FIRST July 2015

BEEKEEPING IN MALTA I GETTING OVER SUICIDE I CATCHING UP WITH SET DESIGNER PETER J. HOWITT I ISLAND HOPPING ON THE FAROE ISLANDS I INTERIOR DESIGN I THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD I COCKTAILS I FASHION TIPS I COMPETITIONS

JULY 2015

Photograph by Alan Carville

Breaking (it) down, in the kitchen I’ve recently realised that I have a mild obsession with cooking. Whether it is laying on a lavish spread for my friends and family or numerous bowls of tasty nutrition for a weekday supper at home… well, at least I can dream! All the Jamie Oliver and Wagamama documentaries and books that have followed me around for years, and memories of big family meals in the English countryside have left their mark on me forever, and finally I am now planning to put together all those piles of wonderful foodstuffs I have picked up from all over Malta with the intention of not throwing them in the bin, as usual!

It still mystifies me as to why, at the age of 32, it has taken me so long to gain the confidence to rustle up a supper for more than two. Or at least it did, totally, till I bumped into an old friend at the beach the other day and we started sharing similar memories of our childhood in the kitchen, being shooed out with the words “let me do that darling, you go relax” and not being allowed to touch this and that because – um, I’m still not quite sure to this day. However, there is still only one knife big enough for a garden fairy to use in my parents’ kitchen that only instigates an argument nowadays – or at least I think there is as all the other super knives, if they actually exist, could be hidden in case of a burglar in the house… perhaps wanting to make a fusion salad and being severely disappointed. I hear his pain.

Nowadays, in Malta, there is a new confidence for vegetarian meals, and salads are becoming more of a staple option. This has taken forever and a day to appear, but, together with the rise of confident chefs and a multitude of eatery choices, we are finally on our way to a bright culinary culture – and boy does it help bring ‘ideas’ to the kitchen at home!

So while I bid you farewell, till the August issue, I hope you have time to cook up a feast for yourself and your loved ones – before I do, and even if it doesn’t turn out quite as you intended – give it a go and enjoy the creative moment! But before you do, kick back and enjoy this issue of First. Every subsequent issue will bring something new to the table, learning as we go, and working with the best ingredients this island has to offer.

EDITOR LILY AGIUS ADVERTISING CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SEAN ELLUL CONTRIBUTORS ALBERT DELIA, ALEX LAPIRA, AMANDA SAVONA, BRENDON MCDONNELL, CLAIRE AITCHISON, CLAIRE BUGELLI, CLAIRE CIANTAR, CORYSE BORG, DINI MARTINEZ, FABIO FERRI, FEDERICO PELTRETTI, JUDY FALZON, MIGUEL PORTELLI, PETER J. HOWITT, THE CLOUDED REVOLUTION, VERONICA STIVALA, VIOLET KULEWSKA, ZOE MUSCAT. PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL. (00356) 21345888 PRINTER PRINT IT EMAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE COVER DETAILS CLAIRE CIANTAR WEARING A SWIMSUIT FROM MEI, SHOES FROM ALDO, JEWELLERY FROM PORTO, AND ETNIA BARCELONA SUNGLASSES FROM O’HEA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY FEDERICO PELTRETTI AND STYLED BY FABIO FERRI. FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

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Inside

6 FIRST WORD

With interior architectural and interior designer Violet Kulewska

9 GUARDIANS OF LIQUID GOLD

Increasing the population of bees in Malta

12 ISLAND HOPPING

The Faroe Islands by Joanna Delia

16 A LIFE WELL LIVED

We catch up with the accomplished and witty set designer Peter J. Howitt, since his stroke

20 BERGER PAINT COMPETITION

46 FUND RAISING FOR DIABETES AWARENESS

Snaps from The Maltese Diabetes Association’s annual fund-raising event

49 DEAR CLAIRE

Children who can’t accept the idea of one of their parents being ‘replaced’

52 DISHING THE WORKS

Tasty recipes to try at home

57 THE SMART WAY TO SAVE

Financial advice from Fimbank’s Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Jason Zammit

Count up paint pots inside this issue and be in for a chance to win prizes!

60 SOCIAL WHIRL

21 KALEIDOSCOPIC OBJECTS

62 LAST WORD

Interior design inspiration for a characterful home

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Snaps from the latest events With a veggie enthusiast who recently turned vegan. We ask why?

26 HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Fashion tips for the ladies from The Clouded Revolution

28 SAY ‘YES’ TO THE SUIT

Fashion tips for the gentlemen from The Clouded Revolution

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30 GLAM GALORE

This issue’s fashion story – with poolside glamour

40 FINDING THE LIGHT

Coming to terms with suicide

42 THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD

What in today’s world will horrify our grandchildren?

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16 SEND us YOUR COMMENTS To FIRST magazine, Standard Publications Ltd., B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

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first word

Polish interior architectural and furniture designer Violet Kulewska lives and works in Valletta, having fallen in love with Malta a few years ago.

My favourite room at home is my studio. It has a lot of space for drawing and painting and is where I have my computer and all my books for inspiration. This is my little world to which I disappear during the day – and sometimes at night – and where I create. Every surface in this room is covered with things I have collected and art.

I’ve recently discovered an East African bar called Selam in Hamrun. Their food and Ethiopian coffee is amazing. The Ethiopian cuisine consists of various vegetable or meat side dishes and entrées, often prepared as a thick stew or curry, or whatever they call it. It is quite unique and I’d like to see more multi-cultural restaurants and bars in Malta.

The most inspirational person in my life

is the next person I meet. I believe that I meet a lot of people in my life for a reason and they often teach me something valuable. I have learned a lot about myself in this way.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe is a vintage hat from the 1920s.

The last piece of music I listened to is the soundtrack from

the movie Papusza by Polish composer Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz. Music is an important part of my life – I usually start my day with a selected song which put me in the right mood for the rest of the day.

I would like to learn how to make furniture that I have designed. I usually come up with the concept and I work 6

Clockwise: A tea field in Japan – part of the diverse landscapes and cultural practices Violet would like to experience; Violet has become a fan of the aromatic alcoholic drink Fernet in recent years; and she has enjoyed listening to the soundtrack from the Polish film Papusza; Her recent buy – a 1920’s hat.

types – photographers, artists, musicians – who are invited to talk about their living spaces.

very closely with the carpenters but I am fascinated with the idea of being able to make things myself. I’d love to have a small workshop where I could make this happen.

One thing you will always find in my fridge is a bottle of Fernet. A friend from the Czech Republic introduced me to this drink and from that time I always have it in my fridge. Fernet is an Italian type of amaro, a bitter, aromatic spirit. It’s made from a number of herbs and spices which vary according to the brand.

I’m reading a new issue of Apartamento at the moment.

I wish to visit Japan – a remarkable country with an

It’s the world’s hippest interiors magazine, full of amazing articles. Unlike many traditional interiors magazines, which feature cold, minimalist rooms full of unaffordable designer gadgets, the living spaces in Apartamento are often small, cluttered and have a lived-in feel. The people covered are largely creative

extraordinary people and a blend of ancient traditions and advanced technologies. Japanese cultural and aesthetic norms are both tasteful and beautiful: it’s a visual wonderland that I would love to experience.

See her interior design ideas on page 21.

the guardians of liquid gold Above: Anthony, Ritianne, Antoine, Francesca, Benjamin from Bee Savers Malta

T

he importance of bees for the wellbeing and survival of ecosystems has recently been gathering the recognition it rightly deserves. Both the United States of America as well as the European Union have recently launched policies and remedial action targeted specifically at increasing the population of honey bees. Apiculture programmes have been launched dedicated to conducting research to identify alternatives to existing pesticides that are friendly to bees. Incentives to increase the number of hives and bee colonies have also been established in an attempt to remedy declining bee populations. Such international initiatives are

By Albert Delia

still in their infancy and – laudable as their intent may be – they have yet to yield the desired results.

Why are bees and honey so important that they have managed to get the governments of entire continents so concerned? In numeric terms, according to The Guardian, some 84 per cent of the crops grown for human consumption – around 400 different types of plants – need bees and other insects to pollinate them in order to increase their yields and quality and it is estimated that annual global crop pollination by bees is worth over €150 billion.

It has been reported that even Albert Einstein, more than half-acentury ago, noted the crucial role these creatures play in the continued propagation of life, saying: “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years left to live.”

It is safe to say that if the decline in the number of bees continues at the current rate, it will have a ‘butterfly effect’, ultimately causing a significant change to human life as we know it.

To find out more about the world of bees, I met up with an intrepid group of young people and the knowledgeable master apiarist who has taken them under his wing who have jointly decided to do something themselves about the situation. »

“IF THE BEE DISAPPEARED OFF THE SURFACE OF THE GLOBE THEN MAN WOULD ONLY HAVE FOUR YEARS LEFT TO LIVE.” – Albert Einstein

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Above: Rescued hives are quarantined to screen and heal any possible diseases. This photo shows hives being smoked for inspection. When the hives are smoked the bees think that there is a fire and start eating honey to convert into wax to prepare themselves to and move on and make another hive. In this case they don’t since the smoke is very little, but they get heavy and sleepy just the same, making it easier to inspect. Left: Uncapping the honey cells. Below: Ancient beekeeping hives, dating back to Roman times

«Under the shade of the Red Tower in Mellieha, on a Saturday afternoon with only a slight breeze to provide relief from the heat, I met Anthony, Benji, Ritianne, Antoine and Francesca: the members of Bee Savers Malta. They have taken on the task of ‘capturing urban swarms for redirection into the wild’ – in other words, if someone discovers a swarm of bees in their property, they can call on this dedicated team of conservationists to safely remove the bees in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way.

In the few months since the group was established, its members have already managed to save over 60,000 bees in total. After capture, these bees are quarantined until they are deemed fit for re-introduction into the wild. At this point, I have been asked to thank the police and the civil protection department on behalf of the group for their cooperation.

In order to better understand what this task entails, I am given a crash course on the complexities of bees. One could say that bees and Malta have a symbiotic relationship that goes as far back as the country itself. The origin of the name ‘Malta’ is commonly believed to be derived from the Greek word ‘melit’ meaning honey – sweet. The oldest written reference linking apiculture and the island can be found in Cicero’s Verrines dated to around the year 70BC regarding the trial of a honey thief. The absence or unavailability of sugar at the time made this natural sweetener a treasured commodity indeed. This liquid gold was one of the items most looted during pirate raids. The vast array of aromatic herbs and an extremely favourable climate results in Malta not only being a prolific producer of honey, having eight seasons annually, but also being in a position to provide honey of amazing quality.

The first thing I am shown is an ancient bee-keeping complex that dates back over a millennium. It is interesting to note that, regardless of its age, the site could still be used for its intended function, but the methods used back then are today considered unsustainable. I am given an extremely condensed biology lesson on the life of bees and it is soon clear that we are dealing here with a remarkably complex creature. It is also worthy of note just how delicate an operation bee-keeping is.

I am taken to the hives and, wearing the appropriate protective gear, I am given an opportunity to see this process at first hand. As interesting as it is, I find it hard to block 10

WE HAVE OUR OWN NATIVE BEE TYPE APIS MELLIFERA RUTTNERI.

out the sound of thousands of buzzing bees, but it does not take long for the noise to fade into the background. I am asked to assist in feeding some recently-hatched queen bees.

From my afternoon spent learning about this colourful and often underrated creature there are some useful titbits of information that I will certainly be taking with me. Since honey can be collected in Malta several times a year, the taste varies according to the plants being pollinated at the time. These differences are certainly something I’ll be looking out for, the next time I try some honey.

When buying honey, it is important that some discernment is used to ensure that it is authentic Maltese honey that is being purchased. It might cost a bit more, but you’ll certainly benefit from its medicinal properties – not to mention the fact that you will be helping an age-old local industry. Coupled with the previous point is the fact that, despite Malta’s small size, we have our own native bee variety: apis mellifera ruttneri, which perhaps makes Maltese honey that little bit extra special. I have also learnt that fig sap is amazingly good for bee stings. So if you ever get stung by a bee, just tear off a leaf and squeeze the milky white sap onto the area – after having removed the sting, of course.

On a final note, if you do discover a swarm on your premises, or in any urban, denselypopulated area, you can do your bit to help by immediately contacting Bee Savers Malta on team@beesaversmalta.com. If you want to avoid the formation of hives, make sure you cover any open south-facing ventilators or holes with a fine mesh net. www.beesaversmalta.com www.facebook.com/beesaversmalta

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ISLAND HOPPING

The Faroe Islands by Joanna Delia

S

urely one of the most remarkable experiences an islander from Malta can have is to visit an island more or less equally isolated and culturally segregated, conspicuously more conservative and particularly less populated than her/his home. Such an adventure will most definitely constitute a peculiarly introspective experience. In view of this, hopping from this little rock in the middle of the Mediterranean to a noticeably greener one in the middle of the North Atlantic was by definition a culture shock. I cannot really quantify the shock, especially compared to the ones I’ve had when landing in East Africa, or India or several South American countries, but I could certainly qualify it. The Faroe Islands are a photo-negative of the Maltese islands – plentiful in all the beauty of rugged and pure nature that we lack and lacking in all the passionate hustle and bustle of which we have plenty. Picture 18 islands crowned in picture-book shaped hills covered in varying shades of deep greens topped with temporary lakes which leak intermittently to form overflowing waterfalls. Add to this the creeping mist that shrouds the hills almost daily, and that almost magically moves around them stealthily to enter the village streets and conceal one cluster of colourful wooden chalet-like houses, sometimes roofed in wild growing turf and thick soft moss.

The landforms are punctured, almost dented, with piercing fjords of still cold sea, the colour of which changes to reflect the quickly changing cloud formations and weather from steel to slate grey to stale green to clear to deep blues. The fjords lead to small ports and harbours with modest activity wherein trawlers and other fishing vessels carry clouds of seagulls and other species of fishing bird deep inland. All sorts of birds, including gentlemanly penguins and the cutest sea puffins, make their nests in the cliffs which usher the angry Atlantic in, and they float around on the swell as it gently subsides inland, as if they are lulling it to sleep simply by lying there watching the few signs of human intervention pass by. Then, like a necklace with sparse coloured beads, the small towns and villages lace the coast, tied together by an almost flawless road infrastructure. The advanced Scandinavian society inhabiting these otherwise barren islands seems almost alien. Despite being inhabited for hundreds of years, human presence is so subtle that it seems as if it was installed yesterday. Legend has it that, on their way from Norway to Iceland, the Vikings dropped off all their seasick members on the surprising masses of land that seem to appear haphazardly on the horizon.

The Faroese jokingly describe themselves as the descendants of the weaker Vikings combined with a mysterious lot of Irish monks, whose ancient presence seems unexplained. And yet the striking lack of physical evidence to support this historical background, apart from concrete gun-towers strikingly similar to the British war-time remnants here in Malta, seems to further enhance the almost alien-like presence of stable communities.

The people are affluent through the Nordic efficiency of use of resources. They are entrepreneurial, and industry thrives with

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blatant international connections and a multi-lingual workforce.

Transport is painstakingly efficient, with the main mass of islands connected by under-water tunnels, the cost of which seems almost unjustified for such a small number of users. The rest of the islands, even those with a mere, almost pathetic, total number of inhabitants of five (seriously) are served by fast ferry boats that stop at multiple little mooring ports up to four or five times a day, while a number of times a week – depending on the size of the islands – a scheduled helicopter service connects various towns and islands and runs at an extremely affordable tariff – from €18 to €35 a ride.

The communities are tight-knit, and networking is the rule of the day. This is where, as an islander, life on the

Faroe Islands, at least when viewed from the temporary perspective of a visitor, becomes strangely familiar. Albeit tall, blonde and punctual, the Faroese people are entwined in a web that is similar to that of the Maltese in a way I have never witnessed anywhere else.

Middle-aged wives linger and chat at the local grocery and convenience stores, and delivery men and women honk their horn and wave at friends with possibly the highest frequency anywhere in the world – I mean statistically, it must be at eight times the rate seen in this country. Walking down the main road of the little seaside capital takes forever, probably around eight times as long as it takes to walk down Republic Street, due to the numerous hellos and updates and other necessary exchanges of small talk with friends, relatives, old colleagues and long-lost semi-acquaintances. On one occasion, when my boyfriend and I decided on eating out to have a break from the lush dinners we where invited to by his extremely generous and hospitable family and friends, the only restaurant within the radius of an hour’s drive had actually been hired for the birthday of one of his second cousins, which meant we had to stay and join the party. As Maltese we get the gist. Now multiply it by eight (there are about 50,000 inhabitants on the Faroes): truly extraordinary. »

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« I was privileged to be present for Ólavsøka, the country’s most anticipated festival. Almost nostalgically, the centre of the capital city becomes full of festive people and kiosks sell junk food and drinks while the people sway to the music of brass bands and watch the fireworks display with awe till the wee hours of the mornings. Some striking differences stand out: most people wear their prized national costume for the event and therefore look like clones, and instead of the familiar statue of the patron saint at the head of the procession, it is the decorated mayor of the town, followed not by a herd of altar boys and the pious, but by cabinet ministers and the local football, volleyball and rowing teams. Sport is given extraordinary

Top: Faroe Islands dragos. Above: The wild natural beauty of the Faroe Islands is the perfect setting for creative thinking. Left: Vagar Tindholmur, Faroe Islands importance. It is, I suppose, pertinent to keep the youth passionately occupied and they are brimming with pride at their athletes’ successes at international level. Unfortunately, as well as the sprinkling of fame that comes from some Faroese sportsmen and women, the Faroe Islands are internationally often in the spotlight for more sinister reasons. The old, probably originally subsistent tradition, of herding pilot whales onto a beach, and slaughtering them in the most appalling barbaric way, leading to the entire bay remaining stained blood red for many hours, is still an applaudable practice on the islands. There seems to be little discussion about the merits of maintaining this 14

‘tradition’ in view of the bad publicity, and frequent tourist boycotts, that result from its practice. I was told that it would be foolish for the authorities to attempt to ban it, as that would mean succumbing to international pressure and losing the Faroese identity that the islanders are so keen to preserve. I personally think it’s abhorrent.

The above aside, not to mention the North Atlantic climate, the Faroe Islands are nothing less than magical lands seemingly extracted from the scenery of the most fantastic of fairy tales. Their history, almost imperceptibly with many myths and curious innuendoes, is the stuff of legends, while their

contemporary culture and day-to-day way of life remains fresh, spiced with little pockets of the artistic talents of geographically frustrated youth that is so surprisingly present in island communities. The islands are inspiring, soul comforting and so safe that children run about in the streets till after midnight, and you seldom find a locked door or a parked car without the keys in the ignition. I bet my hostess does not even have the keys to some of the doors to her house: there simply seems to be no reason to lock them! The people are so welcoming, and take such pride in pleasing their guests with food, that it feels like coming home again and again, but a photonegative of home. A cool, green home, watered by waterfalls, full of tall, blond people living in sparse colourful houses, driving few cars on perfect roads shrouded in magical mists.

I

A LIFE WELL LIVED

met four-time Academy Award nominee Peter Howitt many moons ago while taking part in a pantomime for which he was designing the set. At first I had no idea who he was, but someone soon set me straight.

There before me was a person who had worked as set decorator on a few of my very favourite films – including the final two films in the Indiana Jones trilogy (I loathed the fourth film, so I pretend it doesn’t exist), Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Labyrinth, a couple of James Bond movies and Superman.

I was super-awed. Peter was super-humble – and super-amazing. He was living in Malta at the time and he put as much love, passion and effort into the local productions on which he worked as he put into all the blockbusters with which he had been involved in the past.

For someone who professes to have always preferred to work in theatre and to never have really wanted to work in cinema, Peter Howitt has amassed an extraordinary body of work in that sphere. Apart from the films mentioned above, he worked on – amongst many others – A Bridge Too Far, Braveheart, Elizabeth, The Mummy, Othello (with Lawrence Olivier)… the list goes on and on. He was nominated for an Oscar for Mary, Queen of Scots, Ragtime, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Elizabeth.

Peter Howitt was born in Wimbledon, England, in 1928. For as long as he can remember, he had a passion for drawing and painting, getting into trouble with teachers – and headmasters – because he preferred to concentrate on his artistic endeavours rather than on the more academic subjects or on sport, such as football.

When he eventually left school, it took him a while to find a job. In the meantime, he started painting at Convent Garden, where he was quite a hit. Word got around to choreographer and dancer Freddy Ashton, and he employed Peter as a set decorator. The rest, as they say, is history.

When I met Peter to interview him for this article, I hadn’t seen or spoken to him for years. Now, well into his eighties, he is residing in a retirement home after having had a stroke last year.

We meet in the garden. Peter is in a wheelchair and is accompanied by his long-term partner Gino Camilleri and his great friend, Marie Claire Galea. I am accompanied by my young son, who already has a 16

By Coryse Borg

Cittadella, Oil on Canvas, 72 x 58cm

HE TALKS ABOUT THE TIME WHEN HE WAS WORKING WITH DIETRICH: “SHE GAVE ME A BIG HUG AND NEARLY SUFFOCATED ME WITH THE HUGE FUR COAT…”

healthy interest in films, as I wanted him to meet this living legend.

Peter looks at me and at my son’s mop of curly hair.

“Your son’s hair is magnificent,” he says, “are you a hairdresser?” I laugh and he smiles. I tell him that he met me in the theatre many years ago. His eyes light up and the stories begin.

“I decided early on that I wanted to be an artist,” he says in a tremulous voice. “Most kids wanted to be a train driver. I wanted to be an artist – to design for the stage.

I had a model stage which I loved when I was young.”

He tells me that he had a lucky break once, when he decided to take his drawings to what is arguably the greatest department store in the world, Selfridges in

London. “They took one look and called the director and told him he just had to hire me,” he reminisces. “They said I had ‘dropped out of the sky at the right moment’.”

Soon he was working on dressing the windows – an extremely prestigious job.

He also did the same at Liberty’s (another prominent department store). One job led to another and soon he was designing sets for theatre productions and, eventually, for films.

At one point, he says he was asked by someone very much in the public eye to

decorate her house: “Yes, I was asked to do Margaret Thatcher’s house,” he smiles.

“I said ‘I can’t do it, I’m afraid’. She said: ‘Why not?’ I said: ‘Well, you have such bad taste!’ She laughed and we hit it off right away. In fact, we became quite friendly.”

The list of friends Peter has made throughout his illustrious career is impressive and reads like a who’s who in the industry. He mentions movers and shakers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Sarah Bernhardt, Alfred Hitchcock, Marlene Dietrich and Steven Spielberg quite

casually. He says that Spielberg is a lovely man with whom he enjoyed working very much – especially when he was off on full pay for two whole months when Harrison Ford was injured during one of the Indiana Jones films.

Later, he talks about the time when he was working with Dietrich and he caught double pneumonia and pleurisy – both very dangerous conditions. “She came to visit me in hospital bearing the most enormous bouquet of flowers I had ever seen,” he tells me. “Then she gave me a big hug and nearly suffocated me with

the huge fur coat she was wearing. I honestly could not breathe. But she said: ‘Breathing is not important my dear: looking good is’.”

Peter says that he enjoyed working on all the films in which he was involved, (including Clash of the Titans and Pulp, which were filmed in Malta). But his alltime favourite remains A Bridge to Far – the war film directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Sean Connery, Ryan O’Neal, Anthony Hopkins, Gene Hackman and Michael Caine. » 17

IN THE DAYS PETER WAS GROWING UP, EVERY ASPECT OF THE PRODUCTION OF A FILM WAS DONE IN-HOUSE: SPECIAL EFFECTS, PROJECTIONS, SCENIC BACKING… AND ALL REQUIRED THE SPECIAL SKILLS OF AN ARTIST. Left: San Rafflu, Oil on Canvas, 100 x 120cm Below: 5’Oclock, Oil on Canvas, 100 x 120cm Bottom left: Moulin Rouge, Pen & Watercolour, 70 x 60cm

«“I remember thousands of extras pretending to be soldiers and an aeroplane coming straight towards us while I was standing with the producers,” says Peter. “I asked: ‘What would happen if it crashes?’ and one of the producers said: ‘My dear boy, we’d have an early lunch!’”

During the sixties, every time Peter had a break, he came to Malta and he eventually moved to Gharb in Gozo in the 1970s. Over the years, he worked with a number of local theatre and dance companies, designing sets and acting as a consultant on various productions.

Whatever was going on in Peter’s life, he never stopped drawing and painting. He even had two art exhibitions in London, at the London Art Gallery in New Bond Street and the Barbican Art Gallery. Last year, before he had the stroke, he was working on an exhibition with Lily Agius Gallery that was to be held here in Malta but, of course, it had to be shelved. However, it is now on the cards again and will most likely be held this autumn.

The time comes for me to go home and as I leave, I feel honoured to have known this talented, witty, clever man: truly, a life lived – and lived well.

Paintings and drawings by Peter J. Howitt are available through Lily Agius Gallery. For more information or a catalogue call 9929 2488 or email info@lilyagiusgallery.com 18

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The perfect outdoor high-back wicker chair, designed for the ocean liner Conte Biancamano in the 1950’s by Lio Carminati and Gio Ponti

kaleidoscopic objects

W

hen putting together a collection of items for your home – whether big or small – they don’t all have to be new and modern. You can find unique pieces that express your own taste and personality which, in turn, give your space a personal identity and a warmer ambience. Here are various objects for inspiration, from different decades and origins, which work together for that unique abode. Some, such as the Roll&Hill lamp, are completely new, while others, like the Gio Ponti rattan chair, are designs from the past that are making a comeback and a few are my own personal designs and objects found locally such as the jewellery box. Violet Kulewska »

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Left: ‘Shimmer’ collection by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia comprising of tables, mirrors and shelves that change colour when exposed to light, launched at the Salone del Mobile in Milan.

Urquiola’s glass products are coated in a finish that reflects different colours depending on the vantage point. Above: Gradient candle chandelier – object found in Malta, re-designed

by Violet Kulewska, presented during Malta Design Week in 2014

Right: Rudi double loop pendant by Roll & Hill modern ceiling lighting. Jewelry is the inspiration for Rudi, a series of pendant lights designed by Lukas Peet. Bottom left: The hexagon modular table/bench designed by Violet Kulewska (VKstudio) and manufactured by Seamless Ltd. in 2014. Product inspired by Gio Ponti geometrical pattern’s. Bottom right: Glass jewellery box 1960/70’s, object found in Malta (from her private collection)

www.violetkulewska.com

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These Tri Ju in a range ofg is ideal for summer en te colour combi nations and eirtaining. They are part of ther in a clea th r or frosted fie Mdina Glass Lifestyl e Collection an nish. d available

s colours, shapes ss available in variou. Pri Gla ina Md by ns ces start at ¤37. ter lan rant, hand-made with a choice of leather or rope handles vib of ge ran e wid the come Check out x and match. They also and sizes for you to mi

The classic Sunburst wall-clock from Vitra, from a vast range of quirky and retro options Have fun with your dining chairs and mix and match colours as you like. This is a classic option from Vitra – The Plastic Chair by Ray & Charles Eames – which is nice to look at as well as easy to keep clean.

hothouse Spruce up your home

The six-door cabinet, Skyline, from the Prove d’Autre collection, is made with rosewood, polyester polychrome varnish and black nickel feet. Like all else from the collection, it is handmade in the Alchymia atelier in Italy, and was recently presented in Milan during the Salone del Mobile Design Week. www.alchymia.it Ceramics by Sue Mifsud, available from Patches Market on the 19th of July at Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta from 4pm, where you will also find an array of hand-made products.

STOCKISTS Vitra is available from Dex, Mdina Road, Qormi, Tel. 22773000. Mdina Glass, email onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt, tel 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.com.mt (Free delivery within Malta on orders of ¤30 or more).

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ith a legacy of more than a hundred years and 7 outlets in key commercial centres on the island, FRANKS is Malta’s leading top retailer of fragrances and cosmetics in Malta. In its commitment to always improve the shopping experience for its esteemed clientele, FRANKS has opened the doors to a brand new outlet in Valletta.

FRANKS can now be found at No. 34, Republic Street just a few doors down from the previous outlet in the Energy Complex. This was the first large scale project for FRANKS General Manager Ms Claire Abela, when asked about this venture she said “We are thrilled with this new outlet, we think the layout of the store is more welcoming and gives us a lot of flexibility so that we can give our esteemed clients more privacy during our beauty consultations”.

The new outlet is situated within the building previously occupied by Gajet, who have now relocated their space to the two top floors of the building. “For this exciting project we have teamed up with Gajet, who have been a longstanding partner to FRANKS. Since gifts are a core segment of our business, Gajet complements our business model perfectly. We are sure that this

WE HAVE MOVED collaboration will not only be a smart business decisions for us but also very beneficial for our clients.” Claire explained.

FRANKS Republic Street is spread over 3 levels. At entry level one can explore an extensive perfumery area, with the largest selection of fragrances in Malta, this area also contains fragrance related products such as their extended bath lines. On the second level one can indulge in the luxurious world of skincare and make-up; this space includes both our prestige as well as more mass market products. The increased floor space of this area makes it ideal for our beauty consultants to give our clients the privacy required during their consultations. While bath and body products as well as gifts and men's items are located on the third level.

“We work hard to give our clients the best service possible and to always improve and innovate our business and the services we offer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our very loyal customers and we look forward to welcoming everyone in our new store” Claire concluded.

FRANKS Republic Street is open from 9.00am till 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10.00am till 2.00pm on Sundays. One can make contact with FRANKS staff in this new outlet by calling 2010 5784.

Left to right: Asos– crop top and skirt; Topshop – satin dress; River Island – embellished bralet; Asos – pink crop and trousers; Below: Topshop – patent nude court shoes; Below left to right: Gold-plated ear cuff; Lavish Alice – crop top.

Below: Skinnydip – honeycomb clutch; Warehouse – bonded black satin bralet.

here comes the BRIDE

It may be her special day, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t upstage her guests. Here is the ultimate breakdown of wedding season style. This summer, fashion is your plus one.

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ur favourite season is upon us! Sand in our toes, oil-drenched ftajjar by the sea, chilled beer, sunset barbecues and – of course weddings!

“Oh no! Not another one”, we hear you cry. The truth is, we’re all too familiar with that lastminute panic when checking the ‘weddingappropriate’ section of the wardrobe, only to find the drab dress worn to death the year before.

A word of advice: don’t confuse the word ‘elegant’ with the word ‘boring’, or you’ll find yourself in a rut. We’ve got one word (read: command) for you next time you’re getting dolled up: accessorise! If there’s one thing to invest in this season it’s that brightly- coloured clutch or that bejewelled ear cuff.

One item is all it takes to complete your look and, more importantly, make it your own.

If your wardrobe still needs a full push on the reset button, then never fear, we’ve got some ideas for fresh new outfits that won’t feel stale after just one outing.

One thing we’re definitely loving for the ladies are two-piece outfits. Nothing is more wearable than

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something you can mix up! Why not opt for a shorts or culottes pantsuit this summer? Stick to light fabrics and a floral print for a perfect daytime look.

Alternatively, if you’re after a more feminine silhouette, we’re really into Aline full skirts in a bold print or colour. Pair with cropped boxy white tees for the day or a shapely black bustier for the evening. If Max & Co – chevron you’re into long dresses for your evening look, we suggest a bold, solid colour or a metallic piece. A flowing jumpsuit always works if you’d like to experiment.

And don’t forget, change into comfy flats and get your bodies on the dance floor after the couple’s first dance! From then onwards, it’s all about shaking that booty!

The Clouded Revolution consists of three stylists and bloggers in search of the Holy Grail of Style. Join their quest on their blog www.cloudedrevolution.com and their Facebook page The Clouded Revolution.

!

N O W O N SALE Your

Amazing Roidal Swimwear Exclusively available at MEI

westin dragonara resort, st. julians – tel: 21376690 – opening hours: mon to fri 10am - 7pm, sat 10am - 6pm

Top left to right: Asos – blue, checkered, plum; Topman – electric blue.

say ‘YES’ to the SUIT It’s time to dust off your well-tailored suit and get creative with your sartorial condiments. The wedding season is upon you, gentlemen – it’s time to earn the title of ‘Best Dressed Couple’!

G Above: Topman – graphic pocket squares.

Below: Ben Sherman – blue shoes; Hudson Pierre – burgundy loafers.

entlemen, what we’ve explained to the ladies applies to you too: nothing is more important than accessories when it comes to donning your favourite suit.

We hear you – it’s not exactly viable to own a wardrobe full of different suits, but accessories can make even a standard two-piece look and feel brand new.

Don’t leave the house without a graphic print pocket square or gold-chained collar pins to give you that dapper edge. And shoes are vital in a formal setting, so slip-on a pair of leather loafers for a slightly more relaxed day look or immaculately polished dress shoes for a night on the dance floor.

When investing in that timeless suit, don’t be scared to go for a little colour. We love washed-out blues on linen suits for the summer days and a more electric blue for an evening wedding. Mix a plain suit with a patterned shirt and skinny tie: remember, it’s all about the details. A little sheen never hurt anyone either: we love darker-toned suits in burgundy or navy to have that silken effect.

The Clouded Revolution consists of three stylists and bloggers in search of the Holy Grail of Style. Join their quest on their blog www.cloudedrevolution.com and their Facebook page The Clouded Revolution.

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Left: Topman – lapel pin; Below: Topman – liberty fabric shirt, collar tips, tie-pin and cufflinks

30% - 50% SALE

NEW OPENING HOURS Monday - Saturday: 10am - 7pm Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julians T: 23745031

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GLAM GALORE PHOTOGRAPHY: FEDERICO PELTRETTI ART DIRECTION / STYLING: FABIO FERRI MAKE-UP: ZOE MUSCAT HAIR: ALEX LAPIRA FROM CUT COIFFEUR SALON, FGURA MODEL: CLAIRE CIANTAR FROM SUPERNOVA MODEL MANAGEMENT MODEL EXTRA: MIGUEL PORTELLI

Dress – Vera Mont from Mei Shoes – Aldo Jewellery – Porto Sunglasses – Dolce & Gabbana from O'hea 30

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Dress – 1-2-3 Shoes – Aldo Jewellery and purse - Porto Spectacles – Fendi from O'hea 32

Dress – 1-2-3 Shoes – Aldo Jewellery and purse – Porto Spectacles – Fendi from O’hea 33

Dress – 1-2-3 Shoes – Aldo Jewellery – Porto Sunglasses – Etnia Bqrcelona from O’hea 34

outlets featured 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. tel. 23745031 Mei, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. tel. 21376690 Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s. tel. 21372079 Aldo, The Point, Tigne, Sliema. tel. 20601104. mob. 99751057 Zachary Street, Valletta. mob. 99892331 Paola Square, Paola. mob. 99892332 Arkadia, Gozo. mob. 22103319 O’hea, 191 The Strand, Gzira. tel. 21315590

Dress – Vera Mont from Mei Shoes – Aldo Jewellery and purse – Porto 35

r outfit for jazz up you3, on sale! d an , is th h onto lable at the 1-2ai h bag: Clutc 1-2-3: clutcl day or night out – av ia ec sp at th

good S: 1-2-3 offer 1-2-3 SHOEthing including these le. quality clo oes – currently on sa leather sh

fashion street Head turning style for all budgets

r fashion label tese menswea July at Seek al M e th of n io lay this collect a, was on dispive Berlin fashion scene / Summer 2016 S! The Springshion designer Louise Aquilin ress og EW pr N e N th IO in Arts Fund. tt t SH FA ow, prominen , created by fa d by the Malta Demo Divisionntemporary fashion trade shFund Travel Grant awardeBen Sherman, O’Neil, Carhar Berlin – a co t from the Cultural Exportlikes of Levis, Fred Perry, xhibitions.com – with suppor exhibited alongside the iversal Works. www.seeke Demo Divisionf, Han Kjobenhavn and Un WIP, Lazy Oa

ROIDEL SWIMWEAR (MEI): Don’t miss out on the super sale on Roidal Swimwear at Mei, with lots of styles to choose from for bikinis, swimsuits with matching pareos and accessories.

PORTO: Adorn your wrist with a Stamera bracelet made in Italy from precious leathers – ostrich, python, crocodile, and calf skin. Available from Porto.

HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique in Mdina offers elegant, contemporary, stylish fine Italian gemstone jewellery including earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Delicate nuances gently reveal the essence of the woman wearing one of these fine creations.

Visit Henri (next door to Palazzo Falzon in Mdina) or for more information call 2010 6307 or visit their Facebook page henrimalta or log on to www.henri.com.mt.

STOCKISTS 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara, St. Julian’s, open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm. Henri Luxury Gift Boutique, Mdina (next door to Palazzo Falson). Tel 2010 6307.

Facebook: henrimalta. www.henri.com.mt. Mei, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s, tel. 21376690. Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St. Julian’s, tel. 21372079.

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Untitled-1 1

06/07/2015 17:17

Above left: Vera Bugatti – Italy.

Above right: Zag & Sia – France.

Below: Seapuppy Malta

art news The Malta Street Art Festival will be taking place in various location in Valletta on the 24th, 25th and 26th July.

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Left: Tony Cuboliquido – Italy.

Below: Leon Keer – Holland

Right: Bond Truluv – Germany. Far right: Wild Drawing – Greece. Below: Alez Maksiov – Ukraine.

Below right: Odeith – Portugal.

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or the last two years, a partnership consisting of international art agency Add More Colours and two local friends, Lara Catania and Jean Marc Galea, has organised the Sliema Street Art Festival. This year, the same team has moved to Valletta to organise the Malta Street Art Festival.

Historically – due to the somewhat dark history of the art scene and the illegal nature from which it all originated – street art festivals were held in hidden industrial areas where a very long wall, packed with art, was the main attraction and one artwork started where another stopped. The aim of the Malta Street Art Festival, however, is to place the most prominent street artists of our time in an environment that can match the beauty of their craft. Street art is best seen in the context of its surroundings and the artists are being given the freedom to work with their own imagination and set their own limitations.

The festival has received a lot of international exposure and gained a great deal of support and the capital city has given it more scope to expand and various added support from Valletta based

companies and the community. The space dedicated to the event starts from next to the Valletta Water Polo Club and continues to the Jews Sally Port near Fort St Elmo. It will feature a main stage with alternative rock and another for Hip Hop, unplugged, down-tempo and open-mic performances; a burlesque area by Tico Tico and DJs from Sunglasses at Night; The Coliseum with street football and Thai boxing fights; wall-climbing on the bastions; abseiling; a zip-line; diving lessons; an art walkway filled with artworks and handicrafts by both local and international artists; an exhibition area by Add More Colours; a children’s area; the Alternative World which will include Malta Comic Con; a GoodCleanFun skate-park; a BMX park, including a ramp that goes into the sea; a Knights-themed battlefield and the main stage by Hedon Crew.

The quality of the participating artists is extremely high and will include everything from traditional graffiti to 3D pavement artwork, 3D projection mapping, light shows, stencil artworks and illusions.

In total there will be over 40 local and international artists taking part. www.maltastreetartfestival.com

SUNDAY

26 JULY

WWW.LABELLEMUSIQUE2015.COM

Finding the light Brendan McDonnell’s father committed suicide when Brendan was just 15 years old. But in learning to come to terms with his father’s suicide, Brendan learnt that helping yourself can be a way to help others. He speaks to Veronica Stivala about his quest to spread awareness and positivity.

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uicide is one of the most difficult subjects to contemplate, let alone talk or write about. But 23-year-old Brendan, an Australian living in Malta, has set up a website where he does precisely that.

Brendan’s father committed suicide some seven years ago. Brendan makes no secret of this and the first thing visitors to his website see is a ticker, showing the years, months, days, hours, minutes and even seconds since his father, Damian (often referred to by his nickname ‘Herman’ on the site) killed himself. The website’s homepage features two pictures: one of Damian, and one of Brendan, who bears a striking resemblance, including physique, to his father.

Through the written introductory text, Brendan tells us that he was 16 when he found his father’s body, and that this is his story. But perhaps the next piece of information that follows is the most important: “I am an ‘awareness spreader’,” says Brendan. And he wants to “spread awareness like Aussies spread their Vegemite (the Australian version of Marmite) thick”.

Brendan defines an awareness spreader as someone who makes the road to finding happiness a little smoother. He explains how, through the battle to come to terms with and understand his dad’s suicide, he has gained “the gift of awareness”. “It’s taken me across the globe and enabled me to do what I love every day,” he explains. He adds that he wants to share this gift with as many people as he can, hoping to raise awareness – not only in respect of suicide bereavement, but also how it transcends every part of our lives: what are the things we do, why do we do them and how do they make us happy?

A powerful video on the website introduces this concept, taking viewers through Brendan’s life today, a life he stresses he created after having been left ‘alone’. Through clips of the well-built,

handsome man with short, brown, curly hair, pulled tightly back, diving into 14ºC water, lifting heavy weights, jotting down notes in his diary, riding a motorbike on the grass, practising Muay Thai (Thai boxing), reading at sunset, doing design work on a computer, getting a tattoo, calling his mum and running barefoot on the soil, we are given an insight into a man who clearly has a passion for life, who loves nature and who faces everything that life throws at him with arms open wide.

We discuss the difficult subject of Damian’s suicide. One particular phrase that recurs in Brendan’s Far left: McDonnell’s dad at the age 20, 1983. Top: Practicing Muay videos and writings, and that I Thai, 2013. Above: Brendan McDonnell and his dad christmas, 2005 struggle with, is that his father committed suicide so that he “didn’t have to feel his pain”. This is what his Brendan tries to take their story onboard father actually wrote in his suicide note. and to empathise with their pain.

“I thank them for reaching out to me, What does Brendan make of this and why does he keep bringing it up in his feeling honoured that they choose to share their life with me. I don’t have the blog?

“For a long time, I felt my dad killed answers to everything. All I have is what himself and left me behind,” he says. He I’ve done. I do my best to share what I’ve goes on to explain how he managed to done to overcome similar situations that turn his perspective around to a positive people are presenting to me,” he explains.

The key to being able to help others, one: “Once I began resolving the emotions tied to the experience of reveals Brendan, is to help yourself first. finding his dead body, I was able to see And actually, in helping yourself you are what he did and why he did it clearly. I helping others because you set an realised that his choice was selfless. example for change. Brendan cites the Constant reflection of the experience story of his eldest brother, who suffers and the letter he left me caused my from bipolar disorder. For a long time he perspective to shift. It allowed me to struggled with his own independence remove sadness from the words he wrote and no one seemed to be able to facilitate so I could see them for what they really growth in his life.

In order to overcome the problems mean.”

Brendan continues to bring up his associated with Brendan’s dad’s death, he father’s words in his blog because he had to change himself. As he began to wants to share the positive shift in his understand more about himself, he perspective. “Through greater awareness began to understand more about those of my dad’s suffering I have developed a around him. “After almost 10 years, I was greater capacity for compassion. I want able to empathise with my brother’s suffering. I was able to facilitate change to show that if I can, you can too.”

Brendan has had many people who in his life because I changed myself. I have experienced someone committing helped him change his lifestyle, lose 30kg suicide reach out to him. People have and he now lives alone and is almost fully shared their most personal experiences, independent.”

Brendan originally hails from Adelaide some for the first time. And with this

in South Australia, so I am curious to find out what brought him all the way to Malta – which is evidently so far away and so little known on the other side of the world that his video explains that Malta is ‘below Italy’. It all started in November 2013, when Brendan began travelling around Europe, looking for somewhere to focus on his personal development.

He got fed up with the cold weather and Malta was warm so he came here for a visit. Since then, what he has found is that sharing yourself in the hope of facilitating growth in another is one of the only real things you can do for anyone.

He says his work is almost done, but he has found a new reason to stay: “I met a beautiful half-Maltese, halfSwiss girl a year ago. She supports me and has joined me on this journey. She is what keeps me here now.”

Of course, Brendan has to earn a living and he works at Lord’s Gym in St Julian’s, where he teaches Muay Thai. He also designs for a hostel in return for accommodation in a nearby apartment.

At a minimum, Brendan writes a list of what to achieve each day. He takes his journal with him everywhere and when he feels confused, or has a moving experience or comes up with an idea, he writes about it. When he was younger, he struggled to articulate his thoughts verbally so during conversations he would read things he had written directly from his journal.

“Writing has helped me overcome this and I now speak freely. The journal plays a lesser role in my life, but I still take it with me wherever I go. I type out my notes occasionally if I write a letter for my girlfriend or to share on my blog,” he says.

Brendan explains that he is someone who has turned a tragedy into a vehicle for spreading awareness and into a basis for self-renewal. “Finally, I’m able to share this with others. Thank you for this opportunity.” www.brendanmcdonnell.com 41

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TOMORROW’S QUESTIONS OF TODAY’S WORLD What in today’s world will horrify our grandchildren? Dini Martinez. Photography by Federico Peltretti

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ne of the things I get asked most often as a sailing mother of two is about our kids’ schooling – at times with a tad of reproach in the questioner’s voice: “What, you’re not planning on sending them to an accredited and socially accepted institution of curriculacontrolled mass education?” That always and inevitably takes me to a place of wonder. How can anyone claim to have the answer as to what prepares our children best for their future? We don’t even have the slightest understanding of what this world will look and feel like in 50 years’ time.

What I am pretty certain about is that many things that we do habitually will be appalling to our grandchildren and I don’t know how I’m going to look into their eyes answering their question: “Why did you continue exploiting the earth for polluting energy sources if you knew their negative effects on

the environment and there were so many viable, clean and renewable sources of energy around? Why did you treat your animals worse than things and then wonder why everyone got cancer, psychological illnesses and other diseases from eating them? Why did everyone seem scared of death, yet lived most of their life in a completely unsatisfactory work/life balance with barely any time to ever really live?”

Health care

Did you know that in so-called developed countries, on average, three-quarters of an individual’s lifetime medical expenses are spent in the last six months of life? Are you aware that most of a doctor’s training – initial and on-going – is sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry which, for obvious reasons, has no interest in a healthy population?

Will future generations have difficulty understanding our strange dependence on chemicals suppressing the body’s signs of a need for help: “Great-grandma, when you got a headache back then, why did you guys take a tasteless pill with 101 side-effects, rather than rest more, breathe deeper and take in some fresh air? »

WHY DID YOU CONTINUE EXPLOITING THE EARTH FOR POLLUTING ENERGY SOURCES IF YOU KNEW THEIR NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THERE WERE SO MANY VIABLE, CLEAN AND RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY AROUND? 43

perplex them that a woman’s economical contribution was valued much more than the shaping of the next generation?

Sugar and chemical-filled gigantic portions instead of real food

What about the food we eat. Great-grand child number two might say: Did you never get tired of putting sugar into everything, including your curries, bread and tomato sauces? The late 21st century may have seen a revolution back to more wholesome food, as scientists and politicians launched a successful mass education and awareness-raising campaign as to the shocking effects on our health caused by processed food filled with sugar and artificial preservatives.

People started eating meat and fish in less quantity but better quality. Fruit and vegetables will have been grown in all gardens and public spaces to ensure an ample supply for a stabilised world population without the need for pesticides and chemical fertilisers. The children of 2065 will condemn our gargantuan portions and our inability to tolerate the mildest grumblings of hunger while, across the world, millions starved.

Taste buds will have been retrained to appreciate natural tastes and view our largesse with sugar, portions and chemicals in food in a similar way to how we view smoking on aeroplanes today.

Environmental awareness

Some places, such as Germany, view plastic bags in supermarkets as a similar completely senseless thing of the past. Others still live in that past and, at most, marvel at Germany’s ability to return glass bottles to the place of purchase and recycle properly (nope – plastic and paper really don’t go together!), build energy-efficient houses and drive extremely fuel-efficient cars.

After huge efforts to clean up the massive garbage islands in the middle of the Pacific and restock the over-fished oceans of this world, 2065’s world inhabitants have found a way to live without plastic and the exploitation of finite resources – as we had done for centuries and millennia before. Thanks to a consortium of global scientists, the energy crisis has been positively resolved, supplying renewable power from solar, wind, tidal, waves and geo-thermal not only to the 20 per cent of people who used to have access to such luxuries in the late 20th century, but also the 80 per cent of the world who then were still deprived of it. Modern gyms have hooked up their spin bikes to create their own electricity. Free yoga classes are offered by every community around the world each morning in a combined effort to promote internal and global health, happiness and peace. « Why did you take more pills to suppress the occasional fever, therewith ridding the body of its natural and healthy response to kill pathogens? And why did you take even more pills to suppress stomach complaints, rather than change your diet to a healthier and more agreeable one?”

Hopefully, doctors of the future will understand that extending the number of breaths you take is not what counts. What does count, however, is the number of moments that take your breath away – one of them being the magic of pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Child-care arrangements

THE CHILDREN OF 2065 WILL CONDEMN OUR GARGANTUAN PORTIONS AND OUR INABILITY TO TOLERATE THE MILDEST GRUMBLINGS OF HUNGER WHILE, ACROSS THE WORLD, MILLIONS STARVED.

Zoom forward to 2065. Will our grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel revolted by the fact that, in the early 2000s, it was the norm for infants from six months onwards to spend their days from 8am to 6pm without a parent in an institutionalised child-care system? Did people not realise the shocking effect this would have on a generation’s cognitive abilities and capacity to empathise?

We are a society struggling with mental and social illnesses. If youthful depression, heavy drug use and anti-social violence will become more clearly apparent, will politicians start to wonder whether there could be a link to the little maternity leave granted to working mothers to dedicate to their offspring? Will it 44

Global peace

Reading First’s issue of July 2065, it is now the norm for local as well as international political meetings to be preceded by a joint meditation session involving all parties. Wars and genocide have, at last, been buried in history as modern education has started including education about – and the tools to achieve – a balance of emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health into their curriculum, taking global economies to look beyond pure financial gains. This successfully counters an alarming trend of ill-health in the early 21st century.

Doom or gloom – what things do you think will be regarded as appalling 50 years down the line? Write to the editor…

Top left: Ms Ingrid Rapa, Mr David Delicata, Mr and Mrs Neil Falzon and Mr Joe Rapa. Left: Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon and his wife Anna Zammit McKeon, President of the Maltese Diabetes Association. Far left: Mr and Mrs Paul Buttigieg

Dine 4 Diabetes Above: Dr. Colin Gambin, Ms. Gaby Ellul, Ms. Lina Gambin, Adam Delicata, Ms. Michelle Delicata and Ms. Clare Gambin.

Left: (Top) Ms. Alexia Rossi, Ms. Sharon Ragonesi, Ms. Sarah Jaccarini, (Bottom) Ms. Elaine Pizzuto, Ms. Sylvana Causon, Ms. Josette Falzon and Ms. Sarah Zammit

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Above: Mr. Andrew Sullivan, Mrs. Claudine Sullivan, Ms Elisa Schembri and Mr. Mark Schembri. Right: Hon. Dr. Simon Busuttil, Ms. Kristina Chetcuti and Mr. Chris. J. Delicata

The Maltese Diabetes Association’s annual fund-raising event this year, Dine 4 Diabetes, was held at the Reef Club, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. The event was attended by around 350 guests from all walks of life and entertainment was provided by Andreana and Vinny Vella JR and his band.

The event was made possible through the support of GasanMamo Insurance Ltd, Technoline Ltd, Red October Ltd, General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd (Kristal Water), MSV Life plc, Vivian Corporation Ltd/Roche, ATG Ltd, GasanZammit Ltd, Pharmachemic Ltd, The Westin Dragonara Resort Malta, CSB – The Vacancy Centre and P.J. Sutters (Marketing) Ltd (Zappala’ and Citerio).

A raffle was also held with fabulous prizes generously donated by Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Joe Pace Ross, Virtu Ferries Ltd, Antoine Debono Jewellers, Forestals – FGL Entertainment Ltd, Grand Hotel Excelsior, Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands, Westin Dragonara Malta, Le Meridien St Julian’s Hotel & Spa, Corinthia Hotel, St George’s Bay, Corinthia Hotel – Lisbon, Dolmen Resort Hotel, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Ramla Bay Resort, Charles de Giorgio Ltd, Red October Ltd, Supermarkets 1960 Ltd, The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux and V. J. Salomone Marketing Ltd. Photos by Photocity Digital Service, Valletta. For more information on diabetes log on to www.diabetesmalta.org.

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ASK YOUR SONS TO GIVE YOU THEIR REASONS FOR FEELING THE WAY THEY DO. ALLOW THEM TO ASK YOU QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY DOUBTS AND FEARS THEY MAY HAVE. SPEAK TO THEM ABOUT YOUR NEW PARTNER, MAKING IT VERY CLEAR THAT HE IS YOUR PARTNER BUT THAT HE WILL NOT REPLACE THEIR DAD.

ear Reader, This is no easy situation you are in – literally torn between two equally important, yet different kinds of love. Losing either one would make you deeply unhappy and result in you being unable to give the best of yourself to whichever one remains.

It is not unusual for sons or daughters to be unable to accept another relationship from the mother.

Somehow, they are more attached to the mother figure and resent sharing her time and attention with anyone else. Whilst the biological father was there from birth and so they have learned to accept and tolerate his presence, they consider a partner an intruder. Then again, the fact they have had you to themselves for all these years makes things even harder. Surprisingly, in most cases younger children accept such situations and adapt more quickly.

DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

and it is important that you also feel loved and fulfilled as such. In a few years’ time they will move out and lead their own life and enjoy their own experiences. So unless you sort this situation out, you risk remaining alone.

Ask your sons to give you their reasons for feeling the way they do. Allow them to ask you questions about any doubts and fears they may have. Speak to them about your new partner, making it very clear that he is your partner but that he will not replace their dad. If they have not physically met him yet, invite them to organise something fun together – something they enjoy and which can help them get to know each other.

Move very cautiously: don’t expect an immediate change of heart or position. If they do not feel up to meeting him, don’t rush. Just keep it in mind and propose the idea every now and again.

Always make your children feel important, even in your partner’s presence. This is not a competition.

When the boys are around, they should take priority. Expect them to be unfriendly and somewhat confrontational in his presence at first and be patient and relaxed about the whole situation.

Ask your ex-husband for help. Explain the situation and encourage him to speak to the boys. It is important that they know he is fine with your new relationship and they should be as well.

As you can see, patience and good communication is key. It may take a while but, as the boys come to see that your new situation is in no way affecting theirs, they will grow to accept – or at least

Dear Claire

I have been separated from my husband for 10 years. I have two sons who are now 15 and 17 years old and I decided to dedicate my life completely to bringing up my kids and never thought of finding a new partner. However, last summer I met this man through a mutual friend. He is a truly charming gentleman and totally respects me. I did not tell my sons about him because I wanted to be certain about our relationship. So we always met away from the house when the boys were with their dad.

ALWAYS MAKE YOUR CHILDREN I decided to open up to my kids in April this year because I realised that he really makes me happy.

While the 15-year-old seems to have accepted my new partner, the 17-year-old is completely hostile. I FEEL decided to give it a bit of time, but things have not improved. Not only will he not relate to my IMPORTANT, partner but he is also very bitter towards me. I cannot understand this because their dad has had EVEN IN YOUR another partner for five years and even has another son by her.

PARTNER’S Please give me some advice.

PRESENCE. THIS Considering that your ex-husband has had a new partner for a few years tolerate – it. In any case, I already, any hope of you two getting back together must have faded by now. strongly feel it is important for IS NOT A It should not have come as a surprise that you too have found someone to you to be happy in all areas of your life. If you are happy, you give you the care and attention a woman needs.

It is very important that you handle this situation very carefully with both will be a more loving and COMPETITION. sons, because whereas the elder one has manifested his feelings overtly, it attentive mum.

WHEN THE BOYS may be that the younger feels just as strongly but is bottling things up. So during this time it is of utmost importance that you pick up any ARE AROUND, contradictory signals – even from your second son.

Your sons are old enough to have a mature discussion. Organise a nice meal THEY SHOULD for just the three of you and bring up the subject delicately. Help them understand that no one can ever take away your motherly attention and that they will always be a priority in your life. Yet you also have needs as a woman TAKE PRIORITY. Claire Bugelli Bounce Life Coaching Tel: 7957 9813 claire@bounce-life-coaching.com www.bounce-life-coaching.com Facebook: Bounce Life Coaching Malta

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shake it!

BUY-1-GET-

1-FREE on all cocktails! From 4-7pm every day with this voucher

The heat of Summer calls for some special ways of cooling down.

Here are some tasty cocktails to make at home, or to enjoy at TICO TICO.

COSMOPOLITAN PINK Ingredients 1 part vodka ½ part Cointreau liqueur 1 part Cranberry juice ½ part fresh lime juice Ice cubes Slice of lime to garnish

Directions:

GIN BASIL SMASH Ingredients

1. Chill your cocktail glass (the easiest way is to fill it with ice) 2. Put plenty of ice and all the ingredients into your shaker or stirring glass and shake 3. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass, and voila!

1 part gin 1 part fresh lemon juice ½ part sugar syrup 8-12 fresh basil leaves Ice cubes

Directions: 1. Place gin, lemon juice, syrup and basil leaves in glass. Fill with ice. Shake (a really, really, really, really long time) to break down the basil leaves and infuse their basil flavour and colour.

2. Strain into ice-filled glass.

3. Serve with a straw and basil leaf.

Cocktails were prepared by Paulina at Tico Tico (restaurant and bar), Strait Street, Valletta. Facebook: Tico Tico.

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DISHING the WORKS The head chef at Salvino’s restaurant, Miro, shares a selection of recipes from the summer menu, tried, tested and thoroughly enjoyed by the First team!

Styled by Fabio Ferri and photographed by Federico Peltretti.

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Gnudi pasta Serves 4

INGREDIENTS 750 gr. ricotta cheese 1 kg. semolina 1 lemon 50gr. butter 50gr. Parmesan cheese sage salt and pepper

METHOD

Mix the ricotta and the zest of the lemon and half the Parmesan. Shape the mixture you have prepared into small balls and cover them with semolina.

Allow the balls to rest for 3 hours. Then re-shape the balls and allow them to rest for a further 3 hours.

SAUCE

Melt the butter with the sage, while boiling the pasta for around 2-3 minutes. When the pasta is ready mix it with the butter. Add the Parmesan cheese and the lemon juice.

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Chicken with Smoked Salmon Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

600gr. Chicken breast 100gr. Smoked salmon 100ml. Cream dill 50gr. Butter flour 125ml. White wine salt and pepper

METHOD

Slice the chicken and hammer it. Cover it with the smoked salmon and roll them together.

Then cut into around 12 pieces. Toss the pieces in flour and fry them in the butter until they become golden. Add the glass of wine and let it simmer for around 2 minutes. After add the cream and freshly chopped dill, and you are ready to serve.

Yoghurt Mousse Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

250ml. Panna cream, whipped 250gr. Greek yoghurt.

METHOD

Whip the cream and add the yoghurt. Mix them well and chill them for about 1 hour.

Serve in a bowl with any topping you like.

Salvino's, Archbishop Street, Valletta. Tel. 21246437. Facebook: Salvino's Fully airconditioned and ambient for the hot summer nights in the city. Serving anything from light lunches to sumptious suppers – including salads, a great selection of fish and meats, home-made pasta and deserts. Various menu options available for large groups.

Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2144 4400

PROMOTION

M

DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO SAVE Grow your money online. Written by Coryse Borg.

any investors expect the current low interest rate environment to last for many years to come. I decided to investigate, and discovered that, nevertheless, there are ways of optimising the value of your savings. I arrive at FIMBank’s head office in St Julian’s to have a chat with the bank’s Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Jason Zammit, on the topic of FIMBank’s Easisave deposit product.

I learn that the product is a secure online savings portal that gives clients control over their personal finances. Apart from paying superior interest rates, it is completely free of charge and there are no hidden fees or bank charges. Jason explains that Easisave is an internet-based product where the new bank account is opened in a matter of minutes and is linked to the client’s existing bank account (an account with another eligible institution). After completing the online application form, the client receives an Easisave IBAN account number and can proceed to make his or her

first deposit, using traditional internet banking. The next step requires the client to sign the account opening forms and provide the bank with the required supporting documentation by post.

Once the submitted documentation is verified by FIMBank, the client receives the user ID and access code by post, and can start transacting online. At this stage, the client has the flexibility of transferring money to and from the linked account without restriction, as well as opening other savings or fixed accounts, depending on his or her requirements. One can choose to tie funds for three months, six months, nine months, one year, two years or three years. It is clear to me that the product was designed to allow access to the small depositor, since the initial deposit for a savings account is just €50, while a fixed term deposit can be opened with a minimum deposit of €1,000. In practice, the process of opening and operating an Easisave account is even simpler than it sounds, and it also turns out to be an easy way to earn more interest on my balances.

I ask Jason why he thinks this product has become so successful. “Easisave has experienced steady growth since its inception,” he says. “It is a straightforward way for customers to make a good return on their savings account balances or fixed term deposits. Apart from the high yield and product flexibility, customers value the level of customer service provided. Although Easisave customers should not need to deal with a bank representative frequently, we make sure that when this happens, our friendly helpdesk is readily available and prepared to help.”

And Jason’s final tip for our reader: “Explore the opportunities that online savings and online fixed deposit accounts have to offer and you will achieve your financial goals more quickly. Remember that patience lets your money grow and the longer you hold on to your money, the more you will have of it.”

For further information about Easisave visit www.easisave.com or call 2132 2102.

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PENFOLDS NAMED AUSTRALIAN WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AT INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION 2014

Penfolds has been named Australian Wine Producer of the Year by the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) at the awards dinner. In addition to this prestigious honour Penfolds also received the Trophy for best Worldwide Fortified Wine, awarded to Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny. Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago said: “It’s a proud moment for the Penfolds winemaking team to be recognised by the IWSC, particularly given the number of high quality wines entered from across Australia and the world. We’re honoured to be recognised in this competition particularly in our 170th year.”

It’s the second major international wine competition award in 2014 for Penfolds.

Earlier this year the winery collected the Len Evans Trophy for consistency over a 5 year period at the International Wine Challenge. These accolades also come after the winery received Wine Enthusiast (US) magazine’s New World Winery of the Year award in January and more recently Peter Gago was named 2014 Gourmet Traveller Wine (AUS) magazine’s Winemaker of the Year, and recipient of the Len Evans Award for Leadership by the title.

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. All entries are blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary. It remains the only international wine competition that puts all wines through chemical analysis as well as judging by a team of senior tasters.

Havana Club Master Class – Essence of Cuba – Havana Club International Brand Ambassador Anabel Hernández Gómez from Havana, Cuba, recently conducted 2 Master Class sessions at Café Cuba, giving an overview of the origins of Havana Club rum and its Cuban heritage, while introducing the Essence of Cuba with Havana Club 7 Anos. Anabel was joined at the Master Classes by Bárbaro Giraldes Portieles, a Cuban Cocktail Cantinero, who prepared a selection of authentic cocktails, using Havana Club Rums.

drinking news update Cuban & Maltese culture in a glass What can be more refreshing than an ice-cold Cisk Chill Lemon or Berry – Flavoured lager beer this summer? Cisk Chill is a flavoured lager with 4% alcohol, perfect for chilling out and relaxing at the end of a hot summer’s day. Cisk Chill Lemon and Cisk Chill Berry are a part of the Cisk family which also includes Cisk Lager, Cisk Export Premium Lager Beer, Cisk Excel Low-Carb Lager and Cisk Extra Strong Lager. All are available in leading outlets across Malta and Gozo. Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/ciskchill

Competition Be in for a chance to

WIN A BOTTLE OF PENFOLD KOONUNGA HILL Answer the following question

Name at least two prestigious trophies that Penfolds achieved last year?

Send your answers, including your name, contact number, email and post address, by the 24th of July to: First Wine Competition, Standard PublicationsLtd, Standard House, B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & CO. Ltd, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2144 4400 58

The Farsons Beer Festival – The 35th edition of the Farsons Beer Festival takes place over 10 days from the 24th of July till the 2nd of August at the Ta’ Qali National Park from 8pm every night. Fans of good music will enjoy shows and performances by a the line-up of the best local artists, whilst beer lovers can sample a vast array of local and international beers, and foods from a variety of stalls. Entrance is free.

Britspash – Chemimart: Inspired by the electric energy of London in the heat and water awakening sun-hot skin, Burberry’s Brit Splash eau de toilette is a bright aquatic fragrance, refreshing and invigorating. The scent features crisp rosemary, a watery accord and moss.

confidential

Pharma MT: The Sunific 1, 2, 3 range by Lierac offers sun worshippers everything they ever wished for - for before, during and after sun exposure. The range includes melt in textures available in SPF50, SPF30 or SPF 15 for face or body.

beauty & health update

Technoline – Get the Complete Picture with an IPro2 Evaluation. IProTM2 is a Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device designed to provide you with a more complete picture of your glucose levels, by collecting blinded glucose data in an easy way. An IProTM2 evaluation can record your glucose levels 24 hours a day for up to six days and will provide your healthcare provider with insights into how your meals, medications and daily activities really affect your glucose levels. With the IPro, you can get up to 288 glucose readings per day displayed in a personalised report useful to diagnose hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia excursions and facilitate clinical decisions leading to improved glycemic control.

(See advert on page 47).

Safety Information Continuous glucose monitoring systems are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems. Continuous glucose monitoring systems are intended for monitoring interstitial glucose levels in persons with diabetes. These systems provide information regarding potential high and low glucose levels and can provide an indication of when patients should obtain a glucose reading using a home glucose meter. The information provided by continuous glucose monitoring systems is intended to supplement, not replace, readings from a home glucose meter.

Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected. *This information is designed to help you learn more about the Ipro. It is intended to provide you with helpful information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.

King perfume – Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery: Antonio Banderas King of Seduction Absolute is a fragrance of total seduction with refreshing marine waves, counterpoised by the radiant acidity of grapefruit. At the heart lies a playful blend of warm spices including cardamom, contrasting with the aromatic, clean freshness of lavender and heightened by an intrinsically masculine aromatic note. The seductive aroma of the spices is enhanced at the base by a soft leather accord, suffused with refined, woody notes of vetiver and moss.

competition Answer the following question to WIN A BOTTLE OF ANTONIO BANDERAS KING OF SEDUCTION ABSOLUTE What is the Latin name for the Maltese honey-bee?

Pharma MT: After a day at the beach, Sunific Aftersun satin milk repairs, moisturises and soothes the skin, and accelerate and prolongs your tan since it contains mild self tanning agents. These products boast irresistible textures and fragrances for after-sun pleasure.

STOCKISTS Britsplash is distributed by Chemimart Group, Chemico Buildings, Valley Road, Birkirkara, tel.

21492212. King of Seduction Absolute is distributed by Ta’Xbiex Perfumery, 2 Marina Palace, Triq Giuseppe Cali, Ta’Xbiex, tel. 21331553. Sunific is distributed by Pharma.MT tel. 21337008. Facebook LieracMalta.

Technoline, 51 Edgar Bernard Street, Gzira, tel. 21344345.

Winners from the June issue:

Ezekiel Vassallo (Birkirkara) – Lierac Body-Slim Frederick Borg (Qormi) – Prada Sport eau de toilette Elaine Camilleri (Birzebbugia) – Domaines Ott Rosé wine Daniela Vella (Zebbug) – Cavalieri Art Hotel lido membership valid daily Mark Galea (St Julian’s) – Cavalieri Art Hotel lido membership valid on weekdays Rodianne Cassar (Hamrun) – BB weekend break at Cavalieri Art Hotel Send your answers, including your name, contact number, email and post address, by the 24th of July to: First King of Seduction Competition, Standard Publications Ltd, Standard House, B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

Far left: Models who took part in the event.

Patricia Tabone, Danjela Scudamore, Janet Spiteri Saines, Yasmine Craig. Left: Donna Parnis, Jackie Scudamore, Theresa Bartolo Parnis. Below: Daniela Pandolfino, Ruth Galea Pace, Joanna Galea Souchet, Jacqui Demajo

The Monsoon & Accessorize SS15 Summer Fashion Show Monsoon and Accessorize presented their SS15 High Summer Fashion Show at a private residence in Balzan on 17 June, with models from Models M showcasing their key pieces for the season in this exclusive way. The theme of the show was relaxed elegance, and the styling focused on looks that were just right for a Maltese summer – on the beach or poolside, casual every day and sophisticated. Makeup, by Tamara Burr, was sun-kissed and summery and for hair, The Hair Lounge created locks with natural waves to compliment the relaxed summer vibe. Guests were served a fresh Martini Royale on arrival and after the show they sampled the Chateau Berne rosé wine courtesy of P. Cutajar and Co. Ltd.

social whirl The Ralph Lauren & Vogue Wimbledon Summer Cocktail Party The Ralph Lauren and Vogue Wimbledon Summer Cocktail Party, hosted

by Alexandra Shulman and Boris Becker, took place on the 22nd of June at The Kensington Palace Orangery in London. The exclusive event celebrated Ralph Lauren’s 10th year as Official Outfitters of The Championships, Wimbledon. Notable guests were in attendance.

Above: Boris Becker, Gwendoline Christie. Far right: Alice Eve, Alex Cowper-Smith. Right: Mollie King & guests. Joanna Vanderham & friends

The Queen’s Birthday Party

Above: British High Commissioner Rob Luke and his team. Right: President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami and EU Commissioner Tonio Borg. Bottom right: Vanni Xuereb and HE The US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley. Photos by Austin Tufigno 60

The British High Commissioner Rob Luke and his wife Louise recently hosted the annual Queen’s Birthday Party at their Residence in San Pawl tat-Targa, welcoming President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. Guests arrived to the sounds of piper Charles Giacomotto, and later enjoyed entertainment by a UK tribute band, The Counterfeit Beatles. The national anthems were performed by members of the Teatru Manoel Youth Opera. Typical British food and drink was served including fish and chips, a selection of British cheeses and Pimms. Sponsors included the Corinthia Group, EY Ernst & Young, HSBC and Land Rover/Mini by Muscats Motors.

ROMEO & JULIET

Romeo and Juliet is MADC’s choice of play by William Shakespeare this year – to be performed in the idyllic gardens of San Anton Palace.

enhanced with music and dance, resulting in an intriguing and holistic dramatic experience.

Philip Leone-Ganado is playing Romeo and Erica Muscat has the role of Juliet. Other leading roles are played by Coryse Borg, Stefan Cachia Zammit, Joe Zammit and Michael Mangion, supported by cast of both experienced and young actors.

MADC’s Romeo and Juliet is part of the Malta International Arts Festival. All performances will start at 8.15pm, at San Anton Gardens in Attard, and will run from 23 to 31 July. For bookings, go to www.madc.com.mt, tel. 7777 6232 or email info@madc.com.mt

Right: Romeo & Juliet, Philip Leone-Ganado & Erica Ann Muscat

Photograph by Peter Bartolo Parnis

W

ritten around 420 years ago, this is one of the best-known stories about love, passion and tragedy of all time. It is a perfect example of Shakespeare’s great understanding of human nature and his ability to find universal human qualities and put them in a dramatic situation to create timeless characters.

It’s a well known theme: “Two households, alike in dignity – A pair of ‘star-crossed’ lovers take their lives”.

However, director Luke Farrugia sets out to reveal the multifaceted nature of the story, showing its eternity: it could happen to anyone at any time.

The audience is immersed in a world of danger, hate and death in a timeless and nameless place and the text is

the last word

Claire Aitchison, a 29-year-old Scottish/Maltese beauty clinic manager, recently became a vegetarian and has made it her mission to live life to the full whilst promoting good, wholesome food.

When did you last eat meat?

August 2011

Why did you decide to stop eating meat altogether?

Animal cruelty! I watched a clip on YouTube that was powerful enough for me to become vegetarian overnight.

One of the movies that I recommend people to watch is called Earthlings. It’s an award-winning documentary about the suffering of animals for food, fashion, entertainment, medical research and as pets. It’s considered to be the most persuasive documentary ever made.

When did you last drink milk?

I don’t really remember, but it was ages ago.

Why did you decide to stop having milk altogether?

I never liked milk in general but to quit eating cheese was a real challenge, more than giving up meat. By being vegetarian I became more aware about the dairy industry, and the animal cruelty involved, and it made me 62

very sad. I also wanted to give up dairy after becoming a vegetarian, but it was very hard. 1 year ago I found out that I suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and I became intolerant to dairy, but this turned out to actually do me a favour as I managed to give up dairy products overall.

How do you get the nutrients that you would otherwise obtain from meat and dairy?

The most important nutrients found in milk and meat can also be found in a wide variety of legumes, fruits and vegetables. These contain calcium, and all the necessary vitamins and proteins.

Do you find it hard to order in a restaurant?

Yes, very much so! It’s either pasta with tomato sauce or a boring salad! We are very limited here in Malta, so dining out is a problem. I only know of a few places that offer good quality vegetarian options, but I have to say that awareness is spreading and the demand is growing!

Do you find it awkward at times when eating at friends or with new acquaintances when food is prepared for you?

No, because most of my friends are either vegetarian or vegan, so it’s not awkward at all.

How has being a vegetarian chef helped you increase the menu at home, and keep your family and friends happy?

Although I am not a fully fledged

‘chef ’, I learnt to cook and experiment along the way. I did a lot of research on the internet, bought recipe books and disciplined myself to try new recipes and that s when I decided to start my own page on Facebook – Claire’s Veggie Wonders – where I share my recipes, knowledge and passion.

Claire will be sharing recipes from a few of her favourite vegetarian summer recipes in the 9th of August issue of First.