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KARNIVAL 2007

Kav. Joe M. Attard

Dan ix-xahar ta’ ferħ u bluha
Reġa’ magħna f’dawn il-jiem;
Kulħadd lilu jkun jistenna
Għax tas-sena hu l-isbaħ żmien.

In-nies tagħna tkun trid tinsa
Hekk kif fuqna ifeġġ Frar
U għalkemm il-qawl jgħidilna
Li matulu jfuru l-bjar

Nisa, rġiel, żgħażagħ, anzjani
Jistennew il-Karnival
Biex jitbellhu w jitbaħardu
Għax darbtejn insiru tfal!

Fil-misraħ ewlien ta’ beltna
U fil-pjazez ta’ l-irħula
In-nies tiġri u tiffolla
Ma toqgħodx id-dar maqfula!

Tgawdi l-festa ta’ kuluri
L-ispettaklu ta’ l-iżfin;
Jekk tgħidilha: kun ftit serja!
Tgħidlek: issa mhux il-ħin!

U tassew għax dawn il-Festi
Li ġabulna l-Kavallieri
Jiġu sabiex niddevertu –
Staqsu lili x’jiġifieri!

Ħbieb, immela, ħudu kliemi
Ejjew issa nixxalaw:
Għalfejn toqgħod tħammem ħafna
La darba m’aħniex għal haw’!

Walking is one of the best ways to discover and appreciate Malta’s natural environment, beautiful landscapes and man-made marvels. There are few places in the world where walks can bring you past so many fascinating features in such a short distance, and with ready access. Rambling around the entire coast of our island is an especially fulfilling experience as the route takes you past a wide variety of unique and impressive cultural, ecological, geological and other features, both natural and man made.

The authors of this new book have chosen to begin and end their path at Valletta and along the way travel by a route that is as near to the coast as is practical, safe and accessible. The route meanders through a number of towns and villages, and rural areas of Malta, through tourist promenades and the remaining wilder areas. ‘Probably the best views and experiences from this coastal walk are encountered through walk 7’ says Jonathan Henwood, author of the book. He describes his favorite roam around Dingli and Baħrija and its fascinating scenery amplified by the unique geology and cult- there are saltpans, formerly inhabited caves and the remains of a temple and Bronze age villages to be discovered here!

The sense of being alone with the remnants of Maltese nature at its best is truly one of a kind in this location- featuring rare plants and animals such as the freshwater crab and weasel. The best aspect is that whenever you repeat this path, you will find different new and intriguing aspects to appreciate! However all other routes have one of a kind experiences- the book reminds us of the beauty of the Maltese Islands and entices you to physically explore it.

‘This is surely not the end of the series’, says the author. There is so much to discover that the authors are steadily working on another book for Gozo and another for Malta, each with different walks, bringing the series up to five. ‘We have come a long way since the first book was published in 2010, and yet there are so many paths waiting to be explored’. One of the richest of the new routes will shed light on the many Roman, Punic and World War II remains, whilst guiding you through one of last remaining pockets of wild coast on the north eastern border of Malta.

Book summary-Each walk

• Is of moderate length and most can be extended or shortened

• Leads you past a variety of landscapes and features of historical,

• Is described in detail and accompanied by a clear map

• Can be reached conveniently by public bus environmental and cultural interest

• Is supported by a section on History, Geology, Plants and Wildlife of Malta and Gozo

• Also provides details on practical aspects such as Weather, Safety, Buses and Ferries.

By Jonathan Henwood and Emmet McMahon

A guide book from the Great Walks Series which features 13 self-guided walks around the entire coast of Malta, stretching for 155km.

As told by BETTINA MINOGUE

Once upon a time, in a fresh water pond in the Blue Mountains, lived a handsome blue dragonfly with shimmering delicate silver wings. The dragonfly loved nothing more than flying and hovering round the pond.

One fine day as he was flying a bee stinger touched his wings, and tore them! As he flew down, his wings fell off. The poor dragonfly was shocked and felt lost without his wings. What could he do?

A friendly bumble bee that happened to be buzzing happily about saw the incident. He flew next to the poor dragonfly. ” We must do something. ” buzzed the bumble bee. ” But what ? ” asked Ulysses, the Blue Mountain butterfly, flapping his romantic powdery blue black trimmed wings.  ” But what ?” Asked the worried bumble bee.  “Let us ask the powerful Wise Owl. ” advised the quiet red rose lady bird.  ” What about Dragonfly ? ” asked the worried bumble bee. “We cannot leave him alone, there are far too many predators in the forest. He cannot fly.” Said the clever lady bird.  “I ll stay with him and protect him.” Said the brave Ulysses.  “Come on let us go in search of the Powerful Wise Owl, we are wasting far too much precious time.” Observed the lady bird.

The powerful wise old owl was always perched in the top branches of the sparkling blue green eucalyptus tree, with the koalas. So the two mini beasts, lady bird and bumble bee went in search of the owl. They spotted him on the eucalyptus tree. They told the owl of the poor dragonfly ‘s accident. The wise owl listened very carefully. He suggested that they use fish scales to repair the wings. There were no fish left though in the river as the enormous crocodile had eaten them all. Owl had to think of another solution. He thought and thought. After a while he opened his sharp beak…. “Make a wish on a wishing tree leaf” he whispered.

The worried bumble bee and the puzzled lady bird wondered  where the wishing tree could be found , and if it really existed. They had heard about it , but they believed it was just a myth.

The owl opened his beak once again.” You shall find the wishing tree in the heart of the forest , next to the tallest bamboo trees. It is guarded by two smart monkeys wearing camouflaged uniforms.”

The bumble bee and lady bird were lost, as they did not have a clue where the bamboo trees where. The powerful wise owl who also happened to be very kind decided to help them. He offered to fly them on his beautiful sleek back.  It was a thrilling ride for our two little friends, who up till now had never really left the blueberry patch in the forest.

All of a sudden, lady bird spotted the tall bamboo trees. Next to the bamboo trees were a pair of red howler monkeys in camouflaged uniforms and blue polished shiny boots.

Behind the monkey guards stood a transparent glasshouse with its door panes covered in glow worms. It was truly a magnificent sight.

The owl asked the monkeys to let them in. He told them the whole story of the poor dragonfly. One of The howler monkeys who was wearing a pair of camouflaged glasses asked them for the magic password. The wise old owl knew it and whispered ” Cauliflower bower power!” The glass wearing monkey took them inside the glasshouse.

Inside was a truly magnificent sight! The magical wishing tree. It had silver trunk and branches, laden with golden lavender scented leaves. The bottom of its trunk was covered in glow worms humming Christmas carols accompanied by a centipede on the piano!

As they stood there a gentle breeze blew a golden leaf that fell onto ladybird’s red spotted back. She quickly opened her wings to trap the leaf and carry it safely to the dragonfly. The three friends knew it was time to head home. So they thanked the howler monkeys for their help. They knew they will remember this special place forever! The two joyful minibeasts hopped on owl’s fluffy back and they flew back to the pond. As they arrived they found dragonfly with Ulysses the mountain butterfly.

Ladybird unfolded her wings and the beautiful scented wishing tree leaf flew onto dragonfly ‘s pure blue bare back. He made a wish as the owl told him. Right away a new set of silver tessellated lavender smelling wings formed on his back! They were strong and healthy for him to keep forever! That is the story of how the dragonfly became known as one of the fastest flying insects on Earth.

The END

Four new books in the second series of Milly, Molly multilingual, reading books available now from all leading bookstores.

• Milly, Molly u l-Amorini / Milly, Molly and Billy Boy and Daffodil
• Milly, Molly u l-Bukkuni / Milly and Molly’s Morsels
• Milly, Molly u l-Ħalliel tal-Qtates / Milly, Molly and the Cat Thief
• Milly, Molly u s-Serduq / Milly, Molly and Mr. Rooster

Author: Gill Pittar

Translated to Maltese by: Frans A. Attard

RRP: €4.99

BDL Publishers has published the second editions of three of Charles Daniel Saliba’s Maltese language books that are used in Maltese secondary schools. The books Idjomi Maltin għal studenti għaqlin and Qwiel Maltin għal studenti ħabrikin contain idioms and proverbs collected under different themes with a definition for each proverb or idiom, the use of each proverb or idiom in a sentence and various exercises appropriate for all learning levels. BDL Publishers has also published the second edition of the poetry anthology 75 Lehma 75 Fehma. In addition to poems, this anthology includes a short biographical note for every poet, a selection of poems from these poets, explanatory notes and exercises for various learning levels for each poem. It also contains a detailed list of literary discourse figures accompanied by exercises, information on proper study skills and two cultural activities for Maltese and Gozitan students. These books are now available in bookshops or from the website www.bdlbooks.com

Antoloġija tal-poeżija u kotba tal-idjomi u l-qwiel ippubblikati mill-ġdid

Il-kumpanija BDL Publishers għadha kemm ippubblikat it-tieni edizzjoni ta’ tliet kotba, tal-awtur Charles Daniel Saliba, li jintużaw fi skejjel sekondarji. Il-kotba Idjomi Maltin għal studenti għaqlin u Qwiel Maltin għal studenti ħabrikin fihom ġabra ta’ idjomi u qwiel miġbura taħt temi differenti, b’definizzjoni ta’ kull qawl u idjoma, l-użu ta’ kull qawl u idjoma f’sentenza u eżerċizzji varji addattati għal-livelli differenti. BDL Publishers ippubblikaw ukoll it-tieni edizzjoni tal-antoloġija tal-poeżija 75 Lehma 75 Fehma. Barra il-poeżiji, din l-antoloġija fiha nota bijografika fuq kull poeta, għażla ta’ poeżiji ta’ dawn il-poeti, noti fuq il-poeżiji u eżerċizzji varji għal-livelli differenti għal kull poeżija. Fih ukoll sezzjoni bit-termini letterarji akkumpanjati b’eżerċizzji varji, punti kif tistudja aħjar, u żewġ attivitajiet kulturali għall-istudenti Maltin u Għawdxin. Dawn il-kotba jinsabu fil-ħwienet ewlenin jew mill-websajt www.bdlbooks.com

 

Diġà għaddew sentejn minn meta l-grupp ROOTED tal-Qawra wera l-interess tiegħu sabiex jagħmel xi ħaġa ħalli l-memorja tal-ġenerazzjoni anzjana tal-Qawra ma tintilifx.  Fil-fatt, f’Settembru 2011, ROOTED, ippubblika l-ktieb flinkien mad-DVD, From A Rural Haven to a Tourist Paradise, u ppreżentah lill-pubbliku  waqt il-festa tal-paroċċa ta’ San Franġisk t’Assisi.  Din il-pubblikazzjoni kienet suċċess kbir u ntlaqgħet tajjeb ħafna mill-pubbliku.  Dakinhar, anke permezz tal-aġenzija Ewropea responsabbli mill-implimentazzjoni ta’ programmi u proġetti – EUPA, rnexxielna nonqxu t-tifkiriet antiki tal-anzjani, li llum uħud minnhom m’għadhomx magħna.  B’hekk żammejniehom milli jintilfu darba għal dejjem.

Fuq talba tal poplu, ROOTED qed jippreżenta din il-pubblikazzjoni bil-Malti, li tixbah lil dik tal-2011, iżda mhix l-istess.  Fil-fatt, Il-Qawra Titkellem mhuwiex biss traduzzjoni imma minn ħafna aspetti jista’ jitqies bħala edizzjoni kompletament ġdida, għaliex lil hinn mil-lingwa, hemm ħafna żieda.  Wieħed jista’ jsib kapitli sħaħ li huma ġodda, u oħrajn miktuba mill-ġdid b’żieda u msebbħa. Insomma, imsawwar u minsuġ b’iżjed tagħrif interessanti.  Hemm fatti li nstabu f’dawn is-sentejn mir-riċerka li ROOTED kompla jagħmel.  Riċerka li mhux biss insiltet mill-kotba, imma fuq kollox mil-laqgħat man-nies li jiftakru xi ħaġa u xtaqu jonqxuha għal dejjem fuq il-karta.  Nies li għalkemm ma twildux il-Qawra, iħossuhom parti mill-istorja tagħha, għaliex kienu hemm meta l-Qawra, minn medda art tixbah mużajk, għalqa ħdejn għalqa mifruda biss mill-ħitan tas-sejjieħ, passaġġi mserrpa u siġar tl-ħarrub bla għadd, qabdet il-proċess dejjiemi tal-iżvilupp li donnu ma jistax jieqaf.  Jew inkella nies, li ħarsu mill-bogħod lejn dan it-tibdil kollu u xtaqu li t-tifkira li għandhom tal-Qawra ma tintilifx.

Iż-żmien bit-tibdil kollu li jġib miegħu jgħallem, u jgħallem ħafna, dan għax ir-riflessjoni ta’ dak li jkun timmatura u wieħed jifhem li jista’ jagħmel aħjar.  Dan il-ktieb, għalhekk huwa t-tentattiv ta’ ROOTED biex jagħti lill-pubbliku interessat fil-Qawra ġabra iktar kompluta u aħjar dwar dan il-post fil-Grigal ta’ Malta li għadu qed jevolvi u jinbidel.  Tibdil li qisu jrid jgħid li l-Qawra għada miexja lejn iżjed żvilupp.  Tibdil li kull sena jara mijiet ta’ nies u familji, żgħar u kbar, li jagħżlu l-Qawra biex ixenxlu għeruqhom fiha.  Jew inkella koppji li llum irtiraw mid-dinja tax-xogħol u ġew il-Qawra jfittxu post viċin il-baħar, fejn jistgħu jgawdu l-pensjoni tagħhom.

ROOTED ma jippretendix li Il-Qawra Titkellem ma ħalla xejn barra minn dak li wieħed jista’ jgħid jew jikteb dwar il-Qawra.  Iżda li hu żgur, hu li fittixna iżjed, u stinkajna kemm flaħna biex din il-ġabra tkun aktar sħiħa.  Għalhekk, għal darb’oħra, ROOTED jerġa’ jafda ktieb ieħor f’idejn il-pubbliku għat-tagħrif personali tiegħu, biex jistħarreġ u jixtarr storja ta’ post f’Malta, li għalkemm huwa mfittex ħafna, l-istorja tiegħu ftit li xejn hija magħrufa.  Wieħed jittama, li din l-edizzjoni hija iżjed viċin in-nies għaliex hija miktuba bil-Malti u għalhekk għandha tilħaq aktar qarrejja u tqajjem iżjed interess dwar il-Qawra fil-qalb ta’ dawk in-nies li llum isejħulha darhom.  Jekk dan il-ktieb iqanqal mistoqsijiet fil-qarrej, ikun laħaq l-għan tiegħu, għaliex kif jgħid il-Malti, “il-mistoqsija hija oħt il-għerf”.  Wieħed jifraħ meta jiftakar li kemm From a Rural Haven to a Tourist Paradise u Il-Qawra Titkellem huma frott ta’ mistoqsija li qanqlet lil ROOTED biex jistħarreġ u jiġbor is-sejbiet tiegħu f’dawn il-pubblikazzjonijiet.

Sylvia Sammut

Illum ltqajna ma’ Andrew Fenech ta’ 71 sena mill-Għargħur, bniedem li għandu talent uniku u fl-istess ħin riżervat u umli. Andrew jagħmel kull forma ta’ xogħol fil-ġebel f’diversi forom meraviljużi; trakkijiet, għodda, bastimenti u presepji biex insemmu ftit.

Kull biċċa li jaħdem, sal-inqas dettall, hija magħmula kollha mill-ġebla franka. L-iċken ‘spoke’, l-iżghar ċappetta hija mnaqqxa fil-ġebel! Fil-parti l-kbira, Andrew jaħdem b’naqra ta’ sikkina b’xafra qasira. Huwa jgħidilna li fuq il-mudell tal-famuż bastiment Titanic huwa dam jaħdem madwar sitt xhur, filwaqt li fuq il-maġġoranza tal-karozzi ż-żghar, dawn jieħdulu madwar xagħrejn kull waħda.

Andrew, ex-plumber (ċombar) ħadem ‘l fuq minn tlett mitt opra fil-ġebel. Dawn huwa jżommhom ġewwa vetrini kbar u b’saħħithom fil-garaxx tiegħu il-Għargħur. It-tifel tiegħu Joseph ġentilment għaddielna diversi ritratti ta’ dawn il-mudelli sabiex nuruhom lilkom.

The excavations at Skorba were carried out by the writer on behalf of the National Museum of Malta, where he held at the time the appointment of Curator of Archaeology.

The Excavation Fund was formed from grants received from the Society of Antiquaries of London, the British Academy, and the Malta Archaeological Circle.

To get a copy of this book, please click here.

The sixty poems in Lucilla Maclaren Spillane’s collection are written with a keen eye for detail and draw on her wide range of experiences in several countries. Some of the poems deal with disabilities, including the author’s own epilepsy. “I hope that my poems will provoke thought on the broader implications of disability, on the way others respond to it, and the effect it can have on a person’s life and that of their relatives and friends,” says Lucilla.

“In poetry we can put into words our most acute thoughts and feelings and can express them in a concise form. There are many people who sincerely believe they will never enjoy poetry and I hope that, in publishing this collection, I may be able to enlighten them and help them to recognize, appreciate and enjoy what I regard as true poetry.”

Lucilla Maclaren Spillane was born in Oxford, England, of Scottish parentage and now lives in Malta and Ireland. Her poetry has been described as “simple, effective and sometimes extremely beautiful.” Her poem, “ A Child in Freedom Square,” won first prize in the 2009 Petersham Festival Poetry Competition. Another Seeing is her first book of poetry.

Written in traditional form and with an ear for harmony, her poems are memorable and easy to read. They range from the deep understanding she shows in “Another Seeing,” through the beauty of “The Lake” in Wisconsin, “The Fountain” in Oxford and “Street Lamps” in Malta to the stark humanity of “The Beggar, ” “The Widow” and “A Lonely New Year.” “Lift Off” re-creates the tension of a Space Shuttle Launch; “Dragon” the secret fears of a child with epilepsy; “No Time to Die” the redemption of an alcoholic; “Sunday Bells” the frustrations of the writing process; whilst “Haggis Night” vividly depicts the fabled Hogmanay Hunt for Haggis in the Highlands of Scotland.

The notes to the poems contained within this volume give the poems added depth and interest, explaining how and where they were inspired and what it was that prompted her to write each of them. The afterword explores her influences, philosophy and beliefs with regard to poetry.

Rumanz ġdid ta’ Charles Micallef St John

Xi jġib u jlaqqa’ flimkien lill-familji Bajada u Magro? Żewġ familji differenti għal kollox minn xulxin, bi stili ta’ ħajja kompletament opposti, b’kuntrasti kbar bejniethom u sitwazzjonijiet diffiċli.

Ir-rumanz ġdid ta’ Charles Micallef St John, L-Eku tas-Sirena jiżvolġi storja ta’ żewġ familji li tibda minn ftit wara t-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija. Bil-maġija ta’ kitbietu, l-awtur jeħodna lura fiż-żmien biex lill-qarrej iddaħħlu fil-fond u jlaqqgħu ma’ dak li sawwar lill-familja Bajada mix-Xgħajra u l-familja Magro minn Ħaż-Żabbar. Iġib lill-qarrej wiċċ imb wiċċ mat-traġedji li ż-żewġ familji jgħaddu minnhom, mingħajr ma jitlef bil-kapaċità naturali li għandu biex joħloq sitwazzjonijiet umoristiċi wkoll. B’kollox ma’ kollox, Charles Micallef St John joħloq bilanċ li permezz tiegħu, il-qarrej isibha diffiċli li jitlaq il-ktieb minn idejh.

Toni Bajada raġel sempliċi, b’delizzji ftit li xejn, għajr l-ossessjoni għall-baħar u l-ħut. Missieru, Karmnu, mekkanik tal-karozzi prim kien ferm aktar fuq ruħu; jiġri man-nisa Ingliżi, jixxala u jgħix għal-lum. Sakemm iltaqa’ ma’ Grazzja, soċja tal-M.U.S.E.U.M. Iżda l-istorja ma bdietx b’Toni u lanqas b’missieru…

L-istorja ta’ Toni mhix waħda komuni. Tfulitu msawra biss bil-fantasija li jibqa’ jgħixha sal-aħħar. Is-sigrieti ta’ Toni jinfetħu beraħ ma’ kull paġna tal-ktieb, li b’ritmu mexxej jakkumula tensjoni pjaċevoli li tibqa’ sejra sal-aħħar paragrafu tal-ktieb.

Charles Micallef St John irnexxilu għal darb’oħra permezz ta’ dan ir-rumanz ġdid tiegħu, L-Eku tas-Sirena jikkontribwixxi volum letterarju ieħor, miktub b’ċerta passjoni, b’sinċerità, bi stil mexxej, kultant romantiku u innoċenti iżda b’lingwaċċ mill-aktar miftuħ u skjett.

Wara s-suċċess tas-saga f’erba’ volumi, Suwed Ulied il-Lejl u s-satira moderna L-Olimpjadi tad-Dagħa, Charles Micallef St John jirritorna b’rumanz ieħor miktub b’pinna matura, versatili u fuq kollox oriġinali.

L-Eku tas-Sirena jinsab għall-bejgħ mingħand il-librara ewlenin.