let it rain

The weather forecast says a storm is coming. Now for most people that is usually bad news but not for us. A nice long rain shower is exactly what we need to wash away the summer heat and welcome in the cooler weather. Its been a long, hot, dry summer and I am happy to see the end of it for another year. I love the smell after rain. The smell of clean, damp earth. Malta is a country of two colours. In summer Malta is the cool blue of the Mediterranean Sea but in winter it turns green. It is so beautiful. And when the sun comes out after the rain we get rainbows!!The weather forecast says a storm is coming. The weather forecast has been wrong before...... fingers crossed.

rockstars and bread

I'm sure you must be thinking there has got to be more to this island than bread; and there is! Lots more. But everywhere I look I keep coming across testimonials about how good our bread is and I want to share them with you. Last weekend Duran Duran ended their 3 month tour with a final concert in Malta and they really rocked it. Fantastic show, fantastic crowd, and of course, fantastic music. They loved Malta and you will too. Read about it here:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080730/local/maltese-bread-and-jellyfish-leave-their-mark-on-duran-duran

No more bread posts. Promise.

don't just take my word for it

After writing yesterday's entry, I was browsing through http://www.timesofmalta.com/ and I came across this letter which really proves that there is nothing better than a proper Maltese loaf....despite some of the (unusual) consequences!

Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
Mouth-watering Maltese bread
Brian J. Simmons, Kent, UK

I refer to Don Willcock's comments about the wonderful Maltese bread. Here, in the UK, the often-bland supermarket bread can be both awful and expensive. Unless you can afford to pay about £2 or more for a specialist loaf, or make your own, you are stuck with it. Holiday in Malta, find a baker (not always easy for tourists to find as they are quite often tucked away), buy the traditional Maltese round loaf at an extremely reasonable price and make an appointment with your dentist! I have had a filling and part of a tooth removed by excessive enthusiasm with these loaves but it will never stop me eating them! If only I could take some home! Sadly, that is not an option because, firstly, it would not be as fresh and tasty as it is straight from the baker and, secondly, I suspect that I would have eaten it at the airport while waiting to board!
I agree with Mr Willcock, it must be arguably one of the best breads in the world. Long may it continue.

Live like a local (1): Hobz biz-zejt

Get hold of a fresh Maltese loaf (hobza). The crust should be cracked and crunchy and the middle soft and white. Cut thick slices of bread and dip one side into a plate of good olive oil. Half a couple of ripe summer tomaotes and rub the cut side over the oiled bread, making sure to squeeze hard so that the juice and pulp gets into the bread. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy!!
Best eaten on the sand, watching the sun set, the salty sea smell lingering on your skin and an ice cold Cisk to wash it down.

festival fever

Malta is famous for a number of things. The fantastic weather, the clear, blue sea, temples, architecture, history, culture, food and Summer nightlife. This is the time when locals gather together under the stars and make merry, and its a perfect opportunity for visitors to the island to fully immerse themselves in Maltese culture.

July is packed full of different events catering to every age, taste and budget, ensuring that no one is left out of the fun. Starting July 1st, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts is organising the Malta Arts Festival which will run for two weeks and feature a variety of shows ranging from ballet to flamenco, acoustic rock to string orchestras, architecture to photography exhibitions and local and international theatre productions. All these are being held outdoors against the magical backdrop of Malta's capital city, making each event an enriching cultural experience. For more information about this festival log on to http://www.maltaartsfestival.com/

great start to Summer

University is finally over. Tests have been written, assignments have been handed in and the sunny season is in full swing! June 21st is the first day of summer, as well as the longest, and a party to welcome in the summer is the best way to get in the mood for the months ahead. This year we were treated to something totally new and original with a Mexican themed party held at Razzett L-Abjad. Maltese people and international students mingled in this outdoor venue, lounging on hammocks and floor cushions and chilling to Latino reggae sounds. Mexican BBQ grills were served the night through and washed down with cocktails and Corona. The night got pumping when DJ Duncan F took to the decks with a groovy Latino set, accompanied by Ant1 on percussion. The crowd danced till the early hours of the morning turning the longest day of the year into an equally long night. Fiesta la Bamba brought a little bit of Mexico to Malta and everybody loved it. Next year its Brazil. Don't miss it.

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29797867944