Bizzilla September Issue

Issue 21

SEPTEMBER 14

LOCAL FEATURES PlaceS FOOD

Issue 21

SEPTEMBER 14

Contents Local p. 8 Maltese Infographica – Interesting, quirky facts about Malta that you may not know. p. 10 Malta Life – Malta prepares for a royal visit which will mark the country's 50th anniversary as an independent country. p. 14 Local History – An anthology about Malta's pre-eminient social reformer Manuel Dimech, is launched this month. p. 16 Gozo Life – Melanie Vella fuses the wanderlust with beach time and takeaway treats from traditional Gozitan bakeries.

p. 10

p. 20

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 from Malta's national airline.

Places p. 7 Around the World – So many events to choose from over the summer and Air Malta offers flights to all the destinations mentioned. p. 12 Travel Hot Spots – Adam Jacot De Boinod lists five of his top things to see, eat and do in the pulsating city of Oslo. p. 50

p.54 Destination – September is a great time to visit London with numerous events lined up to delight both visitors and locals.

Issue 21

SEPTEMBER 14

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.

FOOD LOCAL FEATURES PlaceS FOOD

This beautiful fruit, one of the oldest found in writings from many cultures, is in season this month

p. 50 Eating Out – It’s Lampuki season again and restaurateur Julian Sammut suggests a number of ways to serve this fish. p. 88

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

We've listed just some of the best ones.

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Escape the Maddening Crowds p. 31 - 35

Features p. 23 Three Days In – City and nature sit happily side by side in the majestic city of Munich. p. 26 Valletta’s Solid Underbelly – The vast labyrinth that is the Lascaris War Rooms lies about 150 feet below the breath-taking Upper Barrakka Gardens. p. 31 Gardens and Parks– Victoria Galea offers a ‘green’ alternative for visitors who appreciate being far from the hustle and bustle. p. 23

p. 39 One Step at a Time – New contributor Michela Spiteri takes us round her Valletta. p. 44 Celebrating September – In September we celebrate our birthday as an independent nation and, for the most part, we do it in style! p. 48 Summer Fruits – September brings a glut of local fruits that are traditionally associated with the end of summer. p. 52 Travel Apps – Il-Bizzilla rounds up 15 of the most useful travel apps to download on your trip. p. 64 Travel Malta – Consider using sustainable transport while on your holiday in Malta and do your bit for the environment. p. 66 Festival – Il-Bizzilla talks to two of the exhibiting artists at the forthcoming Valletta International Visual Arts Festival.

p. 26

Property p. 57 Frank Salt – Property consultant Marie Grech steps back in time to recall the early years of the housing boom in Gozo and explains why it is still the ideal property investment.

Business p. 59 Medical Tourism – Malta is fast becoming a popular destination for those seeking professional dentistry services and a holiday away. p. 44

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p. 60

Business News – A glance at what’s happening on the local business scene.

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bathroom and the spare bedrooms having ensuite shower rooms). There is also a one car garage. The garden is truly special and is a rare find which must be seen to be truly appreciated. Sole Agents. FREEHOLD.

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 Project co-ordinator Renata Vella

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

Design TBWA\ANG Senior graphic designers Jeff Fabri Richard Agius Graphic designer Rebecca Bullock contributors Nick Bilocca Victor Calleja Jo Caruana Adam Jacot de Boinod CHris DeMicoli Victoria Galea LEA HOGG Deborah Ratcliffe Julian Sammut Michela Spiteri 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

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AROUND THE WORLD

Around the world in...

SEPTEMBER Totally Thames 1st – 30th September London, UK Throughout September, the Totally Thames festival celebrates the River Thames with a 30-day programme of river-inspired events. These include arts, music and community festivals, colourful regattas, river rallies and races, foreshore archaeology, exploration, environmental and educational activities, not to mention plenty of opportunities to walk and eat beside the river. Totally Thames was formerly known as The Mayor's Thames Festival.

Paris Design Week 6th – 13th September Paris, France During Paris Design Week, the entire city becomes a meeting point for designers, architects, artists and design enthusiasts from all over the world. Even though the event is only in its third edition, it has already become the best way for young, talented designers to promote their work. The event was imagined as an itinerary through the city: each day, the celebration moves from one design district to another, allowing the participants to discover over 150 venues that open their doors on this special occasion.

Vodafone London Fashion Weekend at Sommerset House 18th – 21st September London, UK London Fashion Weekend follows London Fashion Week, which is one of the 'big four' fashion trade shows in the world. London Fashion Weekend is a fashionista extravaganza, letting everyone in on the fabulous world of fashion. Somerset House is transformed into an exclusive fashion experience, brimming with designer catwalk shows, pop-up shops, hair

Berlin Art Week 16- 21st September Berlin, Germany Berlin's arts businesses are once again coordinating Berlin Art Week this month. The newly-launched Berlin Art Week unites significant art fairs and institutions, creating synergies among key players in fairs, exhibitions and discussions.

and beauty, and educational panels.

Enzimi 2 weeks in mid-Sept Rome, Italy This free music, theatre and arts festival – a showcase for the best upand-coming artists – is council-funded and aimed at thirty-somethings and younger. Held in an array of unlikely locations, it hosts cutting-edge local bands and some international stars, skilfully mixing mainstream acts with offbeat sounds – the perfect opportunity to see what's new in the city's artistic circles.

Air Malta offers regular flights to all these destinations

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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.

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316

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sq km Size of Malta

04 A traditional form of Maltese music is known as Għana. It is comprised of folk guitar music, usually played by 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 is Malta's national dog.

In Maltese, the breed is called Kelb tal-Fenek.

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Malta was previously known as Melita by ancient Greeks and Romans. They called it island of honey.

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In 2008, the Euro became Malta's official currency, following the island's accession in the EU in 2004.

The temples at Gġantija can be traced to an era even older than that of the Pyramids of Egypt.

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

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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.

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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 harbours in the world.

The two main symbols that are synonymous with Malta and its people are the Maltese Cross and the Maltese boat (known as 'luzzu'). The Maltese cross was used by the Knights of Malta.

Malta LIFE

Tools, Trades &

Traditions

Tools, Trades & Traditions, at Palazzo de Piro in Mdina, which is operated

by Infinitely Xara, is a unique museum in Malta presenting a single private collection of around 2,000 objects and tools related to an array of trades.

Curated by Architecture Project (AP), the prime focus is given to the artefact, both as a tool matching specific requirements, as well as a collectable in its own right. The collection is the

brainchild of Mr. Justin Zammit Tabona and has been planned in such a way as to promote the aesthetic and historic qualities of the objects.

The museum is designed around five main sections that were derived from the study of the existing collection.

These are Precision and Ornament, The Art of Building, From The Field To The Table, Measuring Our World and

A Royal visit The Duchess of Cambridge is to take her first solo overseas trip on behalf of the Royal Family.

Clarence House tweeted the news, saying: ‘The Duchess of Cambridge will visit Malta on 20th and 21st September, 2014, on behalf of The Queen. Her visit will mark the 50th anniversary of Malta’s independence.’

This photo of Kate Middleton is taken from shutterstock.

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Traditions. Each collection has its own qualities, logic and shortcomings that have been curated into a contemporary assemblage that highlights the creative diversity and constant innovation that is hidden behind each of these objects. Tools, Trades and Traditions offers a window on past tools and trades, a place where to learn and recall memories, but also a place for intimate and silent discoveries.

de GRISOGONO - Allegra Bracelet The adjustable wraparound bracelet is crafted and constructed from cords of sumptuous Italian leather, in a numerous variety of colours, held together by an Allegra clasp in pink or white gold set with diamonds or coloured stones.

Exclusively available at GIOIELLERIA ZAMPA - Tel: 2122 0194

Summer shopping de GRISOGONO - Chiocciolina Collection Precious briolettes, flirtatious, faceted drop-shaped gems, gathered into exuberant bouquets, bursting with life and colour: Artful arrangements of sapphires, tourmalines, tsavorites, diamonds and emeralds, in two sizes, offered to you, by de GRISOGONO. Exclusively available at GIOIELLERIA ZAMPA - Tel: 2122 0194

This gorgeous and adjustable wraparound bracelet from de GRISOGONO Allegra Bra celeTis, has been crafted and constructed from cords of Italian leather, in a variety of colours, held together by an Allegra clasp in pink or white gold set with diamonds or coloured stones.

This and other beautiful pieces are exclusively available at GIOIELLERIA ZAMPA in Republic Street, Valletta.

2004-2014

thE FoRt wAs BuIlt BY thE KnIGhts oF MAltA BEtwEEn 1723 AnD 1755, unDER thE pAtRonAGE oF poRtuGuEsE GRAnD MAstER MAnoEl DE VIlhEnA

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TRAVEL HOT SPOT

OSLO WORDS: Adam Jacot de Boinod

Edvard Munch museum Only recently, in the year 2000, this city celebrated its 1000th year. I went purposely to visit the Edvard Munch Museum in Toyen. Here and here alone can you see the full range of his tortured, brilliant and expressive work. Along with the playwright Ibsen and the composer Grieg, the artist has projected Norway onto the world’s cultural stage.

THE PEOPLE Norwegians come across as friendly, earnest, kind, sanguine, practical and progressive in equal measure. Apart from their inherited love and dependence on the sea, it takes quite a stretch of imagination to link them to their former Viking selves.

CHRistiania The trip gave me the chance to visit Christiania, or old Oslo, with its stock exchange and city hall, the Resistance Museum and Olav’s Hall, and the first castle at Akershus - a stronghold built around 1300 with an impressively large central tower. As a Londoner, I was keen to escape the city bustle, which is muted in comparison with most capitals, and I roamed around the Botanical Garden. Most of the area is designed as an Arboretum, with two thousand or so different plants. The garden is home to a large and varied collection of trees and shrubs, planted in a systematic fashion and neatly arranged by plant family.

THE FOOD Given that Norway’s traditional food consists of that which could be grown and raised in a short summer or taken from the sea, I nonetheless very much enjoyed the dried, salted and smoked meats (spekemat) which are staples, along with the dried, cured and pickled fish and, in particular, herring (as shown in the image below). My hotel breakfast comprised of both, along with fruity jams and some surprisingly good cereals. For dinner I had fiskeboller (fish balls in a béchamel sauce) gravet laks (uncooked but cured salmon) and klippfisk (split dried cod).

THE SHOPPING As for shopping, it is important to remember that Norwegian goods are high quality, though often highly priced. Museums offer trolls of every degree of shape and ugliness. I bought a knitted jacket that came from the Setersdal region, reputed to be the best along with those from Fana. Inevitably this is a part of the world specializing in outdoor and sporting equipment and clothing. So I also took the opportunity to upgrade my rucksack.

Air Malta offers regular flights to Oslo via Munich with Lufthansa 12

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.

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Local history

Malta’s Valiant

STAR

WORDS: Fr. Mark Montebello

At 7pm on Saturday, 5 September, 1914, an Italian steam ship called the Stura slowly made its way out of the Grand Harbour heading for Sicily. It was a routine crossing but one that was to make history. For on the vessel, among cargo and other passengers, there stood on deck one man who was forced to embark. His name was Manuel Dimech, and this voyage was to take him to his permanent exile from his homeland.

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Dimech was considered dangerous by the British colonial rulers and equally so by the local Catholic Church authorities. He was a man who hailed from the lowest of lower citizens, but one who, thorough his writings and public actions, had dared challenge the social and political structures of his time. He politicised the Dockyard workers, emboldened women to fight for their rights, and called upon the Maltese nation to claim its freedom and independence.

A few years before his exile, Dimech had been excommunicated by authorities within the Church, and systematically persecuted. He was portrayed as a flesh and blood demon, wizard and heretic, intent only on the destruction of the Kingdom of God and, in the process, of the privileges of Church and Empire. Indeed, Dimech had been bold and brazen when he was expected to obey, submit and know his place. As were all those who were low class and manual labourers.

Nevertheless, Dimech deemed poverty, illiteracy and deprivation as pointless, an evil caprice of the high and mighty. And he said so. Loud and clear. And because of this he paid with his life.

02

On September 5, 1914, Dimech was furtively ushered to a waiting vessel in the Grand Harbour. He didn’t know what

charges were being brought against him, or who his accusers were. Five days earlier he had been arrested while teaching a class of children, and found guilty without trial. The British colonial Governor signed the writ that sent Dimech to his exile. World War I had just begun, martial law had been declared, and this was reason enough, it seems, to expel the firebrand without further ado.

Dimech eventually ended up in concentration camps in Egypt, and there, six and a half years after his exile, died alone and forsaken. His enemies seemed to have won. But, in time Dimech’s memory emerged and triumphed.

Today he is considered to be one of the foremost heroes of Malta’s national character and distinctiveness. Moreover, he is counted as a brave and valiant champion of right and justice for one and all. His monument, should you wish to visit it, stands in Castille Square, Valletta.

An anthology by Jessica Micallef, containing Dimech’s poems, will be published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dimech's exile. The poems cover the greater part of Dimech’s life, both in Malta and abroad, even from the time of his exile. Extensive research has gone into this publication, which will aptly be launched on September 5th.

1. Port il-Kbir | 2. Dimech (seated left) in exile (Alexandria) 1920 14

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GOZO LIFE

A foodie’s

Roadtrip Gozo’s crystal blue waters and golden sandy beaches on a breezy summer's day are the perfect setting to indulge in a time-honoured Gozitan delicacy. Melanie Vella fuses the wanderlust with beach time and take-away treats from traditional Gozitan bakeries.

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Discover the quirky, quiet atmosphere of the sleepy village of Nadur, Gozo, by catching a bus, walking around or taking a Segway tour, and experiencing the authentic Gozitan food culture. These much loved-baked goods are the perfect accompaniment for a day of sand and sea with a side order of sizzling summer heat.

Mekren Bakery, located in Tal-Hanaq Street, Nadur, is run by Matthew Buttigieg, 24, who has taken over his family’s thriving business. This is en-route to Ramla Bay, one of Gozo’s largest beaches with golden reddish sand, and the surrounding natural beauty of farms and green hills. It’s a 20 minute walk from Nadur and buses are regular.

These iconic bakeries are one-of-a-kind spots that take you back in time. Each bakery has its own unique flavour and I’ve rounded up a few of the very best .

This bakery is over a century old, founded in 1899 by Matthew’s great-grandfather Guzepp Portelli. Now Matthew works with his mother, Nancy, and nine other workers. Matthew is passionate

Photos by Joanna Demarco | 1. Fresh qagħaq ħelwin | 2. Mekren Bakery has been part of the community since 1899 | 3. Freshly made ġbejniet, qassati and pumpkin pie 16

Why Malta?

A land of inspiring potential and great business opportunities.

Throughout its rich and cultured history, Malta has distinguished itself across a range of industries, including financial services, knowledge-based sectors, high-end manufacturing, maritime and aircraft maintenance. High levels of education and a skilled workforce have helped Malta develop into a centre of excellence, positioning itself as a perfect international hub for business.

Meantime, as Malta increasingly becomes a globally recognised player in the logistics sector, we at HSBC appreciate that international connections will be vital to Malta’s future economic growth. Through initiatives such as Malta Trade for Growth, global connectivity and invaluable market insight across continents, HSBC Malta is best placed to help Maltese businesses to access opportunities across the globe that previously were out of reach.

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COMING SOON

GOZO LIFE

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about keeping the family tradition alive while infusing it with new flavours. He has diversified the menu over the years to include qassati (small pies) filled with a combination of ġbejniet (the fresh goats cheeselets) and żbib raisins, or pizzas with a selection of toppings and torti (pies) filled with five or six fresh ġbejniet. The ġbejniet are delivered daily by one of the eight shepherds from the surrounding villages.

Be sure to spend time in the bakery watching them work the 16-foot limestone oven, which is fired up daily using wood.

This slow burning oven is 100 years old, and adds a crisp, smokey taste to Mekren’s menu.

"The slow-rise dough for the famous Gozitan ftira is kneaded and allowed to rise three times,” Matthew explains. The ftajjar (plural) resemble a pizza, however Mekren uses the same dough recipe used to make Maltese bread and passed down by Buznannu Guzepp. The dough is lined with potato and topped with anchovies, ricotta, caponata or vegetables, and Maltese sausage.

Maxokk Bakery, also located in Nadur, in St. James Street, also cooks up its own scrumptious version of the Gozitan ftira. This is the perfect stop off for a picnic lunch on the way to San Blas Bay, one of Gozo’s most coveted spots, with no roads, no cars - just a sandy beach amid fields.

Maxokk is a 50 year-old bakery and is also a family affair.

Chris, 30, has worked in the bakery since he was a young boy. His great grandparents Pawlu and Marija Attard started the bakery in the 1930s. In fact, Maxokk is named after the

family’s nickname, which was given to Pawlu when he was still a young boy. He was playing with the dynamo of his bicycle when he got a slight electric shock. Pawlu got a fright and ran back home wailing ‘Ma xokk’, which is Maltese for “Mum, I got electrocuted.” The other boys playing in the street all burst out laughing and the nickname stuck.

The old brick oven is a defining characteristic of the bakery and dry wood, generally oak, which is used to keep the oven baking the some 150 daily loaves, besides the other mouthwatering ftiras on the menu.

For a less buzzing bakery, look for Ta’ Pitra Bakery on Dahlet Qorrot Street, which is also within the Nadur vicinity. On your way to Dahlet Qorrot Bay, be sure to stop off at this bakery as there’s no bar or restaurant in this rocky spot where fishermen gather.

At Ta’ Pitra, you will find the freshest bakes of the morning. The sisters, Frances and Nancy, wake up at 4am to start baking bread in time for breakfast. The skilled sisters knead, hand-shape and bake some of the best ħobż tal-Malti (Maltese loaves). Qassati are made with ġbejniet and eggs, and the dough does not have butter, which is what sets them apart from the Maltese pastizzi (diamond-shaped pastry cases filled with ricotta or peas).’

This is an essential part of your Gozitan adventure and, if you get lost along the way, ask the local men usually sitting on their front porch for directions. They’ve been around as long as the bakeries and will happily point you in the right direction, after telling you a bit about their own life story.

4. The Ta' Pitra Nancy and Francis sisters | 5. Ta' Pitra - hot out of the oven | 6. Mekren Bakery | 7. Matthew preparing Gozitan ftajjar 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 feel like they must be missing out on something. So, We’ve rounded up a few of the BEST things to do and see, all of which are an intrinsic part of our daily life.

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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.

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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.

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Visit the Ġgantija Temples – said to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

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

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Organise 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 Experience the nightlife in Paceville.

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

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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, and 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 7,000 years of Maltese history. The 45-minute presentation can be listened to in one of 17 languages.

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

Go to Marsaxlokk - a quaint fishing village known for its markets, fresh fish and authentic fishing.

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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.

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Visit the atmospheric underground chambers at the Hypogeum, which were dug 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).

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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, with 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 7,000 years of history 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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Three days in...

Majestic Munich In three days you can get a good feel for the beautiful city of Munich. One of the star qualities of this majestic city is that it boasts both an impressive city life with stunning architecture and a healthy supply of galleries, museums and churches, as well as a vast natural environment with gorgeous parks, lakes and, of

One of Munich’s many wonderful qualities is that it has both a spectacular nature scene as well as an equally impressive city life.

Veronica Stivala draws up a threeday itinerary that encompasses both city and nature.

course, the pretty river Isar, whose waters flow from the Alpine region of Tirol in Austria. City and nature sit happily side by side and visitors will find it easy to quickly escape from the centre for a stroll by the riverside, or to catch a modern art exhibition after a relaxing lounge on a park bench. We’ll start off in the city centre...

Day 1 Deutsches Museum This museum is the largest science and technology museum in the world. Even if science is not your thing, spending a few hours in this temple to technology just might show you that physics and engineering are more fun than you thought. The museum has a good number of interactive displays (including glass blowing and paper-making), live demonstrations and experiments, model coal and salt mines, and engaging sections on cave paintings, geodesy, microelectronics and astronomy. The museum’s collection is so huge that some sections have been moved to separate locations.

Asamkirche The official name of this beautiful church is St-Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche. It is built in a baroque and rococo style and, despite being small, contains many wonderful treasures. The star gem is the ceiling fresco illustrating the life of St John Nepomuk to whom the church is dedicated.

Peterskirche Kirche is the German word for church, and this was Munich’s first parish church.

St Peter’s Church is located just opposite the new town hall – the Neues Rathaus.

You’ll easily spot this building due to its tall tower and eight clock faces. Climb up the 306 steps inside the tower for a lovely view over the city centre.

Marienplatz This magnificent medieval square is the heart of Munich and is a popular gathering spot. It is surrounded by historic buildings and is home to the world-famous Glockenspiel. The square takes its name from the Mariensäule, a Marian column erected in its centre in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation.

Neues Rathaus Located in Marienplatz, this townhall is so big that 24 houses had to be knocked down in order to make space for this new building. Look out for the Glockenspiel on this building. The ‘clock’ is one of the largest in Europe and bears 32 carved life-size figures on two levels with a protruding semi-circular framework.

Frauenkirche Another easy site to spot, the Frauenkirche is recognisable by its two copper onion-domed towers. Instead of adding sculptural ornamentation in carved stone to the exterior like other typical Gothic churches, the Frauen Kirche differs from all contemporary churches in its plain brick simplicity.

1. Aerial view of Munich and St. Peter Church - Marienplatz and Altes Rathaus | 2. Aerial view of Munchen: Marienplatz, New Town Hall and Frauenkirche 23

Three days in...

Day 2 Pinakothek der Moderne This modern art museum is one of the three great Pinakothek museums in Munich's Art District or Kunstareal together with its predecessors, the Alte Pinakothek (museum of Old Masters) and the Neue Pinakothek (18th and 19th century art museum). Highlights of the Contemporary Art Collection are works by Andy Warhol, Franz Kline, George Segal and Henry Moore. In the Collection of Works on Paper there are historic sketches

by Michelangelo, Rembrandt and da Vinci as well as more recent drawings by Cezanne, Matisse and Paul Klee.

Alte Pinakothek Aptly named the Old Pinakothek, this is one of the oldest museums in the world, although the word old, in this case, refers to the ‘old’ masters – 13th to 18th century – which the museum showcases.

The arrangement of the paintings makes it possible to take a journey through the history of art right up to the Rococo Era. Neue Pinakothek The Neue Pinakothek picks up from where the Alte Pinakothek leaves off and houses an impressive collection of 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and sculptures,

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from rococo to art nouveau. The building is an imposing structure built in postmodern style in stark contrast to the historic museum buildings which surround it in Kunstareal, Munich’s art district.

English Garden End your day with a relaxing stroll along part of this massive 900-acre park. The English Garden was the first public park established in Europe and is even bigger than New York’s Central Park. See if you can find the Japanese Teahouse, the fivestory Chinesischer Turm, the children’s carousel and the beer garden here.

Day 3 Bayerische Staatsoper Munich's opera house is the theatre base for Bayerisches Staatsopera and Bayerisches Staatballett, the Bavarian opera and ballet companies. The theatre offers 30 different opera, ballet and concert productions each season in 300 performances and you can even take in a behind-the-scenes of this historic theatre.

Bayerisches Nationalmuseum Founded in 1867 by King Maximillian II, the Bavarian National Museum is one of Europe's finest art and cultural history museums. Situated in the Prinzregentenstrasse, one of the city’s four royal avenues, the museum houses a large collection of European artefacts from late antiquity until the early 20th century.

Schack-Galerie The Schack Gallery holds a collection of romantic 19th century German paintings which were the private collection of Count Schack (18151894), a Prussian official, intellectual, art collector and literary enthusiast who bequeathed his collection to the German Kaiser.

Residenz The Residenz Palace was home to Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 to 1918. Built in 1385, it is one of Munich’s star attractions.

The Residenzmuseum takes up 120 rooms – almost half of the palace – where you can witness the trappings of Bavaria’s rulers over the centuries. On a tour of the complex you can see a collection of European miniatures from the 16th century and collections of silver, ecclesiastical vestments and 18th century porcelain.

For flight details to Munich log onto www.airmalta.com 3. Park in Munich in front of the Alte Pinakothek | 4. English Garden Munich | 5. Baroque opera house of Munich Palace (Residenz) 25

Local heritage

Valletta’s Solid Underbelly WORDS: Steven Bonello

That the city of Valletta is honeycombed with tunnels and underground passages is a well documented fact. The city was built with defence primarily in mind at a time when the Ottoman Empire was in its heyday and just after the island had survived the Great Siege of 1565.

The inclusion of large underground water cisterns, as well as tunnels linking strategic places, were therefore indispensable necessities, ensuring the city could endure for as long as possible in times of conflict. After the end of the Knights’ era the British enlarged and enhanced the tunnel system – and in the years leading to World War II they set up a vast communications complex that was Malta’s best kept wartime secret and crucial to the island’s survival.

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Village Feast

T

he vast labyrinth today known as the Lascaris War Rooms lies about 150 feet below the breath-taking Upper Barrakka Gardens and is best reached via a long flight of steps located in Battery Street on the left of the gardens’ entrance.

At its heart is a complex of rooms which served as the British forces’ command centre during the Second World War. It was from here that the island’s defence was coordinated at a time when Malta, and specifically the Grand Harbour area, was one of the most heavily bombed places on the planet.

This secret complex housed operation rooms for the army, navy and air forces as well as a combined operations room for all three armed services. A Filter Room channelled and interpreted all incoming radar traffic information; Malta having a total of nine radar installations during the war. Another clandestine facility within the complex held encryption machines for sensitive communication.

This was 1942; the height of Malta’s second siege and the island’s famed ‘finest hour’, but the tide was about to turn with the decisive Battle of Stalingrad which put a halt to Nazi advances on most fronts.

With the Allies now taking the initiative, the underground complex was soon to take on a more offensive role and, in July 1943, the War Rooms were host to General (later U.S President) Eisenhower and his Supreme Commanders Admiral Cunningham, Field Marshal Montgomery and Air Marshal Tedder.

Operation Husky, as the eventual invasion of Sicily was code named, was planned here – in the very bowels of Valletta.

When peacetime returned, the complex was used as the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Headquarters, playing an important role in the Franco-British invasion of Egypt during the Suez Crisis of 1956.

Later still it bristled with activity and dread anticipation during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 – a short period when the possibility of a huge world conflagration appeared to be alarmingly within sight.

NATO took over part of the complex in 1967, using it as a strategic Communication Centre, its primary role being that of sniffing out Soviet submarine activity in the Mediterranean. Ten years down the line, and at the request of the Maltese government of the time, the centre was closed and, with its intricate ventilation system shut off, remained practically abandoned to the elements; in particular the inevitable humidity and consequential water condensation. Unfortunately vandals had a free hand as well.

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Local heritage

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Delimara

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In 2009 the voluntary organisation Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (FWA – The Malta Heritage Trust) opened part of the vast complex after years of meticulous restoration and research which have resulted in the pristine preservation of the War Rooms pretty much as they looked at the time. A visit to the War Rooms – surely one of the best in the off-the-beaten-track category, is enhanced by the showing of two wartime documentaries and guides who are impressively well informed and passionate about the subject.

FWA has recently opened up more areas of the complex for public viewing. These include the accommodation quarters used by the island’s military leaders during the height of the war, a combination of sparse living/working quarters set in tunnels originally excavated in the Knights’ era for easy access between the various

fortification posts and, interestingly, also used as a home for the destitute during the Knights’ time. Also open to the public is the vast crypt of what was once the Garrison Chapel – today the seat of Malta’s Stock Exchange on Castille Square.

FWA is not an organisation to sit happily on its already commendable laurels. The foundation’s ambitious plans are for the War Rooms to be integrated into one vast Military Heritage Park spanning some 500 years of Malta’s military history, a project that will eventually link the War Rooms, the NATO Communications Centre, the present Saluting Battery, the Garrison Chapel crypt, and, across the ditch, the St Peter and St Paul counter-guard. The fusion of these military installations into one integrated museum complex promises to make the park one of the most interesting visitor experiences in this category.

Lascaris War Rooms are located in St James Ditch in Valletta, underneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. The site is open from Monday - Sunday from 10.00hrs till 17.00hrs, with the last guided tour starting at 16.15hrs.

Photos by: Steven Bonello | 1. The St. Peter and Paul Counterguard being restored for eventual integration in the Military Heritage Park | 2. Restored Operations Room in which the air defence of Malta was coordinated 29

GARDENS AND PARKS

Far from the maddENing crowd WORDS: Victoria Galea

Although this small island is strategically placed in the middle of a magnificent sea, not everyone enjoys the crowded beaches and swimming.

D

eep in the Maltese valleys or behind high stone walls, small pockets of lush greenery do survive in the arid landscape of parched countryside and crowded buildings.

These bring a welcome haven of serenity to those who seek it.

Since they are so rare they are all the pleasanter to discover and, like an opportune oasis in the desert, they offer much pleasure and surprises for the visitor who appreciates being far from the madding crowd.

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GARDENS AND PARKS

Busketto Gardens

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Probably the most popular green lung Malta can boast of is the contained wooded area known as Busketto Gardens, to the south of Rabat. This is actually a man-made woodland created by the Knights of the Order of St John as their ingenious hunting reserve in the valley known as Wied il-Luq, sloping down from Verdala Castle, which was built by Grand Master De Verdalle and is now the President’s official summer residence.

At the time it held all sorts of wild game and birds brought over from Europe and naturalised here for their sport.

The ingenuity of the knights’ plan remains evident today as the passing of centuries have enhanced this unique natural heritage offering the Maltese its only real experience of woodland and a unique sanctuary of flora and fauna.

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It is an ideal place for picnics and country walks and becomes a popular destination in the cooler months when families converge on the area. It is all but forgotten in the hot summer months as most prefer the coolness of the refreshing sea.

Yet in summer, amid the centuries old trees and shady pathways, streams of water still trickle down the ancient waterways twinkling through the leafy groves and nourishing the earth, while the birds seem to sing their delight from every tree.

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San Anton Gardens Another delightful green sanctuary is San Anton Gardens. Situated in the heart of Attard and probably the best know public garden in Malta, it forms part of the San Anton Palace, the President’s official residence originally built by Grand Master de Paule in the 17th century.

The garden is always neatly groomed and bursting with colour. Its centrality makes its

formal layout a popular choice for families and tourists alike. It offers enjoyable walks which lead from one delightful sight to another and includes a variety of trees, some of which are over 300 years old.

Its unique aviaries used to hold a cacophony of caged birds and a few playful chimps too. Today lesser so, but it is not unusual to come across gliding

swans in the many ponds, nesting ducks among the shrubs or roaming peacocks with their shimmering blue-green plumage and penetrating cry.

For years this unique place has also been the setting for popular events such as the Annual Horticultural Show and, for over 70 years, the MADC open-air summer productions of Shakespeare.

01. Busketto Gardens | 02.-04. San Anton Gardens 33

GARDENS AND PARKS

The President’s Kitchen Garden If you walk through the length of San Anton Garden and exit through the back gateway and across Triq San Antnin, you can visit the President’s Kitchen Garden. This is a sort of annex to San Anton Palace featuring restored historic herb and vegetable plots which furnish the Presidential kitchens with produce.

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In recent years it has been opened to the public. It includes a cafeteria with outdoor seating and, much to the delight of children, informative exhibits and several animals such as donkeys, ponies, birds and goats. This is a very popular venue for children’s outings and it becomes rather hectic during school outings.

GARDENS AND PARKS

Villa Bologna A few feet away down the road, one comes across a littleknown gem in the form of the historic Villa Bologna, an elegant 18th century house built in 1745, and its beautiful baroque gardens.

Forming part of the Gardamed Project, this lovely garden offers a unique glimpse at the formal romantic gardens of the past.

Its paths meander through a variety of flora and exquisite architectural elements such as the stunning nymphaeum, the Sunken Fountain, the Dolphin Pond and the Frog Pond.

This beautiful garden is truly exceptional and a favourite choice for events and weddings, but not many are aware that these beautifully-kept gardens are also open to the public.

To add to its charm, Villa Bologna has recently launched the concept of the Veg Box, offering patrons a selection of organically grown fruit and vegetables from its own gardens.

The vegetable gardens were first set up by Lady Strickland in the 1920s and now yield the most delicious Mediterranean produce using only natural fertilisers and no pesticides.

Home-made jam, marmalade and lemon curd is also available seasonally.

Villa Bologna also houses a historic pottery with a story all of its own having moved here after its factory setting was destroyed during World War II. It was originally located in Lord Strickland’s old workshop and later moved to the old stables where it is to be found today.

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Valletta

The steps near City Gate

Taking in Valletta One Step at a Time Remember that line from Erich Segal’s Love Story?

The one about having to live with history.

‘It’s not easy living with history staring you in the face’ - that line.

I think it pretty much sums up the way I feel about Malta’s capital city, my capital city, the baroque world heritage city of Valletta.

WORDS: Michela Spiteri

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Valletta

I

drive into Valletta every single day of the week and walk up and down its streets a dozen more times each morning. I know all the best parking spots, am acquainted with many of its niches, nooks and crannies - the shop fronts, encased statues, stone carvings, staircases, doors, balconies, pavements, and kiosks. And yet, jam packed as it is with historical buildings and street treasures, when it comes to serious hardcore sightseeing, there are probably more sites I haven’t seen and buildings I have never set foot in, than those that I have.

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I visited Madame Tussauds in London before I did the Grandmaster’s Palace or St. John’s Co-Cathedral - the latter being one of the world’s most important cathedrals and certainly one of the finest examples of High Baroque architecture in Europe, home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece painting ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’.

r e v o c s i D

The

I’m pretty sure I’m not unique in this regard. Most of us take our immediate surroundings for granted, but then feel almost compelled to tour and pay to see (far less attractive) sites abroad, as if there is no tomorrow. It’s not unusual for locals of any community to tell you that they’ve walked past a building for 25 or 30 years and never thought of stepping inside.

Every once in a while, when friends or relatives visit from overseas, they allow themselves the luxury of playing tourist.

You may be wondering what my credentials are and why I volunteered to write about Valletta at all, seeing that I am definitely not the most qualified person for the job.

Admittedly, I’ve never officially toured Valletta in any sort of capacity - from land, sea or Segway. And yet my work brings me here every day.

I’m a lawyer by profession and Valletta also happens to be the lawyer capital of Malta,

home to the Law Courts and a large number of banks, legal offices, law firms - some of them housed within stunning palazzos (see Ganado Advocates, 59 Strait Street).

If you’re looking for a lawyer, magistrate or judge, you need look no further. If you plan on visiting the city, you can be sure that one or more of them will be coming to a cafe or restaurant table near you, or rushing past you en route to court.

I have always felt a deep connection and strong affinity with this hauntingly beautiful capital city (the smallest capital within the European Union) Malta’s seat of justice, of government and its cultural centre, recently designated one of the European culture capitals of 2018. Finally this most humble city or humilissima civitas - as it was officially christened by the Order of St. John, who built this city on rock (and roll) - is finally getting the attention it deserves.

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Valletta

Not sure about the roll, (roll out the red carpet, yes) but I’m pretty certain about the rocky part. Valletta is essentially a city carved in stone and out of stone.

If New York, is above all, a city of skyscrapers, Valletta, then, would be a city of bastions, palaces, auberges, churches and staircases. In fact, you’re going to want to avoid Valletta if you’re bathmophobic or climacophobic. Two very complicated words which basically translate into a fear of stairs or slopes, or a fear of climbing them.

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Had I been reviewing Valletta as a traveller and first time visitor, I might have started off this piece thus:

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‘I fell in love with Valletta in an instant.

Perhaps it was the time of day, the way the sun set on the bastions and the city’s stone walls; the numerous staircases that seemed to tumble down its narrow shady streets; the joy of being surrounded by sea and the relief of a sea breeze; the oldworld charm and old stone arches and walls; the numerous cafes and charming restaurants seemingly tucked away out of sight but never out of mind; the quirky, fiery and fiercely protective inhabitants who hung out of balconies and shouted out to each other, hung out their laundry to dry, or otherwise hung around bars or streets as if on guard, waiting for something to happen.’

There are as many ways of accessing Valletta as there are streets, each one impressive in its own right. As far as I am concerned, Valletta basically looks good from any angle you choose to look at it. If you’re catching a local bus and are approaching Valletta from City Gate - the city’s main entrance - you’ll be greeted by Renzo Piano’s new city entrance and parliament building - one of the most fiercely debated projects Malta has seen yet, which is still a work in progress. Further along, you’ll come to Republic Street, the capital’s principal thoroughfare and main shopping street, home to many of the city’s palaces, churches, government ministries and other buildings. This street, like neighbouring Merchant Street, runs right through the city from top to bottom, eventually taking you to Fort St.

1. Valletta's historic port | 2. Typical Maltese enclosed balconies in Valletta | 3. A street in Valletta | 4. The fortified city. Valletta, Malta 41

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Valletta

Side of Valletta

Elmo and the adjacent seashore which divides Valletta’s two main harbours Marsamxetto and the Grand Harbour.

If you’re entering the city from the top most part, prepare to be wowed by one of Valletta’s most magnificent building’s - the imposing Auberge de Castille with its grand staircase, which has housed the Office of the Prime Minister since 1972.

Castille Square nearby will lead you to the Upper Barrakka Gardens which offer fantastic views of the Grand Harbour and Malta’s three cities Isla, Bormla and Birgu.

If, like me, your prefer sandwich lunches to sitting down to a three course meal, you might consider grabbing a sandwich and a drink, finding yourself a place in the shade and having lunch here.

If you walk past Auberge de Castille and head toward the city centre, you’ll find Merchant Street on your immediate right (another busy pedestrianised shopping street, home to the daily street open air market or suq) and Our Lady of Victory Church on your left - the first and oldest building in Valletta, rich in symbolic

works of art that give votive thanks to the Virgin Mary for helping the Order defeat the Turks. Tradition holds that this was Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette’s (the Grandmaster who founded Valletta) favourite church which he built at his personal expense.

It’s a tough call, but if I had to choose a favourite angle or spot, I suppose that would have to be the South East side of Valletta, in particular the staircase that leads from Victoria Gate (built in 1885 and named after Queen Victoria, then reigning sovereign), right up to the centre of Merchant Street, via Bridge Bar - a popular hang out on Friday nights if you’re into Jazz.

Given that it is only covers an area of 1 square kilometre, I would probably try and get a glimpse of Valletta form all its corners if I were visiting for the first time. In fact, if you only have a few hours at your disposal, I’d recommend nothing more than that losing yourself inside the city and walking up and down the streets, zigzagging from top to bottom. You really don’t want to be stuck inside a dark museum plugged into a headset when you can be out and about,

soaking up the city on foot. You can walk past the same street every day for 20 years and still find something new, so hold your head up high and try and take in as much of the city as you can.

If you have a bit more time, a good and logical starting point would be St. John’s Co-Cathedral in St. John’s Street and the state rooms of the Grandmaster’s Palace in St. George’s Square.

Be sure not to miss Old Treasury Street close by - the tiny street built under the arches between Old Theatre Street and St. Lucy Street - home to the National Library, as well as Strait Street - formerly Valletta’s red light district nicknamed ‘the Gut’ and today’s lawyer street capital teeming with law firms. This is one of Valletta’s longest and narrowest streets, dilapidated in parts but still captivating and disarming with its enchanting doorways, pretty balconies and numerous coffee bars and restaurants. And when you’re walking, don't just look at the street level of the buildings, look at the first and higher floors. You will be mesmerised by the beauty and richness of some of the masonry work you will discover.

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SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS

Celebrating September WORDS: Victor Calleja

The history of Malta spans a few millennia—someone, somehow, landed on these isles, and, using native brawn, or by some magic, built temples which predate the ancient pyramids and Stonehenge. So, since way back then, our fate has been tied to others—some as occupiers and some as harsh or friendly overlords. Then on 21st September 1964 Malta became independent and at last had to make a go of it, completely unaided or shackled.

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SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS

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or a decade after independence we remained tied to Britain, our last lord and master, hosting British and NATO bases, while still under the aegis of the British monarchy. Then with the advent of the Republic all ties to Britain were severed.

It has been half a century of growth, of some hiccups and fears but, on the whole, for a tiny speck of a rock in the Med, we have done well. Some had thought we’d revert to living in trees once we were cast alone. Others thought some big bad wolf of a country would engulf us.

Thankfully, we didn’t come close to any of this and, even when the economic

crisis overwhelmed Europe, this tiny dot boasted more resilience than other, more seasoned and bigger countries.

Since independence Malta has gone from being almost totally dependent on a military base to a country which is successful and innovative in such areas as the financial, pharmaceutical and iGaming sectors. Malta has also turned its tourism into a vibrant and economically highly successful aspect of its wellbeing.

Malta has made it, and on the 21st September we celebrate—so make sure you get yourself a good place to view the festivities. We do love our celebrations—and this is our birthday as an independent nation, so we do it in style.

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Contact owner on 99421504 45

SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS

September sees another milestone—the 8th is the day we commemorate the victories of the two great sieges we as a nation withstood over the centuries. Back in 1565 Malta, then ruled over by the Knights of St John (now aptly called the Knights of Malta), fought and resisted the Turkish Armada.

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The Turks were defeated and Malta and Christianity in Europe could breathe easy for another day. This victory happened on the 8th September. The same happened a few hundred years later when, on that very date, Italy surrendered in its war against the Allies.

For Malta, which had been battered and blitzed, the Second World War came to a triumphant end.

The 8th September is a great feast for Malta as a whole, but more so for Naxxar where the Parish Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Victories. Here too expect a few good bangs and marches, while the church will be en fête on the days preceding the feast but particularly on the day. Keep your eye on the flat rooftops in Naxxar with dozens of flags fluttering in the wind—all in honour of Our Lady of Victories or tied to the Knights of Malta.

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The religious ceremonies are obviously very important but the merriment and the loud celebrations could make you think you have hit on a pagan land. This is us through and through—we love life, we love fun, colour and noise, and we also keep our fingers crossed that the Almighty up in heaven approves.

Our idiosyncrasies mean that some dottiness accompanies our celebrations.

Both feasts—Independence Day and Our Lady of Victories—are national days, of which we have not one but five.

Having five national feast days means we party more—not bad for a country with less than half a million inhabitants who definitely know how—and need—to have a good time.

1. Local fireworks | 2. The mighty Fort St Angelo dominates Grand Harbour of Valetta 47

SUMMER FRUIT

Summer Fruits in the Heart of the Med WORDS: LEA HOGG

There are fruits traditionally associated with the island and a few are quite unique. Some of the local produce I am using for my test recipes these days is sourced from the newly-set up Government Farm where the work they are doing is wonderful and one of the projects focuses on sustainable food and agriculture of organic produce. Another department within the Ministry of Agriculture is devolping a quality assurance mark which will give life to Maltese characteristics in food and will be a guarantee of the transparency of the food chain from cultivation, treatment and packing.

T

he soil in Malta is special and, with sunshine nearly every day of the year, we are blessed with the best flavours which enhance the dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine. The lemons from our gardens that grow prolifically all year round are unwaxed and there is a growing awareness about cultivating pesticide free produce.

If you do not live here you probably have not come across Bambinella (Pyrus Communis) from the Rose family. These mini, bite-size crispy pears are sweet with a texture very similar to large Asian yellow pears. Imagine the most beautiful rosy colour blended into a mix of buttercup and bright green hues, all in this tiny fruit, brimming with flavour, colour and texture in one bite. And in the first part of September we see the last harvest of this fruit for the season.

But September also brings us the ripest, juiciest prickly pears and, towards the end of the month, the start of the pomegranate harvest.

I never considered myself to be a huge fan of prickly pears having only ever tasted them abroad before I came to live here. However last year I ate some

nearly as soon as they were cut. The flesh is moist, succulent and totally different to the shop bought ones, the seeds silky and smooth. Its use is not as popular as passion fruit in international cuisine but just as good, if not better and I have started to mash the fruit up and substitute it in recipes that require passion fruit. This is so much more economical on the island as the trees grow prolifically and it is a shame to leave the fruit on the trees. And better still they come in a variety of colours. It is best to cut the fruit early in the morning when the acid level of the plant is low and the spikes are much tamer.

If you pick your own fruits wearing gloves is a must, and you will also need to peel the thick skin before storing them in your fridge as they are best eaten cold.

However on the island this month you are able to buy the fruits ready peeled from street vendors.

The most coveted colour here is the red variety although I love the flavour of white ones. I have been told that the paddles are also edible although it is not an ingredient that is used on the island yet but I am going to have to try.

You can find Mediterranean recipes and use of local ingredients on my blog www.goodfoodeveryday.wordpress.com.

Lea Hogg is a food columnist and feature editor. She specialises in the food and cooking of the Mediterranean region and is currenty working on a project relating to sustainable agriculture and the transparancy of the food chain of local ingredients and produce. Her work has recently been featured in the Irish Times. She writes for L-Orizzont daily and The Malta Independent on Saturdays. She also writes 'A note from the heart of the Mediterranean' every Sunday on Di-ve News online. Her blog is www.goodfoodeveryday.wordpress.com. She hosts a weekly food segment on a daytime show for One TV. Photos by Carmelo Briffa at the Government Farm, G침ammieri 48

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Eating out

Lampuki Haj WORDS: JuLIAN SAMMUT

This familiar Maltese phrase is echoed through narrow village streets and church squares, more often than not in the high pitched yell of a fish wife,“Fresh Lampuki”, or literally, “Lampuki alive”, is what this age old exclamation means.

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ampuki is Malta’s own fish. The fish of which the highest tonnage is landed each year between September right up to December. All who live on Mediterranean shores are familiar with this fish giving it different names, lampuga by the Italians and dorado to the Spanish, a name which reflects its silvery, yellowy shine. The lampuka is a migratory fish which swims in from the Atlantic, through the Pillars of Hercules and across the Mediterranean Sea. Far across the Atlantic Ocean along the shores of Florida and the south eastern coast of the US the lampuka grows into a far larger fish known there as the Mahi Mahi.

That the 'lampuka' has been fished for millennia is evident to us from classical Greek drawings and Homer’s Odyssey, and that Maltese fishermen have been involved in this activity since classical times is evidenced in their fishing methods,

which involve the laying of kannizzati (palm frond shades) over the water at regular intervals for several kilometres out at sea.

Homer tells us that the 'lampuka' seeks shade under floating branches and the flotsam and jetsam of wrecks. Little has changed, and this method of attracting the 'lampuka' is now unique to Malta.

Lampuki can be cooked in many different ways, with possibly the favourite recipes being Lampuki moqli biz-zalza pikkanti and Torta tal-Lampuki. Moqli is the Maltese semitic word for fried. The fish is chopped in tranches of two to three inches, turned in flour and fried golden in oil. It is served with quarters of lemon and a moderately piquant traditional tomato sauce flavoured with capers, olives, mint and marjoram, and a dash of red wine vinegar.

Kapunata, an aubergine based salad, the Maltese version of the Sicilian Caponata ia also an excellent accompaniment. Caponata,

1. Lampuki | 2. The eye of Osiris - originating from Phoenician times - wards off bad spirits. Maltese fishermen take no chances | 3. Luzzu, the traditional boat used for fishing Lampuki, afloat in Marsaxlokk bay. The name, Santa Maria, implores for Our Lady’s protection and plentiful catches.

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Eating out

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in fact, takes it name from Capone, Sicilian for Lampuka.

As the season progresses and the fish begin to grow the Torta tal-Lampuki takes pride of place. The lampuka is filleted then steamed or fried and placed in a flaky pastry case along with a mixture of spinach, cauliflower and carrots, onions and garlic, tomato paste, capers and raisins – a legacy from our Arab past.

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Soon after the 15th of August, the feast of Santa Marija, the fishing boats are blessed in bays and ports around Malta and Gozo as fishermen set forth across the sea with hopeful determination. During the month of September two popular eateries, Gululu Kċina Maltija and CUBA Bistro, located in Spinola Bay St. Julian’s, celebrate the lampuki season with a dedicated menu offering various lampuki dishes. Gululu serves a combination of both traditional and contemporary Maltese Lampuki dishes, while over at CUBA the fish is prepared using Caribbean, Creole and Italian cooking styles.

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TRAVEL

Whether you're looking for an app to convert currencies or regular updates on the historical buildings that dot the Maltese Islands, here is our pick of some of the best travel apps out there.

Our Top 15

Travel Apps WORDS: Chris DeMicoli Visit Malta App

Next Gozo Ferry Next Gozo Ferry is a free travel app of the boat schedule. The app displays three ferry times; the one you're likely to have just missed, the next one and the one after that - from both Malta and Gozo. Sometimes there's a 15 minute discrepancy but it works well. This app is made by IntelliMare Ltd, the same company that made the Anchor Length app, described as ‘an indispensible tool for skippers’. Their apps have made it to the top three most popular free applications at the iTunes app store, so stayed tuned for more from this local company.

Skype/ Viber/ Whatsapp These communication apps are essential when travelling and, while there are key differences, each works fine. Despite Skype and Whatsapp being the leaders in this category, Viber is slowly becoming the people's choice - why? Well there's no calling credit to buy unlike Skype, and unlike Whatsapp there are no roaming charges that come along with it, but don't worry, there's an app to mitigate that too.

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The ‘VisitMalta’ destination app is a comprehensive mobile guide to the Maltese Islands. It provides general information, facts, activities, an interactive map and an updated calendar of events - basically everything one would need. Originally available for iPhone, iPod and iPad, the new web based version now also enables users of all other mobile phone or tablet pc systems to access the local application. The web based version can be found at www.malta-app.com

Google Translate Another essential app, especially when travelling to a country where you can barely make out the characters (example China) is Google Translate. You can either type into a word box or use the speaking option to translate a phrase. You can translate 58 languages in text and hear 23 languages worth of converted phrases.

Help Call Help Call is a lovely little app which is simple to use and as a traveller will put your mind at ease. It has 4 main buttons - police, fire fighter, friend or ambulance - which whatever state you're in is easy to use. How it works is that the app knows what country you're visiting and immediately does the connection work for you, including the 'call a friend' option. It's not free, or cheap at $2.99 on the App Store, but well worth the money just for the peace of mind.

Trip It TripIt is a mobile app that connects to your email accounts to compile all your travel information for you automatically. It searches for confirmation numbers for flights, hotels, rental car reservations, and even restaurant bookings. If you worry about not having all your details in one place, TripIt is a wonderful organiser to have on your side. Not essential, but definitely handy.

TRAVEL

Roamy

Expensify Expensify is for the business traveller. It keeps track of your purchases and transactions by syncing with your credit cards and bank accounts. The app also acts as a receipt scanner, taking advantage of your mobile phone's camera. After your trip, you're sent a PDF report of all your spending which you can submit to your company for reimbursement, saving you a lot of the hassle of compiling all these things together.

X.e Currency The X.E currency app has been around for a while, growing stronger every year due to its clean design and its live currency rates. It's free unlike most of its competitors, exceptionally simple to use and has been downloaded more than 5 million times proving its success.

Waze Similar to Google Maps and a myriad of like-minded apps, Waze is a GPS app with a mixture of social networking thrown in. The key difference between Waze and its competitors, is that this app has an active community of users who in real time submit better options than, for example, Google Maps - taking into account road closures, accidents and other travel issues. Snapped up by Google last year for roughly 1 billion euros means you know it works well.

Viator Viator, a free app, shows you deals and discounts either nearby or in the place you're going to visit next—provided that location is in Viator's list of potential cities, regions, and countries. It's great for ideas of what to see and do, especially when you're feeling clueless, although the quantity and quality of the deals vary dramatically by place.

Roamy is another essential app for travellers who need to keep their roaming charges in check.

Once installed, this app drastically reduces the amount of data required to perform everyday tasks. While users could simply turn off data roaming and rid themselves of that costly problem, Roamy allows use of apps which do not take up that much data usage, balancing your needs. You can pre-set limits and keep track of the charges while being able to use the essential ones.

Evernote Evernote is not necessarily a travel app, but it's on this list because that's how useful it is. In the unlikely scenario that you've never heard of it, Evernote is an easy-to-use, free app that helps you remember everything across all of the devices you use.

It is organizational skills 101, where users can save their ideas and improve productivity. Evernote lets you take notes, capture photos, create to-do lists, record voice reminders--and makes these notes completely searchable, whether you are at home, at work, or on the go.

Google Goggles / Wikitude Either of these apps would do the trick, except Wikitude uses augmented reality in a slightly different manner making it just a little bit cooler. How both work is by using the smartphone's camera and directing it towards an interesting building/ location. If the location is well documented or famous enough, your screen will fill up with information about it, pulling in relevant information from Google or Wikipedia.

The main differences between the two is that Wikitude also includes restaurant reviews from TripAdvisor, relevant social network posts on the location, and can double up as a currency converter by scanning a bank note.

UBER You might recognise Uber from the recent protests of cab drivers around the world. How it works is that you open the app in any of the 100-plus Uber cities and order a car, you then get given arrival time and text confirmation. But that's not all. A small photo with the driver's name and phone number pops up on the app, while a car icon on the map shows you in real time where the car is located.

WhichBeach.com.mt While this is not an app, it is definitely worth visiting whenever planning a trip to the beach in Malta or Gozo. This is a free service which helps users locate the perfect beach in any given day. The ‘perfect’ beach largely depends on wind and currents. It includes a map and location for each recommendation and some information on the beach and is updated hourly. Again, while this is not an app, it’s our favourite local based information platform for travellers, and it can be viewed on smartphones via the browser.

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TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

London Calling WORDS: Deborah Ratcliffe

N

aturally the city offers various schemes to cut the cost; without losing the quality of the stay.

Look out for the discounted London Pass with ‘free’ entry (once you’ve bought it!) to over 60 attractions including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. The Visitor Oyster Card is a pay-asyou-go smartcard offering excellent savings on London Public Transport. Check out the Visit Britian website for details of these deals as they can vary from time to time. www.visitbritain.com/en/EN/.

A great way to get an overview of the city highlights is to take a guided tour - open air buses are such fun - British weather permitting! Put on your walking shoes and take to the streets on an escorted tour for behind the scenes experiences - perhaps an eerie evening tour following in the Footsteps of Jack the Ripper, glimpsing the sights and sounds of Harry Potter or a more leisurely stroll around the V&A Museum or Tate Gallery. The tours are thoroughly entertaining with many guides ‘in character'... each bringing the eclectic city alive in a truly unique manner!

September is an amazing month to come to London and visitors are in for some fantastic treats. The Mayor’s Thames Festival will be on for the whole month with many free events taking place. The link http://totallythames.org/about will give you all the information you need.

Highlights include: • The Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival with upwards of 50 ships sailing from Falmouth to Royal Greenwich for four

Considered by many to be the tourist capital of the world, London is a city of surprises it’s not just a conglomeration of ancient, but beautiful buildings and monuments - The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square but a city bang up-to-date offering visitors some amazing experiences from the latest play, the newest in culinary inspiration, top gigs and, of course, terrific events.

days of exciting events. Shore side activities include maritime markets, street theatre, music, dance, art installations and exhibitions. Don’t miss the crew parade with around 1,000 people from around the globe taking part; it’s sure to be an energetic and noisy spectacle.

• The Handel’s Fireworks Music and Illuminations event will be an evening never to be forgotten; a 30 piece orchestra will provide the music and this delightful experience will end with a superb Georgian fireworks display.

There are numerous other ‘experiences’ in September. Don’t miss The London Design Festival, 100% Design and London Fashion Week and hundreds of different events throughout the city.

The Open House Weekend is a brilliant way of seeing the insides of places normally off limits to us mere mortals! The ‘Gherkin,’ Lloyds of London and even the old lady of Threadneedle Street - the Bank of England - open their doors to the public - however some are ticket only (free, but I suppose numbers have to be restricted for a variety of reasons - particularly coping with the number of people wanting to visit!). Details at: www.londonopenhouse.org.

September also sees the end of the internationally famous ‘Proms’. The last night is on Saturday 13th September at the Royal Albert Hall - I suspect tickets are already sold out… Who can forget our own Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja singing Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma' and Rule, Britannia back in 2012? It still

Photo: House of Parliament in Westminster in London

sends a tingle down my spine when I listen to him! However you might be able to get to see the Proms in the Park this year hosted by the inimitable Sir Terry Wogan, with performers including the BBC Concert Orchestra, tenor Vittorio Grigolo, soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, Earth, Wind and Fire and DJ Tony Backburn. www.bbc.co.uk/proms/whats-on/2014/ september-13/15250 is the link.

My personal, favourite event in September is ‘The Secret Life of Suitcases’ at the Unicorn Theatre, a charming puppet show for children. Purportedly for children aged 4 plus, I somehow feel mums and dads will enjoy it even more!

Feeling in need of some exercise? Then why not join in the Great Gorilla Run, now in its 12th year, raising money and highlighting the endangered gorilla or in a more armchair mood watch a stage of the cycling Tour of Britain, or a football match - perhaps a needle London derby game between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal or an out of town encounter with Arsenal again playing, but this time against Manchester City.

My final suggestion to fill a fun-packed visit to London is the colourful fiesta highlighting the verve, vitality and vivaciousness of Latin American! Rain or shine there’s sure going to be a lotta noise, colour and dancing in the streets at Carnival del Pueblo, as the parade weaves its way to Burgess Park on the 21st September. Here the party really begins with Latin arts and crafts being showcased plus dancing, food and drink well into the night!

Air Malta offers regular flights to London 55

KNOW YOUR MOBILE TARIFFS WHEN TRAVELLING IN THE EU ‘EUROTARIFF’ RATES

(in € cents) Benefit from lower mobile roaming charges.

Calls made: 23c1 Calls received: 6c1

SMSs sent: 7c3

Data:24c3 / MB

*Tariffs are quoted on a per-minute basis and include VAT and Duty Tax. For calls made ONLY a flat rate is applicable for the first 30 seconds of each call you make.

If you are travelling within the EU, your mobile operator cannot charge you more than the ‘Eurotariff’ unless you specifically choose a different tariff plan.

YOU CAN OPT FOR THE ‘EUROTARIFF’ AT ANY TIME. Check whether you are in fact on the ‘Eurotariff’ plan by either calling the customer care of your service provider or by calling the following numbers whilst abroad. Calls to these numbers are free when made in any EU Member State, at all times.

- GO: 00356 7990 0400 - Melita: 00356 7710 0101 - Redtouch Fone: 00356 100 - Simply Mobile: 00356 100 - VFC Mobile: 00356 100 - Vodafone: 00356 8004 9999

These contact numbers can be changed at the service providers’ discretion.

Upon arrival at your destination, your service provider will send you a free SMS informing you about the rates you are going to be charged.

IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE ‘EUROTARIFF’, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR ALTERNATIVE TARIFF PLAN OFFERS A BETTER DEAL THAN THE ‘EUROTARIFF’. IF NOT, YOU MAY ASK YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER TO TRANSFER YOU TO THIS PLAN IMMEDIATELY.

Malta Communications Authority

For more information visit www.mca.org.mt All the information contained in this advertisement is applicable to travel within the EU.

PROPERTY

Gozo’s Property Ambassador WORDS: Nick Bilocca

Frank Salt Real Estate branch manager Marie Grech has spearheaded the Gozo office for 25 years. Here she steps back in time to recall the early years of the housing boom, and looks to the future to explain why Gozo is still the ideal property investment.

These days Marie Grech is a stalwart of the Gozo property industry. Having worked her way up over the years, she has overseen countless sales and purchases, and even helped to encourage the sector’s general development.

“This job was definitely meant for me!” smiles Marie, a busy mum who joined the team in 1989. “I had just returned to Gozo from Australia and was looking forward to a relaxing summer; I had no intention of working.

“However, a friend knew that the new Gozo office was looking for a secretary and convinced me I should put myself forward. In the end, I went along for the interview and found myself absolutely hooked! A year or so later I was offered the management position there and I haven’t looked back since.”

The FSRE Gozo office was actually the first of its kind on the island. “We weren’t a development company so we had to change perceptions along the way,” Marie explains. “It required people to shift away from the ‘sensar’ mentality that prevailed at the time which took some encouragement, but they soon adapted to the idea.”

Back then it was mostly foreigners on the list of property clients in Gozo. “People regularly fell in love with Gozo while on holiday and they would be eager to see their options for purchasing a property. Prices then were low when compared to the UK so sales came easily. It was very exciting.”

“The market has gone through all sorts of highs and lows since then. In the early 90s there was a surge of Maltese wanting to purchase holiday homes on Gozo, which helped to tide over the dip in foreigners because of the Gulf War and the European recession.

Meanwhile new markets emerged too, including from Hong Kong and South Africa.”

“Even though other agencies have opened up, we have always prided ourselves on giving a good, honest service and this has set us apart. It’s always great to see customers coming

back to us whenever they need a property service. As a result, Gozitan property owners are always eager to give us their properties to place on the market and they trust our advice on everything from valuations to marketing. We’re always happy to help.”

And it’s that desire to go the extra mile that helps to set the Gozo branch apart. “We offer a whole range of supplementary services, including pool servicing, and property finishing and furnishing,” says Marie. “The office is constantly buzzing with the array of jobs waiting to be done, and the whole team works together brilliantly.”

Naturally Marie has had the odd challenge along the way.

“What I didn’t realise, was that I had landed straight into a predominantly man’s world,” she quips. “At first I was frowned upon by both workmen and professionals alike, but they soon got used to me. In fact, they started asking for my unique perspective and woman’s opinion!”

“Today we have clients from all over the world and Gozo continues to charm them. We’re also attracting quite an upmarket clientele, which is fantastic – as long as we have the right properties for them!

“In relation to that, I think it is vital that MEPA and the other relevant authorities join forces to create a plan for the island’s property industry – it’s pointless having an endless supply of apartments available if the market wants houses with gardens.

Gozo is only small and we must ensure that we only build what is needed and in demand.”

Marie is also adamant that now is the right time to invest in property on Gozo. “I have always believed in the property market here, even when it had reached its lowest point. Now prices have been stagnant for a while, so they are bound to shoot up soon, which makes this the ideal opportunity. Good properties are limited though, so buy well to ensure your investment is secure,” she adds.

Frank Salt Real Estate | www.franksalt.com.mt 57

medical tourism

High-Flying Dentistry

Key Points on Dental Tourism

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s we age, our flesh outlives our teeth, often calling for extensive reconstructive or restorative procedures that can cost tens of thousands of euro. Thus, cost saving is a real factor for a global population living 10-30 years longer than its parents. The travelling dental patient need not sacrifice quality to save money. Highly competent dentists who attended respected schools of dentistry and are certified by boards in Western countries often work 'just across the border,' providing excellent services for a fraction of the cost. For people who can easily cross a national boundary, the choice is a no brainer.

Dentistry also attracts what might be termed the 'incidental traveller'.

Patients who take a vacation in a dental destination country may find that they can work some affordable dental care into their holiday plans. Business travelers whose work takes them overseas may arrange for dental care while on a business trip—saving on both oral treatment and travel costs.

Planning Tips Don’t assume that one dentist is as good as another. Although professional societies and accrediting agencies set standards, compliance varies widely.

Seek out evaluations from previous patients, and don’t forget to ask for proof of competence before you make an appointment. Often dental search engines which compare and rate clinics give an insight into what calibre of treatment potential patients are expected to find.

Patients’ comments and reviews are of great help. You also have a right to know everything there is to know about your dentist’s training and experience.

As there are often delays in dental work, plan a few extra days at your choice of clinic. Some procedures, such as implants, require two or more steps with weeks or months in between. Find out in advance how many visits you’ll need and the interval between them.

Tips for Dental Patients TravelLing Abroad If you are traveling abroad to receive dental treatment, here are some tips to consider beforehand: • Dental provider: Find out who will be treating you and what level of experience he/she carries. Clinicians may be specialised in certain departments of dentistry suiting your needs.

• Options for treatment: Provide the respective clinic with as much information as possible. Photographs and recent radiographs are of great help.

•C ompare a number of clinics and shortlist a few. See how quick and personal the clinics were in responding to you and how soon they can treat you.

• L aboratory work: Most restorative procedures depend on a laboratory and several technicians to complete the work. This may take a number of weeks although some clinics may have an in-house laboratory speeding up the process and offering more one-on-one communication between the patient, technician and clinician. Ask what kind of guarantee you will obtain and make sure to request a certificate.

•C ross-infection control: The use of appropriate sterilisation and disinfection techniques is a must!

•M aterials: ask what brands of materials are being utilised at the clinic/lab and run a search on them improving your knowledge or their quality and lifespan.

• P erks: Some clinics will organise your taxis, restaurants and needs throughout your stay making your vacation all that easier. A few clinics may also offer you free accommodation for you and your family saving even more on your total expense.

• L anguage barrier: good communication is key to success.

Clinics with multi-lingual staff help put the patient at ease knowing he/she is getting their message through.

•B efore you return home, be sure to collect your new dental records.

Know how the dentist performed the procedure and the type of devices and materials that were used. For example, in the case of dental implants, find out the type, size and specific materials used. Keep written records of this as well as any radiographs taken.

Dental tourism has indeed grown very rapidly. Explore, seek advice and find the right contact to help you achieve your dental desire.

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

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Business NEWS

15 YEARS OF THE PERRY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE This year marks the 15th year of publication of Perry Limited’s leading real estate magazine. The 52nd edition is due this November. The Perry magazine was first published in 1999 and constantly since. The publication has proven to be a huge success among both those selling and renting quality properties and those seeking something special for a home. The magazine has served as an excellent vehicle to better service the company’s clients by giving the best possible exposure

to quality sales and lettings property listings each artistically photographed and described. Robert Spiteri Paris from Perry Limited’s management team commented: “With over 80,000 copies distributed twice yearly as a supplement with the 'Sunday Times of Malta' and through our company offices as well as through our various stands in key locations including at the arrivals lounge of the Malta International Airport, the magazine is guaranteed to reach the hands of everyone interested in local

Delicata Wines win more awards In the last few months Delicata has received 8 international awards for their wines from wine competitions held in Verona, London and Bordeaux, bringing the winemakers total medal count up to an impressive 92 awards.

The wines awarded are the 2013 Gran Cavalier Sauvignon Blanc D.O.K. Malta, which has won 2 Bronze medals at the International Wine Challenge

real estate”. The distinct front cover has always been adorned by a beautiful work of art held in a private collection and never published before. This top quality publication comes laden with an exclusive range of superior and quality properties available on the local market.

You may order your free copy of any of Perry Limited’s recent publications online through the company’s leading property portal: www.perry.com.mt or by simply calling Perry’s offices on: +356 21310800.

(IWC), and the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) held in London and a Gran Menzione at the Concorso Enologico Internazionale in Verona, Italy.

The 2013 Medina Rose Grenache received 2 awards, a Bronze medal at the Challenge International du Vin in Bordeaux, France and a Commendation at the DWWA. Another I.G.T. Maltese Islands Rose wine to pick up a Commendation at the IWC was the 2013 Pjazza Regina Rose, made from a blend of Syrah and Carignan. Finally Delicata’s sweet liqueur wine 2012 Grand Vin de Hauteville Moscato D.O.K. Malta won 2 medals, a Bronze medal and a Commendation at the DWWA and the IWC respectively.

Emmanuel Delicata is a 4th generation family run winemaking company that was established in 1907. These latest 8 international awards are particularly rewarding for the Delicata family as the wines are the result of Matthew Delicata’s very first ‘solo’ vintage as the company’s winemaker.

Get Connected and Stay Connected MelitaWIFI Travel offers you a seamless connection at over 2.7 million WiFi hotspots around the globe, without you having to authenticate at each WiFi hotspot, and it means you never have to worry about data roaming limits. Simply download the

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melitaWiFI Travel APP and use your My Melita username and password to connect to WiFi hotspots anywhere. Enjoy free access to melitaWiFi this summer and stay connected in Malta and anywhere in the world.

BASTIONS OF MALTA Advertorial

Roger Dubuis: The only watch manufacturer to be one hundred percent poinÇon de geneve certifieD

To celebrate Swiss timepiece brand Roger Dubuis’, Bizilla chats to its CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué to discover what makes these prestigious watches so unique.

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Malta recently welcomed Mr Jean-Marc Pontroué, Roger Dubuis CEO to its shores.

The story of Roger Dubuis is primarily one marked by dazzling success.

Geneva-based Roger Dubuis is considered to be one of the most elite watchmakers available, and those driving the company have worked hard to keep it as exclusive as possible.

One of those key people is Jean-Marc Pontroué, Roger Dubuis’ dynamic CEO. Mr Pontroué had already had an incredible career working with leading marques including Givency and Montblanc before he was appointed to lead the development of Roger Dubuis in 2011.

“We always compare Roger Dubuis to car manufacturers like Ferrari, which target the ultimate customers through limited editions,” explains Mr Pontroué in his recent visits to Malta. “We want to do the

same with our spectacular timepieces and have spent 20 years striving to differentiate our products.”

With that in mind, Roger Dubuis watches always stand out for their market-leading innovation. “Just to put you in the picture of how different these watches are, some of them have 590 components in them, and every single part is hand-finished.

When you sell a watch for, let's say, one million Swiss francs, you have to ensure it is very special.”

And there are very good reasons why Roger Dubuis timepieces retail for those prices. On average, the company spends 40% longer creating a piece than any other watch company to comply with the highest standard set up by Poinçon de Geneve. Meanwhile, their expert engineers constantly implement new systems. “We create history every day,” continues Mr

Pontroué. “Unlike older brands our history does not cage us and we can make very exciting decisions that truly set it apart. We are constantly pioneering.”

The brand’s association with expert local jewellery purveyors GIOIELLERIA ZAMPA, in Valletta, which retails these exquisite timepieces has continued to ascertain Roger Dubuis' top place in the luxury local market.

“Our international customers are used to us coming to them, and we take the brand into their homes and yachts, or even to their dinner parties if that’s what they want. For that reason, we know that our high-end clients will appreciate our presence in Malta, and we are keen to target the ever-growing luxury market on the island. I believe this is a very exciting moment for Malta’s retail industry, as well as a proud moment for Roger Dubuis,” adds Mr Pontroué.

1. Jean Marc Pontrou | 2. Manufacture Roger Dubuis | 3. Excalibur 42 Skeleton Tourbillon in pink gold 61

Business NEWS

A Malta-based bank with a global reach

Walking along the streets leading to the entertainment hub in St. Julian’s, it is hard to miss a prominent building which graces the skyline of this rapidly evolving town.

This is the state-of-the-art headquarters of the FIMBank Group, the Malta-based international trade finance specialist with a global presence spanning five continents.

At FIMBank’s headquarters, we are introduced to the Group’s President, Margrith Lutschg-Emmenegger. With Margrith we take this quick journey through the past, present, and future prospects for this financial institution, now entering its 20th year of operations. “In a nutshell, FIMBank is an international trade finance specialist, and has been since its inception,” says Margrith. “We started out as a simple set-up tucked away in a discreet office in Sliema, a boutique bank offering a comprehensive range of trade finance and banking services with a strong focus on the emerging markets. Today, FIMBank is still headquartered in Malta, but as you can see, we are now housed in this beautiful building”.

What is immediately apparent from our discussion is that, even though the Bank and the Group undertake a range of banking activities, trade finance remains FIMBank’s bread and butter.

Being a specialist trade finance bank, says Margrith, “gives our customers particular comfort in the Bank’s expertise and commitment to meeting their requirements to the highest professional standards. By using our expertise, we have been able to substantially grow and diversify our client portfolio and this despite very challenging market conditions”. The FIMBank President is proud to refer to the Group’s reputation as a “reliable global partner in the dynamic and specialist world of trade finance,” a reputation underlined by the various international awards that, in her words, “reflect the industry’s recognition of FIMBank’s commitment to offer the best service possible to its clients”.

FIMBank Global Head Office, Mercury Tower, St. Julian's

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Despite its reputation, however, FIMBank is not sitting on its laurels. Margrith tells us that FIMBank “sees change and innovation as a way of thinking about and managing

Business NEWS

benefit from the momentum we have generated,” states FIMBank’s President.

client-driven trade finance business. It is a part of our business culture and the way we approach issues when handling our clients’ financial needs”. She highlights the fact that ever since the Bank’s inception in 1995, one of the mainstays of its corporate culture has been a customer driven and accessible approach – and she is quick to acknowledge the decisive contribution of its people to the Group’s reputation: “The partnerships and good relationships we continue to build with our clients, correspondent banks, as well as with our shareholders - together with the extraordinary emphasis we place on the value of our human resources constitute the foundation of our success”.

Margrith explains that FIMBank also has an extensive global presence. The Bank opened a representative office in London in its early years and in 2003, it acquired London Forfaiting Company Ltd, a leading global provider of forfaiting services.

Since then, FIMBank has diversified its international trade finance activities and now has a physical presence in more than 10 financial centres worldwide, doing business with partners, associates and corporate clients located in over 50 countries globally. “We plan to continue building the FIMBank brand name and

Once the subject of FIMBank’s plans has been broached, the next question comes naturally. Earlier this year, Burgan Bank and United Gulf Bank (both members of the KIPCO Group), jointly increased their stake in FIMBank to just over 80 per cent as a result of a voluntary bid followed by a rights issue. How has the recent shakeup in FIMBank’s shareholding structure affected the Group? “The entry of these institutional shareholders has radically shifted the parameters within which we used to gauge FIMBank’s future,” Margrith replies. “This development has effectively widened our horizons and opened up a plethora of opportunities for the Group.

As a result, throughout these past months, we have been seeking to get a better insight and understanding of the KIPCO Group, one of the leading Middle Eastern trading companies with consolidated assets exceeding USD 30 billion. We are now working towards establishing new intra-group business relationships and securing better funding opportunities from our new reference shareholders”.

So there we have it: a specialist trade finance bank with a global mission, backed by major Kuwaiti institutional investors. But why Malta? “First of all, it was very important for FIMBank to establish itself in a jurisdiction which can boast a robust legal and regulatory framework such as Malta’s. Moreover, the island vaunts a respected tradition in banking, as well as the highest international standards in the various professional services, including legal and accounting”. Margrith adds that for an international financial institution like FIMBank, it is important to have regular access to English-speaking personnel who are flexible, highly skilled and have a strong work ethic, “and Malta continues to fit the bill perfectly in all these areas”.

According to FIMBank’s President, Malta’s strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean and at the crossroads of the major historic trading routes is very significant: “these islands, though small, have a millennial tradition for trading and they are strongly oriented towards the outside world, just as we are”.

Meanwhile, the bonds between FIMBank and Malta remain very strong: “the strongest signal that we intend to remain in Malta is our new head office in St. Julian’s,” states the FIMBank President. “This was custom-built to our requirements and to cater for the Group’s future growth. On a practical level, we also strive to create added value for Malta and assist in re-directing international trade and finance flows through the island. Moreover, we take every opportunity to promote Malta as a reputable financial services centre, especially whenever we organise or participate in international conferences”.

A case in point is the Annual Meeting of the International Factors Group, of which I am Chairman. We have decided to hold this very important event in the IFG calendar in Malta, between the 29th September and the 1st October. The meeting will host more than 100 top factoring executives from all over the world, and I for one will be very proud to show my colleagues around these unique and beautiful islands”.

I ask Margrith to have a look into her crystal ball to tell me what she sees: “I see a very bright future for FIMBank. The Group can now boast a strong reference shareholder with a good rating, which has already started facilitating access to funding and has led to a stronger equity base. We will remain focused on highly specialised trade-related business, and the kind of complex commodity transactions that require a more personalised service and bespoke approach. Our strength has always been our ability to re-invent ourselves to adapt to the new realities and challenges, and Malta will continue to serve as our launch pad for our next phase of expansion”.

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TRAVEL MALTA

Travel Smart, See More!

Why not consider using sustainable transport while on your holiday in Malta?

M

alta is a small island with a large concentration of places of interests and heritage sites which attracts more then 1.2 mln tourists every year. The destinations are spread all over around the island but can be easily reached using sustainable transport- Public transport, bicycles, guided boat and coach tours and even walking. The Local Councils’ Association of Malta has developed a tourist information package which points 5 of the most popular tourists destination and explains how they can be reached by using public transport. The package also provides useful information about cycling in Malta and a list of companies providing boat and coach guided tours. The information is available in English, Italian and German and has been elaborated through the EU funded project called SEEMORE The package is free and can be collected from one of the tourist information offices and from a number of hotels.

Popular Tourist Destinations • Valletta, the capital city of Malta is a UNESCO heritage and is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order

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of St John of Jerusalem. Built after the Great Siege of 1565 and named after Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Vallette, this fortified city has hundreds of monuments, all within a relatively small space, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

Bus No: 12, 13, 14 Sliema/ St. Julians- Valletta

Please note that public transport and cars, others then residents cars, are not allowed inside Valletta. Electric taxi or tourist train can be found in the city.

• Mdina, also known as the “Silent City”, has been inhabited since 700 BC firstly by the Phoenicians and later by many other civilizations, giving to it a medieval character. The city has only 300 inhabitants and although is small in size, it has much to offer. Some of its attractions are: The St Pauls’ Cathedral, Vilhena Palace, Palazzo Falson, Palazzo Santa Sophia, and many others, including amazing views from its hills of large part of the island.

Bus No: 202 or 203 Sliema/ St. Julians - Mdina Bus No: 51, 52, 53 Valletta - Mdina

• Ħaġar Qim is one of the oldest megalithic temple complexes in the world dating from 3600 BC. It is a UNESCO heritage and is situated in the Southern edge of the island.

Bus No: 71 Valletta- Ħaġar Qim- Valletta Bus No: 12 or 13 from Sliema/ St. Julians to Valletta and then N: 71

• Golden Bay and Ghadira (Mellieha) Bay are popular beaches visited by plenty of tourists for its crystal waters and fine sands. Both situated in the Northern parts of the island, Golden Bay can be found outside of the village of Mgar, while Ghadira Bay is in Mellieha.

Bus No: 225 Sliema/ St. Julians- Golden Bay Bus No: 222 Sliema/ St. Julians - Mellieha (Ghadira) Bay Bus No: 41, 42 or 37 Valletta - Mellieha (Ghadira) Bay

• Dingli Cliffs are situated just outside the village of Dingli and are the highest point of Malta, reaching 300m above sea level.

Bus No: 52 Valletta – Dingli Bus No: 202 Sliema/ St. Julians - Dingli

One day bus ticket costs €1.50

TRAVEL MALTA

Participate in our photo competition!

Send us a photo of using sustainable transport while on holiday in Malta and win! For more information please visit our Facebook page: Seemore-Malta or send email to lvasileva@lca.org.mt

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FESTIVAL

An Artist By Name and Nature Austin Camilleri is one of Malta’s leading artists and will be exhibiting during the forthcoming VIVA festival being held at St. James early in this month. As a freelance visual artist he has worked simultaneously and non-hierarchically in installation, painting, drawing, video and sculpture. Born into a family of artists and artisans, he studied at the University of Malta and at the Accademia Pietro Vannucci in Perugia. He is the founder of 356, a founding member of St Art and Fundazzjoni Klula, and is a visiting lecturer within the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Malta. Here he tells Sarah Kennard about his craft in a few words.

I

started creating art when I was a toddler… consciousness came much later.

My dream project revolves around the idea of building an architecturally elegant, self-sustainable earth ship. Right now, I’d rather collapse the art-world and build it again in 3 days.

I am inspired by life.

My main medium is the concept. All my work is subordinate to the concept, even when I use the medium to explore the medium itself.

About the artist..

Austin has curated exhibitions for the Malta Arts Festival and has designed books, campaigns, awards and stage sets for operas, theatre and dance pieces. He has also exhibited in both solo and group shows hosted by contemporary art institutions in Europe, South America, South Africa and the USA, among others.

Having represented Malta in international exhibitions on several occasions, his work is also included in many significant private, corporate and public collections.

The most memorable review/critique/response I have ever received about my work was from an inebriated famous Italian artist in my young student days. He said it was aweful. I restarted everything from scratch and never looked back.

Recently Camilleri’s project ‘Bl-Ohla Dawl Libbist” won the international call for proposals for an artistic statement to the Maltese Republic. Works on the monument will begin in December 2014.

Before I start painting, my most important ritual/habit/mode of preparation is... I don’t have a structure, let alone a ritual.

His works are to be found at the Boston Atheneum, the WIPO, Palais des Nations, UN, Geneva, the Vatican Museum, the Garden of Nations in Ramallah, Fondation Villa Datris in France, the National Museum of Fine Art in Valletta, banks, ministries, cathedrals, shrines and churches, corporate and private collections worldwide.

I think creativity in Malta is essential.

I am at my happiest during the creative process, from the idea, the research and eventually the production. The result, clearly visualised in one’s mind, is usually less exciting.

The best way for Maltese society to support artists is by being more receptive and eventually selective. Which at the end has a lot to do with education.

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FESTIVAL

A Golden Combination Creative, social and a self-confessed workaholic, Dutch video artist and cultural theorist Mieka Bal is also one of the high-calibre curators of the first ever Valletta International Visual Arts (VIVA) that will be held between 1 and 7 September. Here she chats to Jo Caruana about Malta, its arts scene… and great detective fiction.

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“I am so glad to have many daughters – girls are such great homemakers.” He meant it as a compliment. Young as I was, though, I felt repulsion and refusal. I remember thinking: “that’s not for me.”

f I had to pick where I am happiest it would be ‘home’ because I am there so rarely. I am also happy when I am with wonderful people, or when I see incredibly powerful art. But I am not a good tourist.

There is a lot to be excited about VIVA – the Valletta International Visual Arts Festival. It will be the combination of showing our art, talking about it, meeting other artists, curators and scholars, and seeing other art; it seems a golden combination. It is that combination, not any of its elements, that excites me most.

There is so much that I am passionate about but my focus is very much on the children of the world. I adore my students and love nurturing their intelligence. I also feel most alive when I am writing, making films and discovering new ideas.

On the flip side there is plenty that makes me angry – namely the inequalities in the world, the violence, the hunger, bad healthcare and child abuse. Sadly the list is very long and I could go on. I would also like to encourage everyone to give up, for good, on trying to force others to think like them.

If there is one quote that best represents me it would be Michel Foucault’s “to see the events through which things become self-evident is to be able to see in what ways they may be intolerable or unacceptable.” Foucault was a French philosopher, historian of ideas, social theorist, philologist and literary critic.

That said, I don’t like idols or idolising people; I believe it makes us uncritical. I do admire some people, largely because they combine fantastic work with lovely

personalities. Some, because they are great artists with a relentlessly strong political edge, and generous people do come to mind: Marlene Dumas, William Kentridge, Doris Salcedo. There are also some actors that I have had the privilege to work with: Marja Skaffari, Thomas Germaine, and others, because they give all their talent to a project, bring in creative initiatives and never behave like stars. I wish I could name some politicians I admire, but I am afraid I can’t.

The birth of my children was the most defining moment of my life so far – I think it’s obvious why. However there is another one that stands out for more negative reasons. It was back when I was about four years old and my father said to my mother:

This is only my first encounter with Malta and its art scene. I am very excited to make the acquaintance and hope this visit won’t be the last. My impression is that the art scene is intense, and that there are many excellent museums and galleries to see. In fact, I am already nervous I won’t have time to see it all!

The result of this passion for my work is that I don’t have much leisure time. Making films tops the list of the things I love, and I really enjoy editing and writing. In the rare moments I don’t have work to do I like reading literary novels and detective fiction, largely because it takes me out of myself and out of my world. I also go a lot to museums and galleries. I love the discovery of new art and things I didn’t know; but also adore seeing old artworks again… it’s like visiting friends.

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EVENTS

Dates to remember in...

SEPTEMBER VIVA Valletta International Visual Arts Festival St James Cavallier Centre for Creativity 1st - 7th September The Valletta International Arts Festival is premiering in Malta as a platform to showcase the talent of Maltese and international visual arts practitioners, as well as promoting and encouraging public participation in the arts. VIVA 2014 will feature work from locally and internationally reknowned artists including Mieke Bal, Democracia, Austin Camillieri and JP Azzopardi, amongst others. VIVA will also bring to the fore local emerging artists through Divergent Thinkers - an exhibition that presents contemporary artistic practices by young Maltese artists that explore divergent thinking. International artists from various European institutions, including Mieke Bal (cultural theorist and critic, Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis, University of Amsterdam), Maria Lind (Director, Tensta Konsthall, Stockholm), Marina

Malta International Musical Bands Festival 2nd- 7th September A six-day festival of bands, majorette groups, marching bands, folk groups, street bands, piper bands make up the fifth edition of Malta International Musical Bands Festival. During this week there will be three parades in most towns on the island.

For other details, visit: www.euroartproduction.it/festivalmalta-music.html

Wallace (director, Artakt and Professor of Curating, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London) and others, who will host a one-week curatorial programme.

VIVA is being co-organised by St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Arts Council Malta, the Valletta 2018 Foundation and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. For more information, please visit www.viva.org.mt

Sunscape Festival Island of Gozo 3rd - 10th September Taking over the idyllic island of Gozo from 3-10 September, Sunscape brings some of the biggest electronic brands including Cocoon, Get Physical and Berlin’s infamous Watergate, for their very special one-off showcases. Acts such as M.A.N.D.Y. Mr Scruff and Sebo K will bring their hedonistic beats to rooftops, beaches, pools and boats, whilst events such as an Electroswing Day Festival, a Fire Dancing tournament and Full Moon Party will suit all tastes.

For those who want to end their summer with a touch of relaxation and luxury, an entire Holistic Arena will present an abundance of therapies including reiki and meditation, plus soothing natural flotation tanks to relax in. Adventure sport activities are also on offer including archery, kayaking and zip lining. The area will be decorated with art installations and an open air cinema.

Tickets for Sunscape Festival start from €39 with camping, apartment and boutique accommodation all available. Please visit www.sunscapefestival.eu.

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Events

National Theatre Live Presents: Medea St James Cavallier 4th, 13th & 19th September and 5th October Medea is a wife and a mother. For the sake of her husband, Jason, she’s left her home and borne two sons in exile. But when he abandons his family for a new life, Medea faces banishment and separation from her children. Cornered, she begs for one day’s grace.

It’s time enough. She exacts an appalling revenge and destroys everything she holds dear.

Helen McCrory (The Last of the Haussmans) returns to the National Theatre to take the title role in Euripides’ powerful tragedy, in a new version by Ben Power, directed by Carrie Cracknell.

For more information and tickets please contact info@sjcav.org.

Stretta Festival Strait Street, Valletta 5th - 8th September This historic street will be brought back to life with a street festival offering live music, performing and visual arts, reenactments, and great food and drink. Come and join in on the fun, and relive the time when sailors and barmaids made this street world famous.

Ix-Xlendi Traditional Illumination of Bay, with Torchlight Fires

Boys Noize

Xlendi Bay, Gozo 6th & 7th September

Squadron and DonDisko proudly present the legendary Boys Noize, for the first time in Malta.

Mansion, Sky Club 7th September

Alex Ridha has established himself as one of the world’s preeminent wizards behind the decks, having played the world’s biggest stages alongside the biggest names in dance music.

The traditional 'fjakkolata' in Maltese, is a magical

His sets are equally uplifting, not only technically but also as a showman. This is one of the

event that sees the rugged coastline of one of Gozo’s

reasons why the Rolling Stone voted BOYS NOIZE amongst the Top 10 `DJS WHO RULE THE

most beautiful cavernous bays burst into life as

EARTH` in 2012.

hundreds of torchlight fires are set alight. The event will be reviving an almost-forgotten tradition to

As a recording artist and producer, Ridha has created his own sound, and pioneered his own

commemorate the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Mount

brand, amassing a formidable body of work in the process. This promises to be a night of

Carmel, the patron saint of Xlendi.

throwback tunes and the latest sounds all mashed up on a pumping dancefloor.

Check the weather forecast as bad weather may lead

To follow the latest updates visit www.boysnoize.com, for tickets please visit

to a change in events.

www.squadronmalta.com

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EVENTS

Il-Vittorja – Victory Day Regatta Water Festival Valletta 7th - 8th September

One Act Festival

by MADC MADC Playhouse 11th - 14th September

A National Regatta for row boats is held on 8th September in the Grand Harbour to celebrate Malta’s victories during the Great Siege of 1565 and the Second World War. The magnificent Fort St Angelo provides an imposing backdrop to the sleek and colourful Maltese boats. Rowing teams from the cities bordering the Grand Harbour, such as Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Kalkara, Cospicua, Marsaxlokk and Marsa, participate in a number of very exciting races, marked by extreme rivalry between participating teams and their respective spectators. Join the thousands of supporters

Staged since 1979, MADC’s annual One Act Festival is

that flock to the waterfront and surrounding bastions for a birds-eye view of the races.

renowned as a launching pad for up and coming actors

Each year the different regatta clubs do their best to win the honourable Aggregate

and directors. This year six short plays will go head to

Shield, which is strongly contested.

head, and on the final night, awards will be given for Best Actor, Best Actress, Most Promising Actor, Most

Watch out for other competitions leading up to the main event. On Sunday 1st

Promising Actress, Best Director and Best Production.

September, a pageantry for traditional boats is held at Senglea Point. On the following Saturday 7th September a powerboat competition will be held at Marsamxett Harbour

Six Directors will be participating this year; they are

and a jet ski show in Vittoriosa Creek. On 8th September at 11am a Sailing Boat

Diandra Ann Mamo, Justin Camillieri, Gianni Grioli,

Competition will be held in the Grand Harbour.

James Sultana, Joe Depasquale and Duncan Azzopardi.

For more information please visit www.sportmalta.org.mt/ or contact For bookings please email info@madc.com.mt

info@maltaculture.com. For bookings please email info@madc.com.mt

Maritime Senglea International Festival Senglea 11th - 14th September The fourth edition of this maritime festival is a celebration of cultural expression which brings people together through diversity, cultural traditions and history. Local and foreign craftspeople, chefs, dancers, musicians and artists present an array of techniques, styles, tastes, tools and materials in their respective art forms, many of which are centuries old. Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of the city of Senglea, or L-isla as it is know in Maltese, with its unique land and seascapes playing the perfect host.

Visit www.maritimesenglea.com for the full programme of events.

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Events

Forty Days of Rain Band Launch Rookies Bar, Bugibba 13th September Forty Days of Rain are a new alternative rock band, which formed in early January 2014. The band will release their debut single ‘Strings Left to Fray’ as part of their set including 10 original numbers. This alternative rock band is influenced by Foo Fighters, Nickleback and Daughtry.

Rock out with Brendan Jackson (lead vocals/guitar), Matthew Camillieri (drums), Patrick Harvey (guitar/backing vocals) and Jonathan Magri (bass/backing vocals) and enjoy Maltese talent with free entrance.

The LOL Stand-Up Comedy Show Dolmen Hotel, Bugibba 20th - 21st September The LOL Production Team brings you the 22nd Edition of The LOL Stand-UP Comedy show with three hilarious comedians from London’s Comedy Circuit taking to the stage. Pete Johansson, Lloyd Langford and Gordon Southern will have the audience in stitches from beginning to end.

If you’re up for an evening of exciting, live, witty and fast entertainment from some of the best names in the business, this event is for you.

Tickets start at €12 for gallery seating, while Inner Circle seats are set at €20 and include waiter service and cabaret seating around the stage.

For tickets and more information on the comedians please visit www.laughoutloud.com.mt

In Guardia & Alarme Re-Enactment St John’s Cavalier Birgu 21st & 28th September A perfect reason to add the old town of Birgu to your travel agenda, the In Guardia Parade is the re-enactment of an authentic military drill that took place regularly inside important military fortifications across Malta and Gozo.

Go back in time to meet the infamous Knights of St. John and witness the 60-man garrison of Maltese soldiers and knights as they demonstrate a state of readiness in the event of a military threat to the Grand Bailiff in charge of military affairs. The event takes place outside the St. John’s Cavalier fort, which can be visited prior or following the re-enactment.

For more information please visit http://www.hrgm.org/

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EVENTS

Żejt iż-Żejtun, Olive Picking Festival Żejtun 27th & 28th September Żejt iż-Żejtun, celebrates the olive picking season and olive pressing for oil is organised by the Żejtun Local Council. This event brings together village folk and farmers on carts carrying the olive harvest for pressing, while parading along the streets of Żejtun. Drummers and flag bearers in medieval costumes, together with folk singers and dancers, will provide the traditional musical input in celebration of a bountiful harvest.

Join the festival and experience authentic folk dance, art and traditional village attire to celebrate colour, music, movement and, above all, the best in local Maltese cuisine with Maltese ftajjar dressed in freshly pressed olive oil for tasting.

For more information please visit www.zejtunlocalcouncil. com/#!zejtiz-zejtun/c22ck

Malta International Airshow Malta International Airport 27th & 28th September The Malta International Airshow has rightfully gained the reputation as one of Malta’ largest outdoor family events. Itt attracts many interesting aircraft including Spitfires, Tornados and Hurricanes. The European national display teams, such as the Red Arrows, Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori and the Spanish team Patruila Aguoila, fly to Malta from all over the world.

The Malta Aviation Society is honoured to have the P166C light transport aircraft, operated by I Fenicotteri (the Flamingos) Italian restoriation group, join in static display in this year’s edition.

Please visit www.maltaairshow.com for more information about this event.

Margaret Dygas #2 fatFunk Buskett Gardens 27th September The fatFunk Movement presents DJ Margaret Dygas for the second edition of their bi-monthly residency at the elite space for music, Panorama Bar. With a sound born in New York, ripened in London and refined in Berlin, Margaret Dygas is an artist whose sound possesses a true international resonance.

Dygas oozes a cool air while she rocks the decks.

If you’re looking for a techno treat, please call the ticket hotline on 9939 4455 or check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/ fatFunk/508876032551068?fref=ts

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Events

Résumé September 27th - October 18th Malta-based photographer Ritty Tacsum, will be exhibiting a new series of work at the Lily Agius Gallery, this coming autumn. The exhibition will feature some 30 limited edition photographs, which have either been created specifically for this show, or which are being exhibited for the very first time.

Titled Résumé, this exhibition is a cross-section of Ritty’s oeuvre insofar. Curated by Lisa Gwen, the collection will thus feature the young photographer’s iconic architectural landscapes, haunting multiple exposures, deceptively simple patterned compositions and androgynous figures.

For more information, visit: www.lilyagiusgallery.com

What's on in October...

Voices Mediterranean Conference Centre 1st - 12th October The first two weeks in October marks the 13th edition of the biennial musical concert, VOICES. Over 200 choir singers and musicians voluntarily team up to hold a concert in aid of charity. This has become a bookmarked musical event as the Voices choir has a vast repertoire of renowned songs from different musical epochs.

VOICES is a completely non-profit organisation and its concerts serve to raise money for charitable and worthy causes raising over one-and-a-half-million Euro in contributions donated to causes like the Hospice Movement, Cash for Cancer, YMCA, UNHCR (Malta) and others.

Tickets enquiries may be made at info@voices.org.mt

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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. Julian's 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 colourful 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

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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, while we are also happy to work with you to customise 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 unique, practical and decorative handmade glassware, including a large selection from the brand new Textured Range including jugs and tumblers (pictured here), vases, lanterns, chandeliers, drink dispensers, scented candleholders and more. For more info tel: +356 2141 5786. You can also shop at any of the 7 outlets throughout Malta and Gozo, or 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. This small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island.

This small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island 77

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, and led Geralomo Cassar; 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 pièce de résistance’ 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.

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

Casa Rocca Piccola This small palazzo, built in 1580, is 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 the 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, as well as over to Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara.

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

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.

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.

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Sacra Infermeria Valletta’s Sacra Infermeria, built in 1574, was the best-equipped hospital of the Order. In its day, it was 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.

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 as 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.

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).

The Lascaris War Rooms The Lascaris War Rooms are Malta’s best kept secret from WW2 in being the British combined War Headquarters from where both the defence of Malta and attack on Axis controlled Europe were conducted. The LWR consist of a massive underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers which housed different operation rooms and supporting facilities. They are located just under the Upper Barracca Gardens. They can be accessed from Battery Street, Valletta or from the Valletta Bus Station into St. James Ditch following directional signs. Open: Mon to Sun 10am – 5pm.

Guided tours in English, film shows and audioguides available in 12 different languages. www.lascariswarrooms.com

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, and is 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 Saluting Battery is Malta’s 500 year-old ceremonial platform from where gun salutes are fired to greet visiting dignitaries and ships and from where the passage of noon is signalled everyday by gun fire. An evening gun is also fired at 16.00hrs daily. The battery can be reached through the Upper Barracca Gardens or Battery Street in Valletta. Open: Mon to Sun 10am – 5pm. Guided tours in English throughout the day. Audio-guides available in 12 different languages. www.salutingbattery.com 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 and 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. There are 19 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 spaces, 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 79

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.

01

02

Fort Rinella Kalkara [2]

room and the prison complex, as well as a

when, against all odds, it managed to repel a

Fort Rinella is a late-19th century British coastal

permanent exhibition on the impact of the

formidable Ottoman army.

fort still armed with its monstrous Armstrong

Inquisition on Maltese society.

The Malta at War Museum Vittoriosa [1]

100-ton gun. Using a quarter of a ton of gun powder, this gun fired a one-ton shell up to a

Maritime Museum Vittoriosa

The Malta at War Museum combines a modern

distance of 8 miles to pierce nothing less than

The museum is housed in the former British na­val

museum dedicated to Malta second siege

65cm of iron armour. This fort is today Malta’s

bakery, built in 1842 over the site of a slipway

in World War Two and a visit into a massive

only live-museum where history is recreated

where the Order of St John repaired their war

underground air raid shelter located under

daily through different historical re-enactment

galleys. On show are exhibits of expertly-made

the same museum. This museum is located

and living-history displays. These include

model ships, paintings, nautical instruments,

just a short walk away from the Vittoriosa bus

live-firing of cannon and musketry and cavalry

weapons and traditional Maltese boats.

shelter. Access is from Couvre Porte Gate or Sir Paul Boffa Street. Open: Tue to Sun 10am

displays. Open: Tue to Sun 10am to 5pm. Guided tours, film shows; interactive displays, historical

Fort St Angelo Vittoriosa

to 5pm. Guided tours, film shows, interactive

re-enactments and audio-guides in twelve

Fort St Angelo is the jewel in the crown

media, audio-guides in 12 different languages.

languages. www.fortrinella.com

of Malta’s military heritage. According to

www.maltaatwarmuseum.com

tradition, it stands on the site of a fortified

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Inquisitor’s Palace Vittoriosa

Roman settlement. In medieval times, the

Safe Haven Gardens Senglea

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

fort was occupied by the Aragonese and the

Safe Haven Gardens are at the tip of the

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

Angevins. In 1530, when the Knights arrived

peninsula of Senglea. From here one can enjoy

architectural gem is now home to the museum of

on the islands, the fort became the seat of

wonder­f ul views of Valletta and the Grand

Ethnography. Careful historical reconstructions

the Grand Master of the Order. It was to play

Harbour. The watchtower in the gardens is

of the palace display areas such as the tribunal

a heroic role in the Great Siege of 1565,

known as the Gardjola.

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 present proportions, perhaps for better defensibility. It was 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 moon chip 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, the site of this building housed 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 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, with 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. The Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, operated

by Infinitely Xara, features a programme of various collections held by Mdina Cathedral Museum

the Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, offering an outstanding setting to

Originally a seminary, the museum is now one of the most outstanding

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

religious museums in Europe. A small chapel is found on the second floor

with panoramic views over Malta, also includes the Xpresso Cafe by

exhibiting church vestments. It also exhibits an impressive cross-section

Infinitely Xara, which works with local producers to provide visitors with

of sacred art, famous paintings, a coin collection, Roman antiquities and

local dishes.

original documents from the time of the Inquisition.

Cathedral of St Paul Palazzo Gatto Murina

The skyline of Mdina, with its Baroque cathedral, bastions and

Palazzo Gatto Murina, one of the earliest ‘Siculo-Norman’ structures

palaces, is an imposing landmark visible throughout central Malta. The

(built between 1100 and 1530), was erected during the latter part of

Cathedral is the archi­t ectural heart of this elegant, walled city, and lies

the 14th century. An audiovisual show 'Tales of the Silent City' is housed

on the site of a much-earlier Norman church destroyed by a violent

inside the Palazzo.

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. The St Paul’s Catacombs is 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 10.00 to 16.00hrs. 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 them the Prime Minister Sir Gerald Strickland, the only Maltese politician to have been a member of the British 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 it by the number of dominators and events that touched the Maltese Islands during the last 7,000 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 3,000 - the entire population of Xewkija.

Gharb Folklore Musuem Gharb This privately-owned museum in the village’s main square depicts authentic 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 over 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 traditional Maltese 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 traditional continental and Maltese 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 exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalising dishes, the ‘award winning’ Kitchen Brigade have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele. Group lunches are available on request. 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 see 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 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 Wednesdays.

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 (5) local starters; (5) main courses; dessert & coffee. for €20.00. There's 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 the best Maltese wines are available ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema T: 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 you could opt for succulent poultry and fresh fish – the menu is not only versatile but portions are generous. The Avenue started off 20 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and 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. Julian's, 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 you can enjoy an ice cold pint of GUINESS on the terrace. The first floor is a cosy wine bar popular for organised parties and you can enjoy a tasty cocktail or a genuine glass of wine on 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 usually located 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

Air Malta Launches Micro Site to Celebrate its 40th Anniversary Air Malta has launched a micro site featuring the major highlights of its 40 year history since starting flying operations on the 1st April 1974.

The micro site lists the national airline’s milestones through an interactive timeline split over the four decades. It also features a video clip with rare footage of major events.

Other features include interesting infographics of records achieved by Air Malta, like the number of passengers that flew with the airline, the amount of luggage carried, tonnage of food, pets carried and distances covered. The airline has offered its services to over 49 million passengers, and this year it will be proudly flying its 50 millionth passenger.

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“We are proud to launch this micro site which commemorates our 40th anniversary and tells the story of the airline. Air Malta boasts 40 years of service and looks forward to keep offering quality service to all those who choose to fly with the airline of the Maltese Islands,� said Philip Saunders, Chief Commercial Officer.

This launch follows the arrival of an aircraft which Air Malta repainted in its original livery to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The site is accessible on www.airmalta.com/40.

air malta news

Air Malta’s Sales Blitz Champion Award 2013 A number of Air Malta staff were given the unique opportunity of travelling to various countries to promote the airline and the Maltese Islands across various foreign travel agencies and tour operators. The initiative, entitled Sales Blitz, is held in conjunction with the Malta Tourism Authority.

€600,000 of which is new business for 2013,” continued Mr Saunders.

“The Sales Blitzes offer a fantastic avenue for growth and development, both for the brand and the airline’s staff. The personal contact of employees with prospective clients makes the exchange far more memorable and valuable, providing a holistic experience,” commented Philip Saunders, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer.

The trips, which take place over a span of five days, consist of approximately 20 meetings with potential new business clients (tour operators and agencies) in more than 10 countries all over Europe, including the UK, Italy, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands. Prior to

Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer congratulated the two Air Malta team members on their success at representing Malta and the country’s national airline as brand ambassadors.

embarking on this experience, those selected to represent Air Malta were trained on sales techniques.

This job rotation initiative assists the improvement of overall organisational performance levels, as skills which may be maximised are defined and developed to stimulate sales. It simultaneously generates a more holistic airline perspective through this new work opportunity.

The project is led by Daniela Mtanos together with Charles Cilia, Head of Sales and Regions.

Staff volunteers, assisted by the airline’s representatives in the particular country, were given the chance to meet with travel agents and discuss the attractive opportunities Malta offers as a destination. The team discusses details of Air Malta’s flight schedule, prices and products with the aim of developing new business opportunities.

During a short presentation held at the airline’s commercial department, the Greek team, led by Kostas Moschidis and assisted by cabin crew Vanessa Buhagiar, was awarded the ‘Sales Blitzes Champion 2013’. They team scored the largest amount of bookings on new business development in foreign countries.

“Together, Mr Moschidis and Ms Buhagiar sold more than a thousand airline seats, which is quite impressive. Overall, this year’s Sales Blitz sold more than 10,000 seats, generating a total of approximately €1.2 million after a six month snapshot,

Picture shows Mr Philip Saunders, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer, presenting cabin crew member Vanessa Buhagiar with the Air Malta Sales Blitz Champion Award 2013.

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air malta news

Air Malta and Etihad Airways Provide Travellers with Increased Connections Through Enhanced Code-Share Partnership

Air Malta and Etihad Airways have expanded their code-share agreement to provide travellers with improved connections between Europe, the GCC region and Australia.

The two airlines extended their partnership to coincide with the launch of Etihad Airways’ service between Abu Dhabi and Rome. Air Malta is placing its ‘KM’ code and flight number on the new route, while Etihad Airways is placing its ‘EY’ code and flight number of Air Malta’s non-stop service between Rome and Malta.

In addition, Air Malta’s code and flight number is being placed on Etihad Airways’ services from Abu Dhabi to

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Australia for the first time, covering the UAE carrier’s existing flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Perth.

The expanded agreement follows the success of Air Malta’s existing code-share on Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, Brussels and Manchester.

Commenting on this development, Air Malta’s Chief Executive Louis Giordimaina said: “We are very pleased to enhance our cooperation with Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most important airlines in the Middle East. Both airlines share a firm commitment towards superior service and

customer satisfaction, and this agreement will benefit the sizable Maltese community living in Australia as it will facilitate travel and connectivity between the Maltese Islands and the Australian continent.”

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of Etihad Airways’ flights to Rome and Perth has created an exciting opportunity to build upon the success of our code-share agreement with Air Malta. The two airlines have been code-share partners since 2010 and, through our expanded cooperation, business and leisure travellers will benefit from improved connections to key destinations around the world.”

air malta news

Air Malta Staff Donate €930 to Malta Hospice’s Sunflower Campaign Air Malta employees raised €930 for Malta Hospice’s Sunflower ‘Growing Kit’ campaign, which seeks to encourage schoolchildren to grow their own sunflowers.

The sunflower campaign forms part of the Crossover project in which Air Malta was one of the five contributing organisations. The aim of the campaign was to spread awareness amongst school children and for this purpose Hospice has, for this year, worked together with the Maria Regina College within the Education Department.

The campaign presented attractively-coloured paper boxes containing sunflower seeds and a set of instructions on how best to grow them. The aim is to teach children to care for one another in order to support life.

“We are extremely encouraged by the response we received from the growing kit campaign,” said Kenneth Delia, General Manager Hospice Malta. “The sunflowers were then collected by each school and planted in a public location.”

The seeds of the sunflower, which has long been synonymous with Hospice, symbolise patients in need surrounded by the individuals who care for them during difficult moments.

Hospice Malta, which this year celebrated its 25 years since its foundation, provides free of charge palliative care services to people suffering from cancer, motor neurone disease and other end-of-life illnesses.

“We thought it was an extremely creative initiative and we’re very proud that everyone on the Air Malta team was willing to contribute,” said Air Malta’s Chief Executive Louis Giordimaina.

For more information about the work of Hospice Malta and how one can get involved see this video: http://vimeo.com/90319586

Air Malta (www.airmalta.com) is Malta’s national airline and takes pride in supporting local initiatives which contribute to the community.

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air malta news

Air Malta Soars to 80,000 Likes on Facebook

Air Malta (www.airmalta.com) has soared to 80,000 Likes on Facebook, retaining its standing as one of the most popular Maltese brands on social media.

and competitions that celebrate the airline’s passion for travel, particularly in Malta and its many other destinations.

“Facebook allows us to share our love for Malta and our other destinations with customers all over the world.

We’re proud to have a very engaged audience that keeps growing every month,” said Air Malta's Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders.

Air Malta’s followers also contribute regularly, sharing their experiences with the page www.facebook.com/airmalta with constant feedback about Air Malta flights and services.

“Just two months ago we were celebrating our 70,000 milestone, so this new record is particularly encouraging.”

Air Malta’s Facebook page is regularly updated with videos, images, blog posts

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Over the past three months, Air Malta has offered its Facebook followers 25% off scheduled flights around Europe to celebrate its 40th anniversary and ran a prediction competition surrounding the football season, which gave all participants the chance to win discounts and free flights.

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 Devices. 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 Horatia Borg Employee Services Specialist

who are the sunshine of my life. In my free time I enjoy taking them out to places where they can play and interact with other children their age. Seeing a smile on their faces is the best satisfaction in my life.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

North Italy – My husband and I used to love to indulge in gastronomy tours with friends in Italy. Every chance we had we used to fly out and spoil ourselves with ‘Cotoletta Milanese’ accompanied by a glass of Chianti.

However since the twins came along we prefer going on holidays where they can have fun. Earlier this year we went to Disneyland and now they’re already asking me which destination we’re going to visit next!

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

I have been working with Air Malta for the past two years as Employee Services Specialist within the Human Resources Department. My main responsibilities are recruitment and selection.

What is the best thing about your job?

People. In my job I meet a lot of people from different walks of life.

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responsible for. This also makes me appreciate the dedication each and every team member at Air Malta puts into his/ her job.

Three words that describe your job?

Dynamic and challenging yet confidentiality is of utmost importance.

Being a recruiter I need to be able to understand which skills the ideal candidate should have. In doing so I have the opportunity to gain an insight of the airline’s various departments and their staff.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

The challenge is finding the right people and guiding them to a job where they can shine best. Once I read this phrase which I feel is very relevant to my job: "If you pick the right people and give them the opportunity to spread their wings you almost don't need to manage them."

Learning about the various roles of the people working at Air Malta helps me get familiar with the tasks they are

Do you have any hobbies?

I lead a very hectic lifestyle since I am a full time working mother of two 4 year old boys

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

I would recommend to visit off-the-beatentrack locations and explore the quaint rural villages.

Go into a bar, sit down with the locals and enjoy free nibbles over a glass of local beer while listening to traditional Maltese folk music (Ghana) being sung spontaneously.

Malta is renowned for its delicious dishes such as rabbit stew, roast potatoes and widow’s soup which are a must have when visiting our shores.

In my opinion Malta is a gem which has a lot to offer despite its small size.Many tourists fall in love with the islands and its people and visit the islands over and over again.

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 including 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!

103

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 2 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 Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney Arlanda Berlin Bremen Catania Dresden Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hannover Munich New York (Newark) Oslo

104

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 Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi 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

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

via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Emirates 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

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