Il-Bizzilla April 2017 Issue 52

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

APRIL 2017 issue 52 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

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amenities. This property is complimented with a 3 car port from the rear and

square meters of beautifully landscaped gardens and a large swimming pool

a 2 car interconnecting garage at the front.

on the back overlooking the stunning countryside valley and distant sea views.

BEDROOMS : 4 | LIVING AREA : 400sqm | PLOT: 900sqm | PRICE : 1 790 000 €

BEDROOMS : 4 | LIVING AREA : 360 sqm | PLOT: 8,000sqm | PRICE : 5 700 000 €

MALTA · Saint-Julians

MALTA · Sliema

Portomaso Development. A unique and luxurious apartment located right

A truly exceptional PENTHOUSE, with great detail and exceptional style. This

over the lagoon, the property is adjacent to the yacht marina and within

Seafront Luxury home boasts one of Malta`s most sought after views of the

walking distance to the restaurants and Spinola Bay.

Valletta Bastions and Manoel Island.

BEDROOMS : 2 | LIVING AREA : 155,5sqm | PRICE : 1 085 000 €

BEDROOMS : 3 | LIVING AREA : 250sqm | PRICE : 4 000 € / month

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Issue 52

Contents

APR IL 17

LOCAL P. 10 ….. MALTA & GOZO IN NUMBERS Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

P. 26 ….. SECRET SPOTS Travel to undiscovered spots where local beauty surrounds you.

P. 36 ….. High-Flying Dentistry: Applying Implant Dentistry Dr Jean Paul Demajo’s expert advice on implants. How they work and what to expect.

P. 40 ….. THE AZURE WINDOW – BEFORE AND AFTER An homage to a lost local treasure.

P. 44 ….. TOP DIVING SPOTS An underwater adventure awaits, 6 diving spots to visit while in Malta and Gozo.

P. 52 ….. EXPLORING THE ISLANDS Discover the islands. A list of must-see sights for you to enjoy.

P. 58 ….. GOOD FRIDAY EXPECTATIONS

FOOD & DRINK

EVENTS

P. 24 ….. SWEET TOOTH

P. 32 ….. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MALTA

Fancy something sweet? Scrumptious treats for you to eat.

A collection of events to keep you occupied this month.

The iconic wooden box that hangs on our façades – here’s the story.

p. 62 ..... SPRING is in the air

P. 37 ….. OUT AND ABOUT

Celebrating Spring and Easter through food.

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

P. 78 ….. FIREWORK VANTAGE POINTS

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

p. 76 ..... The colours of sprinG at valletta waterfront

What to expect on Good Friday while visiting our islands.

P. 70 ….. THE STORY OF THE MALTESE BALCONY

The best spots to watch the sky light up with Malta’s spectacular firework displays.

Thinking about your next best meal? Here are this month's top picks.

Food and colour to celebrate Spring.

6

LIFESTYLE

AIR MALTA

P. 16 ….. SUPERSTITIONS Take a look at some local superstitions that shape Maltese culture.

p. 84 ..... air malta news

P. 20 ….. DESIGNER BUZZ

p. 90 ..... interview

Local fashion designers that are buzzing with their hot collections.

Il-Bizzilla talks to Luanne Galea, Passenger Handling Agent – Ground Hostess.

P. 38 ….. TAKE A TRIP TO ZURICH Travel to Zurich for culture, food and more.

P. 64 ….. BIG CITY LIFE Life in London. Big city life through the eyes of a Maltese expat.

P. 74 ….. APPS TO USE ON HOLIDAY Three great apps that will help you plan your holidays.

A round-up of this month's news.

BUSINESS p. 60 ..... Malta's Buoyant Property Highlighting the ways that the market reflects confidence in the local economy.

p. 61 ..... business roundup The latest news from local businesses.

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

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

p. 96 ..... electronic device information 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

PROPERTY WITH AMAZING VIEWS IN THIS PRIME RESIDENTIAL LOCATION REF: 912851

l

€1,250,000

l

MELLIEHA

Detached BUNGALOW, built on over 1000sqm and having most rooms looking out onto its terraces and the pool area. Property consists of lounge/dining with working fireplace, separate kitchen, living room and breakfast area, study leading onto the garden area, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 showers, storage rooms, gym and a lovely pool perfect for entertaining. This property also benefits from an interconnecting 2 car garage and a 2 car carport. Truly a one off property.

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

MEDINA ...taste Malta

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

APRIL 2017 issue 52 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

Meet the Team Editorial and DESIGN TBWA\ANG Executive Editor Kristina Cassar Dowling Sales and Business Development Renata Vella Contributors Air Malta Alessia Caruana Antoine Borg Micallef Adrian Attard Christine Spiteri Claire Pace Monreal Daniel Cilia

Fiona Mercieca Helen Raine Heritage Malta Jean Paul Demajo Julian Sammut Mariella Camilleri Martine Farrugia Ministry of Gozo Nicholas Zarb Szabó Paul Vassallo Teodor Reljic Valletta Waterfront ON THE Cover Spring in Malta Photography Bernard Polidano Gary Bugeja Jamie Iain Genovese Karl Sciberras Mark Pace

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 Kristina on kristina@contentfactory.com.mt

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.

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

Corporate Services in Malta Malta is a hub for financial and corporate services and this has created the right environment to operate companies within legitimate and transparent business Adrian Sciberras, FCCA, CPA Fairwinds Management Limited structures. The island of Malta offers an excellent infrastructure and a reliable jurisdiction with a strong regulatory framework, making it a safe business centre to open and operate your company.

At Fairwinds Management, an accounting and administration firm with a corporate services approach, we assist our customers by helping them achieve their objectives. Renowned as the incorporation specialists, we offer custom made, cost-effective business solutions. Malta offers various tax incentives for foreigners seeking to set up business here, and has gained popularity due to its low corporate tax structures for non-resident shareholders of a Malta company. The island offers a very attractive environment for investors, making Malta one of the fastest growing economy in Europe and one of the most profitable investment locations.

Whether you would like to start up a company to operate your business or would like to avail of our back office administration services, Fairwinds Management will offer you a level of service which will exceed your expectations. Email us on info@fairwindsmanagement.net or call +356 2704 0903.

At Fairwinds Management, we offer you our expertise on corporate services: • Company incorporation • Management of a Malta company • Administration services • Business advisory services • Secretarial services in a Malta company • Accounting & payroll • Malta flag ship & yacht registration Fairwinds Management Limited Abacus Business Centre, Level 1 Dun Karm Street, B’Kara Bypass, Birkirkara BKR 9037 info@fairwindsmanagement.net | t: +356 2704 0903

www.fairwindsmanagement.net

Part of:

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.

This summer we celebrate 43 years of commitment to our Brussels route, where we are continuing to increase capacity with up to double daily flights. Traffic on this route continued to increase, as a result of the large number of delegations and accredited members of the international media who are travelling to Malta for meetings and events related to Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Coincidentally last month Brussels Airport awarded us, for the second year running, for our punctuality. We always endeavour to get our guests to their destination and we excel at doing it on time. Read more about this and about the carriage of the De Valette dagger to Malta and other interesting stories from page 84 onwards.

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. We do not want you to miss out on our unique promotional offers, but in order to recieve early notice of our promotions you need to be registered to our newsletter.

Please do give us feedback about your flight with Air Malta because we are keen to know what we could do better to improve your Air Malta flight experience. 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 2 minutes!

Wherever you are flying with us I hope you have a great flight with the Airline of the Maltese Islands!

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…

Reading this most probably means you're soaring high above the clouds, on your way to a foreign land, ready for an adventure or making your way back to the place you call home.

The first time I got on a plane I was a child, excited and eager to get to my destination. I asked my dad how long we'd be and he told me that our flight was roughly two and a half hours. That seemed like ages back then.

Firsts are awkward. They lead you into a world of the unknown, undiscovered terrain, new challenges, new feats. This note happens to be one of my many firsts. My first letter as Editor of Il-Bizzilla. As I breathe in and out, looking through the pages of my first magazine, a 'first' rushes through my veins; an unknown notion that pushes me to make your plane ride somewhat more interesting. Like travelling, this adventure is taking me to a foreign land yet bringing me closer to what I call home.

So, sit back, relax and read through the first issue that I have poured my soul into. Be kind... this is a first.

Have a safe flight,

Kristina

‘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 | MADLIENA | APARTMENT

FOR SALE | MELLIEHA | DETACHED VILLA

New listing in this prime location ▪ Fully-furnished luxurious APARTMENT measuring approximately 145m2 ▪ Part of a smart development in a quiet “cul-de-sac” ▪ Lift access ▪ Spectacular sea & valley views ▪ Spacious open-plan kitchen/living/dining area with access to the front balcony ▪ Brand new fully-fitted kitchen ▪ 3 double bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (main with ensuite) ▪ Underlying lock-up garage ▪ Freehold

Spectacular DETACHED VILLA with breath-taking sea views towards Gozo & Comino from its panoramic cliff top setting ▪ Large plot size of 2200m2 ▪ Bright living spaces including double reception & dining room ▪ Living room ▪ Sitting room leading out onto a spectacular terrace with infinity swimming pool ▪ Fully-fitted kitchen ▪ 4 bedrooms (including a guest suite on the ground floor) ▪ 3 bathrooms ▪ Study ▪ Drive & car-port ▪ Surrounding gardens ▪ Viewing essential to appreciate the unique location & views

Price: €560,000 - Ref: FA600518

Price: €3,500,000 - Ref: DV600042

FOR SALE | MELLIEHA | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

FOR SALE | PORTOMASO | SEAFRONT APARTMENT

A beautiful home, full of character situated close to the village square ■ Meticulously converted by its present owners leaving intact all the authentic architectural features ■ Hall ■ Kitchen / dining room, living room ■ Large central courtyard ■ 3 bedrooms ■ 3 bathrooms Study area ■ Laundry room ■ Interconnecting garage with ample storage space ■ Includes an adjacent property with ample possibilities to develop further

Exceptional waterfront APARTMENT located in one of the finest blocks of this prestigious lifestyle development ■ Panoramic marina & open sea views from its elevated position ■ Wonderful front terrace with sublime views ■ Entrance hall leading onto an open plan fullyfitted kitchen/sitting/dining area ■ 3 double bedrooms ■ 2 bathrooms (master ensuite) ■ Laundry room ■ Residents also benefit from the use of Hilton 5 star facilities such as residents beach club, access to top restaurants, gym and SPA ■ Underground parking space included

Price: €530,000 - Ref: HC600127

Price: €1,300,000 - Ref: FA600527 - Sole Agents

TO LET | WARDIJA | HOUSE OF CHARACTER

TO LET | VALLETTA | DUPLEX MAISONETTE

Spectacular converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER on approximately 1100m2 of land ▪ Long private driveway ▪ Breathtaking views from all rooms ▪ This enchanting country residence offers total privacy & seclusion in this sought after rural location ▪ Fully furnished ▪ Sitting / dining room ▪ Kitchen / breakfast area ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Terraces ▪ Large swimming pool ▪ Gazebo & mature garden

A fully-furnished DUPLEX MAISONETTE in our rapidly ascending world heritage capital city ▪ Recently converted & well presented throughout ▪ Lots of architectural features including wooden beams & fine traditional stonework ▪ Fitted kitchen ▪ Dining area ▪ Living room ▪ 1 bedroom ▪ 1 bathroom ▪ Balcony ▪ Short walk to the city centre & all the local amenities

From €4750 monthly - Ref: HC01430

€850 monthly - Ref: DM500013

▪ 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

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

BOV Investment Funds Some people think investments are complex. We can help you better understand and choose the right investment strategy that fits your personal risk tolerance.

BOV Asset Management, at the forefront of your investment needs

BOV INVESTMENT FUNDS 2122 7311 bovassetmanagement.com

BOV Branches/Investment Centres & Licensed Financial Intermediaries

Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of the investment can go down as well as up. Investments should be based on the full details of the Prospectus, Offering Supplement and the Key Investor Information Document which may be obtained from BOV Asset Management Limited, Bank of Valletta p.l.c. Branches/Investment Centres and other Licensed Financial Intermediaries. BOV Asset Management Limited is licensed to provide Investment Services in Malta by the MFSA. The BOV Investment Funds is a common contractual fund licensed by the MFSA as a collective investment scheme pursuant to the Investment Services Act and the UCITS Directive.

Issued by BOV Asset Management Limited, registered address 58, Triq San Ĺťakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130. Tel: 2122 7311, Fax: 2275 5661, Email: infoassetmanagement@bov.com, Website: www. bovassetmanagement.com. Source: BOV Asset Management Limited.

REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

GOZO

Gozo is Malta’s ‘little sister’. Located just a 20-minute ferry ride away from the mainland, it has a distinct feel to it – with it’s own personality and a truly charming way of life. In fact, Gozo attracted tens of thousands of visitors every year, some of whom even decide to make this veritable Mediterranean island paradise their home or to purchase a holiday property here.

Wondering what makes Gozo so irresistible? Read on to find out!

WORLD CLASS DIVING Gozo is considered one of the top three scuba diving spots anywhere in the world. The fact that tens of thousands of people travel here to dive every year is no coincidence – they’re attracted to the exciting underwater landscape, the interesting wrecks, the clear blue water, the dynamic sea life and the fact that the temperature rarely drops below 16°c, even in the winter. In fact, the island has become a centre for diving excellence in every sense of the world as, from the scuba schools to the associated social life, Gozo epitomises everything that enthusiasts love about this exhilarating sport.

FANTASTIC CUISINE Gozo is a foodie destination in its own right, so much so that Maltese gastronomes regularly take the ferry across to Gozo for lunch, dinner or even a whole weekend of excellent food and wine. As always, good food starts with fresh ingredients, and this island is renowned for producing a range of unparalleled delicacies – from fantastic fruit and vegetables, to sheep’s cheese, thyme honey and delicious seafood. This penchant for quality has attracted top chefs too (many of them born and raised in Gozo) who have created fantastic eateries for food lovers to really enjoy amid true Gozitan hospitality.

Kevin Buttigieg - CEO RE/MAX Malta

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Gozo is a rambler’s paradise, and it’s equally popular with walkers, joggers, abseilers and climbers. The prime reason for this is that Gozo tends to be much greener and more open than Malta, so there are plenty of off-road spots to explore and get lost in. We recommend the walk from Kercem to Dwejra, which takes in the rugged coastline leads down to the Inland Sea, or the more adventurous Marsalforn to Ramla l-Hamra route, which requires more effort but is well worth the stunning views of the famous ‘red sand’ beach at the end. Plus, if you really are missing the Azure Window, you could visit its lesser-known ‘cousin’ along the coast in Wied il-Mielah… it will make an equally beautiful photo op!

INCOMPARABLE HISTORY When it comes to those with an interest in the Mediterranean’s chequered past, few destinations will delight like Gozo does; the island is dotted with incredible historic landmarks at every turn. Unmissable highlights include the 7,000-yearold Ggantija temples, which are reputed to be the oldest freestanding stone structures in the world, the recentlyrestored Citadella, and charming Calypso’s Cave. That said, almost every town and village has a fascinating history of its own, and you can choose to get to know every one.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME Gozo has become a home-away-from-home for thousands of people, and every year hundreds more fall in love with the island and decide to set up here. And for good reason!

Gozo is a lovely place to spend time and there is a plethora of properties to choose from – from new-build apartments with lovely sea views to delightful houses of character or traditional farmhouses with room for a swimming pool.

Whichever one is right for you, we know it will effortlessly become your dream home in the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence or holiday home in Gozo, talk to RE/MAX. Our expert team will help you find exactly what you’re looking for in our unmatched database of properties, so that you can concentrate on the important business of enjoying everything that this wonderful island has to offer!

GOZO: FEATURED PROPERTIES Converted Semi-detached Farmhouse in Sannat Set on over 2 tumuli of land situated in lovely area of Ta’ Ċenċ.

This property boasts a private entrance through a long driveway leading onto a paddock for horses, two stables and a very large secluded pool area. Upon entering, one finds two large mill rooms with marble floors and a small kitchen all superbly lit by a large square courtyard in the center of the property which allows plenty of light into every room. Furthermore on the ground floor one master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and separate washroom. A beautiful stone staircase leads onto three bedrooms one of which enjoys a large bathroom and a 100 square meter terrace, two common bathrooms with showers and a large study which could be turned into a fifth bedroom. Fully equipped with outside showers/bathrooms a store room and backup generator are also included. Air conditioning has also been equipped throughout.

Price: €1,650,000

MLS - 240031035-85

House of Character in Xagħra Located on the cliff-edge heights, this wonderful house of character commands excellent views of the valley up to Marsalforn bay, the property offers lots of light and space with a welcoming wide hall leading to an open plan kitchen/ dining/living area overlooking the pool, elevated deck area and views. The house has 4 bedrooms (all ensuite) one of which is on ground floor level. Two of the bedrooms have a reading area and private terraces, it is being sold furnished to high standards, fully air-conditioned and includes a 3 car-garage.

Price: €650,000

MLS 240031008-2961

Converted Farmhouse in Għarb Beautifully converted farmhouse full of authentic features situated in a quaint alley overlooking Ta’ Pinu Shrine. Layout comprises of entrance onto a short hallway leading to a kitchen/dining and large mill room which is used as a living area, all leading to a massive garden enjoying views and privacy all around. Four bedrooms are featured in this property, one of which is on the ground floor, three full bathrooms and possibility of further extension both downstairs and upstairs.

Properties with this amount of outside space and views rarely cone on the market! Connect me for viewings!

Price: €685,000

+356 9966 3322

www.remax-malta.com

MLS 240031035-251

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GOZO

Spring in Gozo

S

pring is the season when Gozo discloses its full beauty. The island awakens to rolling hills of burgundy and gold, as patches of clover and haystacks adorn the countryside. This is the ideal time to visit Gozo and enjoy the island’s beauty.

Nearly deserted beaches at this time of year can provide the ideal hideout to relax and enjoy the lushious sun and warm weather. As for the most adventurous, Gozo can provide the ideal ground for rock climbing along some exciting routes.

Spring is also about Easter, with religious festivities during the Holy Week worth witnessing for their grand organisation and deeply rooted religious traditions. Live re-enactments portraying the passion of the Christ take place all around Gozo, with village exhibitions highlighting the original Passover, with a touch of local traditions and folklore. These are the days of religious rites, when churches are dressed down and are in sombre mood, spiritual places filled with the smell of incense with the intensity of remembrance. The highlights of these festivities centre around the Good Friday processions held in Victoria, Xagħra, Nadur, Qala and Żebbuġ. Easter Sunday is a true celebration. The joyful peeling of bells and band marches accompany a number of processions with the risen Christ, as people share the traditional Easter sweet, figolli, which they would have prepared days before.

The Maltese Islands celebrate the art of fireworks during the Malta International Fireworks Festival, a three-day event that sees the participation of both local and foreign pyrotechnics.

The festival has become one of the main highlights in the Maltese calendar of events and has grown in popularity both locally and abroad.

This year’s fireworks festival kicks off in Xagħra, Gozo on 22 April. A number of local and foreign fireworks factories will be participating in this competitive event, presenting spectacular pyrotechnic displays synchronised to music.

Gozo Half Marathon and Ultra Trail The Gozo Half Marathon was organised for the first time in Xagħra, Gozo in 1977. Back then about 35 competitors took part but this number has increased dramatically over the years with locals and visitors from other European countries now joining this annual event. Apart from the half marathon, the event hosts an 13km run as well as a 4km and 2 km race for younger athletes, making it an ideal event for the whole family. The half marathon route is of varying elevation and takes the participants through various Gozitan villages and breathtaking views of the island’s landscapes.

This year’s marathon will take place on 30 April.

More info: www.gozomarathon.org

For so many reasons, Spring is indeed the time to visit Gozo.

Fireworks Festival in Gozo Fireworks in Malta have a long tradition dating back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St John. For hundreds of years, fireworks were used as an expression of rejoice on special occasions. This centuries-old tradition is very much alive in the calendar of village festas that take place all over Malta and Gozo, especially during summer.

A week after Gozo’s half marathon, on 6 May, Gozo will host the Gozo Ultra Trail. This is a coast-hugging, trail running event that circumvents the island of Gozo. The event offers three challenges; a 55Km trail run, a 55Km MTB course and a 21Km trail run. The course is a gorgeous circumnavigation of the island which covers cliff edge single tracks, lush valleys, seaside salt pans, sandy beaches and rocky terrain – in short, you will experience the whole of the Mediterranean in one race!

More info: www.maltaxterra.com

18

CULTURE

SUPERSTITIONS IN MALTA WORDS BY Adrian Attard

A

tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea which was ruled by foreign powers such as the Knights of St John and the British Empire for centuries, Malta has unsurprisingly quite a superstitious past which continues to influence today’s Maltese mentality.

Some claim that the Catholic Church, often portrayed to hold a monopoly over its followers’ way of thinking, plays a huge role in this matter. Having said that, the Catholic Church repeatedly perceives anything superstitious with skepticism, insisting that it is unreasonable to believe that physical objects or events could possibly determine other events, as according to the Church’s beliefs, only God himself has the ability to control the outcome of actions.

Maybe the simplest way to define ‘superstition’ is to say that it is a supernatural occurrence where one action causes

or prevents another action without any sort of visible link between the two actions. In earlier times, when barely anyone attempted to look at situations from a scientific point of view, Malta’s inhabitants sought to define certain occurrences that were unexplainable at the time by determining them through superstitious methods.

The Evil Eye (L-Għajn) This is probably one of the oldest and most long-lasting superstitions. The most accurate way to describe it in Maltese would be through the words tgħajjen (female) or jgħajjen (male), or as one would say, “dak għandu s-sriep f ’għajnejh” – literally translated as, “he has snakes in his eyes”.

The underlying reason for these phrases show that the person being referred to, has the power to curse others just with one

LUXURY LIVING

BY DHALIA

a unique piece of history 7 Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms Interconnecting apartment Principal stone staircase Juliet balcony

700sqm interior space 500sqm exterior space 250sqm roof terrace Heated swimming pool Extensive underground shelter

Naxxar

Palazzo Nasciaro is an exceptional 18th century mansion in the heart of Naxxar, one

Price on request

foundations date back to far earlier times, the basic layout that we recognize today is

Palazzo Nasciaro

magnificent Rococo façade are echoed in elaborate carvings that decorate some of the

Palazzo

of the oldest inland villages on this historic Mediterranean island. Although its original attributed to the distinguished Maltese architect, Francesco Sammut. Elements of the internal elevations of the house.

Extraordinary care has been taken in restoring this unique Palazzo to its former glory and sensitively updating it to be used as a modern home. The former chapel has been converted into a family kitchen, and the former sacristy has become a working pantry.

Similarly, the previous ‘sala nobile’ on the first floor has been turned into a magnificent Master Bedroom and Bathroom suite, its high walls hand-stencilled in designs extrapolated from fragments of the original paintwork.

Scan to view property. Available also in VR. For details about this incredible property, or to book a viewing appiontment call on +356 2149 0681 www.palazzonasciaro.com

LUXURY LIVING UPMARKET PROPERTY SERVICES by Dhalia Real Estate Services A.1st Flr, Cobalt House, Notabile Road, Mriehel T. +356 2149 0681 E. info@luxurylivingmalta.com www.luxurylivingmalta.com

Sublime homes for unique clients.

You won’t settle for anything less.

20

CULTURE

look or by making eye contact. Although this might seem funny or absurd today, it was not a laughing matter a few decades ago, when people were terrified of such philosophies.

In order to overpower this, they used to do various things, such as flipping their index finger, and then forming their little finger in a sign of a horn, others hang chili peppers to protect them from the evil eye.

It is safe to say that the younger generation often finds these beliefs ridiculous, however, numerous elderly people are still terrified of the evil eye and are convinced that some people are able to curse them with just one look.

Il-Gawgaw In the past, elderly people used to believe that if anyone was born exactly at midnight on Christmas Eve, they would become a Gawgaw. They believed that the Gawgaw was en evil spirit which ran around the Maltese villages scaring children. Thus very often, those mothers who were to give birth in December would all actually feel apprehensive and concerned.

In earlier times, when barely anyone attempted to look at situations from a scientific point of view, Malta’s inhabitants sought to define certain occurrences that were unexplainable at the time by determining them through superstitious methods

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21

CULTURE

Wedding Superstitions Moreover, there are a number of superstitions which are linked directly to love and marriage, one of which was the belief that a marriage celebrated in May is likely to last a shorter term or else likely to produce disobedient children. However, the superstition also envisages that to prevent this, the newlyweds should pray to the Virgin Mary. On the other hand, January, April and August are the ‘safest’ months in which to get married. The reason for this is that during these months, the land is fertile and hence, the women who get married in these months are more prone to be fertile too.

Other popular superstitions in Malta include: walking underneath a ladder, wearing new clothes on a Friday, seeing a black cat crossing the road and breaking a mirror, all of which provide the victim with bad luck.

The perception of today’s generation seems to be that such superstitions are bizarre and unreasonable, however, it is undeniable and evident that some people unconsciously continue to avoid certain occurrences or do certain gestures to be rewarded with good luck. One might even find men who would not shave their beard prior to a football match or an important exam.

22

FASHION

02

DESIGNER BUZZ Fashion in Malta has become an art form that swiftly found its way into many locals wardrobes. Alessia Caruana highlights three designers who happen to be her personal favourites.

01. Female model wearing black jacket by Ritienne Zammit/Karl Sciberras 02. Fashion prints by Ritienne Zammit/Karl Sciberras 01

I

t has finally dawned on most Maltese designers that many are lost when it comes to fashion. I blame this on the village seamstresses who seem to run out of dress fabric and then turn to synthetic sitting room curtains for salvation. Fast-forward to 2017 and queue in the Trailblazers, the Enfants Terrible and the local designers who just get it. Designers who know what's going on and possess more than just raw talent, creatives who were blessed with vision.

Right off the bat, the first designer who comes to mind is , Ritienne Zammit who stands in a league of her own

when it comes to designing pieces that look timeless and traditional without looking dated or un-wearable. Zammit cemented herself in the industry a few years back when she sent one of her very first collections "AMEN" down the runway. She quickly became a sought after Maltese designer. What I find so fascinating about Ritienne's bold and cut throat design aesthetic, is her ability to create narratives through fashion, and themes that attract fashion lovers. It isn't everyday that you come across a designer who puts Dun Karm (the Maltese literary equivalent of Dante Alighieri) on a t-shirt that looks great once it’s paired with jeans and

Every design and every show bleeds out the effort and passion this young Maltese designer puts into his work

24

Converse. Everything about her shows and designs is meticulously thought out, without looking overstated. Whether her models are made to look like something out of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette (which is better remembered for it's delicious pastel costumes) or like Dr Evil stroking his pet cat in Austin Powers, this designer knows how to put on a show. Her garments are exceptionally well made, and translate well thought out ideas into effortlessly made prints that reflect her creative journey as a designer as well as her assurance towards what people want to wear and how they want to wear it. Ritienne’s work is sheer poetry, and there's a thirst for more talented female designers, on the rock and outside it.

I'd be doing a disservice to the local fashion community if I were to leave out designer Luke Azzopardi and his romantic,

The Opium Addict SS2017 Collection by Luke Azzopardi/Jamie Iain Genovese 02. The Opium Addict SS2017 Collection by Luke Azzopardi/Jamie Iain Genovese 03. Behind the scenes at a Parascandalo fashion show/Gary Bugeja 04. Model in the latest Parascandalo Fashion/ Bernard Polidano

FASHION

feminine designs. His work reminds me of Keats and the paintings of Ingres.

Azzopardi has a vision that reflects his education outside our shores and his broad understanding of the history of European art. His designs flow as effortlessly as a group of woodland nymphs dancing in the night, a celebration of what it means to love what you do. Every design and every show bleeds out the effort and passion this young Maltese designer puts into his work. It isn't just about the dress, it's about the fabric he's chosen and what story he's trying to tell us, particularly through the location he chooses to present his latest collections. Luke Azzopardi is in fact from Gozo, and perhaps our favourite Gozitan export to come from the island since Maxokk (a devine bakery in Gozo – Malta’s sister island).

If you're tired of frilly dresses and delicate hems, it's time to bring out the Maltese

designer who embodies squad goals, a love for denim and solid colours full of edge. Marco Parascandalo's designs, pack the right amount of punch and character to take your wardrobe to the next level.

Marco made the Maltese language, wearable with his Skandlu and Faqa Oħt t-shirts which became synonymous with his semi-androgynous brand. How can anyone forget his denim on denim look which first brought him onto the scene or his more recent all black head-totoe ensembles? From menswear style sweatshirts, to Parascandalo chokers and bell bottom pants packed with as much fringe as Pocahontas's wardrobe, this designer is the rebel of the pack, creating collections that could be worn everywhere and anywhere by both men and women. So there you have it. A few of our freshest Maltese designers, may we know them, may we admire them, may we wear them.

01

02

03

04

01.

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26

SWEETS

SWEET TOOTH: TRADITIONAL MALTESE SWEETS WORDS BY Mariella Camilleri

M

alta is a sweet-food haven, an island which seeks delicious pleasures. From Lenten treats to Christmas goodies, this is the place to entice the best mouth- watering desserts anyone could wish for. Look out for desserts in bakeries and coffee shops during an early morning stroll or at tea time when you can bask in a seaside café and watch the world go by.

Come spring make sure to sample the decadent Kwareżimal – a delicious biscuit type pastry enjoyed during the forty days of Lent. Almonds, flour, cinnamon, cocoa and orange flavoured water are combined together to create this delightful treat which comes with a glazing of Maltese honey. A delicacy best served with coffee or a cup of tea. Żeppoli or better known as Sfineġ ta’ San Ġużepp is another sweet treat enjoyed prior to the spring months. This traditional dessert is served around 19 March when we celebrate the feast of St Joseph. Ricotta cheese, sugar, anisette liquor, dark chocolate, almond, honey and candid peel are blended together and placed into sweet choux pastry cases. Be warned - once sampled this pastry will keep you coming back for more.

Maltese Easter time is well known for its Figolli – short sweet crust pastry, formed into bunny, heart or butterfly shapes. These pastries are filled with almonds, sugar, lemon and egg whites.

27

SWEETS

Once baked, Figolli are decorated with colourful icing. This lovely dessert is usually homemade however it is also found in grocery stores and supermarkets. A must-have for all almond lovers. It only takes one slice to fall in love.

Although this is a Christmas dessert, these pastries are found all year round in shops and supermarkets, so don’t leave the island without sampling this treat. These honey rings also come in smart packaging and make an ideal gift for relatives back home.

The famous Maltese Bread Pudding known to the Maltese as Pudina talĦobż is another all-time favourite.

Bread, milk, raisins, cocoa, cinnamon, orange peel, sugar, eggs and butter are blended together and baked to create a cake- like pudding that serves as comfort food during the winter months.

This pudding is sometimes decorated with dried cherries and is best enjoyed at tea time.

Another popular Maltese dessert comes in date-filled pies, better known as Imqaret. They are usually found in street stalls, sizzling in deep fryers.

The smell of fried sweet pastries is not hard to detect as one strolls the streets of Valletta. These delicacies are served hot and tend to be quite oily - definitely not for those watching their waist line.

You’ve been warned. When it comes to Imqaret self-discipline is a must!

Honey Rings, better known as Qagħaq tal-Għasel are found during Christmas time in shops and confectionaries.

These circular rings are infused with honey. This is quite an easy dessert to make however, lots of patience is required during preparation time.

Għadam tal-Mejtin – a bone shaped biscuit filled with almonds, is found mostly around the All Souls feast during early November. These goodies are filled with the same almond filling found in the Easter time Figolli. Shaped like bones and covered in a glazing of

white icing, these almond sweets will keep you coming back for more.

Kannoli tar-Rikotta are found all year round in Maltese coffee shops and confectionaries. These tube like pastries are filled with ricotta, sugar, chocolate and candid peal. These tartlets are usually served at tea time or as an after lunch dessert.

During carnival time look out for the Maltese Prinjolata. This mountain shaped mould is covered in cream and is decorated with chocolate and cherries.

Prinjolata is made from Madeira cake, vanilla essence, pine nuts, candied cherries and dark chocolate. A delicious dessert that looks like a snow capped mountain. Definitely one to try.

No matter which month or season you visit Malta, you will not be disappointed by our selection of desserts. From chocolate tartlets to almond treats and delicious cakes, our variety of desserts will leave you spell bound and craving more.

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28

SECRET SPOTS

29

SCENERY

TAKE AN ADVENTURE TO ONE OF MALTA’S SPECIAL SPOTS Malta might be small but there are dozens of tranquil locations that don’t get many visitors. Helen Raine gives the inside scoop on how to sail, hike, paddleboard and climb your way to them.

Sail to a Secret Spot - Mġarr ix-Xini On the island of Gozo, there’s a sheltered inlet that is perfect to sail or kayak into - you can moor up and swim to the pebbly beach. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filmed By the Sea here, and it’s not hard see why they chose this bay. If you get hungry, there’s a little restaurant in a shack on the beach - the fresh seafood is prepared in the simplest way, but is absolutely delicious.

In the past, Mġarr ix-Xini was used as a harbour for galleys but the bay goes down in infamy as the spot where thousands of Gozitans were loaded onto boats, and into slavery during the Ottoman Turk attack of 1551. The watchtower that guards the spot now, was built by the Knights in 1661 and restored in 2000 – from the top, you can see the Comino Tower; communication between them and a string of similar towers was affected through fires on the roof of the buildings. It is possible to get to this bay from the land (you can walk the old cobbled path from Ix-Xewkija) but there’s something special about coming in by sea.

Walk to a Secret Spot - Xemxija People tend to pass through Xemxija on their way to Mellieħa or the Gozo Ferry, but if you take a left down Triq il-Pwales and walk on for around 50m, you’ll find BirdLife Malta’s Is-Simar Nature Reserve. This quiet little oasis

is usually hiding all sorts of waterbirds, especially during migration. Look out for Water Rails, Purple Heron, Blackwinged Stilt and even rarities like Little Bitterns. Is- Simar is also a good spot to see Mediterranean chameleons.

From Is- Simar, carry on down Triq ilPwales, and turn right then left at the bottom. You’ll be on the track to the tiny St Anne’s Chapel, an ancient church which suffered damage during the French occupation, with soldiers firing their rifles into the façade. Keep going along the narrow track until you reach the road and turn right up to Mżieb Forest. A woodland track leads right again, back through the forest towards Xemxija; as you emerge, you’ll find yourself on the Xemxija Heritage Trail, an open air museum which has Punic tombs, a Roman apiary and bathhouse, a girna (traditional farmers hut) and even the remains of an ancient temple.

Book a Secret Tour - Wardija Olive Farm Malta used to be covered in Olive trees, and legend has it that you could walk in their shade from one end of the island to the other. The trees were lost as agricultural priorities changed but recently, several farmers have been working to rejuvenate the Maltese Olive Oil business. Sam Cremona is one of those farmers; he is intent on getting Maltese olives the recognition they deserve.

Recently, the discovery of carbonised Olive

30

SCENERY

tree wood in an ancient temple proved that Malta has two indigenous varieties of Olive tree (as opposed to the Italian ones that were imported). They are the Bidni Olive and the White Olive. The oil they produce is cloudy, viscous and has an intense, nutty flavour - it blows storebought oils out of the water.

by the Malta Climbing Club. If you need more details on how to get to the crag, want a climbing buddy or need lessons as a beginner, the Club can also hook you up with the right people.

Climb to a Secret Spot Żurrieq- Garden of Eden

If you are an experienced paddleboarder, you can rent a paddleboard and access the sea at the sandy beach of Għadira in Mellieħa. Head out of the bay to the right along the Mellieħa cliffs to visit the Coral Cave; the roof has collapsed, leaving it open to the sky once you paddle through the entrance tunnel.

As you come around the cliffs, you’ll reach Slugs Bay, a tiny little beach on the L’Aħrax peninsula. If it’s a calm day and you can find somewhere to stash the boards, it’s possible to walk up onto the top of the cliffs to visit the tiny little chapel where votive candles will be burning; the view is one of the most

Whether you are a veteran climber or a newbie, there’s a rock wall waiting for you in Malta; climbing is a brilliant way to get to places other people just can’t reach. Żurrieq’s Garden of Eden is a South/South West facing climbing spot, which works well in the cooler seasons. Fearless Wall is a particularly stunning route, where a steep wall and narrow ledge will take you right over the sea below. It’s technically challenging with some slight overhangs and steep undercuts, but has been expertly bolted

Paddleboard to a Secret Spot L’Aħrax tal-Madonna

lovely on the island and the garrigue here is especially fragrant and wild.

Walk to a Secret Spot - Mistra Bay Not far from Xemxija, you’ll find Mistra Bay, a quiet spot frequented mainly by locals. Continue around the bay and you’ll reach the Mistra Battery with its ornate coat of arms (after being used by a fisheries company for years, it has recently been restored). From there, a trail begins along the coast. It’s a blustery, fresh place with panoramic views of St Paul’s Island, some old World War II bunkers and gun emplacements, as well as huge expanses of rocky coastline to explore. In the spring, the wild flowers include orchids, poppies, snapdragons, asphodels and honeywort. If you make it to Selmun, there’s a World War II fort to admire together with the Selmun Palace.

The nearby Imġiebaħ Bay is tricky to get to and only accessible on foot, meaning you might be the only people there.

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EVENTS

EVENTS THIS MONTH

1st April

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly Aurora Theatre, Victoria, Gozo Puccini’s immortal Madama Butterfly, conducted by Colin Attard will feature in this year’s edition of the Gaulitana Festival.

The full-scale production featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, with Miriam Gauci in the lead role. www.maltaorchestra.com

11th April

Tuesday Talks: The Archetypal Paintings of Pasmore

Victor Pasmore Gallery, Valletta Highlighting the works of Victor Pasmore, a British abstract artist who resided in Malta for almost half of his artistic career, Dr Louis Lagana will present a psycho-analytic and prehistoric-oriented exploration of his works. An event ideal for art lovers and culture vultures alike. www.patrimonju.org

15th till 17th April

16th April

Flying Superkids

Handel’s Messiah

MFCC, National Stadium, Ta’ Qali

St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta

Flying Superkids is a Danish show that is truly unique. Starting off as a traditional gymnastics team and evolving into an internationally renowned show ensemble, the team’s performance always blows the audience away with their acrobatic moves. The young performers bring an incredible amount of energy to the stage and keep all spectators, young and old, on the edge of their seat. www.mfcc.com.mt

Described as “one of man’s grandest musical achievements”, Handel’s Messiah will be performed on the 16th of April at St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral in Valletta. This Easter tradition and a general crowd-pleaser will be under the direction of Michael Laus with the participation acclaimed Maltese solosits. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

EVENTS

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Inspired by old Russian Orthodox liturgical chants, it is considered to be one of his greatest orchestral works.

The internationally-acclaimed London-based Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri, co-leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, will then join the MPO for a performance of Alexander Glazunov’s Violin Concerto in A minor, possibly the composer’s best known work. The concert concludes with a performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony. Nicknamed the “Little Russian” for its distinctive use of Ukrainian folk songs, the symphony was highly acclaimed by Tchaikovsky’s peers.Bookings can be made through www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.

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36

EVENTS

22nd till 30th April

22nd, 28th, 30th APRIL

Malta International Music Festival 2017

Malta International Fireworks Festival

Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

Malta

The Malta International Music Festival aims to create a platform for aspiring young musicians to gain experience in the field.

With acclaimed professors guiding the young talent and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance, this event will serve as a culturally awakening festival. www.maltaorchestra.com

The 16th Edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival demonstrates Malta’s love for the art of fireworks and this year’s festival will kick off on the 22nd of April in Xagħra. A celebratory party can also be enjoyed in Marsaxlokk on the 28th where the sky will once again be filled with a vast array of sparks and colours. The 2017 celebration will close with the grand finale in the Grand Harbour, Valletta on the 30th April, synchronising the blasts of colour to music.

The love and expertise that connects Malta to this tradition is a demonstration not to be missed. www.maltafireworks.com

29th April

11

th

Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival

The Granaries, Floriana As part of the pyrotechnic tradition that adorns the festive celebrations of most Maltese localities, this year’s 11th Edition of the Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival will take place at The Granaries in Floriana. This set-up will boast Malta’s best pyrotechnic companies latest creations on display and put into action in hopes of highlighting their workmanship and passion for the art. www.florianalocalcouncil.com

29th, 30th APRIL

Medieval Mdina Festival

Mdina With a selection of activities taking place over two days, the Medieval Mdina Festival is not one to be missed. Some of the activities to look out for include live re-enactments, a medieval market and music, falconry, exhibitions, a variety of food vendors and much more. The Silent City will be transformed into a spectacle of historical events. www.medievalmalta.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.

Mediterranean Ceramics When in Malta don’t miss the opportunity to see true craftsmen at work. The artisans at Mediterranean Ceramics will amaze you with their artistry and passion. In their Ta’ Qali studio you can admire the detailed and artistic execution of volcanic stone tabletops and many other useful and decorative pieces. The designs on these unique pieces are alluring – and anything, from table-tops to kitchen counters, lamps, plates and dishes, can be produced to your own dimensions and design. Mediterranean Ceramics have crafted this bespoke tradition into a true art. Visit the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village studio/shop, or the shop at the Valletta Waterfront. Have part of Malta in your home – worldwide delivery is easily available to add a dash of affordable art to your surroundings.

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

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MEDICAL TOURISIM

High-Flying Dentistry:

Applying Implant Dentistry

I

t is known that once a drill is taken to a tooth, there is no going back. Not so long ago when implants where not as popular or as affordable as today, missing teeth would be replaced with bridgework. Just like bridges replaced many dentures, implants are now replacing many bridges.

Initially a virgin intact tooth could support a bridge without any issues bar maybe a root canal treatment. However 10,15 or even 20 years down the line, when for whatever reason the same bridge would need to be replaced, the teeth would not be what they once were. These supporting teeth would have taken the added load of the missing teeth leaving their mark. Reasons for replacing an old bridge could be one or more of the following: 1. Poor aesthetics 2. Food packing under the bridge 3. Fractured metal or porcelain 4. Mobile supporting teeth 5. Carious Cavities within the supporting teeth 6. Infected supportive teeth already having undergone root canal treatments 7. Trauma The process of replacing an old bridge involves sectioning and removing the old

Lateral view Intra-oral before treatment

Extra-Oral before treatment

Lateral view Intra-oral after treatment

Extra-oral after treatment

bridge, modifying the tooth preparation with the drill and taking a new impression. This would be the second time the teeth would be subjected to the drill, possibly leaving them sensitive and potentially requiring root canal treatments. These teeth might already be root treated with dormant abscesses, possibly causing reactivation leading to swellings and more. This may lead to their extraction and having to have them replaced. If these supportive teeth are also los,t the span of missing teeth would further increase possibly making it too long to construct a bridge and offer a good long-term stable result.

This scenario is all too common and forms part of any dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day-to-day clinical work. Having lost a number of adjacent teeth means that the only option left for a patient is to have a removable denture or a fixed implant solution. It is hard for a patient to accept the fact that after so many years of good service, now they are left with no other option but to extract one or both of their supporting teeth.

Of course every case scenario is dealt with on its own merits with a list of treatment options, timeframes and costings to choose from. You are not doing yourself

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

any favours by trimming your own natural intact teeth, as there is nothing better than them so if you can, avoid it! The second best replacement for your natural tooth is an implant-supported tooth. An informed decision is a must! Ask your dentist.

A Clinical Scenario (see photos above) A young woman in her late 20s was about to lose an upper premolar. She had already lost her identical premolar on the other side of her jaw, and had it replaced with a conventional bridge. Knowing she was going to lose this second premolar she did not wish to trim down another two of her adjacent teeth and have another bridge done. She was never informed that she could have have avoided trimming her teeth by inserting a single implant to replace the one missing tooth. She was also very unhappy about her current bridge as food was packing under it and the bridge lacked the natural aesthetics she desired. It was decided to replace the bridge with a single implant and having the previously trimmed teeth crowned. The other premolar was immediately replaced with an implant. All crowns and implant crowns were manufactured using highly aesthetic metal-free materials.

39

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.

Rickshaw Press Lunch

Press Lunch introducing the new menu at The Rickshaw, Corinthia Palace Hotel

RE/MAX Awards

Agent wins Global Award for most Transactions by an Individual

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

40

TRAVEL

Zurich – there’s more to this city than meets the eye WORDS BY Fiona Mercieca/Air Malta

T

he beautiful city of Zurich stands its ground in the centre of Switzerland and at the very heart of Europe. Without a doubt, at the first mention of this place, one's thoughts are immediately diverted towards the indulgent Swiss chocolate, tantalizing cheese fondue, jaw dropping landscape, reputable banks, distinctive sound of yodeling – and perhaps even the dishy Swiss-born tennis player Roger Federer.

But this common connotation simply doesn’t do it justice. You need to dig a little deeper to truly discover all that this city has to offer.

Zurich is in actual fact the largest Swiss city, however, with this being said it is also the world’s smallest metropolis – an impressive contrast upon which the city swells with pride. Hence, due to its small size and consequently easy exploration opportunities; either on foot or by use of the commendable transport network, there are no excuses as to why you can’t see and experience everything whilst there!

Not long ago, Zurich was thought of as a city more for the business-minded - what

with it being one of Europe’s leading financial and industrial capitals. It was pictured as a place of utmost stringency with little excitement and intrigue.

Even just the fact that the name Zu Reich actually means ‘too rich’ was a turnoff for most. But times have changed and this Swiss city has successfully metamorphosed itself into one of the most vibrant and hip destinations to visit.

Here are some of the different sides and captivating wonders of Zurich which will tug at your heartstrings and enthral even the most experienced travellers. Though be warned, after reading this you will want to book a plane ticket there - I’m speaking from past experience!

COMPELLING CULTURE As the birthplace of Dadaism, culture vultures would be well in their element in Zurich as the city is dotted with a vast number of museums and art galleries - so much so that the dilemma is which one to visit. With this being said, however, the following are just a few of which have received rave reviews from those with a

passion for art and history, and are thus highly recommended; the Kunsthaus Zurich (Museum of Fine Arts), Swiss National Museum and the Rietberg Museum. Zurich is also home to some truly stunning churches, including the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches that are now considered as two very important landmarks of the city. Whilst on the topic, it cannot go unmentioned that the oldest church in Zurich is St Peterskirche and it boasts the largest clock face in Europe.

Additionally, your visit wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Old Town, also known as Altstadt. It is the epitome of history as it depicts Zurich’s multifaceted past with its striking medieval and Renaissance buildings, and winding cobblestoned streets - it is undoubtedly an area of tremendous atmosphere. This is also the region in which the Cabaret Voltaire, a former nightclub, was set up by the Dada art movement after World War 1 in order to express what was considered as new artistic and political views at that time. It has since been reopened as an

41

TRAVEL

entertainment space where an extensive programme of events and exhibitions take place.

OUTSTANDING NATURE Wherever you turn in this city you will always be a stone’s throw away from nature. In summer, make the most of the clean inviting waters of Lake Zurich and River Limmat and take a dip in one of the several swimming spots. Or if you prefer to remain dry, why not take a boat trip and bike ride around the lake instead so as to enjoy the beautiful surroundings Zurich has to offer.

For those who like to be slightly more active and adventurous on the other hand, a hike on Üetliberg mountain is a must, and once at the top you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city and its natural gems down below. If you want to raise the bar a notch, it is recommended that you explore a little further afield and take a wonderful day trip to the magnificent Alps or sensational Rhine Falls - you will not regret it!

TEMPTING SHOPPING FRONT Zurich is home to what can be regarded as the most famous station street in the world - the ‘Bahnhofstrasse’. It is a must-see area for visitors, especially those diehard shopping fans. This street is attractively decorated with numerous local as well as international retail chains, but do feel free to venture down the side streets too for more shopping choices, I mean after all one can never have enough options right! It must also be said, that this location isn’t only for those seeking to fulfill their shopping needs however, as it is also the perfect place to unwind and engage in other recreational activities.

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Do you love a good night out? Well look no further. Zurich is actually known to have the most exuberant nightlife in the whole of Switzerland. It might come as a surprise to you, but here’s a fun fact - this city actually boasts the largest number of clubs found in the country! So the partygoer is literally spoilt for choice, and there is sure to be a club or bar which ticks all your boxes in terms of music genre played and ambience.

No need to worry about closing times either as here the phrase ‘party all night long’ is most definitely lived up to. In the summer months, one may also experience the clubbing scene in an open-air environment.

Listen up food lovers, your taste buds are begging you to come here. For the most part typical Swiss dishes are cheese or potato based, some popular ones being fondue, raclette and rosti - which for a lot of people may be considered grave food sins, but do keep in mind that whilst on holiday exceptions are allowed so no need to feel guilty. In terms of dessert, who doesn’t love chocolate? A visit to Confiserie Sprüngli is mandatory as it offers a wide selection of divine Swiss chocolate of the highest quality, together with their signature macaroons known as ‘Luxemburgerli’ and a variety of cakes.

Apart from these national treats though, for those with a more refined palette, Zurich also offers a wealth of Michelinstarred restaurants.

But for the party revellers it doesn't stop there! You have the chance to attend one of the world’s largest outdoor techno events, which is Zurich’s renowned Street Parade. This takes place one Saturday in August, and for this day the path along Lake Zurich is practically unrecognisable

So now the question is, with all of these new insights, have you been tempted to finally add this city to your travel list? I assure you that you will not be disappointed... you see that's part of its charm, once you get there it's instantaneous love.

SPIRITED PARTY SCENE

this Swiss city has successfully metamorphosed itself into one of the most vibrant and hip destinations to visit

as it is filled with an array of flamboyant techno lovers. If this perhaps isn’t your thing, fear not however as there are plenty of other festivals which Zurich hosts so just do a little research to see which captures your attention.

Air Malta currently operates five times a week to Zurich. This summer the Maltese airline will operate up to nine times every week with a double daily operation every Monday and Thursday. Currently one-way prices start from 69 Euros including taxes and charges. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

42

HISTORY

THE DWEJRA AZURE WINDOW – BEFORE AND AFTER

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Following its collapse on March 8 of this year, Teodor Reljic pays tribute to the Azure Window, one of Gozo’s most ubiquitous and iconic sites.

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I

t was a day that both locals and tourists, who have grown to love the island and its natural heritage, have been taught to dread for a few years now. But when Gozo’s iconic Azure Window finally gave way on March 8 of this year, the predominant feeling among both the populace and the international scene was one of shock.

Located at the tip of Dwejra Point in Gozo and measuring up to 28 metres in height, the Azure Window was arguably one of the most heavily photographed sites in Malta’s sister island. Its collapse – mooted by geologists as early as 2013 – was arguably just as spectacular in itself; coming as it did as the result of violent storms which rocked the islands that week.

But the fact remains that now, what was previously a site associated with copious selfies, film productions and – it must be said – illegal ramblers and cliff-jumpers, has now been consigned to memory.

Azure Window: A Brief History The Window is believed to have been formed over a period of roughly 500 years, as sea and rain erosion – the very same

phenomena that led to its collapse – did their work to shape the window into the iconic structure that gave the site its name.

The Window was however always a site in flux, with parts of its top slab already beginning to chip away and deteriorate from the 1980s to the 2000s.

The situation reached a critical point in 2012 however, after a YouTube video of a cliff diver jumping off the site, revealed large chunks of rock chipping off just as the diver made his dramatic descent.

In the wake of this incident, a 2013 report concluded that, while erosion of the site has begun to take its course, the collapse of the Azure Window became inevitable – it stated that any human intervention to stem the rot would likely make the situation worse – the fateful moment would not come for a few decades yet.

Gozo’s Hollywood superstar The Azure Window made for a truly iconic backdrop in a number of films, starting with the unforgettable – and since re-made – camp classic Clash of the Titans (1981). Perhaps

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HISTORY

WORDS BY Anne Dingli/Lovin Malta

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Wied Mielaħ - Għarb, Gozo As soon as the sad news of the Azure Window hit us we instantly began to look for a replacement. Tonnes of photos of Wied Mielaħ surfaced on social media in an attempt to assuage people's grief about the original window. But we think this rock formation will become way more than just a runner-up in years to come.

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The Azure Window before Azure Window site after collapse/Glen Gauci Wied Mielaħ/Pete Lanman Għar Qawqla –Marsalforn/Jürgen Scicluna/MTA L-Aħrax Tal-Mellieħa, Malta 04

confirming its status as a site that inspires mystified awe, the Azure Window appeared in yet another filmic re-imagining of Greek mythology some years later – The Odyssey, a mini-series which ran on NBC in 1997. The site also appears in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), but it arguably hit the jackpot of the pop culture zeitgeist when it showed up during the Dothraki wedding in the very first episode of HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Għar Qawqla – Marsalforn, Gozo Known as one of the best places for swimming and snorkelling in Gozo, this rock just off the Marsalforn bay is a haven for summer fun. It's dangerous to swim there when the seas are rough, but when that's the case this rock is pretty enough to just head over for some epic Instagram shots.

After the collapse: What lies ahead?

Given its ubiquity as both a tourist snapshot placeholder, as well as a piece of multimedia garnish – it’s not just about Hollywood and prestige TV but commercial entities too: Hugo Boss used the Azure Window for an advert as late as 2017 – it is perhaps understandable that even the powers-that-be began to treat its collapse as nothing short of a natural emergency of sorts.

Meanwhile, as social media both mourned and mocked the collapse of the Azure Window – the ‘post-collapse’ atmosphere oscillated between teary, patriotic disbelief and a healthy dollop of black humour – one key strand of the discussion suggested that this should serve as a wake-up call to preserve the natural heritage we have left.

Because the majesty of nature – which can both create a structure like the Azure Window over a period of hundreds of years, only to destroy it in one fell swoop – is certainly not to be sniffed at.

05

L-Aħrax Tal-Mellieħa – Mellieħa, Malta This beautiful cave hidden away on the coast near Armier Bay is a hotspot for crazy summer diving/jumping YouTube videos. It's known as L-Aħrax Tal-Mellieħa which translates to 'harsh rock' – you'll understand why if you're walking along it barefoot.

Visit www.lovinmalta.com.com for more info.

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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.

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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 worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

ACTIVITIES

6 DIVING SPOTS AROUND MALTA AND GOZO WORDS BY Nicholas Zarb Szabรณ

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ACTIVITIES

01. Fungus Rock 02. Anchor winch on the bow of the Um El Faroud 03. Ċirkewwa Reef Diving in Sidemount Configuration

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hen surrounded by sea, it is almost impossible to exclude recreational or sporting activities involving the deep blue. Malta, notorious for its sunny days, sandy beaches and clear blue water, offers more than just stunning beaches. It is known for its stunning diving locations for amateurs and enthusiasts alike, and caters for all difficulty levels, including snorkelling. The dramatic underwater landscapes and colourful ocean flora and fauna only continue to enhance this diving experience.

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Għar Lapsi is a small rocky inlet in the limits of Siġġiewi which can also be compared to a natural swimming pool. This area is known for being a shore dive with depths reaching about 18 meters, allowing for long relaxing dives. Easily accessible caves partly illuminated by sunlight can also be found, giving rise to beautiful visuals. Marine life is also abundant; one can observe sea hares and nudibranchs if lucky.

For the more adventurous, the wreck of Um El Faroud, the most famous wreck in the Mediterranean, is close to Għar Lapsi and can be reached from Blue Grotto which is close to this cave. The ship was docked in Malta in 1995 when it suffered an explosion in which nine workers lost their lives.

It was later decided to sink the ship as artificial reefing in 1998. The top of the wreck lies at a depth of 18 meters below ground whereas the bottom is at 36 meters. The wreck can be accessed by divers to explore the remains and grasp how wildlife such as barracuda and squid have taken over. Due to the sheer size of the wreck (110 meters in length), it can take more than one dive to fully explore it.

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The wreck can be accessed by divers to explore the remains and grasp how wildlife such as barracuda and squid have taken over

A must-see spot is the Madonna Statue in Ċirkewwa. This statue was placed on the 12 meter depth plateau more than 20 years ago and is now a popular dive site. It is considered a shore dive but one can go even deeper and find a series of caves, tunnels and swim-throughs. This is one of those dives which is not to be missed since it does not require so much time to experience all it offers but still guarantees an outstanding dive. It is also a preferred night dive location!

Comino has a series of 10 caves that are known as the Santa Maria Caves with local divers. These caves offer beautiful views into the blue when looking out from inside and quite a few swim-throughs. The caves are at a depth of about 18 meters and can be reached by boat from Santa Maria bay. The caves are full of marine life such as octopi, lobster, sea breams, eels, morays, damselfish and crabs. If you have time and fancy being on a boat after a satisfying dive, this is the right choice.

A more challenging dive, but worth all the preparation and anticipation is at the Fungus Rock. This varies from 30 to

For more information on The Leading Student Media Organisation visit www.thirdeyemalta.com.

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SPORTS

ACTIVITIES

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60 meters in depth and might have slight currents but the views are phenomenal. The rock got its name from the fact that the Knights of St John used to safeguard a special plant with medicinal properties. Underwater, the scenery is as dramatic as above, with vertical walls, fissures, gullies and caverns created by boulders lying against one another. The wildlife is not as abundant as other dive sites but one can still find starfish, eels, false coral and sponges.

As a two-in-one dive, visiting Xatt l-Aħmar in Gozo is a must. Two wrecks, MV Cominoland and MV Karwela lie about 100 meters from each other. Both wrecks are easily penetrated once reached at the depth of about 40 to 50 meters. The MV Karwela was only submerged in 2006 and hence, marine life has not yet fully integrated with it – the same goes for the MV Cominoland. The best way to reach these is by boat since less time is spent getting to the wrecks from the shore.

The crystal clear blue Mediterranean Sea surrounding the Islands makes Malta, Gozo and Comino the ideal spots for scuba diving. The calmness of the sea and the particularly low risk of encountering dangerous sea life contribute to this, allowing it to be classified as one of the most interesting diving experiences in the Mediterranean.

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01. Saint Mary's Tower also known as the Comino Tower on Comino 02. Għar Lapsi/Mario Galea

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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.

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Discovering malta & gozo

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.

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.

LOWER Barrakka Gardens, valletta MALTA 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.

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

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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.

Blue Grotto, Qrendi Malta 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.

Located along the south coast of the island, the Blue Grotto comprises of a number of sea caverns that are known for their mesmerising natural display of sunlight and reflections in the water. Daily boat visits to the caves are available throughout the year, weather permitting.

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

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.

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60

TRADITION

WHAT TO EXPECT ON GOOD FRIDAY IN MALTA WORDS BY Claire Pace Monreal

M

alta’s religious character and its devotion to religious celebrations are perhaps epitomised by Holy Week and Easter, which are celebrated primarily in a liturgical manner. Good Friday is celebrated two days before Easter Sunday by sobering traditions on the Islands.

Whilst sombre by nature, juxtaposed with the renowned fluorescent Carnival celebrations on the Islands that directly precede Lent, the traditions are regarded as part of Malta’s unique character and identity, and contribute towards the Maltese cultural experience. So, what can you expect on Good Friday on the Maltese Islands? And what should you know in order to make the most of your time in Malta?

Firstly, Malta and Gozo collectively have 359 churches, which attract a good number of tourists each year. However, the picturesque Biblical scenes, figures, and crosses, which characterise these churches, are customarily draped over in velvet or damask on Good Friday. This is done to signify Christian mourning. Whilst this in itself may attract tourists to churches, it is perhaps not the ideal day to pay them a visit. Additionally, one may notice the absence of church bells that are ordinarily heavily present on the islands, as bells are

not sounded on Good Friday. Instead, a unique instrument, with the name of ċuqlajta, is played. This is one of the oldest Maltese Good Friday traditions in use today, with its origin allegedly dating back to the Medieval Ages. The instrument is a large wooden clapper and may vary between villages. Well known ċuqlajti include those in Żejtun, Balzan, and Qormi.

Whilst most of the churches’ interiors are veiled on this day, the Stations of the Cross are left uncovered on Good Friday.

Many churches in Malta display statues that depict each of the Stations of the Cross, which are then carried around towns and villages during the Good Friday procession by reffiegħa (statue-carriers). These processions are held in twenty-two localities around Malta and Gozo in remembrance of the Passion of the Christ. Locals, clad in apparel depicting Biblical figures, walk between each of the statues, holding signs or props as described in the Bible, to the sound of funeral marches played by live brass bands. These processions may last up to an hour and a half and attract a number of locals who participate in an act of penitence. These tend to partake in Christ’s suffering by walking barefoot, carrying crosses, or dragging chains for the duration of the procession. Many local

For more information on The Leading Student Media Organisation visit www.thirdeyemalta.com.

TRADITION

61

television stations broadcast the processions, together with films or programmes that narrate the Way of the Cross.

On another note, fasting and abstinence is required on Good Friday. This means that the consumption of food is to be limited to one meal, and meat dishes are avoided. This, however, also means that many families prepare traditional meals that include widow’s soup, artichokes, lenten bread, snails, and seafood, as a substitute for meat. A number of local band clubs also prepare Last Supper tables that commemorate Christ’s dinner with His Disciples before being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Rooms are dedicated to creating a Biblical atmosphere and Passover food is served.

Locals also partake in such commemorations by decorating their home windows, which may display miniature statues or other paraphernalia that pay heed to Christ’s passion.

Such displays are also exhibited on a larger scale in certain localities, including The Three Cities. Exhibitions, identifiable by the distinct welcoming smell of incense and wood, include realistic statues of Christ with His Apostles, paintings, and designs made out of rice, salt or matches.

Such localities also organise live pageants in Maltese streets commemorating the Biblical passage of the Way of the Cross.

Whilst these traditions should not be mistaken for entertainment, they serve as attractions that may help visitors acquaint themselves with the highly religious Maltese cultural celebrations. The traditions you may expect in Malta on Good Friday have been passed down from generation to generation and have played a significant role in the childhood of Maltese individuals. Whilst participating in these traditions you are participating in Maltese culture, which is important to locals both for its religious implications and its societal value.

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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

62

PROPERTY

MALTA’S BUOYANT PROPERTY MARKET REFLECTS CONFIDENCE IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY

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ocated in the Centre of the Mediterranean, midway between Europe and Africa, Malta remains one of the safest, happiest, and most attractive places to live in and do business, for families and businesses alike. This is thanks mainly to thousands of years of culture and history being handed down from generation to generation, not to mention the exceptional climate and natural beauty that the Maltese islands have to offer.

The buoyant Maltese property market reflects confidence in the economy. Recent figures show the volume of property transactions at an all-time high and rising prices demonstrate confidence in the market. Perry Estate Agents continue to record a steady influx of expatriate requests for residential and commercial property, both for sale and for rent as the living costs in Malta remain considerably lower, when compared with the main countries in central Europe. The island’s legislative and regulatory systems provide a solid yet flexible framework for business. EU membership in 2004 and the adoption of the Euro currency in 2008 have contributed significantly to the islands attractiveness as a stable jurisdiction to do business.

The statistics also show a significant increase in transactions involving properties valued more than €1M suggesting healthy levels of activity by high net worth individuals. The fact that so many people are prepared to invest in Maltese property shows that there is a positive feeling about the island’s prospects for further growth in the future.

Robert Spiteri Paris B.A.LL.D Director, Perry Estate Agents T: +356 +356 2131 0800 M: +356 9944 4373 E: rsp@perry.com.mt W: www.perry.com.mt

The economy is dominated by tourism, manufacturing, technology and finance. The island has become a firm favorite for companies of international repute coming from various industries, including hedge funds, gaming companies, film companies and financial services companies to mention a few. Perry Estate Agent’s (est.1981) leading letting department has also recorded an increase in demand for property from companies in industries such as maritime, energy and aviation.

Malta is ideally positioned geographically and culturally as a financial Centre in the EU and Eurozone. For businesses, Malta also boasts a highly qualified, well-educated and multi lingual labor force, efficient legal accounting and banking services; high standard of living; a very competitive tax regime; low set up and operating costs and a very sound ICT infrastructure.

Perry Estate Agents has expanded its sales and letting departments in recent months with new state of the art offices to cater for this consistent increase in demand for quality property, coming from the most discerning of expatriates looking to make Malta their home. The company has also begun to offer property management services to cater for clients' every needs and to be able to offer a comprehensive service to prospective purchasers/tenants, in an attempt to make clients move as straight forward and hassle free as possible. If you are looking to buy, sell or rent quality property on the Maltese islands, contact the professionals at Perry Limited on 21310800/0088 or e-mail on perry@perry.com.mt.

63

BUSINESS ROUND-UP

FROM MALTA TO MELBOURNE

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his is the second year that Mediterranean Ceramics exhibited at the world’s largest horticultural event in the southern hemisphere, at the must see Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This spectacular event has been held annually since 1995, attracting over 150,000 visitors. The show took place at the Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens, from 29 March until 2 April and served as a perfect time frame for the company to exhibit a few showstopping products, such as a 3 meter handpainted splash back with a Valletta design and a collection of volcanic stone tables inspired by bold, seasonal floral patterns.

The vibrant colours and impeccable craftsmanship received a great deal of attention from enthusiastic visitors.

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.

64

Spring is in the air – Easter in Malta WORDS BY Julian Sammut

SEASONAL FOOD

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oreigners visiting Malta for Easter usually reach our shores on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday experiencing the tail end of Lent. The Lenten sweet Kwarezimal – permitted as it contains no butter or eggs – is still on sale and definitely worth tasting. The name for this pastry made from almond, citrus zest and spice comes from quaranta, Italian for forty, the number of fasting days during Randan, Lent in Maltese. Kwarezimal is an excellent example of the Siculo – Arab influence in Maltese food. The quality can vary so seek out the better confectioners, ask a local. As far as savoury food goes street snacks like the Qassata ta’ l–Incova , a spinach and

anchovy pastry, and Sfineg tal–Bakkaljaw, salt cod fillets deep fried in a crispy, fluffy batter are on sale. The Qassata are sold from Pastizzeriji whilst one of the band clubs in Rabat is especially sought out for the latter. On Thursday evening and Good Friday morning most families set out around Valletta or across a number of villages visiting the “seven churches” where Alters of repose are laid out with beautiful antique silver pieces and blankets of white flowers. All town and village squares buzz with activity and the reciting of prayers amidst the cries of street vendors selling Qaghaq ta’ l–Appostli, large “Apostles’ ” bread rings studded with almonds and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

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01

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SEASONAL FOOD

01. Figolla – Traditionally baked in the shape of an animal 02. Kwareżimal – the Lenten sweet 03. Gululu restaurant in St Julian's is a casual Maltese diner which offers seasonal, festive dishes 04. Easter Procession

04

Alters of repose are laid out with beautiful antique silver pieces and blankets of white flowers 03

The pealing of bells on Easter morning celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and the end of the long period of Lenten abstinence. Children rush out carrying their Figolla – a biscuit and marzipan sweet, colourfully decorated with sugar icing and with a chocolate egg in the middle. Traditionally baked in the shape of a fish, rabbit or dove the Figolla most probably comes from Sicily where much of our “sweet” heritage originates from. Some Figolli have a little paper face attached to them, of a pretty lady or handsome man in powdered wigs reminiscent of grandiose times when the Knights of St John ruled Malta.

It may be that the little animal shaped Figolli were originally intended to symbolise the new life which Springtime brings with it, as Easter eggs do. When the Knights reached Malta in 1530 they were accompanied by a large following of Greeks, mainly Rhodiots, who being

Christian fled their island home with them and settled in Birgu where they set up their quarters and established their Orthodox church. It was these refugees who introduced this Easter Sunday procession to our islands. Did they bring us the Figolla too? The Figolli are blessed by the local Parish priest as the men of the town or village run through the streets carrying the statue of the risen Christ in the traditional Irxoxt, resurrection celebration. Certainly the most spectacular of these processions are held in the neighbouring cities of Bormla ( Cospicua) and Birgu (Vittoriosa) where the statue bearers run triumphantly and the statues are brought together high up on the hill of Santa Margerita. The procession in Valletta held in the evening is also worth a visit.

Lamb remains the traditional dish for the family lunch on Easter Sunday. An entire young lamb or the leg of a larger

one are either roasted, Haruf il–forn, or cooked as a Frikassija. The roast is surrounded by potatoes, fresh garlic and onions and flavoured with mint, lemon juice and a dash of white wine, whilst for the Frikassija the lamb is chopped into smaller pieces fried golden with onion, garlic and leeks, then dressed with egg, and lemon juice and braised slowly on a low flame. Fresh peas are added and a crusty loaf of Maltese bread is essential to mop up the delicious gravy, as are finger bowls and a pile of paper napkins. These tasty Lenten and Easter dishes can be savoured at Gululu the casual Maltese restaurant and Ftajjarija–ftira is similar to Neapolitan pizza and baked in a wood burning oven - in Spinola Bay, St Julian’s.

Easter is a very special feast to all Maltese. It is the Catholic church’s most important feast and heralds in the warm weather and happier, carefree days.

Julian Sammut is an enthusiast of Maltese food and traditions, and the proprietor of Gululu restaurant in St Julian’s.

66

ADVENTURE

TRANSITIONING FROM SMALL ISLAND TO BIG CITY WORDS BY Martine Farrugia

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orn and raised in Malta, I had difficulty switching out of ‘small island’ thinking when I moved to London. My first few months were spent wondering if I would ever acquire the purposeful stride of busy Londoners, who always knew where they were going, and exactly how to get there. I remember turning in circles for hours, desperately lost despite Google maps, whilst trying to shield my screen from others lest they think me a hapless tourist.

Of course I now realise that there is absolutely no shame in being hopelessly lost, and contrary to common opinion, London residents are mostly very happy to help you out. This being said, I always wished I had a little guide those first few months; just a few dos and don’ts to keep me on track. Culturally, there isn’t a huge chasm between Malta and the UK, but there are little things to bear in mind for those who hail from the lovely community lifestyle found in Malta.

Don’t greet strangers. When I moved over I would nod and smile cheerfully to passers-by until my boyfriend begged me to stop. Back home if I walked my dog at 7am I would always greet others. There was a sense of comradery in being out together at an ungodly hour. This doesn’t apply in London, or any other big city for that matter. You’ll be lucky to just get off with a slightly alarmed look and nine times out of ten your compadre will cross the street to distance themselves from you.

The only time it’s OK to push and shove in London is when you’re getting on the tube during rush hour. In that moment, reality is suspended and it is every man for himself

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ADVENTURE

Having a life outside work is critical. It might seem obvious but it isn’t easy, I was incredibly lonely those first few months.

I secretly fantasised about going out for a glass of wine with a girlfriend to gossip about inconsequential things like I would back home. I remember feeling so sorry for myself, and lamenting the easy social scene in Malta. The reality is, friends do not seek you out, especially not in a bustling city. After I was done wallowing in self-pity I got busy. I joined a book club and a ‘girls only’ gym where I would do Beyoncé work outs (very niche, I know). I’m not necessarily suggesting you follow my path but do join groups where you have shared interests. There are online sites dedicated to meet ups where people get together to chat about shared interests, go out clubbing, drink wine, and thousands of other things. Today I see this as one of the best things about city living. It got me out of my comfort zone and made me more sociable.

Make non-Maltese friends. In Malta, I didn’t need to make new friends, I had a group of pals from my school days and that was all I needed. After moving to London, you could always look up other

Maltese people who live nearby and hang out with them. However, while it is lovely to reconnect, I would also advise maintaining a non-Maltese social circle. Socialising with other residents you have no prior connection with can be a massive eye opener. We love Malta, but we must admit that it isn’t exactly culturally diverse. Living in a multicultural city is a wonderful opportunity to expand your worldview and diversify your thoughts and values.

The tube is absolutely fine, but the bus can be better. I feel like in Malta the stigma of the bus system is alive and well, whereas in London the bus is a perfectly legitimate option. It is true that you are more likely to encounter the odd bizarre character weaving between the seats, but I’ll take that over being crushed under someone’s armpit on the Central Line during rush hour.

Strikes are a constant pain in the neck.

Strike culture is rampant in London. Trains, buses, tubes, airports – Unions rule. Follow all your relevant transport lines on Twitter to get live updates, learn your alternative routes and enjoy the excuse to turn up late

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ADVENTURE

for work. No one will blame you, just shake your fist at your workmates and everyone will grunt in agreement.

themselves into the smallest of carriage corners, hence my earlier comment about the bus occasionally being a better option.

Queueing etiquette is key. If you want to blend in and be a proper Londoner, learn to wait in line. I recently visited Malta over the holidays, and the melee I experienced at the Malta Airport boarding gate was magnificent. I probably never noticed, and very likely partook in, the fracas before I moved away. In London people wait their turn, they will form an orderly line and pretend they don’t mind waiting. If someone pushes ahead they will be very politely called out on it and asked to join the back. Leaving Malta recently, one man almost had me in a headlock in an effort to get onto the plane before me. The only time it’s OK to push and shove in London is when you’re getting on the tube during rush hour. In that moment, reality is suspended and it is every man for himself.

I myself have been shockingly cutthroat in trying to get into a carriage when late for work. People will also contort and squeeze

Moving away, even if just for a short while, can be a wonderful opportunity to mature and grow emotionally. It is the perfect time to think about all those things you want to or wish you did. London offers something Malta cannot – anonimity. I remember feeling very self-conscious back in Malta because I was constantly worried about making a fool of myself in front of my peers.

I found myself able to be more myself than ever in London because I was free of gossip without restrictive preconceptions. You will meet people who know nothing about your past, which provides the ultimate fresh start. Networking and opportunities abound, and there is always room for newcomers to join the scene . Malta will always feel like home and I still experience stabbings of nostalgia for the cosiness of it all, but London offers something different.

It can be scary, but mostly it is just incredibly exciting.

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

OUT & ABOUT

69

Snella Cittadella Bella Mortadella

G

O

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O

C O

M

N

O Large sandy beach

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I

A

L

The appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye beach Extremely old and silent city

shh!

Some high cliffs

Giant Neo toy bl

TO THE OTHER UNIVERSE

Area 51 and a half

Big blue

Unicorn Island

Looking for a new adventure?

If you’re the misfit we’re looking for, just jump.

WAIT FOR US!

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olithical locks

A

We’ll catch you.

Multinational ensemble

Capital C

Very old cities

YOU NEED TO SPEAK LOUDER

Luke’s space port

Pescetarian haven

shiny e cave

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72

ARCHITECTURE

THE STORY OF THE MALTESE BALCONY Clipped to Valletta’s golden walls, the traditional gallarija immediately strikes visitors as distinctive and extremely versatile. Its aesthetic, proportion and colour enrich the visual aspects of our streets through bright paint, wood and simplicity. But what is the story behind these balconies, Christine Spiteri asks.

I

t all started in the late 17th century, when Valletta acquired the first timber enclosed balcony on the island. It is widely held that this was the pine green one in the Grand Master’s Palace, stretching from Old Theatre Street up to St George’s Square. However, we have no record as to whether this was locally designed or imported.

“In Arabic culture, the mashrabiya, literally a ‘peep-hole’, is a lattice screen enclosure generally built as a wooden window frame, which screened the window space completely,” explains architectural historian Conrad Thake.

“This style of balcony presented the Muslim female with her only direct contact with the outside world.”

The Maltese balcony is probably a derivative of the Spanish style balcony, which in turn is strongly influenced by the Arabic mashrabiya also known as mushrabiya. However, the ethos of the Maltese balcony is different.

Meanwhile, the function of the Maltese balcony is more of a theatre box and serves as an unobtrusive platform whereby one can witness the unfolding events on the streets below, designed to be seen, as well as to look out from.

Many in Valletta still adorn their balconies with a collection of plants, drapes, lights and effigies of saints during religious feasts

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ARCHITECTURE

“Put simply, the mashrabiya was a means of hiding away from life outside, whereas the Maltese balcony provides a platform through which you can participate in the life outside,” Thake says.

Winston Churchill said that the buildings we shape end up shaping us. The spaces we live in and the way we interact with them have had a significant impact on our culture.

And the balcony is not only climatically and architecturally an important feature, but also a sociological one too.

On a practical level, the balcony is used to provide light and to control the climate. It’s also common to see the day’s washing hanging out to dry on balconies.

In the early 1990s, anthropologist Sibyl O’Reilly Mizzi observed this indigenous cultural phenomenon and wrote: “Many houses have a closed balcony, an ideal observation post for the

street below and the activities of passers-by, without one’s self being observed. Towns and villages [in Malta] are densely populated, so there is almost always someone passing, some activity to interest a watcher. It is a perfect arrangement for neighbours to watch each other surreptitiously.

It enables them to become familiar with the daily routine of everyone in the neighbourhood. Any deviation from routine, even a minor one, is immediately noticed.”

Two decades later, the balcony’s function on a practical level still exists, but what about its sociological use? Do people still spend their afternoons sitting in their balconies as they once used to?

While many in Valletta still adorn their balconies with a collection of plants, drapes, lights and effigies of saints during religious feasts, or use it for storing things, very few are those

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who casually while away their time interacting with life outside.

Wandering through the streets of Valletta on your average Sunday afternoon, most balconies are open to let in the crisp sea breeze, clothes hang outside to dry, while music can be heard having a duet with the pigeons’ clapping wings. But otherwise, one could only observe two women peering out of their balcony at the world below.

The balcony is therefore moving on to a new chapter in its history.

Its function of knowing from the inside what is going on outside seems to be declining. But is this a threat to the traditional Maltese balcony?

Not necessarily. Paraphrasing Churchill’s quote, it seems like it’s no longer the architecture that is shaping us, but the opposite.

74

NEW IN TOWN

A TASTEFUL MASTERPIECE

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f you’re looking for an exceptional burger look no further than the Maestro range from McDonald’s, a fine blend of 100% pure meat patties and a variety of mouth-watering ingredients that create a truly exquisite meal. The honourific Maestro title given to this range conducts the tone of luxury which embraces pleasure to create a truly unique indulgence. The quality ingredients selected for the Maestro range create a symphony of flavours only a maestro could whip up, crafting a concerto of delectable pleasures on your palate.

The latest scrumptious burger from the Maestro range comes under the name of The Magnificent Maurice. Just like all other Maestro burgers, the Magnificent Maurice is plentiful and comes with two beef patties topped with two rashers of bacon and a portion of Forme D’Ambert. This, coupled with lettuce, red onions, a dash of blue cheese sauce and a lavish cranberry jam provides a truly exquisite taste. A stamp of approval on the Magnificent Maurice bun shows how wholesome this burger is.

The Maestro burger range also includes the famous Generous Jack, a star burger that truly lives up to its name. This masterpiece combines two perfectly seasoned 100% high quality pure beef patties, two juicy strips of bacon, the all-natural Maredsous cheese, succulent tomatoes, fresh red onions, crisp premium lettuce and lemon flavoured mayonnaise that sets off the taste with a perfect zing. This well-crafted bun comes topped with sesame and poppy seeds and blends a medley of elegant ingredients placing this burger in a class of its own.

Keep up-to-date with our latest updates by tuning in to the McDonald’s MT Facebook Page and by following us on mcdonaldsmalta for daily Instagram posts.

Visit www.maestroburgers.com.mt for more information

AIRPORT | BAY STREET | B’KARA | BUGIBBA | GĦARGĦUR | GOZO | SLIEMA | ST JULIANS | VALLETTA

76

TECHNOLOGY

3 BEST APPS TO USE WHILE TRAVELLING

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can't remember the last time I kept an app on my phone for more than a month, says a colleague of mine. We all know its a drag to wade through the proverbial swamp of useless, gimmicky apps that are widely available nowadays, until you find the one that suits your needs.

Going on holiday and need all your travel arrangements organized into a single, user-friendly app? TripCase has you covered.

Managing over 30 million trips a year, this app will allow you to check your flight details, manage your accommodation, and even rent a car while you're still making arrangements, TripCase has your reservation details at hand, synced to your account so that you can access your travel itinerary any time, anywhere.

Before you've even boarded that plane, you can look up flight information and TripCase will let you know whether there have been any last-minute changes, using real-time updates to keep you up to speed. Flight issues? TripCase has your back, allowing you to search for alternate flight routes to your destination. Once you've landed, TripCase will also give you updates about your destination, with the possibility to save new locations to your account for later use. Its easy-to-use interface allows you to check where and when you're going, at a glance. If that wasn't enough, this app is also compatible across different mobile devices, letting you smoothly link all your reservations and information from your smartphone to your tablet. You can even receive notifications

WORDS BY Paul Vassallo

on your smartwatch. This is the go-to app for business trips and holiday-makers alike.

Having the latest cooking and recipe apps on your phone may make you a modern-day chef, but being abroad sometimes means not having the time and resources to make yourself a hearty meal, or perhaps you'd rather spoil yourself. However, we've all got our individual tastes and going out means sitting in a restaurant and having to choose from a menu that we only get to see once we arrive. Foodspotting blows this idea out of the water, by letting you peruse not just restaurants in your area, but even the dishes they're serving. So if you've got a hankering for a particular plate of pasta served just the way you like it, or you're really picky on what goes into your burger, you should take a gander at the appropriately named Foodspotting. This community-driven app lets users post pictures of the food they like, or even just leave a small comment saying "Loved it!". Foodspotting is all about positivity, and bringing people and good food together, so they've got a strict no-negative-review policy, which means every time you open up this app, you're going to be overwhelmed with positive reviews on where and when to go and dine. Follow friends and experts from the Travel Channel, bookmark your next meal with a "Want" and recommend the dishes you've sampled with "Tried" and "Loved".

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TECHNOLOGY

In medieval times, bards would sing songs of faraway places and the adventures that took place there. Here in the 21st century, you get to be the bard. How, you ask? Why, LiveTrekker, of course. LiveTrekker is your number one app for taking, recording, sharing, and putting together all the digital media you've amassed in your journey into one place, depicted across detailed maps. Allow the app to trace your steps, charting out your whereabouts through GPS. Combine this with photos, videos and comments along the way. When you come to the end of your trip, LiveTrekker allows you to go back and relive the experience, letting you add or remove pictures and videos in the process. Whilst the app also features privacy protection, you are given the option to upload your most exciting experiences to the Cloud, to share with your friends and loved ones. Finally, LiveTrekker boasts a disconnected mode, so you're free to roam around without incurring bandwidth costs, and the app will synchronize again once it has access to free Internet. A key feature while travelling. Hikers and holiday-makers will love showing their family famous landmarks they've seen, and business associates can share their meeting minutes and photos of the venues. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself LiveTrekker, and be the bard of your own storytelling.

This brings us to the end of our countdown. You've got all the technology available at your fingertips. Keeping your mobile devices up-to-date with the latest apps will allow you to fully enjoy your holiday and walk around like a local.

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EVENTS

The Colours of Spring at Valletta Waterfront

with magnificent views of the historic Grand Harbour.

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).

Colour Fest, the annual spring festival held at Valletta Waterfront, returns between Friday 21st and Sunday 23rd April, 2017.

The iconic coloured doors of Valletta Waterfront have been the inspiration for this event, which together with the historic Grand Harbour serve as a backdrop to the weekend-long event. Activities include live bands, giant outdoor games, a children’s art exhibition, healthy lifestyle advice, crafts, entertainment and more.

Getting to Valletta Waterfront

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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 destination. The small chapel of the Flight to Egypt by the Holy Family, further creates a unique ‘village’ ambience.

situated inside the tastefully refurbished, historical stores, originally constructed

by Grand Master Pinto in 1752. 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.

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

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,

• 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

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80

FEASTS

BEST FIREWORKS VANTAGE POINTS IN MALTA WORDS BY Antoine Borg Micallef

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alta’s penchant for vivid firework displays may be quite a surprising discovery for most visitors who journey to the country. While most Europeans see pyrotechnics as a luxurious addition to a grand celebration, they are revered as a unique art form in the Maltese Islands.

These fiery bursts of colour that illuminate the night sky have become an integral part of Maltese culture, and attract thousands of local and foreign revellers each year. In fact, the Maltese take such pride in their pyrotechnic craft that they host an annual aerial Fireworks Festival to showcase their talent and expertise. The 16th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will be

held over three nights between Saturday 22 April and Sunday 30 April 2017.

As with any form of art, the viewer needs to be able to appreciate these fireworks from an optimal perspective.

There are several vantage points that are spread across both Malta and Gozo which allow you to capture fireworks in all their glory.

If you’re interested in the Malta International Fireworks Festival, this year’s editions will be hosted in three locations across the Islands, namely Xagħra (Gozo), Marsaxlokk, and Valletta. Marsaxlokk is a tiny village in the southern tip of Malta, which boasts several great firework vantage

points. These include the Marsaxlokk promenade, Delimara, and the road leading to the San Luċjan Tower on the Birżebbuġa peninsula.

If you’re heading over to Gozo for the Fireworks Festival, its unique hilly topography presents several optimal sites to take in the show. These include the Cittadella in Victoria, several uninterrupted viewing points in Nadur, and the Parish Square in Xagħra.

The Grand Finale held in Valletta is hailed as being one of the most spectacular shows in Malta, where the viewer gets to experience the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities bathed in a blaze of bright colours.

FEASTS

81 There are several viewing points for this show, including the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, the Valletta Waterfront, Barriera Wharf, and the Bastions along East Street in Valletta.

If you happen to be heading over to Malta again over the summer period, you can still enjoy firework displays organised annually by enthusiasts for the village festa. August happens to be one of the busiest summer months for these shows, which also includes the renowned pyrotechnic shows of the villages of Lija and Mqabba respectively held on 6 and 15 August.

The display in Lija is best observed from higher grounds in Naxxar and Għargħur, while the Mqabba show can be enjoyed from the Laferla Cross (Salib tal-Għolja). Last but not least, you should also head over to the old capital city of Mdina during the festa season.

Mdina is perfectly positioned above its surrounding neighbouring villages for uninterrupted firework viewing from vicinity and afar.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Restaurant GUIDE Marsaxlokk TERRONE RESTAURANT 1 Wilga Street Marsaxlokk T: +356 2704 2656 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 offers 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

SLIEMA Charles Grech Bistro Sir Adrian Dingli Street, Sliema T: +356 2132 0926 E: bistro@charlesgrech.com E: www.charlesgrechbistro.com The original tobacconist, bottle shop & Cafe on Republic Street Valletta has evolved, opening its doors as the elegant Charles Grech Bistro in Sliema, serving sumptuous breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch and dinner. The combination of the belle époque style décor, the clean smell of fine leather and the warm ambience are sure to hit all the right notes as you make your pick from the wide range of drinks and cocktails available at the bar. Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 12:00 till 22:30 Sat: 09:00 till 22:30 Sun: 09:00 till 16:00

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 Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 entrusted to carry De Valette dagger to Malta PHOTOS BY Daniel Cilia/Heritage Malta

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ir Malta has been entrusted to carry the De Valette dagger to Malta to feature in a three-month long exhibition being organised by Heritage Malta. The exhibition coincides with Malta's EU Presidency.

“Air Malta is honored to have been chosen to carry this prestigious artifact on one of its flights from Paris to Malta. Over the last few weeks we have been making detailed preparations to ensure that this historical item is carried in a secure environment meeting the special requirements requested by both the Louvre Museum and Heritage Malta. It is only fitting that our national airline carries this historical artifact back to Malta,” said Joe Galea, Air Malta’s Acting Chief Executive.

The poniard was named after Grand Master Jean de Valette after having been presented to him together with a sword by King Philip II of Spain as a symbol of acknowledgement of the Order of St John’s grand victory in the Great Siege of 1565.

Initially, the ornamental dagger and sword were kept at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, and were put on show together during a yearly procession held on 8 September in remembrance of when the Great Siege came to an end and Malta triumphed.

This annual tradition took place up until 1797, after it was broken due to the French domination of the Maltese Islands.

At this time, the sword, was sent to France and showcased in a museum bearing treasures from different conquered states, however, Napoleon Bonaparte opted to keep the dagger for himself.

This will be the first time since 1798 that the De Valette dagger will find its way back to Malta, as a result of the successful loan arrangements made by Heritage Malta to display it in an exhibition in conjunction with the events forming a part of Malta’s EU presidency programme. The much anticipated exhibition will depict the precious dagger as the main focus point amongst other carefully selected relatable pieces from the Maltese national collection. The event will take place at the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta from 18 March up until 9 July 2017.

More information about the exhibition can be found on Heritage Malta’s website www.heritagemalta.org or the official Facebook page www.facebook.com/HeritageMalta

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Customer Notice - Changes in Call Centre Opening Hours

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ue to the fast changing passenger needs and fast developing on-line environment, Air Malta has made changes to the opening hours of the Contact Centre.

With immediate effect the airline’s call centre will be open between 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

In the rare case where customers have questions outside these hours, they can book their flights through www.airmalta.com or fill a form available from the contact us page on the website in case of any other queries.

In the event that customers need to urgently book flights at the time the contact centre is closed, they are kindly requested to contact the sales office at Malta International Airport on +356 22999620.

Customers can also book their tickets through their preferred travel agents.

Air Malta’s contact centre number remains unchanged. The contact numbers of all the centres in other countries are available on www.airmalta.com/information/about/contact-us/ international-call-centre. For more information one can visit www.airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/AirMalta.

Air Malta increases its commitment on Brussels

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fter 43 years of commitment to its Malta – Brussels – Malta route, Air Malta continues to increase capacity with up to double daily flights. This added frequency is intended to support the increased demand of air travel from the European Capital to Malta and back.

This summer Air Malta plans to continue increasing seat capacity on the Brussels route by over 25% or another 20,000 seats over the same period last year. This would be the fifth year in a row that Air Malta has increased flights and seats on this route. Last year Air Malta carried 84% of all the traffic between Malta and Brussels.

Thanks to this increased capacity and growth on this route, more and more conference organisers seem to have made Malta their destination of choice.

This June there will be a number of important EU Commission conferences, with over 2,000 delegates converging

from all over Europe to Malta. On top of the planned scheduled services, Air Malta has programmed 3 additional flights to Brussels to facilitate access for these delegates and to offer even more travel opportunities to the traveling public.

Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer commented, “It’s great to see how Air Malta can offer flexibility to the hotel and incentive industry of Malta and to create new revenue streams for the Island by adding more flights when required.

The Maltese airline is actively looking for new revenue opportunities and together with the cooperation of stakeholders offers flexibility by adjusting its network capacity when and where needed. It just shows that Air Malta is more than an airline, and is more of an extension of the infrastructure of Malta. It is the only airline truly committed to Malta and the Maltese.”

The additional flights are for sale now through all the Air Malta sales channels including www.airmalta.com and travel agents all over the world.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Promoting Women in the Workplace

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er Excellency the President of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, visited Air Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand at the Careersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day organised by Business and Professional Women Malta.

The event, which attracted over 1000 students, was held recently at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Ta' Qali.

Since its inception Air Malta has supported, and implemented, equalopportunity employment. Specifically, it has been at the forefront of gender equality and has actively promoted the principle of women in the workplace.

Such commitment has become reality.

Over the years, various top positions in the Company have been occupied by female employees. Air Malta is justly proud of them.

The picture shows (from right to left) cabin crew members Shirley Jobson and Josienne Mallia, together with Captain Karen Sant. First Officer Antoinette Esposito, another female employee, was also present at the Ta' Qali event.

MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TURNS A CONSTRUCTION ZONE INTO AN ART GALLERY

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alta International Airport is presently undergoing a reconfiguration project, with works being carried out in many corners of the terminal. The project, which will extend over the next year, consists of several facility upgrades, including increased capacity at check-in and an enhanced security screening area, with works over the next few months expected to intensify before the summer peak.

Malta International Airport has turned its construction zones into a temporary art exhibition, featuring a delightful splash of creativity. Over the coming

months, some of the hoarding being used will showcase the works of thirteen local artists; both newcomers and more established ones. Their works range from graphic design and photography to paintings and poetry, celebrating the Maltese islands and sights that characterise them. Scenic Mediterranean views and iconic spots around the capital, Valletta, make quite a few unsurprising appearances, giving you an idea of where to venture for the best of Malta if this is your first visit.

Take a moment to appreciate local talent as you make your way out of the airport to embark on your adventure in Malta.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

RECORD-BREAKING CHART TOPPERS THE CHAINSMOKERS CONFIRMED TO HEADLINE ISLE OF MTV MALTA 2017 Grammy® nominated duo to make Malta debut PHOTO BY MTV

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he Chainsmokers, have been announced as the first and headline act to perform at MTV’s annual openair, summer music festival – ISLE OF MTV MALTA. Widely regarded across the music industry as one of the ‘breakout acts’ of 2016, the multiplatinum selling duo will perform the closing set under the stars, on Tuesday 27 June.

MTV’s partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority was recently renewed for a further four years and will be returning to the sun-lit island for what is the 11th consecutive year.

Chainsmokers announced that they will release their debut album this year via Columbia / Disruptor Records. Their latest single Paris is out now.

Shooting straight into the global charts with their debut single #Selfie in 2014 - just a few short years, three multiplatinum singles and five billion streams later, the electro-dance music twosome (comprised of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart), hit stratospheric status with their 2016 single Closer. Billboard Hot 100’s longest running #1 single of 2016, the track held the top spot for 12 uninterrupted weeks and recently broke the record for number of weeks at #1 on the Billboard Dance/Mixshow chart, topping the chart 17 weeks running.

Isle of MTV Malta will be filmed and edited into a 60-minute special that will broadcast across 20 MTV channels throughout Europe. The show will also be supported across all MTV social media platforms as well as via a bespoke website. As part of an extensive integrated marketing campaign, the Isle of MTV Malta concert will be supported by marketing initiatives, all of which will drive awareness of the event as well as leverage MTV’s world renowned brand and unique youth insight, to further cement and promote Malta’s position as a holiday destination for young people. Over the ten years that Isle of MTV has been held in Malta, the number of visitors to the island under the age of 24 has increased by 120% and now accounts for 20% of all tourists.

The pair had left it up to their fans to decide whether they were to release an album or not - and the clamour has been heard across the world. In response to popular demand, The

“The Chainsmokers absolutely dominated 2016 and we couldn’t be more excited to have them join us in Malta for Isle of MTV this year. It’s going to be an amazing, MUST experience event!” said Bruce Gillmer, EVP, Music, Talent Programming and Events, MTV.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Another Punctuality Award for Air Malta

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01. Picture shows Angelo Sciberras (right) being presented with the award on behalf of the airline by Brussels Airport Company CEO, Arnaud Feist.

02. Air Malta flight taking off.

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ir Malta was presented with the Punctuality Award for Short Haul Airlines by Brussels Airport at the Jubilee edition of its awards night.

Commenting on this success Silvio Falzon, Chief Operations Officer of Air Malta said, “we are really excited to be awarded for the second year running for our punctuality by Brussels Airport. Over the last few years we have worked hard to improve our On Time Performance (OTP) figures.”

“Every year we operate around 15,000 flights, and each and every flight is a team effort built up by various departments, be it engineering, flight operations, cabin services, cargo operations, ground handling and others. Our efforts and various projects to improve our OTP performance are bearing fruit, and I wish to thank all operations staff who work relentlessly in this area to maintain our high level of operational efficiency,” commented Mr Falzon.

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“Air Malta places high importance on our commitment to getting our guests to their destinations whatever the situation. As an airline we take pride in fact that we continue to operate our schedule even when faced with airport disruptions, technical issues and other operational interruptions”, added Mr Falzon.

Winners of this year’s awards in various categories included Ryanair, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Air Cargo Belgium, Qatar Airways, LSG Skychefs and Singapore Airlines.

Over 200 representatives from airlines, online agencies and tour operators from all over the world were present.

Air Malta has been operating to Brussels for 43 years and currently operates up to double the daily flights. This summer the airline plans to continue increasing seat capacity on the Brussels route by over 25% or another 20,000 seats over the same period last year. This is the fifth year in a row that Air Malta has increased flights and seats on this route.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

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fter last year’s ground-shaking successful debut, Glitch Festival - Malta's boldest electronic music festival - is coming back with its second edition. This summer, electronic music enthusiasts from all over the world are once again called to gather at the gates of the mystical Houseand-Techno fortress for two solid days on a sonic adventure on the Mediterranean island of Malta.

Glitch Festival announceS biggest line-up ever to hit Malta

Party goers can lap up the last of the summer sunshine against a backdrop of sun-kissed house and disco followed by darker, disjointed techno, acid and electro which will take the party through the night. The 2017 edition of Glitch Festival will take place over 7 and 8 September at Gianpula fields, framed against the iconic skyline of Malta’s fortified city, Mdina.

Glitch Festival will feature multiple stages and promises a diverse quality line-up of industry titans, including Maceo Plex, Jon Hopkins, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock and Recondite. A rare appearance by the legendary Mr. G will also be one of the Festival’s highlights, together with Drexciyaaffiliated DJ Stingray, Blawan, Dax J, Legowelt, Vril, Palms Trax, DJ Seinfeld, Jupiter Jax, Hail Blk and more.

Air Malta is supporting Glitch Festival.

Check out www.glitchfestival.com for more information.

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INTERVIEW

il-bizzilla talks to Luanne Galea

Passenger Handling Agent – Ground Hostess

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

I joined Air Malta in April 2015.

Three words that describe your job?

Active, rewarding, and enjoyable.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

One of the main challenges is complying with all safety measures. Our passengers’ safety is the airline’s top priority and regulations have to be adhered to ensuring a safe trip.

Another significant challenge is to ensure punctuality. We work under pressure and against the clock during check-in and at the gate so as to ensure that flights leave on-time. We pride ourselves in operating a punctual schedule and we work hard to maintain our high standards.

Do you have any hobbies?

Travelling is at the top of the list, however, since I am still a student I do not travel as much as I would like to. When I have some free time, I enjoy reading a good book or watching a TV series.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

Out of all the places I’ve been to, Scotland is the place I would love to visit again. The scenery is out of this world and the people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met.

Our passengers’ safety is the airline’s top priority and regulations have to be adhered to ensuring a safe trip

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

In summer any given sandy beach at sunset is my all-time favourite place to be, whilst in winter Chadwick Lakes is a great spot to go for a stroll if I'm wrapped up in warm clothing. Some tips I would give tourists visiting Malta would be that they must try traditional Maltese food at least once. I suggest pastizzi and ħobz biż-żejt, washed down with our local beer Cisk or soft drink Kinnie. One should also take the time to explore Valletta and Mdina to fully experience the Maltese history in all its glory. Lastly, don’t leave without a visit to our sister island Gozo which can easily be reached by ferry.

The Maltese Presidency:

Driven by Politics, Rooted in Culture

Newspapers and websites alike are awash with news on the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, so odds are you might have heard of it. What is it exactly? Simply put, the EU is made up of multiple institutions and we are temporarily in charge of one of them: The Council of the European Union. This role is passed on to the next EU Member State after six months so they can chair the important meetings held and perhaps nudge the EU in a different direction. That’s just about it, in very broad terms.

So what makes the Presidency ‘Maltese’? The Presidency is first and foremost a political endeavour. In fact, the Presidency entails a meticulous national programme in which our political direction was clearly set out. Six priorities were picked to this end and they’re important if we are to improve our political state of play and address issues more effectively. However, the Presidency was also given a cultural guise. You see, Malta is a cultural hub with an affluent history and very distinct characteristics, so naturally a cultural overspill was in order when we took on the Presidency. This ‘guise’ is full of panache and evident from Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg all the way to Valletta and The Citadel in Gozo, not to mention the Presidency’s Cultural and Embassies Programme with a myriad of events taking place all round the world. In Brussels, for example, the Ilma u Melħ (Water and Salt) exhibition is currently running. It is inspired by the Priorities of the Maltese Presidency, such as migration, and features a series of architectural projects built by local talent.

But, that’s in Brussels. In Malta, a lot of work was invested in bringing out our rich cultural roots, from the logo of the Presidency, to the venues. Malta has been hosting a significant number of meetings tied to the Presidency.

This is where the venues come in. They were picked with an overarching aim; they needed

to reflect the intended quintessential Maltese twist to the Presidency.

The Grand Master’s Palace is a prime example; it was picked to host the salient Informal Meetings.

The palace in question was built by the Order of St John in 1571 and as you’d expect, it was lavishly decorated by some of the best artists of the time; a true cultural ambassador. Other venues include Fort St Elmo, the Notre Dame Gate, the Fortifications Centre near Biagio Steps, The Citadel in Gozo and last but not least, Fort St Angelo. Fort St Angelo was an important defence fortification for the many rulers of Malta. Many centuries later, the star fort St Elmo was built by the Order of St John as a response to the ease with which Ottoman raiders broke through our defences. The recently refurbished Citadel in Gozo, also an important venue for the Presidency, dates back to the Bronze Age, possibly earlier. Although smaller in size, the Notre Dame Gate is still a majestic view to behold. Built in baroque style, the Gate is being used as a dinner venue. The collective contribution of these buildings is a strong, historic element which adds value to our history.

To sum up the Presidency, Malta is working overtime to make sure our interests are represented and our priorities considered.

It is a unique opportunity for us to carry out diligent work for the benefit of all while showcasing our heritage.

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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) 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.

Join our business cl ass Upgrade to Air Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Class for priority service. Members can make use of the special check-in counters for more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access to the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate inflight cabin area.

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

C a r ry mor e 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 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anywhere else!

Number of seats: 168/180

Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

AIRBUS 320

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

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

destination information

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • Oslo Stockholm

ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK • Copenhagen

UNITED KINGDOM

REP. OF IRELAND

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

• Manchester

BELARUS • Bremen

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

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

Lyon •

Marsille •

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 Birmingham Bristol Brussels Catania Düsseldorf Geneva London Gatwick London Heathrow Lyon Manchester

8 1 1 1 10 15 2 1 5 15 3 2

airport

Weekly Flights

Marsielle Milan Moscow Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Prague

Rome Vienna Zurich

2 7 2 10 2 7 9 2 10 8 8

Code-shared RouteS • BRISBANE

Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi

Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

australia

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

• Sydney

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

• Melbourne

brussels AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

via Catania via Brussels

• Perth

Czech Airlines Prague

australia

Swiss International Air Lines

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 Porta ble Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

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

La ptops a nd not ebooks

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

Bluetooth and Wi-fi) are switched off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

C a n I use he adphones?

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 ca bin 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

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

Gozo, Life here is a unique experience

Gozo has among the best natural sites on the islands. Dwejra, tops the list with its inland sea, the Fungus rock and its deep-blue lagoon and the unique geological formations that strike for their grandeur and beauty. These sites are free from light pollution and brim with beauty even at night time, when you can listen to silence and be guided by the starlight. Enjoy life, enjoy Gozo.

Photo by Joseph Caruana - Fungus Rock area, Gozo