Il-Bizzilla April 2016 - Issue 40

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

APRIL 2016 issue 40 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

2

INSERT TEXT HERE

05 5

Issue 40

Contents

APR IL 16

LOCAL p. 10 ..... malta & gozo in numbers Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

p. 14 ..... A Journey Into History Over the last few years the Cittadella of Gozo has undergone a major revamp

p. 26 ..... The Real Thing

FOOD & DRINK

When on holiday, or visiting a country, we all like to take back with us which will remind us of our stay

p. 56 ..... Festa tal-Ful

p. 40 ..... high Flying Dentistry

p. 78 ..... The Old Carob Tree

The fava, or broad bean bean is a staple ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.

EVENTS p. 30 ..... Out and About

Dr. Jean Paul Demajo discusses the negative effects of neglecting your teeth.

Cultivated since 2000BC the carob tree is able to live for over 100 years

p. 42 ..... Subterranean Secrets

p. 80 ..... Restaurant & bar Guide

p. 32 ..... What’s Happening in Malta

The underground network of tunnels in Valletta is historically fascinating

Thinking about eating out? Here are this month's picks of top local bars and restaurants.

A roundup of events happening in Malta and Gozo during the month of April.

Here’s what’s been going on, who’s been seen, and where they’ve been spotted.

6

LIFESTYLE

AIR MALTA

p. 16 ..... Walk With Me What is more pleasant than enjoying the byways of Gozo in spring

p. 20 ..... Malta Through the Lens Malta has a natural beauty that is very photogenic. We catch up with local shutterbugs

p. 38 ..... A City of Contrasts Frankfurt is becoming an increasingly popular touristic destination

p. 63 ..... A celebration of the senses The International Spring Orchestra Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary

BUSINESS

Airmalta wins punctionality award.

p. 90 ..... interview p. 60 ..... What does the future hold for the gaming industry in Malta?

il-Bizzilla talks to Anthony Dalli, Area Manager at Air Malta for Algeria, Libya and Tunisia.

The next two years are bound to bring some changes to legislation in Malta.

p. 92 ..... inflight information

p. 64 ..... Global citizens choose Malta The Malta Individual Investor programme (MIIP) is considered the most prestigious citizenship-by-investment programme in Europe.

p. 74 ..... The Valley of Destruction No one knows exactly why this lovely valley carries such an apocalyptic appellation

p. 84 ..... air malta news

All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

p. 94 ..... destination information Planning a trip? Take a look at all of Air Malta's flight routes and code-sharing routes here.

p. 96 ..... electronic device information p. 69 ..... Now is your chance to say thank you Be a part of the STAR Awards 2016

All the info you need with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage onboard.

w w w. h o q . c o m . m t BECAUSE YOUR HOME M AT T E R S

LOVINGLY CONVERTED HOUSE OF CHARACTER IN THIS HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER VILLAGE REF: 912815

l

â‚Ź1,950,000

l

ATTARD

Very spacious, bright and airy CONVERTED HOUSE OF CHARACTER, located in the heart of one of the most sought after Maltese villages. This property enjoys a private, large garden with pool as well as a large central courtyard.

The accommodation comprises a welcoming hallway, two living rooms, a spacious sitting room which occupies a former arched mill room, fully fitted kitchen, dining room, study, four double bedrooms (main having ensuite shower room), main bathroom, two guest toilets and a large laundry room leading out onto an airy terrace. There is also a large lock up interconnecting garage as well as a carport for two cars. Freehold. An excellent family home.

Homes of Quality, 211, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: +356 2342 0000 UK Tel: +44 (0) 871 711 8994 Mob: +356 9947 4340 Email: info@hoq.com.mt

Portomaso

8

€1,250,000

SOLE AGENTS

Ref 21683

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

APRIL 2016 issue 40 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

Meet the Team Editorial and Sales Content Factory Executive Editor Dana Bonello SALES AND Project Coordinator Renata Vella Design TBWA\ANG Art Director Jeff Fabri

Malta Tourism Authority Ministry for Gozo Ricky Vella Robert Spiteri Paris Steven Bonello Victor Paul Borg Wendy Zitzman ON THE Cover Dingli Cliffs Aerial View Photography Aaron Bonnici Allen Venables Steven Bonello Victor Paul Borg

Designer Berthrand Pisani Contributors Alan McCane Whitney Edward Borg Helen Raine Ian Laferla Jean Paul Demajo Lina Farrugia

A bright, corner and spacious seventh floor APARTMENT enjoying lovely marina and sea views from its well-sized front terrace and also enjoying use of private beach club and swimming pool. Accommodation is spread over circa 260sqm, comprises a bright and open plan sitting / dining room leading onto the terrace and views, modern open plan fully fitted kitchen / breakfast area, 4 bedrooms (2 of which with en-suite shower room / bathroom), study and washroom. Being offered furnished, fully equipped with air-conditioning / heating units and inclusive of 2 car spaces. A lovely home with all comforts, which also makes a perfect rental investment. owner leaving island and open to offers for quick sale!

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

Editorial features and opinions expressed in il-Bizzilla do not necessarily reflect the views of Air Malta, the publisher, or the editorial team. Both Air Malta and the Publisher do not accept responsibility for commercial and advertising content.

Although the authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from

GZIRA | ST JULIAN’S | VALLETTA | NAXXAR

negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta and ViewingMalta.com for the provision of

Tel. +356 2011 8000

Email. info@belair.com.mt

photographic material. Printed in Malta by VelPrint Ltd. All magazine rights are reserved by Air Malta PLC.

FOR A FULL LIST OF PROPERTIES, VISIT > WWW.BELAIR.COM.MT < WE ARE CONFIDENT WE HAVE THE RIGHT PROPERTY FOR YOU!

at BOV your wealth is in safe hands Our qualified financial advisors can provide you with expert tailor-made investment solutions, whether you want to trade on the Malta Stock Exchange or on the international markets.

Visit any BOV Branch or Investment Centre in Malta or Gozo to discuss your financial requirements.

your success is our goal

STOCKBROKING SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES LIFE INSURANCE

2131 2020 I bov.com

Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is licensed to conduct investment services business by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is an enrolled tied insurance intermediary of MSV Life p.l.c. MSV Life is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on long term business of insurance under the Insurance Business Act 1998.

Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Ĺťakkarija, il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130

10

From the CEO...

Hello And Welcome on board! Thank you for choosing Air Malta.

We have now started our summer season during which we plan to carry over one million passengers. This season we have planned a great selection of around 30 destinations to main city airports with the best flight timings. Our schedule, amongst many other improvements, shows increased flights to the main airport within Berlin, currently possibly Europe's trendiest and most alternative city, excellent day timings to Manchester and flights to Sheremetyevo in Moscow with the best connections to all major cities in Russia and within the region. We are also introducing flights to Palermo as from July 2016 .

During this month, Malta started getting in summer mood and is buzzing with activity. Various events are being organised that suit all tastes from the trendy Annie Mac’s Lost & Found Festival, the magnificent International Spring Orchestra Festival, the stunning Malta International Fireworks Festival and the Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival and the Gozo half marathon amongst others.

For more information visit www.airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/AirMalta and join our newsletter mailing list to receive offers directly in your inbox.

We love to hear your feedback and what we could do better. Visit www.airmalta.com/wearelistening to answer a few short questions and you can get 10% off your next Air Malta flight.

Wherever you are flying with us I hope you have a great flight!

Philip Micallef, CEO Air Malta

From the Editor…

Spring is finally here, marking the most glorious time of the year – primarily because we can enjoy most of the beautiful weather and slightly longer days, without the insufferable heat that will definitely ensue in months to come.

Spring also brings along new beginnings; there’s just something in the air that makes you want to wake up in the morning, get out there and tackle whatever you’ve left pending during the gloomier, colder months – (with healthier lifestyles generally being at the forefront of said goals). With summer round the corner, everyone seems to be hitting the gym harder these days, probably because beach bodies don’t ‘just happen’ much to my dismay.

But I digress - welcome to April’s issue of il-Bizzilla – and more importantly, to my beautiful homeland.

There are literally hundreds of things to do around our small archipelago, I hope that we have been able to highlight a few of them throughout this issue.

I wish you the very best with your travels from thousands of miles up in the air, and hope that Malta delivers everything you’ve expected and beyond.

As for keeping in shape – it’s been repeated over and over again that round is a shape, I’m sticking with that for the time being.

Until next issue!

Dana

www.mcdonalds.com.mt Valletta | St Julian’s | Sliema | B’Kara | MIA | Gozo | Bay Street | Sliema, Tigné | Għargħur

The Maltese Isles

in numbers Passengers carried onboard air malta flights:

It has been said that numbers speak louder than words – we’ve put together a few to give you a better idea of what to expect from our small, yet idyllic, Mediterranean archipelago.

50,754,711 since 1st April 1974

4 2 3

300

ar

423,282 The Current population of the maltese islands

4

The hottest temperature ever recorded

36.6°C

flew the equiva len lta a m

f to

air

44°C

2 8 2

National holidays in Malta each year

The temperature milk needs to be heated to make a traditional ġbejna (cheeselet)

etween Malta nce b and a t s G di

o oz

885

10

of whom are permanent Comino residents

The

unshine eac s of s hy Day e

5 km

times to the moon and back

359

15 minutes

churches in Malta and Gozo

316 km2

The average driving time between one destination and another in Malta

Total area of the Maltese archipelago

EAT, LISTEN, PLAY Experience Jazz Collective Thursdays at ELP for a taste of the islands’ best musical talent, immersed in your perfectly mixed cocktail, custom made especially for you.

We believe in creating a unique experience by combining our love for fresh food, premium drinks and music to offer you a truly exceptional day or night.

So be our welcome guest for lunch in the sunshine by the sea, dinner, or live music, all nestled in one of Malta’s most iconic buildings and…

EXPERIENCE LEISURE...

PROPERLY. Only at ELP.

Take a picture of this advert and start your meal with our delicious USDA Beef or Swordfish Carpaccio on the house!

EVERY THURSDAY AT

32, MAIN STREET, BALLUTA BUILDINGS | ST. JULIANS | 27357357 facebook.com/electrolobsterproject | pinterest.com/elpmalta instagram.com/electrolobsterproject

MALTA’S NUMBER 1 GOURMET BURGERS Uncompromisingly fresh quality, Handcrafted, Gourmet Burgers, made from 100% pure Angus Beef, served in unique surroundings.

All our burgers contain only the freshest ingredients with absolutely no unnecessary fillers or additives. All we add are onions and a secret blend of herbs and spices, that give our burgers that truly Badass taste.

Take a picture of this advert and finish your meal with a Badass dessert on us!

CAUSE LIFE’S TOO SHORT FOR NORMAL...

Badass Burgers | 1, Triq San Gorg, St. Julians | 21384066 | badassburgers.eu | facebook.com/badassburgers

Malta: An Ideal Location for Rental Investment It is no surprise that we are experiencing growth in the rental market due to the increase in demand from expats, as well as supply of property to let. Locals have come to a realisation that property is indeed a very good investment, a source of income, and can be used as a retirement plan. Similarly, foreigners visiting Malta as tourists, as well as those conducting business locally or simply living on the island, have seen the potential for Buy to Rent property in both Malta and its sister island Gozo. Malta has become one of the best places in Europe for rental investments both in commercial and residential.

Investing in a property with the aim of eventually turning it into a prolific rental is something pretty enticing. Around the Maltese Islands, rental investment is popular namely because of the increasing demands for such accommodation from locals, foreign students, the foreign work force from all different types of industries and also retirees.

So what should you be considering before making this decision - Where do you start?

Knowing What to Buy The notion of buying to let is extremely titillating but before embarking on the purchase, one has to be aware of certain characteristics which tenants typically like to look out for. You can do this by placing yourself in the shoes of a tenant. What would he or she require? What kind of property would make life simpler for myself as a lessor? Or the easy way out - contact a real estate agent who specialises in this field and is backed with a good track record.

Choosing Right Remember that in most cases, a modern property is always a better deal, possibly requiring less maintenance and upkeep both for the tenant and for yourself from the onset. It’s also a question of location; over the years the best rental investment areas have been in locations such as St Julian’s, Sliema, Gzira, Msida, Swieqi, Tal-Ibrag and the surrounding areas, plus Mellieha, Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay. Now, as things stand in 2016, there are many more areas which have opened up and become good rental areas and made the market expand rapidly. So when you’re looking for a property, the property needs to be clean, easily accessible, and have the everyday modern gadgets.

The most important detail when purchasing is that you purchase right. The simplest way of doing this is to calculate the sale price (negotiate well or have a good agent do it for you), add the actual cost stamp duty, notarial fees, furnishings and finishes (if needed) and then find out what the real rental is for the type of property you are buying. Make sure you don’t get led up a garden path with fictitious rental values to avoid disappointment.

Take the rent, multiply it by 12 (months) and then divide that by your total cost – which leaves you with your gross yield. If you’re happy with the figure, go for it. In today’s market, 4.5% - 8% is very achievable. Another very important point you need to keep in mind is the capital appreciation of the property you are buying.

Although it’s never guaranteed, as these are always predictions, a good agent will guide you and let you know roughly what the trend of property prices are in that specific area.

Kevin Buttigieg - CEO RE/MAX Malta

Top or Bottom An apartment is generally the first best rental option to invest in, but there are a few things to keep in mind: • A ground floor apartment may get to be very dark, so make sure there is some outdoor space and larger windows to maximise ventilation and light.

• Make sure the common parts of the building are well kept, the management company is reputable and the lift is in good working order.

• Make sure an architect checks that all is built according to law.

Some Perks and Ideas Clients are ready to pay for modern gadgets in the middle to upper end of the rental market. Put these in and it will speed up your rental. Remember every day you lose is revenue off your bottom line.

Also, in these type of rentals, any extra gadgets could also increase your rental yield.

When choosing an apartment as your investment, I would also recommend you look for light. Don’t get me wrong – it is ok if the bedrooms are not so well-lit, but it’s important that the front room or the kitchen get some light. Also try for South facing property and a big enough terrace according to the size of the apartment so people can sit outside.

Where to Buy Well its very simple: location location location is the key.

Nowadays it’s not necessarily that the location needs to be in Sliema or St Julian’s - the locations needs to be the ideal location in the area you choose. For example, in the South you need to be close to the office areas such as Smart City and Sky Parks. Soon there will be an abundance of office space in the central areas so central areas will definitely become popular rental areas as well.

If you aim to buy to let, be aware that RE/MAX Malta boasts one of the largest professional teams of commercial letting agents on the islands. We have specific letting agents who are trained specifically to provide you with rental valuation of residential and commercial properties, and assist you to eventually rent the property, as well as manage the property if need be.

My advice is simple: consulting with a RE/MAX Malta commercial agent will help you decide on the best way to invest in this sector of real estate depending on your budget. You can also email me directly as, being one of the main experts on the island, I spearhead the team and make sure all runs smooth from A-Z. We have based our business model on helping clients get the best deal possible for their money.

HOT PROPERTIES IN MALTA Apartment in Tigné Point

Duplex Apartment in Portomaso

This corner 5th floor Apartment enjoys views of the Piazza and covers a layout of 191m². Property enjoys an open plan layout and 3 double bedrooms (main with ensuite and walk-in), is highly finished and furnished, and includes a car space.

Price: €750,000 Ref

No: 240011024-606

Apartment in Portomaso

Price €3,600,000 Ref

No: 240011024-779

Apartment in St Julian’s

Currently on plan, this stunning apartment is set on two levels.

Plans include 3 bedrooms, each with an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and living area with a water massage area. The property will overlook a laguna in one of Malta’s top luxury Special Designated Areas

Price €1,690,000 Ref

Set within the Laguna marina, this stunning Duplex covers 416m² and is planned to consist of an open plan kitchen / dining room, formal lounge area leading on to a 35m² terrace, 4 bedrooms (each with closet and ensuite). If you’re after luxury and location, then this property is ideal for you.

No: 240011024-776

Penthouse in Portomaso

This luxurious apartment enjoys views of Spinola Bay, and includes a spacious open plan layout and 3 bedrooms. It’s found within a quiet road and is being sold furnished, with one car space included. Definitely worth viewing.

Price €679,000 Ref

No: 240011024-769

Penthouse in Tigné Point

Formerly two penthouses, this stunning property offers space, comfort and luxuy. Layout includes a well-planned and spacious open plan layout, 3 bedrooms each with access to the large terrace at the back of the penthouse, and magnificent views of the marina and open sea.

This modern Penthouse measures 550m² on one floor, and enjoys state of the art technology throughout. Property includes a large kitchen, sitting / dining area, cinema / living room, 4 double bedrooms, and a large 22m² front terrace with pool and decking.

It’s a must-see property, with a 4 car garage included.

Price €2,950,000 Ref

Price €4,250,000 Ref

+356 9966 3322

No: 240011024-781 www.remax-malta.com

No: 240011024-712

16

A JOURNEY INTO HISTORY The Cittadella Project

Restoration

O

ver the last few years the Cittadella of Gozo has undergone a major revamp, through two restoration and rehabilitation projects co-financed by the European Union. Both had the objective of consolidating, through restoration, this magnificent fortified town. The projects meant years of planning and hard work, and the results will be introduced to the public in the coming months, by offering a refreshed Cittadella that is bursting with beauty and historical discoveries.

One of the projects focused on consolidating and stabilising the rock outcrops beneath the fortifications, as well as the restoration of the onekilometre fortification walls forming the Cittadella.

The other project managed by the Ministry for Gozo, implemented a number of key actions proposed by the Master Plan for the Cittadella.

The European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanisms financed the

Master Plan. This project included the rehabilitation and conversion of two unused water reservoirs into a visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; centre, the restoration of the facades of historic buildings, the rehabilitation of the ditch, the reconstruction of the paths, squares and streets within and leading to the Cittadella, the introduction of stair lifts and lifting platforms to increase accessibility, the installation of an energy efficient lighting system (both on the outside and the inside of the Cittadella) and the conversion of the present Folklore Museum into a Period House.

Both projects have strived to give a new life to the Cittadella, while preserving and highlighting the characteristics of this unique site.

The Cittadella has remained accessible to the public during restoration works, except for a few days during 2015, due to works on the access roads. In fact, although the works are nearing completion, visitors are advised to approach the site with caution.

‘The best name in Malta property’ FOR SALE

HEAD OFFICE (+356) 21 31 0800 ST.JULIANS (+356) 21 31 0088 VALLETTA (+356) 21 31 0088

FOR SALE

MELLIEHA ▪ €1,790,000 ▪ DETACHED VILLA

ZEBBUG ▪ €800,000 ▪ HOUSE OF CHARACTER

Santa Maria Estate - a unique FULLY DETACHED BUNGALOW ▪ Breathtaking panoramic seaviews of Mellieha Bay ▪ Full-sized swimming pool with large patio ▪ Set on a plot of 2,000m2 ▪ Secluded by its own mature garden ▪ Hall ▪ Sitting/dining room ▪ 2 studies ▪ Living room ▪ New fitted kitchen / breakfast with pantry ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Interconnecting flatlet ▪ Games room ▪ Carport ▪ Driveway ▪ Laundry area ▪ 2 large garages ▪ Air-conditioning ▪ Alarm system ■ Ref:DV01129 ■ SOLE AGENTS

A fine example of a fully converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER ▪ Located within a quiet cul-de-sac in this sought after village ▪ Many original architectural features including exposed wooden beams, high ceilings & traditional stone walls ▪ Spacious living/dining room leading onto a wonderful garden ▪ Secluded swimming pool & surrounding terraces ▪ Large fitted kitchen ▪ Guest toilet ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Laundry room ▪ Interconnecting garage ▪ Freehold ▪ Ref: HC02648 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

TIGNE POINT ▪ € P.O.R ▪ DUPLEX PENTHOUSE

SLIEMA ▪ €349,000 ▪ TOWNHOUSE

Tigne Point - luxurious DUPLEX PENTHOUSE set within one of Malta’s most exclusive developments ▪ Close to all amenities including ‘The Point’ shopping centre & the piazza ▪ Located on the highest floor with spectacular views of Valletta, Manoel Island & the open sea ▪ Open plan sitting/dining room ▪ Living area ▪ Modern kitchen leading onto a beautiful terrace ▪ 4 double bedrooms ▪ 4 bathrooms (2 en suite) ▪ Study ▪ Utility room ▪ Private swimming pool with deck area ▪ Underlying 2 car lock up garage ▪ Ref: DP600004 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

Unconverted single-fronted period TOWNHOUSE ▪ Excellent location in a quiet & picturesque backstreet just off the seafront ▪ Many original features including Maltese balcony & tradtional floor-tiles ▪ Spacious layout with high ceilings ▪ Hallway ▪ Kitchen leading onto rear courtyard ▪ Dining room ▪ 2 double bedrooms ▪ Bathroom ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Large basement ▪ Roof & airspace with partial seaviews ▪ Freehold ▪ Ref: HC700022 ■ SOLE AGENTS

TO LET

TO LET

MELLIEHA ▪ €2300 monthly ▪ DETACHED BUNGALOW

Fully DETACHED BUNGALOW set on the high grounds ▪ Wonderful sea & country views ▪ Large mature garden ▪ Swimming pool & spacious surrounding sun terraces ▪ Fully furnished & equipped to a good standard ▪ Hallway ▪ Sitting room ▪ Dining room ▪ Study ▪ New oak fitted kitchen ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Lock up garage ▪ Ref: DV00805

ST.JULIANS ▪ €1500 monthly ▪ SEAFRONT APARTMENT

Fantastic SEAFRONT APARTMENT in a prime location ▪ Fully furnished ▪ Close to all amenities & the popular promenade ▪ Open plan lounge/dining that leads out onto an enclosed glass balcony with stunning sea views ▪ Hallway ▪ Fitted kitchen ▪ Additional small dining area ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Main bathroom ▪ 2 double bedrooms with ample storage space ▪ There is a car space included for added convenience ▪ Ref: FA500296

▪ Collect your free copy of our leading Real Estate publication from the exit of the arrival lounge ▪ ▪ The Perry Letting department offers a wide selection of both prime commercial and residential properties for lease ▪

www.perry.com.mt

Sliema - Head Office ▪ St. Julian’s ▪ Valletta

18

Walk With Me…

WORDS BY Edward Borg

01

02

W

hat is more pleasant than enjoying the by-ways of Gozo in spring and walking through the countryside with its terraced and stonewalled fields alive with wild flowers? The scent of the small yellow flower known in Maltese as il-Ħaxixa Ingliża – the English plant – is predominant. It is so called because it is said to have been introduced to Malta from South Africa by an English lady.

Flowers carpet the fields and hills of the island in different hues. Gozo’s terrain is exposed and relatively rocky, but in spite of the strong winds, wild flowers grow and seem to thrive on the dry stonewalls, blooming from crevices.

One cannot miss the farmhouses with their flat roofs. They are increasingly sought-after by foreigners as retirement homes or as second homes.

Gozo is approximately the quarter of the size of Malta. It is far less densely populated than Malta and, therefore, enjoys much more countryside in which to walk around.

The rubble walls, ħajt tas-sejjieħ, that divide the fields give character to the landscape. They are made of rough, irregular pieces of broken stone. Our hardworking farmer-masons either gather the stones from a nearby quarry or, when available, they are simply picked from the site itself or by breaking up large boulders in the vicinity. Building these walls is a craft, possibly

19

GOZO

Building these walls is a craft, possibly one of the earliest on these islands

01. Aerial view of the Gozitan cliffs 02. Gozo countryside / Malcolm Debono

one of the earliest on these islands but, it has to be said, this is a dying craft. It usually requires a skilled mason to raise these walls. You will notice that stone chippings are used in between the layers. Building these rubble walls properly is essential to prevent the soil from being washed away by the rainwater into the valleys. They also protect the crops from the wind which can, at times, be quite ferocious. Walls separate each field and also discourage trespassers, whether man or animal, from stealing or damaging the crops.

Gozo is more dependent on agriculture than Malta and is therefore much greener. The back-breaking toil which the cultivation of vegetables requires has, over the years, been slowly abandoned by the younger generations. Yet even those who work away from the land, and who sometimes head to Malta daily for their job, still have links with the agricultural economy of the past. They often retain a patch or two of land which they plant with potatoes or some other cash crop to supplement their wages.

As you walk through the countryside you will inevitably come across a village or two. Each village has at least one magnificent church, often Baroque with its dome painted red or silver. These churches provide a startling contrast to the low, flat-roofed houses grouped tightly around them. This is the place to stop for a snack and a drink, in one of the wine bars or cafes, or perhaps at the band club if there is one.

20

GOZO

02

As much as possible leave the thoroughfares behind, and head for the tracks, paths and lanes where you can breathe fresh air.

The Ta’ Ċenċ Plateau is favoured by seasoned lovers of the outdoors. It is perhaps the widest area of garigue still left on the Maltese islands. The term 'garigue' refers to uncultivated land of a calcareous soil overgrown with low scrub, which is typical of the Mediterranean coastland. If you are lucky at this time of year you may come across the fragrant narcissus with its white petals and yellow crown.

Ta’ Ċenċ can be reached through the village of Sannat. This is one of the most unspoilt areas to remain and it is quite spectacular. Wild thyme grows profusely and leaves the air fragrant. The area also supports a highly interesting fauna and flora. It is said that the Maltese islands possess roughly the same number of species of flowering plants (around one thousand) as the British Isles.

01

The cliffs in this area are spectacular. At places they arise 145 sheer metres from the sea. There are also cart ruts and two megalithic tombs in the area, which are considered to amongst the most significant archaeological sites on the island.

Apart from the palm trees you will come across the carob, the fig, the olive, the almond and the ubiquitous prickly pear.

Rounded and flat-topped hills are typical of Gozo and are the result of hard rock lying on softer rock, which has worn away faster than the harder rock.

01. Ta' Pinu Church, Gozo 02. A rubble wall found in the Gozo countryside / Federico Casinelli

So put on your most comfortable shoes on and explore the interesting Gozitan countryside which has many a tale to tell despite its silent tranquillity.

Bernard Bugeja Managing Director

FOR SALE ATTARD REF NO 17568 €1,950,000

One of the most fascinating PERIOD HOUSES on the island set on land measuring 940sqm and converted to the most exacting detail, while at the same time retaining all its original features, including a marvellous mill room. Ample accommodation offers a large entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, living room, a further drawing room in a double mill room, TV area, 4 bedrooms (one with en-suite), main bathroom, 2 guest toilets, maid’s quarters, a very large private central courtyard, a very large lawned back garden, a street-level lock up garage, and a further back drive way from a separate adjacent street.

ST. PAUL'S BAY (TAL- FJURI) REF NO 17548 €300,000

A brand new project of APARTMENTS & A PENTHOUSE presently off plan but to be completed by the end of 2017. This unique project, made up of a total of six units, will be finished to high specifications and will all enjoy breath taking sea views and views of St Paul’s islands. The well appointed accommodation comprises an entrance hall, open plan living quarters with kitchen/ breakfast, three bedrooms, two bathrooms (1 ensuite) front terraces and optional garages. The third floor apartment also comes with a large back garden and swimming pool which is being offered at an asking price of €450,000.

MARSASCALA REF NO 17456 €2,300,000

Stunning, luxuriously finished, two floor VILLA situated in the most tranquil area having beautiful accommodation throughout, bright rooms and landscaped lawned gardens. Comprising an open plan hall/reception area, a beautifully fitted island kitchen/ breakfast room, living room with an ample seating area, dining room with a dining table for 10 persons, 4 double bedrooms (3 with en-suite and walk-in wardrobes) and main bathroom.

Adjacent to the property are lovely gardens, a wonderfully designed swimming pool and ample parking space. An opportunity not to be missed!

to LET MAdliena

REF NO 17544 €9,500/MONTH

An outstanding, brand new, very well-located fully furnished BUNGALOW boasting spectacular sea and ‘Madliena Ridge’ views is now available for rent. Accommodation (Ideal for Ambassadors or VIPs) comprises an entrance hall with stairs leading down to garage and guest accommodation, a large formal sitting and dining room, fully fitted and equipped kitchen/breakfast room, TV room (fully finished SCIC kitchen including Miele appliances), 4 bedrooms and three bathrooms all with separate showers (all rooms have impressive views), a mature garden and three lawns. This property is fully air-conditioned and fully equipped with fireplace, intelligent lighting, electrically operate blinds and a special, surround sound system in the formal areas and by the pool deck. Complementing this property is a five-car garage and a large swimming pool with a jacuzzi. A rare find indeed!

Over two decades of tailored real estate services.

Sales | Letting | Consultancy | Residency Schemes Individual Investor Program(IIP) | Property Management

63, Sir Adrian Dingli Street,Sliema, SLM1901 Malta

|

T: 00356 2134 3053 | M: 00356 9949 4412

|

E: bernards@bre.com.mt | W: www.bre.com.mt

Malta THROUGH the Lens Malta has a natural beauty that is very photogenic. Allen Venables and Aaron Bonnici know that better than most, having spent years taking photographs on the islands.

Helen Raine catches up with these local shutterbugs.

23

PHOTOGRAPHY

V

enables spent six years as the Official Photographer for Ira Losco, one of Malta most high profile singers and the islands' candidate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. When he is not capturing the likes of Rita Ora, Duran Duran and Lady Gaga, he creates beautiful photo art featuring the Maltese Islands. Bonnici followed his father into photography and has won a string of local and international competitions with his emotional photographs of Maltese landscapes and landmarks. Both are passionate about Malta as a photo subject and, here, they shared their top tips to help you make the most of your island snaps.

Aaron Bonnici What is special to you about taking photographs in Malta?

Malta is unique in the sense that you could be shooting street photography one moment and an hour later, a landscape or a seascape. The diversity of subjects and the close proximity of places makes Malta very interesting and affordable to shoot.

What is your favourite subject?

I think sticking to one subject is very limiting. I like to tell a story so that the viewer goes beyond the photograph and roams with his or her imagination.

What particular conditions in Malta make for good photographs?

Shooting architecture when the sun is not high in the sky (before 9 a.m.), will bring out a full range of shadows, midtones and highlights in your photograph.

The Maltese limestone lends itself to interesting architecture and will give your photographs extra texture. Then there are the spectacular sunsets; try various exposure settings to bring out the golden hues in the sky (for the more advanced user, a graduated ND filter will help balance your exposure and bring more contrast to the sky).

•

•

•

What should people think about when they point the lens at a subject?

•

The first thing is really a no-brainer but many forget to do it; ask yourself what compelled you to take that

•

photo in the first place … what are you really looking at?

That leads to the next consideration - light. How much light have you got on your subject? What quality and direction is the light? Does the light match the subject to capture the mood that you are after? Should you use a flash to fill in some shadows?

Now think about composition.

Should you choose a tight frame or include something else in the composition to make it more interesting? Is there anything that detracts from the subject – maybe you can have the distracting objects out of focus.

See the subject in its environment.

For example, perhaps you managed to capture the expression of a street vendor selling sweets, his colourful wares displayed; but did you look to the left to see the lonely child looking at the sweets, his mouthwatering in anticipation? That would have elevated a mere snapshot to a story. So look around, move, keep zooming in and out, and build your photograph so that there is visual story telling.

Not every subject sits still to give you

time to take a photo, so you have to be prepared to act on instinct.

What basic mistakes do beginners make?

•

•

Try not to centralise everything in your viewfinder - it makes your photographs boring. Use different angles; if you have seen a monument that you like, move a little bit to the left or the right and try a different angle to bring out some dimension to it.

With landscapes, do not cut your photograph in half with the horizon sitting in the middle of your photo; decide whether you want to give more prominence to the sky or the land. Use objects in the immediate foreground to guide the viewer’s eyes.

Any secret places in the Maltese islands where you like to take photos?

One of my favourite places is our capital city, Valletta, where you can find different types of architecture, from Baroque to modern. Do not forget to stray away from the main streets to find interesting narrow alleys, and do visit it by night too.

24

PHOTOGRAPHY

01

Allen Venables How did you get into photography?

As part of my job as a Senior Art Director I have spent years commissioning photographers for commercial advertising shoots. When I moved to Malta 25 years ago, one of the first things I purchased was a camera, which soon blossomed into a full blown career.

harsh in the summer months. I try to photograph at sunrise or sunset.

What should people think about when they point the lens at a subject?

•

What makes for good photographs in Malta?

•

There is something for all tastes, from the stunning architecture of Valletta and Mdina to the beautiful landscapes. To make the most of them, I would avoid going out in the sun which can be very

•

Capture what you feel as well as what you see; anyone can take a snap these days, but you want your photography to stand out.

You will not take a good photo unless you actually go out and take photos.

Practice makes perfect.

Consider the background as well as what the main subject is doing. It is pointless to take a great portrait only to later see a lamppost growing out of your subject’s head.

Don’t fall into the ‘I need more equipment to take good photos’ trap

25

PHOTOGRAPHY

Any simple tricks that can change a photo from decent to excellent?

What basic mistakes do beginners make?

•

•

•

•

•

Make sure your exposure is no slower than the focal length of your lens (if you are not using a tripod). For example, if you are using a 200mm lens, don’t use a shutter speed less than 200, etc.

Always shoot raw rather than in JPEG; this will allow you to do more in post processing.

Don’t fall into the ‘I need more equipment to take good photos’ trap.

Most of today’s entry level DSLRs are capable of taking great photos. Take the time to learn what your camera can do and invest in good lenses.

Trust your instincts - chances are you already know what makes a great photo - go out and get it.

•

•

Snapping away without thinking about what it is they want to capture; convey the emotion.

‘Chimping’ – looking at the back of the camera after every frame and missing the perfect shot whilst doing so.

Being afraid to ask; email a pro, read as much as you can – the internet is full of tutorials.

Any secret places in the Maltese islands that you like to photograph?

There is a beach to the left of Golden Bay called Riviera Martinique that I love to photograph; I have used it numerous times for fashion shoots, band promos and personal work. Be warned, the steep steps can be quite a challenge.

01. Mist on Salina Bay 02. Resting in the Grand Harbour

02

To find out more visit www.allenvenables.com and www.aaronbonnici.com

26

JOB SEARCH

Welcoming iGamingJobsMalta.com iGamingJobsMalta.com is Malta’s first virtual job board created to, as the slogan goes, ‘bring talent and opportunity together’.

• •

Let me introduce you…

The Maltese Islands have experienced a great influx of worldclass companies operating in the gaming industry over the last few years, greatly contributing to the country’s economy and providing great opportunities to a myriad of disciplines. These companies consistently seek talent in the following areas: in marketing, creative design, software development, finance and admin and legal amongst others. iGamingJobsMalta.com offers a number of online presence options to companies operating in the gaming sector, in the form of: • •

Vacancy Listings Company Profile Pages

E-Banners Guest Blogging

That’s us, now how about you?

Born out of the need to bridge the distance between HR Departments and what could very well be the next best thing to your organisation, iGamingJobsMalta.com offers useful, content rich career resources.

Whether you’re already involved in the sector and are interested in looking around to see what else is available on the market, interested in setting foot into the exciting arena of remote gaming, or are sitting on the other side of the recruitment fence and would like to showcase your company values, philosophies and goals, iGamingJobsMalta. com offers a virtual space for the two to come together.

Kindly visit www.igamingjobsmalta.com for more information

28

The Real Thing

CRAFTS

WORDS BY Lina Farrugia

29

CRAFTS

W

hen on holiday, or visiting a country, we all like to take something back with us worth keeping and which will remind us of our stay in that particular country.

Taking back a few souvenirs for family and close friends is also a way of sharing our experience with them.

These islands are replete with souvenir shops. Some sell imported items others concentrate on selling objects which are made in Malta and which truly represent the crafts of these islands.

The Crafts Village IN Ta’Qali, on the outskirts of Mdina and just off the main road to Rabat, is an excellent place to buy typical ‘Made in Malta’ objects. There are crafts villages in Gozo too which are worth a visit. One of them is the Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village, where artisans can be seen working in their workshop and their crafts are on sale close by.

During the war, Ta’Qali was an airstrip, and served as an alternative to the main airport in Luqa. It is from here that Royal Air Force pilots bravely went to meet attacking enemy aircraft.

This Crafts Village is thus made up of Nissen huts which have been turned into shops, workshops, forges and

30

CRAFTS

02

01

jewellery shops. Many items on sale are hand-made. Here you can watch filigree jewellery being made and enjoy watching the masters of the forge blowing glass.

There is pottery of all kinds, objects made of local stone and the famous Malta lace.

Lace making was introduced to Malta by the Knights of St John in the mid 1530s and was used to decorate their ceremonial and church vestments.

It didn't begin to take hold as a local industry until the 19th century, when the first patterns were brought over from Genoa. Many of the designs still used today are very similar to the original ones. For a long time, a surefire way of distinguishing the two was by the thread; the Maltese one was coarser.

Interestingly, it was at this point that the eight-pointed Maltese cross started being featured in local lace. Indeed, the Maltese cross is ubiquitous. Gozitan lace

quickly won recognition: it won first prize at an international competition in London in 1862. This was not its first achievement; back in 1838 it had already attracted the admiration of Queen Victoria, who had ordered no less than 16 dozen pairs of gloves.

be found everywhere and is used for curtains and clothes. But once you have seen handmade lace you will at once notice the leap in quality and refinement.

Lacemaking is an old craft now only found in Ireland, Belgium and the Maltese islands.

The lace made here is bobbin lace.

Most lacemakers are Gozitan and, until fairly recently, mothers and daughters would sit on empty wooden lemonade boxes or a chair, lace pillow on their lap and resting against the wall, working on a piece of lace to be later attached to a linen tablecloth or a three-piece dressing table set perhaps. In the past they worked on their doorstep as it was usually too dark inside and electricity was an expensive commodity back then.

Nowadays, most lacemakers perform their ancient art indoors, however, you may be lucky and still see these women at work on their doorsteps in the quieter villages. Machine-made lace can now

Sales oulets with a variety of lace can be found mostly around Valletta and other towns as well as Ta’Qali.

Filigree work is equally beautiful and considered an art rather than a craft. You can watch it being made in Ta’Qali. Apart from jewellery in gold or silver, small, decorative items, such as the local boat, (the dgħajsa [dysa]) and the horse-drawn carriage (karrozin) are made with the silver or gold thread.

Pottery is also popular with both locals and tourists. There is a wide range of items – from mugs, jars and vases to plates and even beautiful tabletops in attractive,

31

CRAFTS

vibrant colours. Most of the pottery is painted, and plates, especially, feature scenes of Malta.

There are other potteries outside Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Qali; one of the most distinguished is that at Villa Bologna in Attard.

Women in Malta also take pride in their crochet and knitting. One spots these items of clothing for sale, particularly at the market in Marsaxlokk and in Gozo. The Aran pattern is particularly well-known and makes a popular souvenir choice amongst tourists.

Gozo has its weavers too, and this art can be traced back to prehistoric times. Everything from clothes and accessories to blankets, wall hangings and rugs are made on the loom utilising local produce. Marie Claridge, who had set up Gozo 20 in the late 60s had made a study of these crafts. She also coordinated these talented women, distributed work and sold what they

03

made in her shop. She exported some fine work to Harrods. She wrote in a booklet about her experience: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The spindle being used dated back to the earliest times and is similar to that used all over the world wherever wool is spun by hand against the thigh and then twisted into thread by means of the rotating spindle.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed it was Cicero who eulogised the fine Melita cloth for its excellence for household furnishings and good clothing.

Hand arts are woven into the way of life on these islands. The skills of spinning and weaving are largely cottage crafts that follow the rural ebb and flow of the seasons. Industrious women make lace, knit, crochet and weave for pin money and to supplement the family income.

What they make demands skill, hard work and patience.

But if you are taking something back home, there is nothing like a handmade object.

Lace making was introduced to Malta by the Knights of St John in the mid 1530s

01. Lace pillow found at Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village, Gozo / Denise Wilkins 02. Hand made filigree Maltese cross

jewellery / Mario Galea 03. Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village, Gozo /

Denise Wilkins

32

OUT & ABOUT

out and about Here's what's been going on, who's been seen, and where they've been spotted around Malta last month.

Tipico

St. Julians

02

01. Tipico & Tipico Careers donate â&#x201A;Ź15,000 to Istrina 02. Leader of the Opposition, Simon Busuttil, toured the Tipico offices in January 03. Stefan Kamberovic leading the Tipico Careers party at the University of London Malta careers fair 04. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat visited the Tipico Careers stand at the three -day KSU Careers Convention on campus 01 03

04

Recent Events at RE/MAX 01. Left to right: Joseph Buttigieg, Josie Theuma, Edward Agius, Kevin Buttigieg, James Busuttil, Michael Galea, Kevin Deguara, Michael Bonello, Jeff Buttigieg during RE/MAX Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM & Convention 2016 02. Michael Bonello, (right) Board Member of RE/Max & Friends Foundation, presenting a percentage of the proceeds to Giovanna Mirabile Bartolo, Fundraising Events Manager at Inspire, in the presence of Jeffrey Buttigieg, COO, RE/MAX Malta

02

01

Would you like to be featured on our social pages? Drop Dana an email on dana@contentfactory.com.mt

OUT & ABOUT

New Menu Launch at Rickshaw Restaurant Corinthia Palace Attard

33

34

EVENTS

EVENTS THIS MONTH 1st april

Celebrating Mercy Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, Naxxar This Jubilee of Mercy Concert, in aid of the Archbishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seminary, is a choral concert with the participation of the St. Paul Choral Society, and soloists Rosabelle Bianchi (soprano) and Charles Buttigieg (baritone). www.quddies.com.mt

2nd APRIL

3rd APRIL

Pillow Fight Day Toi Toi Moves to Flamenco Pembroke, Malta Fancy yourself as pillow fighter?

Let loose amidst the stressful working weeks. Pillow fighting is all about having fun! Follow all the safety rules and enjoy. Do you have what it take to be a pillow fighting champion?! /Pillow fight day 2016

Manoel Theatre Through this dance performance, children will enter a world of rhythm, stamps, claps and castanets, through which they will discover the world of Flamenco Dance. The performance will take little ones through a journey into the life and traditions of the south of Spain. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

3rd APRIL

Xtrerra Triathlon Malta Xterra Malta is the first in the International European race series and it set in the beautiful nature reserve of Majjistral. The crystal blue waters of Golden Sands Bay, the breathtaking cliff-edge trails and the family atmosphere that the organisers bring to this tough challenge, make this one of the most talked-about multi-sport races on the calendar. The race includes a 1.5km swim in the clean waters of Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, followed by a 30km mountain bike race and an 11km trail run, which will bridge two nature reserves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Majjistral and the Gnejna Plateau. www.maltaxterra.com

24th April

Gozo Half Marathon Gozo The Gozo Half Marathon was first organised in Xaghra, Gozo, in 1977. This first marathon was made up of just 35 competitors who were mainly Xaghra youths. This number has increased dramatically over the years, with people from other Maltese and Gozitan villages, and, more recently, even foreign participants, who come all the way to Gozo to take part in this annual event. The half marathon route is of varying elevation and takes the participants through various Gozitan villages and breathtaking examples of the Gozitan landscape. www.gozomarathon.org

35

EVENTS

GOZO: Island of Culture and of Arts

Culture and the arts are synonymous with Gozo.

The month of April bears no exception as culture afecionados now wait in earnest for the Gaulitana Festival of Music.

The festival will run through Eastertide ending with a full scale opera production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia on April 23rd. Il Barbiere di Siviglia will celebrate the bicentenary of the opera’s premiere, with Maestro Colin Attard once again at the helm of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir, teaming up with Enrico Castiglione (director & set-designer) and Sonia Cammarata (costumes).

till 10th APRIL

The Price of One Manoel Theatre Edward Bond’s latest play will be given its world premiere before embarking on a tour to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. The play is a tale about people looking for sanity at the edge of madness – a soldier carrying a baby meets a woman who is also carrying her own baby, who is dead. The woman wants to clean up and wash her baby, but there isn’t enough water. The soldier leaves his baby with the woman and sets off to find water, but the woman exchanges the baby secretly and leaves the soldier with her dead baby. All performances will be followed by a discussion with the director, Chris Cooper. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

9th APRIL

Malta Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival The Granaries, Floriana Ground fireworks are a unique Maltese pyrotechnic tradition, and an extremely important part of the outdoor festa celebrations.

Each fireworks factory does its very best to improve on previous structures and invent new mechanisms. Naturally, competition and pique between the various factories ensures high standards for each firework. The set up of the huge pyrotechnics displays will start on 8 April, where one can admire the complexity and workmanship involved in putting together such a huge mechanised ground fireworks display. www.florianalocalcouncil.com

Il Barbiere di Siviglia should surely arouse the interest of opera lovers, as this opera buffa in two acts has proven to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music, and is considered as one of the mainstays of the international operatic repertoire.

Rossini’s opera revolves around the clever and enterprising character of Figaro. This character had already figured in Mozart’s opera Le Nozze di Figaro in 1786. Both operas recount the events of this character, which form part of three plays by Pierre Beaumarchais.

The opera performance, preceded by a pre-opera talk, will be part of an OPERA+ Weekend that will also feature Michael Laus in a piano recital on Friday evening, a Wine & Music by the Gaudos Violin Duo on Saturday, and a lunchtime concert with TortorelliMeluso Duo and vocal finale by Miriam Cauchi and an instrumental ensemble on Sunday.

The opera performance however will not be a stand alone. A string of recitals and concerts featuring artists from around the globe, including continental Europe, the United States, and Egypt will also mark this year’s edition.

The other two operas that will be held during this year in Gozo are the Aida at the Teatru Astra on the 27th & 29th October 2016 and Bizet’s Carmen on the 15th October 2016 at the Teatru Aurora.

36

EVENTS

SPEAK MALTESE Maltese word:

Kemm?

Phonetic sound:

kem 15th April

George Cross Award Commemoration St. George’s Square, Valletta On 15 April 1942, at the height of World War II, a heavily bombed Malta was awarded the George Cross Medal by King George VI 'to honour her brave people… to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history'. Indeed, 74 years later and in the very same square where the ceremony was held, this historic event will once again be commemorated with a Son et Lumiere, where the harrowing episodes of Malta during the Second World War will be recounted. www.cityofvalletta.org

Translation:

16th, 23rd, 30th April

How much?

Malta International Fireworks Festival Malta The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organising the 15th edition of the festival, with the participation of a number of Maltese and foreign fireworks factories, presenting spectacular pyrotechnic displays synchronised to music. The festival forms part of the anniversary celebrations of Malta’s accession to the European Union. www. maltafireworksfestival.com

Supported by: www.ghaqdatalmalti.org

want to learn maltese?

Get your hands on this Englishto-Maltese dictionary 'Kelmet il-Malti' Available from all leading bookshops.

30th April

Family Fanfare with the MPO Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta After last year’s successful Family Fanfare Concert, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be presenting the second edition of this interactive fun-filled concert for children and young families. BBC presenter Kirsten O’Brien, will join the MPO and conductor Jason Lai to take you on a fun and exciting journey through the world of orchestral music. Come listen to some of the world’s most famous classics and learn about dynamics, tempo and so much more in this interactive, fun-filled event. Let your children feel the music and be transported into a realm of magical music-making. www.maltaorchestra.com

37

MADE IN MALTA

MADE IN MALTA Looking for local products? Then you've come to the right place. By purchasing authentic Maltese products, manufactured by skilled craftsmen using the finest materials, you are contributing towards keeping these skills alive on our Islands, and taking home something truly Maltese.

Welcome to Malta Simonds Farsons Cisk plc is today synonymous with a beer brewing tradition rooted in quality.

At the very base of this tradition are its longestablished skills of selecting nature’s best ingredients. The finest imported malt and selected hops are coupled with the adoption of the best brewing methods and expertise of skilled and dedicated brew masters who give constant attention to detail to ensure that a high standard of quality is maintained at every step in the brewing process. Every single batch of their beer is thoroughly tested and tasted.

Over the years since 1929, this dedication has consistently contributed to creating the award-winning brews, that so many have grown to appreciate time after time.

Cisk Lager beer is a golden-coloured, bottomfermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character. Its rich hop aroma and pleasant bitterness, combined with a mild astringency, make it an outstanding thirstquencher. Alcohol content is 4.2%. Today Cisk Lager beer has developed and progressed considerably since its launch in 1929 and the range also includes Cisk Export Premium Lager – a smooth, well balanced and exceptional beer with a 5% alcohol content, Cisk Excel – a low carbohydrate beer, Cisk Chill – a lemon flavoured and a berry flavoured lager, and Cisk Strong – an outstanding extra-strong premium lager with a 9% alcohol content.

Cisk lager beer is now available online at www.amazon.co.uk

Handcrafted Just For You When in Malta don’t miss true craftsmen at work. The artisans at Mediterranean Ceramics will amaze you with their artistry and passion. In the Ta’ Qali workshop you can admire the detailed and artistic execution of volcanic stone table-tops and many other useful and decorative pieces.

The designs on these unique pieces are alluring – and anything, from table-tops to kitchen counters, lamps and cruets, can be produced to your own dimensions and design. Mediterranean Ceramics have crafted this bespoke tradition into a true art. Visit the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village shop, or the shop at the Valletta Waterfront. Have part of Malta right at home – worldwide delivery is easily available to add a dash of affordable art to your surroundings.

Feel free to contact us: T: +356 2010 5552 M: (David Grima) 9920 1055 M: (Brian Grima) 9944 0922 www.MediterraneanCeramics.com

Mdina Glass Head over to Mdina Glass at the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to watch the glassmakers, free of charge. While you’re there check out the wide range of unique, practical and decorative handmade glassware including a large selection of miniature vases, bowls, perfume bottles and more, in various colours, shapes and sizes. The handy miniature range is great for packing safely in your luggage (even though you can buy in-store and have your items shipped to your home address).

For more info tel: +356 2141 5786. You can shop at any of the eight outlets throughout Malta and Gozo or online with worldwide delivery at www.mdinaglass.com.mt Find Mdina Glass on /mdinaglass

38

EXPORT

Mediterranean Ceramics at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016

O

Products available at Mediterranean Ceramics include hand painted volcanic stone table tops, chairs, kitchen counters and any kind of signage. The company offers many designs and shapes to choose from but anything can be customised to suit the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

Visitors always flock to the Mediterranean Ceramics stand which, year in year out, has taken a most colourful slice of Malta to London. This year the company, whose products are crafted by proper artisans at its main outlet, will be participating again.

This year Mediterranean Ceramics will also be participating in the equally renowned and important Melbourne Flower Show, and the Maltese company has already attracted a lot of interest in its beautiful volcanic stone tables. To coincide with this important participation in two leading shows, the company is now offering free shipping to the UK, Australia and the USA.

ne of the most prestigious flower shows in the world is undoubtedly the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Colour, quality and unique products are in abundance for a few days in May. Being accepted to participate is, in itself, a feat, as the organisers scrutinise all exhibitors for their quality and workmanship. For these last five years Mediterranean Ceramics has exhibited at this show with great success.

Visit them in Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Qali Crafts Village, the Valletta Waterfront or on www.mediterraneanceramics.com

40

TRAVEL

Frankfurt am Main – a city of contrasts The fifth largest city in Germany with its futuristic skyline and international airport, is also home to Goethe House, first-class museums, beautiful medieval neighbourhoods, the river Main and apple wine. So there are plenty of reasons to choose Frankfurt for a great city break or a longer stay.

WORDS SUBMITTED BY Air Malta

01

L

egend has it, when the Saxons defeated Charlemagne, King of the Franks, in the 8th century, he fled westward with his troops, only to find his path blocked by the River Main.

Suddenly, a deer sprang out of the forest and crossed the river by a ford (Furt). The Franks followed the deer across the river and thus escaped slaughter by the Saxons.

Overjoyed at their salvation, Charlemagne built a town to protect the ford. This town was named Frankfurt. A stone landing place, now blasted away, made the shallow river a great conduit for trade, and by the early 13th century Frankfurt had emerged as a major trading centre.

Today more than 350 national and international banks have offices in the city’s skyscrapers. Frankfurt’s skyline is ever-changing – the newest skyscrapers are already under construction and many more are at the design stage. One of the most notable attractions for visitors is

the Main Tower. Take the lift to the top and from a 200 metre vantage point enjoy spectacular views over the city, especially when it is lit up at night.

Next to the avant-garde skyscrapers is Frankfurt’s old town. Römerberg Square has been the centre of civic life for centuries. Its highlight is the Römer (literally the Roman). So-called after the remains of ancient settlements, it is a complex of charming 15th to 18th century houses, including the Altes Rathaus (old town hall). The buildings around the square were largely destroyed during World War II but then completely rebuilt.

The most significant survivor was the 13th-century Saint Bartholomeus’ Dom (Cathedral), and even that emerged with only its main walls intact. Before the construction of the skyscrapers it was the tallest building in the city, as befitted the venue for the election and coronation of the Holy Roman Emperors.

02

41

TRAVEL Inside, to the right of the choir, is the restored Wahlkapelle (Voting Chapel), where the seven Electors used to make their final choice as to who would become emperor. The 95-metre tower commands a splendid view over the city.

In the centre of the Römerberg stands the fine 16th century Fountain of Justice.

When an emperor was crowned, it flowed not only with water but also red and white wine for the people of Frankfurt to enjoy.

The nearby Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) is well over one hundred years old. Admire the skyline when you are crossing it. On the southern side of Römerberg is the Alte Nikolaikirche (Old Nikolai Church). It was the chapel of the Imperial Court from 1290 until the 14th century. Enjoy its many statues of St. Nicholas and the 40-bell carillon, which twice a day plays German folk tunes. A few steps away, St. Paul’s Church proudly announces that the first German National Assembly was held here in 1848. Hence, the church is known as the cradle of German democracy.

Also in the Old Town you’ll find the Goethe House, where Germany’s most famous poet was born in 1749

and where he wrote the first version of his masterpiece, Faust. He would not recognise today’s’ Frankfurt.

However, the house still stands in a narrow cobbled street overlooking the excavated foundations of the Jewish ghetto near the Old Jewish cemetery.

Thus you still have a chance to see part of the city through Goethe’s eyes. Don’t miss the poet’s original writing desk and the library on the top floor. The adjoining museum contains some of the fascinating pieces of art that inspired Goethe plus the works associated with his literary contemporaries.

It is a sheer pleasure to walk along Frankfurt’s streets. Go to Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse (on leaving the Goethehaus). Known locally as Fressgasse, this is one of the city’s liveliest thoroughfares. You’ll find an amazing choice of delicatessens, wine merchants, cafes and restaurants. Fresh or smoked fish, cheeses, delicious soups, and wide range of local specialties, including obviously, frankfurters, are on offer.

art collection include works by Jan van Eyck, Botticelli and Rembrandt.

Some of the other treasures worth a special mention are Vermeer’s attractive Geographer and the well-known portrait of Goethe against the backdrop of an Italian landscape by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, as well as The Orchestra Musicians by Edgar Degas.

The German Film Museum, the Museum for Applied Arts, the Museum of Ethnology and the Communications Museum are also highly regarded. Opened in 1909 the Liebieg Museum of Sculpture comprises over 350 sculptures spanning the five thousand years of this art form, from Ancient Egypt to Neo-Classicism.

Just across the river lies the city’s beloved apple wine district of Sachsenhausen. In the narrow cobblestone lanes and small squares with frame houses and fountains, you feel as if you have moved back in time. In the charming Rittergasse, Paradiesgasse and Klappergasse “Epelwoi (cider) pubs” are lined up one after another. Having been Frankfurt’s beverage for over 250 years, you can taste the real flavour of the golden elixir.

Its tart and refreshing taste makes it superior to the limp sweetened varieties found elsewhere in of the world.

During the ‘Sound of Frankfurt’ music festival, thousands of cheerful young people party all night to an exhilarating array of well-known DJs on multiple stages playing techno, house, rock, rap and Latin American music.

Most of Frankfurt museums are located along the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) of the River Main. The Städel Art Institute is one of the most prominent in Germany. It was founded in 1816 by the banker and collector Johann Friedrich Städel. The gems of the classical

You’ll find here a completely unique way of displaying sculptures, including a new approach to colour and light.

A highlight of Frankfurt’s annual events calendar is the Museum Embankment Festival held in August a spectacle of topflight art and culture.

If you want to escape from the urban scene you should head for Frankfurt Zoological Garden. With its remarkable collection of some 5,000 animals of 600 different species, a ‘bears’ castle, an exotarium, and an aviary, this is one of the most attractive zoos in Europe. The Palmengarten (botanical gardens), also offer a tranquil respite from city life. Stroll through the parklike gardens, packed with beautiful statues and fountains as well as banana, coffee, mango and other exotic plants and you’ll have another splendid experience to help you remember this fascinating city of contrasts.

01. Frankfurt, Germany financial district skyline 02. Historic Center of Frankfurt at dusk

AIR MALTA FLIGHTS Air Malta operates an extensive schedule of flights to Germany. The airline operates a selection of around 18 weekly flights to/from four airports Dusseldorf (2), Frankfurt (4), Munich (8) and Berlin (4). More information on www.airmalta.com.

42

MEDICAL TOURISIM Humour

high-flying dentistry

Single Tooth Replacement due to a failed root canal treatment

U

p until the introduction of dental implants, a single tooth replacement was usually performed with a removable denture wedged in between adjacent teeth or a dental bridge attached to one or two adjacent teeth. Nowadays most single teeth are replaced with dental implants. A dental implant is the insertion of a screw or fixture into the bone site of the missing tooth. Followingthree-to-six months of healing, the top part of the implant is exposed and a tooth is attached onto it.

This is the basic manner of completing an implant-retained crown.

Today the choices of materials and the manner in which the job is completed my vary considerably. Here are a few options, which must be weighed out and selected to obtain the best aesthetic and functional result:

The Implant The majority of implants are made of high-grade titanium. These implants are extensively researched and carry excellent success rates. These are also metal-free implants made out of zirconium. These so-called biological implants have many advantages including: • Hypoallergenic • High biocompatibility • One-stage surgery • Excellent aesthetics • Corrosion resistance

Failed root canal treated tooth

Failed root canal treated tooth

Replacement with an implanted tooth holding an all-ceramic crown

Replacement with an implanted tooth holding an all-ceramic crown

• Holistic friendly • Strong and comfortable.

Implants also come in various sizes, shapes and forms so the right implant must be chosen for the right place.

The Crown Implant crowns are also available in different materials. The material of choice was once porcelain fired onto cast gold.

Then pre-fabricated titanium abutments were introduced allowing a conventional crown to be cemented onto it. Then came the revolution of maximising aesthetics and eliminating any metal in the crown allowing room for an all-ceramic crown, made from zirconia. This metal-free zirconia framework allows the firing of porcelain onto it maximising the aesthetics especially in the anterior area. The main advantages of all-ceramic crowns are superior aesthetics with no metal edge, high biocompatibility and the ability to perform these in single - day visits.

Surrounding Bone The implant must be inserted into an area with sound and sufficient bone.

If the area does not have enough bone then a bone graft must be performed to allow complete coverage of the implant at insertion and forever after its completion.

There are many bone grafting materials available to buy; cow bone, human bone and other inorganic bone substitutes.

Gingival tissue More often than not, the bone and surrounding gum in the site of a missing tooth is, to some degree, resorbed. This results in an obvious drop in the gum level and/or width of the ridge. Replacing a tooth would result in either a longlooking crown or a crown with spaces in between the other adjacent teeth. This creates poor aesthetics and discomfort on eating, as spaces are obvious food traps. The bone and gum grafts restore the implant site to normality allowing for firm anchorage and a tight gingival cuff, synonymous with good hygiene.

A Case STUDY A young woman presents with a failed root canal treatment exhibiting recurrent swellings and exudate. The tooth was extracted and a temporary removable denture was placed. Two months postextraction the implant was inserted and following, four months of healing, the allceramic highly aesthetic crown was fitted.

Sometimes a temporary acrylic resin crown is fitted on the healed implant to shape the gum and produce a better gingival profile for the future permanent crown. Replacing an anterior tooth at the centre of your smile is a very technique sensitive procedure.

Ask your dentist!

Dr Jean Paul Demajo Dental & Implant Surgeon Trained in London and is now working in private practice in Malta.

You name it, We’ve got it.

DINING . SEATING . SOFAS . STORAGE UNITS . KITCHENS . SOFT FURNISHINGS . BATHROOMS WALL & FLOOR TILES . INTERNAL DOORS . WALL SYSTEMS . OUTDOOR FURNITURE . CARPETS LIGHTING . HOME DÉCOR . BEDROOMS . OFFICE . DOMESTIC APPLIANCES . WEDDING LISTS

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE

44

Subterranean Secrets WORDS AND PHOTOS BY Victor Paul Borg

01

A

rriving at the War Room, gouged deep in the bedrock underneath Valletta, I flicked an electrical switch and took in the eerie silence and the completeness of the place. The old pin-type electric switch still worked, a heavy metal door hung ajar, the benches with desks were firmly fixed in place, virtually nothing had been stripped down: it was as if the occupiers had walked out and never returned. I momentarily felt as though I had stumbled on a secret place that had been mysteriously abandoned. Then I began to notice the pervasive decay – the synthetic floor tiles had become loose and warped, metal fittings had rusted, ceiling panels had sagged, a dense layer of dust covered everything – and I remembered the history: the War Room had lain derelict, and the warren of tunnels leading to it had remained shuttered ever since NATO had pulled out of Malta some 40 years ago.

I sat on the bench, across the room from a large map of the Mediterranean and Black Sea that was splayed across an entire wall. There were markings on the map in square red dots – possibly to mark NATO installations; NATO used to track Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean from this room (it was the Mediterranean’s ComCen in NATO lexicon) – and someone had scribbled ‘Wish you were here’ on one of the Greek islands; the clichéd message of desire and romance. The map was superimposed on an earlier map of the central Mediterranean;

HISTORY

02

45

HISTORY that was when the room served its original purpose as the nerve centre for the defence of Malta in World War II. But the tunnel running outside the War Room was older still, hundreds of years old, having been dug out by the Knights of Malta as an underground conduit for the movement of personnel and ammunition to frontline artillery positions in Valletta.

The layers of history are perceptibly intriguing, and now I was here because the subterranean complex, once one of the most secretive places in Malta, has entered another era under the custody of Wirt Artna, one of Malta’s foremost heritage organisations. Wirt Artna’s plan is to link the underground complex with other contiguous sites to create a sprawling multisite attraction that will be named the Malta Military Heritage Park. Restoration still needs to be carried out, and it will be roughly modelled on the restoration of the Lascaris War Rooms, the one wing of the complex that was restored in recent years and opened as a self-contained site. (Lascaris, the last wing of the facility to be dug out, was used as a Combined Operations Centre in the last frenzied stages of the war, when up to 300 personnel worked in Lascaris at peak activity. It held the Air Operations Room, tasked with the defence of Malta from intense aerial bombardment by around 800 German dive-bomber planes that were based in Sicily; it is also famous for the invasion of Sicily launched from Malta by General Dwight Eisenhower, who later became American president – the room dedicated to the mission features a large map of Sicily and Malta on which the multi-pronged attack was plotted.)

In the core part of the complex, where there is the old War Room and later NATO’s ComCen, only limited stabilisation works have been carried out. It will take years to complete the entire restoration but, according to Mario Farrugia, CEO of Wirt Artna,

01. Sentry post, Grand Harbour 02. Barrell-vaulted magazine 03. Military Heritage Park

03

46

the complex will remain largely open throughout the works.

I had initially visited the complex with Mario, who led the way down a flight of stairs along the main trunk tunnel, a wide tunnel with a high ceiling. “This tunnel was dug out by the Knights,” Mario had told me, “but the rooms within” – he pointed inside cell-like rooms that had been stripped of their contents – “were built at the outset of the Second World War to serve as sleeping quarters and for other purposes.”

The main tunnel eventually forks into two, a narrow tunnel that slopes down sharply and a second tunnel, which we took, that led to a bombproof metal door that squeaked harshly. The door opened on to a bridge that spanned the dry moat of Valletta’s landward fortifications, and, across the bridge, we came to a large barrel-vaulted chamber partly hewn underground. “They used to store 600 barrels of gunpowder in this warehouse,” Mario said, “enough to supply the cannons atop St Peter and St Paul Bastion and the counterguard that has the same name.”

Then we walked up a flight of stairs to the top of St Peter and St Paul Counterguard, a fortified stronghold with a superficially-triangular footprint that was armed with guns.

01

HISTORY

It was built in the early seventeenth century as an extra layer of defence at a time when the Knights feared that the Ottoman Army would launch a fresh bid to invade Malta (the Ottoman’s earlier full-scale invasion had been repelled after a six-month war of attrition that became known as the Great Siege of 1565; Valletta was built after the Great Siege as a new fortified capital that would be able to withstand another invasion). The idea was that the two new counterguards, together with two ravines (which are shaped like a boomerang), would form the vanguard of Valletta’s landward defense and would prevent an enemy from taking artillery positions close enough to be able to lob shells into Valletta.

The impressive multi-tier fortifications are backed by the main fortified wall that girdles Valletta, which is highest across the dry moat from the counterguard, where it is a sheer 60-metre-drop. It’s a sinuous wall, studded with bastions, elegantly baroque and militarily formidable simultaneously.

The same baroque curvaceousness also manifests itself in the most quintessential feature of Valletta’s fortifications: the sentry post perched atop the outward corner of the counterguard, a round stone cubicle with a tapered dome that’s similar in profile to the battle hat of medieval soldiers.

47

HISTORY 02

03

Sentry was maintained round the clock during the Knights’ rule, and the soldier on duty certainly had one of Malta’s most spectacular views: a vista that takes in the breadth of the Grand Harbour with its medieval towns and bastions along both ends.

The blows of pickaxes give the walls a textured, medieval appearance 01. Operations room 02. Saluting battery firing 03. Military tunnels

I visited the multi-site attraction another two times in the weeks that followed, and on one visit I spent almost an entire day traipsing throughout the subterranean complex. The complex reaches 60 metres underground at its deepest point, and it had to be equipped with a powerful ventilation system that still functions – metal ventilation ducts run throughout the tunnels. The humid air was tinged with the smells of rust and mould and limestone. I snooped through the warren of tunnels which were all dug out by pickaxes – the blows of pickaxes give the walls a textured, medieval appearance – and I found rooms equipped with fittings or populated with furnishings, rooms whose purpose was arcane. The whole story of the subterranean facility has yet to be told, but the air of abandonment and decay makes the complex all the more evocative, and I was left with the lingering idea that the tunnels are perhaps more alluring now (before the restoration) because the historical atmosphere has been frozen in time ever since that day when NATO vacated the complex.

Two-hour-long guided tours of the newly-opened underground complex (War Room) and counterguard can be booked one day in advance at the Saluting Battery (www.salutingbattery.com); for more on Wirt Artna, go to www.wirtartna.org.

48

PROPERTY

PERRY ESTATE AGENTS APPOINTED EXCLUSIVE AGENTS FOR 'THE ADELAIDE' - ONE OF MALTA’S FINEST SEAFRONT addresses

P

erry Estate Agents have been appointed as sole agents for 'The Adelaide', Sliema, a groundbreaking and Gold-standard, brand new apartment building located on one of the most privileged seafront streets in Malta - the much sought after 'sunny side' of the prestigious Tower Road. These chic rental apartments offer easy access to Sliema and St Julian’s most popular attractions as they lie close to the coastal border of these two upmarket towns. These towns are home to some of the Island’s best parks, beach clubs, internationally-renowned shops, up-market restaurants, places of recreation, etc. Tenants will find that getting round is highly convenient with transport links also very accessible.

'The Adelaide' offers an inspiring opportunity to lease one of 14 wellappointed and fully-furnished residences, each one tastefully designed with sophisticated interiors and cutting-edge technology to bring new levels of spatial luxury, convenience and comfort to the local market. 'The Adelaide' promises

to lead and exude modern-age style and comforts, with a lot to expect when this development is due to receive its first residents in spring/summer 2016. Each of the apartments offer a modern and open-plan layout. All 14 immaculate apartments, measuring 165sqm each, are being beautifully finished with designer touches and interiors. As such, the living spaces promise to be light and elegant, comprising of welcoming hall, three double bedrooms, main bedroom with bathroom en-suite, an open plan kitchen/ sitting/dining room leading onto a welcoming terrace and enjoying the most spectacular sea views, a separate laundry room including washer/dryer, and guest bathroom all very well equipped with all modern conveniences including reversecycle air-conditioning throughout.

Along with a first class property management system, tenants can enjoy high-speed internet connectivity and a very comfortable underlying designated parking space with lift access. Amidst the vibrant town centres of Sliema/St Julian’s, residents

are guaranteed to find tranquillity in these beautiful and vibrant properties facing the Mediterranean Sea and finely manicured Independence Gardens adding to the living pleasure.

Benefiting from panoramic sea views, these properties are being elegantly designed with a timeless appeal, promising to offer the best living standards for years to come.

With everything on hand and within reach, these properties are ideal for anyone looking for one of the very best addresses on the island. Perry Limited’s leading letting department is proud to have been entrusted as exclusive agents for this development and they invite prospective tenants to call or visit their offices and meet one of their letting professionals for more information and to inspect plans, images, specifications, etc. Perry’s letting department is also offering the possibility of reserving an apartment unit on a preferred f loor level from this month. There will also be a high-end commercial office space measuring 300sqm available soon.

Robert Spiteri Paris B.A LL.D is a director at Perry Ltd, one of Malta’s most reputable and longest established estate agents. Perry Ltd. offer a wide range of quality property both for sale and for rent throughout Malta which can be viewed on the leading property portal: www.perry.com.mt. Perry estate agents can be contacted on 21 310 800/0088 or e-mail perry@perry.com.mt

WORK SPACE

49

WE INVEST IN OUR PEOPLE.

JAN 15

APR 15

MAY 15

JUL 15

JUL 15

SEP 15

OCT 15

FEB 16

JUL 16

NOV 16

MAR15

MAY 15

JUN 15

AUG 15

NOV 15

NOV 15

FEB 16

SUMMER 16

SUMMER 16

52

A guide to the little

Maltese Islands dwejra

ghasri

gharb

zebbug

san lawrenz

xlendi

marsalforn

xaghra

victoria kercem munxar sannat

xewkija

nadur ghajnsielem mgarr

qala

comino

cirkewwa

st paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island mellieha

qawra

xemxija st paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bay

bugibba

mgarr

naxxar

gnejna mosta

attard

san gwa

mdina

birki

qormi rabat dingli qrendi

zurrieq

filfla

53 51

ATTRACTIVE SALARY

Portomaso Business Tower, St Julian's

LIFE BENEFITS

Visit tipico–careers.com for career opportunities

St. George's Bay, St. Julian’s Open 24/7 +356 2371 0555 www.casinomalta.com.mt

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

DIGITAL INNOVATION st julians sliema gzira

ann

Valletta

msida

MEETINGS WITH A SEA VIEW

irkara floriana

the three cities tarxien

marsa

marsascala zejtun

luqa

marsaxlokk

SOCIAL EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

birzebbuga

WWW.TIPICO-CAREERS.COM

54

Discovering malta & gozo

Exploring the islands Despite its diminutive size, the Maltese archipelago is bursting with historic sites, idyllic spots, culture and tradition. The Maltese Islands are like nowhere else. Here you’ll find fossil-studded geo formations, prehistoric temples, intriguing diving opportunities, and a richly woven history of remarkable intensity.

Here’s a handy guide on what to look out for during your stay.

The Red tower, mellieha MALTA Fort St Agatha has taken on its more common alias due to its brightly coloured walls.

Built towards the middle of the 17th century, the bastioned watchtower formed the sixth addition to the Lascaris towers.

Sliema Promenade MALTA Ġgantija Temples GOZO Did you know that the Ġgantija Temples are older than the pyramids of Egypt?

Explore the Neolithic temple complex found in the village of Xagħra [Sha-rah] in Gozo. The Ġgantija Temples are the earliest example of megalithic temples in Malta.

Chill at one of the many cafés, or take a leisurely stroll along this broad seafront promenade that links the bustling shopping centre of Sliema, to the cosmopolitan nightlife of St Julian's.

55

Discovering malta & gozo

Valletta MALTA Colloquially known as ‘Il-Belt’, Valletta is the capital city of Malta that was built during the rule of the Knights of St John. This baroque city is speckled with neoclassical and modern architecture and has been declared Europe’s Capital of Culture 2018.

The Azure Window, Dwejra GOZO This enormous natural limestone arch is found by the shores of the quaint village of Dwejra [Dewy-rah] in Gozo.

Known also for its charming Inland Sea, Dwejra bay is home to one of the most spectacular scuba diving spots in Gozo. We recommend visiting at sunset.

LOWER Barrakka Gardens, valletta MALTA Golden bay MALTA Large clay hills slope gently around the waters of this secluded bay, found along the north west coast of the island. Taking its name from its golden coloured sand, Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most sought-after and popular sandy beaches during the summer months.

Created in 1775, this public garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Valletta and was originally created as a recreational area for the Knights of St John. The garden includes several statues and breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.

56

Discovering malta & gozo

mosta dome malta

Photo credit: viewingmalta.com

Dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, the colloquiallyknown 'Rotunda' is a Roman Catholic church in the centre of Mosta. It is currently the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world, and the third largest in Europe.

mdina malta Formerly known as Città Notabile, this beautiful medieval walled town served as the island’s capital until 1530. This majorly pedestrian city displays an interesting mix of Baroque and Norman architecture, including several palaces that, today, serve as private homes.

Paceville, St Julian's malta The St Julian's nightlife district is heavily populated with nightclubs, bars, pubs and restaurants. It is considered one of Malta’s largest party areas and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Ċittadella GOZO Also known as the Citadel, this small fortified city is found at the heart of Victoria in Gozo. All its fortifications, including the medieval epicentre, are intact. A number of historic buildings are located within its walls making it a definite must-see in Gozo.

57

Discovering malta & gozo

blue lagoon comino Take a short boat ride to Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiniest island, Comino, and enjoy the glittering aquamarine waters of the aptly-called Blue Lagoon, or the secluded Santa Maria bay. Popular with snorkellers and divers, this tiny paradise welcomes a large number of visitors each year.

Blue Grotto, Qrendi Malta Located along the south coast of the island, the Blue Grotto comprises a number of sea caverns that are known for the mesmerising natural display of sunlight and reflections in the water. Daily boat visits to the caves are available during the summer.

Marsaxlokk Fish Market malta The popular Sunday market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk [Mar-Sa-Shlock] is a main attraction for both tourists and locals interested in buying fresh fish and seafood caught earlier on that same morning. A number of seafood restaurants are also found here.

58

Festa ta' Ful WORDS BY Alan McCane Whitney

E

ach spring Gululu Kcina Maltija, a casual Maltese diner in St. Julian’s Bay, celebrates Ful – the fava bean, or as better known in English speaking countries the broad bean – the humble member of the pulse family which for centuries was a staple of most Mediterranean diets. Recorded in the Pharaonic era of ancient Egypt and probably cultivated in the Euphrates valley since Neolithic times, this bean has provided a reliable and cheap source of protein to hundreds of generations more so the poorer classes with little or no access to meat and fish. Ful is also rich in fibre and low in fat.

01. Qoffa tal-ful - A basket full of Ful 02. Gululu Kcina Maltija in Spinola Bay St Julian's 03. Kusksu bil-Ful

The cultivation of Ful is simple and does not require much attention. In Malta it is traditionally planted during December simply by pressing a couple of dry beans a couple of inches beneath the soil allowing for a couple of feet between each planting. Within a few weeks a sapling appears and within a couple of months this is a metre tall and full of pretty white blossom all of which turn into bean pods. Initially the beans are soft and tender and do not require to be peeled of their inner skin. These should be sautéed lightly and served as a delicate plate. As the season advances the beans will need to be skinned twice and cooked rather more robustly – they are super with fresh garlic, a little chilli pepper and lots of olive oil – until they begin to break up and look as though they have been bitten, and this is why in Maltese they are called ful migdum.

Much of the crop is put aside and left

REVIEW

02

Med-in-a bottle SHARING MALTA’S TRUE FLAVOURS

03

to dry until hard and brown in colour.

The dried beans are soaked overnight, then boiled until soft and mashed with a lot of garlic, oil and a little vinegar and finely chopped parsley and made into bigilla. Bigilla can possibly be considered to be Malta’s first street food, a dish which originated in the harbour area which has served to keep many a body and soul together over the centuries. It was traditionally also served to hired mourners after funerals in years gone by.

Gululu presents a new menu of four ful based dishes each spring for its Festa tal–Ful. Of these one is always the traditional Kusksu bil-Ful, a thick soup with small thick pasta beads not unlike couscous, an all time favourite.

Other dishes are conjured up by Chef Keith Grech and and his team of who blend the fresh ful with other seasonal local ingredients. 2016’s festa menu includes pan-seared rabbit liver and beans trickled with local honey; a salad combining the ful with artichoke hearts, fresh mint and hard boiled eggs; broad bean fritters spiced with crushed cumin and coriander, and a mouth-watering pasta dish with ful, anchovy and a hint of chilli and fresh rikotta – cottage cheese – to balance the salty, piquant flavours. Oh yes and a ftira bil–ful - the Maltese pizza – from the traditional wood burning oven.

Be sure to book your table and enjoy the many flavours at Gululu where a true taste of Malta can be found.

VISIT THE FULL RANGE OF MEDINA WINES AT: WWW.DELICATA.COM /DELICATA WINERY

62

TRAINING

What does the future hold for the Gaming industry in Malta?

www.igacademy.com

T

he next two years are bound to bring some changes to both the Maltese legislation in regards to the prevention of money laundering, and the MGA’s regulations governing the activity of gaming operators on the island.

In a recent interview with Gaming Malta, 2016 Edition, the MGA’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri, touched upon the MGA’s next big thing: the introduction of a new Gaming Act to ensure that Malta has in place an innovative and robust piece of legislation which reflects new and emerging regulatory developments.

The last 18 months have already shown an increased awareness on the part of operators with regards to regulatory and compliance requirements, with training on various topics being in high demand. Companies are paying attention to the potential changes that may come their way, as, at this point in time, it is not yet clear what those changes may be or how encompassing they may be.

While a number of the requirements of the 4th EU AML directive are already implemented in the Remote Gaming Regulations, the 4th directive has gone to great lengths to ensure that the gaming industry will be held fully accountable on all aspects of the prevention of money laundering.

With the implementation of the directive, and the legislative changes that this will necessitate, the remote gaming operator will officially be considered a subject person. This will of course impose a number of compliance requirements that, to-date, have not formed a part of the industry standard operating procedures.

One of the issues that is of pressing concern is the allowance of Reliance on 3rd parties for the completion of required due diligence. The identification and verification of customers has always posed a number of challenges for the remote gaming operators. A number of customer verification services have been developed over the past few years, and have been taken up by the industry in increasing numbers.

The continued use of such third party providers of these services will depend largely on how legislation will address the various requirements of the fourth directive, as laid out in

Section 4: Performance by third parties: ‘Member States may permit obliged entities to rely on third parties to meet the customer due diligence requirements laid down in points (a), (b) and (c) of the first subparagraph of Article 13(1). However, the ultimate responsibility for meeting those requirements shall remain with the obliged entity which relies on the third party.’

The directive continues on to provide outlines of the requirements such third parties should meet, the obligations of the subject persons, and the restrictions that member states should apply when legislating the use of such third parties. It furthermore outlines a clear list of responsibilities that both the subject persons and the third party will have to undertake.

With what are likely to be increased due diligence requirements being placed on the iGaming operators, it is to be hoped that the MGA will also clearly address and outline the use and application of such third party solutions for operators licensed in Malta.

About the iGaming Academy The iGaming Academy is the leading training provider to the iGaming industry.

We provide ready-to-roll-out courses that have been developed in line with the regulatory requirements and training needs of Casino and iGaming companies within many jurisdictions – such as UK, USA, Malta and more.

Our online and face-to-face courses cover topics such as AntiMoney Laundering (AML), Responsible Gaming, Information Security, PCI DSS Compliance, Introduction to iGaming, Online Sportsbook & Casino Management, Anti-Fraud and Payments Handling, Customer Relationship Management, Affiliate Management, Social Media Marketing and Client Analytics.

Over 40 leading operators and service providers with, collectively, over 5,000 employees entrust us with the task of training their staff by implementing critical and complex learning programmes, as well as strategic communication initiatives.

65

Spring Festival

A celebration of the senses International Spring Orchestra Festival’s 10th anniversary 1-9 April

Brian Schembri

HOP! Trio

T

Lucia Micallef

he 10th edition of the lauded International Spring Orchestra Festival kicks off on Friday 1 st April 2016, raising up the curtain on nine days of high-quality classical music performances featuring both accliamed international and Maltese artists.

Tuesday 5 April

This year’s line-up includes big names like Mro Brian Schembri, chief conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and soprano Claire Debono, as well as renowned foreign artists like French pianist Jean Dubé, German conductor Hans-Peter Hoffman and South Korean violinist Minha Park. Fifteen concerts will be held in total, featuring soloists, chamber ensembles and orchestras playing pieces ranging from the classical repertoire to more eclectic 20th and 21st century works by past and contemporary masters, will be offered at the Manoel Theatre, the National Museum of Archeology, San Anton Palace, the St James Centre for Creativity, Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Palazzo Pereira and the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Wednesday 6 April

Friday 1 April Opening Orchestral Concert Programme: Mozart, Britten, Holst, Vella Teatru Manoel | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

Saturday 2 April European Union Chamber Orchestra Programme: Mozart, Haydn, Vella Teatru Manoel | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

Sunday 3 April Jean Dubé Piano Recital Programme: Liszt, Bach/Busoni, Rautavaara Teatru Manoel | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

Monday 4 April Auris String Quartet Repertoire: Haydn, Beethoven, Shostakovich National Museum of Archaeology | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

Miriam Cauchi

Claire Debono

Laetitia Amodio Piano Recital Repertoire: Beethoven, Debussy, Liszt St Anton President's Palace | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

Return to Titan Mahler Symphony No.1 Remix St James Cavalier | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

Thursday 7 April Flute-Guitar Duo Repertoire: Piazzolla Palazzo Pereira Valletta | 28pm (doors open 7.30pm))

Friday 8 April Hop Trio! Ritmi-KA concert Pjazza Teatru Rjal | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm)

SATURDAY 9 April Grand Orchestral Closing Concert Repertoire: Conil, Fiorini, Beethoven Mediterranean Conference Centre | 8pm (doors open 7.30pm) For more information and for regular updates on events, visit the ISO Festival’s website - http://www.iso-festival.com. Tickets, ranging from €5 to €25, are available from the booking offices of the respective theatres, or through ticketline.com.mt. The organisers are offering the possibility to purchase block tickets for the whole Festival for €100, with free admission to children aged 15 and under, and a 50% discount to students and senior citizens.

Lunchtime concerts are at 12.30pm, evening concerts at 8:00pm.

Most events will be followed by tastings, receptions and gala parties. Places are limited for these events. Check the International Spring Orchestra festival website and Facebook page for updates and to reserve places.

Global Citizens choose Malta

T

he Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) was launched in March 2013 and has seen an influx of the most financially successful individuals and their families invest in it. The MIIP is viewed as the most prestigious European citizenship-by-investment programme.

stable, welcoming to people of different cultures, has a good standard of living and holds itself in good international standing. Even if their intention is not necessarily to live in the country permanently, families want to feel at home in the place and amongst the people. Malta ticks all of these boxes.

There is a plethora of reasons that motivate the ultra-wealthy to want to acquire a second citizenship.

Often, the primary motivator is the next generation and ensuring that they have the security of a future with options. European citizenship represents this.

It is a country that is often seen to silently punch above its weight.

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, it has succeeded in building a stable and growing economy, even in the face of crises in other parts of Europe.

International credit rating agencies have consistently maintained Malta’s investment grade credit ratings, whilst at the same time downgrading that of other countries in the same region.

Maltese citizenship is consistently regarded as amongst the most valuable in the world. It allows visa-free access to 168 countries, including the United States, and of course confers all the benefits that go with being a citizen of the European Union.

However, beyond this, individuals and families seeking to obtain alternative citizenship want to know that their new country of citizenship is safe, economically and politically

To many, it offers an interesting balance between the way of life characteristic of the Mediterranean region and a manner of conducting business more typically associated with the Anglo-Saxon world. It has a transparent legal system and strong democratic institutions. English is an official language and the language of

choice in business and professional circles. To families from the Gulf and the Arab world, Malta’s other official language – Maltese, a language with strong Arabic roots - adds a surprising and welcoming dimension.

Another important consideration is taxation. Malta’s tax system is designed to attract international investors to do business in and from the country, and as a result the impact of acquiring Maltese citizenship is often completely neutral. This is an ancillary but understandably key consideration.

Since the programme’s inception, Frendo Advisory has helped a number of individuals and families, from backgrounds as diverse as their countries of origin, to successfully apply for citizenship under the programme. We work hand-in-hand with the most reputable immigration firms internationally to ensure that the applicant and his or her family are well-looked after every step of the way.

For further information please contact us on luke@frendoadvisory.com

The MIIP is a 12-month process and entails investment in two forms: (i) a contribution (of €650,000 for the main applicant, with additional contributions (of between €25,000 and €50,000) required for the spouse and other family members) made to the Government, and (ii) an investment in Malta Government Bonds (of €150,000). In addition to that, the applicant must maintain a residential address in Malta for a period of five years, either one which is rented (at a minimum of €16,000 annually) or owned outright (purchased at a minimum value of €350,000). The applicant goes through a -multi-tiered due diligence process with the intention of ensuring that only persons of good repute are conferred with citizenship.

The best future is one with options Discover the value of EU Citizenship for you and your family The freedom to live, do business and thrive in the EU are just some of the benefits of achieving European Citizenship through Investment. At Frendo Advisory we specialise in helping individuals and families to secure a future filled with security, stability and options. We have acquired a wealth of expertise and experience through the Malta and Cyprus Citizenship Programme, and as a family firm we are able to understand the needs of our clients while handling the process sensitively and efficiently from start to finish.

If you would like to contact us we can be reached on +356 21234000 | luke@frendoadvisory.com www.frendoadvisory.com

Who Are We? Here at Videoslots we have an eclectic bunch of entrepreneurs, who are all pulling together and becoming leaders in the IGaming industry. We choose our kick ass team by finding the right people not the right titles. We work around the clock with out-and-out clear cut service. Vigorously, and aggressively making our mark on the industry. We have a down-to-earth vibe in our offices, with friendly openness between everyone, communication is equal on all levels, and were all accountable for our work and are together in doing so.

We have transparency in operating in such a way that it is easy to see what actions are performed, are with integrity, knowledge and drive. This shows with the award we have rolling in. Already in January we have won a list of awards.

Covering Best Casino, Best gaming experience, best innovation and slots operators of 2016, with more nominations in play. With these awards we are truly thankful to our team for kicking it. We thank them both individually and as a group, with personal incentives and even a company trip abroad coming up this year.

JOB

SLOTs

Interested in working in the iGaming Industry

YES!

Then what are you waiting for?

Send your cv to: jobs@videoslots.com

We encourage all of our team to have ideas, speak freely and make changes, this in turn empowers and unleashes people's creative energy making us build fantasy into reality in personal job satisfaction, the games and services we provide to our players. We have over 1500 games, growing daily making us the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest online casino, an impressive 400+ games on mobile, with Battle of slots and casino races. Our support team are offering a range of languages covering Nordics, English and soon with Maltese. We really believe in looking after where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from and the website is soon going to be translated in Maltese for the local followers.

Gamble responsibly. Gambling can be addictive.

Videoslots.com is operate by Panda Media LTD and is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority under licence number MGA/CL1/956/2014, MGA/CL1/1048/2014, MGA/CL1/1047/2014 and MGA/CL1/1091/2015.

choose your We hope you enjoy your stay in Malta, and find the time to do what really matters, like discovering Kinnie – Malta’s favourite bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring & aromatic herbs.

www.kinnie.com

Bitter sweet soft drink naturally sweetened with sugar and stevia – sweet taste from a natural source

Bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring & aromatic herbs

Low calorie bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring & aromatic herbs.

With sweeteners & no sugar

Great Kinnie taste with extra orange flavour, with sweeteners & no sugar

20Kcal/100ml

44Kcal/100ml

<1Kcal/100ml

<1Kcal/100ml

Available on

71

AWARDS

Now is your chance to say thank you Be part of the STAR Awards 2016 by nominating that person who helped make your stay special whilst on the Maltese Islands.

01

01. The Hon Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit, MTA Chairman Dr Gavin Gulia and MTA CEO Mr Paul Bugeja together with the 2015 STAR Awards winners

E

very year hundreds of employees in the local tourism industry are nominated for the Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Awards. Workers are nominated for their ‘heart of gold’, ‘service with a smile’ and ‘happy attitude’ while others are nominated for their knowledge, professionalism and efficiency.

Over 7,000 nominations have been submitted by tourists for the 11th edition of the Star Awards and this year’s winners are: • Paulina Kurowska – Diving Instructor, Paradise Diving Centre; • Anthony Fenech – Coach Driver, Zarb Coaches; • Francis Apap – Taxi Driver; • Doreen Scicluna – Falconer, Malta Falconary Centre; • Sonia Teuma – Front Office, Maria Giovanna Guest House, Gozo • Charles Abela – Restaurant Manager, The Victoria Hotel; • Barbara Pucciarmati – Sales Representative, Tourist Information; • Anna Aquilina – Tourist Guide;

• Theresa Taliana – Hotel Worker of the Year, Pergola Hotel & Spa, and • Stuart Burke – Recognition award for his contribution to the tourism industry.

Who can be nominated? Anyone who has left a positive impression during your stay in Malta.

Look out for the STAR Awards nomination forms whilst in Malta or Gozo which can be found at most hotels and tourist information centres. Smart phone users can send their nominations by scanning the QR code on the brochure.

Have you already left the Maltese Islands but still wish to nominate a deserving person? Then you can access the online form on star-awards.visitmalta.com By participating you will enter the chance to win a holiday for two. Terms and conditions apply.

Send your STAR nomination now!

For more information contact the Quality & Industry HR Development Unit at the Malta Tourism Authority on starscheme@visitmalta.com or (+356) 22915122

EVERY OCCASION, EVERY FLAVOUR, ONE DESTINATION A sumptuous far-Eastern dinner at Rickshaw, a light and fresh salad at The Summer Kitchen or Malta’s best hot chocolate at The Orange Grove café. At The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, the options are vast but one thing is the same throughout - our cuisine bears the hallmark of excellence.

The

ummer

K

itchen

JAZZ UP YOUR SUNDAY AND PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA THIS APRIL

Indulgent afternoon tea accompanied by Godwin Lucas’ live jazz band and hosted by Peter Carbonaro in the decadent Deco surroundings of the Villa Corinthia.

Sunday 24th April, 4pm to 7pm

VILLA CORINTHIA €40 per person

DE PAULE AVENUE, SAN ANTON BZN 9023, MALTA | T: +356 2144 0301 | F: +356 2146 5713 SANANTON.PALACE@CORINTHIA.COM | CORINTHIA.COM

73

PROPERTY

Malta: An allrounder destination No other country offers the opportunities that Malta does, being ideal to relocate to, take up residence, as a holiday home or simply for a secure rental investment.

WORDS BY Ian Laferla

T

he cosmopolitan, crime free environment, warm friendly people and fantastic weather year round make Malta a popular tourist destination and a highly sought after country in which to reside. Crystal clear seas offer world class diving, sailing and other water sports while the long stretches of white sandy beaches are a popular draw-card to holiday makers.

English is an official language and the language of business in Malta. Malta is recognised as a reputable international business, financial and maritime centre and has an excellent track record. It has the largest freeport in the Mediterranean, with exceptional health services and several financial incentives for both individuals considering taking up residency in a country that is favourable to their taxation and financial circumstances, as well as companies looking at a more business friendly and tax efficient alternative.

With the much-awaited introduction of the new Visa and Residence Programme for non-EU nationals to be officiated shortly, as well as the existing Private Retirements Programme and Malta Residence Programme, Malta has never been so promising.

Taking up a property as a rental investment is also a lucrative opportunity. At present this is estimated at between 3.5% to 6% per annum, depending on the type of property in question, the location and its level of finish.

The choice of property is varied, from charming traditional houses full of character and history, often dating back to the times of the Knights or colonial period, to modern stylish villas with pools and apartments, boasting of state-of-the-art

amenities and bespoke design finishes. A very good selection of budget apartments are also available, some set close to the seafront of the most popular destination such as Sliema, St Julian's, Mellieha and Bugibba.

One word of advice; when interested in taking up a property in Malta or Gozo, it is always advisable to speak to a well-reputed estate agent. An agent can show you a far better choice of properties than you are ever likely to see by going direct. The more you see, the better an idea you get of what is on offer at your budget, and this should lead to a more informed decision when it comes to the actual crunch. Also, instead on having to rely on your own (perhaps rusty) negotiating skills, you can depend on a person who discusses large sums of money on a daily basis.

Whether you’re buying or selling, the whole process is long and, when it comes to the legal exchange, it can become daunting with talk of conveniums, bank loans, bridge loans and interim loans, of refundable or non-refundable deposits … This is even more so if you are a foreign national relocating to a new island.

Your experienced property agent will also provide guidance throughout this part of the process until the deal is done and the papers signed by the notary, and the property officially under new ownership.

Today, Malta has changed and grown in every way except its size. There is so much property and so many options out there that only a dedicated team, such as that of Frank Salt Real Estate, which has grown and developed alongside Malta’s changing property scene since 1969, can really help you sift through the options and make the most of your money.

Ian Laferla Senior Property Consultant at Frank Salt Real Estate’s St Julians Branch E: ilaferla@franksalt.com.mt

76

COUNTRY WALKS

The Valley of Destruction WORDS AND PHOTOS BY Steven Bonello

77

COUNTRY WALKS

No one knows exactly why this lovely valley carries such an apocalyptic appellation

T

he small size of the Maltese islands translates into a close proximity between town and country; a curious paradox between choked roads cutting through peaceful oases where nature and stillness rule.

Hidden away between the busy townships of Qormi, Zebbug and Siġġiewi is one such haven which goes by the rather ominous name of Wied Qirda – the valley of destruction. No one knows exactly why this lovely valley carries such an apocalyptic appellation – one theory goes that the name came about from the havoc left behind by corsairs who raided the areas’ fields in ancient times. Another states that the name alludes to the destruction left in this steep sided river valley when torrential downpours hit the area.

Wied Qirda is best reached via a secondary road which enters the valley from the main road between Zebbug and Siġġiewi. This minor road runs parallel to the valley floor for some distance, passing by a picturesque wayside chapel dedicated to the Visitation of Our Lady to St. Elizabeth. The chapel dates back to 1675 and had fallen into a state of sad disrepair until a recent and much needed restoration was undertaken. Lovingly retained after the restoration are graffiti of galleons carved in the church’s stonework – these are believed to be a form of crude thanksgiving etched by sailors who had survived storms or shipwrecks at sea.

Buried inside the chapel is the priest responsible for its original construction – one Dun Bartilmew Magro – mysteriously murdered in a nearby house during a robbery.

78

Beyond the chapel the sides of the valley start to become higher with stepped fields around the edges, and a sprinkling of picturesque farmhouses in the distance.

Soon enough even the fields give way to rocky outcrops and stretches of garigue and maquis; and what was, up to now, a paved road becomes a dusty (or muddy, depending on the time of year) path running through abandoned fields some way above the valley floor. This marks the start of the valley’s wilder and loveliest stretches where the valley becomes a gorge with steep sided cliffs on both sides – a somewhat unusual type of landscape in the islands. A path of sorts does go down to the valley floor and the marks of human intervention here are almost completely absent – bar one very curious feature.

COUNTRY WALKS

High up in the cliff is carved what appears to be a tomb entrance echoing the style of ancient Egypt – complete with now much eroded hieroglyphs. A first erroneous glance would suggest an unlikely Pharaonic artefact in this remote corner of Malta, but the story – though shrouded in some mystery – is a much simpler one. It is reputedly a 19th century structure and was carved to house the remains of Mrs. Daulton – an Englishwoman who was in the habit of riding her horse in the valley and apparently had a fatal fall in the area.

However there is no evidence that the ‘tomb’ ever housed any human remains despite the popularity of this urban legend.

This is however so well-rooted that the structure is still known locally as 'il-qabar tal-Ingliza' – the English lady’s tomb. The high rock faces here are a favoured haunt of the small but enthusiastic fraternity of local rock climbers.

High up in the cliff is carved what appears to be a tomb

COUNTRY WALKS

79

Some distance from the ‘tomb’, the valley opens up with gentler slopes and a road re-emerges continuing downstream all the way to Qormi.

Though pleasant enough, this stretch is not quite the dramatic landscape that the wilder parts of Wied Qirda offer. Another option is to go upstream via the adjoining Wied Ħanzira (Pig Valley), which winds its way to the village of Siġġiewi – or alternatively trek back via the same Wied Qirda … assuredly not a dull option.

Though worth a visit all year round – bar perhaps the ultra-dry months of July and August – Wied Qirda is at its undoubted best during the short spring season, which lasts roughly from March to early May. It is at this time that nature reaches its apex in Malta with around two-thirds of the islands’ 700 or so wild plants in bloom in this brief hurrah, before aestivation takes its toll in the dry summer months.

M''''�'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

80

Herbal Remedies

The old Carob Tree A

s far back as I can remember, I have beautiful memories of my annual holidays in Malta as a child, many of which included sitting beneath carob trees in the countryside, enjoying their scent first thing in the morning and the crowing of cocks coming from nearby farms. Even now, having lived on the island for many years, the carob tree, with its distinctive smell and majestic stance, always take me back to my childhood vacations.

The old carob tree has an interesting history, having been cultivated since 2000BC this majestic tree is able to live for over 100 years. It is an evergreen that produces large, glossy leaves and grows up to 50 feet in length. The pods it produces are initially green and turn brownish black as soon as they are ripe for the picking. Inside are ruddy brown seeds, these can be eaten raw... but mostly they are roasted and then ground into a fine powder where various products are then made – one of them

WORDS BY Ricky Vella

being a syrup called Ġulepp tal-Ħarrub in Maltese, which is used medicinally on our island for coughs and colds, and gives instant relief to sore throats. It is also interesting to note that the pods are a highly nourishing food for livestock, given as a meal or whole pods. In fact many countries use it commercially as an ingredient for dog treats.

The nutritional value and health benefits of the carob are considerably better for you when eaten raw. It contains many different minerals like selenium, magnesium, copper and zinc, but is very rich in calcium, iron and potassium – it is also alkalizing and balances the pH levels in our bodies. Other benefits from our old carob tree are: • Protein (especially good for vegetarians) • Amino acids • Omega fatty acids (essential for our survival) • Vitamin B’s • Vitamins A, E, C and K

81

Herbal remedies

The sugar content in the carob is between 40 – 60 per cent in total, depending on the variety. And, according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the carob pods reveal a high count of antioxidant activity due to their high count of polyphenols (they protect against common health problems and certain effects of ageing).

Carob powder is also a great dietary fibre, containing pectin which is a detoxifier it itself and, in addition to its many beneficial qualities, it helps in clearing the digestive tract and acts as a gentle laxative. On the other hand, the tannins in the carob pods can also bind toxins and are more than useful in treating diarrhoea. It is also an old remedy for nausea and upset stomachs in general.

Reference: http://www.superfoods-forsuperhealth.com/what-is-carob.html

Taking home a jar of Maltese carob syrup?

Here’s a simple recipe that is absolutely delicious and so, so easy to make!

Oatmeal and Cranberry Balls Ingredients: 1 cup oats ½ cup maple or agave syrup ½ cup carob syrup 2 cups spelt or coconut flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice ¼ cup apple sauce ½ cup cranberries 2 tblsp carob powder Method: Preheat oven to 325 degrees °C Gently mix the syrups, flour, spices, carob powder and applesauce in a large bowl then fold in the cranberries and porridge oats. Drop little mounds of the mixture onto a greased and lined baking tray and pop in oven for approx 10 – 12 minutes or until they reach a golden colour. When baked, let cool, place on rack and you can either drizzle honey over them or eat them plain – either way they are yummy...

82

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Restaurant GUIDE Ta' Xbiex The Galley Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex T: 2131 8801 E: thegalley@artisanfoods.com.mt The Galley Restaurant overlooks the stunning Marsamxett Harbour, enjoying spectacular views of the Valletta skyline. Adjacent to the Royal Malta Yacht Club and yacht marina, this stylish restaurant offers staple popular dishes and seasonal specials, including premium meats, fish, pasta and light snacks at lunch time. The venue interior emulates a beach house with good, natural light and soft furnishings, and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. There is ample parking space available, and with good proximity to neighbouring Sliema and Valletta it is well serviced by public transport. The Galley is especially popular on weekends so booking is recommended.

MDINA Ciappetti Restaurant 5, St Agatha’s Esplanade, Mdina T: 2145 9987 Grapevine covered courtyards, home-grown herbs, multi-coloured lights and myriad chimes give a flirtatious wink of what’s to come. Your hosts, Peter and Mary Louise, have created a 'classic with a twist' menu of intense flavours and textures which hint at their sublime ingredients, yet are still based on traditional local dishes. Dining beneath the orange trees to the sound of running water transports clients to a peaceful place – something that we easily forget still exists in Malta. As for costs, they are very reasonable. Ciappetti’s motto is 'quality, character, consistency'. Definitely worth a visit! They also cater for a glutenfree diet. Booking recommended.

Trattoria AD 1530 Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150 T: 2145 0560 E: info@xarapalace.com.mt W: www.xarapalace.com.mt The Trattoria AD 1530 at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina is a charming eatery that prides itself on serving traditional and tasty food typical of the word 'trattoria'. Strategically situated in one of the old squares of the Silent City, with the beautiful and imposing Vilhena Palace directly opposite and the magnificent 17th century Palazzo of The Xara Palace on the other side, the Trattoria's idyllic location is simply perfect for indoor or al fresco dining. Trattoria AD 1530 is the ideal restaurant for every occasion and is open for coffee, lunch, dinner, snacks and afternoon tea.

de Mondion Restaurant The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: 2145 0560 E: info@xarapalace.com.mt W: w ww.xarapalace.com.mt / www.demondion.com Set atop Mdina's centuries-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux and awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island from the terraces and charming features served in elegant surroundings. Consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cuisine, refinement and excellence, the de Mondion promises discreet yet impeccably-attentive service allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view. With exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalising dishes, the ‘award winning’ kitchen brigade have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele. Group lunches are available on request. They also welcome enquires for private functions and special celebrations. Booking recommended.

83

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café & Bistro Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina, MDN 1131 T: 2010 0560 E: events@palazzodepiro.com W: www.palazzodepiro.com Set within the magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, located in Malta’s Silent City, Mdina, Xpresso Café and Bistro is an elegant spot for casual dining, snacks, coffee, afternoon tea or simply a get-together with friends. The talented Brigade of Chefs makes use of the fresh produce from nearby valleys and slopes when producing their seasonal menus. Through close co-operation with local growers and producers, Xpresso Café and Bistro seeks to showcase the freshest and best the region has to offer through a menu of healthy dishes. With magnificent views of the Malteseislands, fine architectural heritage and a passion for culture and art, Xpresso Café is the perfect place to enjoy the history of Malta, its rich culture and its culinary delights.

NAXXAR LUNA Palazzo Parisio, Victory Square, Naxxar T: 2141 2461 E: info@palazzoparisio.com W: www.palazzoparisio.com Set in the historic surroundings of a noble family’s 18th Century palazzo…LUNA, the restaurant at Palazzo Parisio, is a sumptuous dining experience and an opportunity to sample international cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. During the winter months the trendy Parisian style interior is your backdrop and, as the weather warms up and the bougainvillea blooms, hidden away from the reality of everyday life the gardens are opened for guests to dine al fresco from early morning, with breakfast served from 9am, to lunch served from noon, to their famous quintessentially English Afternoon Tea from 3pm through to the crystal and candlelit night time dining. LUNA – in all its forms – offers relaxation in understated luxury, excellent service and culinary delights. They promise each and every one of their guests an albeit brief but enjoyable sojourn. Booking recommended.

MOSTA Ta’ Marija Restaurant Constitution Street, Mosta T: 2143 4444 F: 2141 8181 E: info@tamarija.com W: www.tamarija.com Enjoy the folklore evenings and feast yourselves on a sumptuous dinner with a colourful touch of history. A night of Maltese song and dance... for an evening of culinary delights sprinkled with a lot of liveliness, come for their special folklore evenings, which start with strolling musicians playing mandolins and guitars, who belt out the sweetest of Maltese songs with assured merriment in the making. After your delicious dinner, the charming Maria Muscat will present the folklore show in a variety of languages, featuring six dancers who lure you into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance. At some point, you or your special guest could be hand-picked to make their moves on the dance floor so that, you too, can make history on your own unforgettable night! Well, and it is not quite over till it’s over… after the show Ta’ Marija’s dance floor remains lit up so that you and your party can dance the night away to all-time favourite songs. Locals enjoy it every time too, so this night is aimed for our esteemed foreign guests as well as our ever-loyal local friends. Who says you can’t dine, dance and sparkle all in one place? Every Friday at Ta' Marija Restaurant.

SLIEMA Ta’ Kolina 151, Tower Road, Sliema T: 2133 5106 M: 9942 4877 E: takolina@gmail.com Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been opened since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with its traditional Maltese limestone interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of five local starters; five main courses; dessert & coffee for €20. There's a unique à la carte menu with some 20 starters from €4.50 to €7.50, and 20 main courses from €11 to €24 to choose from. Ta’ Kolina offer a variety of fresh fish, rabbit, steak and many more traditional dishes. A wide selection of the best Maltese wines are available ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

84

RESTAURANT GUIDE

ST Julian's Dubliner Bar & Restaurant Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St Julian's T: 2136 7106 This cosy, traditional Irish pub in St Julian’s invites all to a casual and friendly atmosphere to kick back and enjoy a jovial treat straight from the green lands of Ireland. The weekday menu, served on the second floor restaurant and boasting exceptional views of the bay, covers everything from traditional Irish and British pub food to international cuisines. Alternatively, visit The Dubliner simply to enjoy the atmosphere of the surrounding bar whilst indulging in a hearty pint of Guinness with friends. The Dubliner provides patrons with a haven from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area, where one can sit back and have a great meal or simply relax with friends.

WATERBISCUIT St. George’s Bay, St Julian's T: 2376 2225 E: info@waterbiscuit.com.mt Waterbiscuit offers a gastronomic experience to delight all, with a charming and contemporary atmosphere and enthusiastically accomplished cuisine. Chef de Cuisine James Oakley crafts creative ever-enhanced dining using the freshest Mediterranean ingredients all combined innovatively and inventively, available daily for dinner. Meanwhile at the Waterbiscuit Bar healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners may be enjoyed throughout the day, though ultimately guests come for the cocktails and every creation seeks to exceed the wildest expectations. Aiding all is singular design concept making Waterbiscuit the most glamorous address on the Maltese islands, whether for a business meeting, casual dining or evening social gathering.

The Avenue The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian's T: 2135 1753 / 2137 8731 W: www.theavenuemalta.com This award-winning restaurant has been a household name for over a decade and remains a regular favourite. Its versatile menu, friendly service and well-pitched prices all contribute to The Avenue’s strong appeal. Best known for pizza, freshlyprepared pasta or grills, or you could opt for succulent poultry and fresh fish – the menu is not only versatile but portions are generous. The Avenue started off 20 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and décors: the arustic-styled room, the elegant ‘Valentino’ section and the more informal and colourful segment. This venue is popular with locals as it’s good value for money. In fact, looking through the large, glass windows, one can see the place is always bustling with people and life. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Includes two hours free parking at the Portomaso car park all week. Delivery service to the surrounding areas is available.

Zest Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian's T: 2138 7600 E: info@zestflavours.com W: www.zestflavours.com Zest... where east meets west in both dining and décor. The chic restaurant is a point of encounter between Continental and Asian cuisine in a contemporary ambiance, oozing relaxed elegance. The menu boasts a selection of dishes from Thai curries, Indonesian noodles, Singaporean seafood laksas and continental pan-fried lamb to Japanese teppanyaki. Attractive features include an open wine cellar and a sushi bar on the restaurant floor, where patrons can sit around the chef and enjoy the art of Japanese sushi preparation. Located on the first floor of the Hotel Juliani, using this transformed town house’s original entrance and external staircase, the restaurant enjoys the added bonus of an open-air, terrace bar, overlooking romantic Spinola Bay, which is ideal for pre-dinner drinks.

85

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Electro Lobster Project 32, Main Street, Balluta Buildings, St Julian's T: 2735 7357 W: www.electrolobsterproject.com

: facebook.com/electrolobsterproject

A treasure of a place nestled within the historic beauty of one of Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most eye catching buildings. Delicious food, stunning decor, an enviable selection of premium liquors, and a rich calendar of events throughout the year is what makes us truly unique. As their name would suggest, lobster is the specialty. The rest of the menu is classic Sicilian, with lots of fresh fish and quality meats. They also offer a full vegetarian and vegan menu. Bar snacks, fresh smoothies, specialty coffees, daily changing desserts and their bespoke cocktails, prepared with their in-house infused spirits, top off the list of delights they offer. Their products are locally sourced and organic where possible. All this, plus a dedicated, passionate and experienced kitchen and waiting staff, will make your dining experience at ELP a memorable one.

QAWRA The Plum Tree Bar & Restaurant Triq l-Imhar, Qawra T: 2157 5970 W: www.the-plumtree-malta.com Established since 1995. John and Joan Mc Bride have strived to make The Plum Tree a place where mouth-watering food, value for money and a friendly service combine into a single venue. The bar area is a cross between an old Maltese wine bar and a British pub, while a separate dining area has a Mediterranean feel to it. There is also a patio for dining al fresco, especially during the summer months. The menu includes a variety of dishes including Maltese specialities, mediterranean dishes and daily specials. Individual, tastes and other dietary requirements are catered for on request. Opening times from October to June : Tuesday to Saturday : 18.00 - 24.00 for dinner. Sunday : 12.00 - 17.30 for lunch July to September : Tuesday to Sunday : 18.00 - 24.00

BARS & NIGHTLIFE ST JULIAN's Saddles Pub & Wine Bar Main Street, St Julian's W: www.saddlesmalta.com Situated in the heart of St Julian's, Saddles has been established for over 38 years. Considered a central meeting place, start your evening on a perfect note in a friendly atmosphere. A big screen is available for sports and you can enjoy an ice-cold pint of Guiness on the terrace. The first floor is a cosy wine bar popular for organised parties and you can have a tasty cocktail or a genuine glass of wine on the balcony with views. Open all day long. Wi-Fi available all day.

86

AIR MALTA NEWS

EVENTS & NEWS FROM malta's national airline

Air Malta wins Punctuality Award

A

ir Malta was awarded the Punctuality Award 2015 for Short Haul Airlines at the 9th edition of the Brussels Airport Aviation Awards. The Maltese airline has distinguished itself by achieving a punctuality record of 91.7% during 2015.

Commenting on this success Silvio Falzon, Chief Operations Officer of Air Malta said, “We are really excited about this award. We have worked hard to improve our On Time

Performance (OTP) figures. Last year, over the whole network, we operated almost 15,000 f lights of which 87.2% have departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled time of departure.

This is an improvement of 0.7% over the same period the year before (2014: 86.5%).”

“Various OTP improvement projects have contributed and supported to drive these positive results. We are aiming to continuously improve

processes and procedures to achieve improved results,” added Mr Falzon.

Air Malta operates 9 weekly flights to Brussels Airport. This airport handles 23 million passengers every year.

Picture shows Angelo Sciberras - Air Malta's Market Manager for France, Benelux & Swiss Romande (left) receiving the award from Brussels Airport CEO Mr. Arnaud Feist. Photo: Stef Boey – Brussels Airport Company.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information

87

AIR MALTA NEWS

Maltese Islands Awarded 3rd Best Diving Destination in the World The Maltese Islands have once again claimed 3rd place in the category for ‘Best Diving Destination’ at the Diver Awards Ceremony held recently at the International Dive Show in London. This prestigious award places Malta & Gozo as the most popular diving destination in all of the Mediterranean, as voted for by thousands of DIVER Magazine readers.

The prestigious Diver Awards ceremony took place at the main LIDS hall at Excel London during the International Dive Show. The Maltese Archipelago has achieved what no other Mediterranean diving destination has quite managed, by offering a diverse range of diving experiences to suit all levels, from beginners to technical divers.

With a colourful and varied marine-life, a choice of submerged wrecks to explore, fascinating topography and shore-diving opportunities, and the services of almost 50 professional diving centres, it’s no wonder that Malta has received this award for the last two consecutive years.

The ‘DIVER Destination of the Year’ award had a strong list of contenders from across the globe vying for this year’s top 3 places. Egypt came out on top, taking first place while Maldives came in at a close second.

MTA CEO, Mr Paul Bugeja said “We are delighted to accept this prestigious award and the recognition that comes with it. We are always honoured to be recognised for the wonderful diving product that we offer. The reasons for Malta’s popularity are many: The clean and clear waters that surround our islands, the diversity of underwater experiences and the sterling work carried out by the local diving community in improving the products and services offered.

The award continues to prove that Malta & Gozo are must-see diving destinations.”

88

AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta To Enhance Services to Moscow Moves to Sheremetyevo Airport

A

ir Malta will move its Malta-Moscow operation to Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal E as from the 3rd June 2016. The airline’s timetable will remain unchanged operating a twice weekly service departing from Malta every Friday and Saturday and from Moscow every Saturday and Sunday. The Maltese airline continues to be the only airline offering direct flights between Russia and Malta.

Located northwest of central Moscow, the airport is served by a variety of efficient transport modes. It is just 35 minutes away from the city center by the Aeroexpress train.

Sheremetyevo Airport has the biggest duty free area in Russia and a wide selection of famous food and beverage outlets.

There are six hotels within a ten-minute walk of the airport, and hotel in transit zone of Terminal E. “Sheremetyevo airport is one of the top 10 fastest growing airports in Europe. Last year the airport handled 31.6 million passengers and 265,040 aircraft movements, making it the largest and most modern airport in Russia,” commented Ursula Silling, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer. Air Malta will serve the airport’s newest terminal, inaugurated in 2010.

The airport’s 20 million people catchment area covers

regions with the biggest concentration of business headquarters and the highest income per capita.

“Sheremetyevo Airport will provide Air Malta with more operational flexibility and fits perfectly in our strategy to offer customers the best central airports with easy onward connections. Sheremetyevo Airport is a hub of the National Airline of Russia and Air Malta’s code share partner, Aeroflot. Through this code-sharing Sheremetyevo will offer our customers over 30 destinations within Russia,” added Ms Silling.

Despite the tough economic and competitive climate, Air Malta is committed to the route and is the only airline offering connectivity to the country to support the business community and assist the development of tourism from both countries.

There is a lot to experience in Moscow. The city is rich in history, art and culture. Moscow boasts several well-known sights such as Red Square, the Kremlin and the famous Bolshoi Theatre. It is one of Europe’s most vibrant metropolis of more than 10 million people, packed with shopping centres, nightclubs and bars. It is, of course, the gateway to the cities on the Golden Ring and the rest of Russia.

89

AIR MALTA NEWS

D

uring Valentine’s weekend Air Malta surprised the public at two events in Valletta and at the Departures Lounge of the Malta International Airport. At these events the airline invited people to take pictures with their loved ones in an aircraft window frame, with the persons with the most Facebook ‘likes’ winning two Air Malta flights.

Picture shows (from left) shows Rosette Sillato Said and daughter Leah, Claire Azzopardi and Alison Casha, Air Malta’s Project Leader and Customer Social Engagement. Photo: Jason Muscat / Air Malta.

Air Malta’s Valentine’s Day Competition Announced

In just under a week after the airline uploaded over 100 entries on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/AirMalta/, Claire Azzopardi and Rosette Sillato Said managed to get the enthusiastic support of 953 family and friends with their ‘likes’.

The event in Valletta also saw the participation of National TV personalities Quinton Scerri and Daniel Chircop who engaged with participants in their happy and funny ways.

GROOVEFEST MALTA 29th April – 1st May 2016

A

f ter gaining a global reputation for its Dominican Republic edition, Groovefest brings its otherworldly experience closer to home by making a move to Malta, from April 29th to May 1st 2016. The newest member of the Groovefest family promises to be a blissful getaway of uncompromising beats, courtesy of the best DJs on the world circuit. The weekend will show off the biggest brands of the dance world at Malta’s Café Del Mar and Gianpula.

Cristoph, plus ANTS’ own Andrea Oliva also joins a cultivated cast alongside Art Department, Hot Creation’s Jamie Jones, Doorly, Kolsch (DJ Set) and many more.

From a DJ Mag Sessions launch event with Apollonia and D’Julz, to Kaoz Theory parties featuring Kerri Chandler, Detroit Swindle and Chez Damier, plus Defected featuring MK. Hot Since 82’s very own Knee Deep In Sound event hosts Matthias Tanzmann, Guti (live) and

Malta has a vibrant clubbing scene, attracting International DJ’s to its openair clubs throughout summer! Only a 3-hr flight from the UK, the island has superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a

great deal to see and do! The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometres. Malta is the largest island and the cultural hub of the region, which is why it was chosen as location for the Groovefest European edition.

Go to www.groovefestevents.eu for full festival information

90

AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Launches Further Web Upgrades

A

ir Malta has just released two important upgrades to its popular website; a best fare calendar and a booking engine specifically designed for use on mobile devices.

Visitors to www.airmalta.com can now access a one month view of fares across a particular month on any destination chosen and select travel dates to suit their requirements.

“We are indeed excited to start offering these new functionalities. Our best fare calendar facility will present customers a one month view of fares offering more transparency and helping them chose the best travel dates at the lowest prices.

We at Air Malta believe in a simple yet more efficient online platform that

enhances customer experience and make travel with Air Malta easier and more convenient. Our new responsive booking engine aims to facilitate bookings from mobile devices”, said Mr Ursula Silling, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer.

These updates follow the release late last year of the refreshed responsive front-page of the website. The site is now easier to navigate and offers additional functionality and services to customers presenting the best personalised real-time deals depending on the customer's location. The homepage is now focused on completing bookings in an easier manner and presents customers with the best fares on offer.

"Our website is like our flagship store. We are working on further web

improvements. Our new re-design makes mobile and web check-in easier and further enhancements in this regard are planned", added Ms Silling. www.airmalta.com attracts over 6 million visits every year. The site is available in seven languages (Maltese, English, German, Italian, French, Russian and Dutch) while the settings change based on the user's browser language preferences.

The airline’s site offers a one-stopshop to customers through a range of online booking and payment facilities that include Air Malta flights, a wide selection of hotel accommodation in Malta, and car hire. www.airmalta.com offers secure and encrypted connections.

The best calendar view is available at www.airmalta.com/find-best-fare. Visit www.airmalta.com, www.facebook.com/AirMalta for more information.

91

AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority at ITB 2016

A

ir Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority participated in 50th edition of ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse), the world's largest tourism trade fair. Both entities together with the Ministry for Gozo as well as several other Maltese and Gozitan industry partners, represented the Maltese Islands at this leading annual travel trade event.

The Malta stand was particularly busy, with discussions focusing mainly on joint promotional activities with tour operators and airlines in view of the introduction of new routes for summer and winter. Both the MTA representatives and co-exhibitors from the local travel trade reported a high level of activity and interest in the destination, with a positive outlook for the future.

MTA Chairman Dr Gavin Gulia, CEO Paul Bugeja, Deputy CEO Mr Leslie Vella, Chief Officer Marketing Carlo Micallef and Air Malta’s Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Joe Galea, held various meetings with a number of leading German and international travel journalists, tour operators and travel companies.

A major attraction on the stand was the culinary counter, where Chef Mr. Victor Aquilina from renowned Ta’ Victor Restaurant in Marsaxlokk delighted those present with some of his mouth-watering creations.

On the occasion of ITB, the Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Dr. Albert Friggieri, hosted a reception at the Maltese Embassy in Berlin. The event was very well attended by the Maltese and Gozitan ITB delegation, as well as other guests and business partners.

ITB is an annual appointment for the world’s travel trade and offers a perfect opportunity for us to meet with our partners from Germany and beyond to take stock of past performance, and plan ahead for the future. The Malta stand provided a focal point from which ourselves and our industry partners could promote the destination and its various attractions.

We have started the year on a positive note and seen an increase of almost 6 percent from the German market in January, which augurs well for the rest of the year.

02

03

01

01. The Malta stand at the ITB 2016 02. (From left) MTA Deputy CEO Mr Leslie Vella, MTA Chief Officer Marketing Carlo Micallef, Chef Mr. Victor Aquilina, MTA Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Peter Cauchi and MTA CEO Paul Bugeja.

03. The Air Malta team (from left) Martin Frendo and Dagmar Reuben from the airline Frankfurt’s office, Joe Galea and Neville Vassallo from the Air Malta’s revenue management section.

92

AIR MALTA NEWS

il-bizzilla talks to Anthony Dalli Area Manager (Algeria, Libya, Tunisia)

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

international affairs, fishing and looking after our grandchild Lara.

I joined the airline on the 18th March 1974. I have been working for Air Malta for 42 years.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

What three words describe your job best?

Challenging, dynamic, satisfying.

What is the biggest challenge when working with Air Malta?

Surpassing passenger budgetted figures and now ensuring continuity after my retirement.

Do you have any hobbies?

Reading and keeping updated with

Of all the cities I have visited, Prague impressed me a lot. Although New York is fascinating, it is not my type of city life.

Overall Brussels comes first having spent 6 years working there for Air Malta.

What are your favourite spots or tips for anyone visiting Malta?

All the archaeological and cultural sites including St. John's Co-cathedral and Mdina. I also like to visit Gozo. I love to go to off the beaten track places and recommend such walks to natureloving tourists.

94

inflight information

FLIGHT & COMPANY information Survey: Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance at Air Malta and we are always looking for ways to improve your experience. Visit our website to answer a few short questions. www.airmalta.com/wearelistening

Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter or like our Facebook page to learn about our promotions, with fares starting from as low as €44 including taxes. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

Alcohol consumption

Smoking

Alcohol consumed at high altitude can have a stronger effect than usual. Cabin crew are legally empowered to refuse serving any alcohol to an intoxicated passenger and to anyone under the age of 18. In extreme cases, crew may also temporarily confiscate the passenger‘s own drinks so that the passenger would not become a nuisance to the other passengers and crew. Furthermore, Air Malta is bound by international regulations which prohibit embarkation or the carriage of drunken passengers. But once you are reading this article, Air Malta‘s Flight Safety Committee is confident that you are a law-abiding and exemplary passenger. Indeed, the cabin crew may need your assistance to restrain another passenger in the unlikely event that he or she may act irresponsibly during the flight. The consumption of one’s own alcoholic beverages inflight goes against Air Malta policy.

Smoking is prohibited from when you leave the terminal building until you arrive to the terminal building. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking is not allowed during any phase of the flight and in any area of the aircraft. Should you be aware of a passenger who has smoked in the toilet during the flight, please inform the cabin crew immediately so that they can check for any undetected fires. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is also not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

Similarly, the use of naked flames on and around the aircraft is also prohibited.

95

inflight information

Air Malta Fleet

Enhance your travel experience At Air Malta, we want our passengers to have everything they need to make their travel experience comfortable in one place. Here are a number of services that we offer that you may not have known about: Join our business cl a ss Upgrade to Air Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Class for priority service. Members can make use of the special check-in counters for more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access to the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate inflight cabin area.

AIRBUS 319 Qty: 2 in fleet Number of seats: 141 Engines: 2 CFM56-5B6/P Maximum take-off weight: 73.5 metric tons

C a r ry mor e with you Are you worried about not being able to fit everything you need into your suitcase? Stop stressing out and check out our extra baggage service. Simply book your extra baggage online and get the most out of your trip! Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb for more details.

Overall length: 33.84m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,815 km

Fly in comfort Enhance your comfort with extra legroom during your flight. This option gives you more space to relax in preparation for your trip!

Visit www.airmalta.com/information/services-by-air-malta/seatselection or more information.

Get sport Y Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialised equipment with you at very minimal cost. Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb for more details.

Qty: 6 in fleet

Groups We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than 10 adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anywhere else!

Number of seats: 168/180

Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

AIRBUS 320

Engines: 2 CFM56-5B4/P Maximum take-off weight: 77.0 metric tons Overall length: 37.57m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,055 km

W eb check in Skip the line and check-in before you get to the airport. You may check-in online before you get to the airport, up to 24 hours prior to departure up until one hour before your flight. Visit www.airmalta.com/information/check-in for more information.

96

destination information

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • OSLO STOCKHOLM

ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK REP. OF IRELAND

• COPENHAGEN

UNITED KINGDOM

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

• Manchester

BELARUS • BREMEN • Hamburg

Bristol • • Birmingham • Berlin • Amsterdam London Heathrow • • HANNOVER HOLLAND • London Gatwick Exter • GERMANY • Brussels BELGIUM • Düsseldorf • DRESDEN

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

• Frankfurt

CZECH REPUBLIC • Vienna

HUNGARY ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA

• OTOPANI

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Marseille •

SERBIA • SOFIA

MONTENEGRO

ITALY

SPAIN

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

SWITZERLAND

Milan •

Lyon •

SLOVAKIA

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

Geneva •

UKRAINE

• Prague

• Munich

FRANCE

• WARSAW

POLAND

BULGARIA • ISTANBUL

F.Y.O.M.

• Rome • OLBIA

TURKEY

ALBANIA GREECE • Athens

SICILY • Catania

TUNISIA

LARNACA •

CYPRUS

Malta

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

97

destination information

IRAN

Air Malta direct flights airport Amsterdam Athens Berlin Birmingham Bristol Brussels Cardiff Catania Düsseldorf Exter Frankfurt Geneva Hamburg London Gatwick

• ABU DHABI

OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

Weekly Flights

• BRISBANE

7 2 4 1 1 10 1 13 2 1 4 1 2 7

airport

Weekly Flights

London Heathrow Lyon Manchester Marseille Milan Moscow Munich Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Prague Rome Vienna Zurich

15 2 5 2 7 2 8 7 9 2 10 7 7

australia

Code-shared RouteS • SYDNEY

Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

• MELBOURNE

via Brussels, Geneva, Heathrow, Manchester and Rome via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi

Lufthansa Arlanda (Stockholm) via Munich Berlin via Munich Bremen via Munich Dresden via Munich Düsseldorf via Munich Frankfurt Hannover via Munich Munich Oslo via Munich

• PERTH

australia

Emirates Larnaca

Meridiana Olbia

via Rome

Austrian Airlines

Jersey City

Newark

New York

Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna

brussels AIRLINES NEWARK •

Brussels Copenhagen

via Catania via Brussels

Turkish AIRLINES Istanbul

Swiss International Air Lines Staten Island

Zurich

98

Electronic device information

Use of Portable Electronic Devices on board Tr a nsmit t ing Porta ble Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

Non-T r a nsmit ting Porta ble Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

La ptops a nd notebooks

Any devices that can send or receive data by wireless means, such as mobile-phones and tablets, may be used during all phases of the flight provided their transmit/receive capabilities (e.g.

Bluetooth and Wi-fi) are switched off.

Alternatively, if the device has ‘Flight Mode’ capability, this must be enabled.

Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices (e.g. laptops) shall be switched off and stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

Accessories, such as headphones, must not obstruct access to the aisle. If the data transmission capability cannot be switched off (whilst the device is operating), the device itself must be switched off for the duration of the flight.

These could include, but are not limited to, items such as DVD players, electronic games, music players and personal cameras. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices shall be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

Such devices may be used during boarding and during flight but not during taxi, take-off and landing. Any built-in data connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must be disabled. These devices must be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing since they could hinder an emergency evacuation.

A r e ther e t imes when I ca nnot use m y electronic dev ices?

C a n I use he a dphones?

Personal headphones can be used during all phases of the flight. However, we ask you to remove your headphones during the safety briefing. For safety reasons, customers sitting in an emergency exit row must refrain from using headphones during taxi, take-off and landing.

Under certain circumstances, your Flight Crew or Cabin Crew may ask you to switch off all Personal Electronic Devices. This may happen during automatic landings, low visibility takeoff or landing, or during emergency situations.

I should infor m t he ca bin cr ew when …

… a passenger notices that his/her device is overheating. In such a case, the Personal Electronic Device must be switched off immediately and a member of the crew informed.

If you require more information, please refer to the table below which includes a list of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) which can be used onboard Air Malta flights by phase of flight. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our cabin crew if you have any further questions.

PH ASE

Boarding

H a nd Held PEDs

(e.g. smart phones and tablets)

La rger PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HE A DPHONES

W i-fi, t ex t & phone ca ll f unctions

YES

YES

YES

YES

(when instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

no

no

no

Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

Cruise

YES

YES

YES

no

(Cabin Crew PA)

YES

no

YES

no

Landing

YES

no

YES

no

Taxi to Stand

YES

no

YES

YES

Extended Ground Delay

Circa 10 minutes to landing

More information is available at www.airmalta.com/information/check-in

99

INSERT TEXT HERE

Discover Gozo www.visitgozo.com The Banca Giuratale – Gozo

The Banca Giuratale, dominating Independence Square in Rabat Gozo is the only baroque building in Gozo which does not have a religious or military function. The present structure was built on the design of the French military engineer Charles Françoise de Mondion (16811733) who was responsible for the building of most of Malta’s finest buildings and fortifications fabricated during the reign of Grand Master De Vilhena. In 1868 a semi-circular extension was added to the building giving it the appearance that it has today. Apart from being one of Gozo’s finest baroque buildings, the Banca Giuratale in the middle of Gozo’s main square acts as a backdrop to the most important events that take place on the island. Recent restoration works have unveiled the original beauty of this architectural masterpiece.

100

INSERT TEXT HERE