Recycled plastic bottles

A Christmas tree that is made out of plastic bottles. It is found in our local school and it has been made by the children.

Bad weather

Not so sunny Malta........

A low pressure system over southern Italy and extending towards the central Mediterranean was moving towards the Adriatic Sea as a ridge of high pressure extended from the Atlantic towards Algeria and Libya.

Yesterday wind was very strong to gale force, becoming stronger by the evening.

Photo and information taken from our local online newspaper.

christmas in Valletta

Would you like to order Christmas flowers or cards? well you can from this kiosk and send them where ever you like in the world.

Dun Mikiel Xerri - A Maltese Patriot

Dun Mikiel Xerri (Żebbuġ, 29 September 1737 - 17 January 1799) was a Maltese patriot. Xerri studied at different universities in Europe. He was a Maltese patriot who lived under both the Knights of St. John during their time in Malta and the French when they took over the Maltese Islands. He was involved in an unsuccessful revolt to overthrow French rule under Napoleon Bonaparte for which he, together with other locals, was executed on 17 January 1799 at the age of 61.

Christmas decorations - Valletta

 

Come on, Come on and do the Locomotive with us..

Melita Trains earlier this year have introduced an ancient style locomotive that blends well with the historical environment of the villages of Mtarfa, Rabat and the outskirts closed city of Mdina. To add a nostalgic feature to the train, the inclusion of the classical bell is a must.

The train is designed to contain four units, the first of which is the locomotive. The other three units are not powered and consist of three separate carriages which have been created to give perfect ergonomics with extremely comfortable seating and high quality interiors.

The train is diesel powered and is produced in full respect of environmental protection laws and is distinguished by the particularly low noise level (EURO 4 standards).

A consolation gift - Manoel Theatre

A few weeks ago I posted about being let down from the Manoel Theatre. Well last Friday we received this through the post as a consolation gift. Even though we do have a chess board the kids obviously were still happy with the gift. Thank you Manoel.

St. Paul's Cathedral , Valletta

The Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St Paul is situated
in Independence Square Built in the neo-classical
style, the spire is a Valletta landmark, rising
to over 200 feet (60 metres).

Built on the spot where the Auberge d’Allemagne
(the conventual home of the German Knights
Hospitaller) had stood. Queen Adelaide
paid for the church and laid the foundation stone
on 20th March 1839.Queen Adelaide's Banner hangs
majestically above the choir stalls.

The Dedication of the Church to St Paul, the
Apostle to the Gentiles, was a reminder of the
first Christian missionary to Malta, when he was
shipwrecked on the Island in AD 59/60

Sliema Seafront No. 3

I have previously posted photos of Sliema Seafront. This is another part of the front and the photo was taken from Malta's capital city, Valletta.

The past , the present .... rain and sun

I love this photo. I love the way the old balconies are in the shadow by the side where it had just rained and I love the way the sun is shining on the church on the other side of the bay where new buildings can be seen. The photo was taken from Valletta and opposite you can see part of Sliema.

National Museum of Archaeology

The National Museum of Archaeology displays an exceptional array of artefacts from Malta’s unique prehistoric periods starting with the first arrival of man in the Ghar Dalam phase (5200 BC) and running up to the Tarxien phase (2500 BC).

The collection is housed in the Auberge de Provence, one of the first and most important buildings to be erected in Malta’s baroque capital city, Valletta, after the Great Siege in the late 16th century.

The construction of the Auberge was probably entrusted to the local architect Gerolamo Cassar (1520-86). Among the more captivating features of the Auberge is the large top floor salon with its richly painted walls and wooden beamed ceiling. Over the centuries, the Auberge has undergone other architectural changes, but it remains one of the best preserved residences of the Knights.

The building served as the main residence for the Provençal knights of the Order of St John. Following the departure of the Order from Malta, the property was administered by the French during their brief occupation of the Islands. It was later on taken over by the British Government and served as military barracks, a hotel, a Union Club, an auction house and, eventually, as a museum.

The building was inaugurated as the National Museum in 1958 when it housed the archaeological as well as the Fine Arts collection, which is now in another palace nearby.

Pregnant windows...

On one of our walks we came across this abandoned farmhouse. I do not know if this is the proper word for this type of windows, however if I am not mistaken they are called like this because of the shape as they look like pregnant bellies. It is actually funny because they are called pregnant windows and they are housing birds' nests at the moment !!

Queen Elizabeth 2 -

Today for the last time the QE2 is berthed in the Grand Harbour before it sails to a new life as a floating hotel in Dubai. The liner was sold last year for some 65 million euros to the Dubai World Company. The QE2 was launched in September of 1967 and has traveled around 6 million miles, making more than 800 trans-Atlantic crossings carrying 2.5 million passengers.

Today my friend and I went to take some photos of this wonderful ship and also had the chance to speak to 2 members of it's crew. I am also very happy with the first photo I took as I managed to get the whole ship in one photo and I was standing pretty close to the ship.

Manoel Theatre ' Teatru Manoel' - 'A let down!'

What a let down !! what a let down!! About a couple of weeks ago I have blogged some photos and information about the Manoel Theatre www.teatrumanoel.com.mt Yesterday was the much awaited day for my family to go and experience for the first time the theatre. We were there on time because on the back of the ticket there was written that late coming is simply not acceptable and one would have had to wait until the first available intermission to go in. So we were there half an hour early, kids very excited because they were going to watch this musical and they were going to sit in the balconies upstairs etc..etc..... To cut a long story short before we were due to go in the waitress told us that the show was cancelled!! yes my dear friends it was cancelled....... no prior notice nothing just cancelled because there was not enough audience for the 6pm show!! would you believe it?!! For your information there were 4 families in all waiting to go in. For me this is not a valid reason to cancel a show. How many of you bloggers out there have experienced this ???

Here is the advert that was shown on the online newspaper on the 28th of October, 2008.

Mudest is the name of a walking, talking, singing chess pawn, starring in the first production in Maltese for children to be staged at the Manoel Theatre next month.

Two years ago, the Manoel embarked on a new project to introduce a children's programme in their yearly schedule and have since put on four productions. Skakkumatt, the fifth, is the title of this year's show.

Skakkumatt tells the story of a young chess pawn manoeuvering his way along a chess board in a heroic battle for honour, glory and love. The story has been translated from French and will be narrated in Maltese by Theresa Gauci.

Manoel Theatre chairman Peter Fenech said the musical is an opportunity for children to learn through theatre and music. It is specifically aimed at families and children in primary and secondary schools, in the hope that theatre will be integrated in their scholastic calendar.

The original music is composed by Alexandre Gasparov who will also be conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

The shows will take place on November 15 at 6 p.m. and November 16 at 4 and 6 p.m. For more information visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt or e-mail bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.

More disappointment on this event has been posted today by my friend Laetitia at www.marie6-myworld.blogspot.com (link here in my side bar as Malta Magic)

WaySide Chapel - Gudja

Since today is a Sunday my post is about this pretty chapel situated on the outskirts of Gudja village. Having it's back side facing the 'Hal far' road which runs adjacent to the Malta International airport runway. It's surrounded by agricultural land with fruit trees leaning onto the narrow winding path that leads to and from the village.

In one of the photos you can see the runway and an Airmalta plane about to the take off.

Rainbow

Finally after a very long, hot, humid and sticky summer we are enjoying rain and a cooler weather. By cooler I do not mean cold OK, we do not come even close to our bloggy friends who live in the northern part of Europe for example. It's just gone down to 19/20. At least we can now start wearing some long sleeve t-shirts. Hurray for cooler weather!!

Pumpkin Fair

On Sunday 2nd November,(KRM)Ltd/Manikata farmers with the help of the Institute of Tourism organised a 'Pumpkin Fair' to celebrate a product that grows in abundance along the Ghajn Tuffieha - Xemxija Valley. The product is harvested in late August and is then placed on rooftops or along the walls of water reservoirs to ripen in the mild Autumn Sun.
Amongst a display of pumpkins there were stalls selling pumpkin pies, cakes and cupcakes, typical local food including Manikata wine, sun dried tomatoes, honey, carob syrup and organic olive oil.

Manoel Theatre ' Teatru Manoel' - No. 2

Oreste Chircop (1923-1998)
Oreste Kirkop was born in Hamrun, Malta on the 26th day of July 1923.
He made his operatic debut in Cavalleria Rusticana at the Radio City Opera House. For the next five years, he appeared in some 60 leading tenor roles. Between 1954 and 1958 he was the principal tenor at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London. In 1953, he was chosen by the BBC to represent Malta for the "Coronation Commonwealth Gala".
In 1956 he performed the title role in Hollywood's Musical film THE VAGABOND KING.
His performances were given in various big theatres and huge auditoriums where thousands of people could hear him sing for them, live on stage. He was also the principal tenor in the first Rigoletto on T.V. in America in February 1958.
After his successful career, always in leading tenor roles, he retired in Malta in 1960 where he passed away on the 10th day of May 1998.


I will try and get some photos of the theatre soon :) .

Manoel Theatre ' Teatru Manoel'

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TEATRU MANOEL

The beginning…
Following centuries of unrest and a myriad of conquerors, the rule of the Military Order of St. John brought about a period of unprecedented stability and development to the Maltese Islands. The newly constructed fortified capital, Valletta, administrative centre and home to the variety of nationalities forming the Order, witnessed a further development as the islands’ cultural and entertainment hub.
Throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, the demand for operas, pageants, theatrical and dramatic productions boomed as the Maltese embraced what had previously been entertainment reserved solely for the Nobility. Shows put on by amateurs and theatre professionals were then housed at the Knight’s Auberges around the city or in the open.

In 1731, António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, commissioned and personally funded the construction of this central building to serve as a Public Theatre.It was constructed in just ten months and cost 2,184 scudi. The Portuguese Grand Master built the theatre to keep the young knights of the Order of St. John out of mischief but also to provide the general public with "honest entertainment." This motto was inscribed above the main entrance to the theatre, which still reads today: "ad honestam populi oblectationem". The first performance on the 19th January 1732 , was a classic Italian tragedy, Scipione Maffei’s Merope. The players in that production were the Knights themselves, and the set was designed by the Knights` chief architect, Francois Mondion.

The management of the theatre and the censorship of the performances was in the hands of a knight who was called “Il Protettore”.

In those days, opera performed by professionals was performed at least as often as drama. Works by the great master of "opera seria" Johann Adolf Hasse were often performed during the theatre’s early decades, but just as popular throughout the century was the rival "opera buffa" by leading composers like Nicolo` Piccinni, Baldassare Galuppi and Domenico Cimarosa.

The continuous theatrical exchange between Naples, Palermo and Valletta made Teatru Manoel a natural stepping stone for aspiring artists `to step up the ladder leading to La Scala or Covent Garden`.

The first impresario of whom we have record was Melchiorre Prevvost Lanarelli in 1736, and the last Giovanni Le Brun in 1866. From 1768 to 1770 the impresario was a woman, a certain Natala Farrugia. Grand Master de Vilhena fixed the rent to be paid by the Impresario at 320 scudi per annum, of which 80 scudi were paid for rent from Easter to August, 120 scudi for Autumn, and 120 scudi from Christmas to Carnival. From the records we learn that when dances or veglioni (masked balls) were held in the theatre, the pit was raised by scaffolding to the level of the stage, and we find that on August 22, 1778, regulations were passed for the lighting of the theatre and corridors. On these occasions the shading of lights, in any manner, was prohibited, so as to keep the entertainment in the theatre, as honest as possible !

Restoration

In the year 2004, the team of Sante Guido Restauro e Conservazione di Opere d Arte, unearthed paintings that, could serve to increase the knowledge and the understanding as to how the theatre developed over the centuries. The findings have emerged from beneath the flaking green paint on the top tier. Although the gallery was added in 1811, the restorers did not rule out that the paintings in its balconies could match the lower levels and could, therefore be the original designs dating back to the year 1731, the year this magnificent theatre was inaugurated. Since the inauguration of the theatre, the balconies would appear to have undergone four interventions: the discovered paintings on the canvas layer, the green paint over them, the paneling and the gilding. After the first phase of the restoration of the paneling, the second phase followed with proper cleaning, removal of layers of dust and grime and the repair of breakages in the wooden, gilded decorations which were split in many areas. The question remains: why were the original paintings covered, and what changes in culture brought this about ? The answer could simply lie in the different cultural tastes of time, or could be something more fascinating

For more interesting History about this magnificent building visit this website www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
Will post more photos in the future of the inside of this wonderful building.

Skywatch Friday

I love taking photos of the clouds and the sky and somehow there's always a good shot in the air !! For more skywatch Friday visit www.skyley.blogspot.com

Manoel Theatre ' Teatru Manoel'

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TEATRU MANOEL

The beginning…
Following centuries of unrest and a myriad of conquerors, the rule of the Military Order of St. John brought about a period of unprecedented stability and development to the Maltese Islands. The newly constructed fortified capital, Valletta, administrative centre and home to the variety of nationalities forming the Order, witnessed a further development as the islands’ cultural and entertainment hub.
Throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, the demand for operas, pageants, theatrical and dramatic productions boomed as the Maltese embraced what had previously been entertainment reserved solely for the Nobility. Shows put on by amateurs and theatre professionals were then housed at the Knight’s Auberges around the city or in the open.

In 1731, António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, commissioned and personally funded the construction of this central building to serve as a Public Theatre.It was constructed in just ten months and cost 2,184 scudi. The Portuguese Grand Master built the theatre to keep the young knights of the Order of St. John out of mischief but also to provide the general public with "honest entertainment." This motto was inscribed above the main entrance to the theatre, which still reads today: "ad honestam populi oblectationem". The first performance on the 19th January 1732 , was a classic Italian tragedy, Scipione Maffei’s Merope. The players in that production were the Knights themselves, and the set was designed by the Knights` chief architect, Francois Mondion.

The management of the theatre and the censorship of the performances was in the hands of a knight who was called “Il Protettore”.

In those days, opera performed by professionals was performed at least as often as drama. Works by the great master of "opera seria" Johann Adolf Hasse were often performed during the theatre’s early decades, but just as popular throughout the century was the rival "opera buffa" by leading composers like Nicolo` Piccinni, Baldassare Galuppi and Domenico Cimarosa.

The continuous theatrical exchange between Naples, Palermo and Valletta made Teatru Manoel a natural stepping stone for aspiring artists `to step up the ladder leading to La Scala or Covent Garden`.

The first impresario of whom we have record was Melchiorre Prevvost Lanarelli in 1736, and the last Giovanni Le Brun in 1866. From 1768 to 1770 the impresario was a woman, a certain Natala Farrugia. Grand Master de Vilhena fixed the rent to be paid by the Impresario at 320 scudi per annum, of which 80 scudi were paid for rent from Easter to August, 120 scudi for Autumn, and 120 scudi from Christmas to Carnival. From the records we learn that when dances or veglioni (masked balls) were held in the theatre, the pit was raised by scaffolding to the level of the stage, and we find that on August 22, 1778, regulations were passed for the lighting of the theatre and corridors. On these occasions the shading of lights, in any manner, was prohibited, so as to keep the entertainment in the theatre, as honest as possible !

Restoration

In the year 2004, the team of Sante Guido Restauro e Conservazione di Opere d Arte, unearthed paintings that, could serve to increase the knowledge and the understanding as to how the theatre developed over the centuries. The findings have emerged from beneath the flaking green paint on the top tier. Although the gallery was added in 1811, the restorers did not rule out that the paintings in its balconies could match the lower levels and could, therefore be the original designs dating back to the year 1731, the year this magnificent theatre was inaugurated. Since the inauguration of the theatre, the balconies would appear to have undergone four interventions: the discovered paintings on the canvas layer, the green paint over them, the paneling and the gilding. After the first phase of the restoration of the paneling, the second phase followed with proper cleaning, removal of layers of dust and grime and the repair of breakages in the wooden, gilded decorations which were split in many areas. The question remains: why were the original paintings covered, and what changes in culture brought this about ? The answer could simply lie in the different cultural tastes of time, or could be something more fascinating

For more interesting History about this magnificent building visit this website www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
Will post more photos in the future of the inside of this wonderful building.

'One View .... two shots'

Here are two shots, one taken from inside the library building and the other from the parking lot outside. I particularly like the one taken from outside where there is the red sailing boat . I think it's so noticeable.

Malta public library ......

A little history .......

The concept of establishing a public library service dates far back to the year 1806.
During the year 1838 the Library was merged with the University and much of its public function identity was lost. But after two years, in 1840 its attachment with the University was ended.


In 1935 the Pubblica Bibliotheca changed its name to the Malta Royal Library. During World War II little progress was noted and the Library Committee rarely met. The library building was slightly damaged during one of the air raids but no books were lost.

After a decade of years since the end of World War II, the library was re-organised and improved in that a new library for children was opened. This had a direct effect on book loans that started to increase. Even book-stock assumed a parallel augmentation.

When Malta became independent in the year 1964 a public library development plan for Malta spread over 4-5 years was adopted. In it was contemplated the establishment of a Public Library Service together with a School Library Service. A new suitable building had to be found for the new Central Public Library. At first the choice fell on a large building in Castille Square, but the idea was abandoned when the building had to serve as shelter for families rendered homeless after heavy rainfalls.

After many proposed choices the new building to house the Central Public Library had to be the ex-CID block at Floriana. In 1974 the Central Public Library started to function from this place, issuing books by means of the Browne system that consisted of three to four pocket cards issued to every member for the purpose of borrowing books.

In 1983 the library officially moved to its present place that consisted of an administrative block and another block that housed the Adult, Junior and Reference libraries. In 1995 another block was built on the left wing to accommodate the IT Support Unit, the Melitensia, Acquisition and Cataloguing sections, the Section for People with Special Needs and the Audio-Visual library. In 1995 the computerisation project was initiated and the lending procedures at the Central Public Library are now fully computerised. A Customer Care Unit was introduced and a recording studio to record material for persons with a visual disability was set up.

from the country to the city ..........

Yesterday I've started my day with a journey into our capital city Valletta. I always think that this corner is brought up to live with this multicoloured kiosk.

Country walk

from the Farmhouse to a country walk through the Maltese country side

Farm houses...

A Typical renovated Farmhouse found here on the Maltese islands.

An award.....

Thanks dearest Isabel for this award. The Kreativ Award, by Isabel from www.sugarmama-sugarmama.blogspot.com.

Now as always with these awards I have to list 6 things, this time that make me happy and 6 bloggers who are worthy of this award.

1. My dear kids.

2. As a family we like to make this 'family hug' and the feeling whilst we are doing it is indescribable.

3. Sometimes (this happens very often) kids jump on me and they start kissing me both at the same time. I feel like I am floating with joy.

4. My sweet husband.

5. Sitting early in the morning drinking tea and reading blogs or a good book.

6. Last but not least I am happy that there's God who loves us and is ready to forgive us (thanks Isabel for pointing this one out!) .

Now here comes the part in which I have to nominate.

Since some already got this, I will just pass it on to the ones that don't have it :


Susan from www.thousandwordsworthy.blogspot.com
Gwyn from www.juneaudailyphoto.blogspot.com and
Mike from www.basnhpic.blogspot.com