2009 SPRING TOUR - MALTA

Our man Quentin Jarvis has friends & business associates in Malta & he kindly took on responsibility for our 2009 spring tour. This was closely associated with Farsons Brewery and coincided with the Maltese "Mardi Gras" Carnival This evening we were "Featured" on the hotel entertainments board including in a "Pub night with Karaoke" Some residents were heard to object! However. The dancing proved as successful as ever and we dared to perform the Mummers Play - which went down very well & we nearly excelled ourselves by remembering the lines - despite off-script interventions. However, this proved to be the night when we discovered a new talent - Mr Kenny "Jumping Jack Flash" Polland! The Wild Rover seemed tame by comparison. The next day - Friday, we were scheduled to go to Gozo. There we were introduced to the legendary busses of Malta - the Vintage British variety which have been kept going over the years. The streets of Victoria were partially closed for the Carnival (see later) and we walked up to the main square & onwards to out first dancing spot at the Cafe San George. After, we needed to pause near the square because the children's carnival was in full swing.. We met some very young children when coming up the hill being assembled by their teachers, but the extent and lavish costumes of the school children took us by surprise and amazement. When the Carnival ceased, we had some more dancing at the Cafe Millesa and then.. At the Red Cafe . Before walking back to the bus, we had a quick dance outside the local church joined by the Brewery Reps Onwards to Xlendi where we caught up with British High Commissioner to Malta (who we met up on the way to Victoria). Seems a nice young lass & wants us to send us some photos. This Town had one of the few sandy beaches on Malta and a very nice cove. Clearly inspiring to ESMM as they languished at the end of the pier. Martin also got lost in his music & missed the bus timetable. The evening we went to Nadur & based ourselves at the Rabokk pub. The evening was young as the Carnival had not yet got underway. An opportunity for wine food & song - with some strange associates. Needless, there was some internal dancing. Then onwards to the Nadur Football Club - or at least outside in the cold evening air.Some folks don't mind as we danced to the local avant- garde. Mike tied to hitch a lift. Next day - Saturday, we headed off to Valetta, the capital of Malta. This was Carnival week and the city was crowded. Struggling though the masses we made for the Barakka Cafe for fortitude & a quick dance before making into the Barakka plaza. This was a great dancing spot. We arrived just before the mid-day gun salute & made merry with the audience. The Children were very appreciative. After two shows & some beer, we made off to the City. Lunch was in mind, but before a stand in front of the Cathedral. Hats off, & lunch. After an afternoon of sightseeing around Valetta we drifted back to the coach just as the Carnival was hotting up for the night's celebrations. The floats were magnificent if a little garish Our Carnival night was to be in Mellieha firstly at the Imperial Band Club, then... ...at the La Vittoria Band Club. Brass bands are very big in Malta & they have plenty of trophies. Unfortunately we didn't get to hear them - or meet any musicians for that matter. Sunday morning saw us in Bugibba a holiday resort on the coast.Our dancing spots were all around a "Plaza" convenient for a watering base at Fat Harry's bar. After a lunch provided at Fat Harry's consisting of a "mezze" of pizza, brochette, chips etc., we headed off to Mdina - the silent city. Only minutes after dancing in this square it was swarming with police - the Chinese Delegation was paying an incognito visit. The final evening of the Tour was spent in Birgu - one of the three main areas of Valletta, firstly to the St Lawrence Band Club, then dancing in the square outside. Afterwards a hearty night of song and snails at the Victory bar. Finally, only a very small sample of the sights seen... ...and the people who went

End of Log
Dick Thornborrow
March 2009