Friday, February 26, 2010

Malta

Sometimes when you are really ready for a holiday you perhaps subconsciously place your hopes on wanting it to be good. I think I did that prior to my recent holiday to Malta, as it turns out it wasn't a bad holiday (though not amazing either), it was a welcome respite from the cold weather, time to think and reflect and time to have a bit of fun.

Arriving at Luton airport and checking in I was worried about the weather, the clouds were heavy and full of snow and as my dad had recently had a holiday at Christmas cancelled due to the bad weather I was on tenterhooks. We queued for the check in and just happened to be behind a female Maltese volleyball team, each and everyone stunning looking, my spirits began to rise. So we boarded the plane and the heavens cascaded with snow, not good. Seat belts on we nervously waited, time dropped off the clock slowly, a lorry with some kind of jet wash hurriedly caressed the aircraft with icey cold water washing any traces of offending snow away, suddenly we were away, thrusting engines hurtling us down the runway - my heart leapt and in my mind the ride of the valkyries music thundered forth in elation.

About three hours later the lights of Malta appeared on the horizon, I squinted out of the window as the plane dropped and saw a pretty church lit up in the late evening, orange street lights surrounded it, a harbour, boats and moving traffic - touchdown.

It didn't seem overly warm as we disembarked but then again it wasn't cold either. We were through the airport in a flash and our transfer driver was waiting. Onto a mini bus and a roller coaster ride later (yep the Maltese drive like maniacs) and we were at the hotel. On booking in we were told a floor of the hotel had been flooded and we were being transferred to a 'sister hotel'. Another mad dash in a mini bus, some protestations at the new hotel reception and we were upgraded to fully inclusive, result. It was late, I explored a little and felt more than a little despondant that we didn't seem to be near anything really, and so travel tired and left wondering I went to bed.

The next day the sun was astride the sky in no time, breakfast inside me it was time to ask questions and explore. it turned out my reconnaissance the previous evening had yielded little because basically I'd been up the wrong streets. My spirits rose as I got my bearings and began to discover things and then we left for the capital Valletta.

The capital is comprised of many adjoining areas, Vallatta being on the main promontory that is flanked by various harbours and inlets. It's a very pretty place, lots of old buildings and interesting fortifications and architecture. It didn't take long to discover the bar where the late great actor Oliver Reed had died whilst filming the movie 'Gladiator'. it was a busy little back street pub with English charm and character adorned with lots of movie posters of the actor in past roles. A few pints later and I began to relax and think 'I'm here, I'm on hoilday - at long bloody last!'

So, Malta, what did I think to it? Well it's a bit of a mixed bag really. I liked the place but it has a generic Mediterranean feel about it when you're away from the touristy bits. Some places like Mdina and Mosta have real charm, history and depth, though that said many other places have a very unfinished or 'derelict' (as one Brit in the hotel said) feel about them. Some of the pavements are particularly bad and there seems to be a good few half built apartments and other buildings.

It's not a big island, so exploring is fairly easy, though the old yellow and orange buses are real bone shakers with no suspension. Some buses have been passed down from father to son and are decades old, the jewel of the family. Sadly the bus drivers themselves aren't the most friendly characters, no doubt they've seen tens of thousands of tourists and have been asked the same questions time over. The roads in Malta aren't great to be fair and there seems to be lots of one way systems. The Maltese love their cars, most families I am told have 2-3 cars, most young Maltese men like to pose around in them booming music forth, the older men do the same but play 80's music! I have to be honest and say I didn't feel the Maltese were the best drivers in the world, they are generically continental in their style with a manic speed demon edge. They seem to drive with abandon and rarely indicate leaving the whole thing a guessing game. It seemed to be every time you crossed a road there was a car bearing down upon you.

The Maltese as a people are a mixed bunch, not overly friendly but not aloof either. Much like any country there is good and bad but in fairness the Maltese I'd say aren't a bad lot. They speak good English, are polite and helpful when approached (apart from the bus drivers!). I noticed how observant they are about current affairs, especially goings on abroad, the UK in particular. My feeling was now and again the Maltese get fed up with tourists flooding their small island but they also acknowledge we're a good source of revenue. I guess like in other places the rule of one price for tourists and another price for locals applies. One thing I did pick up on was the Maltese concern with immigrants, mostly from Africa but according to the barman in my hotel there are a lot of Bulgarians and other east Europeans coming to the island now. There was a Bulgarian maid in the hotel that was very charming but there were a lot of African males walking the street on some occasions. I was told most Africans make for Italy but get stopped and sent back to Malta where the Maltese have to deal with them. There are a lot of camps of immigrants to the south of the Malta I'm told. I never felt nervous walking the streets at night though, the Africans seem to be in search of a better life and not criminals.

Maltese women are absolutely exquisite creatures, beauty personified and probably up their as some of the most gorgeous creatures I've seen on my travels. Maltese women have a certain class of their own. They wear great outfits, carry themselves with grace and pride. Dusky skin, long locks of dark hair, curves to die for, they are a mix of European, Italian and slightly Arabic looking at times, that said some looked very English too, with a resplendent aura.

It wouldn't be fair to draw too many conclusions about the Maltese as I was only there a week, for the most they seemed nice people, however I would have liked to immerse myself in their culture and language more. Some things are evident about the Maltese, they have a strong sense of family, they are fervently religious, patriotic, observant and perhaps a bit materialistic as they do like their fine clothes and cars.

It's no secret that I love my history and for this reason I was looking forward to Malta. Most of the big players in history have occupied the little island and made their mark. The Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and various European powers have all contributed in some way or another to leave Malta how it is today. I sampled a few places of historical interest, Wignacourt tower, Fort St Elmo, Valletta, Mosta, Mdina to name some. The actual places, what you pay to get in them and what is on offer varies greatly though. The Knights Hospitalars museum/show in Mdina cost 5 euros, was said to be award winning but just turned out to be a tour with crackling headsets viewing waxworks dolls (though some were very lifelike and spooky). The re-enactment of troops training at fort St Elmo in Valletta was good, but we only stumbled on the show just before it began so missed the tour of the fort but the actual place was across a weed strewn concrete plateau that really wasn't signposted well, a case of follwing the crowd.

I got the feeling some historical places of interest just seemed to be there for the cash in value and are lacking in some areas, though to be fair I never really felt ripped off, just left feeling a little disappointed in some instances. The best thing is to read up and pick and choose, or just talk to other tourists or locals to get feedback.

Personally for me Malta was a welcome break, the weather reached 75 degrees at times and it was great to stroll around in a t-shirt feeling warm and content but not over baked. There's some lovely little bars there, some lovely views and I especially liked the area of Sliema just north of Valletta. Sliema has a very cosmopolitan feel about it, great shops, restaurants and cafes and the whole area feels quite modern, great for when you want to escape the historical touristy stuff (and with good pavements!). St Julians is also a nice little bay/area as is St Pauls which in contrast is very quiet. Bugibba, the area where I stayed is ok, a typical holiday place festooned with English style bars, clubs and more than its fair share of tacky shops. It's a clean place, plenty of places to eat and drink and is quite small and easy to traverse with good bus links, facilities and a really good cinema.

Would I return to Malta? The answer is probably yes but I'd probably go to Sliema for a long weekend with friends. It's not that cheap a place really, the locals aren't happy with the Euro still either. Malta is worth a visit (for the beautiful women alone!) but generally only attracts the retired sort for any duration, mainly because the weather is favourable and English is spoken everywhere. I would recommend Malta for a short break to anyone, especially younger people wanting a vibrant capital to explore. It wouldn't be a bad family holiday either and the oldies (mainly) love it there.

So that's Malta, and here is some photos for you to enjoy!



Mosta Dome


Wignacourt Tower


A vintage Perkins Bus


Re-enactment at Fort St Elmo, Valletta


Fort St Elmo battlements


Valletta


Mdina (the silent city)


Sliema coastline



Valletta main street


Valletta street & architecture


A street in Mdina


St Julians


Carnival parade in Valletta


St Julians


Valletta view from the Sliema ferry


View from just outside Fort St Elmo


Yours truly, ponytail flapping madly in the breeze!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Funky Chicken Little Song

They kept playing this in the cinema in Malta, now I can't get the tune out of my head. Maybe they have it in some cinema's over here but I've not seen it yet, anyway, it makes me smile, so here you go!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Traveller's Tales

Well here I am sat in a cyber cafe in Bugibba, Malta. Today I've been to Mdina, called the silent city because there's no cars there (though there is a few). It's a beautiful place, winding alley ways, lots of quiet nooks with an amazing view overlooking the island. Then it was off into Sliema for some retail therapy and food.


The hotel is ok, the staff are friendly. Initially on arriving at our hotel we were told there had been some sort of flood and had to be transferred to a sister hotel. My heart sank and I thought 'here we go!' but after arriving at the second hotel and venting our displeasure we were promptly upgraded to fully inclusive.


The resort of Bugibba is quiet but it is off season, there's some good little bars though and the local beer 'Cisk' is smooth and refreshing. I'm also enjoying 'Kinnie' which is the preferred soft drink on the island.


I think the weather has been touching between 65 and 70 today, lovely and warm, and oh those Maltese girls!!! I've found a tattoo shop nearby, looks very professional and I'm gonna check out tatts and prices in the next day or so and treat myself to one maybe.


So there you go, a little blog from the wandering hobbit in Malta, photos to follow when I get home!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Come On Lads!

Poor old Notts County Football club, it's been a real roller coaster of a season for them. Today they lost to Fulham in the FA cup but did get quite far in the tournament. I recall blogging at the start of the season, filled with glee at the arrival of Sven-Goran Erikkson, Sol, Son of Schmeical and an endless pot of money. Now that's all gone, First Sol Campbell left after one game, then the mysterious arabic backers pulled out and the club has now been sold by the Chairman Peter Trembling for £1, to Ray Trew, former chairman of Lincoln City. Sven has left but is some sort of new club figurehead/president (non-paid/active).

Still, on the up side Ray Trew is held in high regard seemingly, and knows the Football business well. County were in 4th position in the league last I looked, and could still well get promotion. Fair play to Sven too, he stuck by them for a good while when many expected him to walk, I just hope in this new role he can influence the future of the club. I just hope in these turbulent days of stability for many clubs my favourite team Notts County can hang on in there. Come on lads, you can do it!

Sunday, February 07, 2010

The Story So Far ...

January has been and gone, and very cold it was too. I saw Gary off before he flew back to Hong Kong on new years eve, drove home, elected to stay in for the new year and bolted down the hatches and dug in for a bleak cold month.

The weather didn't let me down and we had snow aplenty. Fortunately the tv was good, celebrity big brother, Survivors, Dan Snow's 'Empire of the Sea', Paul Merton in Europe and the very cringe worthy 'Take me out' with Paddy McGuiness, oh and not forgetting the return of the Gadget show.

Regime wise, well things went well, no beer for about 3 whole weeks and then only a tentative tipple. Sensible eating at sensible times and more importantly sensible portions. The upshot was a bit of weight dropped off and I felt much better in myself. I've not started the writing projects I have planned but I have been blogging more, so that's good. Friend wise? Well part of the new years resolution was to forge stronger friendships this year as I feel it needs to be done in certain cases, I'm happy to say that seems to be going well too.

All in all, January has been a slow but good month marred only by the death of a friend (See: The Big Empty blog). I've a holiday booked for later this month, well just over a week away and I can't tell you how excited I am about it and how much I need it, it's been far too long. I've also been doing stuff at a new project in Nottingham and I'm really enjoying the involvement. So there you go, a little update of sorts.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Mike Flowers Pops

I'm currently really into 'The Mike Flowers Pops'. I've always liked a bit of lounge music and was aware of Mike Flowers back in the mid 90s with his cover of Wonderwall. It was only yesterday as a result of a previous conversation with a friend (Drew!) that I decided to look Mr Flowers up, and I'm glad I did. Here's his ultra cool cover of the Oasis track 'Wonderwall' below;



Whilst at the project I'm involved with in Nottingham today (It's a music shop) I found Mike Flowers to my elation on CD and promptly bagged it, as seemingly his stuff isn't easy to come by nowadays. Anyway, I played it in the shop and both customers and staff loved it! Oasis gave the nod for the cover to be released back in the 90s because they liked the arrangment so much, and music critics really rate his other covers, personally I think they're super cool, not my normal taste I'll admit but damn cool all the same - I'm a fan, enough said!