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Walter Micallef


  The Icon of Life


upgraded: 27-Feb-2003




We discovered Walter when Steve Borg, his manager and promoter, invited us to a concert which was being held in the cellar of one of Valletta's old houses, converted into a wine-bar/restaurant. Coincidentally, I myself had known Walter previous to Steve's introduction, or so I thought!

I still feel the chills when I recall the atmosphere. The crowd huddled forward, each one holding a lit candle, as Walter held us spellbound with his unplugged style, weaving tunes we had never believed our language to be capable of.   This was the first time my wife and I listened to his 'live' music, and it was certainly not our last.

We followed Walter when he performed at Bugibba and Marsascala, at Barbeques and at Baystreet (screened on TV). We waited impatiently as he promised he would 'soon' record his first CD. Finally, it happened. Walter Micallef launched his first album on Feb-27th at the University of Malta.

Walter and his companions gave a memorable performance.   His CD is witness to that.

This article is in Maltese.




Natasha Turner


  A budding Maltese Poet


uploaded: 14-Jan-2003




This is my-malta.com's Review of one of Malta's budding literal artists. It is written in the Maltese language, the same medium used by the poet in her work.

Here is a young mother, a school teacher, a person who is not afraid of expressing herself. This is Natasha Turner a Maltese poet who writes about Life.   Natasha protests about life's inconsistencies, yet embraces Life's very essence in its minutest, often seemingly insignificant, manifestations.

Here, we read about her first publication with co-author, poet and fellow teacher Guido Borg; 'Bejn in-Narratur u n-Narrata', a pleasant mix of styles. His is a recitation of a traditional marriage, while hers is a display of unrestrained, modern, femminine feelings.

Next we look at her second, solo, publication entitled: NEIJ--JIEN, standing for 'myself' (Jien) and its reverse, or mirror-image (neiJ).   The only way to feel what Natasha has to say is to read her, so we bring you two of her pieces: in-Nifs (the Breath) and Tghumux! (Do Not Swim!).




Christmas in Malta
  a mixture of old & new


Street decorations at Paola


uploaded: 31-Dec-2002
Happy New Year



Our aim here is not to compare the manner in which Christmas is celebrated in Malta as opposed to other countries.   If you do live in another country, however, this may be your chance to observe the Traditions of the Maltese Christmas.

As we tread lightly on some historic ground and distinguish between the old traditions and those more recently adopted, we divide the Maltese festivities in two: Church functions and Social events.   Of course, different people celebrate Christmas in different ways, depending on their age, social and financial backgrounds.

So walk with us on the Procession of the Baby Jesus, then come inside our brightly lit Church for carol singing and other activities centering around children.   Midnight Mass will start around 10.45PM and is what officially marks the birth of Christ. We then invite you to visit our homes where families and friends gather and feast on turkey or other rich food, exchanging presents.

Glimpse at our decorated streets and party with us until the dawning of the New Year. See the Maltese nation enthusiastically donating huge sums of money in aid of the needy in the true spirit of Christmas.




Panoramic Views
      a new feature!


added: 18-Oct-2002



Pages with this sort of feature will become a regular item in our website.

You may scroll Left and Right for horizontal panoramic views, or Up and Down in vertical shots.   At times both features may be found in the same webpage (see image), along with still photos and write-ups.

Our first pages in this series take us to Saint George's Bay, in the vicinity of Saint Julian's, and then to the Grand Harbour where we look at Senglea from across Dockyard Creek (formerly known as Galley Creek).

As much as possible, we try to describe to the visitor what is shown in the photographs, and perhaps adding a bit more. Look out in the coming week or so for Ghadira Bay and Nature Reserve.





The Maltese Language
      an overview ...


updated: 25-Sept-2002





The Maltese language developed over the years as a direct result of the Islands' history. In this first part dealing with the language's likely origins, we look at chronicles and contemporary sources treating the subject.

In Maltese Language -- an Overview we hope to provide the available information in a colourful manner which could benefit the visitor and the young student alike.

Then, in subsequent parts, we intend to cover the more recent events affecting the language -- from the 1800's todate.






My Return to Malta
      on Convoy MW.10


added: 08-Sept-2002 1

1
Victory Day (1565) in Malta





This is a two-part series in which some episodes of Malta's more recent history are relived.

In Part 1: Malta -- My first years, Joe Cali' Warrington recalls his boyhood days in a Maltese harbour-town in the 1930's, his departure to Britain and experiences (now as an RAF airman) in the first exploits of WW2 on the African continent. This account inevitably leads us . . .

to Part 2: Back to Malta ... by Convoy, which narrates with certain specifics the sea and air battles of "Convoy MW.10" on the way to his new battlestation and homeland, Malta.






etnika
      LIVE IN MDINA


added: 14-August-2002





A Maltese Folk Music revival is underway thanks to the talent and serious research carried out by a group young people who call themselves Etnika.

The group combines traditional instruments (reconstructed after painstaking study) with those of Jazz, and merge Maltese ethnic music with the popular Ghana (ballad) and Flamenco dancing, to deliver a most fascinating performance each time.

We visited Etnika during their rehearsals for the upcoming performance at the Vilhena Palace in the old capital, Mdina. This article serves to introduce newcomers to the wealth of traditional Maltese music and urges all not to miss out on a truly professional spectacle.

Those who have been to previous performances, know that this is a cultural appointment not to be missed.





In Times Gone By
    a brief family memoir


added: 5-August-2002



My great-grandfather was killed in 1915 in an explosion at the Naval Ordnance Dept, leaving his young widow to care for their family during what was possibly the worst economic depression in recent Maltese history.

Although this family-tree is traced back to the 1700's, here we start from Giuseppe's birth in 1887 and, after a brief account of the family's milestones, we share some memories of Grandma Stella's old (and spooky) Valletta house .

It was by now the 70's but the old quarter at the base of the city suggested that time had stood still for some.

We hope to bring some recollections to those who may have visited Malta during those years.





Your Walkaround to
    The Three Cities


added: 21-July-2002





This page is an update/addition to our series entitled: Your Walk Around the Maltese Islands, and links to third party pages and articles (such as the one below this one).

Here, we get a brief overview of the origins of the Cottonera area, better known as The Three Cities.   Presently, links from this page will lead us to dedicated pages for Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, all of which have a history behind them.








Senglea
Civitas Invicta


added: 15-July-2002



In this contribution, J.V.Rizzo brings us a brief history of Senglea, the smallest of the Three Cities of the Order.

Through two sieges, that of 1565 when Malta was attacked by the Ottoman Turks and that of World War Two when the Axis airforces bombed our islands extensively, Senglea twice arose unconquered from amidst the ashes and the rubble of war.

And after the ultimate sacrifice, the old city stands proud amongst Malta's main attractions.






The Last of the
   Gozo Boat Builders


added: 07-July-2002



Here, Steve Borg is investigating the fate of the Gozo boat-building tradition, along with that of the 'Sacra Famiglia', a Lateen Sail Boat or, as such craft are known locally id-Dghajsa tal-Latini.

The author interviews Wirt Ghawdex (the Gozitan heritage trust) secretary, Godwin Vella, as well as Peter Caruana, one of the two brothers entrusted with the boat's restoration. He also brings us some interesting photos of the craft in her present state as well as one from the last century, bringing the article to life.

 





Dun Karm
Xi Xogholijiet


updated: 07-July-2002



Dun Karm Psaila is our National Poet and the writer of Malta's National Anthem, L-Innu Malti, amongst other beautiful works.

This section skims over a small selection of his works, whilst linking to other pages related to the Maltese language seeking to shed some light (mainly for our foreign visitors' sake) regarding the evolution of Maltese spelling in the last century.

In another section, we look at the man himself as one of Malta's leading literary personae. We present two versions of this article; an English and a Maltese version, with marginal differences.

 




Wied Ghollieqa
Nature Reserve


added: 04-July-2002



This is a pictorial interview with Simon Buttigieg about how the Wied Ghollieqa project started and developed. Steve Borg, himself a lover of Malta's natural environment and a member of Nature Trust, walks us through one of our Islands' budding natural habitats.

There is so much still to be done and yet so much that is already being done by those who are dedicated to the preservation of our environment. But without public and Government support, in terms of better awareness and funding, education and legislation, the good work that is being done will become a futile effort of a few who take action where others only moan.

Joining Nature Trust and/or similar volunteer organizations is one way to educate ourselves and protect Malta's Heritage.




Malta’s Native Flora
as found in the Hagar Qim
& Mnajdra Arch. Park in …
Winter & Spring


added: 07-June-2002



As a continuation of his previous article: The Negative Impacts … dealing with the Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Archaeological Park and its lack of appreciation, Steve Borg outlines for us the floral joys found in this heritage grazing ground.

These are the first two in a series of four mini-articles laid out in an easy to follow table-format and complimented by some superb on-location photographs. The prime aim of this series is to bring to our attention the natural beauty we are often so oblivious of as well as showing the visitor what is to be expected in each season.

Click to open: Winter or Spring

 

 




L-Istorja tal-Gzira
The History of Gzira


added: 01-June-2002



This is an interesting article (in the Maltese language) about the history of Gzira written by Joe Ian Attard.

First published by the Mount Carmel Musical Society, Gzira, in July 2001, this account demonstrates considerable research into the origins and growth of this suburb; from a rural Gzira at the time of Grand Master de Vilhena, to the time when it was a part of the estate of the Noble Testaferrata family, Gzira as landing ground for the British naval fleet, and as it stands at the time of writing.

Reference is made to the historic event which earned the parish its sobriquet 'tal-Madonna tal-Gebla' -- a story which is dealt with on its own merits elsewhere.




WW2 experiences
Short Biographies


added: 20-May-2002



Real Life Experiences are given in these stories from the men (and women) who lived and served during the trying times of WW2.

Here you may read the accounts as told by the soldier (or incorporated in his short biography by his living descendants) and by the civilian. This section brings you genuine wartime photographs which take you, even if only for a moment, to that fiery rain endured by all -- inhabitants of the Maltese Islands and military defenders alike -- between 1940 and 1943.

This page is updated, from time to time, with new experiences and photos.






Sir Walter Congreve
a tribute


added: 20-April-2002





This is a tribute to one of Malta's better loved Governors. Here we give the full version of the poem published in 1927 in the 'Daily Malta Chronicle'.

This is a pictorial description of his favourite place, the Qrendi heights, amidst the Ancient Temples, Malta's native flora and the beauty of the scenery.

Sir Walter Congreve was buried at sea, in this same place. Visitors to the 'Mnajdra and Hagar Qim Archaeological Park' may see his Memorial.

 


 

The Negative Impacts
of Bird Trapping


added: 16-April-2002



According to a paper published by one of Malta's foremost authorities on the subject, bird trapping has multiple negative impacts on our natural environment.

In his article entitled 'The Negative Impact of Bird Trapping on Maltese Flora' Steve Borg acquaints us a little better with Malta's natural heritage and expresses concern at one of the primary causes of its destruction.

The article cites an interview with a key member of one of our 'competent' authorities responsible to safeguard our historical monuments, more specifically 'The Mnajdra and Hagar Qim Archaeological Park,' which is another form of heritage being threatened by philistine practices.

See the pictures, read the facts, then act as you deem fit.


 

INSTALL
Maltese Font

added: 12-April-2002



Certain articles in this site are written in the Maltese Language and necessitate the 'recognition' of a Maltese Character set in order to be displayed properly.

Some special fonts provided by the site are 'zipped' down to a smaller size, but the Maltese Font is not. Go to the Help Page for simple instructions on how to download fonts. Once fonts are on your PC, you can use them for anything in Word or similar applications.

Remember to PRINT out the Help Page and -- equally importantly -- read the instructions aloud as you proceed with the installation. It really helps.


 

CLICK HERE

to view
previous
updates





George Cross 09-Apr-2002
The Gunners of Malta 07-Apr-2002
Of Guns & Roses 25-Mar-2002
Stationed At Malta 16-Mar-2002
Walter Micallef 27-Feb-2002
Maltese Gardens 20-Feb-2002
Message Boards 07-Feb-2002
Malta's Prehistory 27-Jan-2002
Malta's Temples 27-Jan-2002
More Walks 10-Jan-2002
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