I’m writing to convey my congratulations on the lovely piece by Joe Demanuele in your paper’s Gozo Supplement published on 14 August.

Although I read Mr Demanuele’s contribution on the Cornucopia Bungalows with interest and smiled widely at his attempts to make the San Andrea Hotel’s staff lose their patience with him, what I truly enjoyed very much was the account of his experience at the Maria Giovanna Guest House in Marsalforn. I hold that guest house very dear to my heart and have had the privilege of witnessing its transformation from the picturesque five bedroom premises it used to be, to today’s gorgeous 15-bedroom accommodation. Whenever I’m able to embark on a sun holiday, I book myself into Maria Giovanna without any second thoughts for travelling or staying elsewhere. There is simply no better place for some serious relaxation and genuine pampering.

I was so delighted to read Mr Demanuele’s charming write-up which portrayed the guest house and the lovely extended Bugeja family so very well and sympathetically. From leafing through Maria Giovanna’s guest book, Mr Demanuele surely gathered that the warm welcome he experienced and the perfect care the family lavished upon him was by no means a one-off but that these gracious people are brilliant and natural hosts to all those who are so lucky to have chosen the guest house for their holiday accommodation. I am therefore thrilled to bits that twins Anna Azzopardi and Sonia Theuma and their families were featured in such a positive, delightful and eloquent way by Mr Demanuele.

May I close by saying that I also much admired Mr Demanuele’s photographs that accompanied his report and which were vibrant mirror images of his words.

With best wishes from rainy Ireland,

Heike O’Sullivan

IRELAND