Indulge Summer 2014

Issue No.9 Summer 2014 â‚Ź4 - where sold

the quarterly, quality, life & style magazine

Hobbies

WINE culture travel style

ART SPORT food Crafts gadgets

Much More

life & style

Contents/ summer 2014 2

Christine invites us to meet 3 artists

5

Martin’s tips for theatre etiquette

6 Shoot nature – how to do it well

A note from the editor I can’t believe it’s Summer already; I still have Christmas things waiting to be stored in the cellar and so many incomplete chores! Where does the time go?

This year though, thanks to EatFit Malta, I am ready to don my bikini and not hide under swathes of chiffon whenever we have company on the boat. I have enjoyed salads, shoots and shots for weeks and have almost weaned myself off pastizzi….. but when I do have my daily indulgence, at least I have the regime to counteract any negative effects to keep this shape for my planned birthday treat, a Fersani frock.

The Summer brings with it so many more opportunities to relax, to take time to enjoy lazy hazy days: Chris Gruppetta of Merlin Publishers offers a recommended reading list to aide this, and Eden Cinemas have a number of films scheduled to entertain.

Or why not spend time with friends and charter a boat with Sunseeker, or plan a driving holiday around Sicily or set an itenary for a far-flung trip to the latest, hottest destination, Bhutan. And while you are here, or there, plan some home improvements, create an oasis on your terrace, upcycle some furniture or entertain friends with our recipes and recommendations for where to meet and eat.

I’ll be reading and re-reading my edition of indulge while spending a few weeks sailing around the Greek islands, whilst doing all the above. After all, indulge is all about time, and how we choose to spend it.

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Make a beach bag now – and indulge at the beach

10 Summer reading list recommendations 17

Feast on figs, some recipes for this seasonal fruit

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How do you store wine properly? Carole is on hand to help.

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More of Malta in the movies

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Bhutan beckons – be a sunlounger traveller with Nadya

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Archery is the sport in Phil’s sights

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Mess about on the water – charter a yacht

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Extend your living space

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See Sicily through Adrian’s eyes

indulge is brought to you by Compass Rose Marketing & PR, Il-Fanal, 37, Main Street, Għargħur.

Cover by Moira Zahra Designed by Switch Design Distributed by MaltaToday For advertising enquires, please contact sales@indulge.com.mt

All information is correct at the time of going to press.

The editor does not accept liability for the opinions expressed nor the accuracy of the information, nor content of adverts.

Monique x monique@indulge.com.mt +356 99891722 IndulgeMagazineMalta www.indulge.com.mt indulge / Summer 2014 – 1

Art

Christine profiles three artists

Sponsored by

Rupert Cefai

Adrian Abela A

rtists are usually beings that question things. No doubt about that. Some artists even go to the extent of using their art to make those viewing their art question too. This is what artist Adrian Abela does. An architect by profession, he uses interdisciplinary practices, working with drawing, painting, video, objects, sculpture, actions, architecture and also uses research for the intangible. He wants his art to be used in a way that would allow viewers to change their perceptions of things.

Adrian Abela recently had exhibited his artwork ‘Let Them Speak’ at the Malta Design Week. A project that was designed three years ago, only got realised recently because of the opportunity given through the Malta Design Week and through the assistance of Hal Mann who produced the tiles, which were handmade and especially designed for public intervention. This work is one that blurs the lines of what is a functional object, an applied artwork and a conceptual artwork deemed not functional. Like he does with most of his artworks, Adrian investigates the intangible, the space that exists between the physical artwork and what is happening in the person viewing or experiencing it. Through this artwork, Adrian gives a new meaning to a mundane object, which is designed to be

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stepped on but being able to project itself in their positioning, is like using a smart phone or QR reader.

Although Abela aspires to make works that are visually interesting enough to exist without a meaning, some of his artworks are more complex than others.

The Dark Sea series or the Octopus Cult (FeightH) are examples of his more complex artworks. They don’t necessarily need to be understood as works of this kind are meant to open a new world of interests that would allow one to discover new things and also alters one’s daily life. Adrian Abela was always interested in boundaries and these include the imaginary and real boundaries we as an island experience through the sea and immigration.

The marriage between this story of immigration, and that of oil exploration, and the sculptural material of napalm, which existed in his mind, led to the research of both the story and the material and these later evolved into ‘The Dark Sea’ series. His artworks usually begin through an interest in a particular material, which he then applies to his artworks. There are always multiple projects that he works on simultaneously and only gets to apply them when he sees their relevance, or is happy with the result. Others get realised after some time. Just as architectural

work has taught him to question the purpose of function, of commission and so forth, he often applies this to his art when he subconsciously composes it as if he were designing a plan for one’s eyes when they view the work of art. Abela does not believe he should compromise with what the market wants from him even though he understands the financial difficulties face when they chose this option. He looks at the long term benefits. The amount of work and thought behind each artwork is all about what life experiences more importantly than things learnt through reading books or films watched. He believes that the artwork is more truthful when you have lived it. If you wish to see lessons learnt through his artworks and keep updated with his implementation of public art projects, products and online interventions, you may do so by visiting www.vimeo.com/adrianabela.

Remember to let your mind remain open to the creativity that unfolds once you discover new things in his artworks.

rtists often find their own ways of working and whilst some artists get to a blank canvas and let their expressions out, others find the need of dedicating much more time for research.

Rupert Cefai is a creative all-rounder.

I say this because Rupert is a cartoonist (known as Bertoons), he’s an artist painter, was an interior designer, and is currently also holding the title of Chairman at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity.

Whichever project he works on, research is his priority and, perhaps, the skill that leads to his success.

Following 14 years as a freelance interior designer, Rupert only shifted from designing to painting in 2005. Since then, he has participated in numerous solo and collective art exhibitions, locally and abroad, that are mainly built on every day human experiences, the built environment, literature and music.

Whatever the topic, he wants to project an image that gives out a particular message. His latest collection, ‘Tiers of Truths’, is one example of those based on real life events, even though those realities are what allowed him to create fiction, which alters how we view reality.

Just like his fascination with both realism and abstraction, fiction and reality overlap and out of this, a multi layered truth emerges, as does the title ‘’There is no truth. There is only perception’’ by Gustave Flaubert. Some of this collection

were exhibited at the Framers Gallery in London in 2012 and others, in Malta, in 2013. Both were followed with great success.

Success followed suit after spending long working hours on his artworks even though most of his time is spent on maintaining and updating his own websites, researching on projects he is working on at the time, marketing and dealing with art galleries. Rupert Cefai, like most artists, followed his passion and went through quite a few challenges, learning that all this administration work is just as important as working on his paintings. Working hard is one of his prerequisites to success but that comes with breaking some rules and although being an artist has its ups and downs, doing it with a passion is what allows him to do it at his best. This was what he learnt from Alfred Chircop when taking on art tuition under his guidance and through Harry Alden, he learnt

that knowing your media and tools are just as important as knowing how to paint. Rupert’s favourite tools are palette knives, trowels and scrapers and large brushes and when it comes to the mediums, he uses oil paints, acrylics, inks and watercolours, according to the consistency needed in order to create the right balance in his artworks.

To see and learn more about Rupert Cefai and his artworks, you may visit www.rupertcefai.com. The artworks are there to give you the possibility of seeing everyday things in a new perspective, through a different sensory output.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 3

Art

Theatre

Etiquette in the Theatre in Malta Martin Azzopardi explains

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Marie Louise Kold O

ver the past two months, many people flocked to the Upper galleries of St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta to see the metal art exhibition ‘Lines of Flight’ by Danish artist Marie Louise Kold. The exhibition was one of perfection, starting from the marketing perspective, the exhibition curatorship and most especially, the art itself, which left an impression on many of those who visited the exhibition. This quality of perfection was not new to Marie Louise as she learnt to adhere to it as an entrepreneur.

In 1997, during her art studies, Marie Louise fell in love with metal and this was only by chance. A few months previously, she had worked with copper printing, and she suddenly saw how the metal piece that she had used to print with, appeared to be alive and had started transforming itself. In her disappointment of failing to transfer this image in copper print, she came to the realisation that the life, glow and depth lay within and not on the surface of the metal. Instead of giving up on the art material that proved not only to be too difficult to work with,

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but also heavy and at times dangerous, she decided to continue working with it and its advantages. She started studying archaeology and bronze casting to know more about the metal that she was so fond of. She started finding new ways of using chemicals to change and interact with the abilities inherent in the copper, brass and bronze. She also learnt that she was dealing with an art of many hues and colours, an art that could be matt and also reflective and she learnt how to add text and images by means of etching.

When she wanted to pick up oil painting once again, it only felt natural to do so on the metal itself.

Although she did not need to look for a niche, as her metal art created a niche market in itself, Marie Louise did not only learn how to adapt to entrepreneurial skills by means of learning more about the material she was working with, but also gave much thought to finding new ways of having her art used in multiple ways. She learnt how to use and find new ways of using and working with serigraphic silk screen on metal and when she was commissioned to create a big, permanent, corporate artwork for a company in Copenhagen and they wanted the artwork to soundproof the wall it covered, she realised that holes

would allow for the sound waves to go through it so she perforated the material herself by etching deeply using different acids. There was also nothing stopping Marie Louise from using metal to create portraits and she did this by putting thousands of patinated bronze squares together, patinating them individually using rain water and, for the darker surfaces, adding sulphur and heat. For her latest project, Marie Louise has also incorporated wearable art into her art pieces.

You may follow Marie Louise either through her website www.mlkold.com or visit Christine X Art Gallery in Sliema to see some of her artworks in person.

Christine is usually found at her art gallery together with her girls, selling other artists’ artworks, or curating art exhibitions.

She would be found indulging in sweets until she’d realise that she had enough’.

tiquette in the theatre would be the same all over the world however the behaviour in the theatre in different parts of the world can differ depending on the nation and its culture. The more South you go, the noisier and undisciplined the audience becomes. However London theaters are not full of English theatre goers but tourists from all over the world and therefore you get a mishmash of different problems from eating in the theatre to carrying the days' shopping into the theatre and blocking all the aisles!

Theatregoers in Malta differ too; the ones that go and see the Opera and the ones that go and see “Maltese teatrine” will differ again. I have been involved in theatre for most of my life and most recently, here in Malta I have acquired countless pet peeves, one of them being the lack of etiquette that many audience members observe. Even the most basic of things such as turning off your mobile phone or at least putting it on silent seems to be a farfetched idea. Both as a theatre patron and as an actor, I have legitimate perspective for what I am about to write. However, I have decided not to write about actual incidents I have experienced in the theatre (I have a word limit you know).

Here are the basics, in my humble opinion.

1. Theatre Attire. What is appropriate or what is not? Dress for the occasion and I am not talking white tie or evening dress, but something that can be considered smart and presentable and not as if the outfit has been grabbed from a washing machine that has not been turned on.

2. Arrive on Time . Now this might seem quite self explanatory but consider that you not only have to get to the theatre but you also have to park. You might also have to pick up your theatre tickets and there could

be a problem. So get there early, have a drink at the bar and relax and maybe visit the loo before you go in or during intermission. Do not stand up half way through a scene in live theatre and leave.

It not only irritates your fellow theatre goers but it distracts the Actors!

3. Mobile phones. These should be put on Airplane Mode or Switched Off and not just put on Silent as noises are still audible. Do not speak on the phone even in a whisper. Just don’t use your phone, please. The light from the phone not only annoys the audience around you but can easily be spotted by the actors on stage. Obviously do not take any photos or video; flash photography is a real distraction.

4. Talking and fidgeting.

Do not speak during a performance; whispering can still be heard and if you have to translate the entire text of a play to your companion, then you have come to the wrong show, or with the wrong person. Other bodily noises can be equally distracting, such as coughing and sneezing which cannot be helped but do try and muffle it. Obviously yawning or snoring are also a definite no!

Sit still and do not ram your elbows into your fellow theatre goers next to you. If it is a musical do not hum away no matter how familiar or popular the tune is. The exception of course, is if you are watching Panto and you are meant to be standing and singing and instead you are sitting down looking glum!

"Bla bla "

5. Hats and head gear. Common courtesy normally dictate that men should remove head gear when inside but nowadays base ball caps or other sort of fashion hats are worn by men and not taken off. This can be quite distracting if they are sitting in front of you. Women’s primped up hair, elaborate fashion statements on the head or hats can also be distracting. Try your hardest not to be

too tall. Now I know you cannot help it, but be sympathetic to the short person sitting directly behind you!

6. Clapping and Laughing. There is a whole etiquette as to when to clap and when to laugh. Just clapping when an Actor comes on stage is not on, as it can put them off. It may even cause him to forget his lines! So clap at the appropriate place such as the end of a scene or the end of an act. At the end if you think the show is worthy of a standing ovation, then stand up and don’t worry if you are the only one.

LOL

Laughing is quite subjective, as what is funny for me may not be funny for anyone else. Also, how loud do you laugh? A loud laugh can be quite infectious and will get the rest of the audience going. Do not whistle or scream at the actors except for Bravo or Brava if appropriate. Now these rules in this section do not apply during Panto as you should scream and boo as much as you want!!

Having written all this, I ask myself “are audiences going to read this and change their habits?” Probably not but what you can do is observe all these bad practices of some and shame them after a performance.

Martin Azzopardi is an actor, fitness instructor and masseur. When not treading the boards or the (tread) mill, he treads water on his boat and loves the sea.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 5

hobbies

“Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints”

Getting close to nature

Chameleon Chamaeleo chameleon Chameleons colours vary and is more dependent on mood or body temperature than any real attempt at camouflage. In this particular photo, the eyes say it all. The photograph is effective even with the just the eyes in sharp focus.

Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Lichens Caloplaca sp.

This species is slightly smaller and less colourful than the Emperor Dragonfly.

It has a bright blue saddle on the upper segments of its abdomen, which can be seen while the species is in flight. The eyes are an iridescent bright green. It is found in most of the Mediterranean region, and is also present in North Africa and as far East as China. This image shows a pair in tandem; the female is laying eggs in the water.

A frequent visitor that can be observed around the coast, in harbours and even in marinas, but especially in nature reserves like Għadira and Simar. Kingfishers are solitary birds, fiercely defending their territory from others. The bird feeds on fish, crustaceans and insects.

These common lichens are often seen on rocks in garrigue and on cliff faces.

They tend to form interesting patterns, and when looked at closely will reveal intricate patterns and colours.

Taken with available light. Used tripod and mirror lock because of slow shutter speed.

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Shutter speed 1/200 Aperture Value 1/7.1 ISO Value 400 Focal Length 400mm Shooting Mode AP

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Shutter speed 1/400 Aperture Value f/10 ISO Value 200 Focal Length 400mm Shooting Mode AP

The high performance EOS70D combines a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor to deliver 14-bit images that are packed with detail and clarity.

The EOS70D features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, enabling fast and smooth autofocus tracking whilst shooting movies. Each pixel features two photo diodes that can be read independently during autofocus or together to capture the image.

Shoot remotely from alternative viewpoints: connect and control your EOS70D using your PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. Images can be reviewed and transferred wirelessly and instantly shared.

Guido Bonett shows us how to take the perfect picture

Undoubtedly one of the most colourful birds to visit our islands, this is found in Summer and Autumn in localities with water, such as Kennedy Grove, but also in valleys with water courses. It is always solitary, visiting the same perches within its chosen territory.

A natural partner, the Canon EOS70D

Tree Lichens are used indicators of air quality. Orange structures, as depicted here in these macro images, are fruiting bodies called apothecia which produce spores.

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Shutter speed 1/60 Aperture Value f/16 ISO Value 100 Focal Length 100 Shooting Mode AP

When photographing a Chameleon, try not to disturb or frighten it, as these seemingly sluggish reptiles will surprise you with the speed they can muster to escape your disturbance.

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Shutter speed 1/60 Aperture Value f4.5 ISO Value 200 Focal Length 100mm Shooting Mode AP

Use the intuitive touch controls to shoot from unique or awkward angles with a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Vari-angle ClearView IILCD capacitive touch screen, which features 1,040,000 dots for high resolution playback. Switch to Live View mode to capture the best angle and to help compose your shot.

Preserve detail in both highlights and shadows with the EOS70D’s high dynamic range (HDR) feature, and create composite images with its multiple-exposure facility. Enhance your stills with a range of Creative filters such as Toy camera effect or Miniature.

Capture superb shots of fast paced action with 7fps full resolution continuous shooting and a high performance 19 cross-type point AF System, which provides high precision, responsiveness and accuracy to capture the moment with high image quality.

The EOS70D delivers stunning FullHD (1080p) video with fast accurate autofocus thanks to Canon’s unique Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.

Explore your creativity with stereo sound, full manual control and selectable frame rates.

When light levels fall, the EOS 70D keeps performing. It offers an ISO range of up to 12800 – expandable to 25600 – so you can capture superb handheld shots in low light without using flash.

Enjoy a larger, more magnified field of view using the intelligent viewfinder which offers 98% coverage, relaxed viewing with a 22mm eyepoint and displays useful shooting information and an electronic level to help you capture the best shot.

Avantech Building, St Julian’s Road, San Gwann SGN 2805 www.avantech.com.mt | Tel: 21 488 800 CanonMalta.com

Pay attention to: ✓ Subject placement & direction ✓ Background ✓ Distractions ✓ Angle of view All text and images are taken from The Natural History of the Maltese Islands book published by BDL.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 7

Craft

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Maria Muscat shows you how to

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ere’s how we at Indulge welcome the Summer – an easy-peasy-DIYno-sew-no-fuss beach-bag tutorial to end all beach-bag tutorials. We could have opted for a number of fancier options that require a steadier hand, a sewing and overlock machine and loads of haberdashery; instead we chose to share a little DIY secret that can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes. So if the beach’s-a-callin’ and last year’s beach-bag is hidden under piles and piles of winter coats, here’s a crafty solution for you.

All you technically require is a large-ish T-shirt and a pair of scissors; no glue, no thread, no nothing, promise! It’s the perfect way to recycle old tops you don’t wear anymore, however do make sure that the t-shirt you choose is still sturdy enough and hasn’t undergone too much wear and tear or else it might tear quicker than you can say “sea-shell

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Beach Vault The Beach Vault is precisely what the name indicates, an outdoor ‘safe’ which screws into the sand and has a screwtop lid which has been built with a rubber ‘O’ ring to make it waterproof.

Make your own beach bag H

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It is perfect for holding purses, wallets, phones, money, keys, and even has space for a book or an iPad Mini. The Beach Vault was created by Marcal DaCunha, a pastor from New Jersey. Furthermore, the Beach Vault comes with a special towel that has a hole cut away for easy access, which is covered by an attached, inflatable pillow.

The beach gadget is currently being crowd funded, with plans to put include an actual numerical padlock feature soon and is available for a meagre € 20, a price which will triple once it hits retail stores.

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covered cocktail bar”. Oh, that said, no one’s stopping you from going DIY crazy and embellishing/personalising your bag using ribbon, buttons, leather strips, glitter glue (ok, perhaps not glitter glue), iron-on transfers, fancy stitching, tie-dye, spraying, painting …

You’ll need: • A large T-shirt (clean but not necessarily brand new) • Sewing scissors • Pins • A ruler and chalk (optional)

Step by step: Step 1: Place your t-shirt as flat as possible – front and back perfectly aligned (ironing it beforehand helps)

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Step 2: Cut the sleeves off at the seam Step 3: Cut the bottom seam off all the way round Step 4: Fold the t-shirt lengthwise (left side on right side) and using some pins, plot a deep arc that widens the neckline considerably (a ruler and some chalk helps with the plotting if you’re unsure about your curve) Step 5: Cut along the pins Step 6: Unpin and unfold your top – at this point you should have what looks like an over-sized string vest Step 7: Now pin in a straight line across a couple of centimetres above the rawbottom edge where the seam used to be – the length you choose determines the length of the fringe however there’s no standard to follow so go by instinct/ preference (using a striped top helped in this case!)

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Don’t forget to pack your Colour Block Sunglasses from FENDI by Solaris

Step 8: Proceed to cut both side seams open till the pin-line Step 9: Cut the top and bottom layer into a fringe of approximately equal width strips – DO NOT FUSS – however if you feel safer plotting it out before hand you could always use your ruler to divide the ‘hem’ into 1.5/2cm strips Step 10: Pick a corresponding top and bottom pair of strips …

Step 11: … and tie together in a double knot Step 12: Proceed to tie all the strips until you end up with a decidedly 80’s crop-top effect Step 13: And to finish off, tie both straps of the large ‘string vest’ in a neat double knot to create the handle

Fendi shares important values with the design world, such as boundless creativity, excellence, quality and a passion for making things by hand.

An example of this are these Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses by Fendi at Solaris, one of the latest trends in fashion eyewear this season. These Fendi sunglasses have a double - layer effect on the front part of the sunglasses.

They are exclusively available from Solaris the sunglasses specialist located in Sliema or Valletta. Visit their Facebook page, Solaris Malta.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 9

books

Books for the beach Chris Gruppetta of Merlin Publishers recommends a reading list for this Summer

WHAT HAPPENS IN BRUSSELS STAYS IN BRUSSELS Ġużè Stagno TWO Teodor Reljic If you’ve been meaning to try out a Malta-set book but were scared of being let down, then look no further, you’ve finally found TWO. Written by debut author Teodor Reljic, it’s a haunting tale of a boy stranded in Malta due to tragic unforeseen circumstances, of an unbreakable bond between mother and son, but especially a tale of this country called Malta, as seen through the innocent and at times bewildered and confused eyes of a boy.

Elizabeth, on her annual Summer holiday in Malta with her family, suffers a heart attack and slips into a coma.

Her young son William is lost — his father disappears into himself, and his grandparents can offer nothing except more grief. But William’s mother did leave something behind. Stories she would tell him, about a young boy named Vermillion, who lived between two hills in a distant land …

Then suddenly, a stranger appears, who seems to know more about Elizabeth than anyone else. Confronted by this unsettling character, William begins to suspect that his mother’s stories are more than just comforting fairy tales.

10 – indulge / Summer 2014

VOLENS Mark Camilleri

THE CIRCLE Dave Eggers

Nothing screams ‘beach read’ as does a police thriller, with a hard-boiled detective and a gruesome murder or two.

What makes Volens even more special is that it’s an all-Maltese thriller, with an Inspector – Victor Gallo – who’s already gone down in the contemporary annals of Maltese literary crime.

If you’re constantly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or your social platform of choice – and, let’s face it, we all are – then read The Circle at your own peril. Eggers’ latest novel is a satire on an omnipotent social media company, set on taking over and monetising the world’s thoughts, habits and actions.

A sequel to Camilleri’s bestselling Prima Facie – made into a TV series a couple of years back – Volens can also be read independently of its predecessor.

We find Inspector Gallo investigating the murder of a local footballer, and ambling in the parallel worlds of local football, illegal betting, Eastern European mafia, and playboy footballers.

Set in the fictitious company’s enticing campus, where employees have enviable job perks including entertainment, accommodation, and practically anything else they want for free, but with a dark undertone where the company expects more and more from its staff, basically taking over their life.

There’s never a dull moment in Camilleri’s Volens, as the Inspector, and the readers with him, finds himself embroiled in one chase after another, with the occasional romantic tumble just to spice his life further.

Camilleri is currently working on the third episode in the Inspector Gallo series, so fans can rest assured that there’s more to follow.

The novel gets darker, the deeper Mae – the protagonist newbie employee of the company – gets into the workings of the company. Eggers’ narration style ensures that it remains a fast-paced novel throughout, with Mae getting into all sorts of trouble, even as her bosses obviously have plans for her.

One thing is for sure: after reading The Circle, you’ll never look at your Facebook feed in the same way as before.

Title notwithstanding, this novel is very much a Maltese novel. Written by Malta’s own publishing sensation, Ġużè Stagno, his return to Maltese fiction after a five-year hiatus did not disappoint.

Brussels follows journalist Gustav Azzopardi as he travels to Brussels to interview one of Malta’s six MEPs, journeying as he does with one of the MEPs’ promotional-cum-orientation package tours of electoral constituents. Stagno’s novel painfully brings out the cringe-making “Maltese abroad” that we’ve all, at some point, experienced at some foreign airport and discreetly moved away from.

Stagno’s trademark no-holds-barred use of the vernacular, takes us through this journalist’s trip, exposing the realities and foibles of a section of the Maltese diaspora in the heart of the European Union, but also casting an eye on what it means for Malta to be part of the European Union.

Written ten years after joining the EU, and in the wake of last month’s elections, there couldn’t be a more timely novel to smile (but also frown) at Malta’s latest integration experiment.

TRY OUR RANGE OF SUMMER PLATTERS PLATTER 1

PLATTER 2

Feta cheese, Gammon, stuffed olives, sun dried tomatoes.

Tuscan salami and parmeggiano reggiano.

PLATTER 3

PLATTER 4

Milano salami, Gammon, cheese, tomato and lettuce.

Buche de chèvre, Brie mon sire, bleu auvergne.

PLATTER 5

PLATTER 6

Brie mon sire, Tuscan salami, green pitted olives and grapes.

Bresaola, Gammon, salami Milano, cheddar, stuffed olives, lettuce and tomato.

But throughout, Brussels is nothing if not a hugely entertaining read, a pageturner that will take you all the way from Gustav’s plane trip with the great unwashed, all the way to a steamy bed in freezing Brussels.

Giuzeppe Calleja Street, Swatar, Msida • Malta mob +356 79405205 info@zammeats.com

food & Drink

Monique Makes

Yum Yum Brioche Buns

At last!

HÄagen-Dazs is now in Malta!

Says Monique Chambers

Belgian Chocolate

Vanilla The scent of vanilla is one of my favourites; the softness, headiness and fantasies about visiting Madagascar evoked in an instant. People who use the word to describe something bland, have little vocabulary or imagination.

There is nothing bland about this particular vanilla, for sure! Creamy, sweet and perfect on its own or with fruit, wafers, brioche or doused in an espresso, but really, all you need is a spoon.

Spend a Summer/Autumn/Winter/ Spring morning/afternoon/evening with a rich dark Belgian. Be seduced by his distinctive accent, have your tongue tantalised, have nowhere else to go, have no one else to see. Be convinced by his authenticity and be reassured that he doesn’t want you to be on a diet. Enjoy his company while it lasts.

This is a lengthy process but so worth it. Stuff with a scoop of ice-cream or go savory and pimp up BBQ burgers tucked into these delicious buns.

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • ½ cup granulated sugar

Pralines & cream Heston Blumenthal once did a series of experiments to deduce what made food enjoyable. One of the most important factors was ‘crunch’. This ice cream, which is smattered with delectable praline; chunks of pecan nuts in caramel, surely would score highly?

The creamy texture a joy on its own, but that sweet crunch is addictive and keeps you wanting more, and more.

Sisterly love means I share my tub with my elder, but sibling rivalry causes us to compete for the most chunks!

NEW COLOUR LOGO

Distributed by P. Cutajar

12 – indulge / Summer 2014

• 1 sachet active dry yeast • pinch of salt • 2 large eggs, at room temperature (plus 1 large yolk only for the egg wash) • ¼ cup full fat milk, at room temperature • ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces, slightly softened; plus extra for greasing pan

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on a slow speed until the dough is smooth, soft, and shiny.

3

Use the dough scraper or spatula to turn the dough out, smooth top down, onto a very lightly floured work surface. Form it into a ball by folding the sides into the middle at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Flip the dough over, place your palms on either side of the dough, and tuck it under itself, turning the dough as you tuck to form a loose ball with a smooth top. Transfer the dough, smooth side up, back to the bowl. Cover with plastic and place in a warm area for about an hour – or till the dough has doubled in size. Repeat this process.

4

Grease the tins while you are waiting and once risen, fold again, before dividing to 8 pieces. Roll these into balls.

In your Kenwood with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt on low speed until well combined. Add 2 of the eggs and the milk and continue mixing. As soon as the dough starts to clump together, change to the dough hook and mix for a further 2 minutes.

5

2

6

Now, add half of the butter and fold the dough by hand while still in the bowl. Reattach the dough hook and mix

Once again, leave to prove while in the tin for about an hour. Use this time to preheat the oven to 190°C and make the eggwash (be sure to add a pinch of salt).

Lightly wash the buns and bake for 20 minutes. Leave to cool but serve warm, if you know what I mean...

indulge / Summer 2014 – 13

food & drink

Planning a new kitchen?

S

ustainable cooking with a tiny footprint appears in the form of feature-packed E-cooking Vertical Kitchen by Massimo Facchinetti, a column stack of appliances and furnishings: fridge, dishwasher, oven, induction oven, sink, seating for six, even an espresso machine and mini-wall garden for herbs. This means that the kitchen not only conserves space but also energy.

The green kitchen module is powered by solar panels and the water from the sink is filtered and reused in the dishwasher.

Solar panels supply power, water is filtered and reused (sink to dishwasher to plant water), and the hood purifies ambient air through nano-ised titanium dioxide.

This fantastic kitchen will be manufactured by Clei, who specialise in compact and smart designed home furniture systems, and will be available early next year with no price indication given yet.

Let’s meet for a coffee…

Monique taste tests Costa coffee's latest offerings

W

ho doesn't love coffee? Who doesn't love summer? Iced coffee? What's not to love? Have a shot of espresso made from quality beans, poured over ice, and feel the sensation of the caffeine kick but softer, smoother.

I search for any remains of this flavour with my straw, and when no more can be found, take off the lid and pop an ice cube in my mouth to make the most of the sensation. I want more. I decide to take a mocha cooler, like thick chocolatey milkshake, but definitely for grown ups. Rich, smooth and decadent.

It lines my mouth with flavour, and I am one (of many) satisfied customers.

14 – indulge / Summer 2014

To edge your tastebuds into summer, try the mint mocha coffee cooler. The sensation of the mint, evident, the mild mocha flavour stakes it's claim without taking over and the divine aftertaste of coffee to comfort me through the rest of the morning.

“I need to change my car, I need a car with a cup holder.”

Summer and exotic fruits go hand in hand. Sit back, close your eyes and imagine the ripest mango, peeled for you, and crushed with ice. Add the merest hint of passion fruit to add a balancing acid, and this delightfully decadent drink will refresh your pallet and take you to paradise in every sip.

And did I tell you that each store has free Wi-Fi and for every iced coffee purchased you get a scratch card and every single one gets a prize? On offer are beach bags, beach balls, beach pillows, two espresso’s, a primo iced drink of your choice or a one night’s stay at Radisson Blu Resort and Spa, Golden Sands.

These delicious and refreshing iced coffees can now also be found at the brand new Costa Coffee store on the ground floor of the Embassy Shopping Complex, Valletta!

For more information please visit www.facebook.com/ CostaCoffeeMalta.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 15

food & drink

HOUSE

GIFTS

Monique Makes 3 dishes with

Fantastic figs These wonderful fruits have aphrodisiac powers, and are in abundance at this time of year (and again in September), so these recipes serve 2 people; call us old fashioned.

CLOTHES

As a starter

Pigs and figs 4 figs

ACCESSORIES

FOR LOCALLY HANDMADE, CHERISHED AND EMBELLISHED GOODS

Chicken and fig tagine

As a desert

Filo fig surprise 4 figs

8 slices Parma ham

1 tablespoon olive oil

80g Gorgonzola (cubed)

2 chicken breasts

4 cubes of chocolate (you can use liqueur or nut filled ones too)

Handful of rucola for serving

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

2 sheets of filo pastry

Olive oil and Balsamic glaze

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Milk / eggwash

An inch of fresh ginger, finely grated

Method In a similar fashion to the starter, prepare the figs and instead of Gorgonzola, add a piece of chocolate. Push this right into the fig so it doesn’t burn in the oven.

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C Cut a cross into the top of each fig and squeeze its base to have the flesh ooze up.

Push a piece of cheese into each fig and then wrap two slices of Parma ham around the middle of each fig, leaving the tops uncovered.

Place on a baking tray and cook for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the Parma ham is crisp.

WWW.MIMIGIFTBOUTIQUE.COM

As a main

To serve, divide the rocket leaves and place figs on top of each pile of rocket.

Drizzle over the balsamic glaze and olive oil and season.

1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 cups chicken stock 4 medium figs, topped, tailed and torn Box of baby spinach leaves Method Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan or tagine and cook the onions till soft.

Add the spices and stir well then add the chopped chicken and coat with the spices. Pour over half the stock and simmer with the lid on.

Once the water is almost absorbed, add the torn figs and add the remaining stock.

At this point you can add a cup of cous cous, replace the lid and allow to cook through.

Stir through the spinach just before serving with toasted pitta.

Cut the filo into very fine ribbons and paint with milk / eggwash, then wrap each fig with a layer of the pastry.

Bake in a preheated oven (160°C) till the pastry is crispy, serve warm with a dollop of ice cream.

When not cooking, creating or cloudspotting, Monique Chambers enjoys reading and renovating homes.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 17

wine

A question often asked: how to store wines?

Carole rondot explains

Before knowing how, we must first ask why?

First we need to distinguish between 2 types of wines:

1

The wines to be enjoyed as soon as you purchase them as they are meant to be enjoyed young / within 3 years after vintage.

2

More complex wines due to the blending, the style of the grapes, the extra skin extraction which gives more tannin and most of the times is aged in oak barrels. All together those conditions will create wines which need time to evolve and reveal their best.

Such wines, are usually 2 to 3 years old, you will need to store them for another few, indeed up to 20-25 years to enjoy them at their best.

Storing yourself means you get to buy them cheaper then than if you buy them already aged.

To age your wines properly you need to offer them ideal conditions, but what are they?

Any wines that you are going to keep over few weeks, will need to be stored properly if you want to preserve their characteristics and enjoy them at their best. And in the case of Malta, I recommend you lower temperatures as much as possible especially as from May to October to reduce the risk of damaging your wines.

So the ideal cellar conditions take into consideration: temperature, humidity, darkness, position of the bottle, environment, and also vibration.

“Lay the bottle on its side to keep the cork moist and to have the ideal repartition for the oxidation process”

- Temperature around 12 degrees Celcius: higher the wines may age quicker, lower the wine will age slower.

- Constant humidity between 70 to 80% to avoid corks drying and over evaporation of the wine.

- In the dark: not to affect the colour of the wines as UV will deteriorate quality and induce a quick maturity; for example you may find extra sediment at an early age in your red wines or your white wines will have a darker colour which will be a sign of ageing, hence you will find an expensive wine in a thicker and darker bottle to offer better protection from the light.

So where is the ideal place?

It’s a natural underground cellar but we do not all have the chance to have one, especially if you leave in a flat! So what other solutions do we have: If you have a storage room which combines the ideal cellar conditions mentioned, you can use it as your ‘cellar’.

Or try wine storage cabinets which can hold 38 bottles to 300 bottles – depending on how serious you are about collecting.

- Lay the bottle on its side to keep the cork moist and to have the ideal repartition for the oxidation process.

- No food or chemical product close by to avoid contamination.

And there is also the last but not least criteria, which needs to be taken into consideration: vibrations.

If these are too frequent and of significant strength they can damage the wines too. Those vibrations can be caused for example by a very busy road especially one with lorries passing by. You can then isolate the floor of your wines cellar or where you position your wine cabinet and keep it or the shelves spaces from the walls not to reverberate.

Carole Rondot from Marsovin's 14 year love affair with wine is only just surpassed by her love of cooking. She enjoys walks with her daughter and her dog, as well as going to art exhibitions.

When starting a wine cellar for the pleasure of ageing wines, it’s recommended to buy at least 3 to 6 bottles of the same wine to have the opportunity to taste and enjoy your wines throughout the process.

You can follow winemakers recommendations of best ageing times to enjoy your wines but it is also recommended to check how your wines are evolving in your own cellar as the ageing process can vary slightly quicker or slower due to your own storage conditions.

18 – indulge / Summer 2014

indulge / Summer 2014 – 19

homes

MDINA GLASS

Check out these brand new tumblers and jugs from the recently introduced Textured Range of handmade glassware

by Mdina Glass. Available in various colours, the contoured design plays with light as it passes through the glass and casts wonderful reflected patterns on walls and surfaces.

food & drink

A rainbow of flavours

Textured Scented Candleholders that look as good as they smell by Mdina Glass. You can choose from a range of enticing fragrances and a variety of shapes and colours.

Available in all Mdina Glass outlets throughout Malta & Gozo and online at www.mdinaglass.com.mt. Prices start at €15. For more info tel: 2141 5786.

the ring

The Ring device has been making the rounds this last year, with features on popular websites and a cool couple million hits on Youtube.

relies heavily on the phone app rather than the gesture itself) and the Ring enables users to detect incoming transmissions and alerts through a built-in vibration and LED.

So what is it? It's wearable tech which can communicate and gesture. Its main four features are; Gesture control whereby users will be able to control home appliances and apps. Text transmission, where gesturing of letters in the mid air can be recognised. Payment information transmission, where users pay bills through a single gesture (this function

The Ring also expands into customised gestures, direct paring and hub paring, and more. They start shipping this month with a Ring going for just under €200, however if you want to really get into it, the developer kit is going for €2,500 - pricey but little to pay for the chance to play wizard!

20 – indulge / Summer 2014

Summer is here and with it comes more and more socialising. Being mindful of excesses in alcohol in the heat and hidden unwanted calories, means the choices are limited for refreshments.

Or are they?

Talbot & Bons, located at Skyparks has a wide variety of organic soft drinks from Galvanina, which are packed with flavour derived from all natural ingredients. And they look mighty fine too.

Choose from a blood orange juice which has a touch of cane sugar and natural spring water to bring out the best of the freshly juiced flavour, or the wonderfully spiced ginger which tingles on the tongue, chinotto to bring back childhood memories or cola which could try any addicts’ allegiance. You may get a crush on the striking citrus ‘cedrata’ which is so refreshing, and such a great (natural) colour, but we urge you to work your way through the rainbow of Galvanina flavours which compliment our menu.

Our kitchens are open from 7.00 am serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, aperitivo and dinner, closing after the last flights have landed, at around 1 after midnight.

Talbot & Bons SkyParks Business Centre Malta International Airport - Malta Phone: (+356) 99 258 258 / 2123 4834 www.talbotbons.com

indulge / Summer 2014 – 21

film

jean pierre borg shows us

Treasure in Malta (1963) I

t is no news that locations featured on screen influence travellers to visit specific destinations. Undoubtedly, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, both filmed in New Zealand, are currently the best known examples of tourism-inducing films. The TRAVELSAT Competitive Index claims that in 2012, 40 million international tourists chose their destination mainly because they saw a film shot in a particular location, and up to 10 visitors in every 100 chose a destination mostly thanks to movies.

local production and attract more foreign investment, counterbalancing the problems created by the Services leaving. The Malta Government Tourist Board was thus established in 1958 in order to market Malta as a tourist location. While traditional initiatives like printing brochures were implemented, it is remarkable to notice that somebody at that time envisioned the benefits of promoting what the Maltese Islands had to offer through film.

Pollacco negotiated an agreement with the CFF, whereby in return for Government support, the film would be completely filmed in Malta, all the cast would be Maltese, and the name of the film would be changed from The Golden Calypso to Treasure in Malta.

Furthermore, the premise that the kids were to be chased across the island, gave the perfect excuse to put on show all the finest scenes and views the islands could offer, from the beauty of Ramla l-Ħamra

Tourist authorities around the world are now seeking partnerships with film companies in order to capitalise further from films linked to their region. Industry insiders assert that Woody Allen is currently considered a “director on hire”, who will shoot a film in your region provided you supply a component of the funding. His recent films like Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Midnight in Paris (2011) and To Rome with Love (2012) attest to this. Even animated films are seen to have had an impact.

VisitScotland has spent £7m on a joint marketing drive with Disney for Brave (2012), which was set in Scotland, estimating that the return on investment will reach £120m over five years.

Simply put, the phenomenon of ‘screen tourism’ is nowadays embraced and considered as an important niche in the tourism sector which guarantees a strong return. Nonetheless, while the general impression is that the phenomenon is fairly recent, way back in the early 1960s, Malta was possibly among the first to not only see this potential, but to also go one step further and proactively invest in a production which would ultimately promote Malta on the big screen.

At the time, Malta was bracing itself for the impending independence from the British Empire. The establishment and strengthening of the tourism sector was a primary concern for the authorities of the time. Such an industry could increase

22 – indulge / Summer 2014

In December 1961, John Pollacco, chairman of the Malta Government Tourist Board, was in London for talks with representatives of the Children’s Film Foundation (CFF) to make arrangements for a film of theirs to be made in Malta.

Since 1951, the CFF had been entrusted with making films suitable for children to be then screened during Saturday morning matinees. These films were very successful and by the early 60s, films made by the CFF were being shown in over 30 countries and dubbed in a dozen different languages.

seen from afar, to the quaint villages in Gozo, the imposing cities of Valletta and Mdina, the mysterious temples at Ħaġar Qim and the Catacombs of St Paul, the Carnival scenes in Rabat or the busy market scene in Paola. All these locations portrayed the idyllic beauty of the Maltese Islands and surely left an impact on film viewers both young and old.

The film starts off with Tom and Sukie, two children who arrive in Malta to spend the holidays with their father Dr Trevor, an archaeologist on the verge of making a breakthrough discovery in his search for

the legendary golden statue of Calypso. A gang of criminals determined to get hold of the priceless artefact abduct Dr Trevor on his way to the airport. Left stranded, Tom and Sukie make friends with Jiminy, a Maltese boy, who joins them in a fastpaced chase across Malta and Gozo as the kids seek someone who will believe their story and help them in rescuing their father.

The role of Jiminy was played by Mario Debono, while Aidan Mompalao de Piro and Marylu Coppini neé Ripard took on the roles of Tom and Sukie

respectively. Joseph Mompalao de Piro played Dr Trevor with Charles Thake as his friend and colleague Professor Caruana. The three crooks Maxim, Scabio and Piali were played by Guido Saliba, Joe Zammit Cordina and Vanni Riolo respectively.

Treasure in Malta is a milestone in Malta's film making history. It remains, to this day, the first colour theatrical film to be supported by the Maltese Government to be completely shot in Malta and with an all-Maltese cast. Treasure in Malta is nothing short of a time capsule and an

evocative testament to the beauty of the Maltese Islands.

Jean Pierre Borg has for the past years been researching on the films that have been fully or partly shot in Malta.

For more information, curiosities and trivia about the Maltese film industry, contact the author on 79710271, email jeanpierreborg@live.com or visit the ‘Filmed in Malta’ Facebook page.

Images courtesy of Mrs Yvonne Zammit Cordina

indulge / Summer 2014 – 23

travel

Bhutan

The Kingdom of Happiness Fifty years ago, Bhutan had no roads, no currency, no phones and no tourists. Now the modern world is at its doorstep.

Nadya German visits a Himalayan Kingdom where time no longer stands still.

H

idden away between India and Tibet, the Kingdom of Bhutan, famous for its Gross National Happiness motto, is one of the last cultures to escape the influence of globalisation. Often referred to as the last Shangri-la, it is a stunningly beautiful place, isolated and deeply spiritual. But in contrast to Nepal and India, where backpackers are welcomed, in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, as it is known to the Bhutanese, high-end visitors are more its style. Trips to Bhutan are all inclusive, with an imposed daily fee of roughly €200 per person. So OK, paradise doesn’t come cheap, but is it worth it? In my opinion, yes, because Bhutan is unique, with a lifestyle and culture that the modern world has left behind.

This is a place where the sale of tobacco is banned and everyone still wears traditional dress in public, for women a beautifully woven sarong-type kira; for men, the gho, a knee-length wrap-around robe worn with high socks, with the blousy fold above the belt used for everything from wallets to groceries!

Totally impractical when you consider

24 – indulge / Summer 2014

that 70% of the population are farmers, and not very warm either for their climate!

religion) larger white flags attached to wooden poles and as tall as yacht sails, fluttering in the wind.

However, the Bhutanese have found a natural way to keep warm in winter.

They chew doma, (which smells foul!), contains an addictive substance that increases body warmth (and produces a blood-red juice which looks like their gums are bleeding!). Also, hot food is integral to their cuisine and they eat chillies like vegetables, they don’t consider it as a spice. Their national dish ema datshi is a cheese dish heavily laced with lots (and I mean lots!) of chillies, served with their famous red rice. Eyewatering rather than mouth watering!

Their Buddhist monuments and their houses are whitewashed, with intricately carved wood beams, painted in vibrant colours. They create a visual treat, standing out against the stark mountains, the running rivers and the green paddy fields. Several have phalluses painted on their walls, especially in the village of Punakha, and in a nearby town ironically called Nobding. The ‘flaming thunderbolt of wisdom’ sturdy male member is traditionally intended to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip. ‘In honour of the Divine Madman,’ sniggers our guide Sonam Sonam, (it seems there are a limited number of names to choose from in Bhutan, and they are used as first and/or last names). The Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley, owner of the original ‘thunderbolt of wisdom’ was unlike other monks, liked women and loved to drink.

Legend has it that he subdued and killed a terrifying female demon hitting her over the head with his you-know-what, and for that he became a Buddhist Saint.

The colours of Bhutan make it a feast for photographers. Prayer flags are almost everywhere. At holy sites, in the market places, on remote mountain tops and in people’s back yards; to ward off demons and to benefit the spirits of the dead.

I preferred the small, multi-coloured ones that are stringed together, but there was something strangely peaceful about listening to the clusters of 108 (a significant number in the Buddhist

“The drive from Punakha to Thimphu leads to the 3140 metre high Dochu La mountain pass, where there is a collection of 108 chortens (spiritual monuments) at the top.”

Now the Chime Lakhang (temple) is dedicated to him, where infertile couples visit to pray for children, and get tapped on the head with a large wooden phallus.

The drive from Punakha to Thimphu leads to the 3140 metre high Dochu La mountain pass, where there is a collection of 108 chortens (spiritual monuments) at the top. Normally surrounded by mist, we were lucky to have a clear day for the spectacular 360° panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayas.

Thimphu, the capital, is a relaxed sleepy town but was the best place for handicraft shopping, weekend market, cashpoints etc. It is home to the much loved young King Wangchuck, the national government, the national archery stadium plus an inordinate amount of barking dogs that are quiet by day but come awake at night (pack ear plugs if you are a light sleeper!) Archery is the national sport, and from what we saw at one of the local ranges, they are actually very good at it.

The major towns are dominated by dzongs, originally built as fortresses but now serving as administrative offices and the site of cultural activities. Paro’s Dzong where the first King was coronated is well worth a visit, if nothing else but to take photos of the red-mouthed domachewing maroon-robed monks! It is the second largest in the country and a great example of Bhutanese architecture.

Our last day was spent trekking up to the Taktshang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, literally perched on the side of a cliff, 900 metres straight up from Paro valley, (easily spotted on the ascent

out of Paro airport if you get a window seat on the right). It was built where Guru Rinpoche, another of the Bhutan’s favourite prophets, is said to have arrived on the back of a winged tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet in the eighth century. Without a winged tiger, the ascent is a solid two to three hour trek, with an optional $10 mule ride up part of the way. The best $10 I ever spent!

The rest of the trek meant negotiating steep steps cut into the cliff (very steep when you have short legs!) until you reach the great bronze entrance to the Tiger’s Nest, a shimmering monument with golden pinnacles to its rooftops set over stark, whitewashed walls that somehow cling to the cliff face. They say if you haven’t visited Taktsang monastery, it means you have never been to Bhutan, and being there is truly spiritual, no matter what you religion you believe in.

Today Bhutan uniquely straddles ancient and modern but is a country in transition; in 20 years this balance will have changed. Go now, before the secret gets out.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 25

sport

ANOTHER STRING TO YOUR BOW Phil Gibbs explains The art and sport of archery

Archery has left its legacy in history across the globe, legends, and stories, and thanks to the popularity of folk heroes like Robin Hood and William Tell, lives on.

How many types of bow are there?

There are four main types – recurve, compound, longbow and crossbow.

Recurve bows were first used by horsemen, and modern versions are the ones in Olympic events. These bows are named because of their distinct shape, the centre curving towards the archer, and the tips curving away. This design gives the bow more power, and less strength is needed to draw the bow.

Phil Gibbs is a qualified rugby referee, cricket umpire, and weight-training instructor. He plays for Malta Marauders Veterans rugby team.

26 – indulge / Summer 2014

You will need a quiver to carry your arrows in, spare bow strings and a stringer. For protection, you need to wear an arm brace, finger tab, and gloves. You will also generally need a trigger device if using a compound bow.

EatFit

with Audrey Callus

Are there different types of competition?

There are two main methods of competing in archery, either target or field. There are also flight events, in which archers compete to shoot an arrow the furthest, the current world record distance shot by a recurve bow being a phenomenal 1,222.01 metres.

Where and when did archery originate?

Archery is one of the oldest arts still being practised today. Although it was probably used in the Stone Age, the earliest people confirmed to have used bows and arrows for hunting and warfare were the ancient Egyptians, dating back to at least 5000 years. They were the first to develop composite bows made from several different materials, and used sheep intestines to make the bow string.

The arrows used were extremely light, and the bows had a range of 400 yards.

The Egyptians used archers on the back of light chariots who were highly trained and skilled, and could easily outflank an enemy army with devastating effect.

Is any other equipment required?

Target archery is the most popular form. It is one of the few sports where the disabled can compete directly against able-bodied opponents with an equal chance of winning. In fact, in 1982 the Commonwealth Games gold was won by a paraplegic competitor.

Target Archery Target archery consists of archers shooting a fixed number of arrows from a specified distance at a circular target with 10 concentric rings beginning with the appropriately coloured gold bull's-eye, which is 1.3 metres above the ground. Like the bull's-eye, each of the four other coloured rings - red, blue, black and white - is 12.2 centimetres wide and contains two scoring zones of equal width.

Basic recurve bows for beginners have only a string, an arrow rest, bow limbs and a riser to aid balance. Additions such as sights, pressure buttons, clickers and stabilisers can be made to the bow as the archer becomes more skilled.

Compound bows were first produced in the 1960s and involve a complex system of cables, pulleys and eccentric cams that help to hold a heavy draw weight at full draw. This gives archers time to aim a powerful bow without excessive muscle fatigue, although the initial draw still needs a lot of strength.

Compound bows are less affected by temperature and humidity changes than bows made with natural materials, which makes them more accurate, and gives them greater distance and arrow speed.

Longbows were first recorded as being used in a battle in 1298 and were a dominant battlefield weapon until the mid-16th century. The bows are elegant in their simplicity, consisting of a long, slightly curved piece of wood the same height as the archer without arrow rests or sights. Longbows are much more difficult to aim than modern bows and do not have nearly the same velocity.

Crossbows first appeared in China.

They are similar to rifles in shape, but have a short bow horizontally attached to the muzzle. The bows are drawn using a mechanical crank, and the string is then attached to the trigger mechanism and locked until ready to fire. Crossbows are frequently used for target archery, but have shorter firing ranges and need heavier draw weights to perform to the same level as compound and recurve bows.

What about the arrows?

There are three types of arrows – carbon, aluminum and wood.

Carbon arrows are very light and flexible, but are more dangerous than the other types because they shatter rather than bending or snapping.

From the outside white ring to the inner gold at the centre, the points total on the target ascends from 1 to 10.

Arrows piercing the lines between the circles are awarded the higher score. Deflected arrows earn a score where they end up. Arrows that don't stick or that pass through the target also count. When an arrow rebounds, the archer signals to the judge by raising a flag after finishing an end (a round of three arrows). If an arrow becomes embedded in another arrow it is called a "Robin Hood", and the score of the first arrow is taken.

Field Archery Field archery is a bit of a misnomer, as the ideal Field Archery course will be set in woods with steep slopes. Either 14 or 28 targets, usually consisting of pictures of animals or birds, are set out in different positions, and archers walk from one to the other. A set number of arrows are shot at each target from specified distances varying from 6 to 20 metres, each with varying levels of technical difficulty. The wide variety of terrain, shooting conditions and rounds are the real attractions of field archery.

Aluminum arrows are slightly heavier and stiffer than carbon arrows and are safer because they break less easily. They can also be easily cut to different sizes.

Can I try archery in Malta?

The original wooden arrows are the most basic type of arrow, and are only used with longbows because they would break much too easily if used with high power bows. Wooden arrows have feather flights, rather the plastic ones used with carbon and aluminum arrows.

Normal opening hours are: Sunday 9-12am, Monday 4-7pm, Tuesday 4-7pm, Thursday 4-7pm,

Absolutely! www.malta-archery.com run regular courses and test shooting at their venue in Triq Arnhem, Pembroke.

Dreading bikini o’clock is something you can stop with a change of lifestyle with a comprehensive, tailored plan from personal trainer and nutritionalist, Audrey Callus.

Audrey’s views on nutrition and keeping fit are that they are a way of life and not a fad or fleeting craze just to get into a particular dress! The fact is the EatFit programme is all about moderation in the long run – aggressive dieting and bouts of excessive exercise doesn’t work, what’s needed is a lifestyle that people can maintain.

We are all busy, but you can fit in exercise and retrain your brain to make better food choices when you can. The plan works for those of us with pastizzi addictions as well as unrelenting social lives or family commitments, or indeed an aversion to exercise!

“Exercise as well as diet considerations need to be personalised as we are all individuals with differing circumstances and goals. What works for one person doesn’t work for another.

“As a personal trainer and coach I have worked with Malta`s finest and Malta`s busiest… My clients have always had particular needs, no time and all the excuses in the world.. yet with my coaching, in the end we always reach their goals together. I`m very proud of this track record” proclaims Audrey.

Through the facebook page and regular contact between sessions, the goal is to get support and guidance as well as motivation throughout the ‘change’.

Find out more about EatFit’s personal training and nutrition services by following the facebook page, eatfitmalta, or by contacting Audrey@eatfitmalta.com

Call for more information on 999 58 104

indulge / Summer 2014 – 27

boats

food & drink

Chartering Ever wanted to charter a boat?

Sunseeker shed some light on the subject

Do we have to take food and drink?

Get together with a group of friends and make the most of a free day by chartering a boat to see the islands at their best.

Charters are not only about choosing a yacht but also about choosing that destination that gives you what you want to experience during your stay. Sunseeker Malta Charters is a premier and luxury yacht charter company and forms part of the Sunseeker International Charters network.

At Sunseeker Malta Charters everything revolves around experiences and our experienced charter consultant will navigate a world of choices to provide you with that ultimate charter experience.

A yacht charter gives you endless possibilities to customise every aspect of your yachting vacation making it a true luxury experience. You will explore a number of thrilling destinations whilst enjoying the flexibility, comfort and privacy that only a luxury yacht can provide.

Sunseeker Malta Charters provides you with a vast portfolio of local and international yachts and destinations that together with our charter consultant advice and assistance you can plan your vacation that suits your exact taste and budget. Therefore if you are looking for an extravagant experience whether locally or internationally, you should not miss out from chartering with Sunseeker Malta Charters.

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How do I go about organising a charter?

To organise a charter is easy – decide when you’d like to go and how many there are of you, and contact Sunseeker’s charter team on 9933 8081 or charters@ sunseekermalta.com to discuss your ideas so we can make plans for the perfect day out.

How many people can go?

From 1 to 12 guests can enjoy a charter – it depends what size boat and budget you have to work within.

Where can we go?

Anywhere around the islands, or anywhere in the Med or the world; Sunseeker has a global presence and can cater for your trip be it local or international.

How much is it?

Budgets vary according to the size of boat and duration of the charter. The boat is fully crewed so you just have to relax and let them work while you play!

This is entirely up to you. We can cater for any dietary requirements and again, to any budget. You can order hampers which are designed to be boat friendly – or you can bring your own food and drink.

Are the crew qualified?

All crew is qualified and highly trained in both seamanship and first aid. The boats are equipped with the latest communications equipment in the case of any emergency.

How long can we have the boat for?

A day charter is for 8 hours – but you can hire the boat for as long as you like, a day, 24 hours, a weekend, a week – or longer!

What if the weather is bad on the day?

We check forecasts regularly and inform you of any conditions that may mean we have to postpone, though this can happen on the day as the weather can change at very short notice. In such instances, we can postpone or we will refund.

What type of boats are available?

We offer a range of motor yachts from 40 feet to 155 feet. We also have a number of sailing yachts and super yachts at our disposal should these take your fancy. www.sunseekermaltacharters.com

Get the Friday feeling, every day Monique Chambers says

I

’m not sure where I went before Charles Grech opened its doors as a café / bar in Republic Street. If you looked in my diary, the name repeats on an almost daily basis. I meet friends, colleagues, clients and prospects there.

It’s perfectly located so parking in the multi storey is not a million miles away and it’s central for the theatres and art spaces, and a great place to take a break with shopping bags…..

Spilling out onto the street with welcoming faces and waiters serving plates and platters to entice you in; meet for breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, cocktails and late night drinks, in the knowledge that the service, cellar and food are all of a high standard.

The perfect place for a pre or post theatre nibble and no better place to start and finish your weekend evenings.

The atmosphere is amazing! Alive with chatter and giggles, tables with wine

coolers and cocktails. This is the place to be seen. At Charles Grech, you step back into the elegant Valletta of old, it’s charming and comfortable, with different generations mixing and melding and making every visit an event in itself.

indulge / Summer 2014 – 29

film

Our own DIY Diva Lisa Browning Upcycles bedside tables

Side Street Films E

den Cinemas are introducing a new twist to cinema in Malta, that of alternative movies. Through significant investment and support via the Cinema Digitisation Scheme, the Eden Cinemas recently converted its 13 cinema screens to Digital projection. This technological improvement made large swathes of quality films suddenly available to local cinemas.

Side Street Films is a whole new concept for those wanting to watch great quality, non-mainstream films. Moving away from the typical Hollywood notion, these art house, European films are all about alternative content for movie lovers who appreciate a more artistic and experimental style of film. These movies are coming soon:

Nymphomaniac Vol I & II Nymphomaniac is the wild and poetic story of a woman’s journey from birth to the age of 50 as told by the main character, the self-diagnosed nymphomaniac, Joe, played by Charlotte Gainsbourg. On a cold winter’s evening the old, charming bachelor, Seligman finds Joe beaten up in an alley. He brings her home to his flat where he cares for her wounds while asking her about her life. He listens intently as Joe recounts the lushy branched-out and multifaceted story of her life, rich in associations and interjecting incidents.

Belle Belle is a movie inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic greatuncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar's son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

30 – indulge / Summer 2014

homes

This is a great project for a beginner, which can easily be done in a day.

We used a pair of our own ‘boring’ wood bedside tables, Brolac paint and a sheet of frosted vinyl from a hardware store.

The Past The Past is a French movie (with English subtitles), which tells the story of Ahmad and his ex-wife. Following a four year separation, Ahmad returns to Paris from Tehran, upon his estranged French wife Marie's request to finalise their divorce procedure, so she can marry her new boyfriend Samir. During his tense brief stay, Ahmad discovers the conflicting nature of Marie's relationship with her teenage daughter Lucie. Ahmad's efforts to improve this relationship soon unveils a secret from their past. The movie received a Golden Globe Award nomination in 2014 for Best Foreign Film.

The Lunchbox The Lunchbox is an Indian film based on the story of middle class housewife Ila, who is trying to add some spice to her marriage, this time through her cooking. She desperately hopes that this new recipe will finally arouse some kind of reaction from her neglectful husband. She prepares a special lunchbox to be delivered to him at work, but, unbeknownst to her, it is mistakenly delivered to another office worker, Saajan, a lonely man on the verge of retirement.

Curious about the lack of reaction from her husband, Ila puts a little note in the following day’s lunchbox, in the hopes getting to the bottom of the mystery.

This begins a series of lunchbox notes between Saajan and Ila, and the mere comfort of communicating with a stranger anonymously soon evolves into an unexpected friendship. Gradually, their

First step is to lightly sand the furniture and wipe with a damp cloth. Then, we partially assembled it and painted with Brolac Gloss Enamel in ‘Matador’. One coat was sufficient.

notes become little confessions about their loneliness, memories, regrets, fears, and even small joys. They each discover a new sense of self and find an anchor to hold on to in the big city of Mumbai that so often crushes hopes and dreams.

Still strangers physically, Ila and Saajan become lost in a virtual relationship that could jeopardise both their realities.

Visit www.edenculture.com.mt or find us on Facebook for more information!

Next step was to trace a pattern from a tile and transfer this to the sheet of frosted vinyl.

This was transferred to the glass top and smoothed over.

Alternatively, you could use a frosting paint, and use a stencilled design.

The table was put together and voila! Bright new additions were created in just a couple of hours.

Now nothing is safe, watch out for other projects online and in future editions.

HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique, Mdina A range of exclusive designer decorative objects and figurines for indoor and out at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique, Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson). Made of lead and hard wearing, they are deal for adding character to a unique garden setting. For more info tel: 2010 6307 or visit facebook.com/HenriMalta

Schedule: Nymphomaniac Vol 1 11th – 24th June Belle 25th – 8th July Nymphomaniac Vol 2 9th – 22nd July The Past 23rd – 5th August The Lunch Box 6th – 19th August

indulge / Summer 2014 – 31

homes

Elevate your living space by creating a roof garden B

3. Local environmental conditions

5. Irrigation and maintenance

Limitations of roof gardens are strong winds and sunshine. Take advantage of any existing protection.

In summer, plants often need watering twice a day and leaf scorching may occur even if plants are well-watered.

Before designing any addition to a property’s roof it is essential to check:

If erecting trellis or screens, ensure that any fixings are well-supported.

• Whether planning permission is required.

Balconies also often have the additional problem of an overhang from the property above, which prevents rainfall from reaching plants.

Containers should be raised off the ground so that their roots don’t get waterlogged.

efore embarking on a project to make your roof garden into an oasis of greenery and flowers, the following important points should be considered:

1. Building restrictions

• How much weight the roof can take.

• If the roof is waterproof. If not, use Berger Cool Roofs paint to coat the entire surface.

2. Design & construction Heavy containers should be placed near load-bearing walls or over a load-bearing beam.

Modifications to roof supports can be made if the structural survey shows that support is insufficient. Erecting a ‘false’ floor is a common method, directing weight onto surrounding walls.

4. Compost and containers Containers will dry out rapidly in windy, hot weather so make sure they are a good width and depth.

Ensure the container is lightweight and has ample drainage holes in the base.

If weight is a consideration, and you use a peat-substitute mix, the container may need to be fixed so that it doesn’t blow over in strong winds.

Check containers periodically to ensure plant roots are not congested. Re-pot as necessary in spring.

Depending on the level of exposure and altitude, a wide range of plants can be grown on a balcony or roof garden. The ideal method is to establish some shelter using screens or robust plants, which then creates a microclimate where other plants can survive.

Plants that are tolerant of wind and sun tend to have leaf modifications that result in reduced surface evaporation. Examples are plants with needle-like leaves (pines, grasses or brooms) or very small leaves • Leaves can be covered in lots of hairs, giving the foliage a grey appearance. Lavenders and santolinas are examples • Windbreak plants such as Pinus mugo tolerate sun and wind • Low-growing, ground-cover plants can avoid the worst of the winds, or are sturdy enough to withstand them.

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ndly osts surfaces frie ning c coatings & y l o l g i it tin ta en ond exis grey nm airc lied to & light o r s e i t p i h v ce p enedu be a e in w r an abl c vail a

A green environment, all year round The starting idea for Roofingreen® takes into account the requirements of sustainability in modern-day construction, satisfying these needs with a product which changes the concept of living space: a raised outdoor modular ‘grass’ flooring for covering ventilated surfaces.

Terraces, horizontal as well as vertical coverings become new spaces for daily and social living. Ideal for Malta, where space can be limited and the weather is extreme and unrelenting.

Roofingreen® is modular and built on a frame; the space between the supporting base and the surface creates perfect thermal and acoustic insulation.

Ventilation during the summer, protection against the cold in winter, peace and quiet all year long. And it’s maintenance free!

For more information: Email sc@roofingreen.com Contact (+356) 9925 0384 www.roofingreen.com

www.coolroofs.com.mt

indulge / Summer 2014 – 33

cars

Tailored Catering exclusively yours!

Adrian Muscat Azzopardi takes us around Sicily by car I

n brief, I am addicted to Sicily. I am addicted to the fusion of cultures, cuisines, traditions and constantly changing landscapes. Addicted to the long and winding roads that take you from ski slopes to beaches in the span of a couple of hours. Addicted to the Sicilian pride in all things related to food, wine and hospitality. And this addiction is far from waning. My love affair started when I was very young and my father took us to Sicily by car and then by boat.

I distinctly remember my fascination for the food markets in Siracusa and Catania. The smells, the colours, the loud voices, the haggling, the fresh (seasonal) produce, the alleyways which lead from fish vendors to tomato displays, the winding roads that take you from smell of baked ricotta to that of freshly baked bread… and what fascinated me then still fascinates me now. Which is why I make it a point to visit Sicily as often as I can and whenever possible by car. My car.

My first long road trip in Sicily was on my honeymoon. We drove east when we left Pozzallo towards Taormina and travelled all round the north coast to Trapani on the far west before driving back to Pozzallo via Agrigento. Three thousand kilometers of food, sea, history and honeymooning. And on every road I drove and every village I saw I swore that I’d be back to see these places in more detail.

Osborne Caterers St. Paul’s street San Pawl Tat Targa Naxxar NXR 4013 0035621423214 Web: www.osbornecaterers.com info@osbornecaterers.com

“If you travel via the SS116, another fascinating surprise awaits you. You suddenly realise that there is a vast span of sea in front of you and from the mountains you drive onto a long stretch of golden sand lining the dramatic coast stretching to the east to Messina and to the west towards Cefalu and Palermo.”

My suggested itinerary below will take you across the less known parts of Sicily which are ideal for a road trip combining fascinating roads and landscapes, natural parks and reserves, culinary delights, picturesque villages and historic sites.

I shall not include the more known cities to the south and on the east coast (Catania, Siracusa, Messina etc) since these are very common with those who visit Sicily and are therefore very well known.

Hidden Gems in the North East The northeastern part of Sicily is conveniently sandwiched in a triangular shape between the only three autostrade in Sicily. The A18, the A19 and the A20.

This triangle encloses three parks from east to west: Parco Nazionale Dell’Etna, Parco Regionale Dei Nebrodi, and the Parco Naturale Regionale Delle Madonie.

These lesser-known parks are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes which I have ever come across.

To get to the parks, from Pozzallo take the A18 autostrada via Siracusa towards the Parco Dell’Etna. Take lunch in one of a number of villages close to the

Etna on the coast such as Zafferana Etnea or Giarre and unless you’ve already done so previously this is a good time to take Etna Nord or Etna Sud and to venture as far up the Etna as possible (weather permitting). The views are breathtaking and the further up you go the colder it gets so a jacket or pullover is advisable most of the year.

At this point venture inland via Randazzo taking either the SS116 or the SS289 which pass directly through the Parco Dei Nebrodi. This is one of the least known and therefore purest parts of Sicily and you shall literally drive through forests, mountains, pure air, valleys and long stretches of nothing but road and nature. If you travel via the SS116, another fascinating surprise awaits you.

You suddenly realise that there is a vast span of sea in

indulge / Summer 2014 – 35

cars

“I distinctly recall visiting the Mueseo Civico delle Ceramiche and I do suggest that you visit this museum, which is a lovely building in itself with spectacular views.” front of you and from the mountains you drive onto a long stretch of golden sand lining the dramatic coast stretching to the east to Messina and to the west towards Cefalu and Palermo.

At this stage you have two options.

Take the SS117 (another stunning road) back in to the Parco Dei Nebrodi towards Nicosia or else to drive to Cefalu and enjoy the stunning coast with an obligatory stop at the quaint village of Santo Stefano Di Camastra which is famous for its ceramics industry. I distinctly recall visiting the Mueseo Civico delle Ceramiche and I do suggest that you visit this museum, which is a lovely building in itself with spectacular views.

Cefalu is probably the most wellknown and therefore touristic town on the north east coast and it sits right above the Parco Delle Madonie. Unless

36 – indulge / Summer 2014

you have already visited Cefalu then you must go for a walk in the centre of this picturesque seaside town, which has a sandy beach that runs for the entire length of the town. Again, the town is set against a dramatic steep cliff/rock and the Duomo right at the heart of the town is literally framed by the rock (La Rocca).

and a coffee in most of these places. The road back to Pozzallo from Castelbuono involves taking the SS120 (motorbike and sports car drivers love this road) onto the SS290 towards the A19 at which point the fastest way to Pozzallo is probably to continue along the autostrada onto the Catania-Siracusa.

From Cefalu head on straight to Castelbuono. This is another relatively undiscovered gem although it is very well known by the locals. Unlike most other quaint and quiet small villages in the Parco Delle Madonie, Castelbuono is known for the festivities carried out during Easter and Christmas and, more importantly, it is apparently the town where Palermitani like to come to take dolci and caffe during the weekends and in festive periods. The fact that it is a quaint picturesque town that also hosts a number of good restaurants (Nangalarruni strongly recommended!) and wine bars makes it a perfect base to visit the more remote villages in the Madonie over a couple of days.

These villages include Isnello, and the unmissable Santuario di Giblimanna which can be found on the SP9 direction Cefalu from Castelbuono. Another day trip, departing from Castelbuono includes going down the SS286 towards Geraci Siculo and visiting the Petralie (Sottana and Soprana), Gangi and Polizzi Generosa and you only need to stop for a walk

The whole itinerary above can be done over three to four days, but to see the three parks properly a week is recommended.

Adrian Muscat Azzopardi is a car enthusiast with a weakness for light-weight British sports cars. In his spare time he indulges in buying, racing and writing about cars and particularly enjoys road trips to Sicily where he takes part in various competitive motor sport events. Feel free to join Facebook.com/MaltaCarForum where members can discuss literally anything car related and follow his blog.

Make every moment count Special Occasions Package It’s your special day and there will be a million magnificent moments to cherish forever.

So make the start of your trip a memorable one with our special occasions package.

Make your airport transit like an A-lister in luxury, style and comfort.

Malta International Airport plc.

Luqa LQA 4000, Malta Tel: (+356) 2369 6292 / 6016 Freephone: 8007 6666 Email: info@lavaletteclub.com

www.lavaletteclub.com

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