the €100 prize. (See page 63 for more details). The best entries will be published in the June 2011 issue.
F O OT H E A LT H C E N T R E
SPRING
COLLECTION 2011 21.245.11
Colour: Off-white Size: 36 - 42
21.242.36
Colour: Atlantic Size: 36 - 42
25.220.33
BEATA
Colour: Cookie dough Size: 36 - 42
Colour: Fumo Size: 36 - 42
Scholl, Gabor and Naturalizer are exclusively available from:
The Scholl Foothealth Centres in Sliema, Valletta, Mosta and Fgura* Suffolk - Valletta and Abela’s Health and Beauty Centre - Gozo. *246, Hompesch Road, Fgura, Tel: 2180 7483 While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this advert prices may be subject to change and not all sizes and colour maybe available.
21.252.39
Colour: Rock / Taupe Size: 36 - 42
BACANA
Colour: Denim Size: 36 - 41
GABINA
Colour: Black Size: 36 - 42
BANITA
Colour: Aqua Size: 36 - 42
events
F
ireworks are considered a centuries old tradition in the Maltese Islands. Indeed, the craft of pyrotechnics in Malta goes back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St. John. The Order would celebrate the most important feasts using special pyrotechnic displays. Such firework displays were an expression of rejoicing on special occasions, such as the election of a Grand Master or a Pope, as well as the birth of a prince. Pyrotechnics must have been inspired by cannon shots and musket fire. The ‘feu de joie’, which was a salute by the musketeers, produced a celebratory welcome to any dignitary. The ‘musketterija’ developed from this, which today consists of a series of hundreds of explosions of crackers firing in rapid succession. These are attached to a string placed on the roof top of a church or other large building. The ‘solfarelli d’aria’ were a series of colourful weak shots fired in quick succession into the sky; and the ‘gioco di fuoco’ are better known as St Catherine’s wheels or ‘irdieden’ in Maltese. These are comprised of a mechanized and rotating set of wheels attached to a pole on the ground which provide a rotating movement for the burning gas tubes.
The Maltese fireworks tradition With the ninth edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival coming up this month, Vida thought it fitting to trace the origins of an integral part of Maltese heritage – fireworks.
© Rene Rossignaud
44
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
This tradition is still very much alive in the crowded calendar of village feasts that take place all over Malta and Gozo. For tourists who fly to Malta any time between June and mid-September, it may come as a surprise to find that firework displays take place practically every weekend. There are some 35 fireworks factories in Malta and Gozo, and double that number of towns and villages in which these displays are part of the traditional celebrations of patron saints' feasts. Unfortunately, in between these celebrations there also may occur periods of mourning related to accidental deaths of pyro-technicians, whose life is cut short by unexpected mishaps during the course of the preparatory work. Despite the dangers, fireworks production in Malta is a year round occupation for enthusiasts and goes on to fascinate thousands of locals and foreigners year after year.
events
© Rene Rossignaud
© Rene Rossignaud
The Malta International Fireworks Festival The Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the Environment and Culture together with the Malta Tourism Authority will be organising the ninth edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. The Grand Harbour will once again provide the perfect setting for this event, which will take place on Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th. The festival shall also form part of the seventh anniversary celebrations of Malta’s accession into the European Union, which took place on May 1st, 2004. The best view points from which to enjoy the fireworks displays will be Barriera Wharf on the Valletta sea front as well as on top of the bastions of the capital city, above the Grand Harbour. The displays will start at 21:00 and finish at 23:00.
© Clive Vella
For further information and updates call 22915440-1 or 23696073/4, email info@visitmalta.com or visit our website www.visitmalta.com/events.
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
45
calendar Puttinu Cares Football Marathon Marsa Sports Grounds May 6th to 8th
Events Theatre
Sports
Culture & History
Friday 1st Christ the Redeemer - Religious event Isla and other localities Saturday 2nd One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 20:00 Majsi, Ġorg u l-President tal-Banda Primary School – Għaxaq 19:30 80’s Disco Party - Alex Reflex Grech & DJ Johnny - Pandora Theatre – Żejtun- 8:30 Sunday 3rd
T
he popular Puttinu Cares Football Marathon will be held next month, but if you want to be part of it you have to book a pitch now!
Puttinu Cares, the voluntary organisation that helps children and adults who need medical treatment abroad, is holding the seventh edition of this charity event between May 6th and 8th – 60 hours of non-stop football are in store. This charity organisation offers free London accommodation and support to Maltese patients who require treatment in UK hospitals. Most of these persons, and their families, spend months abroad before they can return to their homes in Malta. The majority of the patients that Puttinu Cares helps are children with cancer, and their parents. Booking a pitch is free of charge, however teams who wish to leave a donation are welcome to do so. After all, the aim of this football marathon is to help young and adult patients who are going through a very difficult experience. There are five-a-side and seven-a-side pitches available. To participate, you have to come in a team. For example, if you book a five-a-side pitch you need to be at least 10 players and likewise if you book a seven-aside pitch you must have at least 14 players. You can book online on marathon.puttinucares.org, or by sending an email to football@puttinucares.org. If you’re sending an email, include your name, mobile number, date and time you wish to play, and the pitch size you require. For more information, call 7980 9778. What are you waiting for? Book your pitch now and come and have some fun whilst helping others to lead a better life. Then, tell all your friends to come and cheer your team on, and, while there, give Puttinu Cares a donation as well! www.puttinucares.org
46
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Clubbing
Music
The Son of Man - Independence Square Għajnsielem – 20:00 Animal Musical Magic - Peter & the Wolf - Malta Philharmonic Orchestra – MCC – Valletta – 18:30 Tour ta’ Malta (cycling) – Nadur road Race – Marina Hotel – Sliema – 06:30 Sunday 10th Blood Donation Mobile Unit – Next to police station - Mellieħa – 08:30 to 13:30 Mrs Warren’s Profession – Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 19:30
Blood Donation Mobile Unit –Next to Mġarr Parish Church – 08:30 to 13:30
Me Am Chic! – Women’s Expo 2011 – MFCC – Ta’ Qali – 10:00 to 18:00
Milk Festival – Village Square – Għargħur – 11:30 to 17:30
Strawberry Fair (Festa Frawli) – Parish Square – Mġarr – 10:00
Majsi, Ġorg u l-President tal-Banda – Primary School – Għaxaq – 18:30
Tour ta’ Malta (cycling) – Żebbuġ individual time trial - Marina Hotel Sliema - 07:00 to 13:15
Wednesday 6th Romance, with a touch of Earlier Times St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 12:30
Challenge Cup Final (Horse racing) Malta Racing Club – Marsa - 14:00
Suspended Lives - St. James Cavalier Valletta - 19:00 (see page 14)
Springtime Birds – Il-Majjistral Park – Manikata Church – 09:30 (see page 26)
Thursday 7th James Blunt Live – Valletta Waterfront – Floriana - 20:30 (see right) Tour ta’ Malta (cycling) - Salina individual time trial - Marina Hotel - Sliema – 08:30 Friday 8th Me Am Chic! – Women’s Expo 2011 – MFCC – Ta’ Qali – 16:00 to 22:00
Monday 11th Youth Fellowship Lenten Talks - Gattard House - Blata l-Bajda - 19:30 Tuesday 12th 2+2=8 - Manoel Theatre - Valletta - 20:00 Youth Fellowship Lenten Talks - Gattard House - Blata l-Bajda - 19:30 Wednesday 13th
Mrs Warren’s Profession – Teatru Manoel – Valletta – 19:30
Dalla Nebbia alla Mattinata – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 12:30
Jam Factory Disco Edition - Liquid Club – San Ġwann - 21:00
Youth Fellowship Lenten Talks - Gattard House - Blata l-Bajda - 19:30
St. Matthew Passion - St Monica Choir, Malta and the Young Philharmony Brandenburgue, Berlin - St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral - Mdina - 19:30 Tour ta’ Malta (cycling) - San Martin road race - Marina Hotel - Sliema - 08:30 Saturday 9th Blood Donation Mobile Unit –Next to police station- Mellieħa – 08:30 to 13:30 27 Hour Charity Walk - Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) - St. Julians (more info on Facebook page ‘27 hour walk’) Me Am Chic! – Women’s Expo 2011 – MFCC – Ta’ Qali – 16:00 to 22:00 The Best of Ruby & Friends - Tattingers Club – Rabat – 21:00 Mrs Warren’s Profession –Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 19:30 Le Comte Ory (Met HD Live) - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 19:00
Thursday 14th Spotlight on Camilleri Trio – Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 20:00 Suspended Lives - University Chaplaincy - Msida - 19:00 (see page 14) Amitex Fair - MFCC - Ta’ Qali - 18:00 to 22:30 George Cross Award Commemoration St. George’s Square – Valletta - 19:30 Youth Fellowship Lenten Talks - Gattard House - Blata l-Bajda - 19:30 Friday 15th Our Lady of Sorrows – Religious event – various localities in Malta & Gozo Amitex Fair - MFCC - Ta’ Qali - 18:00 to 22:30 Mrs Warren’s Profession – Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 19:30 Youth Fellowship Lenten Talks - Gattard House - Blata l-Bajda - 19:30
calendar
this month Fund Raising
Blood Drive
Mulier Tristis - Banda Żejtun - Pandora Theatre - Żejtun – 20:00 Saturday 16th Amitex Fair – MFCC – Ta Qali - 18:00 to 22:30 Colours of Spring (Ilwien ir-Rebbiegħa) – Żebbuġ, Gozo Mrs Warren’s Profession – Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 19:30 Accompanying Him in His Sufferings Misraħ Frenċ Abela – Dingli - 18:00 Le Comte Ory (Met HD Live) - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 19:00 Il-Messija - Teatru tal-Istitut Kattoliku – Floriana – 19:00 Jiena Hu l-Ħajja - Sede Azzjoni Kattolika - Isla - 19:30 The American Wrestling Superstar MFCC - Ta’ Qali - 21:00 Benevolent Music Festival ‘Aim High’ Sky Club - Paceville – 19:00 Akustika - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 20:00 Nicolo Isouard Band of Mosta - ‘ Sacred Music ‘ - Kullegg Maria Regina – Mosta - 19:30 Sunday 17th
Kids & Family
April 2011
Fairs
Real life scenes from the Passion of Christ - Domus San Mikiel – Kirkop - 20:00 Friday 22nd Good Friday – Religious event and public holiday – various localities A Live Representation of Jesus Christ in the Getsemani Garden - Pandora Theatre - Żejtun - 09:00 Real life scenes from the Passion of Christ - Domus San Mikiel – Kirkop - 09:00 Nicolo Isouard Band’s ‘Funeral Marches’ - Mosta streets - Mosta - 18:00 Saturday 23rd Knockout Easter Special – La Grotta – Xlendi Capriccio (Met HD Live) - Richard Strauss – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 19:00 Sunday 24th Blood Donation Mobile Unit – Church Square - Siġġiewi – 08:30 to 13:30
The World of Insects – Il-Majjistral Park Manikata Church – 10:00 (see page 26)
Resurrection Procession (Nicolo Isouard Band) - Mosta streets - Mosta - 18:00
Mrs Warren’s Profession - Manoel Theatre – Valletta – 19:30 Duwa – Għargħur Square – Għargħur – 16:30 to 21:00 Il-Messija - Teatru tal-Istitut Kattoliku – Floriana – 17:00 Jiena Hu l-Ħajja - Sede Azzjoni Kattolika Senglea – 15:00 Colours of Spring (Ilwien ir-Rebbiegħa) – Żebbuġ, Gozo
Wednesday 27th Piano Master pieces – St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 12:30 Friday 29th International Fireworks Festival - Grand Harbour – Valletta - 21:00 (see page 44) Saturday 30th Feast of St. Vincent - Valletta International Fireworks Festival - Grand Harbour – Valletta - 21:00 (see page 44) Fatboy Slim Live - MFCC - Ta’ Qali - 20:00 Il Trovatore (Met HD Live) - St. James Cavalier – Valletta – 19:00
Akustika - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 20:00 Tuesday 19th Nicolo Isouard Band’s ‘Funeral Marches’ - Parish Square - Mġarr - 19:00 Wednesday 20th Songs and Arias for Soprano - St. James Cavalier - Valletta - 12:30 Nicolo Isouard Band’s ‘Funeral Marches’ - Valletta streets - Valletta - 19:00
Thousands of fans will undoubtedly flock to the Waterfront for what is sure to be a very memorable event, all hoping to belt out the lyrics to their favourite James Blunt tunes along with the star himself. Get your tickets now from www.nngpromotions.com or any Vodafone outlet so as not to miss out.
Thursday 21st
Easter Sunday - Religious event and public holiday - various localities
Amitex Fair – MFCC – Ta’ Qali - 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 21:00
The first in what promises to be a fantastic string of internationally-acclaimed performances from NNG Promotions is set to take place this month – that of British pop star, James Blunt.
A Live Representation of Jesus Christ in the Getsemani Garden - Pandora Theatre - Żejtun - 20:30 A Live Representation of Jesus Christ in the Getsemani Garden - Pandora Theatre - Żejtun - 19:00
To include your events in this page email all details to claire@vida.com.mt or call 2339 2274, by April 15th, 2011.
Event of the month
Valletta WaterfrontNovember 5th-7th, 13th & 14th, April 7th
Others
Palm Sunday – Religious event – various localities
Blood Donation Mobile Unit – Salesian Brigade - Sliema – 08:30 to 13:30
James Blunt Live in Concert
www.nngpromotions.com Miniatures Exhibition - Processional Statues
The Inquisitor’s Palace - Birgu - February 11th to April 3rd. Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 09:00 to 17:00.
In Quest of Beauty - Alphonse Mucha 1860-1939
Exhibitions in April
National Museum of Archaeology - Valletta - February 25th to May 15th
Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 09:00 to 19:00 (Last admission 18:30).
Placeness - Trevor Borg
St. James Cavalier – Valletta – March 4th to April 30th Opening Times: Monday - Tuesday 09:00 to 17:00, Wednesday - Friday 09:00 to 21:00, weekends 10:00 to 21:00.
Homage to Picasso - Felix Manuel Quintanilla
Tempra Museum - Mġarr Local Council – Mġarr - March 12th to April 12th Opening Times: Weekdays 10:00 to 16:00.
Home - Michael Von Cube and Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci
National Museum of Fine Arts - Valletta – March 26th to May 1st
Opening Times: Monday - Friday 09:00 to 16:30 (Last Admission 16:00).
Mused – Carmelo Apap
St. Bartholomew Band Club – Għargħur - April 1st to 10th Opening Times: Weekdays 16:00 to 19:00, Saturday 09:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, Sunday first weekend all day, second weekend 09:00 to 13:00.
The Blood of Earth - Martine Rigaud-Busuttil
Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce - Valletta - April 2nd to 16th Opening Times: Weekdays 09:00 to 19:00, Saturdays 09:00 to 12:00.
Humanity in Form - Mario Sammut
National Museum of Fine Arts – Valletta – April 2nd to May 1st Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 16:30 (last admission 16:00).
Holy Week Exhibition – Alfred Camilleri
Rimona Street - Mosta - April 11th to 22nd Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 18:30 to 20:30, Sunday and Good Friday 10:00 to 12:30 and 18:30 to 20:30.
Our Lord’s Last Supper Exhibition
St. Mary’s Band Club - Dingli - April 19th to 24th Opening Times: Tuesday and Wednesday 18:00 to 21:30, Thursday 17:00 to 23:00, Friday 08:00 to 13:00, Saturday 08:30 to 12.00, Sunday 09:00 to 12:00. Humanity in Form
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
47
eating & drinking
Ed
eats
The urchin amnesty La Vela
Msida Marina, Marina Street, Pieta T: 22123 0336
Overall Rating: Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Ambience: 5/5 Value: 4/5
I’m in a very forgiving mood as I write. A mood induced by a meal, I should add. And that should pretty much wrap up my column for this edition of Vida. If a restaurant manages to induce a state of general forgiveness, they have access to a formula that can lead to world peace, provided they can feed the world. And how much better can things get? The meal in question had a lot going for it even before I made it to La Vela. A Friday afternoon, spent not more than two feet away from the sea, with a view of a marina and in excellent company has all the ingredients of a pleasant time. Parking just outside the restaurant on a glorious afternoon helped elevate spirits and within minutes we were seated on the miniscule terrace outside. Seated in this little nook you’re transported into a patch of tranquillity that is pleasantly detached from the manic Msida thoroughfare not more than fifty metres away. The soundtrack is provided by the gentle creaking of yachts as they lazily strain at their mooring lines and, judging by the feeble breeze, it was evident that their hearts weren’t in it. We were immediately tended to by a lady who smiled politely and made sure we were comfortably settled in. She then took our order for drinks, fizzy water in our case, and vanished to give us time with the menus. By the time she returned, we had been busily catching up with each other’s lives and filling in the gossip gaps so the menus had been left undisturbed, pondering whatever it is that menus ponder when unattended to. Quick to take a cue from our reluctance to turn pages, she outlined the specials for the day and I was sold on the mention of fresh sea urchins (rizzi) and the prospect of fresh fish. Also enticing was the zuppa di pesce. I ordered spaghetti rizzi while my delightful guest picked the fish soup. As is very often the case, we could not agree on the fish for main course so she went for the spnott while I chose a cerviola that I named Phyllis. The only other table on the terrace, one that seated eight, had been occupied by now. They had evidently broken up for lunch half way through the annual congress of world record-breaking insufferable fools and shouted and laughed their way through the afternoon, much to my chagrin. Gone was the susurration of seaside serenade I spoke of a few paragraphs ago, replaced by the clamorous clatter and claptrap of this troublesome troupe. In a reasonably short time, our starters were served – mine by the polite lady who had taken care of us so far and the fish soup by a young lady who we hadn’t met so far. And boy was she brusque with the bisque, all but tossing the bowl onto the table while muttering something unintelligible, quite possibly in Italian. My guest and
48
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
I looked at each other in surprise for a brief moment, before our attention was seized by the wonders in front of us. My spaghetti rizzi was just perfect, and I speak as a self-confessed addict of the concoction. The first mouthful was enough to bring tears of joy. As soon as I finished the second, I declared an amnesty, an all-encompassing declaration of forgiveness towards the forefathers of the urchins on my plate that punctured the soles of my feet every day of every summer of my childhood. And that is a lot of urchins to forgive. The fish soup was equally outstanding, rich and bursting with fishy flavour. The main course took a while, longer than I’d be prepared to wait during an average weekday lunchtime meal. There is no way I’d make it back to work within a reasonable time had I been in a hurry. The fish that eventually made it to our table justified the wait, charred on the outside and firm on the inside, the flesh parting with the bone quite easily. The cooking time was just as it should be and the fish had been thankfully free from interference. Seasoning was served on the side in a little shot-glass of olive-oil based liquid that we could add at will. By the time we were done it was a little too late to contemplate dessert, both of us having to rush back to our respective offices. We managed a quick espresso while the bill for €75 was prepared. In most circumstances I’d have been upset to pay that without having had any wine but the food was good, really good, so I’ll forgive the tab that pushes the upper limit for lunch and will be back for more. I just hope the soup-tossing young lady has taken the day off when I return. ed.eats.on@gmail.com | follow @edeats on Twitter Ed eats. That’s all he does. He accepts no invitations and turns up unannounced to keep this column free from bias. Readers of the column hardly ever agree with him and yet Ed eats on.
WOMENÕ SÊ EXPOÊ 2011Ê
After 20 years of working largely with women in the field of beauty, cosmetics, and cosmetic surgery; coupled with the opportunity to attend some of the best fairs in the UK and the US, Maria and Dorianne from Transforma had a dream to create a completely new Women’s Expo here in Malta. A haven for women - created and designed entirely by women. This dream is soon to be realised through the Me am Chic! 2011 Women’s Expo – a sanctuary for all that women love under one roof, which is being held at the MFCC between April 8th and 10th. The Expo is expecting thousands of visitors and is set to attract women from all over the island, boasting an extensive range of interests, a varied programme and a comprehensive list of exhibitors. The Expo will include an assortment of attractions ranging from Fashion, Hair, Nails, Beauty, Cosmetics, Perfume and Accessories to Health, Fitness, Wellness, Spa, Household, Lifestyle, Medical and Mother and Child. Visitors will also be able to watch cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and participate in cooking competitions at the Expo’s Cooking Station.
The able team from ‘ZOO productions’ shall be providing full day animation and fun for all visitors, with lots of games and enjoyable activities. Events happening over the three days include Catwalks, Fashion Shows, Hair Shows, Celebrity Visits, and a crowd pulling Comedy Show by ZOO on Saturday afternoon. The Expo’s programme is complimented with a dedicated seminar area providing educational workshops, nutritional talks and other information sessions for women from all walks of life, including talks for mothers, brides-to-be and working women amongst others. The visitors are guaranteed a holistic experience with special activities such as a morning Zumba Class in aid of charity, a VIP area and a photo shoot hotspot. The Women’s Expo is also an opportunity for all leading brands to be in the right place, at the right time, and be seen in what is expected to be the first, biggest and best women’s event of 2011. For further information log onto www.meamchic.com.mt
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
49
SHOPPING
&
LEISURE
LEISURE
&
SHOPPING
LEISURE
Accessories at Debenhams are always at the cutting edge of fashion. Designs take inspiration directly from the latest catwalks and interpret it for the High Street at affordable prices. There are three major trends spanning accessories & swimwear this season.
SHOPPING
Accessories at Debenhams
&
Updates
Flora & Fauna. A pretty story with mix and match chintzy floral, gingham prints, corsage flower trims & feminine lace. Ruffle trims also show in a stunning palette of dusky soft pastels, light tans & dazzling fresh whites. Colonial Minimalist. The 1970’s revival continues in a chic palette of neutrals, from toffee tan through to warm caramels and light bone. Roman Holiday. A bold and colourful story which takes its inspiration from the ladylike era of the 1950’s. Oversized stripes, checks and spots in clashing colour combinations feature across figure enhancing swimwear, jaunty straw hats, and handheld clutch bags. An extensive range of footwear & accessories is available at Debenhams, Tigne Point, Malta.
BOV Launches Limited Edition UEFA Champions League MasterCard Prepaid Cards - A unique opportunity to win an original UEFA Matchball
202 Jewellery is introducing Christina London’s range of diamond Swiss designer watches in Malta.
Christina London Diamond Swiss Watches take their name from the Danish designer Christina. She is the undisputed internationallyrecognised star of horology. The Christina London watches she creates are masterpieces inspired by the pulse and heartbeat of the world’s metropolis. Christina is a Master of Arts graduate from the University of the Arts, London, the same institution that gave us renowned designers such as Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, and Jimmy Choo. Her diamond timepieces are appreciated by the world’s richest - even the Queen and the Crown Prince of Denmark are proud owners of Christina London watches. All timepieces in the Christina Design London collection are designed in Denmark, made in Switzerland and are embellished by full round cut diamonds (in certified Top Wesselton /VVS quality). They come with a full Swiss Certificate of Origin, ensuring the proud owners of the Christina Diamond Timepieces the very best of traditional Swiss watch making. For complete piece of mind, the watches also come with an International Manufacturer’s Warranty and a Diamond Certificate, guaranteeing the quality of the Diamonds encrusting the timepieces. Visit www.202jewellery.com to view the full Christina London Gents & Ladies Collection.
Smoother, more supple and firmer
Bank of Valletta has launched a set of three limited edition UEFA Champions League MasterCard Prepaid Cards, each having a denomination of €150.
Arkopharma Performance Anti-Stretch Mark Cream clinical trials demonstrated a decrease of up to 43% in the stretch mark area and up to 42% in the width of the stretch marks.
The new cards feature three exclusive designs and can be purchased individually or as a limited edition collector’s item set.
In addition, subjects stated that their skin was smoother, more supple and firmer. The appearance of stretch marks is usually a result of poor skin metabolism, which produces a negative effect on the ability to synthesize fibroblasts - the cells constituting the major part of the skin’s connective tissue.
Bank of Valletta is also launching an attractive promotion with the new UEFA Champions League Prepaid Cards. For a limited period between the 21st March and the 2nd June 2011, anyone who purchases one of these new cards will be eligible to participate in a lottery to win 1 of 50 original UEFA matchballs. These are identical to those being used throughout this year’s UEFA Champions League competition. “We are delighted to launch the first themed prepaid cards featuring the attractive UEFA Champions League logo,” said Ivo Camilleri, Executive Head responsible for Electronic Banking Services at Bank of Valletta. “Bank of Valletta is the only bank in Malta to offer prepaid cards – a new card product that we launched in the market last year and that was well received by our customers,” added Mr. Camilleri. Prepaid Cards are payment cards that are pre-loaded with a fixed sum of money. When a prepaid card is used, the money is deducted from the amount originally loaded onto the card. In this case, the €150 preloaded onto the card is all available to the customer purchasing the card, effectively rendering the card free of charge. Full details about the BOV MasterCard Prepaid Cards, including the relative terms and conditions, are available online at www.bov.com.
50
Christina London Watches now in Malta!
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Natural vitamin E protects against free radical activity and moisturizes the skin, and an organic silica and hydroxyproline compound regenerates elastin and collagen fibres.
For more information contact Pharma-Cos Ltd on 21441870
LEISURE SHOPPING
&
Mobile Proximity Marketing launched in Malta Consumers and shoppers can soon expect to be pleasantly surprised as they start receiving communications through their mobile phones from their favourite shops and brands. As they browse supermarket shelves, stop to admire attractive shop windows and spend leisure time in entertainment spots, consumers can now receive content such as ring tones, images, videos, animations, discount vouchers, information about events and instant prizes on their mobile phones in a localised area. This has been made possible for the first time in Malta by Innovative Solutions Ltd, a subsidiary of Mailbox Services Group, which has just launched Mobile Proximity Marketing on the local market - a new marketing platform that allows the wireless distribution of advertising content through a localised broadcast, targeted to mobile phone devices in a particular area. A wide variety of content can be transmitted through proximity marketing via a system that can be installed in a wide range of locations ranging from airports, hotels, bus stages to buses, heritage sites, supermarkets, shopping malls, bars, cinema theatres and event locations. Products, services or events can be advertised by sending images, videos, animation, product catalogues or games. Discount coupons can also be sent whilst the customer is in a store, which can then be redeemed at cash points. The technology of Mobile Proximity Marketing (also known as locationto-mobile) allows brands and content owners to reach mobile phone users through devices that use localised wireless connections like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC. This kind of content enables new communication channels with mobile phone users that go beyond any traditional or digital media. “Mobile Proximity Marketing technology enables interaction between brands and consumers, allowing brands to send advertising content to potential customers in the right place and at the right time,” said Keith Abela, Group Marketing Manager at Mailbox Services Group. Mr. Abela emphasised that the technology behind Mobile Proximity Marketing is invaluable for marketing professionals because the system’s advanced reporting allows measurement and assessment of the success of marketing campaigns in real-time. During Innovative Solution’s recent business presentation, Mr Ray Grech, Chairperson of the International Advertising Association Malta Chapter said that “innovation and creativity are primarily driven by technology, and mobile proximity marketing is a prime example of this”. Sales Manager Chris Briffa explained how the technology behind Mobile Proximity Marketing works: “The hardware system is installed at various points in the targeted location and advertising content is managed from the office using campaign management software. Innovative Solutions backed by Futurlink, the Spanish IT company behind the technology, has already installed mobile proximity marketing systems at Pavi, Smart, The Point and Vodafone’s Valletta branch and mobile kiosk. The system is being used with success as a new advertising platform to induce impulse buying within these heavily frequented shopping areas. For more information one can visit www.innovative.com.mt.
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
51
SHOPPING
& LEISURE
SHOPPING
&
LEISURE
Updates
HOW AND WHY CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE? From a previous survey conducted by YMCA Homeless, it is estimated that there are approximately 300* homeless people in Malta, 64 of which are children. This number does not cover all the homeless people who are not living in shelters, thus there are quite a number of people whom we still do not know about that are living in sub-standard housing. YMCA Valletta assists an average of more than 60 people a day and runs a homeless shelter, Dar Niki Cassar, giving them an adequate temporary roof and helping them get back on their feet and finding a home. * Survey conducted in 2001
By donating €1 a month, you will be helping a homeless person. €1 donation per month €2 donation per month €___ donation per month €12 annual donation €___ one-time donation PLEASE WRITE IN BLOCK LETTERS NAME AND SURNAME ID CARD NO. ADDRESS BOV CARDS OR CREDIT CARDS NAME OF CARD EXPIRY DATE CARD NO. CV2 NO. DONATION FROM AN HSBC ACCOUNT (STANDING ORDER) NAME OF CARD EXPIRY DATE CARD NO. Supported by: YMCA Valletta 178, Merchants Street Valletta VLT 1174 Tel: 21240680
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
53
LEISURE
& SHOPPING
Out CelebrateÊ theÊ 40thÊ anniversaryÊ ofÊ HardÊ RockÊ inÊ London! Dining Forty years ago the world’s first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London! To celebrate this important anniversary, Hard Rock Cafe Malta and Pepsi are giving fans the opportunity to win a trip to Hard Rock Calling 2011, the iconic annual rock festival at the heart of London. Do you have what it takes to be the next Ambassador of Rock? Simply partner any Hard Rock Legendary Burger with Pepsi and leave your details. Every week randomly drawn names will compete live on Bay Radio to get closer to this dream holiday in London. Applications open on Monday March 28th, and the finalists will be announced on April 29th. The finalists will compete in a final RocKaraoke competition on May 5th. Hard Rock Calling 2011 is a three-day, musical celebration held at London’s Hyde Park between Friday, June 24th and Sunday, June 26th. The event features more than a dozen top bands, including headliners Bon Jovi. Past acts have included Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, The Who, Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, The Killers and The Police. All these musical giants have made this festival a unique event not to be
missed. Additional artists for the 2011 line-up will be announced as the festival date draws nearer. The Maltese winners will get a VIP package that includes flights and three nights accommodation in a London hotel for two persons, $300 in spending money and two VIP concert tickets for each of the three days of Hard Rock Calling 2011. The competition is sponsored by Pepsi, Budweiser, Havana Club, Absolut Vodka, Bay Radio, P.Cutajar, Foodworks, Ice-Watch and Hamilton Travel. Log on to www.hardrockcalling.co.uk for more information. 40 years on… With a total of 170 venues in 51 countries, including 133 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world’s most globally recognised brands. Beginning with an Eric
Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Panama, scheduled to open in 2012; and Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. www.hardrockhotels.com www.hardrock.com.
Magazine Advertising Works.
You have just proven it.
Call our sales team today on 2339 2333 or email sales@vida.com.mt
54
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
LEISURE
& By
SHOPPING
The benefits of laser hair removal
Beauty
There are various hair removal technologies on the market and now that summer is approaching we all start shopping around with the dream of ultimately becoming hairless. Choosing laser to remove unwanted hairs is the smartest way to go! Let us explain why. Quality of the technology
Laser was founded in the 90s and since then the technology has been constantly improving. The quality of the technology has proven to be the most effective way to treat unwanted hair. Lasers emit socalled coherent light (synchronised light waves of the same wavelength), providing very specific and intense targeted energy delivery to a particular skin structure. They are different from IPL machines, which provide a range of sporadic energies.
Safe and effective
The laser’s wavelength reaches the precise depth a
physician requires to kill the hair follicle under the skin. The hair follicle is situated very superficially and within our skin therefore no harm is done to the areas underneath. In this way laser is very safe and even the most sensitive areas can be treated with no worries. Glasses are worn during the treatment to protect the eyes. The physician will perform a patch test prior to any treatment to ensure full safety for the client.
More comfortable procedure
Besides safety, laser offers a comfortable procedure. Lasers offer a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD),
which is a coolant called Cryogen that releases cold air onto the skin and which soothes the area straight away. One should not associate pain with hair removal procedures. The sessions vary from a couple of minutes to an hour depending on the area treated. Therefore this technology will help the client feel comfortable throughout the treatment no matter how long the session is.
Range of spot sizes
The most amazing thing about laser is that men and women can treat any part of the body with lasers.
There’s more than one reason why people who use this technology get great results. The volume of the hair is reduced with each session and the texture of the hair becomes much thinner. Sessions are approximately six to eight weeks apart, but after the third session only touch ups every now and then will be needed.
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
55
LEISURE
& SHOPPING
WeddingÊ Jewellery
Weddings
The jewellery you choose to wear on your wedding day is dependant on a number of factors including the style of your dress and other decorations, the cut of your neckline and general personal preference. Whether you’re a diamonds or pearls kind of gal, the general rule when it comes to wedding jewellery is to keep it simple, chic and classic. Whereas adding a touch of quirkiness to reflect your own personal style is not entirely out of the question; it is best to avoid anything that’s too in keeping with the trends of the moment – you don’t want it looking dated in the wedding pictures! Another important factor to consider is colour. It may be wise to coordinate your choice of jewellery with the overall décor in your wedding – if gold is prevalent in your decorations to accent the
20% fascinator ivory on comb €10.99
Visit our shop’s new extension.
flowers or silver is the choice for your fancy tableware at the reception, it may help your decision. The type of jewellery also depends on the style of the dress – whether more vintage and romantic or modern and simple, the jewellery you choose should compliment your wedding dress not compete for attention. The cut and neckline of your dress can also determine whether you choose a lengthier or fussier neckpiece over dangling earrings. Another handy hint if you intend on wearing a veil
is to choose jewellery that won’t get stuck – you don’t want your groom having to call in reinforcements in his attempt to lift the veil of your face when the moment comes! If we were to give you one word of advice on the matter however, it would be not to go overboard. Unless you’re organising a spectacular Indian wedding; it is generally not considered good taste to be decked out in crystals on your big day. Think elegance and class when it comes to your wedding jewellery and you’re sure to dazzle your groom.
off on presentation of this voucher
gold leaf bridal stick €14.99
OPEN ALL DAY
crystal bridal comb €24.99
silver clear crystal looped bridal tiara €19.99
183,Constitution street, Mosta. Wholesale & Retail
web:melsaccessories.com Facebook: Bemania T: 21419580
56
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
bridal tiara chinese crystals and pearls €59.99
jewellery zircon set €39.99
white satin lace gloves with bow €12.99
LEISURE
& SHOPPING
Trade Enquiries
Dorvin Ltd.
M: 9947 2899
195, Valley Road, B’Kara | T: 2144 0318 | Email: frenchyz@go.net.mt vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
57
LEISURE
& Both men and women may have problems with their hands and feet; problems which tend to be more common during the colder months of the year. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkles so it should not be left untended. Luckily, caring for your skin and nails is not difficult or time consuming. Use a moisturising cream or lotion on your hands and feet immediately after a bath. Apply it to your hands every time you wash them. Trim your toenails regularly to avoid ingrown toenail problems.
By Maria Cassano
If possible, treat yourself to manicures and pedicures regularly. Let the experts take care of your nails, cuticles and dry skin without causing any damage. A good foot and hand massage will improve your circulation and make you feel refreshed. Sticking to this routine will keep your hands and feet healthy and clean. Keep in mind that the way you look is what gives people the first impression of who you are and of how much you care for yourself.
HealthÊ & Beauty
Choosing a hand cream Here’s some advice on choosing a hand/foot cream. Sometimes we have to try quite a few different lotions before finding the one that works best for us. From my experience, the best ones should not require much more than a dollop to the appropriate area to give you the effect you desire. Always remember that a little goes a long way!
228, Triq is-Swieqi, Swieqi. | T: 21/27 38 1218 | M: 7920 5711
Win a pedicure and manicure treatment! To get in with the chance of wining this prize, simply mention one of the steps you have to take to keep your hands and feet soft. Send your replies on beautyandco@onvol.net by Monday April 18th. Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on our monthly offers Mention this advert and benefit from a 50% discount on all hair treatments (offer valid for all treatments except blow-dries, and only on weekdays)
By Maria Cassano
ds of n i k l l a For ses + mattres
ry
live e d e e fr
2 pillows FREE with single size 4 pillows FREE with double size 5 pillows FREE with king size
58
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
We take attress your old m
For free!
Sylvia Bazaar
SHOPPING
CaringÊ forÊ yourÊ handsÊ andÊ feet
Caligari Street, Zabbar Carmel Street, Fgura Tel: 2166 6488 | 2189 5224 Mob: 9982 3470
SHOPPING
&
LEISURE
More Colours & Styles in stock
Buy 1 & get 1 free or buy 1 & get 35% discount
PAOLA: TEL: 2180 6797 OPEN ALL DAY | MON-SAT | GOZO - VICTORIA TEL: 2756 3481 OPEN ALL DAY | SAT ONLY | BUGIBBA TEL: 2757 7325 OPEN ALL DAY
LEISURE
& SHOPPING
Jewellery in a jumble?
Bracelets in a bundle? Necklaces in a knot? If your costume jewellery is anything but organised, it may be a good idea to invest in a jewellery holder. Better yet, if you feel like saving some money, getting creative and putting your own spin on it, you can even make your own. Things you’ll need: A frame of your choice A sheet of chicken wire, or patterned aluminium/stainless steel sheeting Stapler Wire cutters or strong scissors S hooks (in small and medium sizes) Interior paint or spray in desired color
60
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
DoÊ it yourself
Method: Start by removing the glass and backing of the frame and painting or spraying it in the colour of your choice. Once it is dry, cut the chicken wire sheet to fit into the frame using the wire cutters. You can measure the necessary size by using the backing of the frame as a guide. For a more stylish look, you can use thin stainless steel or aluminium sheeting, which is available simply perforated with dots; or you could get plain sheeting specially laser cut to your desired pattern from specialized shops and sign writers. Staple the screen to the back of the frame and you’re done! You can even spray or paint the sheeting in addition to the frame – feel free to get creative. Once hung on the wall, you can start hanging your jewellery – straight on for dangling earrings and using S hooks for necklaces and bracelets. In this way, the frame ensures your jewellery will be organised as well as providing an attractive design feature for your room!
LEISURE
s a e id e m Ho
Living Concept
SHOPPING
ClŽ ment
Dun Karm Street (BÕ Kara Bypass) BÕ Kara 2149 4654 / 2137 5606
&
Labour Avenue Street, Naxxar 2141 6661
Sterling silver, modern design picture frames
Topline
Gifts & More Level 1 Topline Centre, St. AndrewÕ s & KindÕ s Tower road, Sliema 2137 2256 info@toplinemalta.com www.giftsandmore.com.mt
Solid sterling silver 925 cutlery set, Availabe in classic & modern design
Stylish outdoor (virtually unbreakable) dinner-wear & co-ordinated pic-nic bags
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
61
Attard - 4 plots on 3 roads (3 corner plots) with MEPA permit for 23 apartments - P.O.R. Call 7905 6660. Attard – 2 Bedroom Apartment - finished. €110,000. Call 9999 2260. Attard - Finished Showroom on top floor. Approximately 300sqm. Ideal for offices or as conference hall. Call 7905 6660 (To Let). Bugibba – 1st floor flat, having hall, sitting-dining, kitchen, bathroom, boxroom and 2 bedrooms, full furnished. €84,000. Call 79211466. Gzira –Basement very large Apartment with lift , Finished. Ideal for offices, dance school etc . €92,000. Call 998 95183. Kappara – Large 3 bedroomed apartment, situated in a private road, with views. €165,000. Call 99458727. Mellieħa - Spacious maisonette, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, internal yard. Must be seen. €123,000. Phone 9982 7074. Rabat – Last remaining elevated ground Floor , 2 Bedroom apartment with yard . Shell Form. €82,690. Call 9989 5183. St. Paul’s Bay – 5 bedroom duplex maisonette. 2 bathrooms, kitchen, sitting, terrace, roof / airspace. Partly Furnished. €168,000. Call owner 99402497. Mosta – Ultra modern nicely furnished, elevated ground floor maisonette, ready to move in . 225sq mtrs. Must be seen €267,000 (direct from owner). Call 9989 5183. Msida–3 Bedroom Apartment, including Kitchen/Living/Sitting sold finished including bathrooms and internal doors. €110,000. Call 7905 6660. Rabat – Last remaining elevated ground Floor , 2 Bedroom apartment with yard . Shell Form. €82,690. Call 9989 5183. Ta’ Giorni – 2 bedroom elevated groundfloor Maisonette , finished €89,680. Call 9989 5183.
SHOPPING
&
LEISURE
Property for sale
Wardija – Unconverted Farmhouse set on approximately 14 tumoli of land situated in a very tranquil location and enjoys panoramic views. Consisting of Hall, Large Kitchen/Sitting and Living overlooking pool, 4 bedroom, cellar and garden stores. Call 9999 2260.
Vehicles for sale Mini Cooper S- 2003, low mileage, in very good condition. Full extras, metallic blue with white roof. Bought locally, old license. €12,850. Call 79791905. Nissan Datsun - white in good condition. Always garaged. VRT paid for the next two years. €950. Call 9982 3498. Opel Astra - 5 door Silver. 2ltr 16v diesel engine. Full extras including air conditioning, driver’s airbag, factory CD player with steering wheel controls, electric windows and electric mirrors, 15” wheels and ABS. €5,300. Call 79312295.
For Sale
Car Tyres - For all types of new tyres at competitive prices, express fitting and puncture repairs. Call David for more information - 2131 6058 / 7931 6058. Makeup - vast variety of top quality makeup and eyelashes mostly unused. All for only €50. Call 79727843.
Services CAFE BARRAKKA - Pjazza Kastilja, VALLETTA. guaranteed best prices on drinks and food:burgers, pasta, pizza, salads, hot meals, maltese cuisine. And now FREE public transport. All day offer Tea/Coffee + muffin €1.70. Open all week and also Saturday dinner. Tel: 2122 3744. 7967 5038. Models wanted – Male and female models between the ages of 18 and 50 wanted for advertising and fashion magazine shoots. Send recent photos (close up and full body shot) to fashion@vida.com.mt. Satellite T.V. – Professional satellite dish installation and repairs of all satellite decoders. Call 9901 3226.
CLASS 6 PREMISES (CATERING /CAFE / RELATED USE ) FOR RENT A very rare opportunity to acquire an imposing duplex premises overlooking a nice valley at Rabat (Malta). The premises have a very good business potential since there is no direct competition relating to its commercial nature in the area. The premises are ideal for both franchises wishing to expand their operations or as a new venture. Serious enquiries only please. Kindly call on 79451847.
To book your advert you can: • Send the details and photos you wish to include in the advert, together with a cheque payable to ‘Focused Knowledge Ltd’, by post to:
CLASSIFIEDS, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214.
• Send the advert details and photos by email followed by a cheque sent by post to the same postal address above.
classifieds@vida.com.mt
• Visit our offices at Pitkali Road, Attard, and ask for our Sales Team to book your advert and pay in cash or by cheque.
All bookings and payments must reach our offices by no later than 18th April 2011. Bookings that reach our offices after this date will be published in the following issue.
From
€10 / issue
Approx. 15 words
With 162,000 copies BOOK these classifieds NOW 2339 reach
all Maltese families
2333
Finished to high standards Maisonettes - Apartments - Penthouses
2 bedroom apartments from
€93,200
3 bedroom apartments from
€116,500
Direct from owner 62
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
Your luxurious home in Misraħ Kola, Attard
Mob: 9999 2260
competitions
Competitions
Complete this Sudoku and send it to us by post or via email. The correct answers will enter a draw to win one of two €50 vouchers from www.perfumerydirect.com, to exchange for perfumes for him and her, as well as skincare and makeup products.
2
4 7
3 8 5 7 9
6
6 2
4 8
8 3 9 4
7
5 3 8
1 6 7
5 2 9 4 2
7
Another chance to win
Just send us the answer to the question above and enter the draw to win a €50 voucher from any Hard Rock Café in Malta.
WIN
Read this month’s issue of Vida and answer this question:
What is an aarti?
www.perfumerydirect.com
Carlos Santana Live in Malta Win VIP tickets Vida and NNG Promotions are giving you the chance to win two VIP tickets to Carlos Santana’s concert in Malta, on July 24th, at The Granaries, Floriana (see page 17 for more information on the concert). To participate in this competition, name your favourite Santana song and the reason why you like it. Send your entry, along with your name and contact number to win@vida.com.mt. Ticket information: www.nngpromotions.com
Last month’s NNG competition winner – Abigail Grech.
SUGGESTIONS & QUESTIONS COMPETITION Edward Fenech, one of the readers who suggested a feature on travel vaccines (see page 16), was randomly drawn as the winner of this month’s Suggestions and Questions Competition. Suggestions and questions to the experts published will enter a draw to win a €50 voucher from Hard Rock Café Malta.
All competition entries should reach our offices by Monday, April 18th. Send them to Competitions, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, or by email on win@vida.com.mt. By sending in an entry to any of Vida magazine’s competitions, you are giving Focused Knowledge Ltd and carefully selected partners permission to store and use your contact details.
Winners!
February’s solution
The winner of last month’s Vida competitions are Daniel Calleja (Sudoku) as well as Marthese Saliba and Roxanne Palla, who participated in the second competition and correctly identified page 59 as the one featuring tomatoes; a fruit that forms part of the ‘berry’ botanical family.
7 6 4 2 3 1 8 9 5
3 8 1 4 5 9 6 2 7
5 9 2 6 7 8 1 4 3
2 7 9 1 4 5 3 6 8
4 3 5 9 8 6 7 1 2
6 1 8 3 2 7 9 5 4
9 5 3 8 1 2 4 7 6
8 2 6 7 9 4 5 3 1
1 4 7 5 6 3 2 8 9
Win more
www.facebook.com/VidaMag
* Vida vouchers for April’s competitions are valid at: 202 Jewellery, ARtech, Beauty & Co, Bemania, BOV, Clement, Da Vinci Hospital, Dorvin, Eurosport Ltd, Form, Frenchies, Fulani Properties, GDL, Hard Rock Café, JGC, Living Colours, Living Concept, MTA, Nestle, NNG, Pedigree Toyshops, Pharma-Cos, Shoemark, Sylvia Bazaar, Tip Top, Topline, Transforma.
April 2011 | Issue 16 | vida.com.mt
63
Only for Kids
Nursery Rhymes We’re all familiar with nursery rhymes and lullabies, each having our favourites to sing. Do you know where your favourite ones come from? Some nursery rhymes are over 1000 years old! Nursery rhymes can be split into historical stories, game rhymes, alphabet rhymes, riddles, proverbs, superstitions and lullabies. Some of the most popular ones actually refer to things that happened thousands of years ago, and the sad part is that many of us have forgotten what they actually mean! Here are a few examples: London Bridge is Falling Down: The rhyme actually refers to one of London’s most famous landmarks – the London Bridge. The words of the rhyme tell the story of how the bridge had to be rebuilt a number of times with different materials, because it kept getting damaged, first by invading Vikings and then by the Great Fire of London in 1666. Hush a bye baby: This rhyme originated in America, and relates to the practice of some Native Americans to place a baby in the branches of a tree, allowing the gentle wind to rock them to sleep Oranges and Lemons: This rhyme refers to many of the churches and institutions found in or around London. Words like ‘Oranges and Lemons’, ‘Bullseyes and Targets’ and ‘Pokers and Tongs’ tell of some long-gone trades and wares sold by Londoners.
nursery rhyme riddle meaning proverb lullaby history story superstition game
Kids Competition We’ve hidden the above words in our special grid. Fill them in using the letter we’ve given you to enter a draw to win a €50 voucher from Hard Rock Café Malta!
64
vida.com.mt | Issue 16 | April 2011
E
Humpty Dumpty: If you thought Humpty Dumpty was a person – you were wrong! The rhyme actually refers to a very large cannon used in the English Civil War in the 1640s. The cannon was strategically placed on the wall next to St Mary’s Church in the siege of Colchester, but a shot from a Parliamentary cannon damaged the wall, causing Humpty Dumpty to fall. Georgie Porgie: The rhyme’s namesake refers to the courtier George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham (1592–1628), who’s good looks attracted many ladies but who never seemed to behave himself!
Another chance to win Illustrate your favourite nursery rhyme with a drawing and be in with another chance of winning our fantastic prize.
Send your competition replies, together with your name, surname, age and contact details (address, telephone number, email address), to: Kids Competition, Vida Magazine, Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214 by no later than Monday April18th.
March competition
WINNER!
Karl Gauci, 10, is the winner of last month’s competition.
…where quality & style meet exclusivity
CHRISTINA HEMBO Designer & Founder
from the LADIES COLLECTION
from the GENTS COLLECTION
Merchants Street, Valletta - Tel. 27 202 202
www.202Jewellery.com
Bisazza Street, Sliema - Tel. 21 345 202