Read this interesting article published on the guardian, giving a round up of 2006 events related to Climate Change. The article focuses on UK doings, but also on global affairs, and criticises the Labour government for promising much but doing little. Though such criticism might be quite fair, it should be pointed to other governments who should lead the way and set the policies straight.
Two examples?
US plans for over 150 new coal-fired power station, China for 550.
What's more, Australia, a major industrialised countries which rejected Kyoto is currently suffering from severe drought, with climate projections suggesting that this can only get worse. It is maybe the first 'Climatic revenge' to record, where one of the no-doers themselves is suffereing from its own inaction.
The Guardian article is titled: The year the world woke up
Wednesday 20 December 2006
Friday 15 December 2006
Tree planting no help against climate change!
Look at this article on The Guardian "Planting tree to save planet is pointless, say ecologists".
This article argues that tree-planting schemes (the local Tree4U campaign comes to my mind) are just a political gimmick to make people feel good about their contribution to offset climate change, but in fact they can cause more damage than harm.
Mind you, I personally prefer a bunch of trees to a wasteland but in term of climate change I quote: "Prof Caldeira said planting trees was a diversion, letting consumers pollute more. He said it would be better to transform the way energy was derived and used, for instance through investment in renewable and carbon-free electricity generation."
Very interesting!!
This article argues that tree-planting schemes (the local Tree4U campaign comes to my mind) are just a political gimmick to make people feel good about their contribution to offset climate change, but in fact they can cause more damage than harm.
Mind you, I personally prefer a bunch of trees to a wasteland but in term of climate change I quote: "Prof Caldeira said planting trees was a diversion, letting consumers pollute more. He said it would be better to transform the way energy was derived and used, for instance through investment in renewable and carbon-free electricity generation."
Very interesting!!
Wednesday 6th December
Three is the number of perfection, the ideal occasion to present a special gift to your loved one.
Three years on, I love her as ever, Baanisuu.
Three years on, I love her as ever, Baanisuu.
Thursday 7 December 2006
Ages ago
I have blogged for ages now, almost a month. Not that nothing has occured to me, but I am running out of one thing for sure, and that is time.
Never in my life have I felt time fly so fast, too fast actually. I realise this mostly when weekends approach 'every other day'. Worse still is take weekend are not what they used to be, mainly because of the MIRM. Yep, MIRM has taken much time out of my life, too much sometimes I feel. It is also my fault since I spend ages doing assignments, and because of that I hardly have any time to do anything else, may it be reading, taking a stroll, play some PC game or else. And yes, unfortunately my physical activities have come to halt. The only physical activities I do, apart from sitting on my ass for 8 or more hours a day is climbing up the steps to work - most people say that is stress.
.
.
.
Well there you go, I have lost it again, lost my thoughts.
Never in my life have I felt time fly so fast, too fast actually. I realise this mostly when weekends approach 'every other day'. Worse still is take weekend are not what they used to be, mainly because of the MIRM. Yep, MIRM has taken much time out of my life, too much sometimes I feel. It is also my fault since I spend ages doing assignments, and because of that I hardly have any time to do anything else, may it be reading, taking a stroll, play some PC game or else. And yes, unfortunately my physical activities have come to halt. The only physical activities I do, apart from sitting on my ass for 8 or more hours a day is climbing up the steps to work - most people say that is stress.
.
.
.
Well there you go, I have lost it again, lost my thoughts.
Friday 10 November 2006
Shit talk
Sometime this week, or maybe it was last Sunday, we were a huge group at our hideout (8 or 9 people) chatting, talking, drinking tea/coffee and having some snacks. Oh yes, and while at it, somebody brought up the shit subject. Well actually she talks and mention shit often, as a way of saying things.
But, this conversation resulted in a personal experience talkshow with the topic being: How to shit (in the woods). Almost every person gave out his techniques on shitting, whether is slow or fast, weather it is mostly in a solid, liquid or gas state, the size and shape of them. Other interesting points where the duration of excretion, ranging from milli- to various seconds.
However, the most stunning information coming out (thinking of it coming out), especially from the ladies in the group, was on how your ass should be placed on the toilet seat for better comfort. Very useful information for those who shit rarely (and thus extremely compact) and those who shit hardly and largely. There was a general consensus that by shoving one's ass cheeks further out on the toilet seat cover, they could come out with the minimum inconvenience and stress.
Feel it peeping out? Go to the bathroom, sit, shove them out and plop, you won't even know it.
(Filed under life, cos life can be shit at times)
But, this conversation resulted in a personal experience talkshow with the topic being: How to shit (in the woods). Almost every person gave out his techniques on shitting, whether is slow or fast, weather it is mostly in a solid, liquid or gas state, the size and shape of them. Other interesting points where the duration of excretion, ranging from milli- to various seconds.
However, the most stunning information coming out (thinking of it coming out), especially from the ladies in the group, was on how your ass should be placed on the toilet seat for better comfort. Very useful information for those who shit rarely (and thus extremely compact) and those who shit hardly and largely. There was a general consensus that by shoving one's ass cheeks further out on the toilet seat cover, they could come out with the minimum inconvenience and stress.
Feel it peeping out? Go to the bathroom, sit, shove them out and plop, you won't even know it.
(Filed under life, cos life can be shit at times)
Wednesday 8 November 2006
Work schedule
Just to give you a picture of my current busy life:
On Wednesday 15th November, I have to give a 10-minute presentation on "Irrigated Agriculture";
On Monday 20th November I have to give a one hour presentation on: "The Origin and Structure of the Earth";
On Monday 4th December, I have to give another one hour presentation on: "Igneous and metamorphic rocks"; and
By Friday 8th December I have to hand in a 1000 word essay on "The cryosphere and climate change".
On Wednesday 15th November, I have to give a 10-minute presentation on "Irrigated Agriculture";
On Monday 20th November I have to give a one hour presentation on: "The Origin and Structure of the Earth";
On Monday 4th December, I have to give another one hour presentation on: "Igneous and metamorphic rocks"; and
By Friday 8th December I have to hand in a 1000 word essay on "The cryosphere and climate change".
Thursday 26 October 2006
Recent doings..
I have been quite busy lately, mostly since I stated the MIRM. In fact, I have totally quite playing my lovely PC games, i.e. Sim City Deluxe and FIFA 2006. Well everything has a price in life.
I have also almost completely quit football; I have no time for it. The only time I do have free for training, Tuesday and Thursday, I need to spend reading and doing research. The same goes for the weekends.
But I have decided that I need an alternative for my lack of football. Baanisuu and I have decided to start going on long walks on the weekend for three main reasons: get some fresh air, explore Malta's countryside and do some much needed exercise.
Baanisuu's grandad is thank God out of hospital. He still has mobility problems and has a painful leg, but the doctors attributed it to arthritis. Anyway he started going up steps again to feed his beloved birds and had numerous visits, especially his village mates.
I have also almost completely quit football; I have no time for it. The only time I do have free for training, Tuesday and Thursday, I need to spend reading and doing research. The same goes for the weekends.
But I have decided that I need an alternative for my lack of football. Baanisuu and I have decided to start going on long walks on the weekend for three main reasons: get some fresh air, explore Malta's countryside and do some much needed exercise.
Baanisuu's grandad is thank God out of hospital. He still has mobility problems and has a painful leg, but the doctors attributed it to arthritis. Anyway he started going up steps again to feed his beloved birds and had numerous visits, especially his village mates.
Friday 13 October 2006
Those Americans...
An interesting article appeared in the Guardian today, regarding the population milestone that America will reach in the coming days; it will reach the 300 million mark.
Apart from the interesting info, these two lines struck me:
...Americans' persistent belief that bigger equals better...
...This (America) is the ultimate disposable consumer society...
Ok, we all knew this, but have a look at this:
The result (of immigration), he argues, is more congestion, more restrictions and the decline of American individualism, freedom and space. In short, America is turning into Europe: "Most Americans think Europe is a grand place to visit, but we wouldn't want to live there," Mr Beck said. "Europeans lead such dense lives, they are so packed in and so regimented."
I will leave you to think about that.
(With all respect to the American people I know)
Apart from the interesting info, these two lines struck me:
...Americans' persistent belief that bigger equals better...
...This (America) is the ultimate disposable consumer society...
Ok, we all knew this, but have a look at this:
The result (of immigration), he argues, is more congestion, more restrictions and the decline of American individualism, freedom and space. In short, America is turning into Europe: "Most Americans think Europe is a grand place to visit, but we wouldn't want to live there," Mr Beck said. "Europeans lead such dense lives, they are so packed in and so regimented."
I will leave you to think about that.
(With all respect to the American people I know)
Thursday 12 October 2006
A MIRM
What's a MIRM?
A MIRM is short for Master in Integrated Resource Management.
That is what I have just started, last Monday. The first module, comprising three lectures a week involving different speakers, is called Science of the Environment. It involves various topics on the physical environment, soils and agriculture, weather and climate and well as some environment chemistry.
The first bombshell was dropped on the first day, we need to prepare two one-hour seminars on various topics on the physical environment. All of us chose, democratically, our most suitable topics. I took Origin and Structure of the Earth as well as Igneous and Metamorphic rocks. I am sure there are loads of papers out there which I can consult and prepare these lectures. My worry is at Masters Level, I really have to delve deep into the subject, get the technicalities out. This might come as a cost since understanding technicalities is also always easy. Plus this is and Integrated degree, thus we always have to look at the wider picture, and combining, analysis different aspects and what are the resultant results.
It sure is a challenge which I hope will help me get rid of my constant writers' block that I suffer from, as well as tickling my brain into to think, possibly in a critical way too.
A MIRM is short for Master in Integrated Resource Management.
That is what I have just started, last Monday. The first module, comprising three lectures a week involving different speakers, is called Science of the Environment. It involves various topics on the physical environment, soils and agriculture, weather and climate and well as some environment chemistry.
The first bombshell was dropped on the first day, we need to prepare two one-hour seminars on various topics on the physical environment. All of us chose, democratically, our most suitable topics. I took Origin and Structure of the Earth as well as Igneous and Metamorphic rocks. I am sure there are loads of papers out there which I can consult and prepare these lectures. My worry is at Masters Level, I really have to delve deep into the subject, get the technicalities out. This might come as a cost since understanding technicalities is also always easy. Plus this is and Integrated degree, thus we always have to look at the wider picture, and combining, analysis different aspects and what are the resultant results.
It sure is a challenge which I hope will help me get rid of my constant writers' block that I suffer from, as well as tickling my brain into to think, possibly in a critical way too.
Monday 9 October 2006
Visiting the old, playing with the young.
Going to hospital has become a weekend chore now. During the week it is impossible, mainly due to time constraints: I usually work till 6pm and do not always have time afterwards to go there.
Baanisuu's grandfather has been already 18 days in hospital now. He regained is senses fully, sence of humour and apetite, but still is relatively week. We are all still waiting another scan of his head and subsequent results, to know what the damage of his fall is.
Sunday, after leaving the hospital, we went to Baanisuu's home. On our way we picked up her young cousins; one is six and the other is one year old today. Anyway, this georgeous little trouble maker is a real powerhouse. She was placed on the floor and given the friutbasket (which are decorations). The kid really did a mess with it, grabbing, throwing, shaking...kids' play. She was happy and was enjoying herself.
The moment of magic however, was when she grabbed the sofa and pulled herself up. Then she let go for 1-2 seconds before being grabbed by Baanisuu's mum. Those seconds made me almost jump with joy.
An old man in bed, unable to get up and sit or walk; a kid lifting herself up and experiencing her first moments of balance on two's. What's life?
Baanisuu's grandfather has been already 18 days in hospital now. He regained is senses fully, sence of humour and apetite, but still is relatively week. We are all still waiting another scan of his head and subsequent results, to know what the damage of his fall is.
Sunday, after leaving the hospital, we went to Baanisuu's home. On our way we picked up her young cousins; one is six and the other is one year old today. Anyway, this georgeous little trouble maker is a real powerhouse. She was placed on the floor and given the friutbasket (which are decorations). The kid really did a mess with it, grabbing, throwing, shaking...kids' play. She was happy and was enjoying herself.
The moment of magic however, was when she grabbed the sofa and pulled herself up. Then she let go for 1-2 seconds before being grabbed by Baanisuu's mum. Those seconds made me almost jump with joy.
An old man in bed, unable to get up and sit or walk; a kid lifting herself up and experiencing her first moments of balance on two's. What's life?
Wednesday 27 September 2006
thinking of life...
Recently, due to unforseen family events, I have done some thinking on life and the dimension of time.
Until the early teens, you most probably have no idea of time, or past, you just want to get older so that you can drive your dad's car, or so that your beard starts to grow and fellow teen girlies would not laugh at your baby face.
Come your twenties and suddenly, people you know start to get married. They may be mates your age or older than you. You think, something is telling me that I am about to get married soon. Once people get married, whoaa kids start coming.
I skipped the phase on growing up kids, teenage-kids related problems, my own mid-life crises and my little babies getting married and having their own kids. But then...
So I skipped some 30 years and arrived at the retirement age; you finish work, get a pension and start enjoying your life. You have loads of time to dedicate to yourself, your grandchildren and a million of other pursuits. What happens then? You start attending funerals, fellow pensioners, people you got to know sitting on the bench in the village square, people you knew since you were at univ, or a teenger or earlier. And after every day which passes, you ask yourself: am I next?
Until the early teens, you most probably have no idea of time, or past, you just want to get older so that you can drive your dad's car, or so that your beard starts to grow and fellow teen girlies would not laugh at your baby face.
Come your twenties and suddenly, people you know start to get married. They may be mates your age or older than you. You think, something is telling me that I am about to get married soon. Once people get married, whoaa kids start coming.
I skipped the phase on growing up kids, teenage-kids related problems, my own mid-life crises and my little babies getting married and having their own kids. But then...
So I skipped some 30 years and arrived at the retirement age; you finish work, get a pension and start enjoying your life. You have loads of time to dedicate to yourself, your grandchildren and a million of other pursuits. What happens then? You start attending funerals, fellow pensioners, people you got to know sitting on the bench in the village square, people you knew since you were at univ, or a teenger or earlier. And after every day which passes, you ask yourself: am I next?
Sunday 17 September 2006
How can you still ignore climate change???
I have just an article on The Guardian regarding climate change. Oh no! Not again! Well yes, actually this week I have read quite some things about it, new and worrying discovers. The lateset one I read today, regarded the melting of ice in Siberia and the resultant release of methane and carbon dioxide which are 'stored' beneth the Siberian permafrost. Methane is also a greenhouse gas but is calculated to be 23 times more affecting at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. And the article goes on....
But what worried me most is the following paragraph:
The news of the danger posed by rising methane levels comes after a week in which scientists outlined a series of disturbing developments in climate research. These disclosures included news that nearly every wild animal in Britain has extended its range northwards as the country heats up; ice cores from the Antarctic have revealed that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising at an unprecedented rate; and analysis suggesting that the world has less than a decade in which to halt global warming before it reaches a point of no return.
Source: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1869000,00.html
Heard that? It said less than a decade. OK it is a suggestion but with all this going on, I do not think we may be far off than that! A decade... I will be 33, hopefully with a kid or two... living in a planet called Earth which is experiencing a totally new life. Yes a new LIFE. Never before has such a large amount of GHG been in the atmosphere, and its consequences are already being felt and seen.
A point of no return... I have that phrase, bring to my mind the image of somebody throwing himself off a cliff...one step into the void, a giant stride and he's off....NO RETURN.
But what worried me most is the following paragraph:
The news of the danger posed by rising methane levels comes after a week in which scientists outlined a series of disturbing developments in climate research. These disclosures included news that nearly every wild animal in Britain has extended its range northwards as the country heats up; ice cores from the Antarctic have revealed that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising at an unprecedented rate; and analysis suggesting that the world has less than a decade in which to halt global warming before it reaches a point of no return.
Source: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1869000,00.html
Heard that? It said less than a decade. OK it is a suggestion but with all this going on, I do not think we may be far off than that! A decade... I will be 33, hopefully with a kid or two... living in a planet called Earth which is experiencing a totally new life. Yes a new LIFE. Never before has such a large amount of GHG been in the atmosphere, and its consequences are already being felt and seen.
A point of no return... I have that phrase, bring to my mind the image of somebody throwing himself off a cliff...one step into the void, a giant stride and he's off....NO RETURN.
Wednesday 13 September 2006
We've got rain!!
Finally, I must say, we have got rain! Yesterday was a hell of day, rain did not stop falling and thunder and lightning could be heard/seen almost continuously. Just to give you a picture the Met Office reported that in the between noon today and noon yesterday was 23.4mm.
I love rain. I love the smell it leaves behind. I love the fear it instills in people wandering in an petrol-fuelled car, the fear in people leaving close to known 'rivers'. Yes, rain, it wakes up a dried country after a scorching summer, giving life to seeds buried in the ground, waiting to sprout up. The time of the year I love most is on our doorstep, and that is October and November, when the air is still warm to go around in T-shirts, the grass is green and the odours are fresh.
Rain => Life => Happiness
I love rain. I love the smell it leaves behind. I love the fear it instills in people wandering in an petrol-fuelled car, the fear in people leaving close to known 'rivers'. Yes, rain, it wakes up a dried country after a scorching summer, giving life to seeds buried in the ground, waiting to sprout up. The time of the year I love most is on our doorstep, and that is October and November, when the air is still warm to go around in T-shirts, the grass is green and the odours are fresh.
Rain => Life => Happiness
Sunday 10 September 2006
Italian pictures of Italian guys
I have finally uploaded the pictures of the italian guys who came to Malta. These pictures are available at:
http://www.4shared.com/dir/822869/632ec65b/Gianluca_and_Antonio_a_Malta.html
Unfortunately, this is a temporary storage facility and deletes files/folder/whole account if there has been no download activity for the past 30 days. Most online storage website do this, which is acceptable.
Anyway I am adding some of them to this blog, and these will remain here permanently for sure!
http://www.4shared.com/dir/822869/632ec65b/Gianluca_and_Antonio_a_Malta.html
Unfortunately, this is a temporary storage facility and deletes files/folder/whole account if there has been no download activity for the past 30 days. Most online storage website do this, which is acceptable.
Anyway I am adding some of them to this blog, and these will remain here permanently for sure!
Tuesday 5 September 2006
What the steam is STEAM?
Steam is a gentlemen's club. First thoughts?
I had the opportunity to see what its like, what goes on in there last Friday. Last Friday, some friends of mine went to a bachelor's party, you know the last night out for soon-to-be-married guys.
Apart a good meal, our Bachelor, whom we dressed in a nappy with a huge dummy was totally annihalated with fresh cream in front of Havana, one of Malta's most popular nightclubs. Imagine the crowd....
After going to 7 Rooms and drinking an awful lot of vodka red bull, we went off to this Steammy thing.
Ok, so to enter you need to pay but we were special guests. The club itself is an 80s style place, with revolving globes and flashy lights, comfy sofas, lots of poles and the 'action section'. All over the place were foreign ladies, hardly dressed, talking to men looking for business.
The business was: OK you pay me Lm 5 min, and I lap pole dance in front of you, or lap dance with you 'privately' in the other section of the club. Oh and by the way, it is Lm 5 per song.
Now some maths, commercial song is on average 3 to 4 minutes long....WOW now that is some rate. Anyway, it seems that business is done with this rate since the girls are coming and going, talking to guys in the ear and convincing them off. Hit me if am wrong, but I estimate that my mates spent altogether around Lm 125 and we were 8, two of which, me and another did not bother.
My reason: you cannot touch, you cannot feel them, you cannot see it. She moves on you to make you crazy and to want more, so then another song passes... Guys guys there is the real thing.
And since you are actually doing nothing apart from getting horny and sweaty, does this qualify as an act of infedelity?
I had the opportunity to see what its like, what goes on in there last Friday. Last Friday, some friends of mine went to a bachelor's party, you know the last night out for soon-to-be-married guys.
Apart a good meal, our Bachelor, whom we dressed in a nappy with a huge dummy was totally annihalated with fresh cream in front of Havana, one of Malta's most popular nightclubs. Imagine the crowd....
After going to 7 Rooms and drinking an awful lot of vodka red bull, we went off to this Steammy thing.
Ok, so to enter you need to pay but we were special guests. The club itself is an 80s style place, with revolving globes and flashy lights, comfy sofas, lots of poles and the 'action section'. All over the place were foreign ladies, hardly dressed, talking to men looking for business.
The business was: OK you pay me Lm 5 min, and I lap pole dance in front of you, or lap dance with you 'privately' in the other section of the club. Oh and by the way, it is Lm 5 per song.
Now some maths, commercial song is on average 3 to 4 minutes long....WOW now that is some rate. Anyway, it seems that business is done with this rate since the girls are coming and going, talking to guys in the ear and convincing them off. Hit me if am wrong, but I estimate that my mates spent altogether around Lm 125 and we were 8, two of which, me and another did not bother.
My reason: you cannot touch, you cannot feel them, you cannot see it. She moves on you to make you crazy and to want more, so then another song passes... Guys guys there is the real thing.
And since you are actually doing nothing apart from getting horny and sweaty, does this qualify as an act of infedelity?
Thursday 31 August 2006
August 31st 2006
August is over today and with it come the usual last minute things that I need to do before the new month starts.
One of these is applying at the University of Malta for a post-graduate course. Initially I was going for a Pg Dip in Planning Studies. However, I got a phone call from the Institute's director who told me that the course would most likely not be offered since there were too few applicants. So I had to make a choice: do nothing or go for something else.
Luckily another course on the same lines was on offer: Master in Integrated Resource Management, a sort of Environmental Management degree. I opted for that but to do the change I had to go to Uni to change my application form and today was the last day.
So off I went this morning and popped in at Uni on my way to work. I found the room, knocked and was greated by 3 ladies surrounded by piles of applications forms. After telling them my situation (they had phoned me themselves to come and change the application) the enter 'Search Mode' to look for this sheet of paper. Could not be found. After some time it was found on the monitor of a PC with a note attached to it, indicating that it was going to be changed. I modified the applicaiton appropriately and left for work.
To get my Masters, I will need to attend evening classes after work, study / read / do assignments after work and on weekends, and do the BIG ONE: a 25K thesis. Wish me luck!
One of these is applying at the University of Malta for a post-graduate course. Initially I was going for a Pg Dip in Planning Studies. However, I got a phone call from the Institute's director who told me that the course would most likely not be offered since there were too few applicants. So I had to make a choice: do nothing or go for something else.
Luckily another course on the same lines was on offer: Master in Integrated Resource Management, a sort of Environmental Management degree. I opted for that but to do the change I had to go to Uni to change my application form and today was the last day.
So off I went this morning and popped in at Uni on my way to work. I found the room, knocked and was greated by 3 ladies surrounded by piles of applications forms. After telling them my situation (they had phoned me themselves to come and change the application) the enter 'Search Mode' to look for this sheet of paper. Could not be found. After some time it was found on the monitor of a PC with a note attached to it, indicating that it was going to be changed. I modified the applicaiton appropriately and left for work.
To get my Masters, I will need to attend evening classes after work, study / read / do assignments after work and on weekends, and do the BIG ONE: a 25K thesis. Wish me luck!
Tuesday 29 August 2006
An italian guy in Malta (actually two)
I stayya ina bigga hotel...and the beds have no shiitss. Call the manager I ask him for a shiit on my bed..He tells me: go to da toilet you sonofabitch....
Here I am in Malta, actually at work during my lunchtime (yes, lunchtime for me is at 14:00). I wonder what my team mates are doing up there in France. I am sure they are enjoying themselves, but anyways, so did I the last few days.
I was on leave from the 17th and came back to work yesterday. Two Italian friends, Antonio from Bari and Gianluca from Agrigento came over. I only knew Antonio since we were mates during my 4 and a half month Erasmus experience in Liverpool. I waited for more than an hour to pick them up. They finally came out of the Sea Passenger Terminal at around 18:15. After the initial introductions, Antonio and I started off updating each other on the ongoings of the last two years. Gianluca knew everything about me and also saw the numerous video clips which Antonio had taken during our stay.
We lodged at my dad's farmhouse for the week. Baaniisu was with us all the time. Sometimes we cooked, other times my mum gave us a hand. Antonio and Gianluca met also our friends. Thursday, we went out to Paceville, Malta's entertainment mecca and both were amazed. In fact, both decided to spend the weekend there and they stayed for two nights at the 'La Vallette Resort'.
Apart from Paceville, Baaniisu and I took them around Malta, visited some cultural sites such as Fort St. Angelo, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. We also took them to Valletta (the Capital City, Mdina (the Silent City) and to the Ta' Qali crafts village. A visit to Gozo was a must and there we visited the Azure Window, Cittadella, Xlendi, Calypso Cave and Ramla il-Hamra. Swimming was obviously a must; we swam in Gozo at the Blue Hole and Ramla il-Hamra and also in Malta, particularly at Wied iz-Zurrieq and St. Peter's Pool.
Baaniisu and I tried to show our two Italian friends as much as we could. We also showed them Dingli cliffs (the highest point) and the magnificent Blue Grotto.
As usual, I have not downloaded any photos yet to my pc. I will put some of them online for you the see in the coming days
Here I am in Malta, actually at work during my lunchtime (yes, lunchtime for me is at 14:00). I wonder what my team mates are doing up there in France. I am sure they are enjoying themselves, but anyways, so did I the last few days.
I was on leave from the 17th and came back to work yesterday. Two Italian friends, Antonio from Bari and Gianluca from Agrigento came over. I only knew Antonio since we were mates during my 4 and a half month Erasmus experience in Liverpool. I waited for more than an hour to pick them up. They finally came out of the Sea Passenger Terminal at around 18:15. After the initial introductions, Antonio and I started off updating each other on the ongoings of the last two years. Gianluca knew everything about me and also saw the numerous video clips which Antonio had taken during our stay.
We lodged at my dad's farmhouse for the week. Baaniisu was with us all the time. Sometimes we cooked, other times my mum gave us a hand. Antonio and Gianluca met also our friends. Thursday, we went out to Paceville, Malta's entertainment mecca and both were amazed. In fact, both decided to spend the weekend there and they stayed for two nights at the 'La Vallette Resort'.
Apart from Paceville, Baaniisu and I took them around Malta, visited some cultural sites such as Fort St. Angelo, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. We also took them to Valletta (the Capital City, Mdina (the Silent City) and to the Ta' Qali crafts village. A visit to Gozo was a must and there we visited the Azure Window, Cittadella, Xlendi, Calypso Cave and Ramla il-Hamra. Swimming was obviously a must; we swam in Gozo at the Blue Hole and Ramla il-Hamra and also in Malta, particularly at Wied iz-Zurrieq and St. Peter's Pool.
Baaniisu and I tried to show our two Italian friends as much as we could. We also showed them Dingli cliffs (the highest point) and the magnificent Blue Grotto.
As usual, I have not downloaded any photos yet to my pc. I will put some of them online for you the see in the coming days
Tuesday 15 August 2006
France vs Malta
I was supposed to go to Rousset, France between the 27th and 2nd of September. It would have been a new experience since I was going with the football club Kirkop United with which I play. However, due to my ankle injury I decided not to make it. I am recovering but will surely not be able to play. My physio ordered me another week of exercise, but no running.
To be honest I am not too sad or worried about it. The reason is that Antonio, an Italian guy I met while in Liverpool in 2004 is coming over. We were both students at Hope University for the 2nd semester and had our rooms next to each other. We hung out together very often, initially since I was the only person around who could speak Italian; I was his translator. But then his English improved so I was asked to help only in technical situations.
I might sound crazy saying that I prefer a holiday here in Malta than one in France. Well I am, but I also need to return a favour. I stayed at Antonio's house for 10 days during Easter 2004 and he took really care of me. I also got really sick one day and his mum was kind enough to talk to the doctor and get medicine for me.
Had I not gone to France Antonio would have had to go around alone or with my dad. Well not actually alone since a friend of his from Sicily, Gianluca, is also coming over. It would have been unfair not to accompany him. My problem was taking leave off work, since two weeks would have been impossible.
Rest assured that this is an extremely rare occasion, that I am dumping a trip away from this friggin island. To my memory it is the second, but the reasons for the first were preposterous.
Antonio is arriving tomorrow at 17:00. I'll be there.
To be honest I am not too sad or worried about it. The reason is that Antonio, an Italian guy I met while in Liverpool in 2004 is coming over. We were both students at Hope University for the 2nd semester and had our rooms next to each other. We hung out together very often, initially since I was the only person around who could speak Italian; I was his translator. But then his English improved so I was asked to help only in technical situations.
I might sound crazy saying that I prefer a holiday here in Malta than one in France. Well I am, but I also need to return a favour. I stayed at Antonio's house for 10 days during Easter 2004 and he took really care of me. I also got really sick one day and his mum was kind enough to talk to the doctor and get medicine for me.
Had I not gone to France Antonio would have had to go around alone or with my dad. Well not actually alone since a friend of his from Sicily, Gianluca, is also coming over. It would have been unfair not to accompany him. My problem was taking leave off work, since two weeks would have been impossible.
Rest assured that this is an extremely rare occasion, that I am dumping a trip away from this friggin island. To my memory it is the second, but the reasons for the first were preposterous.
Antonio is arriving tomorrow at 17:00. I'll be there.
Monday 7 August 2006
Shit! I've did it again
And it really hurts! I don't think you know this, but I am an avid football fan; I play the sport too with a local club.
During the last weekend a 55 hour 5-a-side football tournament was organised in Zurrieq. A friend of mine asked me to join and I did so willingly. It is played in a school and as most local school, the football pitch is a hard concrete surface.
All went well up till the fourth game. We won 3 out of 3 up till then. I played most of my parts as a second half substitute, bringing on some fresh legs. Well those fresh legs were not fresh anymore after I came into the game in the fourh game: I was shielding the ball when the guy behind me pushed me a little and I ended up twisting badly my right ankle. It was a really bad twist and I ended up being changed and not playing again for the whole tournament. My team ended up semifinalists in the end, and we were very pleased with that.
But my ankle..jezuz it hurts. I already had ligament problems with my left one and now the other! That game I was injured was played at 2 o' clock in the morning. I stayed awake till almost four, applying ice. My football team coach does not know yet and he will not be pleased, since he told us to avoid such 5-a-side tournaments and games altogether.
Injuries are a common occurrence unfortunately for me, with both ankles and knees suffering considerably over the past years; this one is another addition to the long list.
During the last weekend a 55 hour 5-a-side football tournament was organised in Zurrieq. A friend of mine asked me to join and I did so willingly. It is played in a school and as most local school, the football pitch is a hard concrete surface.
All went well up till the fourth game. We won 3 out of 3 up till then. I played most of my parts as a second half substitute, bringing on some fresh legs. Well those fresh legs were not fresh anymore after I came into the game in the fourh game: I was shielding the ball when the guy behind me pushed me a little and I ended up twisting badly my right ankle. It was a really bad twist and I ended up being changed and not playing again for the whole tournament. My team ended up semifinalists in the end, and we were very pleased with that.
But my ankle..jezuz it hurts. I already had ligament problems with my left one and now the other! That game I was injured was played at 2 o' clock in the morning. I stayed awake till almost four, applying ice. My football team coach does not know yet and he will not be pleased, since he told us to avoid such 5-a-side tournaments and games altogether.
Injuries are a common occurrence unfortunately for me, with both ankles and knees suffering considerably over the past years; this one is another addition to the long list.
Sunday 30 July 2006
Like a kid with a new toy
Finally I decided to use some money and invest in a new PC, actually an upgrade. I was still running on a Pentium 3 600Hz up till four days ago, not a prehistoric one, but lets say medieaval PC. Things got really slow, and that also reflected in the internet connection.
I now am proud to announce that I am the possessor of an AMD Athlon 64 bit 3000+ Processor (1.8 GHz). Also, I switched from cable internet to Adsl, the reason being that it is cheaper for the same download/upload speed; the only difference being the download limit.
And here I am, Sunday morning at 08:52, downloading the latest updates, installing software and doing other stuff: playing around actually and impressing myself with the improved performance.
I now am proud to announce that I am the possessor of an AMD Athlon 64 bit 3000+ Processor (1.8 GHz). Also, I switched from cable internet to Adsl, the reason being that it is cheaper for the same download/upload speed; the only difference being the download limit.
And here I am, Sunday morning at 08:52, downloading the latest updates, installing software and doing other stuff: playing around actually and impressing myself with the improved performance.
Tuesday 18 July 2006
Am I dead??
Its been almost a month since my last post.
Well, I just do not find time for this. I have considered the option of shutting down the blog altogether, but I guess it can wait and suffer a little longer. Blogs are supposed to be updated frequently, especially personal one like this. In my case, it seems that I am still under culture shock...
I had promised to give an overview of my Welsh adventures...well it seems the project has died altogether. I am though going to put a couple of pictures, since they are worth a 1000 words.
There are loads of other pictures available, over 500 in fact. These a just a sample of what we have seen, wondered and admired.
Wales is a country not to be ignored.
Well, I just do not find time for this. I have considered the option of shutting down the blog altogether, but I guess it can wait and suffer a little longer. Blogs are supposed to be updated frequently, especially personal one like this. In my case, it seems that I am still under culture shock...
I had promised to give an overview of my Welsh adventures...well it seems the project has died altogether. I am though going to put a couple of pictures, since they are worth a 1000 words.
There are loads of other pictures available, over 500 in fact. These a just a sample of what we have seen, wondered and admired.Wales is a country not to be ignored.
Tuesday 20 June 2006
Culture shock?!
Culture shock is a
condition of confusion and anxiety affecting a person suddenly exposed to an alien culture or milieu (Dictionary.com).
Spending 12 days away from home in a modern European country where English is an official language and whose culture we have heard of and studied will not surely trigger such a shock.
The shock which I experienced was on my exiting of the plane, on my realisation that I am back home. It is not really a culture shock, it is an Environment Shock.
I am under culturo-environment shock!
condition of confusion and anxiety affecting a person suddenly exposed to an alien culture or milieu (Dictionary.com).
Spending 12 days away from home in a modern European country where English is an official language and whose culture we have heard of and studied will not surely trigger such a shock.
The shock which I experienced was on my exiting of the plane, on my realisation that I am back home. It is not really a culture shock, it is an Environment Shock.
- Every day in Wales, I woke up to the chirping of birds, saw hundreds of them flying around, hunting and nesting (many of these are locally stuffed and displayed and form part of a hunter's pride).
- The weather in Wales was hotter than usual according to the locals, but nonetheless, everywhere was green. Back here all is dry and seaminlgy lifeless (though in fact it is not).
- I hear people say that we Maltese are the kindest...well than how do you describe the British? They are the first people to start a conversation, with the icebreaker being often the weather. They love our country, for its weather, beer especially Bugibba. In fact, they rarely go much away from there. They are also patient and kind.
I am under culturo-environment shock!
Back from Wales
I have not blogged for two weeks now and the reason was that I was away, away from any PC, away from work, away from Malta...I was in Cymru, or as you know it Wales.
But I am back :-( and I am not too pleased about it. We arrived here in Malta at 01.30. I took today off too, to acclimatise myself and convince myself that I am no more in magical Wales. Yes, magical. Over the coming days, or better, during the coming weekend. I will write my day-to-day diary and post it on this blog. The six of us really enjoyed ourselves, saw and laughed a lot. Just to mention, we travelled some 1,300 miles around Wales in 12 days. I'd do that in around two months here in Malta.
I promise I will keep you informed about all we did in the coming days
But I am back :-( and I am not too pleased about it. We arrived here in Malta at 01.30. I took today off too, to acclimatise myself and convince myself that I am no more in magical Wales. Yes, magical. Over the coming days, or better, during the coming weekend. I will write my day-to-day diary and post it on this blog. The six of us really enjoyed ourselves, saw and laughed a lot. Just to mention, we travelled some 1,300 miles around Wales in 12 days. I'd do that in around two months here in Malta.
I promise I will keep you informed about all we did in the coming days
Sunday 4 June 2006
Wales on the way!!
The final countdown has begun... in less than four days Baanisuu and me together with four close friends will be off to Wales. All preparations have been done, most of them by my dear Baanisuu who after finishing her A level exams, was kind enough to go through the Lonely Planet and find out all the interesting places around and along our path.
Our camping gear is also all set up, since we will be spending most of the lodging time on campsites. This includes but not exclusively sleeping bags, a rucsac, torches, rain gear, as well as maps, a compass and binoculars. This holiday promises to be a diverse and exiting experience from the start till the end!
Our camping gear is also all set up, since we will be spending most of the lodging time on campsites. This includes but not exclusively sleeping bags, a rucsac, torches, rain gear, as well as maps, a compass and binoculars. This holiday promises to be a diverse and exiting experience from the start till the end!
Sunday 28 May 2006
Hottest day in May, ever!!!
The Meteorological Office in Luqa, Malta has been keeping weather records for the past 84 years, i.e since 1922. It is the official source of weather data. The record high for May was reached on Tuesday 23 May, 2006, the bulb reading 35.3 degrees Celsius. That is 10 degrees higher than average for the month of May. The previous high was recorded on two days in 1945 (22nd and 23 May) at 34.4 degrees Celsius.
The previous day, Monday, was the warmest May day in 12 years, reaching 33.7 degrees Celsius.
Climate change or freak weather?
A couple of days with freak or extreme temperature cannot be seen as proof of climate change, since climate is a measure of weather over a spread of years such as 15 - 20 years. However, such extremes may be a telling sign. And if scientists tell us that the last few years were among the hottest ever recorded on a global level, then that puts things a little into perspective.
The three warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998; 19 of the warmest 20 since 1980 (http://www.newscientist.com/popuparticle.ns?id=in20)
Who to you beleive, scientists and experts who practically live in the field, or politicians who see only a nose-length away?
The previous day, Monday, was the warmest May day in 12 years, reaching 33.7 degrees Celsius.
Climate change or freak weather?
A couple of days with freak or extreme temperature cannot be seen as proof of climate change, since climate is a measure of weather over a spread of years such as 15 - 20 years. However, such extremes may be a telling sign. And if scientists tell us that the last few years were among the hottest ever recorded on a global level, then that puts things a little into perspective.
The three warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998; 19 of the warmest 20 since 1980 (http://www.newscientist.com/popuparticle.ns?id=in20)
Who to you beleive, scientists and experts who practically live in the field, or politicians who see only a nose-length away?
Saturday 20 May 2006
Maltese perceptions on the environment.
This is a more suitable title for the articlu presented in the Sunday Times of 14 - 05- 2006. The title misleadingly states: Maltese barely care for the environment. Although I do not much doubt the heading, the study was based on perception, i.e. the sociologist Mario Vassallo asked: "What do you think the Maltese do/feel/care ...?", not "What do you do/feel/care...?"
Nonetheless, the findings are quite worrying, though not much suprising. In my opinion, I would follow this study with another one asking "What do you ...?" questions, to compare action with perception.
In my opinion, these are the saddest results of the survey:
True, I may be a little pessimistic, but if the picture is bad, there is no need to make it look good.
The facts are out there and up to a certain point, there is no need for hard scientific evidence. You just need to walk around, go to the beach, go to Valletta, go to Paceville, go to a construction site to simply notice the lack of respect which many people have to the environment. A real shame. And then we complain about asthma, littering, huge 'eys sore' landfills and a million other lack-of-environmental-concern-related impacts.
These are the conclusions of the survey, which I will leave to you to think about:
...it can be farily stated that care for the environment is not dormant in Malta, and among certain categories in society, it is quite strong. So are the measures that can be adopted to ensure that this care is tranlated in practice. But the understanding and implemention is not easy across Maltese society. In some respects a cultural change would be required to modify tradional habist and ways of doing things.
....many are not prepared to pay money to save energy or to discomfort themselves to facilitate wate disposal. Time and education can bring about the required change, but it seems that the process is bound to be both long and painful.
Nonetheless, the findings are quite worrying, though not much suprising. In my opinion, I would follow this study with another one asking "What do you ...?" questions, to compare action with perception.
In my opinion, these are the saddest results of the survey:
- 64.7% say their fellow Mlatese care only a little for the environment;
- only 5.3% agree that they are very satisfied with the level of care of the environment demonstrated by fellow Maltese;
- only 16.7% think that the Maltese in general feel it is very important to economise on energy use; 56.3% think that they are somewhat concerned;
- only 21.3% would buy more expensive environmentally friendly products while 61.3% would go for the cheaper option;
- 41.9% of the 26-35 age group stated, without prompting, that public transport is very bad.
True, I may be a little pessimistic, but if the picture is bad, there is no need to make it look good.
The facts are out there and up to a certain point, there is no need for hard scientific evidence. You just need to walk around, go to the beach, go to Valletta, go to Paceville, go to a construction site to simply notice the lack of respect which many people have to the environment. A real shame. And then we complain about asthma, littering, huge 'eys sore' landfills and a million other lack-of-environmental-concern-related impacts.
These are the conclusions of the survey, which I will leave to you to think about:
...it can be farily stated that care for the environment is not dormant in Malta, and among certain categories in society, it is quite strong. So are the measures that can be adopted to ensure that this care is tranlated in practice. But the understanding and implemention is not easy across Maltese society. In some respects a cultural change would be required to modify tradional habist and ways of doing things.
....many are not prepared to pay money to save energy or to discomfort themselves to facilitate wate disposal. Time and education can bring about the required change, but it seems that the process is bound to be both long and painful.
Wednesday 10 May 2006
Off to Cymru.....Wales
Well, almost actually, but in less than a month, I will be in the land of St. David. To say the truth, the holidays was booked way in January. Since then, not much preparation has been done, though we know more or less where we are going. We also booked a car and plan to go quite around. Our stay will be for 12 days.
Time for a good holiday. Since I started working full-time since last summer, I had to miss out on the long holidays which I was used to. Ok, we had a Xmas shutdown but not the two weeks I was used to during Xmas or Easter. What's more, I can forget the summer holidays. Just work work work. I guess I still feel I am a student.
So yes, I have to take care of my leave. In summer we have the usual long weekend to Gozo, as well as I will take some days off to enjoy the sun, sand and sea which this island is so much known for...or was....
Back to my forthcoming holiday... I have been saying I need to prepare myself more for the trip for ages. Yet, I waste my time, reading newspapers, or surfing the net for millions of other (useless) things. Neither buying the Lonely Planet did help. That's typical me, and then I grumble about the local authorities lack of forward planning...yeah right.
Well, there is also a good excuse. Going abroad in always an adventure; going abroad with just a road map, camping gear and a good book is even more; not knowing where to lodge and what to find once there can be problematic, but nonetheless exiting and fun. Time will tell..
...and by the way, we will be 3 couples, packed in one car like sardines
Time for a good holiday. Since I started working full-time since last summer, I had to miss out on the long holidays which I was used to. Ok, we had a Xmas shutdown but not the two weeks I was used to during Xmas or Easter. What's more, I can forget the summer holidays. Just work work work. I guess I still feel I am a student.
So yes, I have to take care of my leave. In summer we have the usual long weekend to Gozo, as well as I will take some days off to enjoy the sun, sand and sea which this island is so much known for...or was....
Back to my forthcoming holiday... I have been saying I need to prepare myself more for the trip for ages. Yet, I waste my time, reading newspapers, or surfing the net for millions of other (useless) things. Neither buying the Lonely Planet did help. That's typical me, and then I grumble about the local authorities lack of forward planning...yeah right.
Well, there is also a good excuse. Going abroad in always an adventure; going abroad with just a road map, camping gear and a good book is even more; not knowing where to lodge and what to find once there can be problematic, but nonetheless exiting and fun. Time will tell..
...and by the way, we will be 3 couples, packed in one car like sardines
Sunday 7 May 2006
Culinary pleasures: A review of 'Fayrouz' and 'Mare Nostrum'
This past week, I had two occasions to eat out at different restaurants, and I have some comments to make:
Tue 2nd May : It was the birthday of Baaniisu, my bearer of victory and better half. I decided to eat out at a different cuisine, and Lebaneese was chosen ('Fayrouz' in Sliema). After managing to find the place, we entered into what seemed more of a typical family restaurant, but anyway, I do not know how a Lebanese typical restaurant should look like. However, Arabic-type music could be heard. The matron was really nice. At first I talked to her in English, but then realised she was local. I hate doing that. Maltese is my mother tongue and I try to speak it everywhere, even to Anglo-Maltese speaking fellow citizens.
There was a wide food selection, though no fish was at hand, maybe because it was a Tuesday. As a starter we took a mezee, a selection of dips and starters, similar to the greek meze. It was actually quite filling. As a main course, I opted for chicken while Baaniisu went for minced meat something. The food was good, simple but mouth-watering. The owner, a Lebanese I suppose, was the cook and a fancy cook too, dressed in trousers and a neat shirt. Every now and then he came out of the kitchen to talk to people and make sure all was ok. Unfortunately, we did not have enough room for a typical Lebanese restaurant, next time we will know better.
Tue 2nd May : It was the birthday of Baaniisu, my bearer of victory and better half. I decided to eat out at a different cuisine, and Lebaneese was chosen ('Fayrouz' in Sliema). After managing to find the place, we entered into what seemed more of a typical family restaurant, but anyway, I do not know how a Lebanese typical restaurant should look like. However, Arabic-type music could be heard. The matron was really nice. At first I talked to her in English, but then realised she was local. I hate doing that. Maltese is my mother tongue and I try to speak it everywhere, even to Anglo-Maltese speaking fellow citizens.
There was a wide food selection, though no fish was at hand, maybe because it was a Tuesday. As a starter we took a mezee, a selection of dips and starters, similar to the greek meze. It was actually quite filling. As a main course, I opted for chicken while Baaniisu went for minced meat something. The food was good, simple but mouth-watering. The owner, a Lebanese I suppose, was the cook and a fancy cook too, dressed in trousers and a neat shirt. Every now and then he came out of the kitchen to talk to people and make sure all was ok. Unfortunately, we did not have enough room for a typical Lebanese restaurant, next time we will know better.
Friendliness of staff: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Food selection: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Ambient: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
Conclusion: Recommended
Food selection: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Ambient: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
Conclusion: Recommended
Sat 6th May: No excuse for this meal, except that it was a Saturday. Usually we do not go to restaurants serving normal foot, but this was an exception. My and Baaniisu went to 'Mare Nostrum' in Ta' Xbiex, more known as the 'Black Pearl'. We really went there for its setting, since the restaurant lies on the deck of the 'Black Pearl'. The ship is not floating in the sea but situated on land. Upon entering we were greeted by a foreigner and place a table (no booking done). We were on the side of the side, however on the wrong one, since for the view of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta we had to be located on the other side.
As soon as we set, a waiter came asking if we wanted an aperatif, while handing us the menu, and another put the breadbasket and some black olives on the table . Another waiter came immediately afterwards telling us what were the specialities of the day, including the types of fish available etc. After a brief consultation of the menu (there was not much to decide from), we decided to go for chicken and beef. We also ordered a bottle of wine. After a few moments, the food arrived. We were quite surprised at how fast it came, too fast in fact. In fact, food came before drink. I had to recall the waiter to remind him of the bottle of wine, and still this did not come immediately. I found us stupid sitting there having all the food and side dishes but nothing to drink. After some time, the wine came. Food was good, though my chicken seemed a little dry. As we finished, a waiter came to take the plates away, and he was not alone; another came clearing up the table taking all the cutlery etc. Then after some time, while still drinking our wine, another came asking for coffee and sweets.
Hmmm as you would have probably noticed, this restaurant more seemed like a fast food by simply observing the behaviour of the staff (Note: the restaurant was 1/2 to 3/4 full). The setting was great, with candlelit tables, but I felt rushed around. Life is already too hectic, running from one commitment to another; being served in a frenetic way is not much appreciated. Obviously, I prefer being asked immediately then being left to wait endlessly on a table without any menu or food, but there has to be balance.
As soon as we set, a waiter came asking if we wanted an aperatif, while handing us the menu, and another put the breadbasket and some black olives on the table . Another waiter came immediately afterwards telling us what were the specialities of the day, including the types of fish available etc. After a brief consultation of the menu (there was not much to decide from), we decided to go for chicken and beef. We also ordered a bottle of wine. After a few moments, the food arrived. We were quite surprised at how fast it came, too fast in fact. In fact, food came before drink. I had to recall the waiter to remind him of the bottle of wine, and still this did not come immediately. I found us stupid sitting there having all the food and side dishes but nothing to drink. After some time, the wine came. Food was good, though my chicken seemed a little dry. As we finished, a waiter came to take the plates away, and he was not alone; another came clearing up the table taking all the cutlery etc. Then after some time, while still drinking our wine, another came asking for coffee and sweets.
Hmmm as you would have probably noticed, this restaurant more seemed like a fast food by simply observing the behaviour of the staff (Note: the restaurant was 1/2 to 3/4 full). The setting was great, with candlelit tables, but I felt rushed around. Life is already too hectic, running from one commitment to another; being served in a frenetic way is not much appreciated. Obviously, I prefer being asked immediately then being left to wait endlessly on a table without any menu or food, but there has to be balance.
Friendliness of staff: 3/5
Service: 2/5
Food selection: 2/5
Food: 3/5
Ambient: 5/5
Overall: 3/5
Conclusion: Recommended, but beware of the frantic waiters
Food selection: 2/5
Food: 3/5
Ambient: 5/5
Overall: 3/5
Conclusion: Recommended, but beware of the frantic waiters
Saturday 6 May 2006
That (in)famous monument
Let me explain first,
I am showing this image and briging up the topic because:
NO, it is not the first time I heard of it;
NO, it is not the first time I have seen it; and
NO, I do not want restart any debate.
I got tired of this. However, due my quite often passings-by, I cannot but notice the hit that this monument has made. True, it has become a MAJOR distraction for drivers approaching the roundabout, but it has also made its 'creator' quite (in)famous. Just a side note, many people were also offended when the great Michaelagelo painted naked figures in the holiest of places within the Vatican (Just a note, no artistic comparison to be made).
However, the last two days, I have noted that the phallic monument has become quite photogenic. Maybe it is pure coincidence but on both times I have driven by, I have noticed:
a) a group of 3 ladies taken pictures of themselves by the statue (it was dark and I realised what was going on through their talking.
b) a guy with an SLR digital camera crossing the road and walking away from the roundabout.
Yes my friends, this 'obsence and offensive' monument, found in 'Oh we are so holy people' Malta, has become a photographic attraction. Maybe in a few years time, MTA will start to market it as part of our cultural heritage.
Football season is over
Last Sunday was the last game of the season. We drew 1-1. This was a terrible season, in fact, I think it is the worst ever the club has experienced in its history. Kirkop FC is a Third Division team (the lowest division in Malta). Ever since I have been playing for the senior squad, we have always challenged for promotion ending in the top places of the division. However, this was not the case this year.
A new coach was brought in, and as usual tens of new players turned up during the pre-season. As is the norm, most of these left after a few weeks and we ended up with a rather good team, maybe not as good as in previous years, but we good still challenge. Unfortunately I got injured in my first game and spent from September till December nursing my injury (apart from getting fat and lazy). The team went from bad to worse. Most of the 'new' players left, for diverse resions, but mostly I guess was for disagreement with the coach.
As with all coaches when moving to new teams, they tend to bring with them some players from other teams they coached. However, this coach was too attached to these new players and made them play even if they did not play right. A particular person in fact was seen by most players as his favourite. He never ever passed the ball, though technically he was good. You could safely tell that whenever the ball was in his feet, he would loose it, due to his neverending insistence of trying to dribble.
Another problem was the lack of team spirit. We were never a team, and different players got offended easily. I think we were too tense. In my opinion training was a real bore. We always did the same routine, mainly running a lot (too much) and then tactics / mini-game. We never did any ball technique, we never did any shooting practices, we hardly ever did set-pieces....and then during the match, you would here the coach grumbling if you did not pass the ball well.
Yes, as you would have imagined, I was not quite happy with our coach, but that is in everything in life. In the end I just went to football training to keep myself fit and avoid becoming a couch potato
A new coach was brought in, and as usual tens of new players turned up during the pre-season. As is the norm, most of these left after a few weeks and we ended up with a rather good team, maybe not as good as in previous years, but we good still challenge. Unfortunately I got injured in my first game and spent from September till December nursing my injury (apart from getting fat and lazy). The team went from bad to worse. Most of the 'new' players left, for diverse resions, but mostly I guess was for disagreement with the coach.
As with all coaches when moving to new teams, they tend to bring with them some players from other teams they coached. However, this coach was too attached to these new players and made them play even if they did not play right. A particular person in fact was seen by most players as his favourite. He never ever passed the ball, though technically he was good. You could safely tell that whenever the ball was in his feet, he would loose it, due to his neverending insistence of trying to dribble.
Another problem was the lack of team spirit. We were never a team, and different players got offended easily. I think we were too tense. In my opinion training was a real bore. We always did the same routine, mainly running a lot (too much) and then tactics / mini-game. We never did any ball technique, we never did any shooting practices, we hardly ever did set-pieces....and then during the match, you would here the coach grumbling if you did not pass the ball well.
Yes, as you would have imagined, I was not quite happy with our coach, but that is in everything in life. In the end I just went to football training to keep myself fit and avoid becoming a couch potato
Saturday 29 April 2006
Losing my virginity.......at Smart Supermarket
Yep that's it!! I have known about it for ages, heard people mention it and even saw adverts on the paper. However, I never really had to go, until today.
This Smart Supermarket is I think one of the largest on the island, though a new larger one to be named 'Pavi' is about to open later this year. I have already been to large supermarkets, or better hypermarkets as they are better known. Just to mention, I have been to l'Auchan, close to Bari and to the Metro Centre in the UK. We've go nothing of the sort here in Malta, just a couple of huge supermarkets which are mainly food selling. Smart is something like a Tesco thing. Well actually, the outlet we went to has expanded further and includes household goods, some appliances plus other mini-shops or franchises.
The only reason to go there was to buy some specialised stuff since tonight we are going to eat Indian food. At Smart, you find almost anything. It was quite a thing going there, actually we could not find most of the things, a typical mishap often found within our culture. Let me explain:
The meat, fish and bread counters are easy to identify using particularly 3 senses: smell, feel and eyes. Meat and fish counters are always surrounded by cooler air, especially if open-chest freezers are nearby. On the other hand, break counters are usually identified through the smell of freshly baked loaves of break. Also, these counters tend to have quite some people gathered, queueing for their turn. So that's is eapy peasy. But when you need to look for spices....oooo... you get the chills.
Back to the Maltese culture thingy. We Maltese suffer from one of the worst maladies - we lack vision and proper planning skills. Bad planning is seen almost anywhere were there has been human intervention. It is a real pity.
Return to 29th April 2006. Planning, or the lack of it symptoms are evident. There is hardly any signage to what one can find on the shelves. Of course, you do not expect every single item to be identified, but at least signs showing food preseves, cooking oils and so on should be put up. And you can neither rely on experience. While there, I hear more than one person grumbling that the management seems to be moving things around and thus object A found at Shelf A , Row A is moved to Shelf F, Row F. Add to this the lack to signing... and then you ask directions to some shelf-filler who ends up sending to the 'old' location.
But anyway, I was quite amazed and impressed with the large number of people and vast selection of goods.
As for my virginity...well you would have understood by now that virginity may have other meanings, or can be used as a metaphor. Since it was my first time, I can say that it was rather pleasureable, however some proper planning and organisation would have made the experience less of marathon.
This Smart Supermarket is I think one of the largest on the island, though a new larger one to be named 'Pavi' is about to open later this year. I have already been to large supermarkets, or better hypermarkets as they are better known. Just to mention, I have been to l'Auchan, close to Bari and to the Metro Centre in the UK. We've go nothing of the sort here in Malta, just a couple of huge supermarkets which are mainly food selling. Smart is something like a Tesco thing. Well actually, the outlet we went to has expanded further and includes household goods, some appliances plus other mini-shops or franchises.
The only reason to go there was to buy some specialised stuff since tonight we are going to eat Indian food. At Smart, you find almost anything. It was quite a thing going there, actually we could not find most of the things, a typical mishap often found within our culture. Let me explain:
The meat, fish and bread counters are easy to identify using particularly 3 senses: smell, feel and eyes. Meat and fish counters are always surrounded by cooler air, especially if open-chest freezers are nearby. On the other hand, break counters are usually identified through the smell of freshly baked loaves of break. Also, these counters tend to have quite some people gathered, queueing for their turn. So that's is eapy peasy. But when you need to look for spices....oooo... you get the chills.
Back to the Maltese culture thingy. We Maltese suffer from one of the worst maladies - we lack vision and proper planning skills. Bad planning is seen almost anywhere were there has been human intervention. It is a real pity.
Return to 29th April 2006. Planning, or the lack of it symptoms are evident. There is hardly any signage to what one can find on the shelves. Of course, you do not expect every single item to be identified, but at least signs showing food preseves, cooking oils and so on should be put up. And you can neither rely on experience. While there, I hear more than one person grumbling that the management seems to be moving things around and thus object A found at Shelf A , Row A is moved to Shelf F, Row F. Add to this the lack to signing... and then you ask directions to some shelf-filler who ends up sending to the 'old' location.
But anyway, I was quite amazed and impressed with the large number of people and vast selection of goods.
As for my virginity...well you would have understood by now that virginity may have other meanings, or can be used as a metaphor. Since it was my first time, I can say that it was rather pleasureable, however some proper planning and organisation would have made the experience less of marathon.
Sister Birthday surprise
That small miracle seems to have made me mute too, since my long silence since my last blog. Actually I did not have much time, and blogging from work is not quite an option, though a possibility.
Yesterday was my sister's birthday. She is 20 now, i.e. she lost her teens. A friend of hers from University decided set up a surprise for her, and so she contacted all of my sister's friends, including myself, to meet her at a bar. This we managed to do, though more people should have come, save for some excuse or other. Then my sister arrived, and she could not stop laughing....yes laughing...that is her way to treat surprise. After all the hugs and kisses and the "hi how are you!" and "long time no see" phrases, a cake was presented to her - and what a cake!! This huge chocolate cake was actually really good, had some taste of orange in it.
I could not stay late, since I had to wake up early as my girlfriend had exams today and I had to taxi her to the examination location. But my lovely dovely sister decided that I should carry this huge cake, and some presents back to my car, so that she can get wasted without having antyhing to think about. Well, ok I thought, except that I had to pass through the nightlife mecca with this huge, uncovered box holding a birthday cake. In fact, I became quite an attraction. Some people looked at the cake, trying to read out what was written; other asked for peace while some tried to put their finger in; some young English lads came singing to me: "Happy Bifthday to you, Happy birfday to you!!" Yep typical English people with a pint too many in their head.
Finally, we arrived to my parked car and drove off slowly home, making sure that the cake does not move too much or else....
Yesterday was my sister's birthday. She is 20 now, i.e. she lost her teens. A friend of hers from University decided set up a surprise for her, and so she contacted all of my sister's friends, including myself, to meet her at a bar. This we managed to do, though more people should have come, save for some excuse or other. Then my sister arrived, and she could not stop laughing....yes laughing...that is her way to treat surprise. After all the hugs and kisses and the "hi how are you!" and "long time no see" phrases, a cake was presented to her - and what a cake!! This huge chocolate cake was actually really good, had some taste of orange in it.
I could not stay late, since I had to wake up early as my girlfriend had exams today and I had to taxi her to the examination location. But my lovely dovely sister decided that I should carry this huge cake, and some presents back to my car, so that she can get wasted without having antyhing to think about. Well, ok I thought, except that I had to pass through the nightlife mecca with this huge, uncovered box holding a birthday cake. In fact, I became quite an attraction. Some people looked at the cake, trying to read out what was written; other asked for peace while some tried to put their finger in; some young English lads came singing to me: "Happy Bifthday to you, Happy birfday to you!!" Yep typical English people with a pint too many in their head.
Finally, we arrived to my parked car and drove off slowly home, making sure that the cake does not move too much or else....
Tuesday 25 April 2006
A small miracle
I feel that a small miracle happenend within these walls. Last night, in those brief moment before dozing off to the better world, I heard my parents mumbling. Their room is next to mine. It was quite a thing in fact for they seemed to be having a real conversation, as opposed to the recent "no comment" like conversations.
This morning during breakfast, my mum gave me the news. She and dad are going to spend some time together, to give it a last chance. This will occur during the same period when was my mum was supposed to go to Germany. Mum told me that they spent most of the night awake, talking and realising that a separation is not the only solution.
Later on the day, after I came from work, I immediately realised the difference. They were talking together, sharing ideas and thoughts. This did not even occur in better times. Added to this, I could see smiles on their faces, and even at this moment there is some form of verbal communication going on. This contrasts sharply to what was happening just yesterday, where they both kept, and I mean KEPT, their distances.
Yes, I feel happy today. I am glad that they are trying. I really hope that this will last and good things will come out of it. However, my fear is that on the first glitch, all will be blown away, and we will be faced again with the annoying dad vs mum situation.
Fingers are crossed.
This morning during breakfast, my mum gave me the news. She and dad are going to spend some time together, to give it a last chance. This will occur during the same period when was my mum was supposed to go to Germany. Mum told me that they spent most of the night awake, talking and realising that a separation is not the only solution.
Later on the day, after I came from work, I immediately realised the difference. They were talking together, sharing ideas and thoughts. This did not even occur in better times. Added to this, I could see smiles on their faces, and even at this moment there is some form of verbal communication going on. This contrasts sharply to what was happening just yesterday, where they both kept, and I mean KEPT, their distances.
Yes, I feel happy today. I am glad that they are trying. I really hope that this will last and good things will come out of it. However, my fear is that on the first glitch, all will be blown away, and we will be faced again with the annoying dad vs mum situation.
Fingers are crossed.
Sunday 23 April 2006
A crying parent
I beleive one of the worst, if not the worst moment in a persons' life is to be the leaning shoulder of a crying parent. Parents are those people whom you've looked up to since day 1. You see them as your models, the people you should imitate. As you grow older, you further see yourself as a reflection of one of them, maybe blurred, but it is still a refleciton. You think that they are strong, they can face anything and everything.
But when things get bad, and deteriorate, and cannot hold on anymore, they collapse - as all humans beings do. When we were kids, they hide away in such moments or bury their feelings deep within. But with us and them getting older, it is more difficult. And if the issues they are worried about effect us in the same manner, then they bring it out.
I remember once my dad was crying, but his was a different weep. He was pissed to death. We had lunch at our aunts and he drank way over his limit. He went off walking through some country roads dancing from one side to the other. Me and my mum went to fetch him, and managed to bring back home. Immagine the humiliating when a passer by asked if we need any help. I wanted to bury my head just like an ostrich does. My dad then started weeping like a baby, crying out that he was going to die. Well we all do. But he was so drunk that he felt like it. That was one of the worst moments in my life.
Fifteen minutes ago, the same thing happened, same as in a weeping parent. But the scenario was different, and the person. My mum wept her worries, her concerns. I do not know what to do in these situations. It seems that all the fights and arguments between my parents were/are fruitless. People do not change, but they can change their actions. My dad is reluctant to do so. My sister is worried. I know that he does not do things as they should be done. But times change, and so do situations. Insisting on acting when the rest of the family cry to bring things to a half is a recipe of self-destruction. It shows that somebody does not care, neither feel nor give a damn.
I cannot understand why.
But when things get bad, and deteriorate, and cannot hold on anymore, they collapse - as all humans beings do. When we were kids, they hide away in such moments or bury their feelings deep within. But with us and them getting older, it is more difficult. And if the issues they are worried about effect us in the same manner, then they bring it out.
I remember once my dad was crying, but his was a different weep. He was pissed to death. We had lunch at our aunts and he drank way over his limit. He went off walking through some country roads dancing from one side to the other. Me and my mum went to fetch him, and managed to bring back home. Immagine the humiliating when a passer by asked if we need any help. I wanted to bury my head just like an ostrich does. My dad then started weeping like a baby, crying out that he was going to die. Well we all do. But he was so drunk that he felt like it. That was one of the worst moments in my life.
Fifteen minutes ago, the same thing happened, same as in a weeping parent. But the scenario was different, and the person. My mum wept her worries, her concerns. I do not know what to do in these situations. It seems that all the fights and arguments between my parents were/are fruitless. People do not change, but they can change their actions. My dad is reluctant to do so. My sister is worried. I know that he does not do things as they should be done. But times change, and so do situations. Insisting on acting when the rest of the family cry to bring things to a half is a recipe of self-destruction. It shows that somebody does not care, neither feel nor give a damn.
I cannot understand why.
Cancelled holidays
My mum has just decided to cancel her trip to Germany. It has to do with the seperation thingy. I think she wants to save some money. Still this thing looms endlessly in my head. Sometimes I ask how come it affects me this much. I mean, I am not a kid anymore, I have a full-time job, my own life. My communication curve with my parents was not always the same. My mum recently told me that I do not talk anymore. She was right. I guess I was a bit stressed at the time, running from one thing to the another. I still am anyway, but there are times where you cannot cope.
Saturday 22 April 2006
Green Fuel
After much thinking and weighing the ups and downs, I finally decided to go for biodiesel. My car is relatively new (2 and a half years) and thus there should have been no modifications needed. But trying something new on another thing which costs quite some money is not easy. I was afraid that I might do some damage to the engine. So far car works OK.
The promoters of biodiesel say that it is better than normal diesel since it is a better lubricant and also slightly increases performance. Well, my principle aim was to give my little part in reducing noxious fumes. The local manufacturers have come up with a mixture of 80:20, thus 80% diesel, 20% bio. The bio part is made up from cooking oils, which i beleive is a good thing. This reduces other damages since before most cooking oils were being put down the drain.
I just hope that more people go for greener products, consume less and seperate waste. We all need to be responsible for our actions.
The promoters of biodiesel say that it is better than normal diesel since it is a better lubricant and also slightly increases performance. Well, my principle aim was to give my little part in reducing noxious fumes. The local manufacturers have come up with a mixture of 80:20, thus 80% diesel, 20% bio. The bio part is made up from cooking oils, which i beleive is a good thing. This reduces other damages since before most cooking oils were being put down the drain.
I just hope that more people go for greener products, consume less and seperate waste. We all need to be responsible for our actions.
Wednesday 19 April 2006
Still squeky
This blog is still in development stage. I am still getting to grips with the design and layout, so please bear with me.
Tuesday 18 April 2006
The beginning of the end
Today is a sad day for me. After two weeks since their last big fight, my parents seem really going for it, yes for separation, or at least my mum is. She sought a lawyer's advice and so on; she will move out; my dad wants that. Shame and sorrow. And to think that they had just celebrated their silver anniversary (25 years) at the end of March. I feel so bad.
Not much can be done. They hardly talk; this has been going on for some time. Me and my sister are most probably going opposite ways too, even more sad. God help us.
Not much can be done. They hardly talk; this has been going on for some time. Me and my sister are most probably going opposite ways too, even more sad. God help us.
In the beginning....
Yep, this is my new beginning. I used to contribute online, some time ago. I had my own website, you know the personal thingy, putting pictures and a mini-diary. Time passed and I did not touch for a while and the host decided to put it offline.
Now I am back, in this particular moment in life. I feel I have to write, to let my feelings out.
Now I am back, in this particular moment in life. I feel I have to write, to let my feelings out.
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