Summer in the Maltese Islands is a hot experience indeed.
Spectacular dawns tempered with the silkiest of morning breezes herald the early rise of the golden sun which in turn scorches its way through any misty clouds of dew that dare loiter in its path.
And as the shimmering beams of sizzling, darting arrows spread across the dry land, the sky takes on its clear hue becoming bluer than blue like a massive liquid sapphire suspended in mid-air.Gorgeous bright mornings indeed, best enjoyed from the ancient grand towns in the South of Malta, particularly from the sacred site chosen by our prehistoric fathers to build their magnificent spiritual temples..... Mnajdra, Hagar Qim...
Mornings are splendid but brief for they are soon forced to give way to the stubborn doldrummy scorching torching of our tantalising long, lazy afternoons that drag on and on until the stage is set for the major spectacle of the day, each day.... Our extraordinarily breathtaking sunsets that can be enjoyed from innumerable spots all over our enchanted islands...
Whether one is enjoying a late swim at Ghajn Tuffieha, or taking a stroll on Dingli Cliffs, enjoying a chilled glass of delectable Maltese wine at ta' Cenc or wading out right into the sunset at Xlendi Bay.... the mesmerising sunshow is there for the taking, leading one softly into an even more rapturous elegant twilight that more often than not not comes with a teasing, balmy breeze...
No wonder our shores are consistently and increasingly thronged by curious travellers in search of a magic that has eluded them but now awaits them....Our Maltese Archipelago alchemy comes from the perfect combination of grand little towns and villages, mazes of narrow winding streets cutting through rows and rows of ancient, bleached, limestone facades parading their grand doorways and and thick wooden doors wearing the most impressive brass knobs..Then there is the endless necklace of colourful wooden balconies hanging regally around the neck of our sweet streetscape where it meets the indomitable roofscape...
Then there are our most mysterious rocky beaches, secret coves and magnificent beaches tucked away conveniently into the creases of the flamboyant skirts that map out our pretty islands 'intricate coastline...a feast for swimmers and scubadivers, snorklers and adventurers....Then there is a cultural calendar to die for...
Our theatres never sleep, whether they are inside ir outside, our sparkling festa season colours land and sky, grand churches all decorated and illuminated brighten the festive landscape, concerts cheer up all our villages... And if that wasn't enough, a 24 hour night/day life complements the experience for those of us battling insomnia...I will not delve deep into the delights that our our ancient and versatile culinary culture can offer for it is more than famous... Suffice it to say that nowhere in the world have I tasted fish dishes that come close to what I have enjoyed in Wied iz-Zurrieq or Marsaxlokk!We have all this and much much more...
A rich and diverse cultural, architectural and natural inheritance nurtured and passed on to us by our hardworking forefathers who in turn expect us to keep safe and care for until our children take over as temporary keepers of this great Maltese and Gozitan treasure trove...
And as the summer sizzles along and we feast our way through the long and golden season we follow the sad and happy news that washes daily over our islands..... and we hope that our leaders make good selfless decisions that clean these exceptional islands of the rising spectre of rampant corruption, of unbridled destruction of our natural architectural and cultural heritage.
We hope that precious previously industrial coastline long lost to Malta's string of priceless gems is returned to the nation as another jewel in our crown...We hope that Zonqor point remains serene, pristine and cared for, and that any educational institutions are hosted in our proud imposing forts which are monuments to the bravery and courage of our forefathers...We hope that Cottonera does indeed become a conglomerate of little University cities through restoration and regeneration of developed land...Ultimately, we keep hoping that we have put our hope in the right place and that new, clean, rational Governance will prevail... after all.