Malta

The Feast

So here we are again in Malta. I reckon this is my 29th year and about my 40th visit, and it is THE relaxing place to be. In the past it has taken me quite a few days to chill properly and reach that optimum state of 'chilled-ness', but having had a few months of practice I reached it on the first afternoon simply standing on the top floor balcony of Myriam and Charlie's house where we are staying.

We arrive on the weekend of the local feast which means that St Monica Street is closed to traffic and the locals turn out in their best to listen to the band and watch the church statue of Mary being paraded around Guardamanġa on the shoulders of white-robed parishioners. The statue is very heavy so progress is quite slow as the procession stops for a breather every 50 yards or so.

The statue of Mary being carried through the streets of Guardamanġa.

The house is ideally positioned at the end of the route, just at the point where other volunteers are recruited from the watching crowds to take a turn at carrying. As places are swapped the white robes make a beeline for 'Graciepaul' House with great enthusiasm — I believe it was for some special form of 'refreshment' to give that extra bit of energy for the last few yards to the church and up the steps.

One can't help but admire the community pride in the church. Children throw paper from the balconies onto the procession — an activity engaged in wholeheartedly by the Buhagiar great-grandkids — and the locals applaud the efforts of the carriers.

One of the Buhagiar great-grandkids — fully committed to the paper-throwing tradition.

As well as a few street traders selling various knick-knacks and candy floss there is the church hall close by offering an impressive menu of treats — as this sign demonstrates.

The church hall menu. Hobz biz-zejt — Maltese bread with oil — the essential feast snack.

Since Sunday…

Since Sunday we have been busy eating, drinking, posing, sleeping, reading, swimming and sunbathing — in order of importance. Here is the evidence.

Sian and Anthony at the lido.

Mr K — the picture of relaxation.

Mrs K — doing it properly.

Eating and drinking — in order of importance.

Sian.

Anthony.

Sian — committed entry.

Mrs K at a café.

Anthony's self-portrait — his best artwork on the new iPod Touch.

Sadly our meal times have been dominated by Anthony's constant commentary on his new iPod Touch. He is also very proud of his plank: