THE SUMMER ISSUE | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
MALTESE FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
SEF FARRUGIA, EMMA WARRINGTON AND CHRISTINA BUSUTTIL DEALING WITH DEMENTIA FIRST-HAND
PALAIS LE BRUN
INTERIORS
PAELLA MIXTA
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Editor’s note
lthough spring is the official season of rebirth, the shift from summer into autumn has a similar feeling, and September is definitely the month that embodies that transition. The change of weather means a change of lifestyle, as many gear up for a fresh academic year, be it as students, teachers or parents. As a student, the dawn of a new academic year always instilled in me a motivational feeling, encouraged by a new collection of supplies, a blank diary and the hopeful promise to yourself that this year you will be more organised, your pencils will be sharper, your bedtime earlier. Talking about motivation, the recurring theme in this month’s issue is that of perseverance in the form of individuals who have chosen a perhaps more challenging, non-conforming path with the objective of doing something they love or feel they are called to do, with a passion and a vision fuelling them as they go. As the term ‘the road less travelled’ suggests, these people are the exception, not the norm. They are testimony to the rewards of perseverance if we are willing to work for it, and the surprises that await us if we allow ourselves to leave our ever-so-protective comfort zone. The theme begins with our interview with Matthew James Borg, former Red Electrick frontman, who has recently started a new venture as a solo artist. In this month’s Inside feature, Kristina Cassar Dowling also speaks to three young Maltese female entrepreneurs who have created a path for themselves by nurturing what they love and turning it into a career. Alongside this, our feature Ray of Hope introduces us to Fr Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest who is dedicating his life to helping citizens live better lives in Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, an area which can only be accessed by boat or plane. I hope that other articles in this issue will be an inspiration in other ways. Become interior-inspired for the next season in our Interiors section, where we look at the interior design of one of Valletta’s newest boutique hotels Palais Le Brun, where textures, embroidery and upholstery are all celebrated and incorporated in the elegant design that compliments the historic structure of this 17th century house. Our Back to School feature offers some ideas for lunchbox fillers that are practical, healthy and tasty. If they don’t tickle your taste buds, try this month’s recipe by the Mediterranean Culinary Academy, which, with their paella dish, will leave you feeling vibes of summer even as temperatures slowly (but surely) begin to decline. Until next month – and, in the meantime, have a great start to the new scholastic year! JOANNA DEMARCO Editor Editor JOANNA DEMARCO jdemarco@independent.com.mt Advertising Manager SEAN ELLUL sellul@independent.com.mt Advertising Executive ILARIA MOUSU ialmousu@independent.com.mt Designer CONRAD BONDIN cbondin@independent.com.mt Production manager ANDRE CAMILLERI acamilleri@independent.com.mt Publisher STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, Standard House, Birkikara Hill, St Julian’s. Tel: 00356-2134-5888 Printer PRINT IT E-mail first@independent.com.mt Online www.independent.com.mt Facebook firstmagazine. Cover details: Emma Warrington. Photography by Joanna Demarco. First is published as a complimentary magazine with The Malta Independent on Sunday and is not to be sold separately.
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Contributors
MARIJA GRECH Marija is a portrait photographer who seeks beauty in the every day. Working primarily with an analogue camera, she has recently gained interest in photographing the world of theatre. Follow her on Instagram @marmargrech
GABRIEL SCHEMBRI Gabriel is a journalist and book author currently gaining inspiration whilst travelling the world.
KRISTINA CASSAR DOWLING Kristina is a content creator whose interests include food, music arts and culture.
MATTHEW SPITERI Matthew is a local, award-winning fashion photographer. Find him on his ‘Matthew B Spiteri photographer’ Facebook page.
MARTIN CALLEJA URRY Martin is a freelance writer and researcher with a particular interest in social sciences who has been contributing to local publications for the past eight years and running.
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WINNER FROM THE JUNE/JULY ISSUE Rita Zammit Spiteri from Zabbar has won an Nina Ricci: Rose Extase 50ml courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery.
CONTENTS
[T H E AU GUST/ SE PT E MBE R ISSUE 2 01 8 ]
20.
HUMAN INTEREST
10.
CONVERSATION WITH Matthew James Borg
The Gozitan priest and doctor bettering the lives of thousands in the Peruvian Amazon
26.
FASHION
13.
INSIDE
Maltese female entrepreneurs creating self-sufficient businesses out of their passion
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Black & White
36.
BACK TO SCHOOL Lunchbox filler ideas
44.
56.
The Jew of Malta
Dealing with alzheimer’s
47.
58.
Berlin – A few days at a slower pace
Paella Mixta by The Mediterranean Culinary Academy
THEATRE
TRAVEL DIARY
51.
INTERIORS Palais Le Brun
HEALTH
RECIPE
62. ART
The Gabriel Caruana exhibition
INTERVIEW
CONVERSATION WITH Matthew James Borg
FIRST SPEAKS TO THE FORMER RED ELECTRICK FRONTMAN ABOUT HIS RECENT VENTURE GOING SOLO.
Interview and Photography by Joanna Demarco MATTHEW, HOW DID THE LEAP FROM RED ELECTRICK TO BECOMING A SOLO ARTIST COME ABOUT? There are many stories circulating out there about this! Some say that I left because I wanted to go solo. Others say it was a mutual decision we took due to “differences in artistic direction”. I think my favourite one is that I left because I couldn’t handle the rock’n’roll lifestyle and preferred family life. The situation in which I found myself in December left me with no choice but to leave the band. I think I was at the lowest point in my life. I didn’t even want to hear music, let alone make it! I had no idea where to go and what to do from there. However, when I made it public on Facebook that I would no longer be part of the band, the feedback from people was incredible! Everyone wanted me to continue performing and writing music. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ‘NEW YOU’ AS OPPOSED TO THE RED ELECTRICK FRONTMAN? I think I am more myself now. I joke more on stage, I smile more. The Red Electrick act was more dramatic, theatrical and all planned out. Now, I just enjoy performing, jumping about and being myself on stage. It’s about making people smile and relating to human nature...after all, I’m just a guy who started out air-guitaring and air-drumming in my bedroom to Iron Maiden at the tender age of 15! WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU RIGHT NOW? Breakfast, emails, update my calendar and reply to clients, which normally takes until 10am. That’s when I start doing the production work for the clients I’ll be working for: other musicians, filmmakers, gig clients, etc., etc. At 2pm I take a break to have something to eat with my girlfriend and watch a few episodes from a series. Evenings are for errands, meetings and other production work. I always like ending my day with a long song-writing session that usually takes place between midnight and 2am. This is my meditation time. I believe that practice makes perfect in everything. Football players have to train; song-writers are no different!
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HAVE THERE BEEN ANY CHANGES IN YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATION, STYLE OR INFLUENCES IN THIS NEW CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE? The music I write usually depends on what I’m listening to at that moment. Also, being a producer and song-writer, I always keep up to date with the latest sounds, instruments, techniques, etc. So in reality, I think my process is still the same. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WHAT CAN YOUR FANS LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE? Locally, at the moment I’m producing The Busker’s upcoming album and I’m experimenting on three tracks with the immense vocal capability of Raquela DG. I am also working with Americanbased record label IndieWaveEntertainment on the distribution of my new tracks on their online platforms. This is quite humbling, as they have an online platform with over 100 million viewers. With regard to the future, there are plans for an EP or album next year with the new band. We had the pleasure of jamming a little during our Beerfestival rehearsals and I absolutely loved what was happening. And also – everyone was smiling and that’s usually good!
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INSIDE
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
FIRST TALKS TO SEF FARRUGIA, EMMA WARRINGTON AND CHRISTINA BUSUTTIL: THREE YOUNG FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS WHO TOOK ON THE INSPIRING CHALLENGE OF TURNING THEIR PASSION INTO SELF-SUSTAINED BUSINESSES.â–¶ Words by Kristina Cassar Dowling. Photography by Marija Grech
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INSIDE
“I AM A VERY ATTENTIVE AND OBSERVANT BEING, SO I TEND TO ABSORB INFORMATION AND MAKE IT MATERIALISE IN VARIOUS WAYS.”
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INSIDE
pening a business in Malta is an enjoyable and exciting rite of passage that quite a number experience but only a few succeed in and go on to make an impact. Making their mark in the textile, food and antiques industry is not an easy feat but these entrepreneurs are inspiring many as they turn their passion into self-sustained businesses – and add value to society in the process. For each and every one of these entrepreneurs, motivation, determination and a deep sense of self-worth need to be shuffled into their daily lives. The want and the will to wake up every morning and do precisely what you want to do in your career is another dream that many never begin to imagine. Making the move to start up your own gig is exciting, scary and energising.
Sef Farrugia Sef Farrugia is a textile designer whose intricate designs, which translate into a variety of platforms, have caught the eye of many who walk through the streets of Rabat and pass her newly-opened boutique, where all her fashion items can be found. Her inspiration to create her fabric designs is not static, and set in one genre of art or in one source of literature. It is poetry, history, music and sub-cultures that do it for Sef, not to mention the architecture she sees around her and the textures she encounters: a myriad of muses power her on. “I am a very attentive and observant being, so I tend to absorb information and make it materialise in various ways,” she said. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Sef has both feet in the door and she’s not looking back. With the launch of her solo-shop, Sef has adopted a brick-and-mortar approach, giving people an experience with every trip into her secondhome. Some future projects include an e-commerce website, some additional items to join her already thriving accessory range while further developing the brand image and presence in the market. Although the set up was challenging and the steps towards building an entirely new brand were tiring, Sef stated that she believes “any creative being is always seeking to manifest their ideas and can never truly stop this cycle, no matter how hard they try.”▶
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INSIDE
Photography by Joanna Demarco
“I THINK BEING FAMILY-RUN IS LARGELY WHAT MAKES OUR CONCEPT SO POPULAR AND EFFECTIVE. IT WAS NEVER MY GOAL TO BUILD AN EMPIRE, JUST TO HAVE FUN WHILE EARNING A LIVING.”
Emma Warrington mma’s kitchen’ has pretty much become a household name and Emma Warrington’s story is in itself inspiring. Having spent years studying and working as an architect, with cooking on the side, she eventually came to a crossroads where she felt she had to choose one. “I started cooking when I was halfway through my university degree and then realised how much I enjoyed it and I started spending a lot of time cooking, participating in food markets, organising outside catering and so on. “At a point it became too difficult to manage the two, and I had to make a choice, but it was quite clear to me which one I wanted to do more, and I have always believed you should spend your life doing something you really enjoy, so that is why I made the switch,” she said. It was not long before she started planning to create the type of place she herself would like to frequent, which she felt was somewhat lacking in the local scene. Having your passion as your full-time job “blurs the distinction between life and work,” she adds, “but I can’t imagine it any other way.” 16
Her inspiration for the delicious food that finds its way onto the meticulously crafted menu is scattered and has its roots in so many cuisines and techniques. Emma humbly says that her menu is thought up with the help of her talented team. With almost 100 per cent of her staff ticking the ‘female’ box, Emma’s crew work tirelessly to deliver quality with every plate. Although both men and women thrive in the catering industry, Emma has found it difficult to be accepted as a professional in a sea of male chefs. But this did not put her off the industry, or stop her in her tracks, as every waking minute of her day is spent at the restaurant, keeping her business alive, pushing it to maintain standards and striving for excellence, while at the same time having fun, of course. “I think being family-run is largely what makes our concept so popular and effective. It was never my goal to build an empire, just to have fun while earning a living.” Sometimes passion comes in the form of results, and, oh boy, does ‘emma’s kitchen’ deliver! Emma’s determination in the kitchen almost seems like an extension of her family dining table, with an added splash of finesse and creativity.▶
Camparimalta
INSIDE Christina Busuttil rtemesia is the brainchild of antiques aficionado Christina Busuttil. As the founder and managing director, Christina houses, evaluates and hunts down precious antiques that may be long forgotten had this industry not soared in Malta. But how does a woman enter the antique bidding lifestyle? Christina’s fascination with the arts started at the influential age of six, when her passion for ancient history began consuming most of her attention, and to this day she is “fascinated by anything that tells a story of man’s ingenuity, his need to experience the beautiful and anything that can be distilled down to the creative process of the mind.” This insatiable hunger to wonder, discover more about a history and be surrounded by beautiful artefacts is what pushed her deeper into her career. With grand plans to launch a living gallery, where art can be viewed, events can be enjoyed and inspiration can strike, Christina’s major goal for the future is to open the doors to her spectacular gallery. Her aim is to give the public a space in which they can be exposed to some of the finer things in life and express themselves in a welcoming space. Artemisia deals in fine and decorative arts of all periods, therefore Christina’s general vision from the start was to “establish a focus on the value of transparency and education”. With these two golden rules, her vision has allowed her to make a living from her passion, nourish it and watch it grow. Living your dream is not impossible: it’s not even improbable. All it takes is a pinch of motivation, a splash of determination and a serving of selfworth – oh, and a great idea of course! That is the recipe for creating the perfect little worker, happy as Larry, making a living doing something you love.
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HUMAN INTEREST
RAY of hope
Meet the Gozitan priest and doctor helping thousands in the Peruvian Amazon Words and photography by Gabriel Schembri t is difficult for anyone who has never met Maltese missionaries abroad to imagine how a parish priest strives not only to survive in an alien city such as Iquitos, but to improve or even change the life of many others. In this regard, Father Raymond Portelli is not like any other I’ve seen or worked with. It was quite challenging for me to get Fr Ray to actually sit down and stay still for a 20 minute interview despite the fact that I am living in the same household as him at time of writing. Fr Ray, or Padre Raymundo as he is better known here at his parish of San Martin de Porres, runs on a very busy schedule. He manages to juggle between his commitment as a university lecturer, teach at the local seminary, attend as a medical doctor and manage a tremendiously busy parish. “I arrived in Peru when I finished from the Seminary in Gozo back in 1994. First I spent almost two years in Lima but then they later notified me that they needed someone to serve in the selva (jungle). I immediately volunteered and in 1996 I arrived in Iquitos age 28,” he said in a strong Gozitan accent. His living room has been transformed into a pharmacy, a clinic and an office. As a backdrop, hundreds of books stand tall, ranging from fiction, like the Dan Brown collection, to medicine and God. Books vary between English, Spanish and occassionally even in Maltese. The widest wall is covered with an array of the medicines which serve as the makeshift pharmacy. Iquitos is the argest and only metropolis in the Amazon, (and possibly the most humid), and only accessible by plane or boat. It is not a big city with the population reaching some 550,000. The only tourists who actually make it to Iquitos are those wanting to experience an authentic jungle. ▶
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HUMAN INTEREST
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HUMAN INTEREST
◀ Iquitos is also the capital of the Loreto region, which is the poorest in Peru. Education levels here are at the lowest in almost all of South America. Unfortunately, poor education and difficult social backgrounds have created very harsh problems. HIV and tubercolosis spread easily especially in the slum area of Belen. Where illness does not strike, very cheap drugs manage to filter through from the very young to the senior population. Alcohol and drug addiction, in fact, are major issues. “The first years were interesting and a learning experience for me. I got used to the reality of Iquitos and could see what was needed most. After two years of serving as parish priest at San Martin de Porres and when I got the hang of Spanish, I decided to sit for an eight-year-long course to become a medical doctor. I had first spoken with the then bishop of Gozo, Mons Nikol Cauchi. He did not find a problem as long as I manage to fulfill my other duties as priest. Then I had to speak with the church authorities here in Peru. Their reaction initially wasn’t positive at all. Somehow they argued that medicine does not fall under the duties of a priest. I, on the other hand, believed that this would complete me. I cannot imagine not being a medical doctor now,” he said. As one can only imagine, among the many obstacles Fr Ray had to deal with to complete the very demanding course was to actually find the time to study. “Those years I spent studying were nothing short of crazy. I would only find the time to study very late at night or in the early hours of the morning. I would sleep on the way to and from the university. I’d get the best sleep on the motokar,” he explained laughingly. Each week, hundreds flock to visit him at his free clinic. “Then I make sure that every month I visit one of the nearby villages along the river. I take every kind of medicine I have with me because once I get there, I don’t know what ilnesses I’ll find.” After quickly establishing himself as a charismatic christian priest and Sunday mass was beginning to get jam packed with people, Fr Ray felt he could do more for the empoverished community of
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Iquitos. That is why in 2003 he opened the parish’s first home, one which would become a landmark of Fr Ray’s legacy in Iquitos – Casa Algo Bello Para Dios (Something beautiful for God). “We opened this home to provide a shelter and medical assistance to people suffering from HIV, Tubercolosis and other critical ilnesses…Today Algo Bello is always full.” The house accomodates 18 patients who receive free treatment, accomodation and food. Since its first day, the house has helped hundreds recuperate and others who simply needed a bed where they can spend their last days in peace. The house has patients of all ages. The youngest at the moment is 17 years old. His family rejected him and Fr Ray’s shelter is now his home. “We named it ‘Something Beautiful for God’ becuase it is one of Mother Theresa of Calcutta’s quotes. I met her once back in 1989 and her work was of great influence to me.” Wanting to tackle one of Iquitos biggest issues, the priest from Nadur then decided it was time to set up a professional drug rehabilitation centre. In 2005, with the help of a professional team, the parish set up the Talita Kumi drug rehabilitation centre. Fr Ray then decided to open up Casa Betania and Casa Santa Rosa de Lima. Both houses accomodate the homeless. Casa Betania currently hosts around 25 men who live on the street but gather here at night for a soft bed and a nice breakfast. Casa Santa Rosa is home to 22 elderly people who are sick and have no family to take care of them. Almost 25 years on Fr Ray is the true and one of the very few testimonies of charity here in the amazon city of Iquitos. The four houses he manages are run only through donations he manages to collect from fund raising activities here at San Martin de Porres and in Malta. His wish is to be financialy able to set up a house for children who come from dysfunctional families in Iquitos. “Little by litte, with God’s help, we’ll make it happen too,” he concluded before he runs off to start his long day of missionary work.
TRAVEL
My first Emirates experience
Joanna Demarco writes about her first experience as an Emirates passenger
am a frequent airplane passanger, so upon being given the opportunity to experience and write about Emirates, a service with a reputation of prioritising quality above everything else, I was curious to compare it to my usual means of flight. Normally, I find the travelling and airport part of a trip abroad as somewhat of a compromise, a never-ending succession of waiting and lack of personal space before I get to my destination. I place hope in the possibility of being able to teleport within my lifetime. If that is not achievable, though, airlines such as
Emirates may very well be the next best thing. My first experience on Emirates consisted of two flights between Malta and Cyprus – the first one in Economy Class and the second in Business Class – both approximately two and a half hours long. Getting to Cyprus is today fairly easy given that Emirates Airlines has a daily direct flight, thereby avoiding the hassle of having to stop in another country along the way. Cyprus as a holiday destination goes beyond Ayia Napa. It is a destination appreciated for its idyllic beaches in their pristine state, the Troodos mountains, and
of course its intriguing history. (Also, from my own personal experience, I would definitely add in ‘incredibly friendly taxi drivers’ as a reason to visit).
First impressions Perhaps it is something about the air hostesses’ uniforms, or the prim and clean airplane interiors, but upon stepping into the doorway of the plane you know you will be comfortable and well-cared for, a feeling that is always welcome on a flight, where many value the feeling of safety. Waiting for you on your 17.5 inch-wide Economy Class seat is a pillow and a pair of headphones – the latter a key to the Emirates ICE screen of wonder. You can even control your own personal 13.3 inch LCD screen in front of you without budging from that position, with the help of a detachable controller. In no time at all, I was set for my first flight, with the pillow perched under my neck and my legs stretched out without worrying that I was kicking the person in front of me.
As cool as ICE The ICE screen in front of your seat opens up to a world of entertainment at the touch of the screen. It officially stands for 24
TRAVEL free wifi, giving you the options to make calls or send emails whilst mid-air. All Emirates passengers are provided with up to 20mb of free Wi-Fi, whilst Emirates Skywards members in First Class and Business Class enjoy unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi and discounted plans in Economy Class. Meanwhile, the ‘Entertainment’ section is a large collection of movies, music, games and puzzles. The choice of films, (the whole 750 of them) varies from some of the newest releases, to bollywood films, to options I didn’t even know existed, such as ‘Disneynature’ – a series of documentary films about nature by Disney. If that is not enough of a choice, there are over 1,000 hours of TV programmes, 3,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, eight channels of live TV including major sports events (depending on the aircraft), over 2000 music and podcast channels and over 100 video games. Be it in Business Class or Economy Class, breaking down the entertainment time are multi-course meals, with menus which are updated on a monthly basis. Following the meal are individual servings of coffee and liquers. The wine, which is included in the list of complimentary drinks, are notably award-winning wines which find themselves on-board after being specially selected every year by Emirates’ very own wine-tasters.
Skipping the irksome parts with Business Class
‘Information, Communication and Entertainment’, but I think the name ‘Incredible Culmination of Everything’ also fits aptly. The ‘Information’ section offers you global news, details about your flight and even the option to watch live views from cameras that are attached to the plane. The ‘Communication’ section allows for
Business class travel, as I experienced on my journey from Cyprus back to Malta, literally gets everything that is irksome about the traveling and flying process and turns it into something the polar opposite – fun, and enjoyable which kind of makes you want to stay in your chair, even after landing. The business class experience started with a chauffer service from my hotel, which immediately negated the ‘can I depend on public transport to arrive on time?’ concerns. Upon arrival at the airport I was handed an ‘express pass’ – one of the business class perks – which was a free pass to avoiding all the queues when it came to passing through security and passport control at the gate. I then made my way to the private lounge where I could relax for about an hour before the flight, and have a coffee and read a variety of newspapers. The lounge was peaceful. This made a difference to my airport experience, where
I would usually be struggling to find somewhere to sit and hoping my bags are not in anyone’s way.
The massage chair and unlimited Mojitos What other differences are there between Economy Class and Business Class? I would say that whilst the former is rather enjoyable, the latter is a luxury (on this note I can only imagine what First Class is like). Your seat in business class is not merely a seat, but can double, or triple, into a massage chair and a bed. All this, without the person behind you even noticing that you have moved your seat an inch. The massage chair has a variety of intensities and speed, and the types of massages offered opened my mind to types of massages I never even knew existed; ‘pulses’, ‘waves’ and ‘zigzags’. A menu found in your seat allows you to choose an espresso martini, a cognac, a scotch whiskey, a mojito, or a number of other cocktails, to sip as you are being massaged by your chair whilst watching a film of choice on the ICE screen, tucked under your fleece blanket. The food menu, which also varies monthly and boasts inspiration from a number of international cuisines, offered me a choice of braised lamb shank, panfried duck or prawns with garlic and coriander, (I opted for the latter), followed by a dessert you would never imagine would be plane food: raspberry pistacchio feuilletine.
The difference is (also) in the detail The business class toilets have hot and cold water options, fresh flowers and perfume. During the flight you are given warm nuts to snack on and a warm face cloth after your meal. Tiny salt and pepper shakers are placed on your tray alongside your meal and your earphones are cushioned with a leather covering. When it comes to business class, the difference is not only in the treatment and the services offered, but also in the detail. This experience got me thinking, although there are multiple airline choices with various price ranges, it is a breathe of fresh air to experience a service where quality is at the forefront, both for your enjoyment, practicality and your peace of mind. It is not every day that you are slightly reluctant to leave the plane upon landing, and that is something. 25
BLACK &WHITE FASHION
STYLING: JEANDOR FARRUGIA PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW B SPITERI HAIR: NEVILLE ROMAN ZAMMIT MAKE-UP: LYANNE SAWYER MODELS: ZUZA AND SARAH AT SSP MODELS CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES: ALDO SHOES, MARKS&SPENCER, VALLETTA AND SLIEMA 26
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TRENDS TABLE LAMP. Make a bold statement with one of Mdina Glass’ distinctive handmade glass table lamps. Available in a range of colour patterns, shapes and sizes, these wonderful pieces can be bought with or without the shade.
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LEGACY LATTICE LANTERNS. Create the perfect ambience indoors or out with these new Legacy Lattice lanterns by Mdina Glass. Mouthblown glass is encased in a metal structure and finished off with high-grade leather handles for a striking, timeless look.
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BELLA, NINA RICCI Les Belles de Nina is being shaken up by a new arrival, Bella. The subtle fruity, slightly bitter-sweet flavour of Rhubarb is made irresistible by a bold zest of green mandarin and a caress of vanilla. Rose is deployed in an alliance of Turkish rose oil and rose absolute whilst freesia provides luminosity and crystalline freshness.
SCANDAL BY NIGHT, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Scandal by Night is the scent of freedom, like life’s sweet honey. And there’s plenty of honey here! A Honey Tuberose, honey is still at the core of Scandal, but now it’s partying with its intoxicating tuberose, sandalwood and tonka bean. An even more addictive blend.
Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, Tel: 2133 1553
Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, Tel: 2133 1553
HARD ROCK CAFE MALTA is an American-style restaurant with a heart close to music. Proud member of the world famous Hard Rock brand. Hard Rock is a haven for fans of music, food, and great times. Whether you are down for a Legendary Burger, live music, a Classic Tee, or the latest collectibles, there’s something for everyone. Every Hard Rock Cafe around the world serves up authentic experiences that rock, as well as in Malta! Since its establishment in 2000 in Bay Street, in 2002 at the Waterfront, and 2006 at the Malta International Airport, Hard Rock Cafe Malta has been serving legendary food and an awesome venue for your birthdays, bachelors’, hens’, corporate launches, networking events... you name it; we do it!
Visit facebook.com/hardrockcafemalta for more information. Keep rocking! 34
TOM’S. A wide selection of unique figurines and decorative objects by the renowned Tom’s Company, available at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique. The idiosyncratic creations make for ideal, original gift ideas for him… for her… or just for yourself! Outlets: Pjazza Tigné and Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson). Tel: 2010 6306 or facebook/henrimalta INTRODUCING THE AUTUMN WINTER 18 COLLECTIONS Marks & Spencer moves into Autumn Winter 18, with a sense of confidence and simplicity; celebrating style and championing quality. The introduction of the The Foundation Edit, offers a curation of wardrobe essentials. A selection of sartorial building blocks for the modern wardrobe; as the perfect complement to her life and style. Autumn sees the arrival of Poetic, as top to toe colour takes a new feminine direction. A palette of pinks set the tone; from soft blush and rose, to rich burgundy and fuchsia. Luxurious textures enhance the mood, from super soft faux fur outerwear to chunky knitwear and plush corduroy; creating a richness of finish. Sartorial sees classic shapes and chic tailoring reworked through a sports luxe lens, as emerald green and cobalt blue update the aesthetic. Classic check separates meet quilting, wool blends and leather for a strong fabric direction. This palette continues into lingerie as the soft, sporty silhouette is elevated. Arriving in Winter, Soft Heritage explores sumptuous layers of animal print and caramel tones, with a hint of lilac lifting the overall mood. This tactility also defines the lingerie and loungewear direction, as the natural curve is accentuated through fit, design and finish. Onyx offers a contemporary take on the party spirit. Hero dresses and statement pieces, are elegantly pared back, for a modern interpretation of the season. A rich colour palette of teal and ochre, are punctuated by dramatic accessories, to depict luxury with an edge. Innovative lingerie underpinnings support this evening silhouette for an understated femininity. The Autumn Winter 18 collections, place flattering fit and versatility, at the heart of stylish design.
BACK TO SCHOOL
halved grape
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hummus naan keeping your banana safe 36
bread
BACK TO SCHOOL
X O B H S C A LUNER IDE L L I F pasta salad
n i s e h s c e i p w a d h n s a s endly fri
kiwi
slice
s
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BACK TO SCHOOL
With a new scholastic year just around the corner, First sought advice from parents for practical, quick, tasty and healthy snack ideas for your child’s lunchbox.
1.patties Lentil tuna 1 cup boiled lentils 2 large cans tuna 1 egg 3 tsp grated cheese 1 - 2 tbsp flour
Beat the egg in a large bowl. Place the cup of boiled lentils and two cans of tuna. Sprinkle the grated cheese and flour and mix well. Add a pinch of pepper and salt. Form into patties and fry lightly for a minute per side, turning each patty over when golden. (makes 10)
3. Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches
2. Ġbejna and galletti Easy to put together and tasty to snack on, cheese and crackers are a fun and simple lunchbox filler.
in friendly shapes
Friendly-shaped sandwich cutters are simple but effective ways of making the plain old sandwiches look somewhat more appealing. If your child likes cucumber, cream cheese with thin slices of cucumber make great-tasting playground snacks.
4.breadNaanwith/ Pita hummus A change from the typical bread, cut naan or pita bread into fingers or small triangles for child to dip into the chickpea-based hummus dip. Hummus can easily be bought readymade, however, the recipe for homemade hummus is relatively simple too:
5. Pasta salad A small portion of pasta salad will prove to be a filling, tasty meal for your child and provide them with plenty of starchy energy to burn in the playground. The ingredients to a pasta salad can very well depend on the preferences of your child. You can add in some vegetables such as corn or tomatoes to add to the nutritious value of the meal. Feta, olives and capers also make for tasty additions. 38
200g canned chickpeas 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 crushed garlic cloves 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste) 4 tbsp water 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas and rinse. Place the chickpeas in a bowl and combine the lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, tahini, and water in a food processor, and blend to a creamy purée.
Note: check with the school regarding what type of cutlery is allowed.
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( +356)21456862 •www. mdx. edu. mt•admi s s i ons mal t a@mdx. ac . uk
PROMOTION
DANCE TO YOUR TUNE WHETHER AS A HOBBY OR A PASSION, DANCING HAS SOME TRULY INCREDIBLE BENEFITS. HERE, MARISHA BONNICI, THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SEED DANCE STUDIOS, TALKS ABOUT HOW HER SCHOOL IS SET FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF FUN AND SUCCESS.
Although Seed Dance Studio’s approach to dance education is holistic and not just exam-based, the school is just about to become the first institution in Malta to offer American Ballet Theatre Student Examinations. This international system aims to prepare students who are aspiring for a more holistic approach and will bring new levels of professionalism to the industry. arisha Bonnici was born into the dance scene, and her teaching career includes some pretty impressive highlights. After all, she is the only teacher in Malta who has taken a student all the way to the finals of the world’s most prestigious dance competition, the Youth America Grand Prix, twice. She is also the first Maltese teacher to have a student become a Royal Ballet International Scholar. With her base at the Seed Dance Studios in Lija, Marisha’s ethos is very simple: “We always aim to give our students an experience that fulfills them in every sense of the word. Whether that leads them to getting a scholarship, passing a dance exam, or simply providing them with an outlet to express themselves creatively, the important thing is that they feel rewarded by their efforts.”
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Seed, meanwhile, also prides itself on being a school open to anyone who wants to move, and with over 90 classes given by six hand-picked teachers – including Marisha’s mum, the seasoned Mireille Coleiro – there is something for everyone. “We always look at the individual’s abilities and offer advice on whether the path they’ve chosen is right for them. In fact, my advice to parents is to not be scared of letting their children do what they love, or of encouraging them to dream beyond our shores,” said Marisha. With classes in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Jazz, Spanish, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Street Jazz and Hip-Hop, students at Seed Dance Studio can truly explore their dance talent. Find Seed Dance Studios on Facebook.
PROMOTION
“WE ALWAYS AIM TO GIVE OUR STUDENTS AN EXPERIENCE THAT FULFILLS THEM IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.”
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PROMOTION
Middlesex University – Malta’s first fully-fledged British campus Middlesex University opened its third international campus in Malta in 2013. In contrast to the many distance learning options available today Middlesex has a fully-fledged campus, with a dedicated academic team and a staff-student ratio which optimises the learning environment. Offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the University now welcomes over 200 students from Malta and all over the world. The University’s strong links to industry ensures maximum benefits for students and employers alike, creating synergy between knowledge and skills whilst maintaining an employability rate of over 94% amongst graduates.
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Alegria Academia de Baile Flamenco Alegria is Malta’s only dance school specializing in Flamenco, and is associated with Flamenco Maestros from Andalucia Spain, who regularly visit the school to give intensive classes and prepare students to attend courses and perform in Spain. Alegria prides itself in giving its members a sound foundation and cultural insight to the traditions of Flamenco by following the Alianza Flamenca syllabus. Members may attend classes in technique and choreography and have the opportunity to perform in bi-annual Academy Performances.
THEATRE
A CYNICAL YET RELEVANT PLAY FOR OUR TIMES
MARLOWE’S THE JEW OF MALTA Director Chris Gatt tells First all about his latest production Photographs by Justin Mamo
he Jew of Malta is a strange beast. Like its author Christopher Marlowe, it is full of contradictions. Whilst its full title is ‘The Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta’, the poet and author T S Eliot famously concluded that it was indeed a farce filled with ‘savage comic humour’. It has been described as anti-Semitic, but also as anti-Christian and anti-Muslim, however it is probably best described as anti-religious, a tragicomedy based on Marlowe’s understanding of the realpolitik of his days. The result is an Elizabethan House of Cards, imbued with a Mediterranean energy and vitality. The play itself is set in an alternate history of Malta, which, in this version, did not suffer the Great Siege. Instead, the Knights of Malta come to an arrangement with the threatening Turks to stave off invasion by paying them a yearly tribute.
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THEATRE
However, as is often the case, this payment has been postponed for ten years, due to more pressing issues and so, when the Turks finally decided to call in the debt, the governor of the island decides to collect the funds by taxing all the Jewish minority of the island and taking 50 per cent of their property, money and goods. One man, Barabbas, who also happens to be the richest man on the island, protests. And for his troubles has all his property requisitioned. From that point Barabbas is bent on ever-more bloody revenge in ever-more ingenious ways, as he crosses, and double-crosses, friends and enemies, and even his own daughter. In this play, Marlowe creates a Malta inhabited by characters, mainly leaders of the State and the Church, who believe the end always justifies the means. So, it is no surprise that the spirit of Machiavel (or as he is named in this production Machevil – Make evil) haunts the streets of this particular Malta.
speculation that he may have been killed off by someone in authority having become ‘inconvenient’. There is a sense of urgency in Marlowe’s plays. They are filled with characters who over-reach themselves, who dare to break the rules. Barabbas is no exception. Using cunning and wit he has climbed the ladder out of poverty to become the richest man in Malta and using those same talents he wreaks havoc on the political and religious classes in ever ingenious ways. As a result, in The Jew of Malta, Marlowe has created a fastmoving potboiler. Filled with fisticuffs, violent murders and some very funny moments, it’s almost as though Quentin Tarantino reimagined Fiddler on the Roof and Tevye has gone ballistic. It is hardly surprising that it has been described by modern-day critics as prescient, reverberating and immediate.
This is a Malta where the motto is survival of the most devious and underhand dealings are the order of the day; where politics, religion and corruption go hand in hand with the ultimate aim, which is the pursuit of money; where the thriving mercantile economy is founded on the backs of exploited slaves and minority communities.
In The Jew of Malta, Marlowe’s cynical ‘outsider’ voice comes through with brilliant clarity, throwing a light on a Malta that prefers to hide its truths beneath layers of pageantry, propaganda and sophistry, and then boldly declaring ‘there is no sin but ignorance’.
Although hazy on historical fact, Marlowe’s Malta is steeped in a deep knowledge of the politics of the Mediterranean and Europe. This is hardly surprising. Many scholars have concluded that Marlowe was himself a spy, and possibly double agent, for Queen Elizabeth’s court. He was also arrested in mysterious circumstances involving counterfeit coins and a Catholic seditious insurrection in the Netherlands.
The Jew of Malta will be performed at Teatru Manoel on 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14 October 2018. All performances start at 8pm; except for the October 6 performance, which starts at 6pm. Tickets at €25, €20 and €10; discounted ticket available for students and senior citizens. Bookings on 2124 6389 or www.teatrumanoel.com. Classification 14+
Also suspicious was his early death at the age of just 29, ten days after another warrant for his arrest was issued and has led to
This project is supported by the Project Support Grant, Malta Arts Fund – Arts Council Malta
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berlin
TRAVEL DIARY
A FEW DAYS AT A SLOWER PACE Words and photography by Joanna Demarco.
People relax at Tempelhof Feld, Berlin’s biggest park which was once an airport. Park life is at the centre of Berlin culture.
t was my first time spending a few days in Berlin. I was always told that summer is the time to visit this city. Apparently, Berlin winters can be disheartening, but the sunny days – which are apparently becoming more common year after year, boost the city’s atmosphere with a different, fun-loving energy. I was shown around the city by a resident
who, having lived in Berlin for three years, has a good understanding of the places to visit – and those to avoid at all costs. One of the things that caught my eye almost instantly is the number of people travelling around freely on bicycles: not the mountain bikes that are usually ridden in Malta and which are built to tackle hills and the trickier pathways, but pretty, thin bikes with baskets that are used merely to get
from A to B fairly easily. I would highly recommend renting a bike to travel around the city, although when I went they had all been rented out due to the influx of tourists visiting Berlin in the peak of summer. However, the U-Bahn – the Berlin underground railway – is very reliable, although perhaps not as much fun. At the heart of daily activity is the park life. When the weather is decent, people cycle ▶
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TRAVEL DIARY
Schillercafe in Neukolln. Cafes and small eateries sprinkled around the city also contribute to the city’s laidback feel and organic culture.
Swimmers bathe at the lake in Wannsee, an hour or so outside the centre of Berlin.
◀ to the vast areas of grass and lounge there for a good part of the day. Tempelhof Feld, Berlin’s largest public park, was originally an airport, which closed in 2008. An area of the field is cared for by a number of citizens, who take turns caring for little pockets of the park by filling them with flowers and benches, books, decorations and so on; turning it into a special community space.
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The Jewish Museum, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind
The laidback feel continues in the café culture that exists around the city. Pretty, organic cafés – furnished in minimal, raw materials – are found around practically every corner. It’s the type of environment in which you feel you can spend hours, sipping coffee or a ‘schorle’ – half fruit juice, half sparkling water – watching the life in the city go by.
TRAVEL DIARY
Schillercafe in Neukolln. Cafes and small eateries sprinkled around the city also contribute to the city’s laidback feel and organic culture.
Relief from the heat comes in the form of homemade icecream at Fräulein Frost.
A trip to the capital of Germany would not be complete without a hiking session, and Berlin caters for that too. A half-hour train ride takes you the neighbouring area of Wannsee, a south-western Berlin borough which is home to two large lakes. An alternative day out of the hustle and bustle of the city can include a two-hour hike in the forested area, making your way down to a lake for a swim.
For a touch of something touristic, I would recommend the Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind, which is the largest Jewish Museum in Europe and perhaps – given the history of Berlin – the most geographically significant. The design of the building is an experience in itself, and the interactive exhibit inside is simple yet extremely effective, leaving an impression on you which lingers.
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INTERIORS
INTERIORS FIT FOR A
Palais
DESIGN NOTES BY INTERIOR ARCHITECTS MARK MUSCAT AND MAXINE BORG FROM THEIR RECENT WORK IN BOUTIQUE HOTEL PALAIS LE BRUN. Wooden paneling and poster beds contrast with the Carrara marble flooring and Nain Persian rugs. Brass door handles and marble bedside tables add an elegant touch to the rooms.
Photography by Brian Grech. â–¶
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INTERIORS
Drapery was used to frame each individual window niche to capture the city-scape outside. Soft furnishings were specifically chosen to compliment the unique upholstery for each room category.
he 17th century baroque building that is now the boutique hotel Palais Le Brun in Old Bakery Street, Valletta, dates back to 1606, making it one of the first private homes to be built in Malta’s capital city. Now, newly restored and redesigned, the hotel consists of 28 luxury rooms, a rooftop terrace with a pool deck, a fitness centre and an in-house restaurant. In the early 18th century, the palace became the home of ‘The Illustrious Knight’ Claude LeBrun, and was later handed down to Giuseppe LeBrun and Giacchino LeBrun, both of whom had the honour of being Masters of the Mint of the Order of St John. The LeBrun crest has now been adopted as the hotel’s logo.▶
The mezzanine in the double-height suites integrates a custom-built shelving unit with oak flooring and wrought iron furniture and railings.
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The use of texture within a monochromatic material allows the light to bring out the traditional floral pattern and pleated shades. Brass floor lamp with fabric shade by Elektra adds soft diffused lighting.
INTERIORS
The play with textures continues through to the cushions within each suite. Velvet and embroidery were used to add a sense of luxury with the floral prints giving a classical sense of elegance.
The entrance hallway was restored faithfully conserving its historic elements. Antique furniture and paintings were used as embellishments. Antique style wall lights and picture lighting by Elektra. 53
INTERIORS
Staggered Carrara marble walls and classical chrome fittings and sanitary ware provide a timeless monochromatic elegance to all bathrooms. 1920s inspired chrome wall lights by Elektra give added unique style in the bathroom. Photo by Andrew Gerardi The elevated pool at roof level is clad in wooden decking offering spectacular views onto the sea.
n 1905, the building was leased to the Borg Oliver family, becoming the childhood home of Malta’s first post-Independence Prime Minister, George Borg Olivier, whose father, an architect, extended the house by building a bridge over Eagle Street at second-floor level to a property that was used as a private chapel. The grand history of the building is both reflected and respected in the elegantly designed interiors that are fit for the new life of the Palais.
The 830-bottle wine cellar forming part of Patakka Restaurant was constructed out of stained wooden racking with lamp black walls and grey marble flooring. 54
HEALTH
DEALING WITH DEMENTIA FIRST-HAND September 2018 marks the 7th year of World Alzheimer’s Month, a global awareness campaign battling the stigma surrounding dementia. Martin Calleja Urry shared a coffee with Linda Camilleri* to discuss her father’s 12-year struggle with dementia. To protect the family’s privacy, all names have been changed.
welve years ago, on a day like any other, Fred* attended mass at his local parish church, but couldn’t find his way back home on his own. One of his three daughters, Linda, refused to dismiss the incident as a one-off bout of forgetfulness, and took immediate action. An appointment with a neurologist revealed that Fred had Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia: an umbrella term for a group of disorders that target the brain’s cognitive, linguistic, emotional and behavioural functions. Fast forward to the present, and Fred, now 85, is one of over 50 million people worldwide living with dementia, with a new case developing every three seconds. The conversation with Linda starts with a promise of anonymity, as she talks about her family’s general day-to-day life and skims over the recent ups and downs. Linda and her 82-year-old mother, Anna*, take care of Fred around the clock, apart from the occasional visit to the dementia day-care centre. Despite the challenging circumstances, they take a proactive approach to care-giving, refusing to let dementia shake the foundations of their family unit. Anticipating the need for an extra pair of hands, Linda sold her business years ago to dedicate herself to her father. She believes that they have provided support for Fred through familiarity and consistency. “My mother is his cornerstone, his frame of reference. He feels safe with her, but he’s also calm with me. If my mother isn’t around, he can get desperate. He’ll constantly ask for her every five minutes,” she said. The Camilleri family know that being physically present and talking to their father can ease his anxiety, helping him to feel safe and secure. Linda underlines the importance of maintaining a calm, patient attitude around Fred, while constantly providing him with reassurance. She maintains that the devil is in the detail, and encourages other families to use information as their main weapon against dementia. If she feels uncertain on how to proceed with Fred, Linda calls the dementia helpline (1771), or asks for advice at the dementia day-care centre at the St Vincent de Paul Residence. Overall, she’s happy with the local resources available
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and speaks highly of the work carried out by the Malta Dementia Association. The focus of our discussion moves to Fred’s past, and Linda smiles as she paints a picture of him in his prime. With a genuine sense of pride, she describes him as a strict but loving father who was an avid reader and collected watches for a hobby. He attended church daily and relished a good game of snooker with his pals at the Union Club. Over the years, however, Fred has lost interest in most of his hobbies and his disciplinarian demeanour has been replaced by a much calmer, mild-mannered disposition. “We struggle to remember what he was like before the dementia” Linda says. “As the decline progresses, you begin to see the real differences: he’s not the same person anymore.”
GOOD AND BAD DAYS Linda is happy to admit that Fred’s general behaviour is relatively mild, especially considering the longevity of his case. Dementia patients can potentially become increasingly violent, but Linda says Fred “has become more like a little child, but in a good way. He’s a lot more sweet-natured,” she said. Stark personality changes are to be expected, but they’re also unpredictable. Another worrisome symptom is the tendency for people with dementia to wander off, a reality the Camilleri family had to face recently when a routine shopping trip escalated into a family crisis. Almost every single family member joined the frantic search for Fred which, luckily, ended after only a few hours.
HEALTH
“ANTICIPATING THE NEED FOR AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS, LINDA SOLD HER BUSINESS YEARS AGO TO DEDICATE HERSELF TO HER FATHER.” “The anxiety on that day made me feel as if I was going to die. I called the dementia helpline for advice and informed the police straightaway. My son put a picture up on Facebook and we shared the post as much as we could,” Linda said. Fred was eventually found – unharmed and unfazed, but also unable to understand what had happened. Linda worried that his usual concern for a familiar face had apparently evaporated. “I thought we’d find him injured in the street, crying for my mother. He wasn’t even aware that she wasn’t there with him,” she said. “He just wandered off as if nothing had happened.” Linda mentioned his lack of social inhibitions, which can create uncomfortable situations in public. “The other day, my mother caught him unzipping his trousers, ready to urinate at the bus stop. If we’re sitting down in a café, and he sees somebody he thinks is ugly, he’ll let me know, rather loudly. At the supermarket, people stare as if he’s crazy, because he mimics the bleeping sound at the check-out counter. Socially, it can be very challenging because he cannot hold back,” she said. Another day-to-day issue is his refusal to bathe – an issue that Linda notes is particularly out of character for Fred, who always had perfect personal hygiene. “These days, it’s a battle. If I’m planning to take him out, I’ll ring him up a day in advance to make sure that he’s going to wash. My mother and I usually have to gently push him into the shower, which he hates,” she said. It's difficult to anticipate how dementia symptoms will manifest themselves on any given day, but Linda insists that being unprepared is asking for trouble. She advises care-providers to try
to predict what can go wrong in any given situation, and to have a back-up plan ready. Should all else fail, she resorts to the professionals.
THE BIGGER PICTURE Families all over the world can do plenty to ensure a patient’s quality of life is never compromised, but once that box is ticked, it’s mainly for the government to come up with a longer term strategy. With the current lack of data on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, it will be a long time before we even begin to scratch the surface of this incredibly complicated problem. Populations are getting older, as younger couples have fewer children and improvements in medicine and technology enable us to live longer. The world must collectively wake up to the dangers of dementia – a disease which, if left unchecked, can place a significant emotional, financial and social strain on any country with an aging population. Although full-time provision of care can be both mentally and physically exhausting, it can – as Linda has shown me – also be very rewarding. There is no doubt in my mind that the Camilleri family will continue to support Fred through thick and thin. Their good work has not gone unnoticed and, clearly, it has done wonders for Fred, who continues to defy doctors as he approaches his 13th year with dementia. * names have been changed.
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FOOD
PAELLA MIXTA
By The Mediterranean Culinary Academy 58
FOOD
A paella is typically prepared in a special pan which allows a crispy layer of rice to form on the bottom known as a socarrat. We’ve modified the recipe slightly so that no matter what pan you have access to you can recreate the crunchy finish to the rice using the grill setting found in most conventional home ovens. This recipe uses rabbit and prawns as the main proteins but either can be substituted for things like chicken legs, mussels or clams.
INGREDIENTS: Onions, minced – 100g Carrots, diced – 100g Red peppers, minced – 50g Garlic – 10g Calasparra rice – 100g Saffron – 1 pinch Smoked paprika – 1 tsp White wine – 100g Water – 300g Spring onions, halved – 2 each Rabbit legs – 1 each Red prawns, head on – 5 each Mussels – 4 each Calamari – 5-6 rings Olive oil – 2 tbsp Salt – To Taste
METHOD: 1. Begin by chopping the onions, carrots and green peppers very finely. 2. Place some olive oil in a pan and sweat down the sofrito for 30 minutes or until translucent. Remove from the pan and reserve on the side. 3. Cut up the rabbit legs into bite size pieces. Retaining the heads, de-vein and peel the prawns. 4. Season the rabbit legs with salt then place into a medium hot pan with the prawn heads. Sear till golden brown on all sides. 5. At this point add the saffron and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes till aromatic.
6. Add the sofrito to the pan along with the crushed garlic and white wine. 7. Reduce till a muddy paste forms then add the rice and coat. 8. Top with the water, season with salt and simmer on medium low for roughly 15-20 minutes. 9. Preheat your oven to grill on the highest setting. 10. Taste the rice for doneness and seasoning. Once 95% cooked nestle in the prawns, mussels, calamari and spring onions into the paella then place under the grill for 2-3 minutes. 11. Remove from the grill, drizzle with salsa verde and serve immediately.
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FOOD
Salsa Verde INGREDIENTS: Basil, mint or parsley – 80g Garlic – 1 clove Juice and zest from – 1 lemon Flaked almonds. – 40g Extra virgin olive oil – 80ml Salt and black pepper – To Taste
METHOD: 1. Preheat an oven to 160°C and toast the almonds in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool to room temperature. 2. Mince the garlic and add to the inside of a pestle and mortar. Sprinkle lightly with salt and using the pestle and mortar, grind into a paste. 3. Chop the herbs and add to the garlic, beating lightly to incorporate. Add the toasted almonds and repeat the process. 4. Season with lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste. 5. Continue to pulverize lightly until a coarse, homogenous puree is formed.
These recipes are taken from Mediterranean Culinary Academy's upcoming Cuisines of France & Spain course. For more information on courses, workshops and private events, visit www.mcamalta.com, Facebook or Instagram: Mediterranean Culinary Academy 60
ARTS
IN HONOUR OF MALTA’S FATHER OF MODERN ART The Gabriel Caruana exhibition at Valletta Contemporary Words by Joanna Demarco. Photography Joanna Demarco and Valletta Contemporary His art was created using all kinds of materials and objects, including had shamefully never stepped foot inside Valletta Contemporary since its launch back in April, so experiencing it for the first time as it fiberglass, papier-mache, marble wood, metal and even car tyres. It is exhibited a vast selection of Gabriel Caruana’s work, was indeed very elements such as these that bridge modernism with contemporary art, highlighting Caruana’s contemporary style within the work which is special. recognised as predominantly modern. A posthumous exhibition was recently held in honour of Another impressive factor, is that Caruana remained Caruana, who sadly passed away earlier this summer, age 89. highly dedicated to his art even as he grew older. The It was of great interest to see such an array of his work, final part of the exhibition invited the audience to sit in varying both in style and in medium. The selection a small, intimate setting and watch home videos of displayed included work that he is not traditionally the master at work, allowing you to get to know the recognised for. artist on a more up-close-and-personal level. Born in 1929, Gabriel Caruana was one of Malta’s This final part of the exhibition connected to the first modern artists, as well as a ceramicist and words found in Paul Sant Cassia’s essay on the artist: sculptor whose career was not only limited to Maltese “Gabriel Caruana, was well-known in Malta for at shores but extended abroad. least three things: he was one of Malta’s first ‘modern’ He was also the founder of The Mill, a culture and artists; he was an extraordinarily gifted and alchemical crafts center and foundation, dedicated to promoting Photo courtesy of The Gabriel ceramist; and he was a super abundantly generous and modern and contemporary artists in Malta and Gozo. His Caruana Foundation warm individual, reflected in his larger than life physical dedication to bringing art into the public view is yet another presence and his translucent blue eyes. It is difficult to rank these reason as to why Caruana is considered a pioneer. One thing which was striking throughout the exhibition was the three, but all who were graced with knowing him will surely lament the third intertwining and variation of artwork and materials that Caruana used to the most.” The exhibition was curated by Norbert Francis Attard and organised in create his artwork; such as painting on ready-found objects, as well as the collaboration with The Gabriel Caruana Foundation. traces of found materials in his ceramics. 62