Pens and the PM

Freshers' week is in full swing with many different University clubs and societies seeking to persuade students to join. 

As a result I think I now have enough free pens to last me until graduation!

University of Malta 'Gateway' and welcome banner.

Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi visits the campus.

Bird's Eye View:

Taking off from Malta International Airport.

A Short Trip Home

I have just arrived back in Malta after spending 6 days back in the UK seeing family and friends and picking up some winter clothes.

Whilst I was home I also travelled to Bristol to do some interpreting at Bristol University's Centre for Deaf Studies' 30th anniversary celebrations. 

Independence Day

On 21st September 1964, Malta became an independent state. This is celebrated as Independence Day or Jum l-Indipendza in Maltese. 

Feast of St Katherine - Zurrieq

On Saturday 6th Sept I accompanied some students on a trip to Zurrieq for the Feast of St Katherine:

8th September

Victory Day Regatta in the Grand Harbour

Victory Day is a national holiday in Malta. It is locally known as il-Vitorja (the Victory) and il-Bambina (Baby Mary).

It marks the following events:

• The victory of the Great Siege by the Knights of St. John against the Turks of 1565.

• Italy surrendered during World War II in 1943, and turned against its former German ally.

The day is also connected to the Birth of the Virgin Mary, and in fact feasts are celebrated in Xaghra, Naxxar, Senglea, and Mellieha on the day.

I took some students to see the Victory Day Regatta in the Grand Harbour and to see the 'Saluting Battery' and full gun salute from Upper Barakka Gardens.The Saluting Battery at noon.

Vibrant colours in Upper Barakka Gardens

Regatta shown on Melita Sports.

Rotaract Meeting

On Thursday evening I attended my first Rotaract Malta La Valette meeting. Meetings are held every month at the Intercontinental in St Julians and it was the club's first since their handover.

I was formally introduced to the club and presented the President with a 'Rotary Club of Manchester Breakfast' USB stick which contains a powerpoint presentation about Manchester and some information about my sponsoring club and their projects.

The members of Rotaract Malta La Valette have kindly been invited to become a member of the club - an invitation which I am honoured to accept.