Spent last 10 days roughly at our flat in Fort-Chambray,
Gozo, Malta. Mostly occupied at relaxing (if possible!), preparing for our coming
visit to Vienna, and eventual move and settling here next January! Attended major
annual event: the one-night-only opera
– this year: “Falstaff” de Verdi –
which is organized under the chairmanship of Dr. Michael Caruana, the developer
of Fort-Chambray (and our “best man” when we got married here a few years ago!)
Quite an affair! He and Carol, his wife, are usually, like this year, hosting
the president of the country (George Abela, at least for the last few years)!
One has to remember that there are only 2 opera companies in Malta, all in Gozo
and none on the big island – it is a national event! People, all dressed up, the
majority coming from the main island! This year, the heat was stifling – there is
no air-con in this theater (named Aurora) – which is probably unusual at this
time of the year (mid-October)!
Tried a few different restaurants: the Maldonado Bistro, in Victoria (early dinner, the night of the opera
– to avoid the crowd and having to find a parking spot later on!) – A pleasant
surprise! (We should try it again); the Boat
House, in Xlendi, a recommendation from friends; and Aaron’s Kitchen, identified as “the best in Malta” by one of our “guests”
at Fort-Chambray (good, but we prefer our usual – the Ambrosia – on the
same street (Archbishop) in Valletta…)
So aside from a drink on our South African friends and neighbors’
(Janet & Brent) 69-foot sailing boat (in company of a neighbor Swedish
couple), anchored for “refitting” (Brent’s project) in the harbour at Mgarr – now
the renovations of the jetée are completed – a very quiet stay!... Ran every
day; lost 5 pounds which I am sure to regain as quickly in Vienna…!
Malta, October 14, 2013