51 march 17 web

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

MARCH 2017 issue 51 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

5

Issue 51

Contents

M ARCH 17

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

p. 12 ..... Gozo: A brimming cultural calendar If you happen to be in Malta around this time of the year why not plan a trip to Gozo?

p. 14 ..... Neptune the Collossus in the Grand Master Palace Nestled within the courtyard of one of Malta’s most impressive palaces, lies Neptune’s fountain.

p. 22 ..... The Colours of Malta The Maltese islands are a perfect patchwork of colour.

p. 27 ..... High Flying Dentistry Dr Jean Paul Demajo writes about replacing a long-lost tooth with a dental implant.

p. 37 ..... Red Ahead The red tower stands tall and proud centuries later atop a hill in Mellieha.

p. 52 ..... Exploring the Islands Fancy discovering the islands? Here’s what to look out for.

p. 74 ..... Small church with a big character The Church of Our Lady of Victories is a diamond in the rough.

p. 78 ..... Malta’s three cities Mostly undiscovered, the Three Cities offer visitors a slice of authentic life as well as a glimpse into the Island’s maritime treasures.

FOOD & DRINK p. 46 ..... Serious Eats A foodie’s guide to some of Malta’s top restaurants.

p. 62 ..... March, Merriment and Mortification

EVENTS p. 30 ..... Valletta Waterfront: Unlock your senses This historic site brings together food, retail and entertainment.

Easter is on its way and traditional local meals are a reflection of that.

p. 31 ..... Out and About

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

p. 32 ..... What’s Happening in Malta

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 this month.

Who’s been seen and where they’ve been spotted.

6

LIFESTYLE p. 18 ..... Lighting the way home

AIR MALTA

The newly restored Starlight sets sail from Malta all the way home to Australia.

p.40 ..... London Calling A visit to London can be compared to a world tour, while still retaining traditional British traits.

p. 84 ..... air malta news A round-up of this month's news.

p. 90 ..... interview

p. 44 .....The Image of a place: Victor Pasmore and Malta “I am the earth on which I stand; the spark which fires its dust and sand.”

p. 58 ..... Video Games from the 90s that all Maltese kids loved All aboard the nostalgia train.

p. 70 ..... Cyclists go loopy for Gozo and Malta If you love cycling but have been put off in the past by a lack of facilities in Malta, it’s time to get back on the saddle.

Il-Bizzilla talks to Kimberly Bugeja, Interim Accountant.

BUSINESS p. 60 ..... business roundup

p. 92 ..... Flight and Company information All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

p. 94 ..... destination information

The latest news from local businesses.

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

p. 64 ..... He’s got drive

p. 96 ..... electronic device information

We visit the colloquially known Xlokku, Malta’s car whisperer.

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

PENTHOUSE ONE OF A KIND REF: 911558

l

€ 3,950,000

l

TIGNÉ POINT

State of the art, designer finished PENTHOUSE located in the sought after Tigne Point development. This fully detached seafront penthouse having panoramic views of Valletta and the harbour. Surrounding this property are spacious terraces and a heated swimming pool located on the terrace off the living room.

This spacious accommodation comprising a very large combined lounge/dining room, beautifully fitted kitchen, 4 double bedrooms (2 of which are en suite), main bathroom, laundry room and 3 car lock up garage. Finishes include a mix of marble and American walnut parquet flooring, surround sound system, electric curtains and much more. A very special property that must be seen to be appreciated.

HOUSE OF CHARACTER DATING BACK TO THE 1100’s REF: 316656

l

€ 2,100,000

l

GĦARGĦUR

A beautiful HOUSE OF CHARACTER in one of Malta’s most desired villages. With parts of the house reputed to be over 800 years old, this house is a unique historic treasure.

The property boasts 6 double bedrooms 2 of which are ensuite, 3 reception rooms, large eat-in-kitchen, large dining room, 3 further bathrooms and a downstairs WC. The property further benefits from a stunning internal courtyard measuring over 75sqm and a mature garden with a good sized swimming pool. A further external sitting room is found in the garden (presently being used as a cinema) and a lovely old grain store room which is currently converted as a home office. The property further benefits from a 8.03KW Photovoltaic system on the roof which runs the annual electricity at very close to cost-neutral. Total plot size approx.

990sqmt (internal approx. 600sqm).

Through Homes of Quality, we find great satisfaction in providing a uniquely personal property service to clients, both local and overseas. As part of Frank Salt Real Estate Group we have access to perhaps the largest property and client database in the Maltese Islands, while operating independently to facilitate the extremely high level of personal interface with clients. At Homes of Quality we are equally proud of the smallest designer apartment as a grand palazzo… the defining factor which ensures that a property is to be found on our listings is quite simply… quality!

Grahame Salt Director

Недвижимость, проживание и бизнес на Мальте. Сервисная поддержка от А до Я. Мы говорим по-русски! Звоните нам 00356 23420645

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

8

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

MARCH 2017 issue 51 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

Meet the Team Editorial and Sales Content Factory Executive Editor Dana Bonello Business Development AND PROJECT CO-ORDINaTOR Renata Vella

ON THE Cover The Manoel Theatre Photo by Luiz Rodriguez Photography Mark Stagno The Wet Way Home Victor Paul Borg

Design TBWA\ANG Art Director Jeff Fabri Designer Berthrand K. Pisani Contributors Air Malta Alfredo Vella David Grech Urpani Florence Jones Giulia Privitelli Helen Raine Jean Paul Demajo Josephine Borg Lovin’ Malta Mariella Camilleri Valletta Waterfront Veronica Stivala Victor Paul Borg

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 negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta and ViewingMalta.com for the provision of photographic material. Printed in Malta by VelPrint Ltd. All magazine rights are reserved by Air Malta PLC.

Would you like to be featured on il-Bizzilla?

For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with Renata on (+356) 2142 4924 or renata@contentfactory.com.mt For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Dana on dana@contentfactory.com.mt

10

From the CEO...

Merħba. We welcome you on board this Air Malta flight.

Thank you for choosing Air Malta as your airline of choice when flying to or from the Maltese islands.

At the end of this month we will start our summer schedule with 150 weekly flights to main city airports of 29 destinations in Europe. The schedule will see increased frequencies on Munich, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Rome, Catania, Lyon, Palermo, Prague and Moscow. We are happy that this summer we will even operate with up to double daily flights in peak summer to Munich, Rome and Catania, while London (Heathrow and Gatwick) continue to be served throughout the whole summer with at least three flights a day.

We are really excited to be hosting a large number of delegations and accredited members of the international media from Europe and beyond who are travelling to Malta to cover and participate in meetings related to Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union this year. Read more about this on the Air Malta dedicated pages starting from page 84, where we also report on our code-share with Alitalia, and our award winning livery which continues to receive recognition from around the world.

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

Please do give us feedback about your experience with Air Malta 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. It really only takes two minutes!

Wherever you are flying with us I hope you have a great flight! Thank you for choosing Air Malta. As our welcomed guest we hope to see you aboard another one of our flights soon.

Joseph Galea, Acting CEO Air Malta

From the Editor…

Winter’s almost over, and for an island as far south as ours, it’s safe to say that spring is already in the air!

Winds of change are those that excite me the most for whatever reason, whether they're seasonal, professional, or personal, I have always believed that the only way to get along is to accept change and move forward.

Sometimes we tend to take people and things for granted, overlook the valuable contributions they have made, and move on so quickly that all is lost and forgotten shortly after. That is precisely why I like change so much, because without it there would be no nostalgia, time to reflect, or means to appreciate what might have been there and now is gone.

In the same spirit of reflection, I’d like to dedicate this issue to all those who have been present in my past and have helped me achieve my goals and better myself on any level. To those who have believed in me, to those who have collaborated, and to those who have stood by my side when those same winds of change got stronger than predicted.

In the words of the great Darwin, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent.

It is the one that is most adaptable to change."

Good flight, and good luck!

Dana

MALTA: HOT PROPERTIES Whether you are looking for a rental investment, or perhaps plan to relocate to Malta, our RE/MAX qualified associates can provide you with up-to-date market knowledge, support and assistance that will ensure you make the right decision and your investment is sound.

RE/MAX also prides itself in owning one of the largest property databases on the island including numerous upmarket exclusive projects which are listed under our Collection portfolio, many of which are exclusive to RE/MAX, such as The Lapsi Apartments.

Kevin Buttigieg - CEO RE/MAX Malta

The Lapsi Development is one of the latest that has been added to our RE/MAX collection on a SOLE AGENCY basis. This new project includes commercial space, residential and parking facilities in one of Malta’s most idyllic spots – Balluta Bay in St. Julian’s.

This development overlooks the spectacular Balluta Bay and enjoys open sea-views. With direct access to the promenade, the apartments will measure approx 300sqm when completed.

Below are a few listings from our RE/MAX Collection portfolio.

Should you need information on any of these properties, please do not hesitate to contact me on: kevin@remax-malta.com or (+356) 99663322.

Commercial Premises – St. Julian’s

• • • • •

Commercial premises set on two levels Direct access from St Julian’s Bay Total of 121.60sqm Available for Lease Ideal for a Café.

Price: P.O.R.

Apartment – St. Julian’s

• • • • •

Price €1,350,000

MLS 240011024-815

Apartment of 7th Floor – St. Julian’s

• • • • •

4 bedrooms with ensuites and main with walk in closet Laundry room, box room and guest toilet Open living/dining/kitchen area Open sea views of Balluta Bay Gross Floor area of 300sqm/Terrace measuring 30sqm.

Price €1,790,000

MLS 240011024-809

+356 9966 3322

4 bedrooms with ensuites and main with walk in closet Laundry room, box room and guest toilet Open living/dining/kitchen area Open sea views of Balluta Bay Gross floor area of 285sqm/Terrace 28sqm.

www.remax-malta.com

MLS 240011024-804

Penthouse – St. Julian’s

• • • • •

3 bedrooms with ensuites and main with walk in closet Laundry room, box room and guest toilet Open living/dining/kitchen area Open sea views of Balluta Bay Gross Floor area of 250sqm/2 Terraces measuring a total of 75sqm.

Price €2,100,000

MLS 240011024-812

The Maltese Isles

in numbers 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, idyllic, Mediterranean archipelago.

Passengers carried onboard air malta flights:

50,754,711 since 1st April 1974

unesco 3 declared world heritage sites

us s ta r t a b

ine

320 Monuments in valletta

flew the equiva len lta a m

f to

air

e k to

ss

1

we

885

6,000 tonnes of potatoes exported annually

times to the moon and back

349,386 the maltese drive on the left

The number of licensed vehicles in malta

28km long/14.5km wide

14

GOZO

Gozo: A Brimming Cultural Calendar Gaulitana: A Festival of Music The 11th edition of Gaulitana: A Festival of Music runs from from 25 February until 2 April, 2017. Organised by the Gaulitanus Choir, "Gozo’s main classical festival" features international and local artists/ensembles in a multifarious programme of events, in various genres and styles, in different venues around Gozo.

The festival closes with a highly-intensive OPER A+ Weekend highlighted by Puccini’s opera Madama Butterf ly at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on April 1 and featuring a stellar cast: Malta’s internationally-acclaimed soprano Miriam Gauci; Italian tenor Vincenzo Costanzo, ranked by OperaLife amongst the world’s current top 10 tenors; and famous Italian baritone Alberto Mastromarino, who has graced the world’s principal operatic stages. Colin Attard will conduct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir with renowned Enrico Castiglione directing.

In line with the Gaulitana‘s organic nature, the upcoming edition will present a number of innovative features.

Alexander Frey, a top international versatile musician defined

by Leonard Berstein as "a wonderful spirit" will be Artist-inResidence. Espresso lunchtime concerts particularly intended for civil servants, a series of talks, and other creative arts or literature are being introduced.

Gaulitana will also commemorate the 120th birth and 60th death anniversaries of composer Erich Korngold, regarded as one of the founders of symphonic film music. The festival will once again offer an Educational Programme, including #Opera4me.

Awarded the Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe label by the European Festivals Association, the festival is supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo.

Booking for Madama Butterf ly is open, directly online on www.teatruaurora.com or via ticket helpline +356 79045779 www.gaulitanus.com.

Evita comes to Gozo!

Evita will be proudly presented at the Astra Theatre in Gozo on Saturday, 25 March 2017 and Friday, 31 March 2017.

Evita, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and written by Tim Rice, narrates the story of Eva Perón, wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The score is highlighted by favourites including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars and Another Suitcase in Another Hall.

Following stints in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Evita premiered on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre on 25 September 1979. Evita won an impressive seven Tony Awards including Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical of the year. In 1981, the Evita cast recording was awarded a Grammy Award.

Productions of Evita have been performed all over the world, including performances in Austria, Spain, Mexico and South Africa.

Tickets are available online at www.ticketline.com.mt, by calling on 9902 1591 or by sending an e-mail to info@lastella.com.mt.

‘The best name in Malta property’

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

FOR SALE | ZEBBUG | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

FOR SALE | VALLETTA | DUPLEX PENTHOUSE

New & Exclusive ■ Expertly converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER in this sought after traditional village ■ Perfect balance of old features & modern finishes ■ Entrance hallway ■ Reception area ■ 2 further reception rooms/studies ■ Dining & living area ■ Formal dining room ■ Fully fitted kitchen / breakfast overlooking the garden & swimming pool ■ Outdoor entertaining area ■ Guest toilet ■ 4 bedrooms ■ 2 bathrooms ■ Basement gym & indoor swimming pool ■ ■ Spacious 1 car garage with storage ■ Permit application for a further bedroom

New & Exclusive ▪ Magnificent DUPLEX PENTHOUSE in an excellent location ▪ Exceptional standard of finish throughout with many bespoke features ▪ Wonderful sea & city views from 3 terraces ▪ Newly refurbished communal areas ▪ Lift ▪ Reception area ▪ 2 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (master ensuite) ▪ Handmade steel staircase ▪ Open plan kitchen/dining/living area with sliding doors onto front & rear terraces ▪ Hot-tub ▪ High grade marble floors ▪ Solid wood cabinetry ▪ Solar water heaters ▪ Discreet laundry facilities ▪ Integrated airconditioning & heating

FOR SALE | TIGNE POINT | SEAFRONT APARTMENT

FOR SALE | DINGLI | COUNTRY RESIDENCE

New & Exclusive ■ Spectacular 1st & 2nd floor DUPLEX APARTMENT in one of Malta’s leading residential complexes ■ Fantatsic amenities including ‘The Point’ shopping mall, many cafes & restaurants & access to exclusive residents swimming pool ■ Partly furnished ■ Large open plan kitchen/dining area with sublime sea views & terrace ■ Living room with terrace & views to Valletta ■ Hot-tub ■ 3 bedrooms (master with walk-in wardrobe) ■ 2 bathrooms ■ Rear terrace ■ Guest toilet ■ Air-conditioning ■ Includes lock up garage & car space

A unique converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER in a beautiful rural location ■ Set on a huge plot of approximately 16,000m2 with picturesque views down through the valley to the sea ■ Walled garden with mature fruit & olive trees ■ Entrance hallway ■ Sitting room ■ Dining room ■ Fully fitted kitchen / breakfast ■ Living room ■ 3 bedrooms ■ 2 bathrooms ■ Guest toilet ■ Laundry room ■ Store room ■ Drive with ample parking ■ Permit in-hand for a swimming pool

TO LET | SLIEMA | SEAFRONT APARTMENT

TO LET | LIJA | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

A newly renovated & refurbished stunning 6th floor corner SEAFRONT APARTMENT located on the prestigious Tower Road in Sliema ▪ Marvellous sea views from practically every room ▪ Spacious & bright accommodation ▪ Welcoming hall ▪ Open plan fully fitted & equipped kitchen/sitting/dining ▪ 3 double bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Laundry room ▪ Property also includes an underlying car space ▪ Short walking distance to all the best amenities

Beautifully converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER finished to an outstanding specification ▪ Excellent layout with grand original features throughout ▪ Central courtyard ▪ Fully fitted kitchen/breakfast ▪ Private dining room ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 4 bathrooms ▪ TV room ▪ Traditional mill room converted into a sitting room ▪ Impressive swimming pool & garden ▪ Outdoor dining area - ideal for entertaining ▪ Walking distance to all local amenities

Price: €1,250,000 - Ref: HC600133 - SOLE AGENTS

Price: €2,300,000 - Ref: DA600013

From €3400 monthly - Ref: FA600321

Price: €1,875,000 - Ref: PH500128 - SOLE AGENTS

Price: €2,800,000 - Ref: HC02644

€4000 monthly - Ref: HC600015

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

perry.com.mt

16

undiscovered

Neptune the colossus in the Grand Master’s Palace WORDS BY Josephine Borg

D

ominating Palace Square now known as Piazza San Giorgio, the Grand Master’s Palace was one of the first buildings to be built in Valletta – in 1571. The original Palazzo was designed by Girolamo Cassar but successive Grand Masters enlarged and developed the building as they deemed fit to use it as their official residence.

This magnificent Palace always hosted the government in Malta, first the Knights, then under the British it served as the Governor’s Palace, and now it hosts the President’s office; and until recently the House of Representatives.

As you enter the courtyard you come under the gaze of one of those colossal heroes, those myths of hundreds of years ago. Meet Neptune, sometimes known locally as 'The Giant of the Palace'. You stand before this Colossus in these classic – and in many ways – exotic surroundings. Admire this fine statue, the god of the sea whose father was Saturn and brothers Jupiter and Pluto. The statue is attributed to Leone Leoni (1509-1590) and the historian Judge Giovanni Bonello, and has also proved that this Neptune "was an actual portrait of Andrea Doria, the greatest Mediterranean sea captain of the 16th century, under the symbolic semblance of the god of the seas." Doria (1466-1560), the noble Genoese admiral, had had close dealings with the Knights of St John.

Judge Bonello writes that this statue was possibly the gift of Gian Andrea Doria, Andrea Doria’s grand nephew, to

18

undiscovered

Grand Master Verdalle, when he was on a courtesy visit to Malta in September 1584.

For various reasons the statue was kept under wraps. But Judge Bonello writes, "the old bronze statue officially surfaced again in 1615 shortly after the inauguration of Wignacourt’s acquaduct on 21 April. A magnificent fountain was constructed at the Marina, and the forgotten, or embarrassing, Andrea Doria, now Neptune, was placed there to gaze haughtily at the Mediterranean, which had been his playground. Neptune fountains were then all the rage all over Italy."

Valletta was being rapidly built during the reign of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. It became a priority that

water should be channeled to the new city.

It is Wignacourt who gets the credit for the great engineering feat which brought water to the city from ‘far away’ Rabat.

The completed project was an occasion for merrymaking and happiness not only among the higher echelons of society but also among the poor and the needy.

Neptune was transferred to the courtyard of the Palace in 1861 by Sir John Gaspard Le Marchant, Governor of Malta between 1858 and 1864.

A few years ago its restoration was sponsored by Simonds Farsons Cisk plc as part of their millennium celebrations.

There is a direct link between this statue of international historical importance

Admire this fine statue, the god of the sea whose father was Saturn and brothers Jupiter and Pluto

and Farsons. In the late 1920s the bronze figure of Neptune was reproduced on the label of Farsons’ first beer – Farsons Pale Ale – by Edward Caruana Dingli. From then on, Neptune became an integral part of the Farsons corporate logo. Dott. Sante Guido carried out the work in accordance with the latest restoration principles and methods of the Istituto Centrale del Restauro in Rome. He is one of Italy’s foremost restorers of metal sculpture.

The statue has now been provided with protection from corrosives in order to preserve it in the best possible state for future generations.

When you visit Valletta do take a good look at Neptune. He is used to visitors, especially admiring women.

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

live an elegant lifestyle 4 bedrooms 3 en suite bathrooms 2 guest bathrooms Garage Drive-in

Indoor space 450 sqm Outdoor space 1400 sqm Underfloor heating Infinity pool Landscaped garden

A classic dream home for the discerning buyer looking for luxury and total privacy. This detached bungalow is elegantly designed for comfort and style, and given its location in the Buskett area provides a peaceful haven surrounded by greenery. This outstanding highly finished property presents sophisticated living quarters and splendid bedrooms,

Buskett

Bungalow â‚Ź3,500,000

Ref P000194480

all kept at a comfortable temperature due to intelligent underfloor heating troughout.

The generous outdoor space is elegantly completed with a pool, garden with mature olive trees, and additional land. This modern home incorporates the luxury of designer finishes and the complete comfort of smart technology, making it stand out as totally unique on the market.

Scan to view property. Available also in VR. For details about this incredible property, or to book a viewing appiontment call Max Magri on +356 9947 5444

A.1st Flr, Cobalt House, Notabile Road, Mriehel T. +356 2149 0681 E. info@luxurylivingmalta.com www.luxurylivingmalta.com

LUXURY LIVING UPMARKET PROPERTY SERVICES by Dhalia Real Estate Services

Style, impeccable design, and infallible comfort.

You won’t settle for anything less.

21

ADVENTURE

LIGHTING THE WAY HOME WORDS BY Mariella Camilleri

Across seas and challenging weather conditions, the newly restored Starlight is set to make its journey across continents, docking in some of the world’s most exotic destinations.

T

he early December sun descends on the docks of Palumbo Shipyard, where the Starlight rests humbly against the wharf.

In a few days it will begin its thrilling voyage from the Maltese Islands all the way to Australia, where four friends will embark on an exhilarating journey where adventure prevails.

Kew, Mick, Dylan and Bryson, Starlight’s co owners greet me on deck, eager to show me the eighty year-old Scottish boat which they’ve restored to its majestic glory. Right away I’m struck by its large old fashioned steering wheel and timber floors, then we head down below where four cosy cabins stand huddled together; an interior that spells comfort on rainy days and stormy nights.

Looking around it’s hard to distinguish which parts are original and which bits have been newly manufactured.

Kew explains that the cabins feel homey now that the four have permanently moved onto the floating habitat. "At the moment we’re just awaiting good weather to begin our journey and get

moving as we’ve been waiting for this for a long time." He goes on to tell me how he, Mick and Dylan met in their childhood, years ago in Woolgoolga on the Australian East Coast. Later a friendship with Bryson was formed.

As we settle down for a cup of coffee I learn how the four have worked in Malta for the past few years on separate yachts, when the idea to purchase a boat for themselves began to materialise. It was Mick who first set his eyes on Starlight. He tells me how years ago the boat belonged to an old friend – one who he visited during his childhood holidays in Malta.

"My friend Charlie Kirby raised three children on this boat, so to me this has always been a home away from home."

Mick remained intrigued with Starlight even after the Kirbys sold it to a new owner. Years later while the four worked in Malta, the boat reappeared on the market. "It was half sunk and in dire need of help and restoration. There were missing bits of timber at the bottom and there was no mast, it was in a real bad state but to me it still had great potential."

22

With the help of some friends, Starlight began to take shape. "Painstakingly we started to get the boat back together starting from its exterior. Luckily we found great mentors who helped us put the boat together again." Kew explains that although all the guys worked on yachts none had experience in boat restoration.

"Only when the boat was hauled onto the shipyard could we see the actual damage it had endured over the years."

The Starlight has already lived through several thrilling days. Initially, the 68-foot trawler served to scour the seas for cod and haddock to feed Scotland, and later it was also commissioned by the Navy. "This boat has been through several trials over the years and the strain was evident all over."

The proud boat owners go on to tell me that Starlight was built in Scotland in 1932 and underwent its first facelift

ADVENTURE

in the sixties, however the guys are most proud of its war time days.

"We consider it to be a Great War hero," says Mick with a smile. Before purchasing Starlight, the friend looked at catamarans and superyachts however none of them seemed appealing until they came across the fishing trawler.

"For us, Starlight was perfect."

With literally all hands on deck, the four young men set off to restore the boat and gear it up for its great voyage. "Thankfully we have great friends who pitched in to help, because despite our work experience on boats we have never worked on a vessel that was so old and in such a battered state before, in fact it took us a while to bring her back into shape."

Starlight’s latest journey has been documented from the moment it reached the shipyard, with all four working on a website where its

The Starlight has already lived through several thrilling days. Initially, the 68-foot trawler served to scour the seas for cod and haddock to feed Scotland, and later it was also commissioned by the Navy

23

ADVENTURE

renovation has been filmed. Kew says that filming will also continue once they set sail. "It’s great to share the progress we have accomplished for those interested in boating and adventure, of course we will also be documenting our journey from start to finish through our website as well as on Social Media."

The voyage, which will set sail some time in December, will see the young men travel from Malta to Palma Di Majorca where they plan to rest and play for a couple of weeks.

Later they will cross the icy waters of the Atlantic to explore the Caribbean Islands in search of surfing spaces. Mick says that once docked they will be met by their girlfriends and family members.

As the weather changes and winter creeps in, rough seas and storms could hinder the

expedition ahead. For Mick, the risks ahead make the trip more appealing than ever.

"Once we set sail anything could happen.

The boat still retains its original engine, and most of its mechanism is old so we’ll hope for the best, despite all necessary precautions being taken beforehand."

The trip from Malta to Australia could last anywhere between two to four years, however the guys have not really set a time limit. As day turns to night they will be exploring the weather forecast, simply awaiting to set sail, eager for their venture to kick in. Dylan says the next few years should be super busy and fun. "This is a trip for the lads, one for surfing, fishing and partying. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey before we all settle down; ultimately it’s about living each moment to the fullest."

Follow Starlight's journey on www.thewetwayhome.com

24

IN COLOUR

The Colours of Malta WORDS BY Helen Raine

F

rom the moment you fly in on the award winning livery of Air Malta planes, the Maltese Islands are a perfect patchwork of colour. Interestingly the aircraft livery was inspired by the colours found on the islands. Some hues change with the seasons – others are constant no matter when you come here; keep your camera handy because you’ll want to capture them all.

Cream Malta is deeply rooted in the limestone rock used to build much of the island, from the clover-leaf temples of Ħaġar Qim and Ġgantija to the fortifications of the Citadel or the Bastions of Valletta. The limestone base of the islands stretches all the way to Africa – the lower level is very hard Lower Corraline limestone which contains lots of fossils. Above that is the Globigerina limestone, soft enough to hew out of quarries – that’s what gives much of the buildings here their distinctive pale-sand look.

It’s the limestone that has divers flocking into the deep blue too; the action of the sea has eroded the underwater rocks into a diving

25

IN COLOUR

Down at Marsaxlokk and Marsascala, the ultramarine of the sea is the perfect backdrop for the luzzu, traditional fishing boats dating back to the times of the Phoenicians

fantasy of swim-throughs, sinkholes and caves. One of the most exciting dives is the Blue Hole in Gozo; if you’re brave enough to squeeze through the rock pipe, you’ll pop out into the Coral Gardens. There’s also the Cathedral Cave in Gozo– a gorgeous semisubmerged cupola only accessible from the sea, where the air is lasered by sunbeams filtering through gaps in the rock. Non-divers can get an idea of what the underwater topography looks like by imagining the Azure Window underwater.

BluE The main island of Malta is only about 27km by 14.5km so wherever you go, you’re never far from the sea. The blue of the Mediterranean isn’t constant – in Comino’s Blue Lagoon, it lightens up to the turquoise of Indian jewelry; from Dingli cliffs, it’s often a deep, dark navy; on stormy days, the sea mirrors the grey denim of the massed clouds; and on a perfect spring morning at Għajn Tuffieħa, where a goblet-shaped bay cradles the sea in two rocky arms, you’ll see every gradation from powder blue to teal, periwinkle to indigo.

Down at Marsaxlokk and Marsascala, the ultramarine of the sea is the perfect backdrop for the luzzu, traditional fishing boats dating back to the times of the Phoenicians. They are always painted in vibrant colours – look for the eye depictions on the prow, said to protect the fishermen.

Red Along with driving on the left, having English as an official language, and selling beer in pints, the colonial influence lingers in Malta in the form of red telephone boxes. Once ubiquitous in the UK, they were exported to these islands as well as Bermuda and Gibraltar. British Telecom archives report that the earlier models included an ash-tray, a writing desk, a notepad and a mirror The colour was chosen to make them easy to spot but their creator, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who intended them to be silver or dove grey. Public opinion was divided at the time, with one commentator writing in 1936 that the colour was "like an evil deed in a good world".

26

There aren’t all that many left now, but you can still spot a flash of ‘vibrant red’ in the main square in Mdina with a few more dotted around the island in St. Julian’s and Sliema. Each box weighs around 750kg; their brass hinges and fittings ensure that they’ve lasted over 80 years.

Malta also has a few red pillar boxes left, where letters have been posted for generations (these were found in almost all the British colonies). The ones in Valletta and Floriana had their royal ciphers etched off in the ‘80s, but the impetus lost steam after that and most others are still intact. You can spot several around the island.

Yellow If you visited Malta before 2011, you’ll remember the yellow buses that criss-crossed the Islands carrying 31 million passengers a year. Their paint jobs were usually pristine, with ornate detailing on the front; the driver’s area was adorned with slogans, religious ornaments, murals and even trimmed curtains. They were iconic alright (many were genuine antiques dating back to the ‘60s or even earlier) but left something to be desired if you were a regular passenger or happened to be driving behind one belching fumes. The yolk-yellow body with an orange stripe was introduced in 1995 – before that, the livery depended on the route.

The new buses aren’t as pretty but they’re probably better for the environment. You can still spot a few of the old classics

IN COLOUR

27

IN COLOUR

being used for vintage tourist tours from Sliema to the Three Cities or from Valletta Waterfront to Floriana; others were retained by their owners, sold overseas to collectors or given to Heritage Malta who are planning a permanent exhibition.

Pink The natural world likes to wear pink in Malta, especially in the spring. Flocks of flamingos will sometimes pass through the islands, resting at BirdLife Malta’s wetland reserve of Għadira or the old saltpans of Salina. Their feathers start out grey but gradually turn a rosy pink thanks to a dye called canthaxanthin in their diet of shrimp and blue-green algae.

The first rains send a rose mist over Maltese countryside as the wildflowers begin to bloom. One of the most gorgeous is the Maltese pyramidal orchid, a rare endemic flower (meaning it grows nowhere else in the world) with delicate petals that range from white with a pink blush to full-on magenta. The Hoary Rock Rose is another flower to look out for; it has four delicate pink-crepe petals around sun-yellow stamens.

Mediterranean Thyme also blooms a hardy chintz-pink on the garrigue, providing honey bees with the pollen to make the famous thyme honey.

Beneath the sea, the nudibranch (a type of seaslug) Flabellina ischitana adds a touch of extra-terrestrial violet-pink to the underwater palette – divers are always thrilled to see one.

吀䠀䄀一䬀 夀伀唀 䘀伀刀 䘀䰀夀䤀一䜀 圀椀琀栀 䄀椀爀 䴀愀氀琀愀 吀栀攀 愀椀爀氀椀渀攀 漀昀 琀栀攀 䴀愀氀琀攀猀攀 䤀猀氀愀渀搀猀

眀眀眀⸀䈀攀琀琀椀渀最䜀漀搀猀⸀挀漀洀

䘀漀漀琀戀愀氀氀 簀 䠀漀爀猀攀 刀愀挀椀渀最 簀 䜀漀氀昀 簀 吀攀渀渀椀猀 簀 䜀爀攀礀栀漀甀渀搀猀

buy.

sell.

rent.

FOR SALE

SLIEMA €950,000

APARTMENT SAPT39504

Ý Brand new Ý 200sqm seafront apartment Ý Kitchen / living / dining leading to a large front terrace with magnificent direct sea views Ý Three double bedrooms Ý Four bathrooms Ý Laundry room Ý Back balcony

FOR SALE

BORMLA €550,000

PALAZZINO PP20142

Ý Semi-converted 17th Century Palazzino in Baroque style Ý Ideal as a Boutique Hotel Ý Features include a central courtyard, Sala Nobile, barrel vaulted high ceilings, birth room, rain water cellar and more Ý Airspace can be built

FOR SALE

ZURRIEQ €375,000

PALAZZO SCPL39804

Ý Unique property dating back to the Knights of Malta Ý Featuring an arched hallway leading to a beautiful courtyard and 10 rooms including a Sala Nobile Ý Enjoying breathtaking views at roof level with potential for pool and garden

consult.

FOR SALE

VALLETTA €300,000

CORNER APARTMENT SAPT38316

Ý Meters away from the heart of Valletta Ý Brand new Ý Corner apartment Ý Fully finished Ý Served with lift

TO LET

SLIEMA €3,500 MONTHLY

APARTMENT PP19443

Ý Highly finished and luxuriously furnished seafront apartment Ý Measuring approximately 224sqm Ý Large open plan kitchen/living/dining area with breathtaking sea views Ý Three massive bedrooms Ý Three bathrooms Ý Study area Ý Utility room Ý One car space included

SALES

48, Erin Serracino Inglott Street, Iklin, Malta ¨ (+356) 2258 4000 ċ (+356) 9999 9983 info@benestates.com

LETTINGS

65, St George's Road, Spinola Bay, St Julian’s, Malta ¨ (+356) 2258 4010 ċ (+356) 9999 9983 benestates.com

29

MEDICAL TOURISIM

High-Flying Dentistry:

Replacing a long-lost tooth with a Dental Implant

Extra-oral before treatment

Intra-oral before treatment

Extra-oral after treatment

Intra-oral after treatment

R

eplacing a long-lost tooth with a more permanent solution is not always an easy task. Teeth like the upper or lower first molar or an upper central or lateral incisor are often missing from a young age. These cases normally arise due to failed root canal treatments, fractures or even trauma caused by a road-traffic accident. The status of the tooth site may vary considerably with the time lapsed to the type of incident causing tooth loss. Other factors such as tooth position as well as dental and oral health, also play an important part.

Taking for example the loss of an upper central incisor, this tooth is often lost at a young age; typically 7-12 years of age. The trauma would more often than not necessitate a root canal treatment.

At the younger end of the spectrum the

root development is often incomplete jeopardising the long-term prognosis of the tooth. When more mature with its root end closed, the prognosis is better.

This tooth however may still not offer a good prognosis. At times the trauma is so extensive that the tooth either falls out of its socket and is lost, or fractures at the mid or apical third of the root and must be removed at once. Soft tissue as well as bone is often lost.

Once the tooth is out, the ageing process starts taking place. The bone surrounding the area does not receive any biting stimulus and so starts resorbing. The gum also recedes and reduces in size. Over the years the area suffers considerable tissue loss resulting in difficulty for the implant surgeon to restore the area to the functional and aesthetic norm.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo Dental & Implant Surgeon E: enquiries@demajodental.com T: +35621344346/+35621344347/+35621240912/+35699822906 W: www.demajodental.com

The best way to replace a tooth with the above history is with a dental implant.

However not until long ago the typical replacement was with a bridge or a denture. Today we know better and try not to involve adjacent teeth like when using a bridge. A denture too remains an undesirable removable prosthesis and where possible, should be eliminated.

The implant carries many advantages.

Besides being an independent structure it also reduces the bone/gingival tissue loss and when done properly facilitates hygiene maintenance. Ask your dentist!

A Case Study (see photos above) A young woman in her late 30s has a history of losing her upper central incisor in her teenage years. She has worn a fixed bridge attached to the one tooth on either side of the missing incisor. Over the years the gum and bone have receded leaving a large space and unaesthetic noticeable defect. She also has a high smile line exposing all the defects in the gum.

Although she knew that a newer bridge would have already improved her smile, she opted for an implant regaining three individual teeth instead of a three-tooth fixed bridge. Bone was harvested from the lower wisdom tooth area and grafted in the area of the long-lost tooth. Four months post-grafting, an implant was placed with some minor additional bone grafting. Once healed she had three new all-ceramic single crowns fit into place.

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32

VALLETTA

Valletta Waterfront: Unlock your senses

T

he historic Valletta Waterfront destination combines food, retail and entertainment outlets within a maritime hub, which for the past years has proved to be a highly popular local destination. The small chapel of the Flight to Egypt by the Holy Family further creates a unique ‘village’ ambience.

An exquisite place at any time of the day relax with a coffee in the morning watching the small boats bobbing along, occasionally the bigger cruise ships with their bustling activity; a bite to eat at lunchtime; or a lovely meal of whatever takes your fancy at sundown, with magnificent views of the historic Grand Harbour.

For those in search of a relaxing time with good food and entertainment, the Valletta Waterfront’s many restaurants and bars present a variety of offerings catering to different tastes, with dining right at the water’s edge. The establishments’ indoor dining areas are situated inside the tastefully refurbished, historical stores, originally constructed by Grand Master Pinto in 1752. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past: blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine.

Browse the shopping outlets for interesting gifts including local trinkets – from ceramics, mouth-blown glass, jewellery, to that book you’ve been meaning to buy and more.

Our little guests can enjoy free children's activities including: balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more, every Saturday evening (from 19.30hrs onwards) and Sunday afternoons (from 12.30hrs onwards).

Getting to Valletta Waterfront • Valletta circular bus (133) from the main bus terminal.

• Valletta Waterfront features on most hop-on hop-off buses’ routes. You will be dropped off a few metres away.

• The Upper Barrakka panoramic lift. It is also possible to combine the ticket for the lift with the ferry crossing across the Grand Harbour to or from The Three Cities.

• Electric cabs are available from just outside Valletta.

• Taxis to the Valletta Waterfront are available to and from your accommodation.

• Parking is also convenient. One may park on the quays starting from €3.00, in the Atrium parking located in the middle of the promenade, or free of charge on the road itself.

• Berthing space for your boat is available at Laguna Marina on request.

For more information visit www.vallettawaterfront.com

33

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.

Global Capital Awards Night Corinthia San Ġorġ, St George’s Bay

SPEAK MALTESE Maltese word:

X’taħdem?

Phonetic sound: 01

Shtah-dem Translation:

02

03

01. Antoinette and Emanuel Munro, Jonathan Fenech, Donatella Fenech Manche 02. Karl Attard, Gail Cassar 03. Reuben Zammit, Donovan Attard, Chris Chetcuti

Supported by: www.ghaqdatalmalti.org

Photos by Elisa Von Brockdorff

Videoslots kicks off 2017 with a bang!

What do you do?/ What’s you job?

It has been nothing but a fantastic start to 2017 for the Videoslots family taking home four prestigious awards. For the second consecutive year, they won "Casino of the Year" by Casinomeister, followed by "Slots Operator of the Year" at the International Gaming Awards (IGA) in London. This year, they also succeeded in winning awards for "Best Casino Manager" and "Best Casino Experience" by Casinomeister. 2017 is looking bright and we cannot wait to see what comes next!

want to learn maltese?

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

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

34

EVENTS

EVENTS THIS MONTH Until 3rd March

VENUS IN FUR M Space Venus in Fur, by renowned playwright David Ives, is a provocatively sexy show in which a young actress is determined to land the lead in a new play based on the classic erotic novel Venus in Fur. During her audition, she gets caught up in an electrifying game of cat and mouse with the director, blurring the line between fantasy and reality and testing the boundaries between dominance and submission. Venus in Fur is directed by Michael Mangion and stars Jo Caruana and Thomas Camilleri. www.masquerademalta.com

Until 2nd April

GAULITANA FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

Gozo Madama Butterfly will be the highlight of the 11th edition of the Gaulitana: A Festival of Music. The full scale production of Puccini’s masterpiece, will present Malta’s internationally acclaimed soprano Miriam Gauci in the lead role.

Colin Attard will direct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir. The opera night will be part of OPERA Weekend – an intensive programme of musical events concluding the festival - a feast for travellers who wish to combine their passion for music with a tranquil stay in a Mediterranean setting. www.gaulitanus.com

2nd, 4th, 6th March

5th March

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

VODAFONE MALTA MARATHON

Manoel Theatre, Valletta Teatru Manoel presents a brand new production of Mozart's comic opera. What we watch is how the revolutionary co-operation of the women across class boundaries leads to the triumph of love, acceptance and a tentative harmony as a new European order is built. Cherubino, a teenager caught up in the heady political madness, becomes an emblem of the new citizenry as he endlessly cross-dresses in pursuit of new and more fluid identities. Barriers are broken, structures soften and the inflexible bends. This production of Le Nozze di Figaro will bring to life all of the charm, humanity and wit of Mozart and da Ponte's classic while restoring the satirical bite and political edge of Beaumarchais' original play, in a contemporary context. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

Malta The Vodafone Malta Marathon sees some 4,000 participants taking part in either the full or half-run Marathon. Both races start from Mdina and wind through the country roads as well as through towns to reach the Finish Line at the ‘Sliema Strand’.

A third race category is the Endo Walkathon (21.097km) which is a walk-jog-run-race. www.maltamarathon.com

11th March

Beethoven Eroica

Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

BEETHOVEN

EROICA

This March, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be representing Malta at two Austrian concert halls, including Vienna’s prestigious Musikverein, home of the renowned Vienna New Year’s Concert. The same programme, directed by MPO Principal Conductor Brian Schembri, will be performed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on 11 March.The overture to Maltese composer Nicolas Isouard’s opera Joconde, edited by Richard Divall, will open these concerts. Renowned soloists Jiman Wee and Kirill Rodin will then join the orchestra for a performance of Brahms’ Double Concerto. The programme comes to an end with Beethoven’s epic Third Symphony, the "Eroica".

Bookings can be made through www.mcc.com.mt. www.maltaorchestra.com

35

EVENTS

5th, 12th, 19th March

18th March

IN GUARDIA PARADE

DARK SIDE OVER GOZO

23rd TILL 26th March

Fort St Elmo, Valletta

Aurora Opera House, Gozo

Manoel Theatre

The In Guardia Parade is a re-enactment that portrays an authentic event that took place regularly inside Malta's major fortifications of the Order of St John. The re-enactment portrays the inspection of the fort and its garrison by the Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St John in charge of military affairs. During the re-enactment, of the fort's garrison - some 50 re-enactors in all, kitted-out in their uniforms perform their military drill to demonstrate to the Grand Bailiff its state of readiness. www.heritagemalta.org

A Rock Orchestral Concert with a tribute to Pink Floyd and the participation of the Cash & Band, The Gozo Youth Orchestra as well as the Schola Cantorum Jubilate.

All proceeds will be in aid of Puttinu Cares and Arka Respite Centre. www.teatruaurora.com

MADC presents Oliver Goldsmith's farcical comedy based on two incidents creating a complicated and convoluted plot through miscommunication and mistaken identities whilst also exploring a series of ethical and aesthetic issues. www.teatruaurora.com

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER

36

EVENTS

24th, 25th March

31st March

31st March

MALTA ROBOTICS OLYMPIAD

EVITA

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

AFM BAND CONCERTO

St George’s Square, Valletta

Manoel Theatre, Valletta

The Changing of the Guard Ceremony commences with the AFM Band marching down Republic Street onto St George’s Square Valletta. Here, the new guard marches out from the Main Guard in order to replace the old guard which marches out from The Palace Valletta. Following the exchange of ‘duties’ the AFM Band conducts a marching display in the same square. www.cityofvalletta.org

The Armed Forces of Malta Band will play varied music ranging from Classical, semi-classical, to pop music. Renowned guest singers will accompany the Band throughout the performance. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre This activity aims to bring young people together to develop their creativity and problem solving skills through challenging and educational robotics challenges. www.mfcc.com.mt

Astra Theatre La Stella Band Club and the Astra Theatre will be organising Evita - Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical - on Friday, 31 March 2017 at the Astra Theatre in Gozo. Filled with memorable tunes such as Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Oh Hat A Circus, The Rainbow Tour and of course Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Productions of Evita have been performed all over the world, including performances in Austria, Spain, Mexico and South Africa. And now, for the first time - Evita comes to Gozo! www.teatruastra.org.mt

31st March

12TH TILL 30TH APRIL

The Malta International Music Festival Valletta

The Malta International Music Festival 2017 held in Valletta between 12-30 April will present an extraordinary line-up of top notch acclaimed classical music stars, including living legendary pianist Grigory Sokolov and Jan Lisiecki - Deutsche Grammophon Artist signed at 15. The festival presents a vast programme of spectacular concerts, also featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

More info on www.maltafest.eu

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 in our Islands, and taking home something truly Maltese.

Welcome to Malta

Charmingly Local

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

Kinnie, Malta’s own favourite soft drink, is a unique-tasting bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring and aromatic herbs. Kinnie is best enjoyed ‘neat’, with a slice of orange and lots of ice. Highly refreshing, it is also an excellent mixer and goes well with a number of alcoholic drinks and a variety of cocktails.

At the very base of this tradition are its long-established 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, bottom-fermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character. Its rich hop aroma and pleasant bitterness, combined with a mild astringency, make it an outstanding thirst-quencher. 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

These distinctive characteristics have made Kinnie Malta’s own favourite soft drink, loved by the local population and tourists alike ever since it was launched locally in 1952.

Over the years, in keeping with evolving trends in lifestyles and health awareness, a zero-calorie version, Diet Kinnie, was introduced. Other variants in the Kinnie portfolio today include Kinnie Zest – a sugar-free variant with an added touch of orange flavour, and, more recently, Kinnie Vita, a mid-calorie beverage which uses only natural sweeteners and contains just half the sugar and calories of a regular soft drink.

The Kinnie range is now available online at www.amazon.co.uk with free home delivery being offered to UK residents. Never has ordering Kinnie been more convenient and user friendly, so place your order now for Malta’s very own favourite soft drink!

Go on – Have a Kinnie! www.kinnie.com

39

HISTORY

Red Ahead WORDS BY Helen Raine

St Agatha's Tower, also known as the Red Tower was built in 1649 and was manned during both World Wars.

W

hen Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar commissioned a defensive tower for the North of Malta in the late 1640s, he was thinking about the imminent threat from Turkish Ottoman invaders. Not a man to do things by half, he constructed the Red Tower, an edifice so solid that not only did it see off the Ottoman danger, but 350 years and many wars later, it still stands sentinel over Mellieħa Bay. The project wasn’t universally popular. Other Grand Masters from the Knights of St. John had funded tower building themselves, but Lascaris, a Frenchman, levied taxes on the Maltese to pay for the Red Tower despite the spectre of famine hanging over the country. Interestingly the expression ‘wiċċ Laskri’ is still used to describe a person with a sour expression to this day. He also banned women from taking part in carnivals, which didn’t improve his rating amongst the locals. Nonetheless, during his long reign he managed to impose military order in Malta, and that, combined with his towers, helped the Knights and the local people to fight off invaders.

The Grand Master picked a great location for his Tower, high on the Marfa Ridge in the north-west of Malta. From there, the four cannons could reach the natural harbour of Mellieħa Bay; that was important because Għadira Beach was the perfect landing

spot for novice invaders. In addition, the tower has unobstructed views all the way to Comino and Gozo, then back along the line of towers that run to the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. In the event of an attack, cannons would be fired or warning fires would be lit on the roofs of the towers.

The Red Tower became the key stronghold in the North and author Stanley Farrugia says that the Knights manned it, during time of high alert, with around "30 men and enough ammunition and supplies to withstand a siege of 40 days" from the Turks, pirates or the Barbary Corsairs from North Africa, who had previously stolen crops and water as well as people. 400 extra muskets were also kept in reserve for the Tower.

The colour of the tower is something of a mystery. Historian Stephen Degiorgio doubts that the Tower was ever painted red when first built. Instead, he suggests that when the government leased the tower to Lord Farrington in 1956, he gave it a coat of red-wash to match its name (old maps show it as La Torre Rossa Torri L-Aħmar in Maltese - perhaps due to the reddish soil in the area). Whatever the truth, keeping it red is now quite a challenge as the colour fades quickly in the hot Maltese sun.

The Tower’s alternative name, Torri ta' Sant'Agata, comes from a chapel dedicated to this long-suffering saint who was born in

40

nearby Catania. A plaque to her says, "To those who wage war, I the Martyr Agatha, with breasts removed stand here. A fearless Tower faithful and a threat to my enemies well known throughout the world. Under the auspices of GM PauI Lascaris Castellar, Fra Balthassaris de Mandolx and the jurats of the commune Vincentio Casteletta, Gregorio Mamo and Marco Cassar in the year 1649".

Agatha was tortured and imprisoned by the Roman Prefect Quintianus after she spurned his affections.

The Tower had various defensive features. Where the stairs are now, there used to be a drawbridge over a dry moat. There are four corner towers with ports in the turrets for cannons which, along with the Comino Tower, could cover Mellieħa Bay. The walls were built to withstand attack and are 4m thick with small windows. The corner turrets have interesting fishtail crenellations. The Red Tower was the sixth, largest Lascaris Tower and the final large bastioned tower to be built in Malta. The others included Ta’ Lippija (Ġnejna Bay), Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, Ta’ Xutu Tower (Wied iż-Żurrieq) and Nadur Tower.

Water was always an issue in a siege as well as during everyday use so the tower has a cistern under it fed by pipes from the roof; in the time of the Knights, it was accessible via a floor slab inside the room. The Tower is surrounded by an 18th Century ‘redan trace’ – star shaped walls which offer additional defence.

The Tower must have acted as a good deterrent as neither the Turks nor the Corsairs ever attacked it whilst the knights were in

HISTORY

power. However, in 1798, under the command of French Knight, St Simon, it did surrender to the Napoleonic army. Three months later, a band of Maltese insurgents retook the Tower.

It remained a critical part of Malta’s defense through two 20th Century World Wars, acting as HQ for E Company, 1st Battalion of the King’s Own Malta Regiment in WW2. Germany and her allies had drawn up detailed plans for the invasion of Malta and although these never came to pass, the island was prepared. The base for a WW2 machine gun remains in at the window in the inner vault and iron rungs were provided for soldiers to climb to the roof as the stone staircase had collapsed. After the war, the tower became a radar station for the Armed Forces of Malta. After so many years of service, it now stands quietly over the beautiful BirdLife Malta Għadira Nature Reserve.

In 2000, local NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa began a much needed restoration project of the tower. With funding from M. Demajo Group, Playmobil and Toly Products, they fixed the destroyed or damaged turrets, uncovering the original floor, rebuilding the roof and walls, and constructing the spiral staircase. In 2014, they installed two genuine 17 th century cannon. The tower is open to the public (see dinlarthelwa.org for opening times). It’s a wonderful, atmospheric place for children to play make-believe in. For adults, the roof has a sublime view over Malta, Gozo and Comino where you can imagine warning beacons burning in an urgent chain from Gozo all the way to Valletta as invaders sail into the bay.

42

INSERT TEXT HERE

London calling A

visit to London can be compared to a world tour; yet still reflects traditional life in Britain. London is home to people from all corners of the world. It has something for everyone: interesting old buildings, beautiful parks and gardens, some of the finest museums and monuments in the world, a fine range of sporting and recreational facilities, and some of the best theatres and opera houses in the world.

Then there are the crowded popular shopping streets with all the famous shops, royal palaces, traditional pubs, one of the largest zoos, and last but not least, the Old Docklands, bringing memories of the past distant oceans amid the once-grimy alleys, which have undergone dramatic changes while retaining all the past which echoes as you wander the streets.

London’s atmosphere is diverse. Every part of the city has its own specific, distinct atmosphere. The city’s background or history explains this phenomenon. London developed slowly, spreading outwards as numerous small towns and villages merged together.

The diversity still exists, thanks to this historical background.

WORDS SUBMITTED BY Air Malta

There is Westminster, with its Government buildings of Whitehall and the Houses of Parliament; the colourful West End, a magnet for shoppers and entertainment seekers; elegant Mayfair for the well-off; lively Chelsea for the young and artistic; seedy Soho with its night-life and dubs; and the City, the financial heart of the nation. Fashionable Kensington with its famous museums; Harrods with its renowned shopping; aristocratic Belgravia; intellectual Bloomsbury, home to London University and the British Museum; Holborn and its law courts and, last but not least, the poor quarters of the East End with their colourful street markets - all together they make London the city of great contrast and variety.

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life," is the popular saying generally uttered and referred to London.

The weather is not as bad as its reputation. The annual mean temperature is 9°C, with no great variations. In summer the average temperature is between 16 and 17°C and in winter between 2 and 4°C. The city’s population is around seven million, explaining why it is one of the largest cities in the world. But the

43

TRAVEL

City of London is often referred to as the square mile, and only covers approximately 5,000 inhabitants.

London is home to evening entertainment, with music lovers particularly well catered for. Soho is the area of strip clubs, with renowned clubs like Raymond Revue in Brewer Street probably the best known, but there are plenty of other pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts there are rowing boats in Hyde Park or Regents Park, and horse riding in Richmond Park. Canal trips are pleasant, especially along Regents Canal. Or why not take a night cruise on the Thames?

Shopping is a must in London; no one can miss this shopping mecca, particularly Oxford Street, the city’s busiest and most popular street extending as far as Tottenham Court Road. The department stores, fashion shops and stores will keep anyone busy and amazed at the fantastic bargains.

Transport is essential to the operation of a city such as London.

The British capital has one of the most extensive urban railway systems in the world; in addition to the underground railway there is a network of suburban railways covering London and the surrounding region. For efficiency rather than sightseeing most travel is done by underground rail, although there is also considerable commuting by car, particularly in the outer boroughs. London has about 19,000 licensed taxis.

Railway services from London to Paris or Brussels through the Channel Tunnel run from Waterloo Station.

London is definitely the capital city not to be missed by anyone who enjoys life.

Air Malta operates an extensive schedule of flights and is the largest operator to the city with a selection of 22 weekly flights to/from two airports (London Heathrow and Gatwick), in peak summer. More information on www.airmalta.com.

The Concessionaire for the Malta Individual Investor Programme In recent years the need to develop a diverse citizenship portfolio alongside the traditional investment portfolio has been seen as an increasingly important part of the growth and sustainability strategies of wealthy families and individuals. This has posed interesting new challenges and opportunities for governments, with the concepts of immigration, citizenship and statehood being debated and contested.

Countries are finding themselves not only competing for international talent, but also for investors, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals and families, and having to find new ways of generating growth based on this new trend of investor migration.

Henley & Partners was the first firm to specialize in global citizenship and residence planning, at a time when most international lawyers and wealth management professionals did not consider it to be of much relevance. The leading global citizenship advisory firm has also worked closely with different governments on the design, set-up and operation of many of the world’s most successful residence and citizenship programs. To date, it has raised more than USD 6 billion in foreign direct investment.

The purpose of citizenship-by-investment programs is to enable individuals to naturalize and acquire full legal citizenship status by making an exceptional economic contribution to another country.

Most of the programs are structured to ensure that the investment contributes to the welfare, advancement and economic development of the country offering such a program. In the European Union (EU) alone, about half of the member states including Portugal, the UK and Belgium now have dedicated residence-by-investment programs, many of them created since the 2008 financial crisis. At the same time, the increase in popularity of citizenship-by-investment programs in the Caribbean and more recently in Europe, with Malta and Cyprus, has generated a broader and growing supply of available destinations.

Secured by the Government of Malta, under a Public Services Concession, Henley & Partners was chosen as the Concessionaire for the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) in 2014. The MIIP is ranked worldwide as the top citizenship-by-investment program in the Global Residence and Citizenship Programs 2016 index published by Henley & Partners. The index considers a broad range of factors such as immigration law, tax and quality of living, as well as transparency, risk and compliance issues, from multiple sources. On almost all the benchmarks, MIIP comes out head and shoulders above the rest.

Critically, MIIP gives you citizenship in a well-respected and stable country within the EU, and the right of settlement in 32 European countries including the 28 EU member countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Luxembourg. The investment amount is reasonable and the application process is efficient. The MIIP has the world’s strictest and most advanced due diligence processes and standards, ensuring only the very best applicants are admitted.

Besides these key advantages, the tiny island nation also offers its citizens a certain rare beauty and distinctive cultural heritage.

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the humble archipelago has a history that dates as far back as 5,000 BC when the inhabitants of neighboring Sicily crossed the waters to settle there.

They built infrastructure unlike anywhere else, and these buildings still exist today as the oldest megalithic structures known to man. In fact, Malta’s capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Malta also boasts an excellent reputation, developing an effective business infrastructure over the past 15 years and positioning itself as an international business hub. Since the island nation joined the EU in 2004, its financial industry has experienced constant growth, offering a number of key advantages for business people. From a tax perspective, Malta places one of the lowest tax burdens on its residents, with the system combining corporate taxation with favorable tax credit incentives.

The Malta Individual Investor Programme is currently capped at 1,800 applicants, making it the most exclusive such program in the world. It is also widely considered to be the most successful program, already securing significant new capital for the country within the first two years of operation. All individuals and families applying for the citizenship-byinvestment program are expected to make a contribution to the country’s National Development and Social Fund. There is also a requirement to maintain a residence in Malta, either purchased or rented.

In return, investors enjoy the benefits of full citizenship of Malta and access to the EU. Further attractions include the safe environment, world-class childcare and medical facilities, and an attractive tax regime. Residential settlement is focused on the two largest islands in the archipelago, Malta and Gozo.

The Mediterranean archipelago holds the 9th highest ranking on the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index 2016 with visa-free access to 168 countries around the world. It also placed 22nd on The Henley & Partners – Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index, with

excellent scores in terms of Human Development, Travel Freedom, Settlement Freedom, and Stability and Peace.

The human race is more interdependent and mobile than at any other time in our history. As a result, the concepts of borders and belonging are constantly being challenged, with governments worldwide looking for new and innovative ways to attract top international talent, wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and high net worth individuals and their families to their shores.

By all accounts, citizenship-by-investment programs provide a mutually beneficial solution that meets both the needs of governments and a growing movement of global citizens. By offering greater choice, opportunity, freedom and security to these talented and wealthy individuals, governments secure much-needed foreign investment which helps drive economic growth and enrich their own citizenry by attracting people with proven business success, valuable networks and interesting personal experiences.

Henley & Partners pioneered the investment migration industry and over the past 20 years has offered the best citizenship and residence solutions to individuals and their families who do not want to be limited by their country of birth. Expert Stuart MacFeeters is located at the Henley & Partners Malta office and is available for consultation.

Key contact Stuart MacFeeters IMCM Henley & Partners Malta Aragon House, Dragonara Road, St. Julian’s STJ 3140 T +356 2138 7400 malta@henleyglobal.com

46

ART

The Image of a Place: Victor Pasmore and Malta WORDS BY Giulia Privitelli

"I am the earth on which I stand; the spark which fires its dust and sand.

I am the star and I am the sky and I am the water when I die."

Victor Pasmore (excerpt from) Images of the World 1975

I

t is an ambitious task, to say the least, to set up an exhibition with artefacts, items and works of art which collectively reflect the rich cultural diversity of the Maltese Islands and its inhabitants. The complex history (and prehistory) of the islands, morphed continuously by an indefinite count of individuals and groups migrating and setting up camp on the islands, does not help to make the notion of Maltese cultural identity any less complicated to define. And yet, among the most iconic images, or rather symbols, which are incessantly branded as Maltese – the megalithic temples or the eightpointed cross, for example – are, in truth, not intrinsically ‘Maltese’ but have been appropriated from a foreign culture or social class. Nonetheless, it is practically impossible to think of them without also thinking of Malta.

Place is, therefore, essential to consider the complexity of a culture since it is, almost literally, the melting pot into which this terrific concoction of various identities is poured.

As a visual complement to the six-month focus on Malta celebrating its year of the presidency of the Council of the European Parliament, BOZAR fine art centre in Brussels, Belgium, has opened its exhibition rooms to present the culturallydiverse Maltese identity as a product of the dynamic relationship between ‘Land’ and ‘Sea’. All of the works on display are on loan from several different state and private art collections, both local and not. Two of these, Linear Symphony No.3 and The Eye and the Symbol, are abstract paintings by the British artist, Victor Pasmore (1908-1998), which were borrowed from the collection on display at the Victor Pasmore Gallery in Valletta. For a good thirty years, from 1966 up until his death, Victor Pasmore lived in a farmhouse on the outskirts of the quaint Maltese village of Gudja, together with his wife Wendy.

Although, at first, seemingly strange, the selection of these two twentieth-century works, coupled with the decision to display them alongside a number of prehistoric artefacts unearthed from archaeological sites around the Maltese islands, quite aptly

demonstrates the span and type of cultural influx entering into Maltese territory across the ages: from the very beginning of civilisation up to modernity.

Even though Pasmore actively sought to move away from referencing "visual, optical scenery" through his work, no matter how much he deemed it beautiful (which he did), he could not bring himself to abandon the effects of nature and his surroundings. If anything, the manner in which nature operates lies at the core of his creations – a manner which, in essence, is retained over time, but which still allows each creation to be visually distinguishable. It comes less as a coincidence, therefore, to note some degree of aesthetic similarity between the engraved lines of Pasmore’s work and those present on the forms of the prehistoric figurines, both of which are independent of each other. Pasmore too, admitted that his experience on the island brought him in much closer proximity to a Neolithic past, to the great forms of the megalithic stones which, inadvertently

For more information about the gallery, lecture programme, workshops and other related activities, kindly visit www. victorpasmoregallery.com or get in touch with us via email on info@victorpasmoregallery.com or landline on +356 2250 3360.

47

ART

perhaps, seem to have seeped into his mindset and artistic development.

The idea of ‘Land’ and ‘Sea’ goes beyond what is merely seen, experienced and interpreted at a particular moment, which in itself is forever changing.

Likewise, the collective cultural identity of a nation, although dependent upon it, ultimately transcends time, but still remains connected to the place which allowed it to be expressed. It is this timeless creative spirit which beats throughout the clustered exhibits in the Malta: Land of Sea exhibition.

And the clusters, the multiplicity of unrelated objects are indeed, necessary for the exhibition to live up to its name.

Otherwise, if the works were to be seen alone, as "independent objects" in some sort of time capsule, they could not truly be termed ‘Maltese’ or, at least, impart any notion of what it is to be ‘Maltese.’

A selection of Victor Pasmore’s creations, including drawings, reliefs, acrylic, oil and spray paintings, constructions and

Delight your palate and ears Immerse yourself in our fine dining experience while tapping your feet to the smooth sounds of live jazz playing every night.

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composite works can be viewed in the Victor Pasmore Gallery which is open to the public between Monday and Friday, 11.00am-3.00pm. Entrance is free of charge and gallery talks are provided daily at 1.00pm. On the occasion of World Poetry Day on Tuesday 21st March 2017, a public talk on Victor Pasmore’s poetry will be delivered by Dr Giuliana Fenech within the gallery at 6.30pm. Admission is also, free of charge. The gallery is located just five minutes away from the Valletta main bus terminus, next door to the annex of the Central Bank of Malta.

The Victor Pasmore Gallery is currently managed by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Malta, with the intention of bringing to light the importance of Pasmore and the Maltese modern art movement. Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to spread awareness on the islands’ extensive heritage, both locally and internationally, through museums, exhibitions and publications.

48

FOODIES

SERIOUS EATS They say that the best way to discover a country is through its food. We took a tour of the Islands and their top eateries and here are our favourites.

Mediterranean Cuisine

"Ravjul Stil Antik", Ta’ Marija Style

Giuseppi's, Salina Bay, Salina

Ta' Marija, Mosta

Giuseppi's, a long established favourite in Malta, with over 40 years’ experience, has recently moved to their brand new, 'hamptonesque' premises on the beautiful Maltese coast road. Sea views, fresh white wood panelling, large terraces and luxurious furnishings are all accompanied by exquisite dishes crafted by Chef Patron Michael Diacono. The à la carte menu changes daily according to seasonal fare available, and includes firm favourites such as rabbit simmered in port and chocolate and meagre cooked in a lemon and thyme butter. A favourite among locals.

T: +356 2157 4882 W: www.giuseppisrestaurant.com

One of Ta' Marija Restaurants's signature dishes, these ravioli have over the years, become world famous following a recipe being handed down to the Muscat family from generations to the present day. These home-made delicacies come in various forms and fillings, with the most popular being filled with ricotta with a tomato and basil sauce. Other varieties that one can savour at Ta' Marija Restaurant in Mosta include Gorgonzola filling with a creamy mushroom and truffle oil sauce, rabbit meat filling with sage butter and roasted walnuts, and for the seafood lovers, a lobster filled variety with a creamy fresh prawn and asparagus sauce.

W: www.tamarija.com

Genuine Italian restaurant with a twist Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Gozo Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is at the crossroads of culinary experiences by taking inspiration from the local products. The savoir faire of the chefs has created this unique dish - combining cured mackerel, fermented cucumber and spirulina with umami powder. The complexity of sea flavours in all its beauty.

T: +356 2211 0000 W: www.kempinski.com/gozo

49

FOODIES

Stylish dining in the North!

A De Mondion EXPERIENCE

Create Your Own Meal

one80, Mellieħa

Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Mdina

Brass&Knuckle, Naxxar

Situated on the way down from Mellieha centre to Mellieha Bay, one80 enjoys 180-degrees of stunning views, stretching from the majestic parish church perched on the top of the hill, down to the lush greenery of ‘Wied ta’ Ruman’, and onto the largest sandy beach of the island, Mellieha Bay. one80 is a food and drink destination for lunch or a complete night out. You may visit the lounge area for lighter snacks, cool cocktails and drinks.

T: +356 2152 1637 E: one80@foodrinksconcepts.com W: www.one80.com.mt

Set atop Mdina's centuries-old bastions, within The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, 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.

Both the delicatessen and butcher shop at Brass&Knuckle are complemented with a kitchen where one is able to either make their selection from an array of fine European cheeses and charcuterie to create a platter, or visit the meat counter which offers a selection of fine cuts including Wagyu-Kobe beef that may be ordered to take away or grilled according to taste and enjoyed at the restaurant.

T: +356 2722 2722 W: www.brassandknuckle.com

With an exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalizing dishes, the award winning kitchen brigade ably lead by talented Chef de Cuisine Kevin Bonello have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele.

T: +356 2145 0560 W: www.demondion.com

DRAGONARA CASINO, ST. JULIAN’S, MALTA. OPEN 24 HOURS. FOR FREE TRANSPORT KINDLY CALL: (+356) 20921000 Entry Requirements: Maltese must be over 25 years old. Foreign nationals must be over 18 years old to enter the casino and proof of ID/Passport will be required on first visit.

52

A guide to the little

Maltese Islands dwejra

ghasri

gharb

zebbug

marsalforn

san lawrenz

xaghra

xlendi

victoria kercem

xewkija

nadur ghajnsielem

munxar sannat

mgarr

qala

comino

cirkewwa

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mellieha

qawra

xemxija st paul’s bay

bugibba

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naxxar

gnejna mosta

attard

san gwa

mdina

birki

qormi rabat dingli qrendi

zurrieq

filfla

Hey friend.

This is a nice map, isn’t it?

St George's Bay, St Julian’s Open 24/7. For info and Free transportation please call (+356) 2371 0555 www.casinomalta.com.mt

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Valletta

msida

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the three cities tarxien

marsa

marsascala zejtun

luqa

marsaxlokk

birzebbuga

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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, Mellieħa 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.

Discovering malta & gozo

55

The Three Cities MAlta Birgu, Bormla and Isla are collectively known as the Three Cities. These cities had their names changed by the Knights of Malta and are, today, known as Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea respectively.

Despite their picturesque winding streets, and impressive harbour views, the Three Cities are surprisingly off the tourist radar and offer visitors an authentic opportunity to soak up local life.

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.

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 neo-classical and modern architecture and has been declared Europe’s Capital of Culture 2018.

56

Discovering malta & gozo

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.

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.

mosta dome malta 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.

Ċittadella GOZO Also known as the Citadel, this small, fortified, recently restored 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.

Discovering malta & gozo

57

blue lagoon and santa maria bay comino Take a short boat ride to Malta’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 throughout the year, weather permitting.

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.

ACHIEVING MILESTONES BY SHAPING A POSITIVE CORPORATE CULTURE Your

company’s

culture

and

environment

have

a

As we look for the common denominator of successful

strong effect on how well the company performs.

companies, a culture-shaping strategy is always a key

The company culture directly influences employees’

factor. The workplace should not be something that people

attitudes and practices every day. It evolves with or

dread every day. Employees should look forward to going

without active effort on your part; hence, it is best to

to their jobs. Jobs shouldn’t provoke stress in employees.

determine the qualities you wish to instill in your work

While the work may be difficult, the culture shouldn’t

environment based on your vision for the company.

add to the stress of work. On the contrary, the culture should be designed to alleviate the work related stress.

Studies

prove

that

the

majority

of

employees

in

a company tend to adopt the same characteristics

This is why culture matters. Culture sustains employee

and

enthusiasm. That is what we work hard on at Tipico.

styles.

Influence

comes

instinctively

when

spending the majority of the day with your co-workers.

Dissatisfied and discouraged employees will be disinclined

We

try

to

embrace

experience

amongst

creating

fun

a

collaborative

employees and

and

exciting

and

enjoyable

partners

by

experiences.

for optimal productivity. This is bad for both employers and employees. Disengaged employees may show up to

Strategies are easy to draft but not as easy to implement.

work but they lack the enthusiasm and energy necessary

Having a total of approximately 500 global employees, this is

to thrive. Furthermore, such employees are pervasive yet

a regular challenge to rise to. A healthy degree of optimism,

not actively disengaged, which can be especially harmful

self-confidence and openness, along with an adventurous

to a company. Nevertheless, it is this lack of engagement

spirit, turn challenges into opportunities. We believe that

that really hinders organisations. It also impacts the ability

these are the fundamental characteristics of excellence.

for employees to thrive. Without thriving employees, companies cannot bring about the innovation and creative problem solving required in today’s competitive world.

While the work may be difficult, the culture shouldn’t add to the stress of work.

Fraud and Payments Analyst

We believe that embracing diversity is the ability to truly connect and collaborate with others while solving the most challenging problems.

German Speaking

Department: Customer Operations Location: St. Julians, Malta

Challenges are even more puzzling when having over 30 nationals in a single workplace of just over 200 employees; this is the setting of the office in Malta. One critical piece of the puzzle is frequently titled as diversity. As much as we have learned the importance of diversity in the workplace, it is often focused on gender, race and ethnicity. Taught diversity is subtler but just as important. We believe that embracing diversity is the

BI Functional Analyst & Product Manager Department: ProTech Location: St. Julians, Malta

ability to truly connect and collaborate with others while solving the most challenging problems. Diversity at work is vital as it enables out-of-the-box thinking to bring about creative solutions to 21st century challenges. When people are actively encouraged to present different perspectives and ideas to challenge assumptions and the status

Corporate AML Officer German Speaking

quo, one will see new insights, innovation, collaboration and the very best of teamwork.

Department: Customer Operations

Much as the influence of employees, culture is also influenced by the founders,

Location: St. Julians, Malta

executives

and

decisions

and

entrepreneur

other

managerial

give

strategic

a

remarkable

and

staff

in

their

role

direction.

David

leader

corporate

in

Novak,

to

make

a

very

culture,

effective successful

once

said

‘Every

leader cast a show, so be aware of the fact that people do what you do’.

At Tipico, we have identified a number of mechanisms that help us create the condition

Bookmaking Risk Analyst German Speaking

Department: Customer Operations Location: St. Julians, Malta

for thriving employees. We believe in a transparent and innovative culture that awards intelligence and courage in an environment where team effort and passion excel.

These

principals

help

knowledgeable,

Thriving

should quo,

employees

to

comfortable

employees

difference,

our

need

directly

to

feel

influencing

feel

free

to

speak

while

they

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able

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their

the

company’s

even

continue

empowered,

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contribution

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results.

they

making

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self-aware.

Department: ProTech

a

Location: St. Julians, Malta

positive

Furthermore,

disagree growing

with in

they

the

status

their

career.

A thriving workplace is one where both organisations and their employees take responsibility. and

retain

This top

partnership

talent

with

is

mutually

increasing

beneficial.

profitability,

Companies

while

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employees

Frontend Developer

are

attract

Senior Full Stack Developer Department: ProTech Location: St. Julians, Malta

more

satisfied, encouraged and inclined to be optimally productive. A thriving workplace is always a win-win and this is how we continuously aim to keep it at Tipico.

Find out more about working for Tipico at

www.tipico-careers.com

60

HOBBIES

Video Games From The 90s That All Maltese Kids Loved WORDS BY David Grech Urpani at Lovin Malta

All aboard the nostalgia train.

N

o matter whether you continued to play games well into your 20s or have since moved on, these 11 games will have every Maltese 90s kid holding back tears of nostalgia.

Even if every video game here is sure to resonate with millions of people worldwide, there's just something about these series that really managed to hit home.

1. Tekken 3

intricate history at school, Age of Empires was the perfect game to play when you got back home. Many a long night would be spent trying to recreate the Grand Harbour in the game, and there was always that one kid at school who somehow claimed he had managed to recreate the entire island. You can only imagine (or remember) how amazing it was when the third Age of Empires game actually featured The Order of St John and a ship called the St Elmo.

Even if fighting games are not your cup of tea, it's downright impossible to find even a former casual gamer who not only hasn't heard of the game series, but also hasn't frustratingly played a couple of rounds.

4. The Sims

We're not sure what about Tekken resonated with the Maltese kids of the 90s, but we're willing to bet it had something to do with our short tempers, and a random breakdancing figure called Eddy.

Back in the day though, The Sims was one of those games that came with its own baggage. You were either a girl who proudly claimed that this is the one game you played, or you were a guy who secretly played it at home...and loved every second of it. Thankfully, those days are behind us, and everyone is now free to get excited over The Sims 4.

2. Crash Bandicoot Back when the Forestals branch on the GĹźira waterfront was teeming with people trying out the new, grey circular console that was the Playstation One, most of the attention was given to this gem of a 3D game.

It featured a cheeky bandicoot jumping around a paradise island.

Which felt uncannily familiar to a lot of Maltese players.

3. Age of Empires 2 Back in the day, if your parents didn't let you play fighting games (a fact which you quickly rebranded as you "not really liking the genre"), strategy games became your jam. And if you were one of those kids who loved learning about the Great Siege and Malta's

Two decades ago, video-game-related gender stereotypes were still very much a thing. Nowadays, female gamers around the world play anything and everything from racing games to shoot 'em ups.

5. Prince of Persia Everyone had at least one Prince of Persia they fell in love with. For many, it was the second version.

By the time the game delved into 3D, most of the series' original fans had grown up, but some continue to relive their favourite hero's adventures to this day.

6. Super Mario This one's borderline ritualistic. Super Mario deserves a spot on the list for how much it not only managed to connect friends,

Lovin Malta is an online publication celebrating the island of Malta – its people, events, culture and news. It is the go-to source for a taste of real life in Malta. Visit: lovinmalta.com

HOBBIES

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but also families. If you grew up in the 90s, chances are that you had at least one older family member who remembered the earlier Super Mario games and could not only relate to your newfound love for the Italian plumber, but also share in the excitement of a new game.

Also, the 1988 Super Mario Bros 3 was one of the first forays into the gaming world that most Maltese 90s kids got.

7. Time Crisis Even if this 1995 game did eventually make it to consoles like the PlayStation, most of the time, it was the arcade version that 90s Maltese kids got to challenge each other with.

The games rooms of Valletta and Paceville would always have one of these at hand, and this is where all those 10c coins of the land were lost.

8. Final Fantasy 7 & 8 The issue here is not whether Maltese 90s kids played Final Fantasy or not. The issue is which they prefer between the amazing story and relatable characters of 7 or the impressive visuals and music of 8.

The decision struggle is real.

9. Grand Theft Auto In the late 90s, there was one main way of trying to impress your church school schoolmates, and that was playing games that weren't meant for children. For maximum effect, most of us probably went for Grand Theft Auto.

吀䠀䄀一䬀 夀伀唀 䘀伀刀 䘀䰀夀䤀一䜀

圀椀琀栀

䄀椀爀 䴀愀氀琀愀 吀栀攀 愀椀爀氀椀渀攀 漀昀 琀栀攀 䴀愀氀琀攀猀攀 䤀猀氀愀渀搀猀

A far cry from this decade's newer, extremely visual versions of the series, GTA was still one of those games that made you feel a little guilty for actually playing.

10. Lemmings This is a video game that will have everyone over the age of 20 reminiscing of the good old days. With its very simple but devilishly smart concept, Lemmings got a lot of different generations hooked on beating the somewhat short (but extremely numerous) levels.

For many Maltese kids growing up in the 90s, this wasn't just a video game; this was family bonding.

11. Pokémon One of the ultimate retro games from the 90s that strikes a particularly strong chord with the Maltese. While most of us were having our Pokémon cards confiscated or torn in front of our very eyes for fear that they contained black satanic dust, the more intelligent kids reserved their battling for their Game Boys.

It was the legendary Red and Blue versions of the games that were the most played in Malta. Pokémon – we salute you.

眀眀眀⸀䈀攀琀琀椀渀最䜀漀搀猀⸀挀漀洀

䘀漀漀琀戀愀氀氀 簀 䠀漀爀猀攀 刀愀挀椀渀最 簀 䜀漀氀昀 簀 吀攀渀渀椀猀 簀 䜀爀攀礀栀漀甀渀搀猀

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BUSINESS NEWS

PERRY ESTATE AGENTS REPORT RECORD TURNOVER FOR 2016

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eading estate agents – Perry Limited, are pleased to report a strong set of results for 2016. The reputable and long established (1981) real estate company specialising in both sales and rentals of quality property in Malta, registered a substantial 50.22% increase in total turnover figures when compared with the previous year (2015), a year in which the company had already registered a staggering 70.56% record increase in turnover when compared with 2014. Perry Ltd has achieved an increase in turnover and profit, notwithstanding substantial investment in the company’s offices including the inauguration of new, modern offices for its letting department

and property management division, consisting also of new meeting facilities and IT infrastructure at the head office located at – 197, Tower Road, Sliema.

Through a mixture of organic growth and important investment including recruiting some of the best professionals in the industry, Perry has continued to facilitate its growth and has gone from strength to strength, reaffirming itself as one of the market leaders for quality real estate in Malta. Perry Limited has consistently enhanced both its sales and letting client base over the last years.

Perry’s real estate professionals working from the companies network of three strategically located offices in the key

commercial Towns of Sliema, St Julian's and Valletta have successfully applied their local market knowledge backed by over 35 years of service to the real estate industry to create a comprehensive and customised service for prospective clients whilst Perry’s marketing team have successfully taken into consideration all avenues of marketing client’s quality real estate including print, public relations and social media/web presence. The real estate specialists at Perry stand ready to offer unparalleled assistance and insight to the property market to prospective clients, so whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent a property, Perry may be contacted on 21310800/0088 or by email on perry@perry.com.mt.

OLD CHARM, MODERN TWIST …and above all an experience not to be missed. Exclusive to Malta!

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ehind the seemingly impenetrable thick walls, flanking Malta’s Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourist radar. Predominantly a maritime hub, rich in history, this area is reviving itself and the Rolling Geeks are paving the way with their modern take on touring.

Explore this gorgeous open air museum full of architectural riches and breathtaking views, while cruising around in your eco friendly, smart technology vehicle.

The cars are unbelievably fun, safe and easy to drive. Following a GPS guided

route at an easy pace while listening to the commentary onboard in the language of your choice gives you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace.

The online tracking and onboard communication systems enable the Rolling Geeks’ vigilant staff to provide assistance throughout the tour giving you peace of mind. The roads on the prescribed route are very quiet and it is very easy to park up and step out whenever you wish to.

The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest is up to you to capture.

Overall this is a great value for money experience, suitable for all ages.

Visit their website at www.rolling-geeks.com for more information.

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SEASONAL FOOD

March, Merriment and Mortification

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WORDS BY Alfredo Vella

Visitors to Malta during March will be lucky to experience the revelry of Carnival and the solemnity of Lent with the age-old traditions and typical food that help to make these occasions so memorable and loved by the Maltese.

01. Kwareżimal at Gululu in St Julian's 02. Spaghetti bl-inċova at Gululu in St Julian's 03. Sfineġ tal-bakkaljaw at Gululu in St Julian's

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ent the period of fasting and abstinence, when sack cloth should replace fine clothes and meagre morsels rich food, has over the centuries, out of need, developed several delicious dishes which while falling within the strict ecclesiastical rules of what can and what cannot be eaten, offering some truly delectable alternatives. Ironically several of these originated from the kitchens of the Knights’ and Inquisitor’s palaces, those who looked sternly down upon and reprimanded the poor souls who dared flaunt their laws. Spies where all around seeking to gain favour by exposing those unfortunates who, one would assume, not out of choice, would be tempted to eat meat. One poor soul from Vittoriosa was dragged before the Inquisitor, clasped in irons accused of having been found cooking a cat.

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Three riotous days of Carnival in February preceed Ash Wednesday, large colourful floats and companies of costumed revellers fill the streets of Valletta and neighbouring Floriana, a fine spectacle indeed. The Prinjolata, a biscuity, butter cream sweet, the gaiety of the festivities with its snow white exterior studded with green and red cherries and drizzled with chocolate and sweet syrups.

Lenten food varied in content and preparation depending on the household.

Much of it was street food and is still sold during Holy week. The main no-no’s in Randan, Maltese for Lent, are meats, which means that several replacement dishes are fish and/or vegetable based.

In times gone by fresh fish was not only expensive but also hard to come by. This was replaced with dry tuna, salted cod

and anchovies. With these the thrifty housewife made pies combining with the fresh spinach and endives. Salt cod fritters, Sfineġ tal–Bakkaljaw are also a favourite and still sold by street vendors.

On Good Friday many eat pasta with an anchovy sauce, and crushed galletti, local water biscuits, in lieu of grated cheese.

One favourite soup is Soppa ta’ l–Armla, widow’s soup. This can include almost every vegetable on the market as long as it is green. Spinach and endives, leeks and onions, peas, beans, parsley and celery and all swim happily in this soup which is fortified with a poached egg and a fresh goat or sheep’s milk ġbejna, cheeselet, basically all that a poor widow could muster from her little patch of soil, her chicken and goat. A meal in itself. Froġa tat–tarja an omelette mixture with very fine spaghetti, fried crisp is also a popular Lenten supper.

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Even sweets have been conjured to get around the Inquisitions strict rules, the most popular being Kwarezimal, 'quaranta' in Italian means forty - a truly delicious almond based 'biscuit' flavoured with cloves and chocolate, orange peel and red wine, and topped with honey and crushed pistachios, yet containing no eggs or butter. During Easter week Qassatat Ħelwin are made, which contrary to the savoury ricotta pasties are made with sweetened ricotta. Karamelli tal–Ħarrub or carob lozenges are still sold in towns and villages on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday , these are considered "kosher" as they the sweet carob substitutes sugar.

Gululu the casual Maltese diner in St. Julian’s Bay offers many of these typical dishes during lent along with its tasty selection of both traditional and contemporary dishes. This is also where the authentic, wood burning oven baked Ftira is to be found.

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RESTORATION

RESTORATION

67

He’s got drive Mark Stagno is Malta’s car whisperer and has transformed the shabbiest of vehicles into shining automotive beauties. He’s so popular, he has a waiting list of a year. Veronica Stivala manages to catch him while she can.

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gleaming emerald green Fordson Thames van, a deep dark blue van with the words SUPREME TRAVEL LTD printed perfectly in vintage cream and blue font, the fenders standing proud, sparkling in the light, and a red and green Bedford truck, with even its hubcaps sporting the bold red and green colours. These are just some of Mark ‘Xlokku’ Stagno’s magical work on cars, many of which were fit to be scrapped.

"Words cannot describe how I feel when I look at my finished work," admits Stagno. "But in this profession, if you work on modern cars, there’s so many like them, but with my work, there’s only one and when you see it pass by, you know it’s your work, and your name will be mentioned."

Stagno is a passionate car restorer. His passion, dedication and perfectionism has earned him the respect and popularity among car lovers to the point that he in such high demand, he has a waiting list of almost a year. His love for what he does is evident as he walks me through the transformative process of the many vehicles he has worked on.

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"Look at this," he tells me, pointing to one of many photos on his tablet of the Fordson Thames van. The van had to be taken apart into so many pieces, not even its owner recognised it. "Wires, pipes, metal, it’s all taken apart," he notes, remembering how "it was just a shell; metal and wood," he recalls. Yes wood.

Mark explains how after the Second Word War, there was a shortage of metal so wood was used in car building. With cars as old as these, everything has to be handmade, "because they are vintage," he explains. It comes as no surprise that Stagno is meticulous about doing things properly. He explains how he is careful to label and number each and every part – which he would have washed – in order to be able to then reassemble the vehicle back together. "People appreciate that you dismantle everything and spray each part individually and then reassemble it," he comments, explaining that just spraying whole chunks can often lead to problems.

Stagno’s zeal for trade’s work was evident from childhood, however, he tells me, "my mum wanted me to go to school".

Which he did. After school, this keen lad would go to a garage in the seaside town of Marsaxlokk to help with spraying and panel beating. He learnt a lot here though

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RESTORATION he did this for free. Mark understood the importance of an education and did not want to abandon his schoolwork.

However, after he finished his education he took the decision to opt for a life in the trade world.

Contrary to what you’re thinking, Mark became a fisherman! He bought his own fishing boat and would spend the summers fishing. When the weather was bad in winter he’d go back to the trucks.

Funnily enough, it was Malta’s joining of the EU that turned Stagno’s fate around. Faced with too many laws and their subsequent fines, he found himself selling his boat and setting up shop as a car repairer.

Mark has a great work ethic and notes how it’s "work first, not money". He prides himself in a job well done and it is this that attracts clients. Unsurprisingly, he does not need to advertise in the Yellow Pages.

He is so busy he admits he could benefit from an apprentice although he fears that

he is such a perfectionist, he would have to oversee every single step anyway.

Does he have a favourite? "They all are," he muses. And what about his own projects?

"I’ve had to shelve them," he admits. "My family comes first." There’s a popular saying in Maltese that says that the cobbler always has torn shoes…!

On average, Mark’s projects take him three weeks. "I start a project and remain focused on it," he notes. Mark finds it relaxing to work and, after a 4.30 a.m. start, can be found happily working away on a truck in his garage in Qrendi, the radio keeping him company.

"My motivation is that people come in happy, and leave over the moon," he shares. "Your satisfaction is the finished result." In his words again, "people’s reaction, is ‘wow’."

Does he have any hobbies? You’ve guessed it – "my hobby is my work," he says.

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Cyclists go Loopy for Gozo and Malta WORDS BY Helen Raine

CYCLING

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f you love cycling but have been put off in the past by a lack of facilities in Malta, then it’s time to get back on the saddle.

The SIBIT network of bike routes combines signposted routes with accommodation that has everything from repair workshops to bike lockups. There are three routes in the Maltese Islands and at the end of your biking Odyssey (and you will have gone past Calypso’s Cave!), you can hop on a plane and connect with a lovely Sicilian route. Here’s what you need to know.

The Gozo Loop Biking is a great way to (re)discover Gozo; peddle power lends itself to the pleasant pace of life here. This picturesque, 42km bike route starts from the ferry port of Mġarr and combines dry walled country lanes and off road trails with long stretches of road – generally, it’s not too demanding, with the highest point just 450m.

You’ll pass through 14 villages - sights along the way include the imposing Citadel in Victoria which dates back to the 13 th Century; the Neolithic temple of Ġgantija (older than the Pyramids of Egypt), Xagħra’s Ta' Kola Windmill and the Qbajjar Salt Pans. The sea is tantalisingly close for much of the route and you’ll see natural attractions such as the Wied il-Mielaħ natural arch, the spectacular cliffs at Wied il-Għasri and the terracotta sand dunes of Ramla Bay – you won’t be able to resist a dip there.

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The Malta North West Route The starting place for this route is the atmospheric Silent City of Mdina - the honey-coloured stones of Palazzos and Convents here have seen eons of history flow through the flagged streets, which are closed to traffic. After you’ve explored the nearby Roman Villa and St Paul’s Catacombs, you’ll cycle into the countryside; the roads are bordered by rubble walls and wind in and out of eight centuries-old villages and towns.

Some are large (Rabat and Mosta, with its famous domed cathedral), some small (Baħrija and Mġarr) but all have a unique character. Beyond, Dingli cliffs offer expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea, plus a glimpse of Filfla island. At the Northern end of the loop, you’ll pass near a trio of lovely beaches; Ġnejna, Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay, perfect places to enjoy the sea.

The Malta South West Route This loop also starts in Mdina, this time taking you past the megalithic ‘clover leaf ’ temples of Ħaġar Qim, where many of Malta’s ‘fat lady’ statuettes were found. The Blue Grotto is another top attraction here, a sea cave where the phosphorescent colours of the ocean flora contrast with the gradations of blue in the water. Buskett, a verdant woodland created by the Knights of St. John for hunting, is also en route – it is home to the President’s summer residence, Verdala Palace.

The villages of Qrendi and Siġġiewi offer the chance to relax with a coffee or an ice-cream and get a taste of old Malta.

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The Sicily Connection As an added bonus, these three Maltese bike routes also connect with Sicily. The SIBIT route there runs between Syracuse and Trapani (Air Malta flies to Catania and Palermo), taking in the entire sweep of the Southern Sicilian coast – of course, you can choose to cycle a smaller section.

You’ll travel through coastal nature reserves like Torre Salsa and past archeological sites such as Selinunte, the Realmonte Roman Villa and the Agrigento Valley of the Temples.

The route also takes in vineyards and the ‘Erice DOC Wine Road’ as well as ancient olive groves. At Santa Ninfa, there’s an interesting Karst cave to explore and after a hard day’s cycling, you’ll appreciate the gorgeous beaches in places like Mollarella and Maganuco. Via Ragusa with its dry-stone walls and carob trees, you’ll reach Syracuse, one of ancient Greece’s key cities.

Air Malta and Bikes Air Malta offers a ‘sports equipment voucher’ which covers bicycles. It costs €30 one way online or €40 at the airport.

Bookings online can be made up to four hours before departure and the maximum weight is 32kg.

After you’ve explored the nearby Roman Villa and St Paul’s Catacombs, you’ll cycle into the countryside; the roads are bordered by rubble walls and wind in and out of eight centuriesold villages and towns

For full details on these routes, visit www.medinbike.eu/public/GuidaSibitWeb.pdf

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CYCLING

When to Go Cycling is best in Malta during the winter months (October to May) when the temperatures are pleasant and the hills are strewn with wild flowers.

Where to Hire a Bike Bike rental locations include: Ecobikes Malta, BuÄĄibba, +356 27500022, ecobikesmalta@gmail.com Gozo Adventure, Victoria, +356 99994592, info@gozoadventures.com Hertz, Malta International Airport, +356 21232811, ebikes@hertz.com.mt

Where to Stay There are several hotels connected with the SIBIT route; they have special facilities for cyclists such as lock ups and repair areas. In Malta, they are the Sunny Coast Resort & Spa 4*, Le Meridien 5*, Seashells 4* and the Santana Hotel 4*. On Gozo, there’s the Kempinski Hotel 5*, Djar ta' Menzja and Hamlet farmhouses, the Calypso Hotel 4* and the Downtown Hotel.

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CHURCHES

Small church with a big character WORDS AND PHOTOS BY Victor Paul Borg

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he first time I visited the Church of Our Lady of Victories in the late nineties I found a dark, dank and mouldy interior, and in the guidebook I was compiling, I struggled to write an account on the church that would be commensurated with its long illustrious history. The second time I visited, more than a decade later, the air was abuzz with activity and expectation. I was greeted by Amy Sciberras, the resident conservator, and my attention was drawn to two women restorers in dungarees who were using retractable knives to flake off the paint from the wall to reveal an earlier decorative layer of oil painted on the limestone. "The church is full of surprises," Amy told me, "and we found the earlier decorative layer by accident."

For some time we watched the restorers prize the flakes of paint with nimble flicks of the blade, and Amy explained that it would be ideal if they could strip off the entire topcoat of paint – a dull, monotone beige colour – but the layer of oil-paint underneath was coming off with the topcoat in places. "So these are just exploratory works," she added, "we’re seeing how much of the topcoat we could feasibly remove."

The air was tinged with the smells of chemicals and dust, the voices and clinks of tools of half a dozen restorers murmured through the interior. The restoration had been underway for almost a decade, and the priceless treasures of the 450-yearold church, Valletta’s oldest, were being rescued from the pall of decay.

Amy and I then climbed the spiral staircase to the scaffolded vault where conservators from the famed Courtauld Institute of Art in London had been restoring the six paintings – an early-eighteenth-century set that depict salient episodes from the Madonna’s life – for five years. Those vault paintings had deteriorated by water infiltration, chemical salts, and an application of varnish in an earlier misguided attempt to protect the paintings – the varnish had darkened and become insoluble. I watched as three conservators worked the paintbrush slowly and sensitively, applying a neutral color over the parts of the painting that had disintegrated. "The point of the restoration is recovery of the original painting," told me Stephen Rickerby, one of the conservators. "Our aim is to make the original painting to come forward, to speak for itself."

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But I had to wait for my third visit to the church, not long ago, for the scaffolding to be dismantled so that I could appreciate the restored vault paintings from ground level in the nave.

It had taken two years for Alessio Erardi to complete the vault paintings that depicts six episodes from the life of the Madonna, and the restoration has certainly revived the spirit of the paintings – the drama and suspense, the sublime colours, the extravagant details. There is so much for the eye to feast on, the epic monumentalism of the events depicted is rousing; and the unconscionability of baroque opulence is mesmerising – even the coats of arms of Grand Master Ramon Perellos Y Roccaful, who commissioned the painting in the years before his death in 1720, is framed elaborately and monumentally.

And inspired by the learnedness and history around me – the church was finally revealing itself to me – I thought that if the refreshed artworks could speak they would all have a long story to tell. The altar, for example, was constructed in 1752 by the Bailiff of Majorca, Fra Gerolimo Ribas de Montelieu, whose coat of arms is displayed in the inlaid marble. The set of two paintings on wood on either side of the altarpiece (the altarpiece itself is an excellent rendition of the nativity of the Madonna), which depict St Anthony Abbot and St Anthony of Padova, are possibly the oldest relics in the church, having been brought over from Rhodes by the Knights during the retreat to Malta in 1530. Above the altarpiece is the most striking artwork: the Byzantine icon of the Madonna, clad in an ornate silver riza (including ruby-studded crown bearing at its apex the Maltese Cross) – this artwork is said to have been donated to the church by Grand Master Adolf de Wignacourt.

Then there are the side altars, all of which have a story to tell, most striking of which is the Altar of St Liborius of Paderborn (nearest altar to the side-door of the church), once a bishop of Paderborn, who is depicted in the altarpiece holding a book topped by five stones (symbol of his bishopric; the painting was made by Ermenogildo Grech in 1795). The same altar is topped by the most recently-acquired artefact, the Infant Jesus of Prague, protector of the unborn child, a replica of the venerated statue that is found at Our Lady of Victories Church in Karmelitska in Prague – the replica was gifted to the church by the Maltese Association of the Order of St John in 2006. And the floor of the nave is a patchwork of marble tombstones that commemorate the internments below ground, including the so-called donats (or donati) – associates of the order of the Knights who were rewarded for their service by burial in one of Malta’s eminent churches; their tombstones are recognizable by a version of the Maltese cross with the top arm missing.

The church is now managed by heritage NGO Din L-Art Helwa, which carried out the restoration, and which now opens the church daily to visitors. Although a small church

by Maltese standards, I would rate the church among top five most eminent churches in Malta, three of which are in Valletta (the other two being the Co-Cathedral and St Paul’s Shipwreck Church). The church has now not only regained its relevance and vitality (the restoration is mostly complete, but still ongoing in certain parts, including the crypt), it has also entered another stage in its long evolution.

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CHURCHES

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Above the altarpiece is the most striking artwork: the Byzantine icon of the Madonna, clad in an ornate silver riza including a ruby-studded crown bearing at its apex the Maltese Cross

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Lady of Victory Church vault vignette Lady of Victory Church panorama Infant Jesus of Prague Lady of Victory Church chancel

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VILLAGE FOCUS

Malta’s Three Cities

WORDS BY Florence Jones

Mostly undiscovered, the Three Cities offer visitors a slice of authentic life as well as a glimpse into the Island’s maritime treasures.

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ollectively known as ‘the three cities’ or ‘Cottonera’, the towns of of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua offer travellers an intriguing insight to Malta and its history, despite never being mentioned on the first pages of any local guidebook. Home to a number of churches, imposing buildings, and stunning fortresses, this area is definitely one to pin on Google maps.

The value of the harbour inlets have been recognised as far back as Phoenician times, where the docks provided natural opportunities for local communities to thrive, while simultaneously rendering them vulnerable to attacks and sieges.

Serving as a first home to the Knights of Malta, Cottonera houses several churches, palaces, historical buildings, forts and bastions that are far older than those in Valletta.

Today, local communities celebrate several events and holy feats throughout the year, with the most popular being Birgu Fest held each year in October, and Easter processions during which the statue of the Risen Christ is carried at a run through the crowded alleyways.

Despite being practically interwoven into one another, the Three Cities are all known and visited for different reasons. Here’s what to look out for.

Cospicua Representing the largest of the Three Cities, Cospicua was previously known as Bormla and was subsequently renamed by the Knights of Malta due to the brave and conspicuous role its people played during the Great Siege of 1565.

Today, the older dockyard, which is currently undergoing extensive restoration, occupies most of its shoreline and development works. This city suffered extensive damage during WWII, and despite being heavily rebuilt there are fewer residents now than in pre-war years.

Keep an eye out for the Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception

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VILLAGE FOCUS

that is rich in fine pieces of art, as well as the Firenzuola Fortifications and the Margherita Lines that both formed part of the inland defences of the areas.

Senglea Also going by the name L-Isla, this diminutive city stands proudly on a narrow promontory that juts out into the Grand Harbour.

The city owes its more recent name to Grandmaster Claude de la Sengle, who fortified the medieval city in 1551. It’s former name, L-Isla is believed to have derived from a variation of the word ‘peninsula’. During the Great Siege of 1565, Senglea received protection from the neighbouring forts of St Michael and St Angelo, however it wasn’t as fortunate during WWII with several of its buildings being demolished during the war.

This city is best known for its impressive harbour views from the

Safe Haven Gardens at the peninsula’s foremost tip, as well as the stone vedette known as il-Gardjola located along the bastion walls that once served as a look-out post garding the entrance to the harbour.

Vittoriosa Lying right across Valletta, Vittoriosa houses Malta’s oldest fortification – Fort St Angelo. Its strategic position has been recognised several times throughout history, which has led some to refer to his specific area as ‘the cradle of Maltese history’. To honour the grand part this city played during the Great Siege, Grandmaster Jean de la Valletta chose to rename this city from Birgu to Civitas Vittoriosa – the victorious city.

Today, Vittoriosa houses some of Malta’s most splendid architectural sites as well as the prominent Church of St Lawrence, the Inquisitor’s Place, the Maritime Museum, the Birgu warfront marina, as well as Fort St Angelo.

Despite being practically interwoven into one another, the Three Cities are all known and visited for different reasons

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Restaurant GUIDE Marsaxlokk TERRONE RESTAURANT 1 Wilga Street Marsaxlokk T: +356 27042656 W: www.terrone.com.mt / Facebook.com/terrone We could tell you about our restaurant but we think you would rather hear from our customers, so we present a small selection of headlines from recent TripAdvisor reviews since June 2016: Amazing – Fantastic – Recommended; Unbelievable use of season fresh food!!! - Lovely food, excellent service; Stands out from the crowd - Fabulous fish!!; Best quality restaurant in Marsaxlokk - Delicious food with lovely terrace; Finally a well-cooked piece of steak The best little find in Malta. Highly recommended by TripAdvisor so we invite you to look us up and read the details.

Booking recommended Parking available outside – Short taxi ride from most locations including Sliema/St Julian's/Valletta

MDINA de Mondion Restaurant The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: +356 2145 0560 E: info@xaracollection.com W: w ww.xarapalace.com.mt / www.demondion.com Set atop Mdina's century-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, 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 impeccablyattentive 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.

Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café & Bistro Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina, MDN 1131 T: +356 2010 0560; +356 2145 0560 E: info@xaracollection.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 Maltese islands, 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.

Trattoria AD 1530 Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150 T: +356 2145 0560 E: info@xaracollection.com 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.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

MOSTA TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT – EST. 1964 Constitution Street, Mosta T: +356 2143 4444 F: +356 2141 8181 E: info@tamarija.com W: www.tamarija.com Awarded as the Best Maltese Food Restaurant for the 10th year in 2016, Ta’ Marija doesn’t just serve Maltese cuisine, they create dishes with what is locally traditional but then add their own signature flavours of sumptuousness. For an evening of culinary delights sprinkled with a lot of liveliness, head to their Folklore Dinner shows held every Friday evening, which start with strolling musicians playing mandolins and guitars, who belt out the sweetest of Maltese song 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 show their moves on the dancefloor so that you too, can make history of your own unforgettable night! And it is not quite over till it’s over... after the show Ta’ Marija’s dancefloor 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 their esteemed foreign guests as well as their ever-loyal local friends. Transport from and to your holiday accommodation can be arranged in their all inclusive package. Who says you can’t dine, dance and sparkle all in one place?

SLIEMA Ta’ Kolina 151, Tower Road, Sliema T: +356 2133 5106 M: +356 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 open 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.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema T: +356 2133 7367 M: +356 9984 7713 Set in one of Sliema's oldest bakeries, Ta' Kris is all about providing a genuine mix of affordable Maltese and Mediterranean dishes in a homely fashion and rustic surroundings. Ta' Kris offers a varied menu of traditional Maltese food such as bragioli, rabbit, octopus stew, bebbux (snails), balbuljata (corned beef hash), baked lamb, two daily specials, pasta dishes, a selection of fresh fish on a daily basis and mouth-watering steaks. Ta' Kris also offers take away service and special menus can be designed for all occasions. Ta' Kris opens from Monday to Sunday, from 12.30pm till 11pm. Booking is recommended.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

ST Julian's WATERBISCUIT St George’s Bay, St Julian's T: +356 2376 2225 E: info@waterbiscuit.com.mt Waterbiscuit, located in the heart of St George’s Bay, is at the forefront of the Maltese culinary experience with delicious and innovative dishes for all to enjoy. Waterbiscuit, stylishly set on two floors, offers a gastronomic experience that will delight all with healthy, tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It is a truly contemporary location ideal for a business rendezvous, social gathering, casual dining or a night out. Breakfast promises to provide a wakeup call with a creative à la carte menu boasting six different types of Eggs Benedict, the signature dish of Waterbiscuit, ideal for those who wish to indulge in a truly unique breakfast experience. Waterbiscuit also allows patrons to lounge at the bar throughout the day and night with a variety of coffees, cocktails and wines that will tease the senses; the atmosphere is relaxed and offers a delightfully glamourous feel.

The Avenue The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian's T: +356 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 décor: 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: +356 2138 7600 E: info@zestflavours.com W: www.zestflavours.com Opened over 15 years ago as Malta’s first Asian fusion restaurant, Zest's menu will take you on an exciting culinary journey.

Get swept off your feet with delectable dishes from Zest’s signature Indonesian beef rendang, to lobster Phad Thai, 48-hour short rib of beef with coconut puree and milk chocolate praline panna cotta with salted popcorn. At Zest, no attention to detail is spared including the décor and design that elevates one's dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Original architectural details and attractive features, including a sea view balcony, open wine cellar and a live-cooking sushi bar, are sure to leave a lasting impression. For an extraordinary dining experience in one of Malta’s most-talked about restaurants, why not add a little Zest?

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Ta' Xbiex The Galley Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex T: +356 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 during weekends so booking is recommended.

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.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

EVENTS & NEWS FROM malta's national airline

Air Malta registers an eight-fold increase in interline revenue with Alitalia in one month

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he code-share signed recently between Air Malta and Alitalia has resulted in an eightfold increase in interline revenue between the two airlines last December.

Other interline partnerships registering growth were KLM, British Airways and Brussels Airlines that showed an average of 35% growth over the past year. During this month overall interline revenue of the airline grew by 3% over the same period last year.

"Such results show the importance of code-share agreements especially for small airlines like Air Malta. Through such arrangements we are widening our network and creating additional

revenue streams," said Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer.

"A strong Air Malta is vital for the islands. We need to be able to create new markets which offer better travel deals for people travelling to and from Malta, as well as work together with our stakeholders to bring new visitors to the islands. We need to make sure Malta stays connected to the world effectively.

Together with its code-share partner airlines, we offer a network of over 100 destinations," added Mr Sies.

This winter Air Malta and Alitalia signed a code-share agreement that allows both airlines to offer even more opportunities for travel between Malta and Italy as well as

Visit www.airmalta.com for more info.

other destinations beyond. This agreement enabled Alitalia to place its code and flight numbers on all Air Malta flights between Malta and Italy. Similarly the Maltese airline placed its code and flight numbers on Alitalia flights between Malta and Rome and a selection of flights beyond Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Milan’s Linate Airport and Catania. This means that Air Malta guests can buy flights through our national airline to other points in Italy connecting to the airport served by Air Malta to have a seamless trip to most cities in Italy including Venice, Turin, Naples, Bologna, Genoa, Florence, Nice, Geneva and London City Airport among others. Air Malta’s timings between Malta and Rome also connect with Alitalia flights to/from New York and other airports in the USA.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

OPERA IN THE TIME OF TRUMP AND BREXIT! Teatru Manoel’s fresh production of all-timefavourite LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

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eatru Manoel is presenting Mozart’s comic opera; Le Nozze di Figaro, in a brand-new production, alongside the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Philip Walsh. The timeless opera is one of the favourite operatic works of all time. Nozze, as opera lovers affectionately call it, has stood the test of time with audiences always falling head over heels for the story of Figaro and Susanna. In fact, many seem to be thinking ahead since the tickets are selling very fast. Moreover, it seems there will be more than just going home humming to the beautiful melodies when watching this version of the Opera.

This production has a stellar cast, with Paul Putnins in the title role and the renowned Paris-based Maltese soprano Claire Debono as his fiancée, Susanna. The international cast also includes Christian Bowers as Count Almaviva, and Ruth Sammut Casingena as his Countess. Clare Ghigo is the wonderful Cherubino, a teenager caught up in the political madness who cross-dresses constantly in pursuit of new and more identities. Kinga Dobay is Marcellina, with Francesca Aquilina in the role of Barbarina. In the role of Bartolo we see Emilio Marcucci, and Richard Roberts in the roles of both Basilio and Curzio.

The artistic director of Teatru Manoel, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, decided to spice things up with the Nozze this year. He brought a team of young practitioners. Sean Buhagiar, fresh from his Teatru Malta appointment will be acting as Producer whilst Jack Furness who just finished working on Der Rosenkavalier at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, will be taking over the direction.

The creative team also consists of a list of renowned artists with contemporary artist Pierre Portelli taking on the set, while the lighting design is by veteran Christopher Gatt and the costumes by the talented Maria Muscat of Babettopolis fame.

The whole team wants the opera to be enjoyable, amusing and relevant. Furness is basing the opera, which was originally written in the 18th Century, in modern times – in Europe today or in the near future. In fact, the opera uses the current political challenges. Figaro and Susanna’s story takes place in the time of Trump, Brexit, protests, and other familiar situations.

Le Nozze di Figaro tells us how a countess and her servant come together to chasten the aristocrat husband for his philandering.

The count, in this version, is a CEO. The continent is on the brink of societal collapse, and popular movements of all stripes are rallying people to their cause. Familiar much? In Teatru Manoel’s Le Nozze di Figaro, barriers are broken, structures soften and the inflexible bends. We watch how the revolutionary co-operation of the women across class boundaries leads to the triumph of love and acceptance. Along the way, two very different couples learn lessons about both life and love. This is most definitely an interesting take on what is arguably one of the greatest masterpieces ever produced

by Mozart and Da Ponte.

The Opera will be sung in the original Italian with English and Maltese surtitles. This is the first-time Maltese surtitles will be provided. The performances will take place on Tuesday 28 February, Thursday 2nd March, Saturday 4th March and Monday 6th March 2017, always at 19:30. Tickets can be purchased from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt or from the Manoel Theatre Box Office. Please contact info@teatrumanoel.com.mt or 21246389 for more information.

Air Malta proudly supports Teatru Manoel as part of its social responsibility initiatives. Since its inception the airline has contributed hundreds of thousands of euros and assisted various organisations and individuals in diverse fields including humanitarian, medical, philanthropic, cultural and heritage protection, sports and environmental initiatives that help the Maltese community.

As Malta's national carrier, Air Malta is the only airline flying from Malta that fully supports the local community. No other airline operating to Malta provides continued support to voluntary and non-governmental organisations like Air Malta.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

The role of Malta’s Presidency on tourism

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alta is currently hosting the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), a custom which has been established by the Lisbon Treaty since 2009.

Like its predecessors, Malta forms part of a pre-determined group of three EU member states, including Slovakia and the Netherlands, and over an 18-month tenure they closely collaborate to set the agenda and facilitate discussions and the implementation of action plans on relevant and topical issues.

Dr.Edward Zammit Lewis Minister for Tourism

the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Dominating our Presidency’s agenda are migration and security where we will seek to further push the implementation of related measures that have already been agreed upon in previous Presidencies.

Moreover, we will ensure that migration remains consistently on top of the EU’s political agenda.

The Presidency works on a rotational basis every six months, and Malta’s term will end in June 2017.

The Single Market is another priority and, through the Maltese Presidency, we will further work to fully exploit its benefits, particularly to develop the Digital Single Market which will bring significant tangible benefits to our economies.

Malta’s Presidency will be focusing on six priorities that are all related to tourism to varying degrees. During its term, Malta will be chairing all the different Council meetings on the priority topics chosen, except for the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) which is specifically chaired by

A sustainable industry across Europe is the maritime sector, hence the reason why it will also be addressed during this Presidency. We are aware of the huge potential of this sector and we will be proposing innovative strategies for the development of a more competitive

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Tourism is a key pillar for many EU countries, including Malta, creating an average of one in seven jobs on the island

environment in this regard within Europe with particular focus being given to the Mediterranean region.

A priority at the heart of this Presidency is Social Inclusion also given that social policy is indeed a major cornerstone of the Maltese Government’s policy.

Last but not least, this Presidency will be focusing on countries bordering the Southern Mediterranean which are facing serious challenges. Europe’s security is closely linked with the political developments within our neighbouring countries, and therefore this Presidency will actively work towards promoting long term stabilisation within this region.

Tourism is a key pillar for many EU countries, including Malta, creating an average of one in seven jobs on the island. If I had to highlight the three main challenges for the tourism industry in Europe, these would clearly be safety and security, economic competitiveness and product enhancement; all issues which during this Presidency term we shall address.

I believe that the key to maintaining Europe’s leading market position in tourism lies squarely on investment, by both Governments and private industry players. Investment should inherently be sustainable to ensure environmental, economic, financial and social cohesion.

Nonetheless, the EU must also invest in cultural resources whilst effectively promoting various attractions to become a magnet for tourists. On top of that, countries should invest in resources to build a stronger tourism brand and leverage on targeted and specific niches.

With this in mind, during Malta’s Presidency term, we intend to focus on various policy themes, aimed at increasing competitiveness of the tourism product,

as well as encouraging continuous professional development, connectivity, smart specialisation, and further improvement within the tourism sector.

Malta’s Presidency is an opportunity to take up the challenge of the skills gap facing the tourism sector in Europe, including Malta. We are finally seeing the birth of a network of European ‘best practices’ and the creation of many synergies through public and private sector joint projects and initiatives. This issue and others will feature within a high-level Tourism conference to be held in May, an event which will bring together an extensive cross-section of stakeholders that will serve as a broad platform to define the future direction and strategy of European tourism. The two day conference entitled "Enhancing Europe’s tourism competitiveness through new products," will discuss topics which will include the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination, the sharing economy, connectivity and digital media, coastal and maritime tourism, seasonality and skills.

The Digital Transformation of the Tourism Sector is a phenomenon with a very high impact on tourism. Malta is currently working towards a Digital Tourism Platform, a project to ensure that the basic needs of a tourist, whilst in our destination, are addressed through the creation and availability of effective software applications for mobile devices also paired with the installation of hardware, such as interactive information kiosks, within the main tourist areas across our islands. The Digital Tourism Platform will also enable tourism stakeholders to effectively market their products whilst ensuring location based services and information to all users.

In relation to this, the European Tourism Forum has recognised the digital transformation of the tourism sector as a

Visit www.eu2017.mt for more info

relevant subject for discussion given that we all agree that most of the EU’s stated goals in the fields of competitiveness and sustainability depend heavily on ICT developments and digitisation-readiness.

I must spare a thought on the local hospitality sector which overall is already benefitting from Malta’s presidency as many different delegations have already visited Malta in the run up to the actual presidency term. In fact, significant business for a number of hotels and support services has already been secured for the coming months.

Apart from hotels, other sectors of accommodation and tourism related service providers are also benefitting from this important and major event.

Our expectation for 2017 is that we exceed two million tourist arrivals, yet another significant milestone for the tourism sector.

We are also fortunate that Malta's Presidency is taking place just a few months ahead of Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture, as the preparations for this important celebration has also aided in the organisation of cultural events during Malta's Presidency.

Over the past years, we have invested heavily in a number of infrastructural and rehabilitation projects within Valletta and its surroundings, to allow for a more effective showcasing of our majestic capital city where most of the activities will take place during the Presidency term.

My sincere best wishes go to all those involved in ensuring that Malta’s Presidency term will be a success. I am confident that although we are the smallest nation within the EU, our Presidency will leave the expected significant mark and impact on EU’s agenda also well beyond our term.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Supporting Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the EU

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ir Malta is supporting Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union as the preferred airline.

The Maltese National airline is facilitating the travel requirements and offering special arrangements to the large number of delegations and accredited members of the international media who are travelling to Malta both in the run up and throughout the six months of this Presidency.

The airline is also organising special charter flights for large groups attending particular meetings.

Air Malta Chairperson, Maria Micallef, said: "The Presidency of the Council of the EU is a great opportunity for the Islands to showcase their potential to the 28 members of the Union. Malta is chairing over 1,500 meetings and high level conferences and hosting thousands of media representatives reporting on these meetings. As the Island’s national carrier, we are proud to support this Presidency which is expected to generate a positive effect on areas such as tourism and the economy. We aim to continue to push forward Malta’s standing and reputation in Europe."

As part of the initiatives taken by Air Malta, the airline is carrying special in-flight announcements on selected flights to greet participants, delegates and members of the media who are attending and reporting on the meetings.

Information videos and articles on this magazine will also feature news about the prestigious events that are being organised during the six-month Presidency.

Air Malta has always been at the forefront as the national airline to proudly assist the organisation of such activities held on the Maltese Islands. Through its participation it continues to show its commitment and support to national events that benefit the Maltese community.

The Presidency of the Council of the EU is responsible for the functioning of the Council, the upper house of the EU legislature. The Presidency rotates among the member states of the EU every six months. The presidency's function is to chair meetings of the Council, determine its agendas, set a work programme and facilitate dialogue both at Council meetings and with other EU institutions.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta’s Aircraft Livery Awarded in Russia

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Air Malta’s representatives in Russia, receiving the award for ‘Outstanding Airline Livery’ at the Moscow’s Sheremetyevo’s airport 2016 Awards.

ir Malta’s colourful aircraft livery continues to win prestigious awards around the world. The Maltese airline has won the ‘Outstanding Airline Livery’ section during the 2016 Awards event of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo’s airport.

This award comes after Air Malta moved its Malta-Moscow operation to Sheremetyevo airport’s newest terminal E in June last year. The airline is currently operating a weekly service.

These flights will increase to a threetimes weekly operation in peak summer.

"The Maltese Airline is very happy to see that the world recognises the very special livery of Air Malta.

Inspired by the warmth of its culture and population, the aircraft are an extension of the Maltese Islands and are recognised around the world. Air Malta wants to make people feel they have arrived to Malta the moment they see the aircraft at the airport", said Paul Sies, Air Malta’s current Chief Commercial Officer.

Sheremetyevo airport is one of the top 10 fastest growing airports in Europe.

Last year the airport handled 34.3 million passengers and 272,970 aircraft movements, making it the largest and most modern airport in Russia.

Winners of the awards’ various categories included KLM, Finnair, Aeroflot, Air Astana, China Southern Airline, Korean Air, Air France, Czech Airlines and airBaltic amongst others. The awards took place with the participation of over 100 representatives from airlines, online agencies and tour operators.

Sheremetyevo Airport has provided Air Malta with more operational flexibility and fits perfectly in the airline’s 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 is offering Air Malta customers over 30 destinations within Russia.

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 the gateway to the cities on the Golden Ring and the rest of Russia.

Likewise the Maltese Islands have a lot to offer to Russians from a rich cultural and historical heritage to leisure and entertainment opportunities.

Air Malta’s flight schedule operates every Friday from Malta. At the end of March another weekly frequency will be added departing Malta on Saturday.

Next summer (from 20 June till 26 September 2017), the airline will add another weekly flight every Tuesday.

For more details about Air Malta visit www.airmalta.com or www.visitrussia.com for information about travelling to Russia.

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INTERVIEW

il-bizzilla talks to KIMBERLY BUGEJA Interim Accountant

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

I joined Air Malta’s finance department in April 2014.

Three words that describe your job?

Analytical, inquisitive and challenging.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

I must say that the biggest challenge is to provide accurate, whilst at the same time reliable reporting to senior management while still being able to stay focused and detail oriented when faced with tight deadlines.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have always loved reading, I always have. I love getting caught up in a particular compelling story and being swept away completely. I also enjoy long walks in the countryside and travelling.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

Honestly I cannot choose between Rome and London. They are both cities which I would travel to over and over again. With Rome being only an hour flight away from Malta, I find Rome the go-to destination when I need a short break. It’s culture, architecture and history makes Rome a fascinating capital. On the other hand, I believe there’s something to suit everyone in London. From the performing arts to music, entertainment or shopping, London has it all.

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

However my all-time favourite escape when I need to unwind a bit is the beautiful island of Gozo

Malta packs so much variety in its small archipelago. However my all-time favourite escape when I need to unwind a bit is the beautiful island of Gozo. I advice anyone travelling to Malta to dedicate a day for a trip in Gozo especially in Spring when it is so peaceful and quiet. Rent a car and explore Gozo’s glorious landscapes, beautiful beaches and picturesque small villages. The must-see attractions are definitely the recently restored Citadella, Wied il-Għasri, San Blas Bay and Dwejra.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Staff Fulfill 67 Children’s Dreams

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7 children had their dreams come true following the yearly Bake Sale organised by Team Air Malta – the airline’s Sport and Social Club.

“€1,415 were raised this year and this money was used to buy these children their preferred presents and make them happy”, said Vanessa Muscat from Team Air Malta. “We are very happy that through such activities we can make a difference and I wish to thank all Air Malta staff who contributed to make this activity a success”.

The Bake Sale is a yearly activity organised by the club together with several Air Malta staff who donate their home-made sweets and sell them to their colleagues. A number of entities also participated in this event and included The Sweet Almond - Cakes & Bakes, LaNovita Caterers, Catrice Malta, Fat Harrys Pub, James Caterers Ltd & YUE Bistro By Munchies.

Children’s Dreams is a project organised in collaboration with Agenzija Appogg. This is the third year that Air Malta has supported this noble cause. The projects aims to help parents who are facing various social difficulties realize their children’s dreams.

“Air Malta was one of the first Maltese organisations on the islands to drive forward the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Since its inception the airline has contributed hundreds of thousands of euros and assisted various organisations and individuals in diverse field including humanitarian, medical, philanthropic, cultural and heritage protection, sports and environmental initiatives. As the islands’ national airline Air Malta carries its responsibility to continue to support the local community. No other airline operating to Malta provides continued support to voluntary and non-governmental organisations like Air Malta. Such initiatives show the commitment and support the airline has towards the Maltese community”, commented Stephen Gauci, Air Malta’s Head of Corporate Communications.

NetEnt Teams up with Air Malta

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etEnt is a leading provider of digital gaming solutions which are used by some of the world's most successful online gaming operators. The company that has offices all over the world, including Malta, teamed up with Air Malta to offer a special treat to London bound guests for a 3 day period in February.

During those days, Air Malta’s flights to Heathrow and Gatwick Airport were very busy with guests travelling to London for the International Gaming Trade Show ICE Totally Gaming.

At the trade show NetEnt revealed its latest branded games, Planet of the Apes and Emoji Planet. Airline’s guests were invited to visit their stand at the fair via a branded invitation printed on a chocolate bar, distributed during the flight!

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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 Malta’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 w ith 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 sportY Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialised equipment with you at a 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 can’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.

destination information

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • Oslo Stockholm

ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK REP. OF IRELAND

• Copenhagen

UNITED KINGDOM

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

• Manchester

BELARUS • Bremen

• Berlin • Amsterdam • London City London Heathrow • • Hannover HOLLAND • London Gatwick GERMANY • Brussels BELGIUM • Düsseldorf • Dresden

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

UKRAINE

• Prauge

• Frankfurt

CZECH REPUBLIC

• Munich

FRANCE

• Warsaw

POLAND

• Vienna

HUNGARY

SWITZERLAND • Geneva

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA Trieste •

Milan • Turin • Verona • • Venice Florence • • Bologna Genoa •

• Otopani

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

• Ancona ITALY • Pescara

Pisa •

SPAIN

• Sofia

F.Y.O.M. • Bari • Brindisi ALBANIA

• Olbia Naples • • Cagliari

BULGARIA • Istanbul

TURKEY GREECE

Lamezia Terme

Palermo •

TUNISIA

SERBIA

MONTENEGRO

• Rome Alghero •

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

• Nice

SLOVAKIA

• Reggio Calabria • Catania

Larnaca •

CYPRUS

Malta

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

Air Malta direct flights

IRAN

airport

• Abu Dhabi

OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

Weekly Flights

Amsterdam Berlin Brussels Catania Düsseldorf Frankfurt London Gatwick London Heathrow Manchester

3 2 10 14 2 4 5 14 2

airport

Weekly Flights

Milan Moscow Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Rome Vienna Zurich

5 1 8 2 4 4 7 4 5

Code-shared RouteS Etihad Airways • BRISBANE

Abu Dhabi

Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

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

australia Lufthansa • Sydney

• Melbourne

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

brussels AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

via Catania via Brussels

Czech Airlines

• Perth

Prague

Swiss International Air Lines

australia

Rome London City Frankfurt Pescara Alghero Cagliari Brindisi Catania Amsterdam Nice Geneva Ancona Reggio Calabria Lamezia Terme Naples Bologna Trieste Genoa Turin Venice Verona Cagliari Bari Brindisi Pisa Florence Palermo Milan Linate

Austrian Airlines

Zurich

Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw

Emirates Larnaca

Meridiana Olbia Naples

via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome

via Rome via Catania

Turkish AIRLINES Istanbul

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna

98

Electronic device information

Use of Portable Electronic Devices on board Tr a nsmitt ing Portable 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 elect ronic dev ices?

C a n I use hea 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 the cabin cr ew when …

… portable electronic device is damaged, becomes hot, produces smoke, is lost, or falls into the seat structure. If safe to do so, the device must be switched off immediately.

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

Saftey Notice: The carriage of damaged, defective or recalled lithuim batteries or devices is prohibited on-board Air Malta aircraft.

Gozo

The most rewarding extra mile

A view of Ramla Bay, photo by Daniel Cilia