Sunday, June 23, 2013

DID I ALREADY TELL YOU THIS?...

Our trip to Venice overshadowed our excursion to a Roman Bath excavation site here in Malta the first weekend in June.  Here we are going into the last week and a half of the month.
Mike and I arranged for a driver to pick us up at 06:45 and drive us to the far side of the Island to an archaeological site to participate in  the work there.   I planned our lunch for the day of cold leftover 'baked macaroni' from the previous nights dinner, a very typical Maltese item for a picnic or workman's lunch.   We had packed the lunch and lots of water of course, sunscreen, hats, but we are novices remember,  and the archaeologist did give us an odd look, then  suggested we try to find a spot to hang our bag high off the ground.  (o.k., where?) We tried to hook it on the fence, but when I retrieved our water bottle I just set it down on the top of the limestone wall.  Can you say dum,dum? 
We had a wonderful tour of the whole site and learned quite a bit about the Roman ritual of bathing, slaves and all.  The beauty and craftsmanship of the  lozenges of marble making up the walkways was still very evident.  It is now covered to protect it from the elements.  They knew how to waterproof the baths made of the limestone here in Malta with mortar which is still intact on many sections of the pool walls.  We walked the same paths and stood on stone thresholds used  by the Romans in 60-70 AD.  The site was discovered in the early 1940's before the wars when the British were wanting to provide water to the British barracks and knew of the well on this property. They didn't know what was on the site until they started excavating.  Thankfully, the work stopped, but with the wars and lack of funding to continue the archaeological work which was started then left areas exposed to the elements and of course further deterioration.  Now, work has begun again. 
So enter the Pooles, along with 6 other like minded individuals.  We were taught how to scrape away the dirt and to hand anything we found that looked a bit unusual to our supervising archaeologist.  Mike found a bit of clay pottery, that was very exciting, some other substance that was thought to be mortar.  Every stone he found he was handing over, in hopes it was more mortar or pottery shard!  It became quite a joke.  Another participant, an Italian gal, found blue and white china bits and also a few of the lozenges used on the walkway.  I found a piece of cinder but had handled it with my hands turning it over and around to see if it was something other than a stone. We will never know if it was from a Roman fire to heat the bath water or some ash that was thrown on the ground from a British bonfire or a farmers brush fire on this site, as handling it contaminates it for Carbon testing.  (we were never told).  So sorry :((. 

could it be?
Lets take a closer look (Mike right background)
One young gal, Lucy from the U.K.  now  living in Malta found  a coin and we were so excited for her. Was it? Could it be?  We were all hopeful.  It looked really old, a bit smaller than current currency and there was definitely a head struck on the coin.  A Roman emperor perhaps? OOO, she and the archaeologist went away for a closer look, yes, it was a head, yes it was royal, the royal Elizabeth!  Oh well, we got a bit of a rush if only for a moment.  She was able to keep the coin I believe. 
Our time quickly came to a close and our driver was back, said our goodbyes and started off.  Well, we noticed that there were tiny ants on the floor.  Why were there ants in the van, never saw them before (we use this mini bus to get to church each week) On second look, they were all over our bag, hundreds, millions and millions. Inside! Look inside! Yes, look at them all.  Mike and I had a bit of a chuckle in the back of the van and tried to be discreet in stomping as many of them as we could before the whole van was infested.  We kept the rest contained in the bag until we reached my cousins home and emptied the bag and all it's contents outside before entering the flat.  So much for my well planned lunch!  It was a wonderful day all 'round...and I'd love to do it again. 



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Lilt in my voice

I have to watch myself.  I can easily pick up an accent that isn't mine or a lilt, cadence in the spoken language especially the Maltese singsong style of speaking in English that is widely heard here.  So easy to pick up a Maltese by their accent even back in Canada.  It will give you away every time.  Much like the accent of one from the U.K.   
This is a painting I've done of a Café in the town of Birgu, or Victoriosa in Malta on the water front.   If you would like to see more of my work check the website
twogatesartstudio.webs.com

Sunday, June 16, 2013

By the Sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea...


Been in the sea 3 times so far this week! Water is a bit cool yet, but clear and is so healing.  Malta has Asian Tiger Mosquitos and they love me! Mike, not so much, actually, not at all.   I, and some others take a bad reaction to the bites and the hydrocortisone cream seemed to make it worse, for me anyway.  Terrible itch, you want to scratch till you bleed, swelling and a hot red rash (that circles my 
calf nearly all the way around) that can't be helped I guess.   I went to the Poly Clinic and the Dr.   recommended a 24 hr. Antihistamine tablet and ice which helped only a bit.   A natural bug spray does only a little to deter the little blood suckers, unless you want something with DEET.  DEET! ?? The locals use some natural remedies that gave me some relief.  I've tried vinegar and toothpaste and the sea.  Not all at once or together! Today's 3rd.  dip  cooled the bites down to a pink rash.

Toni and Marlene at Marsamxette
Just recently summer has arrived after days of cooler, more comfortable temperatures. The temperature was close to 35C so they say, and the sun is dangerously hot.  You need protection for your skin and eyes which quickly can burn.
Well, it's dusk now, people are still in the sea just below us and small camps are set up along the sea front with little fires that are actually burning my eyes right now.  Must keep the windows open for the sea breeze as light as it is for a bit of relief.   Oh, forget it.  Close the windows and turn on the oscillating fan.  So, bye for now and keep well...
local time is 21:14

Friday, June 14, 2013

VENICE - PINCH ME!


 Day One
Venice! Amazing! Beautiful! Unique!  What words can I use to describe the scene that welcomed us?  I felt like I had been dropped into a fantasy Candy Shoppe.  Pinch me.  Was I really there?

From the moment we left the coach which took us from the Treviso Airport to the station in Venice our senses were
bombarded.  We saw a candy coloured backdrop for the grand architectural styles of both the new and old.  Hotels, the Palace, bridges we've all seen in Hollywood films, private homes, Museums and Cafés along the Grand Canal kept our eyes scanning the scene as fast as we could so as not to miss a thing.  It was amazing to see the many Water taxis (the local 'bus' service) and Cargo taxis loaded with everything from fruit and vegetables to home and office furniture and even construction equipment.  We saw private tour taxis and other commercial  boats of varying sizes each knowing their place and the protocol. Did I mention the shiny black and gold Gondolas, some with lavish velvet brocade upholstery? As far as the eye could see there was a rainbow of colours of the hordes of people, both locals and tourists walking, sitting, or enjoying a cappuccino or a glass of wine under an umbrella at one Café or another. Flowers and Café umbrellas, fancy wrought iron balconies with pots of geraniums, Gondoliers with their red or black and white striped tops, black narrow pant with a slightly flared bottom and that so familiar straw hat with a wide ribbon of red or black.  It was too much for the eye to process.  I took 366 photos including some video in the 2 days we were in Venice and I know I just scratched the surface.  It would take pages to describe all the sights.  Here, the phrase a picture says a thousand words, couldn't be truer.
Our trip down the Canal to our hotel on the Lido was brimming with new sights at every turn.  Our hotel was wonderful and included a breakfast the next morning. Our room had the traditional slim double doors out to our little balcony.  You can visualize the ones I mean.  We've seen it in the movies and in coffee commercials! So Italian. So romantic.  Pinch me again!
We wondered the narrow lanes and found something new and exciting at each turn in terms of texture, colour, sun lit brick, tiled roofs, shuttered windows, piazzas used from antiquity and all things imagined you'd see in Venice and more.   We spent a little time window shopping and browsing the souvenir shops.  Venice Masks of every description, colour, size and price, exotic boutiques with designer fashions and a price to match, leather handbags made in Italy, jewellery shops, shoes, and so much more.  
We found a little Café on a side street called the Marco Polo and had amazing pizzas.  So many toppings to choose from, some not so usual for us Canadians like a seafood pizza with octopus and mussels, prawns, hard boiled eggs and peas, along with prosciutto, Parma ham, salami, and hot pepperoni.  Individual Pizzas are bigger than a large dinner plate, so Mike and I shared a "Pit-tza" Diavalo, with some very spicy pepperoni.  Perfecto.
After settling into our Hotel Venezia 2000 on the Lido, we hoped back on the Water Taxi to the Piazza San Marco and took in the wonder of that, seeing the clock tower and the façade of the Basilica and the magnificent tiled courtyard.
Mike and I visited the Ducal Palace while my cousin Charles and Marlene scouted out a shop they wanted to find as they had already been through the Palace on a previous tour.  The Palace was the seat of Government and the residence of the doges, built between 1309 -1442.  The façade is white and red marble and the arches - well the arches, were supported by columns with carvings extraordinaire.  The  14th and 15th  century art work  on the ceilings and walls would take you months to examine thoroughly, the rooms of armory showed such craftsmanship and much needed physical strength to bear the arms.  The inner court with the floor tiles and mosaics, arches, balconies and statuary was a marvel in itself.   My only disappointment was that my admission ticket for the Palace did not include the Manet Exhibition which I was anticipating viewing. 
After joining my cousin and his wife and a bit more browsing it was getting late and time for another meal.  Fixed menu it is, and we found a small restaurant to our liking.  Not sure just what influenced what, the City, the company or the delight of being in a dream world, but spaghetti in Venice! -  the Chef must have added a bit of magic. Our trip back to our hotel via the water taxi now gave us a view of the Grand Canal by night with lights buildings and on the water front and side canals giving us new visual sensations.  Spectacular.
  
Day 2 began with an expanded Continental Breakfast which set us off running.  Water taxi on the Grand Canal,  stopped along the way down new narrow streets, all pedestrians only, across several bridges over the smaller side canals to the Rialto and  the Market with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, butchers, seafood and fish, lots of fish...and musicians playing while you select just the right octopus for dinner.   Meandering down lanes to more souvenir shops while making our way back by water taxi to the Bus station to pick up our coach for our return to Treviso Airport.   We had a quick Panini sitting in a garden and then my only chance to do some sketching.  Oh, why was that handmade Geppetto marionette €270,00?  I had to leave him behind, but I'm still thinking about him.
All in all, a most wonderful and amazing hop to Venice.  Did I just say 'hop to Venice? Pinch me. 

Monday, June 3, 2013


Days Go By...

Here we are again.  Days pass so quickly, either with just relaxing after doing the chores, or taking in a bus ride to a new 'mall' (the size of our Wal-Mart) or travelling 3 hours by bus and then taking a 25 minute ferry ride to the sister island of Gozo which we did recently with our friends Leli and Kitty.  They were such troupers to join us on this crazy journey.  They have a car, but I thought it would be a unique adventure for all of us. And it was.  Leli's brother lives in our hometown.  Three hours you say, on Malta!  Well, very few major roads are straight.  An 8 km. trip takes 30 minutes with all the bendy roads, add 07:30 rush hour traffic and you can understand the length of time it takes to get to where you are heading.

We spent the day of the Hop on, Hop off tourist bus that took us to several places on Gozo.  I should tell you, Gozo is much quieter, and more rural in feel although there are several large towns and villages.  The coast is extraordinary, one spot is called Dwejra (dway rah) Bay.  Here we see a natural rock formation.  It forms a natural arch extending high and far into the sea.  The caves and the silver water below is outstanding showing orange, turquoise and violet coral.  Looking into the water is like looking through clear glass.  Outstanding.  From the water, the cliff raises many meters up toward the sky.


Mike in the stocks at the Citadel, Gozo

We visited an fortified area called Cittadella, I believe used by the Knights of Malta and the British (what hasn't?) down through the years.  More of the history of Malta and these and other important historical sites can be found on the Heritage Malta (www.heritagemalta.org) website.

By the time we toured the countryside, made a couple of stops, had a lunch by the seaside, and then travelled back, our day was a 11.5 hour day.  Foot washing is a nightly ritual and then we collapse into our beds!  It was a great day.

 



Thursday, May 16, 2013

NO ROOM SERVICE,,,NO, NO, NO


     Besides doing the usual housework, yes housework, like changing bed sheets, laundry, groceries & cooking, and washing ceramic floors indoors and out, we have visited with other members of our family and friends here. But first, just so you don't think that we are in a luxury hotel ordering room service, let me tell you what goes on here.  (I'm not complaining mind)

       The windows with screens are usually open and the dust that blows in is a bit oily.  Not sure if it's from all the sea vessels, small, large and gigantic that travel in our bay or sail back and forth further out at sea, but always visible.  The small fishing boats, sail boats and power boats are in and out every day and since it's still early in the season, not all of them have even been launched.  The larger cargo ships are always on the horizon, sometimes closer, waiting to go into Freeport either to unload or return to port to reload before sailing away to unknown destinations like Sicily, Italy, North Africa and who knows where.  Their engines must certainly add a lot to the atmosphere, where eventually it comes into and around the houses.  After a two week period of on and off rain and high winds, everything outside was covered in limestone dust.   So, of course, sliding glass doors on the balconies had to be cleaned and also the metal railings of the balconies and their ceramic tiled floors.  My red geraniums look so beautiful on my shiny clean balcony. 

     The T.V. is mostly in Maltese which Mike doesn't understand, and I have difficulty myself especially when they speak very quickly.  We watched episodes of Seasons 1-3 of Downton Abbey almost every evening, and Seasons of Call the Midwife.  We're scraping the bottom of the barrel and have our own re-runs happening!

     So, back to family.  We have met with the only Uncle surviving, and all but one of his six children, my cousins, of course their spouses and their children.  We all met at my Uncle's brothers birthday.  My father's sister had several daughters and we have reunited with one of them again.  We have also connected with our friends Leli and Kitty who is brother to one of our London, ON Maltese friends and we didn't expect this, but others we know from London are also staying in our village for a holiday.  I was at a beautician's shop and while Mike was passing the time, bumped into them and stopped to have a coffee at one of the many cafe's on the seafront.  I haven't seen them in the 'town' as yet, but possibly on our walks along the seafront we'll meet them again.

     I have had two wonderful sessions with John Dimech and had a couple of breakthroughs.  John keeps encouraging me to not be fearful when it comes to experimenting.  Good advice I will work hard to remember.  Two of my small work are seascapes, something quite new for me. 
 
 With invitations to a Wedding and Christening events with the family and the unexpected additional expenses I am postponing more classes, but will definitely arrange to spend more time with John in his studio - somehow, sometime before we return.  I have two more classes arranged with C.S. Lawrence before having to make a decision where to continue with my art instruction.  With Caroline's group I did experience my first group plein aire outing and there is one more planned as long as the weather co operates.    We went to Mermaid Street in Senglea, my street & home town. How appropriate!  Such stricking views from there,.  Decisions, decisions....
 
one of our views across
Grand Harbour to paint
painting with C.S. Lawrence  & group on Mermaid Street
I'm tucked into the door way behind the easel & white shirt
 

 
 
Keep well and know you are loved...

Monday, May 13, 2013

IS DANCING & TWIRLING ALLOWED?


     Today I danced and twirled alone around our flat's kitchen to Richie Valen's 'La Bamba'.  The sun is shining, the sea sparkles, the cool breeze is light from the west.  I had just been sitting and reading on our balcony enjoying it all-and my red geraniums.  How blessed we are and very thankful.  Typically, Monday is a quiet stay at home day after our practice of experiencing a different fine restaurant Saturday evenings for a late supper, up early for church service on Sunday morning and all afternoon with family.  Added to that, was our lovely drive along the coast Sunday.   Did I mention my newly acquired red geraniums? (I think you get the idea how thrilled I am about my - red geraniums). 
     The bells still ring at Sant Anna church and echo through the village of Marsaskala; 48 peels at 6:45 a.m., the melody at 8:00 a.m., and again at noon.  48 peels ring out at 5:00 p.m. as well and more.  They become such a part of the sounds mingled with birds chirping, feral cats mewing and car tires squealing that you hardly pay attention any longer at least to the times.   I must keep better note of the what actually occurs.  It's just lovely to hear regardless.

p.s. We will be taking a two day, one night hop over to Venice, early June, with my cousing Charles and wife Marlene. They came to church with us when they were visiting last summer. (who hops over to Venice? I can hardly believe I can say that here, never mind actually doing it.)   Who can say we are not enjoying some special treats from our heavenly Father? Not us certainly. 

Keep well and know you are loved. 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Hold on to your Hats

Well, it's been a number of days since posting.  I'll try to make my blogs short. Lots to catch up on.  I have a cold, Mike is just getting over his and no more will be said, except that for us an early Malta vacation cold seems to be required. 
     I will never again complain about our potholes in the road.  They are so wretched here that riding the bus is tempting total damage to your spine, particularly to the upper neck and sometimes to the lower back.  You can be bumped right out of your seat and harshly drop down again.  And to make it worse, you could be riding facing where you just left-backwards!  As you have seen Malta roads are quite narrow and these huge buses have to navigate them which is one problem of a different sort.  These buses did not suit London, England apparently, so of course they are suited to Malta's narrow roads.  Who decided that?  Also, it seems the harsh road conditions (remember, no frost here) have done an amazing job of rendering the shock absorbers - oh, wait, what shock absorbers.   When riding the buses, hold onto your hats/heads!

     I will fast forward a bit to let you all know, I have my red geraniums on my balcony thanks to my cousin Charles and his generosity.  Today after Sunday lunch he offered a drive around the island and with a hasty request from me, could we stop at the greenhouse as we swiftly drove by it, he turned and well-red geraniums on my balcony!. (read bal con eeeeey spoken in a lilting sort of way)  I am so thrilled.  Thanks Chal' and Marlene.  Makes my cold seem so much better looking out to my lovely red geraniums.  Happy Mother's Day to all you happy mothers!

  

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

FESTIVAL OF MILK


We've had a few great days now since last I updated the blog.  Sunday was a fab day, beginning with Church service.  We could feel the increasing heat of the sun as we waited for our 9:00 a.m. van to pick us up.  We were dressed for both cool and heat and the sun felt so good on bare arms. 
Cousin Charles and Marlene have their family in for a meal each Sunday.  All their 3 children, spouses and 6 grandchildren in typical Maltese fashion all speaking, yelling, crying at the same time.  Things usually quiet down once eating actually begins, but not here...It was a lovely hot dinner of  a home cooked meal and homemade canola. 
left turn and you're in the town square
Small items used WWWII
After all was cleared, we went on to Gharghur (gar as in Garfield and gur as in 'the guru') to take in the Festival of Milk.  Yes, of Milk.  There were cows, goats and sheep on display as well as the different cheeses produced from their milk.  The kids with us certainly enjoyed hearing the cows mooing and the goats - bleating?  As well, the usual grandstand, with little dancers and soloists and karaoke.  Very entertaining.  Lots of food displays of traditional Maltese cookies, cakes, candies all out in the sun.  Didn't purchase any, by the way.  The sun was blazing and felt wonderful on our backs, not so sure about the baked goods.  We walked around viewing the jewellery stands, plants, vegetable wagons and various other displays.  One such was by the Military displaying old WWII items.  We heard the siren, spun by hand, and you sensed the impending danger as the sound echoed through the street. An Eerie sound.

sitting on the 'dock of the bay'
 
Monday was a bright sunny day, a good wash day breeze was up so laundry was done early in the day and then down to the bank, picked up fresh items and a stop at the bay just to enjoy the outdoors before heading back for a toasted Western sandwich for lunch which had mushrooms picked just hours before.  Now that's fresh!  
 


DRESSINGS
Clothes in, Mike snoozed, I painted, started the tomato sauce simmering and then off for a late afternoon walk down the sea front.    Dinner was a simple dish of ravioli and fresh baked ftira (f tea rah) a crunchy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, a  small square substantial  Maltese bread.  Just a small slice each.  The rest will be used for the typical Maltese working man's lunch - hobz biz-zejt (hops biz zate as in gate) - not sure the spelling is correct, but it translates bread with oil (olive).  I'm sure I've mentioned this before, bread spread with tomatoes or tomato paste, canned tuna (in oil) capers, sliced olives, onion, sweet peppers, lettuce and all poured over with olive oil.  Salt and pepper and you're good to go.  Messy, but stick to your ribs sandwich. 
     June 1st. nd 2nd. Mike and I are registered to take part in a 2 day archeology dig at the Roman Baths in the northern part of the island.  Something we've both always talked about doing somewhere, anywhere.  We are in the far south, which means public transport will be a bit dicey as we need to be north by 7:30 a.m.  I'm hoping we can arrange for a one way car ride there.  Coming back by bus will be no problem.  I'm really hoping we can do this.  I'll let you know how that works out.
                Today, we thought we would take in the last of the Fireworks competition being held the month of April.  Today is the final display over the Grand Harbour and can be viewed from  Florianna, where Charles and Marlene live. Well, best get a move on.  We need to get to the capital city to replace our expired BOV bank debit cards. We left Canada before we received the new ones!  They expired the end of March and we left mid April. Q. When do you think the cards left Malta by snail mail?  A. In Maltese fashion, my guess is, mid April. LOL
Keep well, and know you are loved.
local time:  09:10
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

IT'S BEEN A HARD GREY WEEK


Thames River, London Canada
Uncle Pep's Birthday card


all eyes on me...again!
 Well, it's been a hard week with all the clouds, strong winds, rolling sea and temperatures cool enough that you feel a damp chill.  The sun tries to burn through the cloud cover, but never achieves it completely.  It's one of those cooler in the house than out situations that I remember from our lake cottage days.  You can't open the balcony door due to the wind and sea foam in the air to let the warmer outside air in.  The stone walls, ceramic tile floors get quite cold and stay that way.  The opposite happens with the heat of  the sun.   I'm not complaining mind, in fact, I've been thanking God that our daughter  wasn't able to travel with us.  She would have been unable to enjoy all the sites the same; this week at least.  Using the public transport isn't very pleasant when it's like this.  And yes, we have ventured out when necessary.  Thursday evening we went to the church for bible study.  Waiting for the mini van in the wind was a bit unpleasant, but the rain had stopped. The streets are flooded with rain since there is so little grass to absorb the moisture so it all runs down to the sea or of course the storm drains in the street.  It's the same everywhere here.   I, stupidly, did not bring any closed shoes, so had to wear my flat walking sandals with a pair of socks with another pair in my pocket in case I got wet. Sandals with neon patterned ankle socks (Natalie you would love my socks) a scarf around my neck under my coat and sweater and another scarf wrapped around my head like Gina Lollobrigida riding in her convertible on the Amalfi Coast.  I looked ridiculous in my 'costume'; nothing like Gina.  LOL.  The locals assure us that this is very unusual weather for April.  Sounds familiar from back 'home'.   
So instead of going out, just to be out,  Mike reads or plays mind challenging games on the computer, and I paint between drinking litres of hot tea and making meals.   
 
Intricate pattern of the transom, the door panels, and stone columns
and arches.   MALTA PATTERNS I
 
I had to do a sketch in my journal of my experience at Scott's and have decided to do a series of small 5x5 paintings of the many beautiful patterns I see here on the island.  Repeated lines, textures, shapes and colour sends my mind to overload.  Everywhere I look I am inspired and want to capture them in some way.  The line of wooden balconies along the street (called gossip boxes), the repeated pattern in the wrought iron gates, window transoms, and carvings in the limestone.    The patterns I see along our walks here in Marsascala is the erosion on the walls of the buildings where the sea has left it's mark on the stone and paint.  Beautiful patterns of texture and colour.  Rusting metal of the large boathouse doors and very old wrought iron balconies.  These alone will keep me busy painting.  oH, and my art supplies were delivered, right to my door - a day after the arranged day! A phone call to the store and a 'sorry, the driver was ill all week didn't they call you?' in typical Maltese fasion, and a promise to deliver next day in the morning brought the needed supplies right to my door. The sheets of watercolour paper were all too large and bulky to take home on the  busy, bumpy bus ride home.  Grey weather made the unnecessary waiting all day easier to take.
 
Erroded Paint and stone pitted by the salt sea and winds.
 MALTA PATTERNS II


Next week I will begin going to Bormla to paint with Acrylics which should open up a whole new set of painting possibilities.    LOCAL TIME: 07:33



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A Bit of a Grey Eventful Day

Monday April 22 was a bit dreary so we didn't venture out except to pick up a few of our daily groceries like fresh bread, milk, peanut butter for Mike and my blue cheese (which I am eating far too much of).  I have to stop for a few days cause my feet are swelling due to the extra salt intake.  Salt everywhere.  Even if you touch your lips with your tongue you can taste salt!  Otherwise the day became greyer, cooler and windier and the sea was up a bit.  We actually found a documentary which was in English that was nice to watch in the evening. 
 
Today, Tuesday, started out very sunny and warm, but by noon the sea was churned up quite a bit and spilling over onto the road and the sky darkened.  No rain, yet, but very cold winds from the sea.  We had gone out to meet with friends Leli and Kitty and we drove to a  'large' grocery  store, Pave.   By large I mean a slightly scaled down version of our Superstore which by Maltese standards is a very large store.  We wandered around just looking at all that was available.  Foods from local suppliers, fresh, frozen etc., and from around the world.  Fascinating to see and I wished I could have a taste of it all, except the fresh tripe, the pork and young bull tongues! 

From there we drove to another grocery, still quite large by Maltese standard called Scott.  We were picking up the heavier and larger items, such as packs of large water bottles, and big bundles of t.p.  I needed to find the facilities which oddly were in another side building.  As I exited, the alarm when off and I was hailed back into the store, politely, but non the less hailed in with a stern  'madame please come back in', madame without the French accent.  This is a very common way of addressing a woman.  Madame.  Seems a little harsher than ma'am or Miss or excuse me, hello.  I was a little  confused as to why I was being called in, but returned into the store where my purse was taken and searched.  I was anxious and a little afraid I might add.  One by one each piece in my purse/bag (this was the  large bag I used as a carry on bag in the airplane) was taken and waved between the exit bars to see what item would set off the alarm.  The store Manager assured me it was necessary to find the offending item or if not, every store I visited, alarms would be heralding my exits, though it had not happened at Pa vi.  All the while I was defending myself in that I had just come in, and had not gone past the check out. Did she hear me? Don't know. Waving continued.  Nothing, silence. Did she think I'd thrown away the offending culprit outside?  More anxiety.  I'd be spending the rest of my life in a Maltese goal! Not until my art journal, purchased downtown London, Canada, was waved and glad shouts, it happened.  On the back cover, the bar code sticker set off the alarm, which the Manager quickly tore off and threw away.  Thankfully I had some sketches and remarks already in the journal, but I suppose it didn't resemble anything sold in the store any way.  There was no further discussion except for me to say my heart was pounding in my chest.   All was well and I made a quick exit to the out building in search of the, by now, much needed facility.  I just had a funny feeling there were extra eyes on me the whole time I shopped.  Why can't  I just go about inconspicuously and quietly?   Seems I'm called to be a spectacle of some sort or other wherever I go.
the sea just below our balcony
along the coast from our home
 You can compare this photo with the photo from the other day where you could see the bottom through the beautiful calm, clear waters.  Today, things are very different.  The sound of the wind and the crashing waves remind you that it is very early in the season.  The Maltese don't really want summer to arrive because they dread the heat, but at the same time laughed at us Canadians with our sweater and jacket on.  Come on, they said, it has to be warmer than Canada!  Yes, it is, it is warmer than Canada right now.  Yes it is. 

Tomorrow we will wait here for our delivery of my art supplies from Valletta, do some laundry and maybe prepare a little more elaborate meal.  Maybe a walk after the delivery around town and stop in for an Espresso and a regular Maltese coffee with cold milk on the side.  Somehow we will figure out how to order and get the right coffee for Mike.  Saturday evening we went for pizza with my cousin Charles and Marlene and they ordered a regular coffee, cafe ta' Malta,  and asked for milk on the side and poor Mike got a coffee alright, instant Nescafe, with steamed milk poured on top!  I wonder how much that would cost at Starbucks.   Three separate visits to the beautiful Malta islands and we still can't explain what an ordinary Canadian coffee is.  Some things just get lost in translation, right?  We shall persevere.  We shall keep you posted.  lol.  Oh, by the way, I received an email from the Gallery owner at Talbot Centre and I've sold two more paintings.  How blessed am I. 

Keep well my friends, and know you are loved with an everlasting love. 
local time: 22;40
 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

First Sunday morning

Marsaskala Bay
 This beautiful scene is what greeted us this morning.  A beautiful sky aglow with the rising sun.  The sea reflecting that golden hue.
 
Warm today and anticipating reuniting with our friends at Bible Baptist Church.  Their mini van will pick us up very close to our home.  Seeing the sun each day gives you such a boost you think you  could almost fly.  This zoom shot of the sea was taken from our balcony and Mike estimates the depth is 10 - 12 feet deep.  The waters are crystal clear, but still COLD., however we did see someone in the water on Saturday probably wearing a wet suit and the boats are slowly being moored in Marsaskala Bay.
 the sea bottom 


street sweeper


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This picture was taken from our balcony as well to give some indication of how far up we are.
 
We had a wonderful time in our worship service this morning singing some very familiar worship songs, but sung a little differently.  Locals and people from many different countries filled the place.  We spoke with tourists from N. Ireland and from England.    We don't feel like tourists of course and felt quite comfortable welcoming them and wishing them a good holiday stay in Malta. LOL!  BBC is struggling to obtain the necessary permits to install a lift and begin transforming the upper level for the new sanctuary.  Things move very slowly in Malta and the ministry has no problem rescinding a permit after first giving approval.  BBC is debt free, with support from 22 different U.S. churches supporting Pastor Joe and Jenny Mifsud, (mif-suit), and the work at BBC and they have funds in place to begin.  All sounds familiar (except for the permit problems).  They would love to know we are praying on their behalf since we've been so blessed at FLB. 
BBC Sanctuary
Afterwards we were picked up by my cousin Charles and wife Marlene and taken to the other side of the island for the family dinner for Peppe's 89th birthday. It was   in a lovely hotel's dining room.  I didn't count but even though we were short one family of 14 we were about 40.  I haven't seen so many eating heads or heard so much chatter & laughing since the last choir bash we were at.
Tomorrow will be a quiet day we hope, just staying around home.  We do need peanut butter and fresh sliced bread, maybe more eggs.  And I'll see what look good and fresh on the Vegetable & Fruit Caravans.  Maybe pick up a few fresh things there. 
We are just about ready for a bit of a light snack with tea.  Toast and  Maltese tomatoes and a bit of cheese will do just fine. 
The bay is quiet, the sun has set and we'll do a bit of CNN live on the internet and maybe another episode of Call the Midwife then call it a day.
Keep well my friends, and know you are loved...
local time is 20:20 hey, how 'bout that!

Friday, April 19, 2013

ARRIVED

Flight - great.  Flat - wonderful. View - amaa- zing. Weather - perfect.  Familiar family faces, sounds, smells, colours, flavours and accents all greeted me on arrival making me feel so at home.  We are blessed and grateful.  Arrangements are made for pickup each Sunday so we can attend Bible Baptist Church each week, in fact, they also offered to pick us up on Thursday evenings as well for study, fellowship and pizza.  We'll take them up on that as well.  The sun feels wonderful but my calves ache having overdone it with walking these last 3 days (no, not in my usual style of shoe) in very practical flats.  Walking here is up steep streets then of course down, then up many stairs, then down and your legs get a real workout.  It's just the hot flaky   cheesecakes you feel entitled to eat after the strenuous walking  called pastizzis (paw-stits-eeze) that will kill ya, not the walking. They are so good.
Our eating pattern has already changed from the usual Canadian schedule to eating the bigger meal earlier in the day, much less meat and far more soups and veggies or fruit and cheeses (I know) and then having tea and a much lighter supper.  Our sleep patterns are off a bit still, but it's amazing how quickly you adapt. 
Art materials purchased on Thursday are being delivered to our flat on Wednesday.  What  a wonderful customer service and most stores will do likewise, particularly the grocers.  I've already done one sketch of Maltese garlic which is very, very fragrant and even though they are out on the balcony you can still smell them.  But boy, on the 17th, our first night in for dinner, I made an awesome homemade tomato sauce for our spaghetti dinner (what? you thought I wouldn't) with lots of them in the sauce, (some of them are quite small, about the size of a peanut) topped with  a great parmigiana we grated over the top.  You just have to experience it.  Mmmmmgood!  We've purchased most of our groceries for the most part now, having gone out each day this week getting only what can be carried in our bags. 
On each outing this week we've visited some of our favourite places in our village of Marsaskala (mar sas call ah) and the capital of Valletta, met with some family members and will meet with more on Sunday for a birthday party.  An uncle's brother, Pep, short for Joseph,  will be turning 89.  Our group will be upwards of 40 and that is just immediate family, gathering to celebrate over a meal.  
Typical street in the Capital City of Valletta. 
 
Must run, our T.V is only in Maltese and Mike is very bored, so I will log on to CNN (so glad we were able to get portable wifi)  to hear more of the Boston Marathon explosion and maybe catch another episode of Call the Midwife, an enjoyable t.v. series from the BBC. 
Keep well, keep happy, and know you are loved...
local time is 20:24

Sunday, April 14, 2013

I cannot believe tomorrow, April 15th, we will be on our way to my home country of Malta.  I pray our travel will be uneventful, on time and enjoyable.  My emotions are on a roller coaster, running the gamut from excited to anxious, to guilty, to...I don't know what.  I do know I will miss all my family and friends.  We look forward to seeing our family there and new friends, both at Bible Baptist Church and in Marsascala, where we will be living.  
Goodbyes all this week have left me a bit empty and frazzled and Saturday I was an emotional time bomb, just ask Mike.   Saying goodbye and praying with our friends at First Lobo this morning really left me weary, to the point where I had a lay down for two hours!  All seems to be in order.  Cases are packed, fridge is empty and cleaned, food has been pushed on kind family members to use or toss, house cleaned (well, almost, whose to know if the dust was left untouched before the trip or accumulated over our time away :))  ), laundry all done, fresh bed linens on for our last night in our London home until July.  Wow, what an amazing opportunity for refreshing, relaxing, and regenerating.  Hope to have some pictures for you to enjoy next post.   

We pray God's hand on all of you, that you would enjoy a wonderful summer, that you will know His love and care for you.