Glass Blowing workshop

Here in Malta, one can see and buy any glass ornament from Mdina Glass at Ta Qali Crafts Village.

Origins of the art of glass blowing

Glassblowing is a glass forming technique which was invented by the Phoenicians at approximately 50 BC somewhere along the Syro-Palestinian coast. The earliest evidence of glassblowing comes from a collection of waste from a glass workshop, including fragments of glass tubes, glass rods and tiny blown bottles, which was dumped in a mikvah, a ritual bath in the Jewish Quarter of Old City of Jerusalem dated from 37 to 4 BC[8][12][17] Some of the glass tubes recovered are fire-closed at one end and are partially inflated by blowing through the open end while still hot to form small bottle, thus they are considered as a rudimentary form of blowpipe.[9] Hence, tube blowing not only represents the initial attempts of experimentation by glassworkers at blowing glass, it is also a revolutionary step the induced a change in conception and a deep understanding of glass.[

Souvenirs from Malta

These are typical souvenirs which one can find to buy here while on holiday. A very popular market where these stalls are found is the Sunday Market in Marsaxlokk.

Splash & Fun Waterpark, Malta

A fun place to visit during the summer months in Malta is the Splash & Fun Waterpark situated in Bahar ic-Caghak, north of the island. There are plenty of different slides to go down, as well as a lazy river where one can enjoy floating around on a large inflatable tyre and a wave pool where simulated waves are used to make swimming that little bit more fun. A kids swim area is available so noone is left out from having a great day out.

Changing of the Guard

The Armed Forces of Malta will be re-introducing the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Valletta’s Palace Square after a near 40-year absence.

The ceremony, which will be held twice monthly, is symbolic of the formal handing over of responsibility from one guard to another at the Palace in Valletta. (taken from Times of Malta)

Birzebbuga Sailing Club

Yesterday, my son took part in a sailing race organised by the Birzebbuga Sailing Club. This race was in aid of INSPIRE, a foundation which helps disabled persons integrate in our society. All of the proceeds went to help buy a special designed sailing boat for the use of the foundation.



(photos courtesy of Mario Brincat, a club member)

Dinghy sailing at Birzebbuga Bay goes back to the early fifties. The spectacular wooden Latini boats heralding from the three Cities of Malta and from Birzebbuga raced in the limits of the bay at St. Georges and Marsaxlokk area. Since then Birzebbuga Bay has been known as the centre for the development of high level competitive dinghy sailing. Birzebbuga Sailing Club was initiated by ex Latini sailors in 1969. Since then BSC achieved the highest national honours of 'Champions' and "Helmsmen of the Year", many times over. Club sailors raced on various classes of dinghies, especially on Marauders, Mirrors, Miracles, Sordfish and currently on Lasers. They represented Malta in major international games and won medals for Malta at the Small Nations of Europe Games. At BSC sailing for children on Mirrors and Optimists is a regular activity all the year round. Club's sailors range in ages from 7- 60 plus. It includes male and female sailors of all ages. Sailing Courses and day sailing tasters for adult beginners are offered every year for groups or individuals on demand. The Club participates in activities organised by the Malta Sports Council under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. BSC runs courses for children through SkolaSajf and SkolaSport. It collaborates with the Malta Sailing Federation and with other sailing clubs. BSC also runs an annual five day sailing course for Physical Education student teachers of the University of Malta. (taken from www.birzebbugasailing.com)

The Services and Programmes of INSPIRE address the educational, therapeutic, social and recreational needs of the people we help, with a focus on ability and potential. Our vision is to see complete inclusion of people with disabilities living in the community, in schools, the workplace and in recreation. (taken from...www.epr.eu/index.php/description-members/21-descriptionmembers/76-eden)

Il-Karozzin (Maltese Horse & Cab)

Il-Karozzin” or “The Horsedrawn Carriage” was a popular means of transport in the Maltese islands in olden days. This means of transport was a common scene and one could see and hear the sound of hooves beating and clicking on the ground as the horsedrawn carriage passed through villages and towns, through the countryside and also along coast roads of the Maltese islands. The poor people depended on the horsedrawn carriage to take them on errands outside their village. The Horse Drawn Carriage was also used on special feasts and occasions such as Carnival or a wedding ceremony. Today the horsedrawn carriage is popular among tourists who would like to go round our magnificent and silent old capital city Imdina and today’s capital city Valletta.

The Maltese Boat