Il-Bizzilla, March 2023

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

# 12 3 M A RC H 2 02 3

30 Meet The Women of George Cross Island.

34 Crafts you can learn in Malta.

56 Read about wild orchids.

contents 8

46

56

34

ON YOUR CRAFTS, GET SET, GO!

8 SWEET SENGLEA Eric Tenin, takes us on a local’s journey around one of the ‘Three Cities’, the village of Senglea.

12

SIX TOP SIGHTS We share 6 spots we think you should see in Senglea.

14 AIR MALTA DESTINATION: NAPLES Lalla Usai takes us around her favourite parts of every day Naples.

22 PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST AI art by Selina Scerri is explored by Christine Xuereb Seidu.

26 ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS Some instgrammable worthy things to see and seasonal foods to try this month.

30

WARTIME WOMEN Kim Dalli shares the story of recreating the fascinating Women of George Cross Island TV show.

The Malta Society of Arts showcases crafts we can get involved in.

38

PASSION PROJECT The Burlesque Academy Malta is open to educate, liberate and entertain!

44

YOUNG, GIFTED AND BACK Meet Maya Mifsud, and see inside her beautiful shop, DoubleM.

46

GET HIGH! Fasten your safety belt! Deirdre Farrugia takes us climbing.

52 DRESSED IN TIME Read the detail in a historic dress and see it for yourself at Palazzo Falson.

54 MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH Maltese music star Hannah Pisani, talks about her tunes.

56

60

ARTISAN OF THE MONTH Nadya Anne Mangion takes a lump of clay and makes pretty pots. Read how.

64

WE WHET YOUR APPETITE Restaurant round-up and our monthly seasonal recipe.

69 AIR MALTA NEWS

A round-up of this month’s events and news.

77 DESTINATION INFORMATION See our route map with new destinations.

79 FLIGHT AND COMPANY INFORMATION All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

80

ORCHID ODYSSEY

ELECTRONIC DEVICE INFORMATION

Look down, there are orchids all around; a new book celebrates the varieties in Malta.

Information with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage on board.

ON THE COVER

Making lace at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta.

Courses on various crafts are available. Find out more on page 34.

MEET THE TE AM EDITORIAL AND DESIGN TBWA\ANG

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Malta Society of Arts

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Monique Chambers

PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Hsu Andrew Borg Carbott Eric Tenin Federico Carnevali Heritage Malta Kiwi Publishers Lisett Kruusimae Malta Society of Arts MC Adventure Melvin Farrugia Bonett Sharp Shoot Media Tom German Tuomas Lairila Visit Gozo

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TBWA\ANG CONTRIBUTORS Air Malta Christine Cassar Christine X Deirdre Farrugia Eric Tenin Finesse Group Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti Kim Dalli Lallia Usai Lauren John Monique Chambers Rita Diacono Thames Parnell Venus Chircop Visit Gozo

ILLUSTRATOR Bryan Wolfgang Reiter

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON IL-BIZZILLA?

For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with TBWA\ANG on sales@il-bizzilla.com or (+356) 2131 0608. For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Monique on editor@il-bizzilla.com

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher. Editorial features and opinions expressed in il-Bizzilla do not necessarily reflect the views of Air Malta, the publisher, or the editorial team. Both Air Malta and the Publisher do not accept responsibility for commercial and advertising content. Although the authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct before going to print, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta, Shutterstock and ViewingMalta.com for the provision of photographic material. Printed in Malta

by VelPrint Ltd. All magazine rights are reserved by Air Malta PLC.

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

FIFTY NINE REPUBLIC

St George’s Square, Valletta T: +356 79264613 fiftyninerepublic.com

@59republic

W ELC OM E

FROM THE CHAIRPERSON...

FRO M THE ED ITO R...

Merħba,

Dear travellers, We decided to take a new route with this edition of Il-Bizzilla. In celebration of Women’s Day on March 8th, we have dedicated this issue to the women of Malta.

A warm welcome on-board to all our passengers.

As the appetite for global travel continues to grow, our summer schedule commences on 26th March with an expansion of routes, now serving 23 destinations in Europe, UK and the Middle East.

Archaeological evidence shows that the first women may have arrived as early as the Neolithic period and were mainly farmers and potters who helped support their communities. Through history, Maltese women played many important roles through the Great Siege and WWII.

I am excited to announce that this month, Air Malta is expecting the arrival of a new Airbus A320Neo. This new aircraft will continue Air Malta’s upgrade to an improved energy efficient fleet which reduces fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise footprint, all important measures to minimise the effects of human induced climate change. By mid-2024, we will complete our transition to a unified fleet of eight Airbus A320Neo’s of a two-cabin configuration, offering you premium and economy sections.

Today, they and international settlers, are making their mark in all walks of life and we invite you to meet a few between these pages; artist Selina Xerri is interviewed by the owner and curator of Christine X Gallery, Thames Parnell meets Undine LaVerve, headmistress at the Burlesque Academy of Malta, we introduce you to a collection of female artisans who teach crafts at the Malta Society of Arts and actor Kim Dalli, who was instrumental in recreating the story of the Women of George Cross Island for a TV series and we showcase a handful of women who run NGOs and entrepreneurs who support other women through their businesses.

To meet customer demand, we are increasing the number of flights by an average 20% per week across the April to October 2023 period, and for the peak Summer months we have scheduled up to 157 flights per week into Malta. Apart from increasing the frequency of flights to our already popular destinations, we are thrilled to be introducing five new routes to Lisbon, Naples, Nice, Palermo, and Tel Aviv.

We also have our regular features; Eric Tenin tells us how and why he fell in love with local town Senglea, having lived in Paris and Nice, and frequent long-term visitor to Malta, Lalla Usai, takes us around her beloved Naples. Resident sportswriter and Olympian, Deirdre Farrugia, takes us higher with a climbing adventure and legendary cook and Netflix star Rita Diacono, shares one of her recipes from her latest cookbook. Taking it full circle, we meet potter Nadya Anne Mangion, who teaches her skill too.

Air Malta Summer bookings are already showing a strong growth trajectory thanks to all the hard-working and dedicated people across our company. With the 8th of March marking International Women’s Day, I extend a special mention to all the women who contribute daily to the success of our airline.

Value and comfort are at the centre of our commitment to you, and we strive to be your natural choice of airline to and from the Maltese Islands.

We hope this issue entertains, informs and inspires you and that some of these stories become memories of your trip.

For more information about Air Malta and our flight schedules, please visit www.airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/AirMalta and join our newsletter mailing list to receive offers directly into your inbox. Every few weeks we come out with exciting promotional offers and you would need to be registered to our newsletter to be able to get notice of our promotions.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!

I hope you have a great flight!

David G Curmi

Monique Chambers

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, AIR MALTA

EDITOR

4

123, St. George’s Road, St. Julian’s, Malta

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D E S T I NAT I ON

WORDS ERIC TENIN

SW EET SENGLEA

ACROSS FROM THE GRAND HARBOUR SITS VITTORIOSA, COSPICUA AND SENGLEA, KNOWN AS THE THREE CITIES, THE MOST HISTORICAL FOOTPRINT OF THE KNIGHT’S PRESENCE IN MALTA. EX PARISIAN, ERIC TENIN, CHOSE TO SETTLE DOWN IN SENGLEA AND HERE, HE TELLS US WHY. The first time I entered Senglea, I knew it was going to be a

intricate carvings, Maltese balconies (gallariji), arches and buildings

memorable experience. It’s like I had made a jump back in time

of many eras. It’s hard to believe that Senglea, (it was called Isla

to the “real” Malta! The architecture, the little shops, the ornate

at that time, a name that is still in use nowadays), was once the

churches, the narrow streets and steps - everything takes you back

hunting land of the first Knights of Malta. In fact, Senglea owes its

several hundred years. There’s a story on every corner and the

name to Grand Master Claude de La Sengle, a French Knight of the

locals are happy to tell you more. In 2015, when I moved here, a lot

order of St John, who turned it into a fortified city in the mid-16th

of Maltese didn’t really understand why a Parisian would choose

century to protect it against its enemies.

Senglea as a place to settle down in Malta. The area had the reputation as being “rough”, totally run down and not very pleasant

For there is beauty and history among these walls, there is also a

to live in. I was a bit hesitant from what I had heard, however when

lot of suffering. Located by the sea and opposite to Birgu, Senglea

I discovered it was one of the rare areas in Malta that felt like it still

was exposed to all sorts of assaults. First the Ottomans during the

had its soul, I didn’t think twice.

Great Siege in 1565 (La Sengle was right to fortify it!), then against the French, when Napoleon conquered Malta in 1798, and more recently,

Of course, don’t expect to find a block of shiny brand new flats with

during World War II. Photos of Senglea after the war are impressive.

square walls and direct parking access from inside the building.

This does not exist in Senglea, and that is precisely what helps keep

On a happier note, what I like first about Senglea is that it offers a

its charm. Here, all you’ll find are palazzi, houses adorned with

unique view of Valletta, the Grand Harbour and Fort San Angelo;

8

D E S T I NAT I ON

View of Senglea from Birgu

9

D E S T I NAT I ON

The 'Gardjola'

www.sengleasuites.com

a skyline you can never be tired of, especially when the setting sun

so devout on the 8th of September. In Senglea this is the feast of

bathes the stone with its orange light. If you want front seats, all

Maria Bambina which also falls on the national Victory Day holiday,

you need to do is go to the tip of the peninsula, where the Gardjola

which marks the end of the two sieges in Malta.

Gardens and its famous watchtower (il-gardjola), is located, and admire the scenery. It’s also the best spot to watch some of the

Being near the sea, Senglea also has a wonderful waterfront. Here

major events that take place in the Grand Harbour that I enjoy

amongst the luzzu traditional fishing boats and their dedicated

every year: the always mind-blowing International Fireworks

owners, you can take a stroll and enjoy a drink or a local meal

Festival, the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Pageant of the Seas.

among the locals. You may also want to “hail” a traditional taxi

But my favorite event is undoubtedly the bi-annual “Regatta” where

boat known as a dgħajsa tal-pass for a harbour tour or simply to

rowers of several coastal cities fight for “the Shield”. You have to

go to Valletta.

experience the crowd cheering for their favorite team at least once!

If you want to explore and understand what the “real Malta” is like, Of course, like many cities and towns in Malta, Senglea has an

definitely put Senglea and The Three Cities on your list of places to visit.

important religious “feast” that brings out both the devout and not

You’ll certainly enjoy one of the crown jewels of Maltese heritage.

ERIC AND MICHAEL’S MOVE TO MALTA

In 2015, after making the decision to escape the big city lifestyle, my partner Michael and I decided to leave Paris and move to Malta. We tried several places around the world, but Malta was the only one that ticked all the boxes in our minds – safe, sunny almost every day, near the sea, English speaking, and most of all, friendly people.

We came for a couple of house hunting visits but didn’t say, “Wow!” immediately until we discovered Senglea and the Three Cities. The people were welcoming right away, the properties we saw had much more charm than other parts of the island and having the sea on our doorstep made a huge difference.

We quickly discovered a local Facebook group, Friends of Cottonera, which is made up of locals and expats alike.

We began to get quite active in events that were being held and made a lot of friends very quickly. Michael engaged his business strategy experience by joining a local NGO, Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), and we used our previous short term rental property experience to open a couple of holiday properties that turned out to be quite successful. We later stumbled upon a derelict property and our architect talked us into turning it into a small boutique hotel. It took several years of red tape and renovation works, but we opened Senglea Suites in April 2022 with grand success.

We continue to love our life here and are convinced we made the right choice. When we’ve had down days, we’ve tried to think of a place that would make us as happy...but we are still here! www.sengleasuites.com

10

LOCAL

WITH SO MANY CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES ON OUR LITTLE ISLANDS, IT’S HARD TO DECIDE WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE TO GO. WE HIGHLIGHT A DIFFERENT LOCAL LOCATION EVERY MONTH, AND THIS MONTH, IT'S SENGLEA, ONE OF THE THREE CITIES.

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LOCAL

SIX TOP SIGHTS

WAR SHELTER

BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF VICTORIES

TYPICAL STREET IN SENGLEA

The Basilica is thought to have been built in 1580 to commemorate the Great Siege of 1565. The layers of history that make up the paintings in the dome of Our Lady of Victories are many. Marvel at their ethereal beauty!

The best way to spend a day in Senglea and the Three Cities, is to go without a plan and wander the streets where you will be immersed in the authentic, daily lives of residents, and discover small galleries and shops.

GARDJOLA

ST MICHAEL’S CAVE

VIEW FROM THE SEA

Located in a garden at the very tip of the Senglea promontory, the Gardjola is an iconic symbol of Malta. Take a wander and be rewarded with the views of the Grand Harbour and Valletta; vibrant at any time of day or night.

Legend has it that a cursed mermaid took refuge in the cave and sang to lure fishermen; if she was kissed, she would turn to stone. You have to visit for yourself to see if she, or a stone version remains. In later years, the cave was the entrance to war shelters.

The best way to get to Senglea has to be by boat; small craft and water taxis as well as ferries serve the area. As you approach, the sheer scale of the bastions is apparent.

Cafes and eateries are ready to welcome you.

During the war, shelters were hewn out of the bastions. Families lived in them during bombardments. Today, you can see the doorways to this time in history closed up.

To see what it was like in a shelter, you can visit the Malta at War Museum in Birgu.

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T R AV E L

WORDS LALLA USAI

U N E XPEC TED N A PLES

PERHAPS THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER NAPLES IS TO MINGLE AMONGST THE LOCALS WITHIN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES. STROLL THE STREETS, ADMIRE THE SURROUNDINGS AND ENJOY THE PLENTIFUL STREET FOOD OPTIONS, WHICH IS A CULTURE OF ITS OWN. There are at least 200 steps within the city, for you to climb and

Center. There you will find graffiti and murals done by Jorit,

reach the many breathtaking and hidden views. If you are willing to

Bansky and many others.

put stereotypes aside, you will discover that the city itself is unique,

• The neighbourhood of Rione Sanità embodies the tradition

vibrant, romantic, yet always with something different to offer.

and history of Naples more than any other in the city, and it is experiencing a cultural rebirth like no other. Some sites not

ACTIVITIES IN THE CITY

to be missed are the Palazzo dello Spagnolo, the Catacombs

• Explore for yourself the underground beneath Naples at the

of San Gaudioso and San Gennaro, the Church of Saint Maria

Lapis Museum within the Complesso della Pietrasanta.

and the Veiled Son of Jago.

• Visit the unique churches of the 14th century Donnaregina

• If you’d like to go kayaking or canoeing along the coast, best

Vecchia and the 17th century Donnaregina Nuova (housing

to visit Posillipo. From there you’ll explore the Roman ruins and

the works of Giordano, Solimena, and Vaccaro) or the hidden

the protected marine area of Gaiola with ease.

San Giovanni a Carbonara.

• Climb along the 440 steps of the Pedamentina connecting the

SHOPPING

historic center to the Belvedere di San Martino, to appreciate

• The central shopping street Via Toledo and the hilly Vomero

a new perspective of the city.

district offer endless possibilities for all tastes and budgets.

• Take a tour of the Galleria Borbonica and discover the ancient tanks

Meanwhile, the area between Via dei Mille and Via Calabritto

and air-raid shelters, featuring a tunnel dug by King Ferdinand II.

is a destination for those seeking higher end brands.

• The search for the unique pieces stops in the Historic Center,

SOME ADVICE ON WHERE TO GO

where you’ll find an interesting choice of ecclectic shops. The

• If you are in search of street art, go to the Alleys of the Old

vintage shops house unique treasures at reasonable prices.

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T R AV E L

Naples landscape from the Posillipo hill

15

T TR R AV AVE EL L

The famous sfogliatellla riccia

Vintage shop in via Mezzocannone

Rione Sanità

• Artisan shops in the Historic district worth noting are those

that "reinvents" Neapolitan flavors with Spanish contaminations

near San Biagio dei Librai and Basilica of San Domenico. Here

• At the Luminist Caffè & Bistrot, inside the Galleria d'Italia

you can find handmade hats (Artigiano Freak), handcrafted

on Via Toledo traditional ‘comfort food’ is presented in a

leather bags, accessories.

contemporary and accessible way, with the chef not too

• When you’re waiting to see the Veiled Christ at the nearby

far away.

San Severo Chapel, duck into the Gallery Art Shop for

• Discover a modern interpretation of pizza with quality

artistic artifacts.

seasonal ingredients at The Albero dei Visconti in History Centre. You also have Isabella De Cham at Rione Sanità

WHERE TO EAT

offering a light and delicious fried pizza, filled with quality

Eating poorly in Naples is difficult when the offer is this wide

ingredients and unusual combinations.

and varied. From the classic street food delicious anywhere you

• For a sneaky aperitif, enjoy places such as the Botanical Barrio

go, to the newer gastronomic concepts, Naples is a dream for

at Palazzo Fondi, as well as the Archivio Storico in Vomero, set

all foodies.

in an atmosphere of history and contemporary art, alongside

• At Pino Napoli in the Chiaia district you can taste traditional

a rich menu.

dishes in an elegant and sophisticated environment,

• When it comes to pastry shops, the choice is endless. Ciro's

welcoming you into the garden illuminated by fireflies.

staple to Poppella's Fiocchi di neve, from Mignone's puff pastry

• Essencia Restaurant (Largo S. Maria La Nova), a refined place

to Capparelli's babà, the city is a paradise for gourmands.

Air Malta operates regular flights to Naples.

More information on www.airmalta.com

16

“Fancy a McDonald’s?” #RaiseYourArches

Find us at the Malta International Airport

GOZO

18

OEZ X OT H E R E I N S E R TG T

WORDS VISITGOZO / MINISTRY FOR GOZO

A TOUR OF VICTORIA WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN RABAT GOZO GOZO’S BEEN DUBBED AS THE REWARDING EXTRA MILE. THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION BECAUSE THIS LITTLE ISLAND OFF MAINLAND MALTA OFFERS A MOSAIC OF RICH EXPERIENCES, AMAZING VIEWS AND HISTORIC PLACES INTERWOVEN WITH CULTURE. EVEN A VISIT TO THE CAPITAL OF GOZO, RABAT OR VICTORIA WILL CONFIRM THIS. Victoria, named in honour of the famous British

to splendour. The smaller yet evocative

what the city looked like in times gone by.

Queen's Golden Jubilee in 1887 is the island’s

churches of Savina and St James' Church

Admire the vernacular architecture, look out

hub or mecca that should be visited by all.

too have their own interesting story. Apart

for the devotional niches and you are bound

Here’s a list of what to do and see in Victoria

from these churches, Victoria is also home

to stumble on the artists’ district of the city

that will fill more than a whole day of touring.

to different religious orders - the Conventual

of Victoria. While you’re exploring these old

Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Church

quarters in Victoria you might smell the

SQUARES AND PIAZZAS

of St Augustine and the annexed priory,

whiff of freshly baked bread, in which case

There is no doubt that the squares in

the church of Our Lady of Pompei which is

it is suggested that you follow the scent

Victoria are at the centre of daily life for

next door to the convent of the Dominican

as you’ll end up at a bakery that is literally

locals and visitors alike. Brimming with the

sisters, the Franciscan nuns' convent and

tucked away in one of the alleys.

life of the shops, cafés and bars, the piazzas

their church in Palm Street. The church

or squares are an ideal place to stop and

dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, located on

THEATRES

enjoy a coffee or a drink or a quick bite. One

the main road to Marsalforn is the base of

If you’re looking for more interesting things

can say that each square is dominated by a

the Capuchins Friary.

to do in Victoria, make sure you note the

church. The conventual church of

two rival theatres located on the same main

St Francis, which celebrates the early winter

THE CITADEL

street, a stone’s throw away from each

feast of the Immaculate Conception in

One cannot visit Rabat in Gozo without

other. While the rivalry between the two

December overlooks St Francis’ Square while

taking a couple of hours to explore the

can be hot and fiery, there is no doubt that

St George’s Square is under the dominion of

Gran Castello or the Citadel. The Citadel,

the notable levels that La Stella and Leone

St George’s Basilica. Independence Square,

sitting like the crown jewel at the centre of

Societies have achieved in the musical and

known by the locals as It-Tokk, is presided

the island of Gozo, was an important part

opera spheres know their origins in the

over by St James’ Church on one side and

of the island’s defence when the corsairs

spurring and combative spirit that rages on

the Banca Giuratele on the other side. All

roamed the Mediterranean. Walk along

from generation to generation.

three squares are all within easy walking

the fortified bastions to admire the views,

distance from each other.

and visit the Cathedral, the grain silos, the

VILLA RUNDLE

war-time shelter and the several museums

For a dose of serenity and greenery, take a

CHURCHES AND BASILICAS

as explore you wander along narrow-

stroll through Gozo’s most prominent public

The number of churches in the old city of

cobbled streets.

garden. Villa Rundle Garden dates back

Victoria is no surprise. Gozo’s faith and

to colonial times and it was named after

religious traditions have ensured a good

THE OLD PART OF THE TOWN

the British General Sir Leslie Rundle. The

dose of worship places. Take time to visit

Make sure you take some time to visit the

garden is not only a recreational space, but

the baroque Basilica of St George where

old medieval part of the town, where the

also one where several activities are held

nothing has been spared to lift one’s gaze

narrow streets and alleys offer a peek into

throughout the year.

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GOZO

WORDS VISITGOZO / MINISTRY FOR GOZO

GOZO’S UNRIVALLED SPLENDIDNESS… FOR RUNNERS?

MOSTLY KNOWN FOR ITS PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES, HISTORICAL SITES, AND CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS, GOZO IS UNDOUBTEDLY A GEM IN THE CENTRE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN. WITH ITS PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE AND CHARMING VILLAGES, ADD TO THAT A DELICIOUS CUISINE AND A RELAXED WAY OF LIFE AND GOZO BECOMES A PERFECT GETAWAY FOR THOSE LOOKING TO ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE. This is probably the most common way

provides the perfect opportunity for runners

to organize the first virtual run to ever take

which Gozo is portrayed to foreigners. And

to test their abilities and take in the island's

place in the Maltese Islands. This went down

rightly so, as Gozo offers all this. However,

beautiful scenery. Gozo's mild climate also

well with our athletes and since things did

this island can offer much more, and

makes it a great destination for runners

not improve in 2021 (COVID-wise), another

this often goes unnoticed. For instance,

looking to escape the cold weather in the

virtual run was organized. In total, around

Gozo is a great destination for runners

winter. Whether you're a casual runner

1,000 athletes from more than 40 countries

looking to explore new places and meet

or a seasoned competitor, the Gozo Half

took place in both editions of these virtual

new people. The island offers a variety of

Marathon offers something for everyone, as

runs. For this work during the COVID-19

running routes, from scenic coastal paths

apart from our internationally-recognised

pandemic, the group was nominated for the

to challenging hilly climbs. Moreover, the

Half Marathon and 10K, we also offer

Niche Tourism Award during the Gozo Tourism

island's roads are relatively quiet, making it

several other races targeted at different

Awards, which were held in January 2023.

a great place to run without heavy loads of

strata of runners.

traffic. The island's hilly terrain also provides

Whether runners are looking for a scenic

a challenging workout for experienced

Fully organised by volunteers all hailing

route, a new place to explore on foot, or a

runners while also offering stunning views of

from the Gozo, this running event has gone

challenging course to test their limits, in

the Mediterranean.

from strength to strength in the past few

Gozo there's something out there for every

years with a peak attendance of more than

runner. The Gozo Half Marathon allows

To provide a bit of context, running is a very

1,500 athletes in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and

runners to see some of the most charming

popular sport in Malta and the sister island

being the first Maltese group to organize

spots in Gozo while getting in a workout.

can be attributed as pioneers in this line of

a Running EXPO which was held at the

Additionally, our historic event provides a

sporting heritage. The Gozo Half Marathon

majestic Ġgantija Temples, also in 2019.

great way to meet locals and learn about

is the oldest organized running event in the

what makes Gozo so special.

Maltese Islands, dating back to 1977. Initially

However, this momentum was paused

done as a community event in Xaghra, it

following the spread of the COVID-19

We hope that we will have the opportunity

has recently grown into one of the main and

pandemic. The 2020 event had to be

to welcome you to Gozo this April, and until

most-innovative running events in Malta. It

postponed and instead the team decided

then, keep on running!

20

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

Explore Malta and Gozo by Bus

Pay as you go with Explore Flex card starting from €6

www.publictransport.com.mt

Get your Explore Flex card from our ticket office in the Aiport Welcomers’ Hall

A RT

WORDS CHRISTINE XUEREB SEIDU

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST SELINA SCERRI

SELINA SCERRI DOESN’T NEED MUCH OF AN INTRODUCTION IN THE CONTEMPORARY MALTESE ART WORLD. KICKING OFF HER PROFESSIONAL CAREER WHEN SHE ENROLLED AT CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS IN LONDON IN 2002 AS A SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT, SHE IS A MULTIMEDIA ARTIST WHO HAS EXPLORED SUBJECTS SUCH AS PORNOGRAPHY, DOMESTICITY AND MAGIC. Since her graduation in 2007, she has exhibited with galleries

her AI art project ‘Tomorrow’s Blossoms’, as well as her work as

in the UK, Italy, Malta and Spain and has obtained an MA in

creative director of Creative Science and Arts Institute (CSAI), a

illustration from Falmouth University only recently, whilst raising

research institute that is dedicated to bring about our founding

her son and juggling many different projects.

vision of a world where Scientific and Humanistic knowledge is unified and used to obtain creative solutions for society’s needs.

We have been made accustomed to the paintings Selina Scerri has

CSAI runs the CSAI Community Site to help foster and support

been producing throughout the years and the latest project of

co-operation between appropriate researchers, experts and

work titled ‘Goddess of the Future’, which is an ongoing visual

practitioners while sharing knowledge about relevant processes,

project that investigates science fiction, feminist novels and

artefacts, techniques, events and interesting and notable people

themes whilst exploring them by appropriating images from

in relevant fields, creating an inter-disciplinary community of

advertisements, sci-fi cinema posters and vintage photography,

creatives, be it scientists and artists. These are all projects that

combining them with different techniques, mostly painting. The

many of us are so excited to see.

paintings, which have already started being exhibited at Christine X Art Gallery in Sliema, can go on to explore different themes such as

The main purpose of her project ‘Tattooed Stories’ is to explore

dating, love, forgiveness, tattoos and pornography.

the narrative that reinforces the phenomenon of why someone gets tattooed, to the act of getting tattooed, and ends with how

There has also been a lot of work that she has been working on

the bodies are judged, once tattooed. The decision to conduct

that hasn’t really been brought out to be appreciated yet. This

this research was informed by Selina’s own experience as a voyeur

includes her project ‘Tattooed Stories’, which is currently on hold,

and an artist who admires tattoos and the culture behind them.

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I N S E R T ART TEXT HERE

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A RT

It is an audio-visual project that explores the boundaries between

input into a learning algorithm designed specifically for the project.

narrative and images of tattoos that people mark on their skin.

Various techniques are being used, including multi-layer Video

It explores what it means to be human by looking into illustrated

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Generative Procedures,

skin, mourning, absence, physical pain, love, the power of memory

Neural Morphing and Styling and Transformer-based emotional

and their narrative. The project has created an ongoing series of

detection and data dramatization orchestration. The AI output

interactive public installations based on the database collected by

is controlled and combined with human creative processes to

a participatory website, augmented by intimate real-life interviews

create data dramatizations, based on the AI interpretation of Kurt

with heavily tattooed people, which were illustrated by the author

Vonnegut’s emotional arcs of storytelling.

as part of the project.

Using technology as an extension of the mind, this project is centred ‘Tomorrow’s Blossoms’ is a year-long AI Art project by Selina

around expressive human, nature, artefact production and machine

Scerri and Angelo Dalli that is attempting to answer questions,

interaction. In effect, Scerri is interacting and collaborating with the

like ‘What do humans experience that makes them create art?

AI software to produce and manipulate images and videos, while

What are the emotional swings that artists experience during its

allowing the system to learn and have a level of autonomy that

creation and subsequently convey to their audience?’, creatively

could be perceived as creative behaviour. Tomorrow’s Blossoms is

by creating an immersive exhibition in a space that projects

being created together with CSAI. Part of the success of Tomorrow’s

data dramatization. The project aims to extract the behaviour of

Blossoms is that it combines two minds that exist on different

natural anthropogenic processes and human creative behaviour

astral levels. Dalli is a computer scientist whose encyclopaedic

by collecting data from the internet and combining it with a

knowledge of AI spans virtually most of its stages from its very

set of analogue and digital paintings, in turn creating a set

conception to the most factual current times, whilst Scerri is a

of curated datasets that can be used to create new artwork.

multimedia artist that has explored everything in her 20-year career

The overall aim is to train a machine learning algorithm to

from installations, pornography, flowers, and tattoos. The fact that

“experience what makes humans create art”, by using visuals

Dalli and Scerri’s discourse seems to jump ahead of the aesthetic

that represent essential concepts in human life. Data from

evidence of whatever AI has so far achieved has led to allegation

public photo-sharing websites like Flickr and Instagram are

that this project is more conceptual than factual. Scerri and Dalli

being combined with public datasets that are normally used for

argue that what ‘we are missing is what has made the artist

scientific purposes, like City Scapes and Image Net.

execute that brush stroke, which means memory, emotions, and sensations other than just technical skill.’

The collaboration between artist, scientist, and the AI software itself creates a relationship where the artist acts as a visionary

We cannot wait to see more from these projects that Selina is working

communicating her vision to a ‘doer’ who produces the actual

on. It is quite compelling to see the human-machine interaction in

output under direction. It is essentially an immediate response to

creating artworks based on data sets. One thing for sure is that we still

everything that has been produced until that moment, creating

believe it’s all got to do with her talent and artificial intelligence is

a closed feedback curve. The curated datasets are processed as

just her means of growing into ‘tomorrow’s blossom’.

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T O P L O C AT I ON S

DESPITE ITS DIMINUTIVE SIZE, THE MALTESE ARCHIPELAGO IS BURSTING WITH HISTORIC SITES, IDYLLIC SPOTS, FOOD, CULTURE AND TRADITION. THE MALTESE ISLANDS ARE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE. HERE YOU’LL FIND FOSSIL-STUDDED GEO FORMATIONS, PREHISTORIC TEMPLES, INTRIGUING DIVING OPPORTUNITIES, AND A RICHLY WOVEN HISTORY OF REMARKABLE INTENSITY. HERE’S A HANDY GUIDE ON WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR DURING YOUR STAY.

I SL A N D H IG H L IG H T S

BROAD BEANS

ARISARUM VULGARE (FRIAR’S COWL)

You will see these ‘ful’ everywhere in the Spring, lovely to eat straight out of the pod, mashed with olive oil, salt and mint or in a ricotta and broad bean pie. They take on many guises, and throughout the year you find them incorporated in soups, or, dried and baked to a crisp, sitting in a bowl at a bar.

This stunning flower is now in season so do look out for it on your walks. It grows wild in areas where there is disturbed soil. It’s happiest in sheltered rocky areas, but is also found in abandoned fields. They do prefer partial shade and moistness. Look and don’t touch though – they can cause irritations to the skin.

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I NTSOEPR L TOTCEAT X TI ON H ESR E

DIVING Diving in Malta is another way to immerse yourself in history.

Many wrecks are submerged below the water, some placed strategically, remnants from the past, giving divers a whole new side to see of Malta and Gozo. Many registered schools offer trial lessons and rent equipment.

SALUTING BATTERY The Saluting Battery is a wonderful vantage point to view The Three Cities and The Grand Harbour. These canons are cared for by WirtArtna who curate other properties and places of interest.

The canons are fired daily.

RED TOWER Saint Agatha's Tower, also known as the Red Tower, is a large bastion in Mellieħa and forms part of the series of Lascaris towers across the islands. Yet, this tower's design is completely different from the rest. It is open to visitors. See dinlarthelwa.org for details.

CALYPSO’S CAVE This has to be one of Gozo’s most instagrammable spots.

Calypso’s Cave is located in a cliff near Xagħra; overlooking Ramla Bay. It is famed for being the same cave Homer mentioned in `The Odyssey' where Calypso, the beautiful nymph, kept Odysseus as a `prisoner of love' for 7 years.

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BUSI N ESS

WORDS THE POINT

NEW AT THE POINT: MAVENRY, THE LONG-AWAITED TWO-LEVEL MULTI-BRAND CONCEPT STORE

WHETHER YOU ARE A REGULAR TO THE POINT OR VISITING FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOU MUST HAVE A LOOK AT MAVENRY THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE HERE! Offering over 75 brands including an eclectic selection of streetwear,

are many other note-worthy points that give this mall its unique

upscale, and avant-garde brands from around the world, (Karl

status as Malta’s retail jewel in the crown – and that includes its

Lagerfeld, Kenzo, Varley, LOEWE, as well as Maltese designer

location and history.

Luke Azzopardi), Mavenry will certainly fulfill your dream of a

The Point Shopping Mall is located mere metres from Tigné Point; a

unique and personalised shopping experience.

small peninsula that played a big part in Malta’s history including

ABOUT THE POINT

the Great Siege back in 1565 and the British Rule between 1800

The Point Shopping Mall is conveniently located in the heart of

- 1964. In fact, the mall itself was built on the site where the

Sliema, one of the island’s main hubs for locals and tourists alike,

former Tigné Barracks were, and one may appreciate the

and offers a dynamic mix of the latest fashion, beauty, health,

remaining architectural structures which are the arches that

and lifestyle stores for all its visitors to enjoy.

run along the mall and the square. Tigné Point overlooks the stunning Valletta Waterfront which is one of the island’s most

Home to well over 130 brands under one roof, The Point offers

beloved and iconic skylines. So if you’re fascinated by the

an eclectic range from beloved international names to more

history of the area or are on a hunt for breathtaking views, you’re

exclusive ones, not to mention some local brands too! Fashion

sure to be mesmerised upon your visit to The Point.

outlets at The Point know no age as you can find gorgeous pieces starting from newborn sizes all the way up – and it’s not

In summary, The Point is the perfect place to go to combine

all about fashion either. Technology, homeware, entertainment,

your love for shopping, food, gorgeous views (perfect for that

and many more outlets can be found, giving shoppers an incredible

#holidaymode selfie!), and a great time – not to mention that it’s

variety to choose from – be it for themselves, or even as souvenirs or

fully air-conditioned, ticking all the boxes for the ultimate fun day

gifts for loved ones back at home.

out! A definite must for your to-do list during your stay in Malta.

Of course, there’s more to The Point than shopping too, thanks to their awesome selection of eateries that cater for all palates and lifestyles. Smoothies and salads, sandwiches, wraps, and yummy

Opening times:

bakes, pizzas, pasta, and burgers, pancakes and milkshakes – all of

Monday to Saturday

these and more can be found at The Point! So whether you’re in the

10:00am - 7:30pm, Sunday 11:00am -6:00pm

mood for a great filling meal or a quick snack to keep you going while For more information:

you shop (healthy or not so much), you’re sure to satisfy your cravings!

www.thepointmalta.com Aside from offering such a fantastically versatile shopping

/ThePointShoppingMall

experience for people of all ages, lifestyles, and budgets, there

@thepointmalta_

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I NSERT T EX T H ER E

Japanese Fusion Restaurant Dragonara Business Centre, St Julian’s Call +356 2138 6184 to reserve your table

LOCAL

WORDS KIM DALLI

H E R S T O RY T H E WOM E N O F G EO RG E C RO S S I SL A N D

‘THE WOMEN OF GEORGE CROSS ISLAND', AN 8-PART DOCUDRAMA, ATTEMPTS TO LEAVEN DEVASTATION WITH HOPE AND DESPAIR WITH COURAGE, AS IT CHRONICLES THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF HOW INDIVIDUAL WOMEN LAUGHED, SUFFERED, GRIEVED, DARED AND LOVED THROUGH WWII. There is an extreme dearth of literature that explores World

Yet in conditions of “total war”, and especially when Malta’s men

War II and Malta from a female perspective – surprisingly

were conscripted into service in 1941, the country’s women had to

so, given that women made up half the population! Barring

play a new part in the affairs of their community, state and country

a dedicated Master's dissertation by Simon Cusens, Paul

and take over practical, civic, educational and welfare work.

MacDonald's book Ladies of Lascaris and a couple of chapters spread across a limited number of books covering wider areas,

The exigencies of war brought Maltese women into every

the academic landscape on the topic was a relatively barren one.

department, with over 50 trades and professions that women were actively involved in by 1943. Women were effectively the engine

This, however, provided me with ample fertile ground to unearth

keeping the country running during this most trying of times.

fascinating and untold stories that celebrate Malta’s unsung heroines and offer a uniquely female perspective at the heart of

The docudrama aims to celebrate Malta’s unsung heroines, bringing

military conflict.

them to the fore and to public knowledge for the first time. The eight-part series seeks to stand as a work of social history, delving

During World War II, the fate of the Mediterranean depended on

into the personal lives and stories of a 12-strong cast of young

the beleaguered island of Malta, famously having earned itself

Maltese or Malta-based women, and offering a uniquely female

the epithet of the “most bombed place on earth”. Featuring brave

perspective at the heart of military conflict.

seamen, soldiers and gunners against the dramatic backdrop of sea and air battles around the island, the period is commonly thought

Drawing from memoirs, autobiographies, interviews, archival

of as a man’s war.

documents and unique access to private collections, the docudrama

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Scenes from The Women of George Cross Island

L OTCEAXLT H E R E I NSERT

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LOCAL

Kim Dalli

charts the work, lives, relationships and

Nazis. She had several close shaves with

Malta in the defence of their country and

emotions of plotters, performers, air

the Gestapo, who raided her apartment

of freedom.

raid wardens, nurses, doctors, journalists

several times. In 1945, she was awarded a

and housewives. It is made in part with

British Empire Medal for her extraordinary

In 1944, the ‘Women of Malta

interviews and footage of the words and

efforts to offer sanctuary to those in

Association’ president, Josephine Burns

memories of the very last, living female

need. She sadly paid a high price for her

De Bono, wrote that the right of women

survivors of the war, now in their nineties.

gallant work, suffering from PTSD for the

to vote and stand as parliamentary

rest of her life.

candidates was legally recognised in

Possibly the most dramatic story

the UK and in the US as a result of the

belongs to Henrietta Chevalier, a

The wealth of testimonies, letters and

excellence of women’s war work during the

Maltese widow and mother to 8 children,

material available differed widely from

First World War (1914-1918).

who was stuck in Nazi-occupied Rome.

woman to woman. Since the project takes

She put her life on the line after joining

the form of a docudrama, we aimed to

She wrote: “Today, after nearly four and

Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty's "Rome

breathe life into the women through a series

a half years of war, women in Malta are

Escape Line" - a network operating

of historically accurate re-enactments.

becoming conscious that they have earned

from the Vatican, which is credited with

the same civic recognition”.

directly offering assistance to over 3,000

Most importantly, “The Women of George

escaped prisoners of war. Her third-floor

Cross Island” strives to act as a tribute

Maltese women owe the voting rights

apartment on Via Imperia was used as a

to a generation of brave, determined

we enjoy today to the intrepid, tireless work

depot for supplies, and to lodge several

and uncomplaining women who stood

of our foremothers. They must not

prisoners of war on the run from the

shoulder to shoulder with the men of

be forgotten.

CHECK IT OUT

The series can be viewed through GO's 'Tokis' streaming service. It was made possible through the support of the Arts Council Malta, Screen Malta and GO Originals. The executive production is by Sharp Shoot Media Limited.

Directed by Justin Farrugia and edited by Angelle Farrugia. Kim Dalli was the researcher, writer and presenter.

For a preview, please visit www.facebook.com/TheWomenOfGeorgeCrossIsland/videos A number of the women's stories, as well as their personal belongings, may be seen at the exhibition 'Unseen and Unheard: Stories of Women Under Fire', curated by The Storm Petrel Foundation. It runs until April 14, 2023.

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LOCAL

WORDS FINESSE

K EEPI NG M A LTA’ S A RT I SA NA L A RT S ALI V E THE MALTA SOCIETY OF ARTS HAS BEEN PROMOTING THE ARTS FOR THE PAST 171 YEARS, INCLUDING CR AFTS WHICH OTHERWISE MIGHT VERY WELL HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN.

ESTABLISHED IN 1852, THE MALTA SOCIETY OF ARTS (MSA) IS THE COUNTRY’S OLDEST ARTS INSTITUTION AND IS THIS YEAR CELEBRATING 100 YEARS AT PALAZZO DE LA SALLE, A 400-YEAR-OLD VALLETTA PALAZZO BUILT BY THE KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN. The palazzo was given to the MSA in 1923 by the first Maltese

their grandmother making lace the traditional Maltese way

government, which had just been formed, so the Society could

and want to try their hand at it,” she says. “Others might be

continue to promote the arts. The stunning palazzo has since

looking for an extracurricular activity that will complement

been renovated extensively and is now a state-of-the-art venue

their studies, but many just want to learn a new craft to practise

bursting with activity. Apart from regular concerts, talks and

as a hobby.”

exhibitions, Palazzo de La Salle hosts courses in visual and performing arts, as well as applied arts like tailoring, knitting,

The progress a student makes depends on how much time and

crochet, dressmaking, and lacemaking. The MSA was, in fact,

energy they dedicate to the craft but, given the right approach,

the first to set up a School of Lace in Malta and its courses in the

Ellul can help a student go from a complete novice to making

subject and other artisanal arts still attract students of all ages.

a doily after just nine lessons. “In any case, these crafts are enjoyable and they are a much more productive way of spending

Carmen Ellul is one of the teachers keeping the art of

your free time,” she shares. “When I visit my father at the home

lacemaking, also known as bizzilla, alive. While most of Ellul’s

for the elderly where he now lives, I see a lot of residents just

students are older in age, her classes also attract young

sitting and staring into space or watching television. I now

students. “Some of the younger students might have seen

appreciate even more having hobbies that keep me mentally

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35

LOCAL

active and creatively involved. I hope to be making scarves for

techniques, is another course on offer, as are those in knitting

the carers if I ever live in a retirement home!”

and crochet. Both knitting and crochet saw a rise in popularity with younger generations in recent years and the diverse age

Another teacher who is passionate about her craft is Carmen

groups attending these courses are proof of this trend. “Applied

Busuttil, who teaches tailoring at the MSA. After years as a

arts are as important to foster as the visual arts, especially

seamstress, she now delights in teaching others the lost art of

when it comes to the artisanal ones like lacemaking,” says MSA

creating one’s own clothes. “I have been teaching at MSA for the

president Architect Adrian Mamo. “Not only do these courses

past 31 years and love it,” she reveals. “Although my course is an

provide a creative outlet for those following them, but they also

introductory one, some students return for a second or third time.

help to keep these art forms alive. These crafts have survived

In their case, we build on skills they would have already learned

hundreds of years and it is our duty to ensure their longevity at a

and move on to creating patterns and making trousers or a skirt.”

time when they could easily be cast aside.”

It saddens Busuttil that younger generations are no longer taught skills like hemming a pair of trousers or changing the zip on a skirt.

“These things used to be taught in schools or at home, but these days many wouldn’t know where to start. These courses are a good

The full schedule of courses with details of times and fees as well as

way to socialise while learning these skills,” she adds.

application forms can be found on www.artsmalta.org/courses.

Dressmaking, where students learn how to make their own

For more information send an email on: info@artsmalta.org or

patterns of skirts and dresses and various other sewing

visit www.facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts

TO APPLY

Applications for the new summer term of Lacemaking, Crochet, Knitting, Tailoring, Dressmaking and Sewing courses will be out in April. For the schedule, please visit www.artsmalta.org/courses. These courses are taught by teachers Madeleine Muscat, Marisa Grech, Catherine Spiteri, Carmen Busuttil and Carmen Ellul at the Malta Society of Arts' seat Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta.

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I NSERT T EX T H ER E

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PASSION

WORDS THAMES PARNELL

BAM! HERE I AM UNDINE LAVERVE SHARES HER PASSION FOR THE ART OF BURLESQUE, AND INVITES EVERYONE TO TRY A LESSON, SEE A SHOW OR HEAR A TALK ON THE SUBJECT.

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I N S E RPASSION T TEXT HERE

39

PASSION

Burlesque is a performance art that originated in the early 19th

I love creating looks and one is completely different from another;

century. It has since evolved and can be described as a combination

these are personas, you create them with make-up and lavish

of satire, theatre and dance, with elements of comedy and cabaret

costumes usually with a vintage or retro twist – and use lingerie and

which pokes fun at stereotypes and archetypes. Its purpose is to

layers to create the effect and enable the show to tell a story.

entertain more than anything else! It is an empowering form of self-expression for its performers – one which allows them to tap

Whilst the art has a particular reputation, those who come to see

into their creative side and re-invent themselves in whatever way

shows aren’t coming for titillation; the show, the dance, and the

they choose.

journey are ‘liberating,’ sassy, coquettish and certainly tongue in cheek. It’s inclusive and we welcome everyone to explore it. I like

“My mum made sure I was well-versed in all things artistic. She took

to say it’s the tease without the sleaze.

me to the theatre and opera from the age of 2 and 3 respectively, and she made sure I tried out all sorts of activities including singing,

I have built up quite a reputation and now also give talks and

acting, dancing, painting, horse-riding, you name it! At the age of

presentations on "Empowerment and the art of Burlesque" and "The

17, I was looking for something to focus on and really get into - a

Philosophy of Sensuality." It has been a fascinating and fun journey

passion I could put my energies into, something to learn and grow

for the past 13 years, and BAM here I am. This month Undine

with and enjoy for the foreseeable future.

LaVerve is performing in Berlin, Prague and has a show in Malta at the Cavern Speakeasy in Msida, on 31st March and 1st April.

I met a Canadian woman, Liv Yorsten who gave Burlesque classes and having tried a few of her lessons, I absolutely fell in love with

BAM: I opened the Burlesque Academy Malta to create a safe space

the art. Liv left Malta and I immersed myself in the scene, heading

where everyone can be themselves; to promote self-love, body

to New York to watch as many shows as I could. Over time, I

confidence and empower all by motivating them to get in touch

developed my own style, look and stage presence, and started

with one's own sensuality. The art also encourages freedom of

building on what I had learnt.

expression through movement.

BAM SCHEDULE

Classes are held twice a week on Mondays and Thurdays and run for 60-90 minutes. Beginners are welcome.

We offer fun "one off" Burlesque workshops for groups of friends, colleagues and those who just want to give it a try! Email us to book burlesqueacademyofmalta@gmail.com facebook.com/burlesqueacademymalta

40

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

Visit the Home of Cisk to discover the rich story behind Malta’s favourite beers and brands. farsonsexperience.com THE BREWHOUSE, MDINA ROAD, BIRKIRKARA

WO M E N

AMAZING MALTESE WOMEN A celebration of incredibly courageous, resilient Maltese women who followed their heart and let no one dampen their determination. It is in comic-style with beautiful ink and watercolour illustrations. Even the team behind the book is an all-women team: written by Kristina Chetcuti, illustrated by Marisa Attard and designed by Faye Paris.

Available from local bookstores or via www.merlinpublishers.com

COMBINING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WITH A HUMANITARIAN APPROACH: REGINA EGLE LIOTTA CATRAMBONE ONLINE: Facebook: @MOAS | IG: @moas_eu | Twitter: @moas_eu Regina is the co-founder and director of the international humanitarian organisation MOAS-Migrant Offshore Aid Station, founded in 2014. Regina believes that entrepreneurs can play a relevant role in solving humanitarian crises through innovation and creativity, with an eye to how to react in the most efficient way. In Malta, MOAS operates several programs to promote the integration and self-sufficiency of refugees and asylumseekers, including the Family Hosting & Sponsorship project, the Remote Learning Project, and English lessons for beginners.

LILY AGIUS GALLERY VENUE: Green Shutters Pop-Up, 27, Triq San Tumas, Floriana CONTACT: +356 9929 2488 info@lilyagiusgallery.com ONLINE: www.lilyagiusgallery.com Lily Agius is a Malta-based curator from London, who has established a strong and loyal following from her many exhibitions, presenting emerging and established artists from Malta and various countries over the last 15 years. Together with the art gallery, Lily Agius Gallery, that she ran for 12 years, Agius has created a quarterly magazine presenting contemporary art and design called The Malta Artpaper, and has recently moved to a pop-up space in Floriana before opening a new space close-by to showcase local and international art and design later this year. The London Artpaper will be launched this June.

MSPCA CONTACT: info@maltaspca.org ONLINE: www.maltaspca.org/ Over the past few years here at MSPCA, various challenges have thrown us out of our comfort zone; needing to re-think, re-define and re-structure our identity as a shelter and improve our impact on Animal Welfare in Malta. The MSPCA has always been predominantly run by women, reaching out to a part of society which often gets forgotten. If you would like to support our animals, visit our MSPCA charity shops in Sliema and San Ġwann or contact us via Facebook or Instagram, or sponsor one of our residents through our website listed above.

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EN I N S E RWO T TM EX T HERE

WORDS FRANCESCA FENECH CONTI

ON E WOM A N ’ S S T O RY O F H A R D WO R K , P E R S E V E R A NC E A N D R E S I L I E NC E I LOVE A HAPPY STORY AND STORIES OF RESILIENCE. A FEW YEARS AGO I GOT TO KNOW CLAIRE. SHE CONTACTED ME VIA OUR WOMEN ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP WOMEN FOR WOMEN (MALTA) AND WE GOT CHATTING. She told me about her dream of becoming a nurse and about a blog

Today Claire is an A+ student in her fourth year, she got her driving

she was writing. I was really impressed by the hard work, dedication

license and is saving a lot on commuting time. She studies in the car

and ambition of this intelligent woman, full of potential. Claire was

whilst waiting to pick up her girls from here and there.

raising her three young daughters at the time and her husband worked long hours, so she was coping with everything alone.

She is such an incredible example, the living proof of where there’s a will there’s a way. If you want to follow your dreams, it is possible with

Then one day she told me that she’d been accepted into the nursing

hard work and perseverance. Let Claire’s story inspire you to go after

degree course. I was so proud of her! Sadly, she does not get a

YOUR dreams. Don’t let anything or anyone get in your way and if you

stipend, so for a little extra income, she set up a website and blog

need some help with moving onwards and upwards, please contact

for nursing students. (If you would like to support Claire in her

using Messenger on Women for Women Foundation – Malta.

studies, please do visit her site and advertise your business http://student-nurse-life.com)

This is what we do. If you’re ready to put in the hard work, we are here for you too.

She had told me that she didn’t drive and had to bus it everywhere or walk with her girls, and this ate away at precious time. Then, one morning, a very generous member of the Women for Women group contacted me to offer a second-hand car that she wanted to donate to someone who really needed it. I immediately contacted Claire. She didn’t have her license yet, but she decided to take the

If you would like to support the work we do, visit

car and make it her goal to learn how to drive.

https://womenforwomen.foundation/donate/

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Women for Women’s Foundation’s mission is to empower women and girls through access to education, financial literacy, access to resources and the promotion of gender equality and to invest in women’s plans for a secure, independent and sustainable life.

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FA S H I ON

WORDS CHRISTINE CASSAR

DoubleM OF FLOWERS AND FASHION

MAYA MIFSUD IS THE OWNER OF DOUBLEM; A RELATIVELY NEW FLOWER SHOP WHICH OPENED ITS DOORS IN SEPTEMBER 2022; IT IS ALSO A SPACE WHERE SHE SHOWCASES HER LOVE FOR FASHION. Now 22 years old, Maya was partially raised in Malta but moved

like that, she enrolled in the fashion design course that was launched

to Sicily at the age of 9. She recalls how she was always

during that same year. Thanks to the support offered by her family,

extremely passionate about fashion. “I remember being

she was also able to jet off to Milan to read for a BA in Fashion

amazed how sketches and drawings of garments would come to

Design and Marketing degree at the Istituto Marangoni.

real life,” she says.

When students weren’t able to use the studios and get in-person Fast-forward a few years when she was just 14 years old, Maya started

lessons which are crucial in leading fashion construction, she used

studying fashion at the Liceo Artistico in Italy. Whilst she explains that

the time spent in Malta to work on her current business venture. She

the Liceo did offer the standard academic subjects you would find at

started making alterations and creating masks alongside gaining

any other school, students were given the option to specialise and have

an understanding of the market into which her shop would be

more hours during the week in a subject of their preference. And just

launched. Adding to this, Maya also decided to complete the two

44

ON I N S E RFA T STHEIX T HERE

“Picture yourself walking into a very pink fashion boutique shop. You’re getting your custom-made dress for a special occasion and while you’re taking your measurements or coming in for fittings you are surrounded by pink walls." remaining years of her course in London. “I graduated last August and in the same time frame, I was blessed with the opportunity to open my atelier in Malta. And that’s how DoubleM came about!”

“Picture yourself walking into a very pink fashion boutique shop,” Maya says.

“You’re getting your custom-made dress for a special occasion and while you’re taking your measurements or coming in for fittings, you are surrounded by pink walls, which I might add is psychologically the most calming colour of all. You’re surrounded by the smell and views of fresh flowers and trendy music playing in the background,” Maya continues.

Being the owner of DoubleM allows her to convey a sense of freedom, self-love and calmness to every person who enters the shop. “I’ve always dreamed of opening a space where people can enjoy my creations, however, I never would have thought that it would happen right after finishing my studies,” Maya tells me. “Whenever I open the shop or pass by and look at the sign DoubleM, I feel a sense of gratitude. None of this would have been possible without my father and brother, who gave me all the support I needed during the process of opening.”

As we continue chatting, we talk about what inspires her. In a few words, she explains that her inspiration pretty much can come from anything that surrounds her. “That’s the beauty of fashion; you are inspired by facts or visions from another industry or a just feeling. Being able to translate that and re-interpret it into silhouettes and details in fashion, is something that surprises me every time.” Maya adds; “Every collection I have made so far carries a piece of me and what I was going through in that phase of my life. Selfishly enough, that is what gets my creativity going.”

She wholeheartedly believes that she feels she’s doing what has always been destined for; working on herself and finally being able to see her aims and objectives for DoubleM coming to life. Through her creations, she wants people who purchase her designs to feel comfortable and beautiful. In a nutshell, to give her customers something that makes them feel confident, sexy, and cute yet provocative.

Needless to say, Maya seems destined for even greater things in the near future.

She has many projects that are in the pipeline, but it seems we have to keep an eye out on her socials for the time being! In the next few years, she plans on

Commercial spaces Architect, Victoria Chan, arrived in Malta a little of 5 years ago, but as her qualifications were from Panama, struggled to find work in the field.

An entrepreneur at heart, she founded Sip & Paint to help people release their inner artist.

Guided classes are held at various locations and on various themes; painting, embroidery, terraniums, calligraphy classes are all available! Vic has amassed a repeat following and is synonymous with her workshops – a great achievement in such a short time!

Have a glass of wine while working to lose your inhibition and meet like-minded people to share an evening and stories with and you go home with your piece of art!

Sip & Paint offers private groups and corporate sessions.

showcasing DoubleM as a Maltese brand on an international scale and perhaps open one or two more shops in the main fashion capitals. All in all, Maya hopes to thrive with DoubleM as she continues to reach and dress more people.

sipandpaintmalta DoubleM 14, Old Theatre Street, Valletta.

Instagram: @__doublem__

sipandpaintmalta

SPORT

WORDS DEIRDRE FARRUGIA

A FA S C I NAT I ON W I T H T H E V ERT ICA L

ASK THE AVERAGE MALTESE PERSON WHETHER MALTA IS A GOOD PLACE FOR THE ADVENTURE SPORT OF CLIMBING AND THEIR ANSWER IS LIKELY TO BE SOMETHING ON THE LINES OF “WHAT, CLIMBING IN MALTA…BUT WE HAVE NO MOUNTAINS!” Of course, that is true: the highest point on the islands is 253m

self-induced crisis as the lead climber (the one going first up the

above sea level and there is nothing remotely resembling a

cliff) pushes their limits of strength and endurance well beyond

mountain, save for the little hillock on Gozo where a statue of the

the vertical, with only a 9mm rope and an attentive belayer (rope

Redentur (Christ the Redeemer) gives a vague, diminutive impression

buddy) standing between them and certain catastrophe!

of Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Yet rock climbing is a rapidly growing adventure sport here and, despite our dearth of mountains,

Rock climbing has been practiced in Malta since time immemorial,

we have endless kilometres of vertical and overhanging cliffs all round

and that is no exaggeration. You can still find individuals – though

our coastline, with others cutting into the deep valleys and fault

these are now few – who will descend a 100m sea-cliff using hemp

lines that criss-cross all three islands of the archipelago.

ropes and zero additional safety gear, to spend a night sitting at the foot of the cliff to fish for that mythical monster catch.

The local rock climbing community is an eclectic band of passionate

More deliberately, but with an equal zest for adventure, the first

men and women devoted to their chosen adrenaline sport in a

official records of rock climbs in Malta were kept and published

way that is hard for non-climbers to understand. They practice their

by a group of six British climbers – among them a woman

sport obsessively, venturing onto the cliffs at least once, often multiple

named Bronwen – who explored, climbed and recorded 36 rock

times a week, promiscuously arranging partners with whom to

climbs on various cliffs around the islands, to produce the first

climb, whether long-standing friends or complete strangers, the only

guidebook to climbing in Malta, published in 1949. Since then,

criterion for acceptance being their ability to keep a climbing partner

another four guidebooks have been published, each recording an

safe through their rope handling skills, and the all-important grade

exponentially higher number of climbs. Today, there are in excess of

at which they climb. It is an outstanding feature of the sport that

2000 recorded rock climbs on our islands. Through the passionate

lifelong friendships can be forged in minutes, usually in the heat of

efforts of a dedicated band of both local and foreign climbers who

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I NSERT S PTOERXTT H E R E

have made Malta their home, the number, quality and diversity

among the best in the world. The negligible accident rate of

of established climbs has risen steadily and today, Malta really is

the local scene is a direct result of this cooperation.

a climber’s paradise with a vibrant local community and a stream of visitors from overseas, from beginners to celebrity climbers,

Despite all the hyperbole, rock climbing in Malta is an eminently

including some of the world’s best, in particular a visit by Tommy

accessible adventure sport. The local community is incredibly

Caldwell (of Dawn Wall fame) and Sonnie Trotter back in 2012

welcoming to both newbies to the sport and to foreigner climbers

when they discovered and climbed a number of routes including an

visiting to explore our cliffs. The two very active climbing clubs (MRCC

attempt at one of the hardest roof climbs in the world!

& MCC) regularly organise climbing sessions which anyone can attend to get a first taste of Maltese rock. Some of the most popular crags

The development of new sport climbs (routes protected by

almost always have a climbing party working away on their next goal

small permanent anchors inserted along the line of ascent) has

(usually a grade of climb just a little harder than their last climb). It is

been greatly assisted by a symbiotic relationship developed

easy to get chatting and, before long, find yourself sharing a rope with

between the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the Malta

someone you've met. There is a professional guiding company (MC

Rock Climbing Club (MRCC) starting in 2005 and which is

Adventure) that will lead climbers, whether beginners or hardcore

still going strong today. With the MTA’s financial support,

pros, onto the best climbs within their grades, or to experience

the voluntary manpower and expertise provided first by the

something new and unknown at home; such as a climb on an

MRCC, and now with the MCC also brought into the effort, the

exposed sea cliff above the azure waters that surround our islands.

local community is able to develop safe rock climbs; even in

There is even an indoor bouldering gym for those rare rainy days,

the highly corrosive environment of our sea cliffs' by the use

where you can work on your technique and fitness before facing the

of titanium bolts. Malta has achieved safety levels that are

rocks on your next outdoors challenge of choice.

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SPORT

FANCY DOING SOME ROCK CLIMBING YOURSELF?

All you need is a head for heights and a safe, reliable climbing buddy to lead you onto the vertical…and some gear. Here are some leads to get you there: MALTA ROCK CLIMBING CLUB www.climbmalta.com www.facebook.com/groups/MaltaRockClimbingClub Tel +356 9947 0377 MALTA CLIMBING CLUB maltaclimbingclub.org www.facebook.com/maltaclimbingclub MC ADVENTURE PROFESSIONAL GUIDES www.mcadventure.com.mt www.facebook.com/mcadventuremalta events@mcadventure.com.mt Tel +356 77514963 ĠEBLA INDOOR BOULDERING GYM www.gebla.mt

48

I N S E RETVTEENXTTS H E R E

SPRING IS UPON US, AND THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CALENDAR CONTINUES WITH GUSTO! PERUSE OUR TOP PICKS FOR THIS MONTH'S DIARY.

E VENTS FREE SPIRIT #2 - EXHIBITION BY MARIA CASSAR VENUE: Art Galleries, Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta DATE: 2nd - 30th March 2023 ONLINE: www.artsmalta.org/events Artist Maria Cassar is using her ‘intuition’, ‘freedom’, and ‘imagination’ to look further away from what she can physically see and enunciates intangible emotions onto the canvas.

The works reveal a continuous dialogue between light and shade, void and presence. The exhibition will feature a range of abstract works showcasing the artist’s fascination with colour. In her own words: ‘Colour represents and emits light in all its glory’.

CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS HAPPENING IN MALTA THE NEXT FEW MONTHS! APRIL 14 - 4 MAY OUTSET Art Galleries, Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta.

An exhibition by neo artists Massimo Dimech and Steve Sciberras showcasing a selection of oils depicting Maltese landscapes, flora, fauna and nature scenes.

APRIL 12 MALTA SPRING FESTIVAL Concert Hall, Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta.

Concert featuring the Parkins, Houtkamp, Ligeti Trio.

THROUGHOUT MAY CITY OF ART Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta.

A series of events including an exhibition, a fashion show, and a salon recital, among others.

MAY 9 PHILIP ATTARD SAXOPHONE CONCERT Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta.

A concert forming part of MSA’s 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle celebrations.

TOSCA VENUE: Teatru Manoel, Valletta DATE: 5th - 12th March 2023 ONLINE: www.teatrumanoel.mt Teatru Manoel and Valletta Cultural Agency present Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, designed & directed by and featuring José Cura, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mario de Rose, and with costumes designed by Silvia Collazuol. The cast features acclaimed soprano Tanya Ivanova as Tosca, Carlos Almaguer as Scarpia and local performers Alan Sciberras, Albert Buttigieg, Louis Cassar and Nadia Vella. The production also features KorMalta under the direction of Choir Master Riccardo Bianchi.

49

EVENTS

TOI TOI KIDS: EASTER FAMILY SHOW VENUE: Teatru Manoel, Valletta DATE: 9th April 2023 TOI TOI bring their annual Easter show to you from the Main Stage of our beautiful National Theatre!

WONDERLAND WIVES VENUE: MADC Playhouse, Sta Venera DATE: 21st - 30th April 2023 A hilarious take on the lives of fairy tale favourites including Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White and Belle, Wonderland Wives by Buddy Thomas, brings an arched brow and an eye for dark, sexy hilarity to the Ever After that keeps going long after the Happily fades away. Directed by Francesca Briffa.

CHAIR VENUE: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta DATE: 21st - 30th April 2023 Adrian Buckle and the Malta School for Drama and Dance present Edward Bond’s Chair, a trip to an apocalyptic future; one where family means nothing and people are divested of their humanity. It is a future where humanity becomes a product and life becomes a new version of Auschwitz. And what difference can a chair make in such a Future?

TM YOUTH THEATRE: SIN CIRCUS VENUE: Teatru Manoel Studio Theatre, Valletta DATE: 22nd April 2023 The Teatru Manoel Youth Training Programme presents their collaborative, devised production featuring all three training groups (Theatre, Opera & Dance).

EMOJI VENUE: Teatru Manoel Studio Theatre, Valletta DATE: 29th - 30th April 2023 Emoji takes an artistic approach through combining projected digital animation and dance to promote social and emotional learning in primary school children.www.teatrumanoel.mt

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I N S E RETVTEENXTTS H E R E

PRIVATE LIVES

WOMEN'S DAY CONCERT BY VOX DULCIS CHORALE VENUE: Concert Hall, Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta DATE: 10th March 2023 ONLINE: www.artsmalta.org/events Concert Hall, Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta Vox Dulcis Chorale, a young ladies’ choir, are performing a selection of jazz standards, ethnic and contemporary songs for the occasion of GS-Bizzilla-Half_Magazine-190x133mm-V3.pdf 1 12/12/2022 08:45 International Women’s Day.

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VENUE: Teatru Manoel, Valletta DATE: 17th - 26th March 2023 ONLINE: www.teatrumanoel.mt Teatru Manoel & MADC present Noël Coward’s brilliant comedy PRIVATE LIVES, directed by Malcolm Galea and featuring Edward Thorpe, Greta Agius, Myron Ellul, Kim Dalli and Giulia Gatt. Passion, laughter, romance, anger, and love set the stage for a battle of the sexes as divorced couple Amanda and Elyot find themselves unwittingly thrown together in Coward’s classic comedy of manners. Unknowingly booking adjoining rooms while on honeymoon with their respective spouses, Victor and Sybil, Amanda and Elyot are forced to face their true feelings for each other.

LOCAL

WORDS CAROLINE TONNA

A BEAUTY FROM THE EMPIRE ERA AT PALAZZO FALSON

Silk Empire Dress, c. 1805-1810, private collection Image taken from the exhibition catalogue ‘Music in Malta – From Prehistory to Vinyl’, A Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti Project

A WELCOMING TEMPORARY EXHIBIT AT PALAZZO FALSON HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM IN MDINA IS AN EXQUISITE AND RARE SURVIVING EXAMPLE OF A SIMPLE EMPIRE DRESS THAT WAS POSSIBLY WORN IN MALTA IN THE EARLY 1800s. THIS DISTINGUISHABLE DRESS, FOUND IN A PRIVATE COLLECTION, HAS KEY INFLUENCES OF THE GRACEFUL LINES AND ELEGANCE OF NEOCLASSICAL ELEMENTS IN WOMEN’S FASHION INSPIRED BY THE STATUARY OF ANCIENT GREEKS AND ROMANS. The dress has been well preserved and appreciated as a historical

trimmings. This fine golden silk dress has a low square neckline and

object, yet nothing is known about its provenance. The starting

high waist, which emphasises the bust, and a short corset would

point of the sartorial journey of this dress was to observe it closely

have been worn underneath to raise and support the top half part

and piece together all the ‘clues’ like a detective. The simple cut and

of the body. The elegantly shaped high waist has a front fastening

construction of the dress puts it in context of the prevailing classical

with brass hooks and eyes with an overlying ‘drop-front’ short bodice.

style of the period. The dress was carefully mounted on a special

It is gathered in the centre with a single fabric covered button in the

mannequin and the three-dimensional perspective of it brought it

same material, with another two matching buttons at the edge, and

back to its full splendour.

on each side. This creates a shaped and fuller looking bust.

Painted portraits of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth

The fabric of the skirt is gathered into the front waistband adding

century attest that Maltese well to-do-ladies wore similar dresses

volume. The skirt falls loosely around the body and gradually

made from fine light muslin or silk fabrics decorated with lace

increases in width at the hem to allow movement. The gown has

52

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

a train and is distinctively decorated with hand-embroidered intertwining tendrils of silver thread and silver metal disks along the edge. The entire dress is strikingly covered with repetitive delicate motifs of silver metal crescents and stars, giving it an exotic feel.

The short narrow sleeves are simple in construction and they drop out from the shoulder line and are adorned in the same style of the hemline, with silver thread and silver metal tendrils around the edge. The additional touch of fine lace trimmings to the sleeves makes the gown look more refined and elegant. The back of the bodice is cut in a V-shape and the gathering at the back is created with pleats sewn into the waist seam to give the skirt more fullness at the back.

The seamstress who created this dress worked meticulously, making small and even stitches by hand throughout with fine thread carefully chosen to match the colours. The fabric used and time employed to hand embroider the entire dress suggest that the chosen seamstress must have been highly skilled and the lady who wore it must have been wealthy.

The light and delicate fabric in vivid gold colour gives the dress a sense of lightness and opulence. One can only imagine the impact of the lady wearing this fascinating dress had on the viewers. While in motion, the silk fabric embroidered in silver thread and disks, would have shimmered under the flickering lights of the candles and the train softly trailing behind creating the rustling sound of silk.

It is remarkable how this rare Empire dress is still in mint condition and has survived for around two hundred years. There are some concealed stains revealing signs that the dress has been worn and used and it has suffered some losses to the embroidery too.

Although we may never find out who wore the dress, it is worth trying to piece a story together by reading the dress and creating its story. The unique dress is now on exhibit in the Drawing Room of Palazzo Falson.

Caroline Tonna, art historian, specialising in 19th century dress history and photography, is curator at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, Mdina.

Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum is managed by

A space where creativity meets craft to highlight the local charm

Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, a non-profit heritage foundation aiming to spread awareness about our heritage through museums, publications, exhibitions and events.

Find Us in Sliema and Valletta!

Audio guided tours are available in the following languages: Maltese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish.

For inquiries, please contact us on +356 21454512 or email bookings@palazzofalson.com or visit our website www.palazzofalson.com/

108, Triq Manwel Dimech, 8, Misraħ San Ġwann, Sliema, Malta Valletta, Malta souvenirsthatdontsuck.mt

maltasouvenirs

M USIC

WORDS LAUREN JOHN

M A K I NG M ELODIES

FROM FALLING IN LOVE WITH MUSIC AGED 11 WHEN HER MOTHER WAS GIFTED A PIANO, TO BEING ON CUSP OF RELEASING HER DEBUT ALBUM IN 2023, HANNAH PISANI TALKS ABOUT THE SONGWRITING, LIFE AS A BRITISH-MALTESE WOMAN, AND WHO SHE WOULD MOST LIKE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF IL-BIZZILLA. Spring is fast approaching, and with it comes the promise of

enjoy creating without judgement. Recording the album has taught

new life and new music. Hannah Pisani releases ‘Braver’ in April

me a lot about the power of harmonies and textures to elevate a

2023, promising a mix of recent single releases and new songs, all

song. A well-placed backing vocal or riff can completely transform

wrapped up in an easy-listening style. “The songs are a mixture of

the feeling of a musical moment. I’ve also learned that songwriting

folk, country, and pop – the kind of music you might hear in a cosy

ideas can strike at the most unexpected times. I could be out with

coffeehouse or want to listen to winding down after a long day."

friends, reading a book, or on a walk, and a melody or lyric will pop into my head.”

The ’cosy coffeehouse’ vibes have evolved from writing songs as a hobby fueled just by a “stream of consciousness”, to something

While the inspiration has been flowing in the studio, Hannah has also

more “proactive and thoughtful”. Hannah describes refining and

built up an audience on Spotify, featuring on playlists and building up a

pondering the lyrics in her songs a lot more now, searching for

global audience. “If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would

inspiration in poetry and song. “I love reading poems and other

have millions of streams on Spotify, I wouldn’t believe it! I’ve received

artists' lyrics for inspiration. Leonard Cohen, Rupi Kaur, and Chelsea

messages from fans in New York, Italy, and even Indonesia, and that’s

Cutler are some of my favourites. I admire how they capture

thanks to the Spotify playlists my songs are on.”

complex human emotions in succinct metaphors and rhymes.”

With a British mother and Maltese father, Hannah Pisani has Writing songs for an album is just one half of the story. Heading

plenty of time to listen to her favourite playlists on planes between

into the studio is a whole other learning process and an experience

London, where she lives, and Malta. She has some favourite spots

Hannah has relished. “The most important thing I have realised is to

on the island, including in St Julian’s where she stays, taking boat

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I NSERT MT UES X I CT H E R E

trips to Gozo, and the many opportunities for good food. “There

recommend walking a little further afield to Marylebone, which has

are so many great restaurants I am yet to go to, but I love catching

a quintessentially English high street and a wonderful bookshop

up with family and friends at Broadside Terrace (St Julian’s) in the

called Daunt Books. Fitzrovia is also beautiful, particularly Charlotte

summer, or discovering different bars and restaurants in Valletta in

Street, which is a short walk from the British Museum.”

the evening.”

Hannah talks with equal joy about exploring London and visiting Hannah was born in the U.K., moved to Malta as a toddler, and has

Malta two or three times a year to see family. She will be on the

been living back in the U.K. since she was 7. While Hannah reflects

island during her album release month, working remotely and

on feasts and fireworks with her extended Maltese family, living in a

writing new songs. With flying soon on the horizon for Hannah, we

vibrant capital city is also on her mind.

had to end by asking how she spends her time in the air and who she would most like to find in the pages of an issue of Il-Bizzilla.

She reflects on multiple yearly visits to Malta, and the memories

“Listening to music, reading, and napping are my favourite ways

of Sunday lunches, feasts, and fireworks with her wider Maltese

to spend time on a flight. There are so many Maltese bands and

family. Yet, living in a vibrant capital city is never far from her

singers I would love to learn more about. My Nanna is a huge fan of

mind. “London is a treasure trove of amazing experiences. I’ve

Joseph Calleja so he would be my top pick.”

lived here for a little while, and I am still discovering new places, events, and restaurants all the time. There are lots of wonderful markets for foodies: Borough Market and Broadway spring to

Keep up to date with all of Hannah Pisani’s music and gigs on

mind. Of course, Oxford Street is well known for the shops, but I’d

Instagram @hannahpisani_

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LOCAL

WORDS CHRISTINE CASSAR

WHERE WILD O RC H I D S G ROW

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

During the first half of his life, he experienced vast forests, lakes and

Johan Siggesson was born in a small village called Älvängen,

mountains—in general, things that are not uncommon in Sweden.

Sweden in 1977. He spent his childhood fishing, admiring wildlife,

Johan explains that “At first glance, Malta is not a mecca for wildlife

playing in the forests and in general, developing a bond with nature.

photographers. Yes, we don’t have the large iconic animals such as

Since then, his deep love for animals has only grown with time.

deer, wolves or bears but when looking a little deeper though, you’ll

He still fondly remembers his childhood days when he would leaf

be amazed at what you can find.”

through his grandmother's natural history book collection or watch the weekly nature program on Swedish state television.

Johan explains that he spent long hours thinking about the subjects he could work with until he came finally across the naked

Life then led him to our shores where he first pursued a career in

man orchid. He was completely taken by surprise by this discovery

graphic design within his design studio. After renting a lens and a

since he had no idea that wild orchids grew in Malta. “It looked

beginner’s camera during his first-ever safari, he realised that he

like something very exotic from the Amazon or Madagascar or

wanted to take up wildlife photography as his full-time profession.

something of the sort. I soon realised that this spectacular flower

“My interest in the natural world has always been there and later

actually grows wild here in Malta. That sparked my interest and

in life I was interested and passionate about graphic design. The

I started researching the local orchids more and more. I learned

combination of the two led me to become a self-taught wildlife

that we have 36 species in Malta. During the course of this

photographer,” Johan explains.

project, a 37th species was rediscovered after over 100 years of no observations in Malta.”

BACKGROUND BEHIND WHERE WILD ORCHIDS GROW Johan has called Malta his home for over 20 years now. Needless

Although many hours of research were carried out, Johan never

to say, there is a stark contrast between Sweden and our island.

expected that his project on local orchids was going to end up

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I NSERT L OTCEA XLT H E R E

as a book, let alone as the first book in a collection. “I got a

that time of year, there’s another break until they start flowering

bit obsessed with the subject and soon had 1000s of images

again come September/October.

of the first species that flowers in October. At one point my wife suggested that maybe I should make a book with all these

When I ask Johan whether some flowers stand out to him more than

images. Now, it is said and done.”

others he tells me; “As a photographer, I am not happy just spotting an orchid, I need to find one which is great for photography. It

Ultimately, Johan wanted to create something “where lines,

needs to be in the right place for the perfect light and angle of

patterns, composition, shapes and forms take centre stage. A

photography. It also needs to be an individual that preferably looks

mix between science and art.” Adding to this, Johan tells me

great with no wilted flowers or broken pieces etc.”

that through his photography, he wanted to create something that people would find beautiful. “Nature in Malta is very often

Out of the common species, Johan tells me that the milky orchid

presented negatively in the media,” Johan says. I also wanted to

is his favourite. “It’s probably not the most striking one but when

prove to myself and others that great nature photography can be

looking closely, it is very intricate and very beautiful. I worked

created in Malta.”

extensively with these flowers. Sometimes many days with the same individual flower to shoot in various lights, angles etc.” As for the

OUR WILD ORCHIDS

rarer types of species, Johan thinks that the mirror orchid—which

Johan explains that orchid season starts just a few weeks after

is mostly found in Gozo—is simply spectacular. With its fantastic

the first rainfalls in September. There’s a short break in between,

colours and shapes, it most certainly stands out from the crowd.

but then the season truly kicks off in December/January. Up until April and May, more species bloom one after the other. The

Book Website: www.marvellousmalta.com

summer months are simply too hot and dry for orchids so during

Personal Website: www.johansiggesson.com

57

04

01

Oracle Casino, Isle Promenade Qawra. SPB 2508.

Free Wi-Fi. Open 24 hours.

For info and free transport contact us on (+356) 2157 0057 www.oraclecasino.com

02

Portomaso Casino, Level -1 Portomaso Business tower Portomaso, St Julian's.

Free Transport. Free Parking.

Free Wi-Fi. Open 24 hours.

Contact us on (+356) 2138 3777 www.portomasocasino.com

Illustrations are the artist’s impressions only and cannot be regarded as representations of facts or accurate locations.

04

HAVE AN

BLE

UNFORGETTA DAY AT

03

THE SHORELINE Suite 407, Level 4, Block SCM01, Smart City, Kalkara, Malta.

Contact us on (+356) 2180 8895 Email: sales@theshorelineresidence.com www.theshorelineresidence.com

01

SUMMER PACKAGE

Entrance to Popeye’s Film Set A variety of Animation Shows Scavenger Hunt Access to Popeye’s Comic Museum Entrance to the Cinema (15 minutes Documentary of the Film Set) Silver Smith Demonstrations Use of Nine-Hole Mini-Golf course Use of Bedouin Beds, Sun Beds, Umbrellas and Showers Use of Inflatable Obstacle Course and Bathing Platform Free Postcard Free Popcorn

ames

Sea G 02

03

Anima

tors

set

Film OURS

OPENING H

July - September: 10.00 - 18.00 October: 10.00 - 17.30 Bus Number: 101 +356 21 524 782

www.popeyemalta.com Popeye Village Malta Popeyemalta79

A RTISA N

WORDS MONIQUE CHAMBERS

W H E R E H E A D, HANDS AND H EA RT M EET

NADYA ANNE MANGION USES HER SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND AND INSPIRATION FROM THE COASTLINE AND SEA, TO CREATE HER FINE CERAMICS. WE TALK TO HER ABOUT HER JOURNEY. After many years of painting and drawing, I attended a course

I was introduced to Raku firing, which was quite new to Malta at

at the Malta School for Arts where my perception of art as an

the time, and I found the firing process fascinating and with my

‘industry’ changed for the better. Whilst I had this uplift there

Bachelors in Chemistry and Physics, I understood the science.

was still something missing. In 2005, I happened upon a call for applications at MCAST for pottery throwing – by now I was in my

This whole genre was a revelation and so the investment into new

30’s – but from the very first time I tried it – it was an awakening,

equipment began.I built my own gas kilns to be able to feed my

and I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life!

appetite for this work.

By discovering it later in life, I was able to use my experience and

The process takes me about a month; I hand build my pots and

fathom out how to work around issues. It was a couple of years

vessels, usually they are around a half meter in height, and with

before I bought a kiln and started to use a clay specific to the

very fine walls; this is more unusual for raku.

technique I fire in and buy raw materials like clays and glazes to create the ‘recipe’ for the methods I wanted to experiment

The colours are mixed from raw with metal oxides as part of

with. I’m heavily inspired by the sea even on a rough day, our

the recipe and harking back to the inspiration of the sea, I also

coastline, the colours and the forms, and I wanted to capture

used dried seaweed in the firing process for certain pieces as it

these in my work.

gives a particular look. I still love to experiment; smoothness or

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INSER AT R TTIESX AT N HERE

61

A RTISA N

texture of the surface of materials will

June at the Postal Museum in Valletta

mounted on limestone plinths, are a

affect the glaze and give different effects

and between shows I have pushed the

continuation of the drawing skills I learned

and I love the challenge of manipulating

boundaries and my work is light and

while studying. I still find it incredible that a

the intensity of the colours too. It is very

also creates an unexpected show

lump of mud – because that’s what we are

scientific and this amalgamates my

resembling the female form when light

talking about – can end up as something so

creative and scientific sides.

is shone through them; we discovered this

aesthetically pleasing.

while photographing!

I have exhibited in a number of

I’m proud to say that I have a few pieces

collectives and in 2019, had my very

I instinctively make pots and vessels but

overseas and am still challenging myself

first solo. My next is coming up in

do also have a series of female torsos

and science – to create my art.

INSPIRED BY NADYA ANNE’S STORY? WHY NOT TRY YOUR HAND AT A WORKSHOP?

Nadya Anne Mangion gives courses at the MSA and as part of the Lifelong Learning Programme.

See www.artsmalta.org for details.

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I NA I N S ECRUTL T E XRY T HERE

SOME GO OD

FO OD FOR THOUGHT

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C U L I NA RY

WE BRING YOU THE BEST THAT THE MALTESE KITCHEN HAS TO OFFER WITH RECIPES INSPIRED BY MEDITERRANEAN AND EUROPEAN CUISINE.

YOUR DELICIOUS

MONTHLY RECIPE

Rita Diacono nee Wirth was born in 1927 in Valletta. Her interest in cooking started, by chance when as a young teenager all her family, except for herself, were down with flu including Ċetta the family cook. Rita had to man the kitchen, with Ċetta giving her instructions from her bedroom nearby.

A love for food was born.

When the family opened restaurants over the years, Rita would help with the preparation of desserts, and she would give her ideas and recipes.

In the 90's, Rita was asked to appear on TV to give cooking demonstrations and this led to many appearances on various programmes over the next few years.

In 2022 the family was approached by a leading publisher asking if they were interested in putting together a collection of some of Rita's recipes in a book. 'Simply Rita' is the result.

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C U L I NA RY

A Wirth family favourite always prepared for special gatherings and occasions. It seems to have gathered quite a following after it was featured on the Netflix show “Restaurants on the Edge.”

F O R M A TAT-TA RJA INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE AND TOPPINGS

20ml extra virgin olive oil

200ml tomato passata

400g minced pork and beef

Salt and freshly ground pepper

200ml dry red wine

1 tbsp sugar

Couple of fresh bay leaves

1 aubergine, cut into cubes

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

500g fine spaghettini (tarja)

3 hard boiled eggs, chopped

125g smoked ham, cut into small cubes 5 eggs, lightly beaten 100g grated Parmesan cheese Handful of chopped fresh parsley Butter for greasing

METHOD Heat the olive oil in a large pot then fry the minced meat until browned, stirring often. Add the red wine and the bay leaves.

Season to taste and leave the wine to reduce completely on high heat. Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely.

Boil the spaghettini in salted, boiling water for just a few seconds leaving the pasta very ‘al dente’. Drain at once and refresh in a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. When cold, drain again and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Combine the pasta with the chopped ham, beaten eggs, grated cheese and parsley. Season and mix well.

Butter a large pudding bowl (approximately 3lt) very well and fill with half the pasta mix. Press the center down with the back of a spoon to create a well for the meat. Fill the center with the cooked mince, pressing down gently and then top and seal with the rest of the pasta. Press down gently again. Cover with cling film and leave overnight in the fridge to set.

To cook the pasta mould, cover with a piece of baking paper then cover with a double layer of aluminium foil. Secure the foil with string. Place the covered pasta bowl into a large pot. Make sure the bowl fits comfortably. Fill up to ¾ of the way with cold water. Be careful that no water will enter the mould during cooking. Cover the pot and boil on a low heat for approximately 2 hours. Check the water level every so often, topping up when needed with boiling water.

Meanwhile prepare the sauce by simmering the tomato passata with a good glug of EVOO, some salt and pepper and sugar to regulate the acidity. Cook gently for at least 30 minutes.

Separately, heat some of the extra virgin olive oil in a pan, and once hot, fry the chopped aubergines until browned.

Drain from the oil, sprinkle with salt and allow to rest on some absorbent paper until ready to serve.

To serve, remove the mould very carefully from the water. Remove the foil and paper and run a long palette knife around the edge a few times before turning over onto a large serving platter. Top the mould with the prepared tomato sauce, chopped hard boiled eggs, fried aubergines and some more grated cheese.

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L O C A L R E S TAU R A N T S

SKY17

TA’ MARIJA – YOUR GASTRO MALTESE KITCHEN Constitution Street, Mosta

St George’s Bay, S Julian’s, ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ Looking for a place to enjoy shisha in Malta with stunning sea views? Look no further than SKY17, located opposite St George's Bay in Paceville. This cosy lounge has everything you need for a perfect evening out, including tasty food and cocktails, and a great selection of music to set the mood. Whether you're looking to relax with friends or celebrate a special occasion, SKY17 is the perfect spot.

Established in 1964, Ta’ Marija is one of the island’s most historically rich restaurants. Head to their Folklore Dinner shows held every Friday and other evenings for a touch of Maltese liveliness Transport can also be arranged. Their gastro menu is bursting with creativity with what is locally traditional while adding their own signature flavours of sumptuousne ss. From smallsized appetizers and platters ideal for those of you looking to experience a variety of different flavours, to traditional homemade ravioli, bringing you your favourite Maltese dishes in a way you never imagined. Mains include traditional and signature Maltese dishes ranging from popular rabbit selection, seasonal fish and shellfish in season, local meats and the famous ‘Whisper’ chargrilled steaks … also specials offered on the day. Be sure to leave room for their mouth-watering home-made desserts.

+356 7798 4704 www.sky17.com.mt sky17_malta

+356 2143 4444 www.tamarija.com info@tamarija.com

TAL-BUDELLA

TA' KRIS RESTAURANT & MALTESE BISTRO

No 6, Misraħ Awrekarja, San Ġwann

80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema

Our dishes are a mixture of genuine recipes developed and passed down from one generation to another within our family. All full of flavour and prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

At Tal-Budella we are committed to serving reasonably priced authentic Maltese food.

Set in one of Sliema’s oldest bakeries, Ta’ Kris is all about providing a genuine mix of affordable Maltese and Mediterranean dishes in a homely fashion and rustic surroundings. Ta’ Kris offers a varied menu of traditional Maltese food such as braġioli, rabbit, octopus stew, bebbux (snails), balbuljata (corned beef hash), baked lamb, daily specials, pasta dishes, a selection of fresh fish on a daily basis and mouth-watering steaks. Ta’ Kris also offers take away & delivery service and set menus can be designed for special occasions. Advance booking is recommended and may be done through our website, via email, by phone, or on Facebook. Ta’ Kris is open from Monday to Sunday, from 12:30pm till 11pm.

For bookings: https://bookia.mt/restaurants-malta/tal-budella-san-gwann

+356 7948 9322 www.talbudella.com talbudella talbudella

+356 21 337 367 | +356 79 337 367 www.takrisrestaurant.com takrisrestaurant@gmail.com

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I NSERT T EX T H ER E

ANDREW’S BAR St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s Andrew's Bar is a freshly re-opened venue where fun is not optional, good food is compulsory, and building great memories is essential! Steeped in legacy, this is, in fact, Malta's oldest bar!

The place is a go-to, and you're simply going to love indulging in the extensive menu with a great local cuisine focus with traditional Maltese dishes and modern dishes such as pizza or pasta. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or also for a quiet drink or two!

+356 2138 8031 info@andrewsbar.com

TA' KOLINA 151, Tower Road, Sliema Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been open since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with it traditional Maltese interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of starter, main dish, dessert, and coffee for €24 per person. There is also a vibrant a la carte menu and daily display of fresh local fish. Dining here is a true Maltese experience for a reasonable price. We are open for both lunch and dinner from 12:00hrs – 22:30hrs. +356 2010 5590 info@beachgardenmalta.com Beach Garden Hotel, St. George's Bay, St Julian's, STJ 3302, Malta

+356 2133 5106 www.takolina.mt

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L O C A L R E S TAU R A N T S

ENCHANTE RESTAURANT

KETTLES CAFÉ – BISTRO – BAR

Triq Ix-Xatt Juan B. Azzopardo, Senglea

The Brewhouse, Mdina Road, Birkirkara

We are located in one of the oldest cities in the Maltese Islands; Isla – Città Invicta. Relish the unique scenery of the three cities; Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. The historical views of Fort St Angelo, Valletta and the Grand Harbour are the perfect setting for any meal, right by the sea. Enchanté Restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, special pasta delicacies and succulent meat dishes. Come join us for a rememberable dining experience.

+356 9924 9069 www.enchante-restaurant.com enchanterestaurant enchanterestaurant

Kettles Café – Bistro – Bar is located within the former Farsons Brewery and under the original and historic brewing copper vessels. At Kettles, history and authenticity of the iconic Brewery can be experienced and relished over a great meal and beverage within a homely environment amongst family, friends and colleagues. Extend your stay at Kettles for a bite or a drink when visiting the Farsons Brewery Experience at The Brewhouse.

Kettles Café – Bistro – Bar is open daily from 8.30am till late, for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dinner.

+356 2779 6712 www.thebrewhousemalta.com/life kettles@thebrewhousemalta.com KettlesMalta kettles_malta

HAMMETT’S MESTIZO

SAMIZU

Triq Schreiber, San Ġiljan

Marina Di Valletta, Pieta

Hammett's Mestizo is a vibrant Meso-South Americaninspired fusion social dining and drinking experience, with culinary influences expanding from Central America to the Caribbean and from the Andes to Amazon and Patagonia.

The menu is constructed by a multi-award-winning team, led by talented Venezuelan Head Chef Rommer Ochoa and directed by Chef and restaurateur Chris Hammett.

+356 2779 5099 www.hammettsmestizo.com hammettsmestizo hammettsmestizo

A modern and airy bistro right by the water's edge at the foot of the majestic fortifications of Valletta and Marina Di Valletta.

SA /MI/ZU boasts a gorgeous setting for indoor or al fresco dining with a tasteful design, spectacular seasonal menus, and impeccable service. From long weekend lunches to romantic date nights and afternoon cocktails in the sun, we'll meet you at SA/MI/ZU.

+356 7972 64981 www.samizu.mt www.facebook.com/SAMIZU.MT www.instagram.com/samizu.mt/

For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with us on sales@il-bizzilla.com or (+356) 2131 0608

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

EVENTS & NEWS THE FOLLOWING PAGES WILL GIVE YOU AN INSIGHT ON WHAT’S GOING ON AT AIR MALTA. THE BEHINDTHE-SCENES AND HIGHLIGHTS OF PAST MONTHS AND FORTHCOMING ONES. MALTA’S NATIONAL AIRLINE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS, ENSURING ALL AIR MALTA CUSTOMERS ARE WELL-INFORMED WHILE SOARING HIGH IN THE SKY.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

TREAT YOURSELF!

Kick back and relax whilst browsing through our Buy On Board menu offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and gift items for purchase during your flight.

Found in your seat pocket.

AIR MALTA MAKES TRAVELLING WITH PETS EASIER Travelling with pets on board Air Malta flights just got easier with the release of a new online function on airmalta.com that enables travel bookings for cats and dogs.

Travelling with pets has become increasingly popular with Air Malta, carrying over 2,500 pets every year, 2,000 of which are carried in the cabin.

The new online feature is one of the latest online ancillary products and services launched by Air Malta that are aimed to deliver an enhanced customer experience. The new function is available as part of the flight booking process and gives customers peace of mind that their pets are confirmed at the time of booking.

Only cats and dogs up to 10 kgs including carrier can be carried in the aircraft cabin. Larger cats and dogs and other pets can be carried in the aircraft hold. More information is available here: airmalta.com/en-mt/flight-extras/pets. Terms and conditions apply.

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ROBBIE WILLIAMS XXV EUROPEAN TOUR 2023 25 YEARS OF HITS

T H U R S D A Y 2 4 AU G U ST 2 02 3

FOSOS, FLORIANA A greatt & NnG event

A I R M A LTA N E W S

CONVERSATIONS THAT WOMEN RARELY HAVE, BUT REALLY SHOULD

Over the past 10 years Trudy Kerr has led over 2,000 interviews.

the story, and the show had been shared hundreds of times. Women

British-born, Maltese-homed Trudy has presented and produced

responded to Maxine's touching and explicit description of what had

over 400 TV shows on Malta's national television station, has spent

happened to her with one key theme 'thank you for sharing a story

7 years as a drive time radio DJ, presented live events all over the

that affects so many women so deeply, and is rarely spoken about'.

world and presented and produced hundreds of podcast interviews,

And so the seed of The SHE Word was planted.

and it is this interviewing that is her passion, and it is this passion that lead to the launch of The SHE Word.

'At the same time, I was also passing through my own menopause journey, a journey that had caught me out. Still feeling like I was

The YouTube and Spotify podcast, now available on Air Malta's

in my 30's, I wasn't expecting to face a life changing event - albeit

inflight system, is a simple concept - conversations that women

one that affects every woman in one way or another. I found that

rarely have, but really should. The SHE Word was born directly

this was another topic that women rarely spoke about, especially

from a moving and powerful interview on a podcast, and her own

openly, and so it would seem that this was a podcast that needed

personal experience at the time;

to happen. Once we started planning the show we discovered that there are hundreds of conversations that women rarely have but

'After COVID brought an end to my drive time radio DJ journey, a

really should.'

co-presenter and long time friend suggested I started podcasting, and at the end of 2020 I launched The Interviewer - which now

The SHE Word is recorded around a kitchen table, three women

rates in the 10% of Spotify podcasts globally. I had no idea that this

with one topic in common, and Trudy there to host and guide the

platform would be so successful. When I started this journey, it just

conversation. Season One unravels topics with sensitivity, honesty

gave me the opportunity to do what I love; to interview, to share

and humour - Women and Parenting, Women and Body Image,

people's stories.

Women and Social Media, Menopause, Women's Rights, Workplace and Business, Mental Health, Age, Career roles in a Man's World,

I was also asked to host podcasts for a Maltese household name

Fertility, Sexuality and Gender and a very moving show with 3 young

brand Mvintage, and it was on behalf of this podcast (Mpowered),

women as they look to what their future's might hold.

that I contacted friend and actress Maxine Attard to come to talk about 'Women in Theatre'. As I detailed the invitation on a phone

'I wasn't necessarily planning a second season, but as I we filmed

call with Max, she replied softly 'yes, I would love to come, but do

these conversations it became apparent that the power of the

you mind if we talk about something else - do you mind if we talk

show lies in openly discussing topics that need to be normalised, to

about my recent miscarriage instead?'. Mindful of the sensitivity of

remove any shame and embarrassment, and embrace the journeys

the topic, and my complete lack of knowledge about it, I handled

that we pass through and bring us together as women'.

the interview as a conversation between two friends; a very moving, powerful and emotional conversation. The show went out on a

The SHE Word Season One is available on the Air Malta in flight

Thursday evening, and within 24 hours over 40,000 viewers and

system, and also YouTube and Spotify. Join The SHE Word Patreon

listeners had engaged with the show, national press had picked up

page for exclusive content and to support these conversations.

* The Air Malta in-flight entertainment is currently being introduced and is only available on certain aircraft.

72

A I R M A LTA N E W S

AIR MALTA CONNECT Watch, listen and explore content from the Maltese Islands.

Log on using your personal electronic device. www.airmaltaconnect.com

1. Enable Flight Mode 2. Turn on Wi-Fi and choose ‘AirMalta_Connect’ 3. Visit www.airmaltaconnect.com or scan the QR Code 4. Plug in your headphones and enjoy!

* The Air Malta in-flight entertainment is currently being introduced and is only available on certain aircraft.

* The Air Malta in-flight entertainment is currently being introduced and is only available on certain aircraft.

73

A I R M A LTA N E W S A I R M A LTA N E W S

IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO TONIO FARRUGIA H E A D O F N E T W O R K A N D C O M M E R C I A L PA RT N E R S H I P S

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT AIR MALTA AND IN WHAT ROLES? I joined Air Malta 45 years ago and worked in a variety of roles, starting at our Valletta Sales Office way back in 1978.

I have worked in Business Planning, Network Planning and airline relations, with current responsibility for our route network, scheduling, alliances and some other areas. In the past I was also responsible for distribution, ground handling at foreign airports, our call centre and customer care, among others.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I like that feeling and challenge of creating something as part of a team that includes several internal departments and external stakeholders and partners, such as airports and other airlines; seeing projects come to fruition and delivering positive results for the long-term benefit of Air Malta, our customers and our country.

AND WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT? Most challenging are the unexpected external factors that can cause severe disruptions; things like the 2010 ash cloud and more recently, COVID-19, that brought aviation to its knees and compelled us to dismantle most of what we had built over the past several years.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? Nowadays I look forward most, to my long weekend hikes with family and friends enjoying the Maltese countryside.

I also enjoy travel, music, astronomy and photography.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE EUROPEAN DESTINATION AND WHY? I have a soft spot for Vienna, having lived there for a few months in my youth and gone back a few times since then.

I like its elegance, its history, art, museums and palaces, its music, its schnitzel. I have lasting memories of several rock concerts that I attended there 40+ years ago.

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A I R M A LTA N E W S A I R M A LTA N E W S

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION YOU HAVE VISITED AND WHY? My most unforgettable experience is probably a trip to Nashville with my sons, to watch the total solar eclipse that crossed the USA from coast to coast in 2017.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LANGUAGE? I cannot say that they are my favourite languages, but I do like Italian and Spanish.

FAVOURITE MOVIE? The Shawshank Redemption and Enemy of the State are among my favourites.

FAVOURITE GENRE OF MUSIC? Having grown through all of my teens in the 1970’s, the heyday of Prog Rock, I suppose it was inevitable that this would become one of my favourite genres. I have since then also been into jazz, jazz fusion and classical music.

DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? It is not a ‘destination’ per se, but more of an experience that has been on my mind for a long time – I mean to return to northern Spain to hike the Camino de Santiago along the French route.

WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND VISITING WITHIN THE MALTESE ISLANDS? From the cultural aspect, a day at Valletta is not complete without a visit to the glorious St John’s Co-Cathedral and its Caravaggio masterpiece. Also one of the several mysterious megalithic temples that are unique to the Maltese islands.

Hiking Malta’s scenic west coast, with its cliffs and coves and beaches or a noisy and colourful village festa in summer.

PREFERRED MALTESE DISH? I don’t think I have just one favourite, but several. Nevertheless, if I have to mention one, it must be patata l-forn, which is roast potatoes usually served with roast pork. Its aroma brings back so many fond memories of my mum’s kitchen while preparing Sunday lunch!

FAVOURITE MALTESE EXPRESSION? “Ejja ħa mmorru” is an expression that I miss from a former colleague who retired recently. Its literal translation is “come on, let’s go”, but it is used widely to mean “hurry up, don’t procrastinate”. Unfortunately we do not always realise how precious time is before we get to a certain age!

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Beyond Flying Your One-Stop Shopping Destination.

FLIGH T I N FO

A I R M A LTA D I R E C T F L I G H T S

Amsterdam

Berlin

London LHR London LGW

Brussels

Dusseldorf Prague Munich

Paris CDG Paris ORY Geneva Lyon Nice

Zurich

Vienna

Milan Rome Naples

Madrid Lisbon

Palermo Catania

Malta Tel Aviv

Routes and schedules may vary.

77

FLIGH T I N FO

F L I G H T & CO M PA N Y I N FO R M AT I O N A I R M A LTA F L E E T

AIRBUS 320CEO

AIRBUS 320NEO

QUANTITY: 3 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 168/180 ENGINES: CFM56-5B4/P MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 75.5 / 77 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 34.1M CRUISING SPEED: MACH 0.78 (450KNOTS, 833 KM/HR) RANGE: 5,200 KM, 2,800 NMI, 3,250 SMI

QUANTITY: 4 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 180 ENGINES: CFM LEAP-1A MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 77 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 35.8M CRUISING SPEED: MACH 0.78 (450KNOTS, 833 KM/HR) RANGE: 6,500 KM, 3,500 NMI, 4,025 SMI

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

SMOKING Smoking is prohibited from when you leave the departure terminal building until you reach the arrival 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 aircraf t. 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 not allowed on board Air Malta flights. Similarly, the use of naked flames on and around the aircraft is also prohibited.

PHOTOGRAPHY The users of Air Malta services are obliged to comply with the European Regulation 679/2016 on the protection of personal data as well as the Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta (Data Protection Act).

It is the sole responsibility of the user to comply and in any case of non-compliance for payment of any penalties arising from such non-compliance. Based on the above-mentioned laws it is strictly forbidden to take photos or videos of passengers or the crew (without their explicit consent) and uploading them to the web.

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FLIGH T I N FO

E N H A N C E YO U R T R AV E L E X P E R I E N C E

SURVEY

NEWSLETTER

Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance at Air Malta and we are always looking for ways to improve your experience. Visit our website to answer a few short questions.

Subscribe to our newsletter or like our Facebook page to learn about our promotions, with fares starting from as low as €44 including taxes.

Visit www.airmalta.com/wearelistening

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

JOIN OUR BUSINESS CLASS Upgrade to Air Malta’s Business Class for priority service. Members can make use of the special check-in counters for more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access to the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate inflight cabin area.

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.

Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb

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

Visit www.airmalta.com/information/services-by-air-malta/seat-selection

GET SPORTY Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialised equipment with you at a very minimal cost.

Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb

GROUPS We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than 10 adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you can’t get anywhere else.

Email groups@airmalta.com

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 one hour before your flight.

Visit www.airmalta.com/information/check-in

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ELEC T RON IC DEV IC ES

U S E O F P O RTA B L E E L E C T RO N I C D E V I C E S O N B OA R D

TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

NON-TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

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 such as GSM & Wi-fi are switched off. Devices working on Bluetooth wireless connectivity are allowed. If the device has ‘Flight Mode’ capability, this must be enabled. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices (e.g. laptops) shall be switched off and stowed away safely during taxi, takeoff and landing. Accessories, such as headphones, must not obstruct access to the aisle. If the data transmission capability cannot be switched off (whilst the device is operating), the device itself must be switched off for the duration of the flight.

These could include, but are not limited to, items such as DVD players, electronic games, music players and personal cameras.

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

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 connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must be disabled.

These devices must be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing since they could hinder an emergency evacuation.

ARE THERE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT USE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

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

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

I SHOULD INFORM THE CABIN CREW WHEN …

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

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

(e.g. smart phones and tablets)

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

LARGER PEDS

HEADPHONES

WI-FI, TEXT & PHONE CALL FUNCTIONS

YES

YES

YES

YES

(when instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

NO

YES

NO

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

NO

NO

NO

Take-Off

YES

NO

YES

NO

Cruise

YES

YES

YES

NO

(Cabin Crew PA)

YES

NO

YES

NO

Landing

YES

NO

YES

NO

Taxi to Stand

YES

NO

YES

YES

PHASE

Boarding Extended Ground Delay

Circa 10 minutes to landing

HAND HELD PEDS

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

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Naturally GOZO ds

W W d GOZO n o y e B

www.visitgozo.com