Il-Bizzilla - July 2014

Issue 19

JULY 14

LOCAL FEATURES PlaceS FOOD

Malta Arts Festival

Contents

Issue 19

JULY 14

Local

p. 12

p. 8

Maltese Infographica – Interesting quirky facts about Malta that you may not have known.

p. 10

Malta Life – From gorgeous sunsets to beautifully lit up landmarks Malta looks stunning as the sun goes down.

p. 12

Gozo Life – From gorgeous crystal waters to sprawling golden sand, enjoy some of Gozo’s most beautiful beaches.

p. 18

Things To Do In Malta – With so much to choose from, Il-Bizzilla rounds up a few essential things to see and do when visiting the islands.

p. 76

Made in Malta – A glance at products that are part of the islands' heritage.

p. 94

Air Malta News – General flight information about Malta's national airline.

Places

p. 50

Issue 19

JULY 14

LOCAL FEATURES PlaceS FOOD

p. 7

Around the world – So many things to choose from this month and Air Malta offers flights to all the events mentioned.

p. 17

Travel Hot Spots – As the cradle of civilization, Athens offers so much to see.

p. 56

Destination –Magnificent architecture, fascinating history and a relaxed ambience are just a few of the reasons to visit Amsterdam.

p. 64

Culture and Arts – The Malta Arts festival promises exciting performances setting in beautiful locations around Malta while the annual Malta Jazz festival offers a fantastic line up.

p. 66

Shakespeare – The Bard goes back to the Palace with the annual MADC Shakespeare production.

p. 67

Farsons – The annual Farson beer festival is back bigger and better than before.

p. 68

Events – Enrich your stay in Malta with just a few of the most happening events on the island.

p. 74

Map – An island with a character as colourful and busy as its people, Malta is dotted with landmarks and must see places.

p. 77

Places to Visit – A long and rich history has left its mark on the Maltese islands and each site has a story to tell.

Malta Arts Festival

Malta Arts Festival 14 July – 2 August www.maltaartsfestival.org Photo by Ritty Tacsum

FOOD p. 50

Local Food – Restaurateur Julian Sammut takes a nostalgic look at the flavours and tastes of summers gone by.

p .88

Restaurant Guide – Malta has countless great restaurants catering to every taste.

We've listed just some of the best ones.

5

Sunset Spots p. 33 - 37

Features

p. 21

p.21

Valletta – Escape the searing summer heat and explore Valletta’s museums this month.

p. 27

Beaches – From sandy beaches in the North to the rocky dramatic shoreline towards the south we’ve got your summer swims covered.

p. 33

Sunset Spots – Il-Bizzilla rounds up some of the best spots to enjoy a magnificent summer sunset.

p. 38

Ode to Calypso – The existence of Calypso’s cave in Gozo lays claim to a link to Greek mythology.

p. 45

Xerri's Grotto – Mike Bennett gives an amusing account of his trip to Gozo to visit the ancient Xerri’s Grotto.

Property

p. 45

p. 54

Frank Salt – The recently introduced Individual Investor program has meant a surge in interest in property from foreigners.

p. 55

Belair – Whether buying, selling or renting a property this industry has become a national obsession.

p. 56

Tigne - Block Q1 at Tigne Point is almost complete and has already practically sold out.

Business

p. 59

6

p. 57

Medical Tourism – Malta is fast becoming a popular destination for those seeking to combine professional dentistry services and a holiday.

p. 59

Business Round up – A glance at what’s going happening on the local business scene.

p. 60

Lifestyle – Insignia is the first bespoke credit card service in Malta to offer a unique lifestyle and concierge service.

p. 62

Wines – Read about the selection process when choosing the right wines for Air Malta passengers’.

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

DESIGNER FINISHED PENTHOUSE IN ONE OF MALTA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENTS WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS FROM THE FRONT TERRACE REF: 912428

l

P.O.R.

l

PORTOMASO

We are proud to be appointed as sole agents for this special PENTHOUSE which is definitely one of the best penthouses in the prestigious Portomaso Marina Development! This designer finished property is ideal for a discerning owner as it is finished off to very high standards with marble flooring, marble walled bathrooms, climate controlled air-conditioning throughout, air curtains, surround sound systems, remote controlled lighting and much more. The internal and external areas total approximately 425 sqm and there are two large terraces on either side of the penthouse. The views are obviously spectacular and due to the property’s orientation, it enjoys sun all day long as well as complete privacy. The spacious internal layout comprises a welcoming hallway, 4 double bedrooms all having en suite facilities (two of which also have a walk-in wardrobe), a climate controlled wine cellar, laundry room, linen closet, a beautiful fitted kitchen having a separate entrance, a large dining room that can easily accommodate 12-14 guests and which looks onto the sea and a very comfortable sitting room also looking onto the sea. The front terrace has electric awnings and a Jacuzzi bath. There are 2 garage spaces included. Contact our offices for further details.

BEAUTIFUL MODERN SEMI-DETACHED VILLA BOASTING EXTENSIVE SEA VIEWS REF: 911752

l €860,000 l

MELLIEHA

A beautiful highly finished 500sqm SEMI-DETACHED VILLA in Santa Marija Estate, enjoying extensive sea and valley views.

Property comprises living/dining room leading out onto pool and deck area, pool shower, study area, a fully equipped kitchen and adjoining pantry, guest toilet, three bedrooms (1 with dressing area and adjoining shower, 1 with walk-in and adjoining shower), main bathroom, lovely terrace at first floor over pool, 3 car interconnecting garage, washroom/storage area and studio/gym.

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

Grahame Salt Director

Недвижимость, проживание и бизнес на Мальте. Сервисная поддержка от А до Я. Мы говорим по-русски! Звоните нам 00356 23421614

Homes of Quality, 201, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: +356 2342 0000 UK Tel: +44 (0) 871 711 8994 Mob: +356 9947 4340 Email: info@hoq.com.mt

Il-Bizzilla.

Literally the most captive audience you'll ever have.

Editor Sarah Kennard

Air Malta media gives you the opportunity to deliver your message to 1.7 million passengers.

Project co-ordinator Renata Vella Design TBWA\ANG Senior graphic designers Jeff Fabri Richard Agius Graphic designer Rebecca Bullock contributors Liz Ayling Mike Bennet Andrea Christians Adam Jacot de Boinod Deborah Raytcliffe Julian Sammut Alix Sasson Charlotte Stafrace Veronica Stivala Melanie Vella Official Photographer Robert Camilleri

BLUE MEDIA MARKETING LTD Managing directors Bertrand Attard Chris Mifsud WebSite www.bluemedia.com.mt e-mail info@bluemedia.com.mt Address 3rd Floor, Professional Building Sliema Road Gzira, GZR 1633 MALTA Tel +356 2131 0608 Fax +356 2131 0998

Il-Bizzilla is published monthly in Malta for Air Malta by Blue Media Marketing Ltd. The magazine is free to passengers on Air Malta flights worldwide. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Requests for permission should be made in writing to: Il-Bizzilla Magazine 3rd Floor Professional Building Sliema Road Gzira, GZR 1633 MALTA Editorial material and opinions expressed in Il-Bizzilla do not necessarily reflect the views of Air Malta or the publisher. Air Malta and the publisher do not accept responsibility for the advertising content.

Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta for use of their photographic material. Products and services mentioned are subject to change without prior notice. Š Blue Media Marketing Limited 2013 Printed in Malta by Progress Press Co. Ltd., Mriehel.

For information about advertising and restaurant listings in Il-Bizzilla or on other Air Malta media kindly contact our sales team: Renata Vella Mobile: (+356) 7999 5959 Or e-mail us on: sales@bluemedia.com.mt

For information about advertising and restaurant listings in Il-Bizzilla or on other Air Malta media kindly contact our sales team: Renata Vella Mobile: (+356) 7999 5959 Or e-mail us on: sales@bluemedia.com.mt

8

AROUND THE WORLD

Around the world in...

JULY

Istanbul, Turkey

Berlin, Germany

International Jazz festival

Classic Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt

2nd July – 19th July

3rd – 8th July

This festival is one of Istanbul's biggest draws. Founded in 1994,

The Open-Air-Festival is set on one of the most beautiful places in

it is a relatively young festival, with its primary goal being the

the whole of Europe and therefore is a stunning scenery for musical

encouragement of jazz music in Turkey. Along with an array of fantastic

performances. The concert series has become an attraction for national

jazz performances (of course), there are some world class acts on

and international visitors and artists.

display here from a variety of different musical genres.

London, UK

Paris, France

Wimbledon

Bastille Day

26th June till 6th July

4th July

The world of tennis descends on Wimbledon in South West London

The evening before the big day is spent dancing at numerous balls that

every summer for two weeks of tennis, strawberries and cream, and

are organized around the city. Try to get into one held by the fire service

good-natured queuing.

in their stations, at which the fire-fighters are usually the star attraction.

BBC Proms

Tour de France

18th July till 13th September

27th July

The greatest classical music festival on earth returns to London's Royal

The world's best cyclists compete each year

Albert Hall. Each year, the BBC Proms host two months of concerts,

in the Tour de France. The famous cycle

including the famous Last Night performances, world premieres of

race covers 3500km of rural, mountainous

contemporary works and a diverse range of artists.

and coastal terrain all over France, before the sprint to the finish line down Paris' Champs-

Hampton Court Palace Flower show 8th till 13th July

Elysées on 27th July.

Jazz Festival 7th June till 27th July

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the world's largest annual flower show. As well as the stunning floral displays, you can learn about

Two months of free

growing your own fruit and vegetables, get tips on gardening in a

jazz weekends

changing climate, and shop for garden products.

at the Parc Floral.

Air Malta offers regular flights to all these destinations 9

MALTESE Infographica

Interesting facts

ABOUT MALTA 01

A predominantly Roman Catholic country, Malta has over 360 churches – that’s roughly one for every 1,000 residents.

02

316

03

sq km Size of Malta

04 A traditional form of Maltese music is known as Għana. It is comprised of folk guitar music, usually men, taking it in turns to debate in a sing-song voice.

The lyrics are improvised, and debates are usually friendly yet challenging.

05 The earliest evidence of human habitation in Malta was found in the Għar Dalam Cave.

Malta's capital city, Valletta, is named after Jean Parisot de La Valette, a Grand Master of the Order of Knights of St John.

The beautiful and elegant Pharaoh Hound Dog is Malta's National Dog. In Maltese, the breed is called Kelb tal-Fenek.

11

Malta was earlier known as Melita, meaning the island of honey, by ancient Greeks and Romans.

10

08

09

In 2008, the Euro became the Maltese currency, following the island's accession in the E.U. in 2004.

The Temples at Gġantija trace back their foundations to a time period before the Egyptian pyramids.

07 The flag of Malta is a simple red and white flag with the George Cross in the top left hand corner.

06

10

If you're looking for some interesting books with the Maltese Islands as a backdrop, consider reading the following...

- The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat.

- The Sword and the Scimitar by David Ball.

- The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe.

12

13 In 1942 Malta was awarded with the George Cross, by King George VI (UK) for bravery.

14 Malta's Grand Harbour boasts of being one of the best natural deep-water harbour in the world.

The two main symbols that are synonymous with Malta and its people are the Maltese Cross and the Maltese boat. The Maltese cross was used by the Knights of Malta.

A F F O R D A B L E O N

T H E

I S L A N D

L U X U R Y O F

M A LTA

TA MON ITA RES I DE N C E

A N EXC LUS IV E N EW A D DRESS

This newly completed residential complex overlooking Marsascala Bay has set new standards for development in the south. Covering 16,000sqms Ta' Monita offers 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, a swimming pool, piazza and underground parking. Most apartments command excellent sea views. Being a Special Designated Area foreign purchasers buy under the same rights as Maltese Nationals. Prices from €98,000 for 1 bed, €119,000 for 2 bed and €158,000 for 3 bed.

Visit our site sales office.

Triq San Guzepp, Marsascala, Malta, Europe Mob : (+356) 79 497 504 Tel : (+356) 27 116 116 Email : info@tumasdevelopments.com

Web : www.tumasdevelopments.com

MALTA LIFE

Malta

By night Photos: Adrian Gusman Spectacular sunsets are part of Malta's landscape. Read about our favourite sunset spots in this issue.

Escape the heat of our summer nights in the silent city of Mdina and wander around the imposing cool walls of this magnificent medina.

The beautifully lit up Portes Des Bombes, which served as the outer defensive walls of Valletta, has stood the test of time.

Snorkel, sea and see Photos: Mark Anthony Falzon One of Malta's Marine Protected Areas lies off the northwest coast adjacent to the only natural National Park of the island - Majjistral Nature and History Park. This prime snorkelling area is easily accessible from the popular Golden Bay offering plenty of opportunity to observe Malta’s underwater wildlife.

One of the characteristic species is the common Stingray (see photo) - an elegant and sleek ray which prefers the sandy bottoms. But the bay also holds smaller, more colourful species such as

12

numerous blennies - the photo shows a spawning male Black Faced Blenny in all his tiny splendour.

The bay has a swimmers' zone as well as an underwater snorkelling trail (at the southern end of the beach). Informative booklets can also be obtained from the lifeguards on the beach and taken underwater. Or opt for one of the park's guided snorkelling trips. Email walks@majjistral.org or og on to www.majjistral.org for more information.

The Biggest Seller Mistakes Kevin Buttigieg CEO RE/MAX Malta

During my career in real estate, the property topic has come up in several conversations I’ve had with many acquaintances, friends, business partners and so on. Inevitably, these acquaintances always know someone, heard of someone - or sometimes even refer to themselves – who has had their home on the market for quite a few months but are unable to even obtain any offers, regardless of how luxurious their home may be. This leads to the question “What are we / they doing wrong?”

And no matter how often I hear this question, I always have the same answer. A majority of homes remain on the market for any one of the following three reasons.

The first feature any buyer looks at, automatically, is the condition of the property. Of course, people are looking to purchase homes that require as little renovations as possible (unless they’re specifically looking for a renovation project) – which puts luxurious properties at an advantage. A buyer that walks into a property that needs renovation is mentally calculating the costs s/he would incur to restore the property, and whether s/he can afford it at all. This mental distraction means that they’re hardly noticing the pros your property has to offer.

Another disadvantage to people trying to sell their home is the limited marketing most owners undertake. It’s easy to pass by your local store and purchase a “For Sale” sign to attach to your property, and some home-sellers will even place a couple of adverts in the newspapers and perhaps share a couple of posts on Facebook in their limited free time. The question is: how can you be sure you’re targeting the right people? Is there a market you’re overlooking? Do you have the necessary experience (both in marketing, and sales) to find a potential buyer and close the deal?

Facebook advertising allows its advertisers endless opportunities – setting a daily budget, targeting specific ages, countries, genders, interests, and so on. It can be extremely effective to those who know how to use it, and a complete waste of money to those who are unsure. As it stands, there are currently 162,000 Maltese Facebook profiles aged between 20 and 50 years old – are you reaching them?

However, the last factor is so important that the above two reasons are completely useless if you haven’t gotten this one right: Price. We say this repeatedly to almost everyone – your property is worth no more than what someone is willing to pay for it, and no one will be keen on paying more than the market value. You

may have memories associated with your home and perhaps be including a bit of sentimental value in the price, but a buyer will always see the property for what it is. Our best advice to you would be to price it right the minute you place it on the market – don’t bother trying your luck with a high price because this will actually work against you in the long run. Your potential buyer will hardly glance at it if it’s out of their budget. When they come across it again a few weeks or months later, they’ll notice the price has been reduced and automatically deduce that there must be something wrong with the property. Each price reduction hammers home the idea that there are problems with that particular property – which means you’ve lost some good chances for a sale. Similarly, undervaluing your home will result in the same misconception, so it’s important to have your home valued by a professional and put on the market at this value.

Keep in mind that the above three factors are all important for a quick sale at the right price. Our Exclusive Added Value Listings are selling homes within an average of 35 days. Check out our webpage www.remax-malta.com/exclusive which clearly explains the process or contact me directly at exclusive@remax-malta.com for more information.

Featured Property

TOWNHOUSE IN FLORIANA • Expertly finished and eco friendly • Within walking distance to Valletta, the capital City • 6 bedrooms • Courtyard, roof terrace, and cellar • Ideal for a growing family • Great commercial potential

MLS: 240011026-32

www.remax-malta.com For more information call: +356 99663322. Regional office: 76a, Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St. Julian’s STJ 1081, Malta.

Price: €395,000

GOZO LIFE

Dive

RIGHT IN From gorgeous crystal waters to sprawling rich golden sand, Veronica Stivala basks in some of Gozo’s most beautiful beaches.

Ramla l-Ħamra Literally translated, this is the red sandstone beach. As the name gives away, the sand here is a beautiful, unusual golden red.

is also the most unspoilt beach on Gozo.

Another plus is the fact that the beach is easily accessible by car through Nadur or Xagħra and by bus (there’s a direct bus from Victoria).

This beach is as synonymous with Gozo as fancy glasses are with Elton John. It may not have sold 300 million records, but it still beats records by Gozo’s standards:

It’s dead easy to dip into the gorgeous sea which is shallow at first and then gets deeper the further out you go.

Ramla l-Ħamra is the largest and most popular beach on Malta’s sister island. It

Image taken from: www.visitgozo.com

Pop open your umbrella, lay out a towel and open your favourite book and enjoy the beauty this beach has to offer.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien Situated below the village of Qala on the East side of Gozo, Ħondoq ir-Rummien is a picturesque coastal area boasting a gorgeous mix of pebbles and sand, one of the few remaining tracts of open countryside left in the Maltese islands.

Flanked by typical rocks and rare plants, the beach below is known for its crystal clear waters, which fade into beautiful turquoise at parts.

The beach is popular among local swimmers as well as divers. Access to the sea is easy, with bathing ladders and on a clear day you will be able to get a good view of the pretty island Comino.

14

GOZO LIFE

Xlendi The beauty of Xlendi lies in the fact that its beach is surrounded by majestic cliffs, creating a pretty enclosed inlet. Being protected by the rocks means the sea is calm most of the time, making it ideal for both young and older swimmers.

The bay is small but comfortable and you can easily wade into the sea walking down the sandy and pebbly area that leads into the water. You might wish to take your mask and snorkel with you as the reef and rock formations under the sea are quite extraordinary.

Previously the bay was a fishing centre but was transformed into a tourist attraction in recent years. Many hotels, tourist shops and restaurants populate the area overlooking the sea making it ideal for post swim snacks, souvenir shopping or accommodation if you decide to stay overnight.

MÄĄarr ix-Xini Words cannot do justice in describing this wonderful hideaway of a pebble beach, accessible from Xewkija and Sannat. Set within a creek and a steep sided natural valley, this fjord-looking cleft is surrounded by magnificent tall cliffs making you feel cut off from the rest of the world.

Inch slowly into the cool blue waters from the pebbly beach that slopes gently into the sea, climb down the steps or take the plunge and jump straight in.

And if you’re feeling peckish after a brisk swim, head to the restaurant on the beach, famous for its deliciously cooked freshly caught fish.

Id-Dwejra This swimming area is so beautiful, its photos have made it to international media such as the National Geographic.

Known as the Azure Window, the natural tunnel in the cliffs here is picturesque and is a must-see if you are visiting Gozo, especially since the rocks are eroding away slowly and in a matter

16

of years the window will fade into just a spike.

Dwejra is great for both seasoned and new swimmers. A shallow and safe inland sea is suitable for all; strong swimmers can swim out to the open Mediterranean through a long and narrow caves.

E S TAT E A G E N T S S I N C E 1 9 8 1 FOR SALE - 60 % NOW SOLD

CALL (+356)

21 31 0800

FOR SALE

! ! ! !

TIGNE POINT ▪ €1,100,000 ▪ SEAFRONT APARTMENT

SLIEMA ▪ from €436,175 ▪ THE METROPOLE

Brand new luxury development ■ Prime location in the heart of Sliema ■ Selection of 3 bedroom APARTMENTS / PENTHOUSES ▪ Very high specification & finish ■ Spacious layout throughout ■ Just off the seafront & ever popular promenade ■ Walking distance to all the amenities ■ Hall ■ Sitting / dining rooms ■ Kitchen / breakfast ■ 2 / 3 bathrooms ■ Laundry room ■ Lift access ■ Underlying garages & car spaces available ■ Internal size approx. 175m2 ▪ Ref: FA06328 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

! !

Tigne Point - brand new & luxurious 3 bedroom CORNER APARTMENT ■ Spectacular views of the open sea ■ Prestigious Q1 block ■ Contemporary open plan layout ■ Large terrace with incredible views ■ 2 further balconies ▪ 3 bathrooms ▪ Use of exclusive communal swimming pool facilities ■ Fantastic amenities including the piazza, restaurants, cafes & The Point shopping mall ■ Underlying car space included in the price ▪ Internal size 165m2 ▪ External size 38m2 ▪ Ref: FA07937 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

!! !! !! !! !

GHARGHUR ▪ €750,000 ▪ HOUSE OF CHARACTER

SAN PAWL TAT-TARGA ▪ €780,000 ▪ VILLA

DETACHED VILLA ▪ Beautifully designed for contemporary living ▪ Luxurious specification ▪ Swimming pool & surrounding landscaped mature garden ▪ Elite residential area ▪ Entrance hallway ▪ Large open plan modern fitted kitchen / dining / living area ▪ Family room ■ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ▪ Balcony with views ■ Laundry room ▪ Being sold with some fixtures & fittings ■ Internal size 270m2 ▪ External size 340m2 ▪ Ref: DV00935

Beautiful HOUSE OF CHARACTER ■ Highly sought after village ■ Lots of charming original features ■ Situated in a quiet & picturesque backstreet ■ Entrance hall ■ Sitting room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen ■ 2 bedrooms ■ 2 bathrooms ■ Central courtyard ■ Large rear garden ■ Space for a swimming pool ■ Citrus trees ■ Basement ■ Roof with airspace ■ Freehold ■ Internal size 150m2 ▪ External size 300m2 Ref: HC03008 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

TO LET

TO LET

!! !! !!

WARDIJA ▪ €1500 monthly ▪ HOUSE OF CHARACTER

TA’XBIEX ▪ €3000 monthly ▪ MAISONETTE

Exceptional SEAFRONT MAISONETTE ▪ Beautifully designed throughout ▪ High specification & finish ▪ Fantastic sea views ▪ Prime location overlooking the Marina ▪ Large entrance hall ▪ Open plan living / dining area (with fireplace) ▪ Fully fitted modern kitchen / breakfast ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (master en suite) ▪ 2 balconies ▪ Laundry room ▪ Roof terrace ▪ Fully furnished to a very high standard ▪ 1 car garage ▪ Ref: MA01441

!

Newly renovated cottage ▪ Wonderful rural location ▪ Highly regarded area ▪ Countryside views ▪ Open plan (fully fitted modern) kitchen / dining / sitting room ▪ 2 bedrooms ▪ 1 bathroom ▪ Very large outdoor area ▪ Car port ▪ Close to the local amenities including supermarket & some of Malta’s finest beaches ▪ Fully furnished ▪ Air-conditioning ■ Ref: HC03127

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

Malta’s leading property website - www.perry.com.mt

17 Residential Sales, Lettings & Commercial Property ▪ Office: 197 Tower Road, Sliema ▪ Email: perry@perry.com.mt ▪ Mob: (+356) 9944 4373

TRAVEL HOT SPOT

ATHENS Adam Jacot de Boinod

I dedicated my youth to learning Ancient Greek and so naturally trips to Athens were the essential way to bring it all to life. It’s impossible to visit the “cradle of democracy” without setting eyes upon the wonderful vestiges of life in the fifth century before Christ.

THE parthenon This pinnacle of artistic achievement is worth the hike. Built over the original site of a temple, the Parthenon, designed to honour the Goddess Athena, projects her majesty upon the city below. It is architecturally imposing although formerly it was coloured and held the ornamentation so controversially held in London’s British Museum.

THE ACROPOLIS Some of the world’s greatest cities have in common a central attraction visible from all angles … New York, Cape Town, Paris and Rio to name but a few, and Athens with her Acropolis ranks amongst them.

Syntagma Square Down below I have often watched the goosestepping guards in front of the Parliament buildings of Syntagma Square and enjoyed a good wander around the Plaka, the old historical neighbourhood that surrounds part of the slopes of the Acropolis. Here you'll find a plethora of hotels, shops and restaurants.

I love Greek food: Tsadziki (yogurt, cucumber and garlic), the caviar – based, roe of carp Taramasalata, the Keftedes meat balls, washed down with pine-flavoured Retsina or the local Ouzo. My favourite dish is the Anginares, consisting of artichokes in lemon and egg sauce with potatoes.

SHOPPING IN ATHENS My treasured old pair of shoes finally wore out from all the walking that the city extracted from me. So I went down Ermou Street, which sells quality shoes and clothes. It’s the number one shopping street in Athens and it wasn’t long before I replaced them in kind. Two of the other main shopping streets are Eolou and Agiou Marou where I found some incredible bargains in some clothes and various fabrics. Here I came across old women from Russia and young men from Persia, selling silk shirts, socks, and underwear on the street.

GREEK FOOD

THE NATIONAL GARDEN Sometimes it is good to unwind from the bustle of a city and, for me, a trip to the National Garden acts as a green oasis for a sunny afternoon. There is a gorgeous green canopy of trees and vibrant plant life. Statues decorate the gardens as well as flowerbeds and small ruins from antiquity.

Adam Jacot de Boinod is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books and the iPhone App Quiz Game Tingo involving Interesting Words.

THE GREEK WAY It is easy to get into the Greek way of life, to succumb to her charm. The heat in August is not to be underestimated and naturally there is a mass exodus to the many islands from which Piraeus, the city’s harbour is the central hub.

Air Malta offers regular flights to Athens 19

THINGS TO DO IN MALTA

Things to do in MALTA there is so much to do on this small island of ours that visitors often fee l like they must be missing out on something. We’ve rounded up a few of the things to do and see that are such an intrinsic part of our daily life.

04

Organise a 'Fenkata' and sample the very traditional dish of fried rabbit.

09 Explore Valletta, one of the most historic cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wonder at the magnificent St John’s co-Cathedral.

10 01

Take a walk along the Sliema and St Julian’s seafront and enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean meal at one of the many restaurants along the way.

02

Visit the Ggantija temples – said to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

03

Browse for traditional delicacies and local crafts at the Victoria Market in Gozo.

05

Organize a boat trip, and enjoy the views of the islands rugged coastline from out at sea.

Buy Maltese pastizzi – a local pastry delicacy and eat them in the sun.

06 Explore the tiny island of Comino and swim in the stunning Blue Lagoon.

11 Explore the nightlife in Paceville

07 Go swimming at Golden Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Malta.

08

20

Take in the view from Calypso’s Cave above Ramla Bay in Gozo.

12 Catch a play at the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.

THINGS TO DO IN MALTA

The Malta Experience

13 Pay a visit to the Mosta Church, famous for having one of the largest domes in the world.

Located in Malta’s Capital City, Valletta, housed within what was once the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of Malta is “The Malta Experience”. This audio-visual spectacular is one of the largest attractions in Europe in terms of duration, system and language commentaries. It is also the only show that retraces seven thousand years of Maltese history. The forty-five minute presentation can be listened to in one of seventeen languages.

18 14

Take in the views of the breathtaking Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Go to Marsaxlokk quaint fishing village for markets, fresh fish and authentic fishing.

19

15 Look out for village Festas ( the season begins in May), when the whole town organises parades and fireworks extravaganzas and a good time is had by all.

16

17

Visit the atmospheric underground chambers at the Hypogeum, which were created thousands of years ago.

Shows are every hour on the hour as follows: Monday to Friday: 11:00hrs till 16:00hrs Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 11:00hrs till 14:00hrs (Closed on Good Friday & Easter Sunday).

PRESENT YOUR BOARDING PASS FOR A 15% DISCOUNT ON ENTRANCE FEE (not valid with any other offer)

Hop onto a ferry to Gozo and head to Dwejra to admire the Azure Window which is undoubtedly one of Malta’s highlights.

Malta is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving offering fantastic diving courses and the opportunity to see some incredible underwater wildlife during your holiday.

In a purposely built auditorium, with a panoramic screen, sensational vision and a gripping commentary, The Malta Experience brings 7000 years of history back to life. The show is undoubtedly worth a visit for anyone interested in Malta’s unique history. Moreover it is an ideal reference guide to the island’s places of interest. So why not make it your first stop and let Malta’s treasures unfold before your eyes.

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20 Trek along the rugged coastline which provides a backdrop to Malta’s beautiful beaches and crystal clear seas.

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VALLETTA

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VALLETTA

Take a leaf out of Alix Sasson’s book and head to Valletta – the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen - and avoid the searing Mediterranean sun

01. & 02. Typical Maltese balconies in Valletta | 03. Street of Valletta 23

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VALLETTA

M

alta in July can be a swelteringly hot affair. If you’re not an avid diver / snorkeler or a sunsand-sea worshipper you’ll be hard pressed to find a cool alternative other than the freezer section of your nearest supermarket!

As a self-confessed culture vulture, I normally head to Valletta for a good old fashioned dose of gentility, culture and food.

Admittedly, I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for this most Baroque of cities perched on its honey-hued peninsula, and it never fails to disappoint.

If like me, you are keen to avoid the traffic and nightmarish parking that is Valletta, hop onto the bright blue ferry from Sliema and cross Marsamxett harbour in the blink of an eye.

You get an excellent view of Valletta’s various domes, spires, birdcage balconies and stalwart bastions as you approach. As you climb up the steep but thankfully short hill, take the time to sit and grab a cold beer at Cockney’s before entering Valletta from its north easterly flank, so to speak.

A short while in the city and you’ll soon figure out that its urban layout is of an almost perfect grid. Streets criss-cross

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"I normally head to Valletta for a good old fashioned dose of

gentility, culture and food."

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01. Valletta Skyline | 02. Tourist ferries in the Grand Harbour of Valletta | 03. Our Lady of Liasse church dome in Valletta, Malta | 04. Antique buildings in a street of Valletta 25

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one another with wonderful precision making it easy to find your way around and almost impossible to get lost. With narrow streets bounded by tallish (for Valletta) three storey buildings, all but the midday sun is kept out, making the streets cool and shady – ideal for a curious stroll around this fabulous city. There’s plenty to see and do (you’ll probably need a few more visits) as Valletta is the commercial capital too.

If you’re visiting for the first time, a good place to start is the National Museum of Archaeology on the main thoroughfare.

The building itself is impressive – being a former Auberge of the Knights of Provence. The collection is a wonderful eye-opener showcasing the prehistoric treasures this ever so small island can boast. The sheer age of the exhibits places Malta firmly on the map of the world’s great and ancient civilizations.

As a starting point, this museum provides an excellent introduction to Malta and Gozo’s archaeological sites and will put everything else you will undoubtedly see, into context.

of animal and human figures – you’ll be amazed by the artistic skills of these primitive people.

The artefacts on display span almost 5000 years of prehistory - taking us way back to the Neolithic period and to the Island’s first settlers, giving us an insight into their daily lives. Look out for the early tools and simple carvings

Head back outside into the bright sunshine and lunch at one of many fine eateries that have popped up in the last couple of years or so or head back down to the Marsamxett quay, grabbing an ice cream as you wait for the ferry to arrive.

Meander through the Roman and Byzantine periods and don’t forget to pause in wonder at the Phoenician gallery.

There is an interesting anthropomorphic sarcophagus, the gold amulet of Horus and Anubis and the well known Cippus with its bilingual (ancient Greek and Phoenician) inscription on the base – all highlights of the collection. Keep your eyes peeled for the larger-than-life statue of the Fat Lady or Goddess of Fertility which was found at Tarxien Temples (well, you can’t really miss her), the iconic ‘Sleeping Lady’ excavated from the Hypogeum close by and the so called ‘Venus of Malta’ from Hagar Qim. When you’ve had your fill of all things archaeological, wend your way upstairs to the Grand Salon where you will get a taste of the full splendours of the Baroque – richly painted walls and an equally decorative wooden beamed ceiling are the proverbial cherry on the cake.

05. Grand Master Palace , Valletta | 06. Sign and reflection of Valletta 27

BEACHES

From North to South WORDS: Charlotte Stafrace Photos By Pierre Stafrace

Malta is small. You realise just how tiny it is when, as you’re flying into land, you can see the whole island from one tip to the other.

This means that On a short holiday here you will have scouted its beautiful coastline villages and sandy beaches from the north to the rocky shoreline in the south. That way you'll get the best of the summer sights.

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BEACHES

S

ummer is hot, so enjoying the beaches are de rigueur when it comes to a holiday here. But, of course, we all know that staying out of the sun in the peak hours of between 1 and 3 in the afternoon is essential in these days of high UV factors. Even more so if you are holidaying with kids. So how about combining some beach combing with visiting the little villages around the beach areas? All you need to pack is some snorkel gear, a beach mat, and some good rock sea shoes, as they do make getting in and out of the sea easier.

In the Southern part of Malta, you might want to start with a visit to Wied Iz-Zurrieq. This is a fishing and diving

site with its own hamlet. Together with Għar Lapsi, just next door, these are the south’s best fishing harbours so if you arrive early enough you might see some luzzus (colourful fishing boats) coming in with their catch. You might also spot some divers unloading their gear and trying to manoeuvre down the steep steps to an underwater adventure. The quality of the water here is impeccable and visibility is generally good. It’s a rocky beach with some steps and it’s fun to snorkel here too with a good chance of seeing different varieties of fish darting in and out among the rocks. If you have made it to this part of the island, you might want to also reward yourself with a small boat trip to Blue Grotto. You will get to see several caves up close. The best time to be here is around 10 a.m. as the sun will shine right into the grotto, and, anyway, it will get quite busy later. If you decide to forgo the boat trip, you can still

"The quality of the water here is impeccable and visibility is generally good."

St. Peter's Pool Bros Bar

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BEACHES

get a glimpse of the sheer beauty that is Blue Grotto from a viewing platform before turning into Wied IzZurrieq. If you are still in the vicinity around lunchtime and feeling peckish, the small selection of restaurants in the bay area offers some traditional and tasty fish.

It’s a good place to stop and watch others come and go, struggling up the steep incline, as you digest your fresh lunch and enjoy a chilled local beer.

In the afternoon you can head to the other beaches in the area. If you are stretched for time, don’t worry too much; distances are short and you can fit in a few sights before heading back to your accommodation.

My personal favourite swimming spot is Għar Lapsi, only a few kilometres away from Wied Iz-Zurrieq. It’s another rocky cove which will get busy in the late afternoon, as this is another Maltese playground for families going for a quick dip after work. Some will even dine there al fresco late into the night.

Moving towards the south-eastern part of the island, you can enjoy a whole cluster of other beaches. From Marsaxlokk and Marsascala you will see signpoints pointing to Delimara Point. Like most of the bays between Delimara Point and Marsascala, the bays here have been formed by the sea crashing against the limestone cliffs, which makes this part of the coast all the more rugged and interesting. My personal favourites are St. Peter’s Pool and Il-Ħofra ż-Żghira. St. Peter’s Pool is crystal clear and azure in colour. Here you will find some good flat rocks for sunbathing. At Ħofra ż-Żgħira you will also find some massive flat rocks from where you can enjoy the fabulous changing light as the sun sets in the late evening.

On other days, you can opt to enjoy the beauty of the North’s sandy beaches. But, apart from discovering the beaches themselves which take in Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, take time to explore the bustling village of Mellieħa, which is perched on a hill overlooking Għadira Bay. There are plenty of sights to enjoy with the village’s parish church taking pride of place. Dedicated to the Birth of Our Lady, the church was built around 1881. The church’s altars are adorned by paintings from renowned Maltese artists like Giuseppe Cali and Lazzru Pisani. If you happen to be here between August 30th and the 8th of September, you will enjoy the feast of Our Lady of Victories which commemorates the end of the Ottoman Great Siege in 1565. There will be concerts, and fireworks, exhibitions and religious processions. According to archaeological discoveries, the town has been inhabited from Neolithic times to the Byzantine era, but the area was deserted after the Arab conquest. It was only during the time of the Knights, that Mellieħa was once again inhabited. It’s a popular spot so there are plenty of accommodation options here as well as an array of

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BEACHES

Delimara

good restaurants offering a full range of food, from simple snacking to a la carte.

Mellieħa’s crowning glory is undoubtedly the pristine beach that is called Mellieħa Bay or Għadira Bay. This is a perfect beach if you have kids. Easy to get in and out of the sea, the water is shallow for quite a few metres out. The sand is golden and the best way to enjoy the bay is to either get there early in the morning, when the sunbeds are still being laid out, or late afternoon when all the crowds start to leave. Alternatively, you might want to go all the way and book yourself a sunbed and lounger for the day. There are various water sport activities to choose from too if you are inclined to try something new.

It is often said that small is beautiful.

In Malta’s case, I think this is very true.

With the island being so compact, you can be doing a boat trip in the morning, relishing a laid back lunch in a quaint village, swimming in the clear, warm Mediterranean in the afternoon and enjoying a glorious sunset on a sandy beach. It is all possible.

Il-Ħofra ż-Żghira

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Spectacular sunsets

View of Mellieħa

Spectacular sunsets Our insider tips for enjoying the remains of summer days

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isitors to the Maltese Islands have plenty of time to enjoy leisurely late afternoons into evenings as they slowly pack up their beach gear and head for a sundowner at a bar. But summer is the one time of year when a good many locals too adopt this holidaying pace of life. Even in these days of airconditioning a lot of businesses and government departments shut up shop around 1pm sending a very willing staff on ‘half days’ until early, or even mid September.

Tourists and locals alike can now enjoy the remains of our long hot days, taking a cooling-off dip without the blistering heat and

burning sand under foot. As the 5 o’clock shadows lengthen, we’ve three hours or so until sunset. This is truly the best time of a summer’s day and made all the more memorable if you seek out spots on the islands to catch sunset at its most spectacular.

Get in situ a good half hour before the last rays as sunsets in Malta don’t linger long; you can almost trace the movement of the earth the sun is so fast as it slips below the horizon. Here’s a round-up of five of the best spots for pole position views of the golden hour. Take an impromptu picnic, a chilled beer or bottle of wine, swim or simply just sit and meditate. But don’t forget to grab that camera!

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Spectacular sunsets

1. Riviera Beach (Għajn Tuffieħa Bay) is our number one spot. The walk down and up the flight of steps is manageable in the evening cool, and the beach bar is a relaxed place to hang out with friends.

More or less the same view, though in a slightly less intimate and chilled-out atmosphere, is to be had at neighbouring, larger ‘Golden Bay’. If you’ve some cash on you and are not in beach gear, you can head to the hotel above the beach for terrace views with an ocean-liner feel .

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Spectacular sunsets

2. Dingli Cliffs with its view of Fifla – Perch anywhere along the cliff top, but just in front of the restaurants towards the Dingli road end is a good place. From this vantage point, you really do catch the last rays; in fact, the sky takes a long time to darken when you’ve such open horizon ahead of you.

3. Fomm Ir-RiĦ sitting in the hills. This lies on the western side of Malta and has sheer cliffs and is a rich geological and archaeological area. It can be a bit

tricky to get to, but it’s worth seeking out. Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay, also known as Rasil-Pelleġrin on some maps, is between Mġarr and the Bingemma Gap (Victoria

Lines). It’s an area of outstanding beauty and has one of Malta’s few pebbly beaches, as opposed to rock or sand.

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Spectacular sunsets

"It’s a real SUNSET VANTAGE POINT with incredibly wide horizons and exceptional views" 4. Torri L’AĦmar, the Red Tower (or St Agatha’s Tower), is perched up high and is a distinct landmark in a rugged area just beyond Mellieha Bay. It’s a real sunset vantage point with incredibly wide horizons and exceptional views over Comino and to Gozo. It’s actually a large watchtower built in the mid 17th century to hold a garrison. The tower itself, run by Malta’s national trust Din L’Art Ħelwa, will be closed by late afternoon but simply pitch up nearby.

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Spectacular sunsets

5. MĠarr ix-Xini, Gozo – you must have fish there first! This natural cove is one of Gozo’s gems and is said to have been a harbour used by the Knights’ galleys.

It lies in a gorge accessible from Xewkija and Sannat. The entrance to the cove is guarded by a 17th century watchtower.

This article first appeared in Maltainsideout.com; an extensive site on visiting, living and working in Malta 39

GOZO LEGENDS

Ode to CalypsO WORDS: Andreas Christian

Ramla l-ÄŚamra, Gozo

Imbued with its own primeval beauty, Gozo is an island WITH a charm all of its own. Just like Malta, IT has its fair share of folklore and customs along with tales of battles and historic struggles. in addition, it is the only island in the Mediterranean that can lay claim to having a link to Greek mythology as it is home to Calypso’s Cave, widely believed to be featured in the Odyssey written by ancient Greek poet, Homer.

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GOZO LEGENDS

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n Greek mythology, Calypso was the daughter of Atlas (also known as Oceanus or Atlantis) a sea nymph who lived on the magical island of Ogygia. There are many theories regarding the exact location of this island but it is generally believed to be Gozo. Indeed, Gozitan legend maintains that Odysseus was shipwrecked on his epic journey home from Troy. The story starts after the fall of Troy and reveals that while Odysseus was desperate to get home, the Gods decided to further test him and make his journey a difficult one. A raging storm ensued, killing his shipmates and tossing his boat for nine whole days into an unknown destination before finally leaving him shipwrecked on a beach where he was discovered by Calypso, who fell in love with him. Odysseus, however, wanted to return to his wife, Penelope, and his son and prayed every night to the Gods to help him. However, his pleas that Calypso help him get home fell on deaf ears as, gripped by jealousy, she selfishly refused to allow him to build a boat and instead held him prisoner for seven years even promising him kingship of the island and immortality if he would stay with her.

Finally the goddess, Athena, intervened and complained to Zeus who sent the messenger Hermes to instruct Calypso to release Odysseus.

The Odyssey describes Ogygia as follows: "...and he (Hermes) found her within. A great fire was burning in the hearth, and from afar over the isle there was a fragrance of cleft cedar and juniper as they burned. But she within was singing with a sweet voice as she went to and fro before the loom, weaving with a golden shuttle. Round about the cave grew a luxuriant wood, alder and polar and sweet-smelling cypress, wherein birds long of wing were wont to nest, owls and falcons and sea-crows with chattering tongues, who ply their business on the sea. And right there about the hollow cave ran trailing a garden vine, in pride of its prime, richly laden with clusters. And fountains four in a row were flowing with bright water hard by one another, turned one this way, one that.

And round about soft meadows of violets and parsley were blooming..."

"Gozitan legend maintains that Odysseus was shipwrecked on his epic journey home from Troy"

Shipwreck

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GOZO LEGENDS

Reluctantly Calypso agreed to release Odysseus allowing him to build a small boat and giving him food and water to enable him to escape. It is also said that she made the westerly wind blow to take him safely home, and sang a mournful song as she watched his ship disappear over the horizon. Odysseus’s departure marks the end of the romance and also what may be Gozo’s brief appearance in Greek mythology.

To get to Calypso’s cave you need to head northwards out of the village of Xagħra along Race Course Street which leads to Gozo’s most notable red sand beach, Ramla Bay. The bay is enclosed by two hills which rise on either side of a fertile valley and Calypso’s cave

is nestled high up, partly hidden from view, on the western side. Immediately before the road descends down to the beach you'll see an archway. Passing through this you look for a six metre flight of steps hewn from the rock.

At the bottom of the steps there's a platform with the entrance to the cave a few metres below. The entrance is characterised by an archway that is two metres wide and a metre long. The cave continues on the left through an archway which opens to a second chamber similar to the first and slopes downwards. At the end the cave rises only to descend again. Another passage leads to a small chamber but unfortunately time has taken its toll and further access is blocked by fallen

boulders. Legend has it that the cave is a complex labyrinth extending down to sea level in places. Also, the exterior is quite different from the account given

by Homer, as all surrounding vegetation has been removed, although this does allow for spectacular views over the beach and surrounding countryside.

Ultimately, no one knows for sure whether Odysseus was simply a figment of Homer’s imagination or really existed and if the island of Ogygia was actually Gozo. It is a question that has been the subject of much scholarly debate over the years. However, a visit to Calypso’s cave should definitely be on your list of places to see in Gozo. If nothing else, it is an intriguing story.

"no one knows for sure whether Odysseus was simply a figment of Homer’s imagination or really existed"

Photos of Ramla l-Ħamra and Calypso Cave courtesy of www.viewingmalta.com

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GOZO LEGENDS

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Xerri’s Grotto

AS old as time WORDS: Mike Bennett

Disembarking FROM the ferry in Gozo I drove up to Xaghra on my way to Ramla Bay, perhaps the nicest beach on the island. It was a couple of days before Easter. The square by the Church was crowded with people, locals, tourists and noisy workmen who were building a stage and setting out rows of wooden chairs.

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Xerri’s XERRI'SGrotto GROTTO

I followed the direction signs to Ramla through Xagħra's narrow streets, some bright in the sun, others dark in the shade. There were rows of terraced houses with shiny steps, green 'gallarijas' and nice names. Ta Kalanġ.

Maria Bambina, Stella Maris. And I found myself back in the square, by the church, where I started from. Twice I did it.

Drove through the same streets. Same houses, new names. Anora, Blue Bird, Sultan, Joskar.

On the third attempt I saw a sign for “Xerri's Grotto”. On a whim I decided to go there, intrigued by the idea of a “Grotto”. Six signs later I found it. It was inside a very normal looking house.

Not very grotto-ish or intriguing at all.

But I went in anyway.

I was met by Rita, the curator and guide.

Waving a laser pointer she led me to a spiral staircase that wound down into a cave below. The house owners were looking for a well, she told me, when they discovered the limestone cave and its treasures in 1923. Looking for a well is one thing, but building this staircase?

Less than a metre wide it spiralled down into the bowels of the earth. The stairs were a shiny, reptilian white decorated with blue tiles. The inner hand rail was like a twisting, bony spine. It felt like

being in the throat of that creature in the “Alien” movie .

I went down very slowly, one timid step at a time, being swallowed whole. It was perhaps only ten metres to the bottom but I stepped out into another world, another time. Stalactites, some smooth, some spiky, hung down from the ceiling.

Weirdly shaped rocks clung to the face of the cave while others sat, ominously, in misshapen holes gouged into the walls. A cabled string of bulkhead lights bathed the scene with an eery yellow glow. It was cold yet humid and smelled of mould.

Rita pointed the laser beam into one of the holes, circling the red dot on a calcified formation of limestone. It was like a turtle, she said. And it was. We ambled through the cave on a circular path, the red dot picking out a giraffe here, an elephant's ear there. “Please do not touch” stickers everywhere. And a vulture.

It takes a thousand years, Rita said, for the stalactites to grow one inch. Some of the formations were about a metre high.

I did the math. These curious shapes and stalactites had taken eons to evolve. The pie'ce de re'sistance was, according to Rita, like a lion. I could see only a sheep, or a ram perhaps. Then I saw it as the

she-wolf, the lupa that suckled Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. She was without the twins but had the turtle balanced on her rump.

We approached a couple of steps leading down and Rita warned me to mind my head. A sign on an overhanging rock said the same. She went ahead, pointing her laser beam to guide me. Fiddling with my camera, distracted, I followed her and walked straight into the ninety thousand year old rock, bashing my head. Shooting stars and strobe lights blinded me. Dazed leaned heavily on the clammy walls, feeling nauseous. A cave man stood by my side, a hairy, dirty, squat being wrapped in animal skins, staring at me. I froze, unable to look away, the hairs on my neck bristling.

Time passed. Seconds. Centuries perhaps. Regaining consciousness I managed to stand upright. Rita was at my side, looking very concerned. I apologised to her for my stupidity, telling her I was feeling okay. Just a bump. I looked around but we were alone. No neanderthal.

I climbed gingerly back up the alien's throat and emerged into the very normal house, feeling very relieved. As I was leaving I asked Rita how old the Grotto was. She told me “As old as time”.

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VA L L E T TA - 1 2 R E P U B L I C S T R E E T P O R T O M A S O - H I LT O N M A LTA - T E L . 2 1 2 2 0 1 9 4

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LOCAL FOOD

Where have all the flavours gone

WORDS: Julian Sammut

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Whenever we couldn’t sleep at night our mother told us to dream of moonlight picnics.

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own on the beach at Għadira Bay in Mellieħa, we would spend the late evening running along the sand, splashing in the shallow water and eating delicious things. We had no barbeques then, the concept still unknown here. We dusted our hands and sat around the mothers in a semi-circle whilst plastic plates of rice salad, hard boiled eggs and stuffed tomatoes were passed around. Slices of sweet local melon or bambinella (little pear shaped fruits) were also offered.

We usually got to buy an ice cream or a fizzy drink, never both though, it was one or the other, which meant we never got to taste that enticing 7 Up float. When all was consumed and

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midnight was approaching we would all pile into Eliana’s Morris Traveller or the seven-seater taxi car from the Wembley Garage for the 'long' journey home. So many adults and even more children fitted in, five to a seat, babes on laps with baskets and buckets squeezed in between, and off we went singing happily all the way home which seemed to take forever. Everything seemed so much bigger, longer and more important in those happy childhood days. More than the scrumptious flavours of capers, mint and anchovy or the endless games of catch, it was the fact that we were out late, in the dark, when the rest of the world was fast asleep that made these picnics so special, so magical. The very mention of them was enough to carry us away in our imagination to the land of the happiest dreams.

LOCAL FOOD

02

Life was far simpler then. Everything seemed so easy, so straightforward. We all did more or less the same things at the same times of the year, ate similar food, shared the same hopes and aspirations. We now live in a globalised world with infinite alternatives and choices. Whilst we are richer for this in many ways, the explosion of options, ironically, often makes life far more complex and confusing. Along the way we have lost much of the genuinely good simple things to trendier, imported stuff. Take food for instance.

Where is the food of our youth and childhood? Where has that special feeling of having an extra sixpence to buy that elusive 7 Up float gone?

Thankfully there has been something of a revival when it comes to Maltese food. Gululu, the casual Maltese diner in Spinola bay, St. Julians offers much

of what many of us once ate, and some of us still do eat in our homes.

Traditional dishes, favourites from our grandmothers’ kitchens and several contemporary dishes created by young chefs using the finest local ingredients are all served here along with the traditional wood – oven baked ftira.

Moonlight picnics can still be enjoyed.

If one chooses a weekday evening and reaches the beach at around 10 o’clock there won't be too many people around.

Take some ħobz biż-żejt with you and fresh summer fruit, have a swim and then wait until most people head home to lie on the sand, listen to the silence and stare dreamily at the stars. Take some lasting, simple, tasty memories back home with you along with the beautiful baroque, colourful characters and deep blue sea.

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1. Moonlit beach | 2. ħobz biż-żejt | 3. Ftira pizza being cooked Visit the link http://www.visitmalta.com/en/beaches-and-bays to find all Malta's sandy beaches

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TRAVEL

Amsterdam WORDS: Deborah Ratcliffe

Nostalgic memories of the iconic Max Bygraves conjure a romantic and charming picture (for those of a certain age!) of Amsterdam bejewelled with a dazzling glory of tulips! Younger readers will probably be tuned into the modern city famous for its intoxicating mix of nightclubs and liberal attitude. And, of course, everyone’s heard of the fascinating Red Light district, where the ‘ladies of the night’ vaunt their wares! However, regardless of age, all travellers to the city share memories of the magnificent architecture, fascinating history and relaxed ambience.

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or today’s visitor Amsterdam has an extravaganza of museums, markets, shops galore and of course numerous gardens and parks to relax and enjoy the celebrated ‘Tulips from Amsterdam’. If you’re a culture vulture then Amsterdam definitely should be on your ‘bucket list’. The city boasts the highest density of museums in the world including the outstanding Van Gogh, the moving Anne Frank House and the delightful floating Houseboat Museum.

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TRAVEL

02

Amsterdam is also a city of festivals, world class exhibitions and sporting events; never a month goes by without something new or innovative taking place. July is no exception: • Visitors can revel in the Comedytrain International Festival featuring Artists from around the English speaking globe performing the best in Stand Up Comedy.

• For kids of all ages visit the Amsterdam Expo. The Art of the Brick is an exhibition featuring large-scale sculptures made from Lego.

• Avid BMX fans can attend the BMX World Championships for thrills and most probably a few spills - not serious I sincerely hope - towards the end of the month.

• Take a ride down memory lane at the Electric Tram Museum Amsterdam - operating from April to October: www.amsterdamsights.com/attractions/museumtram • For the Fashionista the Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek.

4-13 July - www.fashionweek.nl/en/downtown is a ‘must see’. To quote the PR… “Fashion is taken from the catwalk to the sidewalk”.

Tourists are spoilt for choice with a plethora of all year

round highlights to explore - and taste!

• Tour the Rijks Musuem with its Rembrandts (40 at the last count) Vermeers and don’t, as already mentioned, miss the Van Gogh Museum.

• The Stedelijk Museum is certainly worth more than a quick glance with its 20th C. collection including superb works

by Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Warhol and Nauman.

• The recently reopened Hash and Hemp Museum is fascinating!

• Discover the local beer and lagers!

• Explore the flavour of traditional Dutch food – it’s pretty substantial fare – filling soups and stews abound.

Savour Zeeland oysters and mussels. Try the mouthwatering Hollandse Nieuwe - a delectable raw herring dish available from roughly May to July. If preferred try the pickled variety! And of course don’t miss out on a ‘Rijsttafel’ – rice table - a delicious concoction of food from the country’s Indonesian links.

• Don’t forget your souvenirs - Gouda and the holey Maasdammer cheese are delicious consumables …..if money is no object then Amsterdam is the place to be as it’s the European centre for diamonds - take a tour and see how diamonds are graded, cut, polished and expertly crafted into a girl’s best friend!

• Cafe society is vibrant and eclectic in Amsterdam.

Remember, if asking directions to a Coffee Shop ……but really mean Coffee House/Cafe ….you could end up in the wrong place.

• Shoppers can explore the Waterlooplein awash with stalls selling almost everything under the sun - it’s open 6 days a week.

• Relax in the Vondelpark where locals come to picnic and meet friends. In summer the park is great fun with numerous activities on offer - including an open air theatre. www.openluchttheater.nl.

03

04

Getting around in Amsterdam is easy. Bike hire is a superb way to explore the city as the majority of Amsterdam highlights are conveniently close together. As a ‘gestimate there are thought to be over 600,000 bikes in the city - hopefully not all out on the streets at the same time! Other delightful way to explore Amsterdam is by guided walking tours and the latest innovation - the Segway. For a more leisured approach Canal sightseeing cruises are perfect to just sit back and watch the city pass by, including the lovely waterside churches, old harbour and Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) – wonderful old mansions flanking the canal between Spiegelstraat and Vijzelstraat built to flaunt the affluence and power of the city’s merchants.

05

For more information and other ideas do check out the Official Amsterdam web site: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting - and see what’s on during your visit. Be sure to buy the special ‘I amsterdam’ card with its numerous discounts. A day pass or longer can be bought from all Tourism Office outlets. For the latest updates see www.iamsterdamcard.com.

Visitors can also buy a special Museum card.

01. Bridges of canal ring, old town of Amsterdam, Netherlands | 02. Interior of Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam | 03. Stedelijk museum (Municipal Museum) Amsterdam | 04. Photo of Cheese in market | 05. veautiful sunrise over Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with flowers

Air Malta flies to Amsterdam 55

PROPERTY

More than just a house Down a quaint cobbled lane just beyond the village square, this mid-19th-century palazzo in the central town of Birkirkara once housed the law courts for Malta, The four-bedroom home exudes authentic Maltese character, evident right away with its’ limestone walls and stone arches typical of historic Maltese architecture. a safe haven, with buyers from France and Italy seeking refuge from high taxes.

Because English is spoken fluently, Malta is a perennial favourite among buyers from Britain. The same can be said for neighbouring Italians as well as Germans.

Over the last decade, these were also joined by Swedish, Germans and Russians, who fall for Malta thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, the lifestyle and financial and business opportunities that it offers.

The façade is doted with carved stone corbels, set above a trio of arched double windows, and beneath a wrought-iron balcony. A massive door opens onto a long reception hall with a fireplace and a barrel-vault stone ceiling. Flanked by the living and dining rooms, each with a highly polished mosaic tile floor, the reception hall extends to an interior courtyard and a large elevated patio at the far end of the palazzo. This residence also boasts a “piano nobile,” or “noble level,” as the second floor is known, elaborately carved limestone sculptures, three imposing staircases, a banquet-size entertaining hall and much more.

everlasting charm and investment potential are all good reasons why demand by locals and foreign nationals is at an all-time high.

Malta offers a myriad of properties like these, often secluded from today’s bustling lifestyle, giving a glimpse into the island’s glorious 18th and 19th centuries. Their unique characteristics, limited availability,

Since the start of the year there has been renewed interest among local and foreign buyers alike, and not just for houses of character. Malta, which has always attracted foreign residents, is found to be

“When we were looking at moving to Malta, our intention was to go for a modern apartment or house” says Diana Whites, originally from Sussex, UK, but who now lives in Zejtun, “however after visiting some friends in Malta, we followed our heart and opted for a house of character.

What I especially like about our house is that even though it retains a house of character feel, with its mill room, remissa entrance, floor slabs and all, it is still a modern home."

Places like Valletta, Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa, have seen new life brought into them, thanks to the various houses that are currently being restored and converted into private residences or boutique hotels, as well as a a number of national restoration projects taken up by the local authorities, such as the rehabilitation of the Cottonera waterfront, the cities’ fortifications and the Valletta City Gate Project by Renzo Piano.

To attract more residents from abroad, the government recently introduced the Individual Investor Program, which effectively offers a foreign national the possibility to obtain Maltese (and EU) citizenship subject to a minimum investment, which includes the purchase or rental of property for a minimum of €350,000, or €16,000 a year respectively. A number of residence programmes are available, such as the Global Residence Programme for non EU nationals, and the Private Retirement Residence Programme, through which, given that a number of criteria are met, one can also avail from a flat rate of 15% tax on income declared in Malta.

Words by Omar Xuereb, Frank Salt Real Estate Marsascala Branch Manager.

Frank Salt Real Estate Marsascala branch | t. 2235 3000 | marsascala@franksalt.com.mt | www.franksalt.com.mt 56

PROPERTY

Property, property, property

Can the Maltese talk about anything else? although some might argue otherwise, the issue is not demand but rather the lack of supply of rental properties. It is a known fact that at the moment sourcing rental property for a client is no easy task, simply because a good number of existing properties are already taken up. It is a fast moving market and no good property is left vacant for more than a few days.

On the other hand, the sales market has also been steady, continuing to gain momentum in recent months. The outlook is bright and if you are considering a property investment this is the time to take the plunge.

If this is your first time visiting these islands you will find that almost everybody you meet has something to say about property; an opinion, a theory or a bargain. It's no secret that the Maltese love investing in property. It's amusing really. Property is undoubtedly the main topic of conversation at any dinner party or event and for good reason too.

Over the years, property in Malta has established itself as a safe and lucrative investment. This is a country with no natural resources other than the sun,

the people and a rich chequered history.

Tourism is booming and the only other natural resource (if you can call it that!) is its size: 316 km2 of rock and every property investors' dream.

Malta's limited space and land mass has assured past investors of a comfortable return on their investment, if invested wisely, on the right property and in the right location. On the one hand, the rental market has continued to experience constant growth over the past years and

Where to start? As with property the world over, location is everything and Malta is no different with one exception. It has it all. A small island bang in the centre of the Mediterranean easily accessible by most of the major European airlines. There are plenty of good properties on offer.

How about a property in Valletta, a World Heritage City or in one of the best lifestyle developments on offer? There are many good properties to consider whether for a rental investment or simply one to call your very own.

The right agent of course is a must, so give us the opportunity to prove it, after all “We've been Putting People in Space Since 1967'.

David Aquilina - Director Belair Property For more information contact Belair Property: Tel:(+356) 2011 8000/2014 8000 | Email: info@belair.com.mt Web: www.belair.com.mt | www.facebook.com/BelairProperty 57

PROPERTY

Tigné Point’s Q1 now well underway Things are moving along nicely at Tigné Point with the latest release, block Q1, practically selling out in a matter of months. At the last count 37 of the 39 apartments released last October were sold off plan whilst the block itself will be complete in shell this month.

The interiors of these new residences were crafted by leading Maltese architect/interior designer Martin Xuereb using a combination of glossy, matt and reflective surfaces, rich timbers and luxurious flooring.

A perfectionist with an eye for detail, Xuereb took to the project like a fish to water and his designs have been very well received by the market.

Q1 is the newest addition to the award-winning Tigné Point development, a self-contained enclave equipped with amenities and facilities that would rival most larger towns for choice and convenience. Four levels of underground parking allows the roads, piazzas and walkways in the project to be practically carfree and this has proved a great benefit to residents, shoppers and all those who chose to visit, dine and soak up the sun and fabled views there.

At a glance, Q1 distinguishes itself from the rest of the complex by its sheer proximity to the shore and its wide frontage of panoramic sea views. Many of the Q1 living quarters are directly on the water’s edge and large open terraces take in the wide panorama that spans from the Sliema front to the mouth of the harbour.

Yet for all its seclusion, Q1 is nonetheless literally a stone’s throw away from all the amenities at Tigné Point, including a fabulous shopping mall, the popular waterfront restaurants and Pjazza Tigné, the heart of the development and the largest public square in the Sliema district which today houses a host of designer shops, cafes, restaurants and the development’s sales office.

Apart from gorgeous views, Q1 properties come equipped with a holistic package that includes access control, fire detection, climate control, under-floor heating in bathrooms and smart lighting in the living areas.

Tigné Point’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are underpinned by the latest in green technology that is both cost-efficient and sustainable. Using sea water sourced onsite as the constant cooling agent, the HVAC system offers considerable energy savings bolstered by a computerised Climate Control System that ensures maximum efficiency and almost negligible wastage.

A stunningly designed show apartment in the block has been completed and is available for immediate viewing.

For more info on the project and last remaining units please visit www.Q1.com.mt

58

BASTIONS OFTOURISM MALTA MEDICAL

High-Flying Dentistry

Rehabilitate your smile Full mouth reconstruction (FMRehab) is a term used to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both your jaws.

This typically involves general or restorative dentists but may need dental specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the tooth pulp).

Why would you require FMRehab: • Lost teeth due to decay or trauma.

• Fractured teeth.

• S everely worn teeth as a result of longterm acid erosion or tooth grinding.

• Pain on chewing requiring adjustments to the bite (occlusion).

How the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Begins • T eeth: restorative procedures may be needed, such as porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays or onlays, bridges or implants prostheses. Also any cavities and decay, tooth wear, cracks, short/ long teeth, root canal issues and any tooth movement will be addressed.

• Periodontal (gum) tissues: If your gums are not healthy, you will most likely need scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. Other extensive treatments may involve soft tissue or bone grafts to build up your gums and underlying jaw bone.

• Occlusion: A stable bite – one in which you are not in pain when you close your mouth or chew and does not cause wear or destruction of your teeth – is important to your overall oral

health. You may require orthodontics or some other type of treatment to correct occlusion before additional restorative procedures can be performed.

• Esthetics: The color, shape, size and proportion of your teeth, and how they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, side profile and face, are also important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.

The examination process requires records of your mouth, such as X-rays and photographs, impressions of your upper and lower teeth, models of your teeth that are made from the impressions and a model of your bite.

This is required to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.

Once your dentist has obtained all information relevant to your case, he or she will develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in your mouth and complete your full mouth reconstruction.

If you do not understand the procedure being described to you, ask for a detailed written description of the proposed treatment plan so you can review it. This can be helpful if you want to get a second opinion. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of the recommended procedures and treatments.

Most full mouth reconstructions involve multiple phases and office visits. It is not unreasonable to expect treatment to take 6-9 months or more, depending on your situation. The following procedures may be involved, depending on your needs: •P rophylactic teeth cleaning and periodontal care

• Crown lengthening to expose healthy, sound tooth structure for possible crowns or bridges.

• Orthognathic surgery to reposition the jaw.

• Contouring of the gum tissue to create balance and harmony in your smile.

• Preparation (reduction) of your natural tooth structure so crowns, bridges or veneers can be placed.

• Placement of temporary restorations so you can become accustomed to your new teeth and the feel of your new mouth or bite alignment.

• Placement of permanent restorations, such as crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays or bridges, made from ceramic, ceramic supported by metal or a combination of both.

• Orthodontics (braces) in order to move your teeth into the optimal position for reconstruction.

• Implant placement and restoration to replace missing teeth and/or anchor bridge restorations.

• B one or soft tissue grafting to enhance the stability of your teeth, proposed implants and/or other restorations.

If you think you may need full mouth rehabilitation, then see your dentist for a comprehensive examination. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the extent of the problem and the treatment options including their cost and timeframes that can be used to correct it. Too much to lose… so ask your dentist!

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

59

BUSINESS ROUND UP

“Your hair becomes much heavier and thicker. You maintain your healthy hair.”

Thinning hair?

How a new pill can boost your hair and self-confidence

EXCLUSIVE Passenger deal Order via www.trx2.com and use the coupon code ‘airmalta’ to receive an exclusive 5% discount

Hair loss can be a nightmare for both men and women. It can make you look less attractive, and also lead to disadvantages within your career and limit you in your partner choice. It can lead to depression, loss of self-confidence and even identity change.

Scientists in Oxford promise that they can help keep your hair thick and healthy. Their pill TRX2 is currently one of Europe’s best-selling hair supplements and is sold in over 90 countries. TRX2 is a food supplement based on organic compounds and compared to medicinal products has no side effects whatsoever. Also it does what it says.

“Your hair will look much bigger; it becomes heavier and thicker. You maintain your healthy hair,” says Oxford Biolabs CEO Dr Thomas Whitfield.

Hair treatments often promise a lot without delivering, but TRX2 is backed by cuttingedge science and has been thoroughly tested. According to a study, 87% of men and women see positive results when taking TRX2. The effects can be impressive – hair thickness may increase by 22.5% after nine months and 38.7% after 18 months of treatment. Start TRX2 as early as possible in order to increase the chances of fully recovering your hair.

TRX2 is suitable for men and women of all ages. The crystalline white capsules come in a brown glass bottle, which is sufficient for one month of treatment and costs approximately €49. The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee if ordered via TRX2’s official website, and ships worldwide. www.trx2.com, contact@trx2.com Oxford Biolabs Ltd, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK

BUSINESS ROUND UP

The Pavilion at Malta Design Week The pavilion, featured in this year’s Malta Design Week, was a 5m wide parabolic marine plywood vault made up of 413 individual panels held together with wooden wedges. The vault is an ongoing piece of research between the lead architects exploring how methods in design and fabrication are changing through the onset of new digital tools. Designed using cutting-edge 3D modelling software, it allowed the architects to maximise the play of light, shadows and visual porosity by varying the angle of each panel. It also showcases how new design opportunities emerge when architects bring a hands-on approach to building.

Architects: Irina Miodragovic Vella (University of Malta, Facluty for the Built Enviroment), Steve DeMicoli (DeMicoli & Associates, dfab. studio), Toni Kontik (ETH Zurich).

Design Team: Francesca Camilleri (dfab.studio), Zack Xuereb Conti (dfab.studio), Dr Jeanette Abela (DeMicoli & Associates), Luke Pellicano (UoM).

Photographs: Alex Attard, Toni Kotnik, Steve DeMicoli

PERRY REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Photographs: Top left: Dan Perry | Top right: Vanessa Vella Bardon | Bottom left: Robert Spiteri Paris | Bottom right: Nadia Borg

Perry Estate Agents register excellent results in the last 12 months and announce increased investmemt and expansion plans.

Perry Limited has been operating as a leading estate agent in Malta since 1981 and over the years has earned a reputation as one of the most reputable and well known independent estate agents on the Island. Mr. Francis Spiteri Paris, Perry’s founder and managing director commented: “With all our experience and in-depth market knowledge of the industry we have learnt what it takes to meet client expectations and pride ourselves on being the most client-focused sales and letting agents in Malta.” Perry this month are proud to report excellent financial results for the year ended 31st May 2014, a report which confirms the company’s excellent performance.

Turnover increased by close to 50% over the previous year encouraging further investment in the company’s sales and letting departments and expansion plans in the near future as

the prime Maltese market continues to show strong activity and a steady rise in values. Dr. Robert Spiteri Paris who heads the letting and commercial department at Perry also commented: “The rental market and indeed our own leading letting department also continues to outperform and we expect this to continue over the next years, on the commercial front, we have also registered increased demand for office space particularly from the gaming and financial services sectors as more Internationally renowned foreign businesses seek to take advantage of Malta’s favorable economic climate.

Perry are confident that their expansion strategy together with improving market share will continue to help drive this strong performance as the company is well on track to increase its team of professionals and have new offices opened by the end of the year.

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lifestyle

Experience the extraordinary with Insignia The Insignia Platinum Card and the Insignia Platinum Business Card are the first Cards in Malta to offer a unique lifestyle and concierge service, bringing together a world of benefits to support you in achieving the life you aspire to.

This is not just a credit card with increased spending power. Platinum Cardholders benefit from the use of Insignia’s world renowned bespoke Concierge Services – Lifestyle Boutique. Your Platinum status is a promise that wherever you are in the world, Insignia’s London based concierge team will act on your behalf to fulfil your requests and meet your expectations.

Concierge Services We know your time is precious and you seek the best in all things in life, so whether you’re treating clients to a business dinner at a fine-dining restaurant, you’d like last minute tickets to a sports event, or help with something more trivial such as grocery shopping, Insignia’s unique concierge service is available around the clock.

Insignia’s unique Lifestyle and Concierge Services include but are not limited to: • Travel and transport information and booking • VIP services, VIP lounges and fast track information and booking in major European airports • Transfers, car rental, taxi service information and booking • Hotels information and booking • Restaurants information and booking • Sport and cultural events information and booking • Shopping assistance and purchases • Health Club, Gym and/or Spa information and booking • Other leisure activities information and booking • Gifts and flowers purchasing and delivery • VISA and medical information and assistance • VIP travel benefits

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lifestyle

Whether you travel for business or leisure, we know it’s important that you glide through airports hassle free and reach your destination energised.

As a Platinum Cardholder you will benefit from access to VIP services, VIP lounges and fast track services in major European Airports including Brussels Airport, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports in London, Linate Airport in Milan, Munich Airport, Vienna Airport, Zurich Airport, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Schonefeld Airport in Berlin, Frankfurt Airport and many more.

The VIP services include staff handling the entire arrival or departure procedure on your behalf. This includes check-in, security checks, baggage transport and passport formalities, customs procedures, meeting and greeting VIP guests, escort through immigration and more. VIP lounges are also available as part of the VIP services offered in many major airports. Insignia will gladly arrange your entry to these lounges so that you can carry on working, or simply relax.

In Malta, you will immediately be granted access to the La Valette Club at Malta International Airport. Here you can entertain guests, or relax with

complimentary snacks and beverages before or after your flight. You will benefit from reduced entry rates when you pay with your Platinum Card and Insignia will also provide your first two annual visits to the Lounge free of charge.

Comprehensive Insurance Package The Insignia Platinum Cards offer a comprehensive travel benefit package designed specifically so that you can travel with total peace of mind, whether for business or leisure. These benefits are also valid for your supplementary cardholders and include Purchase Protection*, which covers new eligible goods purchased with the card in the event of theft or accidental damage.

The Delayed Baggage* cover will cover the emergency replacement of clothing, medication and toiletries if any baggage that is lost in transit during an outward journey and not returned within 4 hours of your arrival. A greater amount will be paid if baggage is not returned within 48 hours.

Delayed Flight* cover will pay for meals, refreshments and additional accommodation if required when flights are delayed. The Platinum Card also protects you for Travel

Cancellation* in cases of irrecoverable unused travel and accommodation costs when the trip has been cancelled or curtailed before completion.

Travel Assistance* is available to help you whilst you are overseas, this includes assisting you with obtaining new travel documents if lost or stolen, locating lost baggage and relaying messages to your relative, colleagues or friends in your country of residence.

Travel Accidents* and Medical Expenses* are also covered by the Card and finally, the Legal Referral Services* means we will assist you with the procurement of a lawyer when travelling if the need arises. We will provide you with details of local attorneys and embassies.

As a Platinum Cardholder, all this support is complimentary. You decide what you want to do and where you want to go and let our concierge service handle all the arrangements.

If you seek security in your business and personal life and quality customer service then Insignia’s Platinum Cards are the right products for you.

*Subject to policy Terms & Conditions For more information, please visit www.insignia.com.mt or call us on our 24/7 Telephone Service Centre 8007 3703 or 2570 9333 Insignia Cards Ltd., Co. Reg. No. C 54426, is a financial institution licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority to offer payment services.

63

WINES

MALTA’S HIGH-FLYING WINES Malta’s wine writer Georges Meekers reports from the tasting room With over 100 award-winning Maltese wines to choose from, picking the right high-flying wine would appear to be an easy task. However, Air Malta’s selection process involves the professional help of catering consultants as well as wine experts who take into account the surprisingly unusual tasting conditions on board.

For Sale or To let for minimum one year in Gharb

Furnished Character Farmhouse set on 1,100 sq. mt. area.

3 double bedrooms with 3 ensuite bathrooms, one single bedroom and bathroom on ground floor, spacious combined kitchen dining, sitting room.

3-car carport, spacious central courtyard, and 330 sq. mt. of open space including a very large pool plus adjoining Jacuzzi, showers/toilet, surrounding established garden and large BBQ area.

Contact owner on 99421504 email: aries23468.com.mt 64

WINES

W

hilst for some firsttime passengers wine may be something to steady the nerves, to the more seasoned traveller, a glass of wine, enjoyed on its own or along with an in-flight meal, is celebratory or something to look forward to. For many visitors travelling to Malta for the first time, it is also a way of getting acquainted with the rich vinous heritage of the Maltese Islands ahead of arrival.

Hence, choosing what wines to serve on an aircraft remains a challenging task. It will always be like painting with a broad brush trying to please as many preferences as possible with each stroke.

But did you know that the process is complicated further by the fact that the dry and pressurised cabin conditions affect our perception of taste? Although the effect is hardly as detrimental as that of a nose-blocking common cold, it must not be underestimated either.

In the case of white wines, soft-fruit flavours such as peach and pear are likely to taste less at cruising level while herbaceous aromas tend to become too pronounced. Riper, red-berry fruits found in red wines hold up well at high altitude but their less ripe, green-leaf fragrances get unpleasantly accentuated. Barrelfermented and oak-aged wines as well as wines that are high in alcohol generally fare badly, too, because they risk being perceived as unbalanced.

Air Malta’s in-flight wine selection has been chosen thoughtfully, together with Malta’s most-awarded winemaker, Emmanuel Delicata. Not only has each wine been selected for its characteristics to show well with altitude, the airline’s choice of Malta-grown wines has also been bestowed with commendations on terra firma.

The white wine assortment includes a unique Pjazza Regina blend of Chardonnay together with designer grape Viognier,

the quintessentially Mediterranean Vermentino and Malta’s very own indigenous Girgentina grape variety, and the mono-varietal Classic Collection Donato Chardonnay.

Red wine lovers will find the red choice equally agreeable. Both reds are deliberately left unoaked to let smooth summer red berry fruit flavours coming from hand-picked, Malta-grown noble grape varieties, shine through. There’s the Classic Collection Carissimi Cabernet Sauvignon and the even fruitier Pjazza Regina Syrah and Merlot assemblage.

Remember that wines are usually served a little cooler in-flight than on the ground, even the red ones, which could make their mouth-puckering tannin more noticeable.

To enjoy them fully, it is recommended to slightly warm up the red wine by holding the glass - or for your safety served in a cup – for a little while before sipping it on route to Malta where more international award-winning wines await you.

www.delicata.com

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CULTURE & ARTS

Malta Arts Festival 2014 14 July – 2 August There will be a video opera where film and reality mirror each other mysteriously, a circus which brings together poetry and humour and a film festival under the stars. Running from 14 July to 2 August, artists from Croatia, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, South Africa and Russia will join some of the best Maltese artists in a festival with 18 performances and a separate programme of workshops and master classes. Most of these events will be held in some of the island’s most prestigious historical venues, such as the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Pjazza Teatru Rjal and the newlyrestored Fort St Elmo, bringing a layer of history to the festival’s already rich narrative.

– featuring musicians Nadine Galea and Luke Baldacchino – will also present an interdisciplinary showcase of music, literature and painting.

Globe will be back with King Lear, at Pjazza Teatru Rjal and the trademark Closing Concert will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra playing under the baton of Mro Brian Schembri with Russian cellist Alexander Kniazev.

The festival will open on a high note with 2Cellos, where two young Croatian cellists take cello playing to a new level in a breathtaking live performance. Fort St Elmo will set the scene for Hide and Seek, the new dance production by Ivan Perez which will take audiences into an atmospheric trip where desires, frustrations, madness and tenderness are slowly revealed. The other main dance event of the programme, a Triple Bill of duets featuring works by emerging Maltese practitioners and established international artists, will be held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

Music-lovers will enjoy Ruben Zahra & Windstreken Ensemble, a concert which portrays a unique folk-fusion profile, and the emerging artists series 01

02

For full programme and tickets visit www.maltaartsfestival.org The Malta Arts Festival is organised by Arts Council Malta under the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, with the support of Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali, V18, MSV Life, Fimbank, Infusion, Malta International Airport, Orienta, TVM and the Phoenicia Hotel 1. Triple Bill Photo by Kris Micallef | 2. 2Cellos photo by Smallz & Raskind 66

CULTURE & ARTS

Malta Jazz Festival 2014 Ta Liesse, Grand Harbour, Valletta Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 July Once again the stage at Ta Liesse – where the city meets the sea – will host some of the biggest names in jazz, including Tom Harrell Colors of a Dream and Brecker Brothers Band Reunion “The Heavy Metal Bebop Tour”.

Running from the 17th to the 19th July in the open-air setting of Ta Liesse - where the Grand Harbour bastions meet the sea contemporary music comes together with a sense of history, setting the backdrop for high-calibre performances which delight jazz aficionados and lay persons alike.

This, however, is only one of the many intersections running through this year’s festival. Another is that created by the musicians themselves as they cross jazz with other types of music.

Mehliana (featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana), for instance – which is set to be one of the festival’s hottest tickets - mix jazz with electronica to create a trance-laden music while the French-born musician Laurent Coq combines Caribbean/Creole influences with modern jazz piano in his Laurent Coq Dialogue Trio.

Other rising stars include vibraphonist Warren Wolf and Kneebody, a band which crosses genres with ease. Local talent will also be represented.

Tickets for the Malta Jazz Festival 2014 cost €30 for a single-day ticket (seated) or €75 for a 3-day block ticket (seated). Standing single-day tickets are also available for €20 (free seating available) while a 3-day block ticket (standing) can be bought for €40 (free seating available). Concession tickets for students and senior citizens.

The Malta Jazz Festival is brought to you by the Arts Council Malta. Supported by Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali, the Malta Tourism Authority, Malta International Airport, MSV Life, Baystreet Hotel, TVM, Orienta, Switch, Cyberpass, Phoenicia Hotel and the Valletta 2018 Foundation.

For full programme and line-ups visit maltajazzfestival.org Photo Credit Joe Smith 67

EVENTS

Shakespeare at the Palace 01

02

The production of a Shakespearean play by the Malta Amateur Dramatic Club (MADC), staged in the Presidential Palace gardens of San Anton in Attard,, is an eagerly awaited annual summer event.

MADC is the oldest theatre club in Malta, founded in 1910 and it was in 1938 that it produced “As You Like It” in this 17th century wooded crescent. The tradition continues this July with a presentation of The Merchant of Venice directed by Joe Friggieri.

The plot is a seamless canvas of romantic comedy and drama, with tensions heightened by racial and cultural differences.

It contrasts the emotional Antonio, the man, with the pragmatic Shylock, the man of intellect, with intriguing sub-plots.

Antonio, the merchant of Venice, lends three thousand ducats to his friend Bassanio in order to assist him in his wooing of the wealthy and beautiful Portia. But Antonio's own money is tied up in business ventures that depend on the safe return of his ships from sea. He borrows the money from Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, against a bond whereby failure to repay the loan on the agreed date will entitle Shylock to a pound of Antonio's flesh.

Meanwhile, Portia's father decrees that she will marry the suitor who makes the correct

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choice when presented with three caskets.

Basanio succeeds and marries Portia while his friend Gratiano marries Portia's lady-inwaiting Nerissa at the same time.

News arrives that Antonio's ships have been lost and he is unable to pay his debt.

Shylock's claim to his pound of flesh is heard in the law court before the Duke. Unknown to their husbands, Portia disguises herself as a young male lawyer acting on behalf of Antonio, Nerissa as a clerk.

Portia's ingenious defence is that Shylock is truly entitled to his pound of flesh but not to spill any of Antonio's blood.

Shylock is pardoned on condition that he gives half his wealth to Antonio and half to the state. Antonio surrenders his claim on condition that Shylock converts to Christianity and leaves his property to his daughter Jessica.

Once the World Cup is over, whether you are happy or sad with the final result, don’t miss this new and exciting production of The Merchant of Venice, a play that blends together the themes of wealth, friendship, love, revenge, race, despair and hope into a poetical work of great beauty- still highly relevant today.

The play opens on July 23rd and runs till July 30th www.madc.com.mt

The San Anton Gardens are some of the most beautiful gardens in Malta with a huge variety of beautiful flowers and plants. Open to the public since 1882, the palace and its surrounding gardens were built by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence. Today this beautifully preserved palace is the residence of the Maltese President.

1. Antonio- Michael Manjion, Shylock - Manuel Cauchi | 2. MADC Shakespeare, 1938 at San Anton Gardens | 3. Philip Leone Ganado - Antonio, Luke Mercieca - Salerio

Events

The 34 Farsons Beer Festival th

10 nights of the finest beer, music and entertainment.

The Farsons Beer Festival is quite possibly Malta’s largest and most eagerly anticipated annual summer event. Well into its 34th edition, over 50 local and international artists will perform at the open-air festival at Ta’ Qali National Park from 25th July to 3rd August 2014, from 8pm onwards.

“The Farsons Beer Festival is a major summer musical celebration which features Malta’s top local artists,” said Shawn Caruana, Business Manager and Festival organiser at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.

“This year will be no exception with a very strong line-up of local favourites such as Tribali, Airport Impressions, Lauren Aquilina, Fakawi, The Rifffs, Xtruppaw, Pink Floyd (Tribute Band) and Firelight among others.”

With over 70 draught installations and 13 branded bars, beer fans will find

a complete choice of Malta’s awardwinning local beers, including the Cisk Lager range and classic brews such as Hopleaf Pale Ale and Blue Label ‘smooth and creamy’ Ale. International beer brands such as Carlsberg, Budweiser, Guinness, Kilkenny Irish Cream, John Smith’s Extra Smooth Ale, Beck’s, Newcastle Brown Ale and Corona Extra are also available, including cider brands Strongbow, Woodpecker and Bulmer’s Original Cider. A unique selection of speciality brews and UK bottle conditioned ales will also be available from the international bar.

In addition to the popular food court which offers a wide mix of dishes, there will be the BBQ & Grilling Association.

Members will be sharing recipes and preparing a variety of grilled and barbequed dishes cooked with beer.

Customers visiting the Farsons Brand Store will also have the chance of winning this year’s grand prize, the Yamaha YZF – R125 sports motorbike, with every purchase made from the store. The collectable Beer Festival Mug will also be available until stocks last.

The Farsons Beer Festival is sponsored

by Vodafone and supported by Krea Malta Ltd and GasanZammit Motors. The festival can be followed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefarsonsgre atbeerfestival?fref=ts for the latest news, information and competitions. Entrance to the Festival is free of charge.

Photocaptions: Pictures from last year’s Farsons Beer Festival: 1. Tribali 2. Versatile Brass Band 3. The popular Cisk branded bar

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EVENTS

Dates to remember in...

JULY

John Dimech and Ruth Paris at Villa Bologna Villa Bologna, Attard 11 June – 30 July A new line up and 3 years from their last release, nosnow/noalps are launching their new Ep ‘Go Go Go Go’.

Nosnow/noalps have combined a number of tracks that reflect all the things they went through these past 2 years. The EP will include tracks such as the self titled ‘Go Go Go Go’, Black Panther, Heavy and also N.E.W. and two dance remixes. Supporting acts include Jane Doe and a DJ set by Kassette. The entrance fee is set at 7euro which includes a CD at 10euro.

Tender Napalm by Philip Ridley St James Cavallier 2, 3, 4, 5 July "The only thing that we cannot cope with is when a parent loses a child. Only that is too much for us. Only that can drive us into madness."

Tender Napalm is a modern parable about love and loss. A young couple lose their five year old daughter in a terrorist attack on a school playground. What follows is a high-impact, high concept exploration of the relationship between the two people and the violent world that surrounds them. Physical and energetic, the play explores the madness of the couple with explosive, poetic and brutal language and honesty, thus weaving a compelling tapestry to reexamine and re-define the language of love.

Direct reservations can be made through theatre website on www.sjcav.org.

Photo Credit: Christine Joan Muscat Azzopardi

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Events

Victoria International Arts Festival Closing Concert Barbarossa – A Modern Dance Drama

St. George’s Basilica, Victoria, Gozo 14th July Curtain Call. As the 17th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival draws to a close, conductor Joseph Vella leads the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in

Argotti Botanical Gardens, Floriana 12th July

a concert featuring works from the Classical Period by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. Simon Veis stars as the soloist for the Haydn cello concerto.

State Opera and Ballet of Turkey.

The programme for the evening: Mozart - Overture from Don Giovanni, Haydn - Cello Dancers: Arkın Zirek, Ejder Keskin, Onur Tunay,

Concerto no 2 in D major Hob VIIb/2, op 101 (soloist – Simon Veis), Beethoven - Symphony no

Can Tunalı, Burak Kayıhan, : Dolun Doyran,

7 in A major op 92.

Kıvanç Ekin, Oliver Spence, Murat Özdemir, Bahadır Ovacıklı, Egemen Kement, Benan Göktan,

For further details please visit www.maltaorchestra.com

Hakan Odabaşı, Ender Üçdemir, İlke Kodal,

Photo Credit: Christine Joan Muscat Azzopardi

Deniz Aygör, Deniz Alp, Esra Taner, Aslı Güneş Sümer, Ilgaz Erdağ,Ilke Sayiner, Emre Orgut and choreographer: Beyhan Murphy.

Malta Arts Festival 2014

The State Opera and Ballet of Turkey proudly presents Barbarossa, a modern dance drama.

The theatrical presentation is held in Argotti

Around Valletta 14th to 19th July

Botanical Garden which were the private gardens of Grand Master Pinto, situated a short walk from the capital city of Valletta. The two-act dance spectacle is inspired by the life story

The Malta Arts Festival welcomes

of Captain of the Sea Barbarossa Hayreddin

collaboration between local and

Pasha and the activities of Turkish raiders in the

foreign artists who participate side

Mediterranean during the 16th century. The piece

by side at open air venues such as

is choregraphed by Beyhan Murphy. The entrance is 15euros and concessions are priced at 10euro.

the Old Opera House ruins in Valleta and Argotti Gardens. The Malta Arts Festival is a bonanza of performance, music and dance and offers something from most artistic forms. Joint performances, and workshops help to

Tickets are on sale from www.maltaticket.com,

enhance local artistic development and provide impetus to cultural innovation.

Exotique, Agenda, Bookends, Newskiosk, and Mdina Kiosk and at the door.

To view the full programme of events, please visit www.maltaartsfestival.org.

Joseph Calleja Concert 2014 The Granaries Floriana 18th July Internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor, Joseph Calleja, returns to the Granaries in Malta for his muchanticipated annual summer concert. Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel reunites with Joseph after the pair’s recently acclaimed Faust at the Royal Opera House in London. Leona Lewis, a recent X Factor winner will also share the stage with Calleja. And Italian pop idol Claudio Baglioni will return to the stage after having sung with Joseph in 2010’s summer concert. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Paul Bateman.

Standing-room locations for the concert are free. For information on seated tickets, please visit www. josephcalleja.com 71

EVENTS

G7 Fridays at Gianpula Definitely Malta's most popular outdoor clubbing experience 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th July A festival that brings together top local artisans, providing a performing Fridays at Gianpula is the highlight of Malta' summer clubbing season. A mix of Malta’s top DJs, new young talent and some guest international artists have been confirmed to grace the dancefloor with top tunes and biggest dance floor hits Time: 11pm to 4.00am Entrance: €6.00 at the door https://www.facebook.com/G7events

G7 Wednesdays Chillout Sessions Café del Mar 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th July After the great success of Summer 2013, the Wednesday night chillout sessions at Café del mar are back. With stunning sunsets, funky tunes, deep house and chillout music, G7 promises to bring life to your Wednesday night.

Time: 7pm till late Entrance: €5.00 at the door https://www.facebook.com/G7events

AFROJACK & GUESTS MFCC Grounds, Ta' Qali 26th July The global superstar DJ Afrojack is back live in Malta on the 26th July at MFCC Open Air grounds.

Supporting acts include Apster as well as special guest host MC Zawdi.

Duration: 21:00 - 04.00 Entrance Fee : € 30 Info line : +356 99373740 Online tickets – www.ticketline.com.mt

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Events

The Gianpula Complex Gianpula complex is Malta’s biggest open air entertainment destination. A firm favourite with both locals and the thousands of tourists who visit the Maltese islands, this is the essence of Maltese nightlife. The ideal Mediterranean climate allows for this open air complex to be enjoyed during the extended summer months and, with a Complex capacity of 7,000 people, the party masses certainly take advantage of this. The whole complex is a combination of Five different venues – The Gianpula Main room, Groove Gardens, Marrakech The Roof Top, and Gianpula Fields.

The original building is an old farmhouse with extensive grounds spread over 30,000 square metres of land. Features include gardens with rich vegetation, swimming pool, 22 bars, elevated

PRIVÉ SUMMER TOUR 2014 BEDOUIN FRIDAY’S Bedouin Bar (The Westin Dragonara Reef Club-St. Julian’s) 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th July 2014

VIP areas, champagne huts, seating areas, parking facilities, restaurants and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

Privé Events are all about drawing together the finest crowd on the island & attracting the most discerning party goers! The Bedouin bar located at the 5 star

The complex is in the limits of Rabat situated in the valley below

Westin Dragonara Resort, St.Julian’s, is renowned for its surreal beauty & great

Malta’s old capital and the medieval town of Mdina.

atmosphere by the water’s edge listening to the hippest tunes of summer delivered by the island’s most famous DJ’s!!

Gianpula Main Room and Groove Gardens are open every Friday and Saturday. On Fridays the music policy is RnB, commercial

Time: 22.30-2.00, open every Friday night from June to September

and House Music. Entrance is €6. On Saturdays the entrance fee

www.facebook.com/privemalta

depends on the event. Checkwww.gianpula.com for exact prices Marrakech club which opens up on Saturdays and Sundays ticks all the boxes when it comes to classifying a sophisticated openair nightclub: besides being immersed in an idyllic luxury garden and surroundings, Marrakech is blessed by a cool summer breeze (even in the peak of August).All in all Marrakech is a true VIP destination offering supreme tunes by carefully selected DJs, luxury VIP Table huts, flawless service and an exclusive crowd (both local and visiting) . All key elements which we believe will enhance your nights out in order to let your hair down and have that great clubbing experience until the early summer hours.

Saturday nights – Vocal House; entrance fee before midnight €6

MARRAKECH SATURDAYS

Sunday Night – music policy is Tech House; entrance fee €5.

MARRAKECH Club (Gianpula complex – l/o Rabat) 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th July 2014

The Roof Top is a lounge club which is is used both by day and by

Marrakech club ticks all the boxes when it comes to classifying a sophisticated

night. Opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays day/night.

open-air nightclub: besides being immersed in an idyllic luxury garden & lovely

Sunday afternoons Pool Parties.

surroundings it also offers VIP tables with waitress service & hosts some of the

and after midnight €10.

most renowned local & foreign DJ’s! Attracting the most gorgeous local & foreign The roof top during the evening opens up from 21 hrs onwards

crowd, if you are after an exclusive night out this is surely the place to be on a

and on Sunday afternoon opens up from 16hrs onwards.

Saturday night! Be sure not to miss the 19th July as we bring you straight from PACHA IBIZA ‘JUAN DIAZ’ for him to deliver the true IBIZA experience he is famous

Gianpula Fields which takes place once a year this year is

for!! www.juandiaz.eu

happening on the 14th August and will be hosting Creamfields.

Open every Saturday night June till September Time:22.30-04.00.

For VIP tables or any queries email info@gianpula.com or

V.I.P. Table reservations contact us on +35679470216.

9947 2133.

www.privepromo.com www.gianpula.com

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EVENTS

Malta Jazz Festival Ta’ Liesse, Valletta 17th to 19th July The 24th edition of the Malta Jazz Festival is another star studded spectacle. The open-air setting at Ta’ Liesse – where the Grand Harbour bastions meet the sea – plays a sultry backdrop for high-calibre performances which delight jazz aficionados and lay persons alike.

“This year’s line-up will showcase the diversity of styles which constitute the contemporary jazz scene,” says artistic director Sandro Zerafa. Mehliana (featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana), mix jazz with electronica to create a trance-laden music. Laurent Coq combines Caribbean/Creole influences with modern jazz piano in his Laurent Coq Dialogue Trio. Local talent will be represented by Paul Abela Quintet featuring Gabriele Comeglio on, Joseph Camilleri Trio and Dominic Galea Trio and Francesca Galea, the winner of last year’s Jazz Contest.

The Sliema Street Art Festival Sliema 18th to 20th July The 2nd year of Sliema Street art Festival will

The ‘Jazz on the Fringe Festival’, also included in this year’s line-up, features masterclasses and open-air concerts, and provides opportunities for collaborations between local and international musicians. This year will also feature the second editions of the Malta Jazz Contest and The Malta Summer Jazz Camp.

For more information regarding various ticket prices, please visit www.maltajazzfestival.org

be held 18-20 July this summer, attracting a wide range of world class foreign and local artists, musicians, entertainers and plenty of great parties. Don´t miss out!

For pictures and more information, visit the festival website www.sliemastreetartfestival.com

100 nights of Michelin star food Civil Service Sports Club, Valletta From 10th July One of the top chefs in the world, Eneko Atxa of Spain, is bringing a taste of his new restaurant, Aziamendi, to

Junior B Buskett Roadhouse 19th July Squadron & DonDisko are proud to present

Malta for 100 nights only this summer.

local techno & electro legend Junior B – no

Aziamendi is moving to Valletta temporarily and it will be

wizard. Junior B takes to the decks promising

the first restaurant to be opened in Malta by a three-star Michelin chef. Situated in a beautiful palazzo overlooking

introductions are required for this music to be one of the biggest local talent displays of 2014.

the Grandmasters Palace and St. George’s Square, guests will enjoy a six or nine-course menu devised by Eneko using techniques he has created in his kitchens at his first restaurant in Bilbao. The menu will be served in the magnificent sala nobile overlooking the square.

Eneko, who was recently voted number 26 in the San Pellegrino list of the world’s Top 50 Chefs, opened Aziamendi at the Iniala Beach House in Phuket in January this year, one of the most sought-after restaurants in Thailand. It was also recently voted property with the Best Guest Experience at the LE Miami Awards 2014.

Aziamendi opens on 10th July, at 113 Civil Service Sports Club. For more information please go to www.iniala.com

Divine: The Pool Party Ta’ Fra Ben Fortizza, Qawra 27th July Join Malta Pride at one of the hottest pool parties in the month of July. Slip on your sunnies and sit by the pool from 12pm onwards and get your party shoes in your beach bags, as the party will keep on going well after sunset. The Ta’ Fra Ben Fortizza is a dreamy location overlooking St. Paul’s Bay.

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Events

No Snow/No Alps – Conquering Mountains and Molehills No Snow/No Alps’ music is constantly evolving. From their first upbeat alt-pop and ska album ‘Romantik Politik’ to their new EP ‘Go Go Go Go’, the raw talent of this five piece band oozes out of their riffs and enthusiasm. The band’s line up: Nick Morales (lead + vocals), Betram Cachia(bass), Benji Cachia (drums), Sarah Falzon and Mai SK (vocals and keyboard).

Boom! No Snow/No Alps began in 2007 unleashing poppy indie rock

April 2013 the band, Nick, Benji and former bassist Alan Portelli,

seasoned with reggae and ska to the Maltese Islands.

relocated to Copenhagen; The boys rode their bicycles, with musical instruments strapped to the back, for 14km to the studio to practice

First EP ‘Just Rock’ was released in 2008, and all singles topped local

for two hours each time.

radio charts. Debut release was voted best EP of 2008.

No Snow/No Alps met the latest member of the band, Mai, in Copenhagen.

Malta Music Awards 2011 No Snow/No Alps won two awards for best image and best CD sleeve for ‘ROMANTIKPOLITIK’ debut album.

Began writing their new EP in February 2014 and started recording by April. New sounds = retro disco pop / deep instrumental house due to

No Snow/No Alps exploded into the live circuit playing at local

collaborations with Godzilla Power Hour and Melchior Sultana.

festivals and touring European cities including London, Paris, Milan, Copenhagen and Austria.

Malta Takes London – a multiple-band gig in November 2013, organised

by Nick and Canvas Wall’s, Craig Rogerson. This gave the all-Maltese bands

In 2011, with three gigs booked, but only one band member able

unique exposure and opportunity. Result: 200+ packed The Water Rats in

to play, Nick played solo for the first time ever in front of a foreign

Kings Cross. Back on 27th September 2014.

audience. By the end of the gig he had won over the audience and this is where No Snow/No Alp’s Italian journey took off.

Every 27th of the month until the end of the summer is No Snow/No Alps night: 27th June EP launch ‘Go Go Go Go’, Zion Marsascala, 27th

November 2011 Sarah announced she was pregnant. ‘The guys were

July No Snow/No Alps will be warming up for epic UK band ‘Dry the

very supportive, rehearsals were flexible and I even played a few gigs

River’ at Parco Tittoni, Desio Italy.

whilst pregnant.’

Next up - No Snow/No Alps at Razzett L-Ahmar on the 25th July Cruising through Milan, Palermo and Napoli crammed into a tiny car,

for a full band performance; 29th July for an acoustic set at Zion

with all equipment onboard, they travelled 1500km to play at two

Marsascala; Farsons Beer Festival on the 31st July for a live full band

different gigs across the country.

show. They're everywhere, because they're awesome!

(find them on fb) (www.nosnownoalps.com) 75

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This YEAR

Il-Bizzilla

recommends...

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The new BOSS Hugo Boss Collection is available at the BOSS Stores Malta of St Julians and the Departures Lounge, Malta International Airport.

This season, the BOSS man sets off on a major expedition, namely crossing the entire African continent – from the colorful coast of Kenya through the sands of the Savannah to the modern metropolitan centers of South Africa. For the looks, this means the richest possible array of wearable luxury.

At SARTO you will find elegant, sophisticated and timeless fashion apparel combined with the finest selection of accessories, bags and shoes.

The company’s long history in tailoring stands at the foreground of the Italian name, SARTO. Derived from the word ‘Sartorial’, Sarto evokes art and craft – a Sarto is both a tailor and an artist.

SARTO offers supreme quality and exceptional service together with luxury brands for both men and women such as Burberry, Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Giuseppe Zannotti and Valentino accessories as well as the Ready-to-Wear Collection.

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Malta

01 Valletta 02 Attard 03 Balzan 04 Birgu 05 Birkirkara 06 Birżebbuġa 07 Bormla 08 Buġibba 09 Cirkewwa 10 Dingli 11 Fgura 12 Furjana 13 Għargħur 14 Għaxaq 15 Gudja 16 Gżira 17 Ħamrun 18 Iklin 19 Isla 20 Kalkara 21 Kirkop 22 Lija 23 Luqa 24 Marsa 25 Marsaskala 26 Marsaxlokk 27 Mdina 28 Mellieħa 29 Mġarr 30 Mosta 31 Mqabba 32 Msida 33 Mtarfa 34 Naxxar 35 Pembroke 36 Pietà 37 Qawra 38 Qormi 39 Qrendi 40 Rabat 41 Raħal Ġdid 42 Safi 43 San Ġiljan 44 San Ġwann 45 San Pawl il-Bahar 46 Santa Luċija 47 Santa Venera 48 Siġġiewi 49 Sliema 50 Tarxien 51 Xemxija 52 Xgħajra 53 Żabbar 54 Żebbuġ 55 Żejtun 56 Żurrieq

Gozo

57 Victoria 58 Għajnsielem 59 Għarb 60 Għasri 61 Kerċem 62 Marsalforn 63 Mġarr 64 Munxar 65 Nadur 66 Qala 67 San Lawrenz 68 Sannat 69 Xagħra 70 Xewkija 71 Xlendi 72 Żebbuġ

Islands 73 Comino 74 Filfla 75 Manoel Island 76 St. Paul's Islands

Beaches

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Anchor Bay Armier Bay Balluta Bay Delimara Point Fomm ir-Riħ Għadira Bay Għar Lapsi Ġnejna Bay Golden Bay Marsaskala Bay Marsaxlokk Bay Paradise Bay Pretty Bay Salina Bay St. George's Bay St. Paul's Bay St. Peter's Pool St. Thomas Bay Wied iż-Żurrieq Xrobb l-Għaġin Blue Lagoon Santa Marija Bay Daħlet Qorrot Dwejra Bay Marsalforn Bay Ramla Bay San Blas Bay Xlendi Bay Xwejni Bay

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Made In Malta

made in

Malta

VOLCANIC STONE TABLES MADE IN MALTA Mediterranean Ceramics manufactures volcanic and lava stone table and counter tops that are produced exclusively at our Malta studio located in the Ta' Qali Crafts Village. Our products are available in a variety of patterns inspired by Malta and the Mediterranean or we will be happy to work with you to customize a design that meets your needs. Stop by our open studio to watch our artists at work and browse our large selection of ceramic products all "Made in Malta" with local and worldwide delivery available. Additional gift shop location on the Valletta Waterfront.

Visit www.MediterraneanCeramics.com or call +356 2010 5552 David Grima: 99201055 or Brian Grima: 99440922

mdina glass Head over to Mdina Glass in Ta’ Qali to see the glassmakers, free of charge… and check out their wide range of practical and decorative handmade glassware including a large selection of brand new Textured Scented Candleholders that look as good as they smell. You can choose from a range of enticing fragrances and a variety of shapes and colours. Starting at €19.50 and available in all Mdina Glass outlets throughout Malta & Gozo. For more info tel: 2141 5786. You can shop online with worldwide delivery at www.mdinaglass.com.mt For more info tel: 2141 5786

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Places to visit

Places to isit ...the best way to describe what you can discover while strolling down any of the charming lanes of Malta and Gozo’s towns and villages.

Here’s a look at what you’re likely to find...

For a more comprehensive look at places to visit and for opening times, go to www.visitmalta.com As opening times may vary, phoning ahead of scheduled visit is advisable.

Valletta

Located on the northeastern shore of Malta, Valletta was built by the Order of St John, after the Turks of the Ottoman Empire invaded the island during the 1565 Siege of Malta. With its old world splendour and magnificent baroque architecture, it is no wonder that Valletta is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Valletta got its name in 1566 from the Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette, the year the city was founded. It was one of the first cities in Europe to use a grid street system. After the war, much of the economic development occurred in the suburbs, leading to a population drain that has left Valletta with a population of around 7,000 today. The small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island.

The small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island 79

Places to visit

St John’s Co-Cathedral The simple, sober façade of St John’s gives no hint of its lavish interior. It was built as the conventual church of the Order and the Knights spent enormous sums of money embellishing the chapels of their langues. The Co-Cathedral was built between 1572 and 1581 by Geralomo Cassar, and his training as a military engineer accounts for the sober exterior. Nearly a century later, the prolific Italian artist, Mattia Preti, transformed Cassar’s severe interior into a glowing showpiece of Baroque art. His greatest task, which occupied him for five years, was the decoration of the vault.

St John’s Co-Cathedral Museum and Oratory Of all the artistic treasures in the church, the piece-de-resistance is generally considered to be Caravaggio’s painting of The Beheading of St John. This huge, vigorous work of art dominates the oratory.

Auberge de Castille The Auberge de Castille was the official seat of the Knights of the langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal.

Today it serves as the office of the Prime Minister.

Palazzo Ferreria Palazzo Ferreria is found opposite the ruins of the Royal Opera House. Its façade resembles that of a Venetian St John’s palace.

Auberge D’Italie The Auberges of the Knights are the inns (or officers’ quarters) where knights of a particular ‘langue’ used to reside.

Sacra Infermeria Valletta’s Sacra Infermeria, built in 1574, was the best-equipped hospital of the Order. In its day, it counted among the finest hospitals in Europe. The Infermeria had six wards; the largest measured 161 metres and is still the longest, and one of the most impressive halls in Europe.

Casa Rocca Piccola This small palazzo, built in 1580, was the private home of the 9th Marquis de Piro. It contains over 40 rooms and a delightful courtyard giving you the opportunity to see how a patrician household lived.

Fort St Elmo Fort St Elmo guards the entrances to both Grand and Marsamxett Harbours. It was the scene of a heroic defence during the Great Siege of 1565.

Hastings Gardens Hastings Gardens, in Windmill Street, has splendid views of Manoel Island and Msida Creek.

Lower Barrakka Gardens This garden commands a superb viewpoint of the harbour mouth, and over to Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara.

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St James Cavalier As a millennium project, St James Cavalier was transformed into a Centre for Creativity, adapting internal spaces for modern use, providing a backdrop for numerous exhibitions, recitals, concerts, festivals and cinema shows.

The Casino Maltese Originally used ad the Treasury of the Knights of St John, today the exclusive Casino Maltese retains most of its original 16th century features. A truly outstanding venue with a history of noble visitors.

National Museum of Archaeology Housed in the Auberge de Provence - the museum contains the more important finds from the many prehistoric sites across the islands.

The Great Siege of Malta This walk-through show is an irresistible, entertaining spectacular on the four month long Ottoman siege of Malta in 1565, a siege that shaped and changed Malta for ever. This 30-minutes audio-visual journey, quality assured

by MTA, is located at Republic Square (Piazza Regina).

National War Museum Located at Fort St Elmo this museum has a permanent exhibition of relics and personal memorabilia of World War II including Gloster Gladiator - christened Faith - and the George Cross.

The Manoel Theatre and Museum The Manoel Theatre, built for the `honest entertainment of the people’, by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731, is one of the oldest theatres in Europe, still in use.

The National Museum of Fine Arts This splendid palace, known as Admiralty House during the British period, was originally erected in 1570 and restored in the 1960s.

The Saluting Battery The old Saluting Battery, at Upper Barrakka, was originally established to provide in-depth defence of the Grand Harbour. It is also doubled as a ceremonial platform providing artillery salutes to visiting dignitaries and shipping. A noon-day gun is still fired daily, recreating the age-old tradition.

The Siege Bell Memorial Inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Siege Bell Memorial is a monument to the fallen of World War II. The bell is rung each day at midday.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens The Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated near Auberge de Castille offering visitors unrivalled views across one of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbours, Grand Harbour, and over to the Three Cities.

Toy Museum Located in Republic Street, it showcases toys from the 1950s onward.

Valletta Living History This innovative 35 minute audiovisual show, at The Embassy Complex in Valletta, chronicles Valletta’s major milestones taking you on a journey through time and history revealing the facts and figures about Malta’s capital city.

Places to visit

Places to visit

Valletta Waterfront The Valletta Waterfront is an award-winning landmark on the Island of Malta. There are nineteen beautifully restored 18th century warehouses built during the Baroque period, stretching along the water’s edge with a backdrop of historic bastions and fortifications.

The gemstone buildings were originally constructed by Grandmaster Pinto to be used as stores by the Knights of St. John. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past, with blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine. The heritage buildings have been transformed into a variety of lively restaurants, retail outlets and office space as well as a host of services ranging from banks to tax-free shopping, Wi-Fi connection to a tourist information service and various transport services.

The iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour 81

Places to visit

The Three

Cities On the other side of the Grand Harbour, opposite Valletta, lie the historical fortified towns referred to as the three cities. Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, built by the Grandmaster Fra Nicholas Cottoner, have a unique charm and character that distinguish them from all other towns in Malta, including Mdina and Valletta. Older than Valletta, the three cities were home to the first knights. Fort St Angelo, which was built around 12th century AD, was the headquarters of the Knights until Valletta was built.

Fort Rinella Kalkara

Maritime Museum Vittoriosa

The fort was built by the British in 1878 to

The museum is housed in the former British na­val

protect the eastern flank of the Grand Harbour.

bakery, built in 1842 over the site of a slipway

It is home to the world’s largest cannon – the

where the Order of St John repaired their war

monstrous Armstrong 100-ton. The fort was

galleys. On show are exhibits of expertly-made

built very low to protect it from bombardment

model ships, paintings, nautical instruments,

The Malta at War Museum Vittoriosa

from sea. It consists of many underground

weapons and traditional Maltese boats.

The Malta at War Museum entails a rich exhibition of original war time artefacts and

chambers and galleries all of which are Fort St Angelo Vittoriosa

memorabilia from a civilian perspective, a 40

Fort St Angelo is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s

feet deep wartime underground air raid shelter

Inquisitor’s Palace Vittoriosa

military heritage. According to tradition, it stands

and an interesting wartime documentary –

The Inquisitor’s Palace was erected in the 1530’s

on the site of a fortified Roman settlement. In

‘Malta G.C’ completes the visit.

as the civil law courts of the Order of St John. This

medieval times, the fort was occupied by the

architectural gem is now home to the museum of

Aragonese and the Angevins. In 1530, when the

Safe Haven Gardens Senglea

Ethnography. Careful historical reconstructions

Knights arrived on the islands, the fort became

Safe Haven Gardens are at the tip of the

of the palace display areas such as the tribunal

the seat of the Grand Master of the Order. It was

peninsula of Senglea. From here one can enjoy

room and the prison complex, as well as a

to play a heroic role in the Great Siege of 1565,

wonder­f ul views of Valletta and the Grand

permanent exhibition on the impact of the

when, against all odds, it managed to repel a

Harbour. The watchtower in the gardens is

Inquisition on Maltese society.

formidable Ottoman army.

known as the Gardjola.

accessible for the public to see daily.

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Places to visit

Northern

MALTA

Malta Classic Car

The Sanctuary of Our Lady Mellieha

Selmun Palace Mellieha

Collection Museum Qawra

This is considered to be the oldest

The majestic 18th century Selmun Palace is the

A museum featuring a ‘living’ collection

sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady. According

largest and the last castle built by the Knights

of a large selection of automobiles

to tradition the apostles Paul and Luke

of St John, in 1783.

spanning over 50 manufacturing years.

visited this sanctuary.

The Red Tower Mellieha

Sweethaven Village Mellieha

Wignacourt Tower St. Paul’s Bay

Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris built St

This is where the musical Popeye, the story of

Wignacourt Tower, serves as a small

Agatha’s Tower, popularly known as the Red

the much-loved sailor starring Robin Williams,

museum dedicated to Malta’s rich military-

Tower, in 1647. It served as a signal post for

was filmed in 1980.

architectural heritage.

communication with Gozo.

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Places to visit

Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum Previously known as ‘The Norman House’, Palazzo Falson is one of the very oldest medieval buildings in Mdina dating back to the 13th century. It contains a remarkable collection of antiques, including paintings, furniture, jewellery, armour and much more and is open for public viewing.

Mdina Mdina is one of the few great architectural treats in Malta that did not result from the activities of the Knights of St John. The oldest city on the island, going back to pre-historic times, the word Mdina derives from the Arabic word ‘medina’ which means ‘city’. Mdina was fortified in medieval times, but its protection in early times must have been its high location on a rocky crag. It is certain that either during the Byzantine or during the Arab occupation of Malta, the fortifications were retracted to the present proportions, perhaps for better defensibility. It is during this time, when the city was refered to as the ‘medina’, that Mdina got its name. The Arab legacy continued even though the Arabs were officially expelled from Malta in 1250, when the islands were under Christian rule.

Thus the name ‘Mdina’ survived even though the city was referred to as Civitas (city in Latin) or Citta Notabile.

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Vilhena Palace Vilhena Palace has a fine Baroque façade and an impressive entrance courtyard, both of which one notices on the right when entering Mdina, through Notabile Gate. In 1973 this beautiful palace was converted to host the Natural History Museum. The most interesting of the exhibits is a chip of the moon given to Malta

by President Nixon in 1979.

Casa Testaferrata This house was the seat of the old noble family Testaferrata.

Historians believe that in Roman times on the site of this building there was a temple dedicated to Apollo.

Carmelite Church and Priory Museum The Carmelite Church and Priory Museum offers a unique and innovative experience as the only monastery in Malta that has opened its doors to the general public. This 17th century priory has recently been restored back to its former glory. Walking around the cloister, one is led into the different areas of the priory, which now form part of the museum.

Places to visit

Xara Palace The Xara Palace is a small Relais & Chateaux hotel. The history of the late 17th century Xara Palace is inextricably linked to that of Mdina, its walls forming part of the city walls that make up its impressive bastions.

PALAZZO DE PIRO The magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro, located in Malta’s silent city, Mdina, has been restored to create a unique venue of cross-cultural, artistic and social dialogue. Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, operated

by Infinitely Xara, features a program of various collections held by the

Mdina Cathedral Museum

Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, offering an outstanding setting to

Originally a seminary, the museum today is one of the most outstanding religious museums in Europe. A small chapel is found on the second floor exhibiting church vestments. It also exhibits an impressive cross-section of sacred art, famous paintings, a coin collection, Roman antiquities and original documents from the time of the Inquisition.

with panoramic views over Malta, also includes the Xpresso Cafe by Infinitely Xara which works with local producers to provide visitors with local dishes.

Cathedral of St Paul

Palazzo Gatto Murina Palazzo Gatto Murina, one of the earliest ‘Siculo-Norman’ structures (i.e. built between 1100 and 1530), was erected during the latter part of the 14th century. An audiovisual show “ Tales of the Silent City” is housed inside the Palazzo.

showcase, promote and sell independent contemporary art. The venue,

The skyline of Mdina, with its Baroque cathedral, bastions and palaces, is an imposing landmark visible throughout central Malta. The Cathedral is the archi­t ectural heart of this elegant, walled city, and lies on the site of a much earlier Norman church destroyed by a violent earthquake in 1693.

Rabat Howard Gardens Howard Gardens are one of the biggest public gardens in Malta. These gardens form a natural border between Rabat and neighbouring Mdina.

St Paul’s Catacombs The Maltese islands are rich in late Roman and Byzantine burial sites. St Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

Casa Bernard in St. Paul's Street A late 16th Century historical Maltese Palazzino, a hidden gem recently restored to its former grandeur now open for guided tours daily Monday to Saturday from 10.00a.m. to 16.00p.m. Step into the past and enjoy the experience of visiting this Europa Nostra award-winning house still lived-in today.

The Roman Domus The mosaic pavements in the `Roman house’, rank among the finest and oldest mosaic compositions from the western Mediterranean, alongside those of Pompeii and Sicily. They were discovered in 1881 just outside Mdina in the remains of a rich and sumptuously decorated town house of the Roman period.

Attard

Villa Bologna Attard Situated in the heart of Attard, across the street from the grand San Anton Presidential Palace, Villa Bologna is a Grade 1 Listed National Monument. It has known many distinguished residents, foremost among which, Prime Minister Sir Gerald Strickland, the only Maltese politician to have been a member of the House of Commons and later the House of Lords. Positioned within a large working estate, Villa Bologna offers its visitors a number of small distinctive ‘secret’ gardens with enchanting characteristics and provides a feeling of a calm and welcoming Mediterranean oasis as they stroll through vast expanses of flowering beds into shady niches around tinkling fountains or sparkling ponds. Opening hours 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 1pm Saturday.

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Places to visit

Gozo &

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Places to visit

Comino

With a coastline of 43km, Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago.

Forever immortalised as The Island of Calypso, this name originated from the Greek mythological location of Ogygia referred to in Homer’s Odyssey. In this epic poem, the fabled island was controlled by the nymph Calypso, who had detained the Greek hero Odysseus for seven long years as a prisoner of love. Gozo’s history is entwined up in the general story of its sister island of Malta. As a result, Gozo shared the same influences of cultures bestowed on by the number of dominators and events that touched the Maltese islands during the last seven thousand years.

The Blue Lagoon Comino The Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water, is the main attraction on the tiny island of Comino and popular for day trips. The Lagoon and the isle’s other bays with their crystal clear waters, make Comino the ideal choice for most kinds of water sports, especially diving and snorkelling.

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Places to visit

Gozo & Comino

Dwejra Dwejra is perhaps the archipelago’s most spectacular natural landmark. Here, geology, time and sea have worked together to produce some of the most remarkable scenery on the islands - The Azure Window, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, sheer cliffs and a rocky coastline yielding fossilised remains of sea creatures dating from the Miocene period.

The Citadel Victoria Gozo’s Citadel rises steeply above the surrounding countryside, its impressive bastions commanding a superb view of the island. The Citadel owes its roots to the late medieval era.

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Museum of Archaeology Victoria Housed in Palazzo Bondi, this museum showcases archaeological finds from the 11 phases of prehistoric Gozo, as well as the Classical World to the Middle Ages. A section of the museum includes items discovered at sea, off the Gozitan coastline.

Ggantija Temples Xaghra The Ggantija Temples (“place of giants”) are thought to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

They are among the best-preserved temples on the Maltese islands. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the complex comprises two Neolithic temples dat­ing from the third millennium B.C (3600 to 3000 B.C.).

The Xewkija Rotuna Xewkija Xewkija village is dominated by a huge rotunda church built in 1971. It is Gozo’s answer to Malta’s Mosta Rotunda. The dome is larger than that of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The church has capacity for a congregation of 3000 - the entire population of Xewkija.

Gharb Folklore Musuem Gharb This privately-owned museum in the village’s main square depicts depicts the past daily life in Gozo. This museum is a showcase of traditional life and includes the printing press used for Gozo’s first newspaper plus a collection of old tools and clothes.

Places to visit

Gozo Cathedral Museum Victoria This museum has more than 2,000 items on display including the Cathedral’s archives, some magnificent paintings, clerical vestments and a silver vault.

Among the paintings are several by well-known local artists Giuseppe Hyzler, Michele Busuttil and Tommaso Madiona.

Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary Gharb The origins of the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu go back to a day in June 1883, when a peasant woman heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in an old chapel. In 1931, the church (as it is today), was consecrated and a year later Pope Pius XI raised it to the status of Basilica. The original 16th century chapel was fully integrated into the new church.

Gozo Cathedral Victoria The Cathedral, built early in the 17th century, is small but graceful. Its floor is made up of a mosaic of marble tomb­stones and ecclesiastical emblems, while its ceiling has a remarkable trompe l’oeil painting depicting the interior of a dome that was never built.

Folklore Museum Victoria The museum, housed within the Citadel, contains a wide range of exhibits depicting the domestic, rural and traditional ways of life in the agrarian economy of the Maltese and Gozitans.

Pomskizillious Museum of Toys Xaghra This museum of toys is an Aladdin’s cave full of whimsical treasures. Some toys on display are 200 years old.

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Restaurant Guide

In the best Mediterranean tradition, the Maltese Islands are packed with fabulous restaurants. With everything from Maltese traditional fare to Japanese sushi, from Italian pizza to Korean kimchee, served in a variety of beautiful settings, dining out in Malta is an experience not to be missed.

BUGIBBA

Granny’s Fusion Triq il-Korp tal-Pijunieri, Bugibba T: 2157 5501 Situated in Bugibba’s main square, Granny’s Fusion is a quaint, family run restaurant that focuses on continental and Maltese traditional dishes. Granny’s Fusion offers a truly authentic experience with original Maltese cuisine, served by friendly hospitable staff in a warm atmosphere. Some of the traditional dishes are rabbit, bragioli, stuffed calamari, fresh fish and charcoal grilled prime cuts of fillet, all fresh and prepared by our local Maltese chef. This accompanied by a crisp bottle of local wine creates a wonderful dining experience at a great price. We serve fresh fish daily. Granny’s Fusion also offers Indian dishes prepared to perfection by our Indian chef. Both exterior and interior dining available.

MDINA

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

Booking recommended.

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Restaurant Guide

MDINA

de Mondion Restaurant The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: 2145 0560 • E: info@xarapalace.com.mt • W: www.xarapalace.com.mt or www.demondion.com Set atop Mdina's centuries-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 impeccably attentive service allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view. With an exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalizing dishes, the ‘award winning’ Kitchen Brigade have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele. Group Lunches are available on request. We also welcome enquires for Private Functions and Special Celebrations. Bookings recommended.

Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café And Bistro Address: Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina MDN 1131 T: 2010 0560 • E: events@palazzodepiro.com • W: www.palazzodepiro.com Set within the magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, located in Malta’s Silent City, Mdina, Xpresso Café and Bistro is an elegant spot for casual dining, snacks , coffee, afternoon tea or simply a get together with friends. Our talented Brigade of Chefs makes use of the fresh produce from nearby valleys and slopes when producing our 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 The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: 2145 0560 • E: info@xarapalace.com.mt • W: www.xarapalace.com.mt The Trattoria AD 1530 at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina is a charming eatery that prides itself in 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. The Trattoria AD 1530 is the ideal restaurant for every occasion and is open for coffee, lunch, dinner, snacks and afternoon tea.

MOSTA

Ta’ Marija Restaurant Constitution Street, Mosta T: 2143 4444 • F: 2141 8181 • E: info@tamarija.com • W: www.tamarija.com Ta Marija has been awarded Best Maltese Restaurant for the last 9 years. A stone’s throw away from the majestic Mosta Dome is the superb Ta’ Marija Restaurant, run by a charming family who hasn’t just got the recipes in the kitchen right, but has also succeeded in concocting and mastering a unique recipe of running a top-notch eatery. Every Friday night, Ta’ Marija organises a Maltese traditional extravaganza night. Maltese singers and musicians entertain patrons with roving mandolins and guitars, singing traditional songs and encouraging patrons to join in. After dinner, a Maltese folklore show with six dancers in traditional 18th century costumes starts. Following dinner, most evenings also offer live music by the resident DJ where one can also dance the night away on the unique dance floor. Transport from and to your holiday accommodation can be arranged directly with Ta’ Marija. By the way, the Ta’ Marija smile is infectious...you’re sure to leave Ta’ Marija with a full, satisfied stomach and a broad smile. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

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Restaurant Guide

GOZO

Arzella Il-Menqa, Marsalforn T: 2155 4662 • M: 7940 9924 • E: bookings@ristorantearzella.com TASTE - A culinary fusion of Malta’s history FEEL - The warmth of an island and its people BREATHE - A pure sea breeze from the blue depths of the Mediterranean

Chez Amand Seafront Qbajjar Bay, Qbajjar T: 2156 1188 / 2155 5179 • M: 9942 3775 / 9949 2970 • E: cactus@link.net.mt • W: www.chezamand.com The renowned “CHEZ AMAND” is located in a unique spot on Qbajjar Seafront and the must seen Roman Saltpans. The restaurant lays beyond the hustle of Marsalforn. Its cosy, laissez-faire atmosphere invites you to linger on. Try a little bite of the Bistro menu or the specials of the a La Carte. During winter game platters are a must to sample. The fresh Lobster nights are a gastronomic delight, [every Friday & Saturday] booking recommended. Belgian beers available. Your Belgian Hosts Amand & Caroline look forward to spoiling you and make sure you will want to return! Official restaurant for the Alliance Francaise de Malte on the island of Gozo. Open daily for lunch & dinner [always check in the low Winter season]. Closed on Wednesday.

SLIEMA

Il Galeone Tigné Seafront, Sliema T: 2131 6420 • E: Galeone@maltanet.net Il Galeone, located on the Tigne Seafront, is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Sliema. This quaint, family run restaurant, established in 1983, borrows its name from the ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ Galleons that proved their worth in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. A beautiful array of naval memorabilia together with friendly staff, helps create a wonderful and cosy dining experience. The chef is fervent about his use of only the freshest ingredients ensuring that patrons receive nothing but the highest quality dishes. The chef and proprietor, Victor Bezzina, welcomes you to IL Galeone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Ta’ Kolina 151, Tower Road Sliema T: 2133 5106 • M: 9942 4877 • E: takolina@gmail.com Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been opened since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with its traditional Maltese limestone interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of local (5) starters; (5) main courses; dessert & coffee etc. for €20.00. A unique a la carte’ menu with some 20 starters from €4.50 to €7.50 & 20 main courses from €11.00 to €24.00 to choose from. Ta’ Kolina offer a variety of fresh fish, rabbit, steak and many more traditional dishes. A wide selection of best Maltese wines are available ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema T: 2133 7367 M: 9984 7713 Tucked away in a quite narrow street of Sliema, Ta’ Kris is the perfect location for a tranquil evening, in a warm atmosphere.

Specialising in Maltese dishes, Ta’ Kris offers genuine food at very reasonable prices. The menu boasts a variety of meat dishes including rabbit, pork, chicken, veal and beef, as well as authentic Maltese dishes such as ‘bragioli’ (thin slices of beef rolled and stuffed with minced pork, ham and seasoning, seared in tomato and wine sauce). Sea bass stuffed with a tuna risotto, covered in Maltese caper sauce, is yet another delicious item which Chef Kris graces his patrons with. With an excellent service, dish selection and atmosphere, Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro offers a unique culinary experience.

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Restaurant Guide

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Restaurant Guide

QAWRA

The Plum Tree Bar & Restaurant Triq l-Imhar, Qawra T: 2157 5970 • W: www.the-plumtree-malta.com Established since 1995, John and Joan Mc Bride have strived to make The Plum Tree a place where mouth-watering food, value for money and a friendly service combine into a single venue. The bar area is a cross between an old Maltese wine bar and a British pub, while a separate dining area has a Mediterranean feel to it. There is also a patio for dining al fresco, especially during the summer months. The menu contains breakfast, lunch and dinner sections so one can opt for an English breakfast or a scrumptious dinner meal. Caters for small groups. Opening hours 10:00 - 00:00 from Tuesday to Sunday October - June and from July September daily from 17:00 - 00:00.

ST JULIAN'S

The Avenue The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julain's T: 2135 1753 / 2137 8731 • W: www.theavenuemalta.com This award-winning restaurant has been a household name for over a decade and remains a regular favourite. Its versatile menu, friendly service and well-pitched prices all contribute to The Avenue’s strong appeal. Best known for pizza, freshly prepared pasta or grill or maybe 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 décora rustic-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.

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

Paranga Intercontinental Malta, St. George’s Bay, St Julian's T: +356 2137 7600 • E: malta@intercontinental.com.mt Paranga, the ultimate seafront dining experience at the InterContinental Beach Club on St. George’s Bay is definitely the place to wine and dine this summer. Perched idyllically above the sea, Paranga is set on teak decking with the rippling sound of the waves beneath. Open for lunch and dinner daily, serving delicious and authentic Sicilian cuisine, the focus is on the freshest of Mediterranean ingredients. The creative dishes at Paranga include a wonderful selection of delicious antipasti, mouthwatering pasta dishes and a feast of grilled fish and meats - all guaranteed to invigorate the senses. With its unique combination of good food, chic atmosphere, contemporary furniture and lighting, Paranga offers the perfect place to watch the sun go down. To wind down the evening in a stylish and relaxing atmosphere, cool cocktails can also be enjoyed at Paranga’s Bar.

Zest Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian’s T: 2138 7600 • E: Info@zestflavours.com • W: www.zestflavours.com Zest... where east meets west in both dining and décor. The chic restaurant is a point of encounter between Continental and Asian cuisine in a contemporary ambiance, oozing relaxed elegance. The menu boasts a selection of dishes from Thai curries, Indonesian noodles, Singaporean seafood laksas, continental pan fried lamb to Japanese teppanyaki. Attractive features include an open wine cellar and a sushi bar on the restaurant floor, where patrons can sit around the chef and enjoy the art of preparing Japanese sushi.

Located on the first floor of the Hotel Juliani, using the transformed town house’s original entrance and external staircase, the restaurant enjoys the added bonus of an open-air, terrace bar, overlooking romantic Spinola Bay and ideal for pre-dinner drinks.

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Bars & Nightlife

Malta is known for its vast number of bars and clubs catering to all ages and to all tastes in music.

Try out one of the following for a great night out.

ST JULIAN'S

Saddles Pub & Wine Bar Main Street, St Julians W: www.saddlesmalta.com Situated in the heart of St.Julians, Saddles has been established for over 38 years. Considered as a central meeting place.

Start your evening on a perfect note in a friendly atmosphere. A big screen is available for sports and enjoy an ice cold pint of GUINESS in the terrace. The first floor is a cosy wine bar popular for organised parties and enjoy a tasty cocktail or a genuine glass of wine in the balcony with views. Welcome to MALTA...Saddles always ready to PARTY! Open all day long. Wi-Fi available all day!

PORTOMASO

Club Twenty-Two Level 22, Portomaso Business Tower, Portomaso T: 2310 2222 • E: Info@22.com.mt • W: www.22.com.mt Already the mecca for Malta’s most discerning and hedonistic crowd, Twenty-Two has also managed to attract a big number of international VIP’s and celebrities from the world of music, film, television, fashion, sports and business. Twenty-Two established itself from day one as Malta’s only real exclusive venue with its stunning surroundings and breathtaking views with impeccable VIP table service found nowhere else on the island – Twenty-Two is luxury and comfort found only in the major fashion capitals around the world! Twenty-Two combines the comfort and exclusivity of a stylish wine lounge and is situated on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Business Tower – Malta’s tallest building!Open from Wednesday to Sunday, caters for private events.

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air malta news

airmalta

NEWS Events and news about Malta's national airline

Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta treat German travel organisers to exclusive performance by Joseph Calleja Malta’s star tenor Joseph Calleja treated German travel industry executives to an exclusive performance at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, organised by Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta.

The event was held for organisers of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, known in the travel industry by the acronym MICE. Joseph Calleja, Malta’s famous star tenor and Air Malta’s brand ambassador, is a regular and very popular cast member on international and German opera stages.

On May 9th, he performed the leading role of the Duke di Mantova in Verdi’s “Rigoletto” at Munich’s renowned “Bayerische Staatsoper” (Bavarian State Opera House).

On this special occasion, the MTA and Air Malta helped raise awareness about the Maltese Islands as a varied MICE destination, while networking with the German MICE industry.

Eleven top-notch guests from the German MICE sector including decision

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makers, MICE agencies, corporate buyers, conference organisers, associations and institutional planners accepted the MTA’s and Air Malta’s invitation and spent an unforgettable opera evening in Munich. After the event Joseph Calleja joined the group for a meet and greet.

Air Malta already presented two social media video clips with its VIP ambassador; Joseph Calleja sings 'O Sole Mio' on an Air Malta flight and Joseph Calleja: There's no place like Malta. (www.youtube.com/user/airmalta).

The award winning Mediterranean island of Malta has seen record numbers of MICE visitors in recent years, retaining its long-held position as a favourite short-haul destination of choice for conferences and incentives.

Easily accessible, versatile, flexible and dynamic, Malta offers great value of money, high quality infrastructure, unbeatable locations steeped in history and an expert network of quality assured destination management companies and professional suppliers who will turn any event into an unforgettable experience.

air malta news

Air Malta gears up for Venice route with roadshows in Italy Air Malta last month organised a series of roadshows around the Italian region of Veneto to mark the launch of its new Venice route.

The roadshows, targeted at travel agencies around the region, were organised in collaboration with Venice Marco Polo Airport and the Italian office of Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

They were held in the Venetian cities of Mestre, Padova and Udine.

targeting primarily the cities of Padova, Treviso and Mestre,” said Chief Commercial Officer Philip Saunders.

A spokeswoman for the Marco Polo Airport in Venice, Delia dell Asin, said: “The response exceeded our expectations.

We’re expecting a very promising future for the new Air Malta-Venice route.”

The city of Venice is a major tourist destination, situated in north eastern Italy. It is renowned for its beautiful canals, architecture and art and ranks as a World Heritage site.

During these events, Air Malta promoted the Maltese islands and high-lighted the airline’s services to boost sales on the new route which was launched simultaneously with another new route to Parma.

Air Malta started flying directly to Venice Marco Polo (VCE) three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from June 2.

“The industry has responded well to these new routes.

The attendance at these roadshows was great so we’re very excited by the prospects ahead. These roadshows have been complemented by a sales blitz in the region throughout April,

This summer Air Malta will also be flying to Parma’s Giuseppe Verdi Airport (PMF) twice weekly, every Monday and Thursday starting from June 2. Guiseppe Verdi is one of the four Milanarea airports alongside Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo.

Photos: Venice (Photo: Stephen Gauci / Air Malta)

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air malta news

BOV Aviation Outlook 2014 Three top exponents in the local aviation industry were recently recognized for their contribution to the sector during the fourth edition of the BOV Aviation Outlook which was organized by the BOV Aviation Outlook Committee in collaboration with Bank of Valletta at BOV Centre in Sta Venera.

In his opening address, Mr Cassar White welcomed the numerous audience and said “Bank of Valletta sees itself as the automatic choice for those who are seriously considering partnering with a reliable and solid financial institution. The Bank is forecasting substantial growth in the aviation sector and, as a result, provides a professional personalized service for aircraft operators that register their assets on the Island”.

Senior Aviation Journalist Marica Vella engaged with the audience and spoke

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about a number of challenges that the country needs to address with a view to become more competitive in the aviation industry. She focused her address on the continuous need to provide training to those aspiring to making a career in this industry.

The BOV Aviation Outlook was also addressed by the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (FELTOM) Chief Executive Officer Genevieve Abela. Under her helm, FELTOM has taken an active role to find new niches in which the EFL (English as a foreign language) sector could grow.

Aviation is one of the main areas that offers huge potential and opportunities for synergy between flight training organisations and English Language Schools. FELTOM is actively promoting this cross fertilization between the two sectors. As Genevieve Abela put it, this is

a win-win situation in which both sectors have all to gain and nothing to lose. She revealed that the first agreement on these lines between a flight school and a local English Language institution is in the concluding phases.

The event was also addressed by Johan Debattista, Ministry Coordinator-Aviation Matters, who focused on the launched Aviation Policy and how the government intends to give this sector all the attention that it needs in order to make sure it continues to expand and give the much needed value-added in the economy.

For the third year running the World Airnews Aviation Awards were presented during the BOV Aviation Outlook.

The awards were presented at Bank of Valletta’s head office in Santa Venera when the fourth edition of the Malta Special was launched. The Malta Special

air malta news

is a 9-page spread featured in World Airnews magazine. WORLD AIRNEWS is Africa’s oldest and widest circulating aviation journal and is read regularly by senior executives and by people in all walks of life who are interested, or directly involved, in the aviation industry.

This year besides World Airnews, leading Italian aeronautical publication JP4 Aeronautica also published a 4-page feature about the local aviation industry.

For the first time ever, two international aeronautical publications had specific inserts focused on the local aviation industry. This was the brainchild of Malta-based journalists Riccardo Flask, Marica Vella, Joanne Calleja and Chris Cauchi. Malta as a potential mini-Aberdeen and the first wide-bodyoperator to be registered on the island are some of the themes discussed in the published articles.

The selection committee, entrusted with identifying the winners, was chaired by aviation lawyer Dr. Francesca Galea who was assisted by Captain Sinclair Portelli and University lecturer Riccardo Flask. The Aviator of the Year award

was presented by John Cassar White, Chairman at Bank of Valletta.

The award was handed to First Officer Mark Attard who graduated with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering in 2001. Mark Attard was the iPad EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) Project Leader where he was responsible for the successful changeover of Air Malta's EFB Class 1 devices to iPads, from project conceptualization, business case development to final implementation. Mark Attard was appointed First Officer in July 2003 and since then he has served in a number of executive roles within the national airline. He formed part of the core group tasked with implementing Electronic Charting on iPad and is a very valid member of Air Malta’s Fuel and Environment Cost Management team.

Joe Ciliberti was presented with The Leader of the Year Award by Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis. He was one of the first people on the island to travel exclusively to different parts of the world to observe and photograph aircraft.

In 1987 he became president of the Malta

Aviation Society. In July 1993 he was given permission to hold the first Malta International Airshow. In less than three months he had everything set up. Fast forward to today and Joe and MAS are at it again, organizing the 22nd edition of the Malta International Airshow.

The World Airnews Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muscat to Captain Michael O’Brien. Michael O’Brien has distinguished himself at the Civil Aviation Directorate for being a hands-on person, and always willing to give a helping hand.

Operators have come to admire Captain O’Brien for being unflustered, determined and resilient but most of all for always having a listening ear when needed. He is well loved by his colleagues and will be sorely missed when he will retire in July after 12-years at the CAD. The Airnews MALTA BUREAU has now embarked on another ambitious project, a LIBYA SPECIAL, focusing on the investment potential that exists in the Libyan aviation scene. This will be published in the December issue of World Airnews.

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air malta news

Re-imagined and Reconnected: Air Malta at Malta Design Week Air Malta contributed to this year’s edition of Malta Design Week through an installation that tells the story of a national airline reconnecting with its Maltese roots.

The installation showcased Air Malta’s rebranding as a contemporary reimagining of Maltese identity, fitting seamlessly into the fabric of the Malta Design Week.

“When reimagining the Air Malta brand, we blended the old with the new, with a desire to create a genuine renaissance. We wanted to capture

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the kernel of Maltese identity, with a contemporary touch that blends effortlessly with Malta’s established cultural identity,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders.

The flowing fusion graphics based on local patterns and the simplicity of the Tberfil calligraphy demonstrated an element of experimentation and innovation that has come to be synonymous with Malta Design Week’s celebration of creativity.

The event, together with the participation

of Air Malta and many creative minds with a story to tell, encapsulated reflections upon various design, marketing and arts fields, with a shared commitment to establish Malta Design Week at the forefront of Maltese creativity and innovation.

Malta Design Week is a biennial event, which this year took place between 17th and 25th May at the newly-restored Fort St. Elmo.

Link to Video below: http://we.tl/DULSj6dsHx

air malta news

RULES FOR USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi shall be disabled. These devices must be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing since they could hinder an emergency evacuation.

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’1 capability, this shall 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 shall be switched off for the duration of the flight.

Are there times when I cannot use my electronic devices?

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

Can I use headphones?

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 at an emergency exit row must refrain from using headphones during taxi, take-off and landing.

Non-Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

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

If you require more information, please refer to the table below which includes a list of Personal Electronic Devices 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.

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.

Laptops and notebooks Such devices may be used during boarding and during flight but not during taxi, take-off and landing. Any built-in data

(e.g. smart phones and tablets)

Larger PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HEADPHONES

Wi-fi, text and phone call functions

Boarding

YES

YES

YES

YES

Extended Ground Delay (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

Circa 10 minutes to landing (Cabin Crew PA)

YES

no

YES

no

Landing

YES

no

YES

no

Taxi to Stand

YES

no

YES

YES

PHASE

Hand Held PEDs

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

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air malta news

IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO Anthony Dalli

Tripoli Outstation Manager

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How long have you been working with Air Malta?

I joined Air Malta in March 1974.

very much like Malta had gone through a number of conflicts to maintain its status.

What other roles did you hold within the Company?

My first position with the airline was with ground services. After one year, in 1975, I was appointed station officer in Libya. In 1982 I was appointed Country Manager for Libya where I stayed three years after which I was appointed DSM for Germany. In 1985 I returned back to Malta as Duty Manager ground operations.

Then in 1997 I was appointed Manager with Belgium as my major responsibility and in 2002 I was re assigned to Libya where I am still serving the company with added responsibility over Algiers.

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

In winter I strongly recommend that visitors spend a few days in Gozo. As for myself I prefer to picnic in un-spoilt areas such as Mtahleb and Bahrija, During summer time I suggest spending some time at the beach after visiting places of interests.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love reading, following up on international affairs and fishing.

Three words that describe your job.

Challenging, rewarding and at most times tiring.

Which is your favorite destination and why?

I have to say Central Europe particularly Belgium, as it is the gateway to other European cities. Belgium is multi cultural and

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

To supersede previous year output and to meet budget requirements.

What is the best thing about your current role?

That of being able to send as many clients to Malta and beyond.

air malta INFO

airmalta

INFO Flight and Company 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 in-flight goes against Air Malta policy.

Smoking is prohibited from when you leave the terminal building until you arrive to the terminal building. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking is not allowed during any phase of the flight and in any area of the aircraft.

Should you be aware of a passenger who has smoked in the toilet during the flight, please inform the cabin crew immediately, so that they can check for any undetected fires. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is also not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

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

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air malta INFO

In-Flight Bar Service We are pleased to offer you a great selection of soft and alcoholic drinks available on board your flight today.

€

£

$

CHF

Alcoholic Beverages: Teachers Whisky

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Bells Whisky

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Gordon’s Gin

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Smirnoff Vodka

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Camus Brandy

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Bacardi Rum

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Havana Club

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Campari

4.00 3.00 5.00 5.00

Noval Port

4.00

Averna

4.00 3.00 5.00 5.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Baileys

4.00 3.00 5.00 5.00

Tia Maria

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Wines: Pjazza Reġina Red

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Pjazza Reġina White

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Champagne: Drappier Carte D’Or Brut

10.00 8.50

16.00 16.00

Beer: Heineken

4.00 3.00 5.00 5.00

Cisk Lager

4.00

3.00

5.00 5.00

Minerals and Mixers:

Bar Prices We accept bank notes in Euros, Sterling, Dollars and Swiss Currencies, Coins only accepted in Euro and Sterling.

Unfortunately we are unable to accept Credit or Debit Cards. The correct change would be very much appreciated.

Safety Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited to the extent that the bar service may be refused, thus ensuring safety and comfort to other passengers on board.

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Sprite

2.00 1.50 2.00 2.00

Diet Coke

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Coca Cola

2.00

1.50

2. 00 2.00

Fanta Orange

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Kinnie

2.00 1.50 2.00 2.00

Tomato Juice

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Bitter Lemon

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Tonic Water

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Ginger Ale

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Soda Water

2.00

1.50

2.00 2.00

Sparkling Water

0.00

0.00

0.00 0.00

Still Mineral Water

0.00

0.00

0.00 0.00

Apple Juice

0.00

0.00

0.00 0.00

Orange Juice

0.00

0.00

0.00 0.00

Beverages:

Charter Flights We are pleased to offer complimentary juices and water. All soft and alcoholic drinks are against a charge.

Scheduled flights We are pleased to offer you complimentary soft drinks, juices and water with your meal, all other beverages will be charged for.

air malta INFO

AIR MALTA Fleet

DID YOU KNOW? Facts about Malta 1. Malta might be the easiest place in the world to f ind a place of worship… there are around 365 churches in Malta, one for ever y day of the year.

Enhance your Travel experience At Air Malta, we want our passengers to get everything they need to make the travel experience comfortable in one place. Here are a number of services that we offer that you might not have known about: Join the Club Upgrade to Air Malta’s Club Class for priority service. Members can make use of the special check-in counters for a more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate in-flight cabin area. Kindly ask at the check-in desk for further details.

AIRBUS 319

AIRBUS 320

Qty: 4 in fleet Number of seats: 141 Engines: 2 CFM56-5B6/P Maximum take-off weight: 73.5 metric tons Overall length: 33.84m; Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,815 km

Qty: 6 in fleet Number of seats: 168/180 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

2. During summer, the Maltese population triples with the arrival of nearly 1 million tourists from all over the world.

from different languages such as Italian, French, Spanish and A rabic, and is the only Semitic language in the world that is written in the Latin alphabet.

3. In Malta we drive on the left side of the road like the British, so if you are planning to drive, please do keep this in mind.

5. Malta is one of the 10 smallest sovereign states in the world.

4. Malta has a unique language spoken by over 1 million people worldwide. It has evolved

Carry more with you Are you worried about not being able to fit everything you need into your suitcase? Stop stressing out and check out our extra baggage service. Simply book your extra baggage online and get the most out of your trip!

Web 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 2 hours before your flight.

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!

Your Air Malta boarding pass now gives you access to great discounts Find out how to make your ticket go the extra mile by visiting our website or our Facebook page. You can use your Air Malta boarding pass to get special discounts during your stay in Malta at many hotels, museums and more. All you have to do is present your boarding pass when purchasing the services listed on airmalta. com or at Air Malta Facebook page and you will be entitled to a special discount for your Air Malta boarding card. Make sure to mention that you wish to use this discount when making a booking, and have your boarding pass with you in order to redeem these offers.

Get sportive Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialized equipment with you at very minimal cost.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more details.

Groups We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than ten adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you can’t get anywhere else!

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air malta INFO

NORWAY

• St Petersburg SWEDEN

• Oslo

Arlanda Stockholm

RUSSIA ESTONIA

LATVIA

• Glasgow UNITED • New Castle KINGDOM REP. OF IRELAND

DENMARK

• Moscow Sheremetyevo

LITHUANIA

• Copenhagen

• Moscow Domodedovo

• Manchester

BELARUS

• Birmingham • Bremen • Hamburg • Cardiff • Norwich • Bristol • Berlin • Amsterdam • Hannover HOLLAND • Exeter GERMANY • Brussels BELGIUM • Düsseldorf • Dresden

London Heathrow • • London Gatwick

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

• Frankfurt

UKRAINE

• Prague CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA

• Munich FRANCE

• Warsaw POLAND

• Vienna

MOLDOVA

AUSTRIA

• Budapest • Zurich HUNGARY SWITZERLAND • Geneva • Lyon • Milan Parma SLOVENIA • Venice CROATIA Linate Milan • • Verona • Turin BOSNIA & • Bologna HERZEGOVINA • Marseille SERBIA

BULGARIA • Sofia

F.Y.O.M.

• Rome • Olbia

SPAIN

• Otopani • Bucharest

MONTENEGRO

ITALY PORTUGAL

ROMANIA

ALBANIA

• Naples

TURKEY

GREECE • Cagliari • Athens SICILY • Catania

• Algiers

MOROCCO

ALGERIA

CYPRUS

• Larnaca

Malta

TUNISIA

• Tripoli LIBYA

EGYPT

VT

Airport

Weekly Flights

Algiers 1 Amsterdam 5 Athens 2 Berlin 3 Birmingham 2 Bristol 1 Brussels 7 Budapest 2 Bucharest 1 Catania 10 Cardiff 1 Düsseldorf 6 Exeter 1 Frankfurt 7 Glasgow 1 Geneva 2 Hamburg 2 London Gatwick 7 London Heathrow 15 Lyon 2

Code-shared Routes

Abu Dhabi Arlanda Berlin Bremen Catania Dresden Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hannover Munich New York (Newark) Oslo Stockholm Larnaca

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Airport

MA

Weekly Flights

Manchester 4 Marseille 2 Milan Linate 2 Milan Parma 2 Moscow Domodedovo 6 Moscow Sheremetyevo 3 Munich 8 New Castle 1 Norwich 1 Sofia 2 St Petersburg 2 Paris Charles de Gaulle 7 Paris Orly 9 Prague 2 Rome 10 Tripoli 7 Venice 3 Vienna 7 Zurich 7

NH

NY

IRAN

CT

PA New York (Newark) • NJ wv

• Abu Dhabi

MD DE VA

SAUDI ARABIA

OMAN

Intra-European Flights operated by Air Malta: Athens-Sofia-Athens (2 weekly flights) Munich-Catania-Munich (4 weekly flights) Flights code-shared: Meridiana

Lufthansa

Austrian Airlines

Emirates Etihad Airways SN Brussels

via Heathrow, Manchester and Brussels with Etihad Airways via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich and Frankfurt code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich and Frankfurt code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich and Frankfurt code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich with Lufthansa code-shared via Munich with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Emirates

Bologna Cagliari Naples Olbia Turin Verona Budapest Otopani Prague Sofia Warsaw Brussels Copenhagen

via Catania code-shared with Meridiana via Rome and Milan code-shared with Meridiana via Catania code-shared with Meridiana via Catania, Rome and Milan code-shared with Meridiana via Catania and Rome code-shared with Meridiana via Catania code-shared with Meridiana via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared wit Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Catania code-shared with Brussels Airlines via Brussels code-shared with Brussels Airlines

Mix it up

Valletta | St Julian’s | Sliema | B’Kara | MIA | Bugibba | Gozo | Bay Street | Sliema, Tigné | Għargħur