News
My article on Times of Malta 6 January 2022 - A brutal and horrific murder
A brutal and horrific murder
A woman was brutally murdered in cold blood on Sunday morning. Not just murdered but also raped. While walking to the vigil alone in silence on Tuesday evening, I was trying to decipher what my feelings were about this gruesome act.
For one, I felt a strong sense of helplessness, not only for 29-year-old Paulina Dembska and her family but for us all. How have we come to this? Why this madness around us?
But the worst horror of it all is that Paulina, who, from what I read, loved Malta and was also a cat lover, was walking along the promenade alone feeling safe, given Malta has (had) the reputation of being a relatively safe country to walk around even in the early hours of the morning, and was attacked, raped and strangled to death.
The alleged attacker was a youth who claimed it was the devil who spoke to him on the night of the act. This young man has a history of previous online sexual harassment. Moreover, he was on probation for a recent minor juvenile offence. He was clearly running around because no one ever imagined he would commit such a cruel act.
Paulina was the victim. It could have been anyone. But just think for a moment: Paulina could have been any woman walking along the promenade at that time. It could have been me. I, for one, used to run every morning along the promenade at that time. Is it safe to say that we can continue to feel invulnerable when walking alone during these hours of the day? Not anymore.
Paulina did not get to see the glorious sunrise of that morning because her life was taken away from her allegedly by someone who has not yet been charged but simply held at the state mental hospital. Was he on drugs? Has he been mentally unstable a long time? Was anything done to help him get better if that were the case?
I also felt anguish. The last moments of her life must have been agonising, to say the least, what she went through, what she was made to go through before she took her last breath. She was a woman who loved life and appreciated the beauty around her. The pain her family must be going through during this time must be unbearable. Think of her mother, whose beloved daughter came to Malta to study English and who she will never see alive again.
I will not go into the politics of this, as in the reputation of our beloved country. Whatever happened to our rock that was once considered a safe haven? Malta failed to protect her. There have been many incidents of women brutally murdered in cold blood in Malta over the past years, many cases being crimes of passion.
We had a journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, murdered in cold blood for disclosing corruption. And now a youth allegedly deliberately assaults and murders an innocent woman just because the devil spoke to him – this is beyond horrifying.
This murder sent shocking ripples around the country. History repeats itself, they say, and this may well happen again someday soon. With the rise in untreated drug addiction among youngsters one never knows what they would be capable of doing under the effect of these drugs.
I also felt a deep sadness as I arrived at the vigil. Yet, I felt I wasn’t alone. The attendance was overwhelming, COVID-19 permitting. So many made the effort to come and pay their respects. It felt comforting being surrounded by good people who, like me, want justice to prevail. I felt heartbroken as I caught a glimpse of her mother on the phone.
There is a need for more police patrols, especially during these vulnerable hours of the day in order to reinstill a sense of security as well as a feeling of being safe and to ensure this does not happen again.
Rest in peace, Paulina Dembska, and sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Stephanie Mizzi, freelance writer and photographer
A woman was brutally murdered in cold blood on Sunday morning. Not just murdered but also raped. While walking to the vigil alone in silence on Tuesday evening, I was trying to decipher what my feelings were about this gruesome act.
For one, I felt a strong sense of helplessness, not only for 29-year-old Paulina Dembska and her family but for us all. How have we come to this? Why this madness around us?
But the worst horror of it all is that Paulina, who, from what I read, loved Malta and was also a cat lover, was walking along the promenade alone feeling safe, given Malta has (had) the reputation of being a relatively safe country to walk around even in the early hours of the morning, and was attacked, raped and strangled to death.
The alleged attacker was a youth who claimed it was the devil who spoke to him on the night of the act. This young man has a history of previous online sexual harassment. Moreover, he was on probation for a recent minor juvenile offence. He was clearly running around because no one ever imagined he would commit such a cruel act.
Paulina was the victim. It could have been anyone. But just think for a moment: Paulina could have been any woman walking along the promenade at that time. It could have been me. I, for one, used to run every morning along the promenade at that time. Is it safe to say that we can continue to feel invulnerable when walking alone during these hours of the day? Not anymore.
Paulina did not get to see the glorious sunrise of that morning because her life was taken away from her allegedly by someone who has not yet been charged but simply held at the state mental hospital. Was he on drugs? Has he been mentally unstable a long time? Was anything done to help him get better if that were the case?
I also felt anguish. The last moments of her life must have been agonising, to say the least, what she went through, what she was made to go through before she took her last breath. She was a woman who loved life and appreciated the beauty around her. The pain her family must be going through during this time must be unbearable. Think of her mother, whose beloved daughter came to Malta to study English and who she will never see alive again.
I will not go into the politics of this, as in the reputation of our beloved country. Whatever happened to our rock that was once considered a safe haven? Malta failed to protect her. There have been many incidents of women brutally murdered in cold blood in Malta over the past years, many cases being crimes of passion.
We had a journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, murdered in cold blood for disclosing corruption. And now a youth allegedly deliberately assaults and murders an innocent woman just because the devil spoke to him – this is beyond horrifying.
This murder sent shocking ripples around the country. History repeats itself, they say, and this may well happen again someday soon. With the rise in untreated drug addiction among youngsters one never knows what they would be capable of doing under the effect of these drugs.
I also felt a deep sadness as I arrived at the vigil. Yet, I felt I wasn’t alone. The attendance was overwhelming, COVID-19 permitting. So many made the effort to come and pay their respects. It felt comforting being surrounded by good people who, like me, want justice to prevail. I felt heartbroken as I caught a glimpse of her mother on the phone.
There is a need for more police patrols, especially during these vulnerable hours of the day in order to reinstill a sense of security as well as a feeling of being safe and to ensure this does not happen again.
Rest in peace, Paulina Dembska, and sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Stephanie Mizzi, freelance writer and photographer
My article on Times of Malta 10 November 2021 - Overcoming traffic congestion
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/overcoming-traffic-congestion.913812
Whenever I am stuck in a traffic jam, my mind goes into brainstorming mode, thinking of ways the congestion could be reduced. But how?
There are several simple and cost-effective ways to do so.
The web defines traffic congestion as “a phenomenon relating to the manner in which vehicles impede each other’s progression as demand for limited road space approaches full capacity”.
We have all encountered drivers who show little or no respect for other road users: non-existent indicator lights, going the wrong way up a one-way streets, overtaking like maniacs and blocking the road for their own selfish reasons.
Most traffic congestion is caused by accidents that could easily be avoided if everyone followed the rules. Imposing harsher penalties on those who break the rules may be effective. Furthermore, regular vehicle inspections must also be conducted given that many accidents are caused by mechanical failures.
The introduction of flexitime in offices, where deemed possible, could help to ‘decongest’ our roads during rush hour. Our offices have just introduced flexitime, by which employees now have the option to start and finish work earlier or later than the standard office hours.
When COVID-19 hit early last year, many companies shifted to remote working. This proved doable for many offices and, with some, this option has remained, albeit now moving to a hybrid scenario. Remote working, wherever it is possible, would certainly help to reduce traffic jams.
A few years ago, the government introduced free transport for all students attending private, Church and state schools. The school bus is now the preferred mode of commute for students. A school bus can accommodate between 50 and 60 students. Parents need not pick up and drop their children off in their private cars, further reducing the number of vehicles on the roads during rush hours. School transportation is a great contribution to reducing traffic congestions, a means that should be encouraged as a way of commuting to schools.
Encouraging people to use bicycles to commute is not enough as a strategy. Our roads need to be safer and cleaner vis-à-vis emissions. There is also the need of more bicycle lanes on our roads. Cycling is an environmentally-friendly mode of transport that can reduce traffic congestion and journey times, especially in urban areas. Only the state of some roads and lack of discipline of many drivers make it discouraging for commuters to use this means of transport.
The same goes for e-scooters. They may assist in curbing traffic congestion and are ideal for short distance commuting, thereby reducing the number of vehicles plying the roads and the spaces saved on parking.
Lowering the current rates charged by on-demand chauffeur-driven cars and taxis to encourage commuters to use them on a more frequent basis could help in reducing vehicles on the road. This option is ideal for groups of young people going out for dinner or to the cinema, especially in urban areas where traffic accumulates, such as St Julian’s, on a Saturday evening.
Another new incentive that has recently been introduced is carpooling. Carpooling is when individuals come together and use one car to commute. Aside from helping in reducing traffic congestions and carbon emissions, it also makes use of the full seating capacity of a vehicle. Commuters are not only sharing fuel costs but it is also a means of reducing the stress of driving alone. Some companies already offer this service locally and is a means that should be greatly encouraged.
While commuters are constantly urged to use the local bus service many still prefer to use their own vehicle. Although free local transport will be introduced in 2022, this may not be enough an incentive for commuters to ditch their cars and opt for this means of transport.
Public transport may be less stressful for some, as one can just sit back, relax and read until one reaches one’s destination and commuting times cut down because buses have their own lanes. However, buses tend to be overcrowded and there still is the uncertainty with time. The long waiting times, long walking distances and the reduced flexibility may be discouraging for many. Ensuring buses arrive and depart on time with more frequent trips, more stops and avoiding overcrowding are simple ways of attracting more commuters to use public transport.
With our roads fast hitting gridlock stage, space has become a luxury. Removing registration tax on small cars such as the Smart or Toyota iQ, could be an incentive to encourage commuters to purchase smaller cars, with the bigger cars paying higher registration tax.
We have all experienced road closures due to roadworks, in many cases without advance notification. Much of the traffic is caused by cars going round a myriad of detours because of unannounced road closures. Google Maps or other car navigators are not always updated in time with the latest roadworks or, rather, cannot cope with the number of roadworks going on all over the Maltese islands on a daily basis.
A centralised software allowing local councils to issue permits on roads that are closed within, say, a one kilometre radius may help, albeit slightly, to reduce the chaos and frustration caused by such roadworks.
A few weeks ago, the government announced the setting up of an underground system. Bearing in mind that this may take years to complete, this is not an imminent solution. Of course, when the underground system is fully functional, I would certainly encourage commuters to make use of this means of transport.
Although some of the above propositions may already be in place, it is evident that there is the need to work on ways and means to resolve this ongoing problem. As it currently stands, this can only get worse if nothing is done to help relieve the traffic congestion that has become a daily nightmare for many a commuter.
Whenever I am stuck in a traffic jam, my mind goes into brainstorming mode, thinking of ways the congestion could be reduced. But how?
There are several simple and cost-effective ways to do so.
The web defines traffic congestion as “a phenomenon relating to the manner in which vehicles impede each other’s progression as demand for limited road space approaches full capacity”.
We have all encountered drivers who show little or no respect for other road users: non-existent indicator lights, going the wrong way up a one-way streets, overtaking like maniacs and blocking the road for their own selfish reasons.
Most traffic congestion is caused by accidents that could easily be avoided if everyone followed the rules. Imposing harsher penalties on those who break the rules may be effective. Furthermore, regular vehicle inspections must also be conducted given that many accidents are caused by mechanical failures.
The introduction of flexitime in offices, where deemed possible, could help to ‘decongest’ our roads during rush hour. Our offices have just introduced flexitime, by which employees now have the option to start and finish work earlier or later than the standard office hours.
When COVID-19 hit early last year, many companies shifted to remote working. This proved doable for many offices and, with some, this option has remained, albeit now moving to a hybrid scenario. Remote working, wherever it is possible, would certainly help to reduce traffic jams.
A few years ago, the government introduced free transport for all students attending private, Church and state schools. The school bus is now the preferred mode of commute for students. A school bus can accommodate between 50 and 60 students. Parents need not pick up and drop their children off in their private cars, further reducing the number of vehicles on the roads during rush hours. School transportation is a great contribution to reducing traffic congestions, a means that should be encouraged as a way of commuting to schools.
Encouraging people to use bicycles to commute is not enough as a strategy. Our roads need to be safer and cleaner vis-à-vis emissions. There is also the need of more bicycle lanes on our roads. Cycling is an environmentally-friendly mode of transport that can reduce traffic congestion and journey times, especially in urban areas. Only the state of some roads and lack of discipline of many drivers make it discouraging for commuters to use this means of transport.
The same goes for e-scooters. They may assist in curbing traffic congestion and are ideal for short distance commuting, thereby reducing the number of vehicles plying the roads and the spaces saved on parking.
Lowering the current rates charged by on-demand chauffeur-driven cars and taxis to encourage commuters to use them on a more frequent basis could help in reducing vehicles on the road. This option is ideal for groups of young people going out for dinner or to the cinema, especially in urban areas where traffic accumulates, such as St Julian’s, on a Saturday evening.
Another new incentive that has recently been introduced is carpooling. Carpooling is when individuals come together and use one car to commute. Aside from helping in reducing traffic congestions and carbon emissions, it also makes use of the full seating capacity of a vehicle. Commuters are not only sharing fuel costs but it is also a means of reducing the stress of driving alone. Some companies already offer this service locally and is a means that should be greatly encouraged.
While commuters are constantly urged to use the local bus service many still prefer to use their own vehicle. Although free local transport will be introduced in 2022, this may not be enough an incentive for commuters to ditch their cars and opt for this means of transport.
Public transport may be less stressful for some, as one can just sit back, relax and read until one reaches one’s destination and commuting times cut down because buses have their own lanes. However, buses tend to be overcrowded and there still is the uncertainty with time. The long waiting times, long walking distances and the reduced flexibility may be discouraging for many. Ensuring buses arrive and depart on time with more frequent trips, more stops and avoiding overcrowding are simple ways of attracting more commuters to use public transport.
With our roads fast hitting gridlock stage, space has become a luxury. Removing registration tax on small cars such as the Smart or Toyota iQ, could be an incentive to encourage commuters to purchase smaller cars, with the bigger cars paying higher registration tax.
We have all experienced road closures due to roadworks, in many cases without advance notification. Much of the traffic is caused by cars going round a myriad of detours because of unannounced road closures. Google Maps or other car navigators are not always updated in time with the latest roadworks or, rather, cannot cope with the number of roadworks going on all over the Maltese islands on a daily basis.
A centralised software allowing local councils to issue permits on roads that are closed within, say, a one kilometre radius may help, albeit slightly, to reduce the chaos and frustration caused by such roadworks.
A few weeks ago, the government announced the setting up of an underground system. Bearing in mind that this may take years to complete, this is not an imminent solution. Of course, when the underground system is fully functional, I would certainly encourage commuters to make use of this means of transport.
Although some of the above propositions may already be in place, it is evident that there is the need to work on ways and means to resolve this ongoing problem. As it currently stands, this can only get worse if nothing is done to help relieve the traffic congestion that has become a daily nightmare for many a commuter.
My article on Times of Malta 3 October 2021 - Moving to flexitime
Moving to Flexitime
When COVID-19 hit our islands back in March 2020 many companies switched to remote working where possible. Eighteen months on, and given it was proven successful, remote working is still being implemented by many companies. While some have returned to working from their offices, many have opted for hybrid working. With the implementation of hybrid working many offices are going a step further with the introduction of flexitime.
The web defines flexitime as a working schedule granting employees the choice as to how to alter the start and end of their workdays. Flexitime can be implemented in many ways so long as it does not compromise deadlines, efficiency, and the standard of work.
Flexitime was introduced in the late 1960s at the HQ of an aerospace company located in Munich. The company employed some 3,000 workers. The company was encountering major issues when it came to all the staff entering and exiting the office building at the same time. In addition to this, its employees encountered heavy traffic to get to work in the morning and many were arriving late. As a result, both work efficiency as well as employee’s motivation was hampered.
The company then decided to do some research to try to improve the situation. With the help of Christel Kammerer, a German management consultant, the concept of flexitime was introduced. A lot of research was carried out in the years that followed. Flexitime has, over the years, played an important role in the reduction of employee turnover, sick leave and absenteeism. Research also showed an increase in employee motivation.
A typical full-time workday requires employees to work a normal fixed hour day, for example from 8.30am to 5.30pm with an hour for lunch break. Working hours vary with every company. One way of implementing flexitime is setting a core period during the day within a variable schedule, when employees need to be in attendance, be it at the office or remotely. The core hours could be between 10am to 2pm. Outside of this core period, the employee is flexible vis-à-vis starting and ending time.
Another option, perhaps the most preferred by many companies, is the setting of staggered hours within a fixed schedule. This method of flexitime enables employees to establish their own starting and ending times that differ from the typical fixed times but must maintain the same schedule daily. An example could be from 7am to 3.30pm or 10am to 6.30pm.
A third option would be working variable hours where employees are required to work a consistent schedule of a different number of hours each day so long as they achieve the expected number of hours within the week. This option is ideal for parents who juggle with their children’s schedule such as school hours or childcare arrangements.
One advantage of flexitime is the avoidance of the morning and evening rush hour where one is commuting to and from the office. The rush hour can be stressful for many, especially where the company insists on the importance of arriving to work on time. Flexitime facilitates the planning of quiet time both in the office as well as at home thereby reducing unnecessary stress and fatigue. It also helps employees achieve a work-life balance which leads to increased motivation, satisfaction and enhanced productivity. Flexible hours have shown to increase productivity by 150-200 per cent in many companies.
Once flexitime is implemented in a workplace, an agreement should be reached between both parties with regard to the setting up of a suitable working schedule and work location. The company needs to invest in a good software programme which generates timesheets in order to record the working time of its employees.
As with all else, flexitime also comes with disadvantages. Some may argue that having a fixed working schedule would grant them better personal time which could be invested in family, hobbies, fitness, and social welfare activities, thereby ensuring a disciplined and organised work-life balance. Employers may be faced with difficulties such as less supervision and understaffing during certain times as well as the timing of scheduled meetings which may fall outside of the working hours.
Furthermore, the implementation of flexitime may not be a good fit for some occupational sectors such as the medical sector, retail sector, and the tourism and catering industry, where employees work on a shift basis in which they must work a fixed number of hours ensuring production targets are hit.
COVID-19 has changed the working life of many, with the introduction of hybrid working and flexitime in many offices. It is highly likely that many employees would be reluctant to return to the pre-pandemic way of working.
Furthermore, job seekers tend to go for jobs that offer flexible working opportunities.
Whether flexible working is appropriate for a company or not ultimately boils down to its requirements.
When COVID-19 hit our islands back in March 2020 many companies switched to remote working where possible. Eighteen months on, and given it was proven successful, remote working is still being implemented by many companies. While some have returned to working from their offices, many have opted for hybrid working. With the implementation of hybrid working many offices are going a step further with the introduction of flexitime.
The web defines flexitime as a working schedule granting employees the choice as to how to alter the start and end of their workdays. Flexitime can be implemented in many ways so long as it does not compromise deadlines, efficiency, and the standard of work.
Flexitime was introduced in the late 1960s at the HQ of an aerospace company located in Munich. The company employed some 3,000 workers. The company was encountering major issues when it came to all the staff entering and exiting the office building at the same time. In addition to this, its employees encountered heavy traffic to get to work in the morning and many were arriving late. As a result, both work efficiency as well as employee’s motivation was hampered.
The company then decided to do some research to try to improve the situation. With the help of Christel Kammerer, a German management consultant, the concept of flexitime was introduced. A lot of research was carried out in the years that followed. Flexitime has, over the years, played an important role in the reduction of employee turnover, sick leave and absenteeism. Research also showed an increase in employee motivation.
A typical full-time workday requires employees to work a normal fixed hour day, for example from 8.30am to 5.30pm with an hour for lunch break. Working hours vary with every company. One way of implementing flexitime is setting a core period during the day within a variable schedule, when employees need to be in attendance, be it at the office or remotely. The core hours could be between 10am to 2pm. Outside of this core period, the employee is flexible vis-à-vis starting and ending time.
Another option, perhaps the most preferred by many companies, is the setting of staggered hours within a fixed schedule. This method of flexitime enables employees to establish their own starting and ending times that differ from the typical fixed times but must maintain the same schedule daily. An example could be from 7am to 3.30pm or 10am to 6.30pm.
A third option would be working variable hours where employees are required to work a consistent schedule of a different number of hours each day so long as they achieve the expected number of hours within the week. This option is ideal for parents who juggle with their children’s schedule such as school hours or childcare arrangements.
One advantage of flexitime is the avoidance of the morning and evening rush hour where one is commuting to and from the office. The rush hour can be stressful for many, especially where the company insists on the importance of arriving to work on time. Flexitime facilitates the planning of quiet time both in the office as well as at home thereby reducing unnecessary stress and fatigue. It also helps employees achieve a work-life balance which leads to increased motivation, satisfaction and enhanced productivity. Flexible hours have shown to increase productivity by 150-200 per cent in many companies.
Once flexitime is implemented in a workplace, an agreement should be reached between both parties with regard to the setting up of a suitable working schedule and work location. The company needs to invest in a good software programme which generates timesheets in order to record the working time of its employees.
As with all else, flexitime also comes with disadvantages. Some may argue that having a fixed working schedule would grant them better personal time which could be invested in family, hobbies, fitness, and social welfare activities, thereby ensuring a disciplined and organised work-life balance. Employers may be faced with difficulties such as less supervision and understaffing during certain times as well as the timing of scheduled meetings which may fall outside of the working hours.
Furthermore, the implementation of flexitime may not be a good fit for some occupational sectors such as the medical sector, retail sector, and the tourism and catering industry, where employees work on a shift basis in which they must work a fixed number of hours ensuring production targets are hit.
COVID-19 has changed the working life of many, with the introduction of hybrid working and flexitime in many offices. It is highly likely that many employees would be reluctant to return to the pre-pandemic way of working.
Furthermore, job seekers tend to go for jobs that offer flexible working opportunities.
Whether flexible working is appropriate for a company or not ultimately boils down to its requirements.
My article on Times of Malta 16 August 2021 - My switch to hybrid working
My switch to hybrid working
It was a busy Thursday morning at the office when, at 11, we were all summoned into a boardroom. We were informed that we were to work remotely with immediate effect because the number of positive COVID cases was rising. As from that day in March 2020, my working life routine changed completely.
I set up my office space at home on the same day that my young son started online schooling. It was an open-plan office constantly buzzing with activity. Initially, I found it hard to adapt but came to accept that working in an open-plan environment was the new norm.
On my first day, I had my usual morning coffee, while going through e-mails, replying to clients and doing other work related to my role within the company. I missed being with my team at the office but we now make sure we are in constant contact through regular video calls and meetings outside the office.
For many years, the concept of remote work was not acceptable. In Brussels, I had the option of remote working once a week. When I returned to Malta and attended interviews I noted that very few companies had adopted a hybrid working policy.
The main reasons, I felt, were lack of trust in the employee and lack of logistical planning. It was the pandemic that accelerated the shift to working remotely.
Not all companies were prepared for this sudden change. However, for many employers and employees, gone was the stress of commuting. There was less traffic congestion, less road rage and slightly less pollution.
Working from home, I found that I could focus on the tasks ahead rather than needing time to calm down after tackling the morning rush hour. I even found myself starting work much earlier than the usual 8.30am.
Most companies have, for an indefinite period, opted for a hybrid set-up where possible. For many of them, the overheads, mainly in utilities, have certainly decreased. Cleaning costs have declined significantly and so has the need to provide refreshments.
Employers have noted that their employees are able to keep up their productivity levels while working from home even during this time of great stress and uncertainty. Research has shown that employees who are able to do high-quality work can pretty much set up shop anywhere with a good wi-fi connection.
Hybrid working opens up opportunities for working parents. Remote working can also drastically improve the lives of employees with special needs, especially because their homes are equipped for their needs. They can also provide themselves with adequate self-care.
Hybrid working also has its downsides. Creating strict boundaries for the workday and separating your personal and working lives is difficult.
I found myself constantly checking and replying to my e-mails at all times of day, even on weekends. I would rather have it this way than working all weekdays at the office but it is vitally important to ‘unplug’ at the end of the day.
I have now set a schedule outside working hours to help me totally switch off from work. A friend texts me to make sure I have stopped working in the evenings and I feel guilty if I disobey her.
Another way to disconnect is to create physical boundaries between you and your workspace – even just by putting your laptop out of sight – and turning off notifications on your phone.
For many, especially those with a sociable character, working remotely has induced feelings of loneliness. An office environment automatically provides social opportunities and social interaction is an important component of work.
Perhaps a balance can be created by interacting with family and dear friends as much as possible outside of office hours.
Hybrid working is not possible for everyone. People in the health, retail and tourism sectors, for example, cannot work remotely given the nature of their work. And many people have opted to go back to working from the office full-time for their own reasons, be they personal or professional, even if they are able to work remotely. Each to their own.
These were just a few of the pros and cons of hybrid working, from my own experience.
Stephanie Mizzi, freelance photographer and writer
It was a busy Thursday morning at the office when, at 11, we were all summoned into a boardroom. We were informed that we were to work remotely with immediate effect because the number of positive COVID cases was rising. As from that day in March 2020, my working life routine changed completely.
I set up my office space at home on the same day that my young son started online schooling. It was an open-plan office constantly buzzing with activity. Initially, I found it hard to adapt but came to accept that working in an open-plan environment was the new norm.
On my first day, I had my usual morning coffee, while going through e-mails, replying to clients and doing other work related to my role within the company. I missed being with my team at the office but we now make sure we are in constant contact through regular video calls and meetings outside the office.
For many years, the concept of remote work was not acceptable. In Brussels, I had the option of remote working once a week. When I returned to Malta and attended interviews I noted that very few companies had adopted a hybrid working policy.
The main reasons, I felt, were lack of trust in the employee and lack of logistical planning. It was the pandemic that accelerated the shift to working remotely.
Not all companies were prepared for this sudden change. However, for many employers and employees, gone was the stress of commuting. There was less traffic congestion, less road rage and slightly less pollution.
Working from home, I found that I could focus on the tasks ahead rather than needing time to calm down after tackling the morning rush hour. I even found myself starting work much earlier than the usual 8.30am.
Most companies have, for an indefinite period, opted for a hybrid set-up where possible. For many of them, the overheads, mainly in utilities, have certainly decreased. Cleaning costs have declined significantly and so has the need to provide refreshments.
Employers have noted that their employees are able to keep up their productivity levels while working from home even during this time of great stress and uncertainty. Research has shown that employees who are able to do high-quality work can pretty much set up shop anywhere with a good wi-fi connection.
Hybrid working opens up opportunities for working parents. Remote working can also drastically improve the lives of employees with special needs, especially because their homes are equipped for their needs. They can also provide themselves with adequate self-care.
Hybrid working also has its downsides. Creating strict boundaries for the workday and separating your personal and working lives is difficult.
I found myself constantly checking and replying to my e-mails at all times of day, even on weekends. I would rather have it this way than working all weekdays at the office but it is vitally important to ‘unplug’ at the end of the day.
I have now set a schedule outside working hours to help me totally switch off from work. A friend texts me to make sure I have stopped working in the evenings and I feel guilty if I disobey her.
Another way to disconnect is to create physical boundaries between you and your workspace – even just by putting your laptop out of sight – and turning off notifications on your phone.
For many, especially those with a sociable character, working remotely has induced feelings of loneliness. An office environment automatically provides social opportunities and social interaction is an important component of work.
Perhaps a balance can be created by interacting with family and dear friends as much as possible outside of office hours.
Hybrid working is not possible for everyone. People in the health, retail and tourism sectors, for example, cannot work remotely given the nature of their work. And many people have opted to go back to working from the office full-time for their own reasons, be they personal or professional, even if they are able to work remotely. Each to their own.
These were just a few of the pros and cons of hybrid working, from my own experience.
Stephanie Mizzi, freelance photographer and writer
Ari Behn's untimely death 
It has been a while since I put my thoughts on paper but a recent very sad, or rather tragic, incident has made me think a tad deeper than usual and I could not help not writing about it.
On Christmas Day 2019, Ari Behn, a Norwegian author and former husband of Princess Martha Louise of Norway, was found dead in his home. The cause of death was suicide.
I am going to have to be sincere here but given I am not a follower of the Norwegian monarchy, I had never really heard about him except that he was once married into the Norwegian royal family and had three young daughters.
I ran a Google search and I discovered he wasn’t simply the ex-husband of a Norwegian Princess but was indeed an author, playwright and a visual artist. I also discovered that he suffered from chronic depression and mental health issues, battled with alcoholism and openly admitted he felt lonely.
He was 47 years old. Still so young yet he took away his life. On Christmas Day. One could say he almost had it all. Not to mention three beautiful young daughters, great talent, good looks and so much more.
What stuck with me was the fact he openly declared he felt lonely and recently said he feared he would die alone. Behn suffered from chronic depression. The ‘invisible illness’ that eventually took his life.
A little bit about chronic depression. A chronic depressive gets their good days and their bad days. On bad days one experiences an inexplicable sadness, as though a black cloud stood still above their head, a lack of enthusiasm, fatigue, feeling depleted, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness for most of the day. One also battles with focus, suffers from insomnia, or the other extreme, excessive sleep. On a very bad day there are recurring thoughts of suicide, even possibly planning it.
Yes, one can seem as though they have it all but in true fact they may be struggling with mental issues, feeling extremely lonely and sad as was the case of Mr. Behn.
He had openly declared it, going as far as saying that he was constantly feeling 'terrified' with 'devouring anxiety'. It struck me because I can only just imagine the sadness and loneliness he must have been feeling over the years. He may have been surrounded with family, friends yet still felt incredibly alone, going so far as to end his life, leaving so many loved ones heartbroken during a time of the year which brings families together to celebrate the birth of the Lord.
I was angry to read some comments on an Instagram post. One said he was irresponsible for leaving his three daughters fatherless and how selfishness took over. Nobody was walking in his shoes during those years when he was feeling lonely, when he battled alcoholism and chronic depression or at the time he committed suicide. The overwhelming sadness that he must have been feeling and not simply there and then, but over the years, the feeling of helplessness and the longing of not wanting to be a part of this world, a world that perhaps to him was only causing pain and misery. Living must have become a living hell to him. Not everyone can face the struggles in today’s day in the same way. No person is same and it is harder for those who suffer from chronic depression or other mental issues. No one can understand or judge that person. No one will ever know if he had it planned a long time before or if it was simply on the spur of the moment. At this stage the details of his cause of death are irrelevant.
Ari Behn is one of many who chose to end their life by suicide. His legacy will live on through his daughters. May God rest his soul.
Source: Wikipedia
aribehn.com
dailymail.co.uk
It has been a while since I put my thoughts on paper but a recent very sad, or rather tragic, incident has made me think a tad deeper than usual and I could not help not writing about it.
On Christmas Day 2019, Ari Behn, a Norwegian author and former husband of Princess Martha Louise of Norway, was found dead in his home. The cause of death was suicide.
I am going to have to be sincere here but given I am not a follower of the Norwegian monarchy, I had never really heard about him except that he was once married into the Norwegian royal family and had three young daughters.
I ran a Google search and I discovered he wasn’t simply the ex-husband of a Norwegian Princess but was indeed an author, playwright and a visual artist. I also discovered that he suffered from chronic depression and mental health issues, battled with alcoholism and openly admitted he felt lonely.
He was 47 years old. Still so young yet he took away his life. On Christmas Day. One could say he almost had it all. Not to mention three beautiful young daughters, great talent, good looks and so much more.
What stuck with me was the fact he openly declared he felt lonely and recently said he feared he would die alone. Behn suffered from chronic depression. The ‘invisible illness’ that eventually took his life.
A little bit about chronic depression. A chronic depressive gets their good days and their bad days. On bad days one experiences an inexplicable sadness, as though a black cloud stood still above their head, a lack of enthusiasm, fatigue, feeling depleted, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness for most of the day. One also battles with focus, suffers from insomnia, or the other extreme, excessive sleep. On a very bad day there are recurring thoughts of suicide, even possibly planning it.
Yes, one can seem as though they have it all but in true fact they may be struggling with mental issues, feeling extremely lonely and sad as was the case of Mr. Behn.
He had openly declared it, going as far as saying that he was constantly feeling 'terrified' with 'devouring anxiety'. It struck me because I can only just imagine the sadness and loneliness he must have been feeling over the years. He may have been surrounded with family, friends yet still felt incredibly alone, going so far as to end his life, leaving so many loved ones heartbroken during a time of the year which brings families together to celebrate the birth of the Lord.
I was angry to read some comments on an Instagram post. One said he was irresponsible for leaving his three daughters fatherless and how selfishness took over. Nobody was walking in his shoes during those years when he was feeling lonely, when he battled alcoholism and chronic depression or at the time he committed suicide. The overwhelming sadness that he must have been feeling and not simply there and then, but over the years, the feeling of helplessness and the longing of not wanting to be a part of this world, a world that perhaps to him was only causing pain and misery. Living must have become a living hell to him. Not everyone can face the struggles in today’s day in the same way. No person is same and it is harder for those who suffer from chronic depression or other mental issues. No one can understand or judge that person. No one will ever know if he had it planned a long time before or if it was simply on the spur of the moment. At this stage the details of his cause of death are irrelevant.
Ari Behn is one of many who chose to end their life by suicide. His legacy will live on through his daughters. May God rest his soul.
Source: Wikipedia
aribehn.com
dailymail.co.uk
Rugby World Cup Final 2019 England - South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA SPREAD WINGS FOR THRILLING THIRD RWC TRIUMPH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lmN9P_CZ7A&feature=youtu.be
TOKYO, 3 Nov - South Africa began Rugby World Cup 2019 with great confidence, having defeated New Zealand in 2018. They were the first foreign team to arrive in Japan for the tournament and overpowered the hosts 41-7 in a warm-up match.
Yet the All Blacks were still the team to beat at RWC 2019, and going down 23-13 in their pool stage opener dented the Springboks' confidence. There were doubts about whether they had enough firepower in their attacking game to complement a powerful pack of forwards, strong set piece and well-organised defence.
But they managed to build momentum as they moved towards the quarter-finals, beating Namibia, Italy and Canada with bonus-point victories.
They would not have expected to face the pacy Japan side in the first knockout match. It was a difficult test for the Boks, and especially the big South Africa forwards, but they imposed themselves physically and, with their defence presenting an impenetrable wall, they won comfortably.
They were favourites to beat Wales in the semi-finals, but it turned out to be tougher than expected, a late Handre Pollard penalty taking them over the line by three points.
That performance, and England's domineering win over New Zealand in the other semi, made them underdogs going into the tournament decider. But with Pollard scoring 22 points and the forwards again stepping up with a fearsome display, the Springboks clinched a third title.
Pollard and captain Siya Kolisi said before the match that the Boks had not shown all their skills before the final, and so it proved, as wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe scored two excellent tries to round off a superb campaign
Head coach
Rassie Erasmus remained steadfast in his belief that "traditional" South Africa strengths, such as scrums, lineouts, mauling and defence, would conquer the world.
Outsiders urged the Springbok coach to add some strings to their attacking bow, especially as he possessed such lethal wingers as Mapimpi and Kolbe. However, scrum-half Faf de Klerk stuck doggedly to the box-kick ploy, and Mapimpi and Kolbe chased every one.
Pollard, meanwhile, slotted the kicks in the big games. It was almost as if Erasmus was holding back a few attacking moves for the final. So it proved, as the Springboks added some clever passes, played with good width and put in smart chip kicks behind the England defence, to supplement the power of the forwards.
The eye-catching decision to select six forwards among the substitutes also brought a new dimension to the South Africa pack, as a fresh tight five in the second half kept up the relentless pressure on the opposition.
It all worked out for Erasmus and he could not hide his smile after the final whistle on Saturday. He will now relinquish the head coach position and concentrate on his role as the director of rugby at the South African Rugby Union.
Player of the tournament
As the team’s game is based around forward dominance and scoring from penalties, Pollard’s goal-kicking was crucial. After a somewhat shaky effort in the pool stages, the fly-half showed why he is so highly regarded in the knockout stage.
He controlled proceedings expertly in the quarter-final, semi-final and final, with his late penalty against Wales particularly important. Against England he had a number of difficult penalties, but missed only two out of 10 shots at goal. The 25-year-old ended the tournament as the leading points scorer with 69, which included 16 penalties - also the most at the 2019 event.
Memorable moment off the pitch
South Africa seemed to be the second team for many Japan supporters, probably as a result of the Brave Blossoms’ stunning victory at RWC 2015. Many local fans even sang the South African national anthem and that support increased after the Boks beat Japan in the quarter-final.
Memorable moment on the pitch
When fly-half Pollard kicked the ball into the stands to secure a third Rugby World Cup for the Springboks.
What next?
While some players will be moving to overseas clubs, the Springboks will still be able to call on any player, wherever they are based. With only a few senior statesmen in the champion squad – Schalk Brits, Francois Louw, Frans Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Duane Vermeulen – the nucleus of the side will still be around for a good few years.
Quotes of the tournament
"Every time last year, since I started coaching and we lose a match, I changed my clothing. Last year, we lost quite a lot. This year, I only had to change it once. So, I’m hoping that I can wear this until the end of the final. So, this is my lucky shirt so far. It’s my church shirt." - Rassie Erasmus on his lucky white shirt, which now may need a change.
"Rassie has made a massive difference, not just to the Springbok team, but a lot of decisions that have influenced the whole nation." - Hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi.
Results
Lost to New Zealand 23-13
Beat Namibia 57-3
Beat Italy 49-3
Beat Canada 66-7
Beat Japan 26-3
Beat Wales 19-16
Beat England 32-12
South Africa by the numbers
185 - Most team points in the pool stage.
1 - Yellow card, for Tendai Mtawarira, in the quarter-final against Japan.
98 - The percentage of lineouts won by the Springboks prior to the final, with just one lineout lost out of 63.
69 - The most points scored in the tournament by a player, Handre Pollard, including 22 in the final.
Source : https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/536732
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lmN9P_CZ7A&feature=youtu.be
TOKYO, 3 Nov - South Africa began Rugby World Cup 2019 with great confidence, having defeated New Zealand in 2018. They were the first foreign team to arrive in Japan for the tournament and overpowered the hosts 41-7 in a warm-up match.
Yet the All Blacks were still the team to beat at RWC 2019, and going down 23-13 in their pool stage opener dented the Springboks' confidence. There were doubts about whether they had enough firepower in their attacking game to complement a powerful pack of forwards, strong set piece and well-organised defence.
But they managed to build momentum as they moved towards the quarter-finals, beating Namibia, Italy and Canada with bonus-point victories.
They would not have expected to face the pacy Japan side in the first knockout match. It was a difficult test for the Boks, and especially the big South Africa forwards, but they imposed themselves physically and, with their defence presenting an impenetrable wall, they won comfortably.
They were favourites to beat Wales in the semi-finals, but it turned out to be tougher than expected, a late Handre Pollard penalty taking them over the line by three points.
That performance, and England's domineering win over New Zealand in the other semi, made them underdogs going into the tournament decider. But with Pollard scoring 22 points and the forwards again stepping up with a fearsome display, the Springboks clinched a third title.
Pollard and captain Siya Kolisi said before the match that the Boks had not shown all their skills before the final, and so it proved, as wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe scored two excellent tries to round off a superb campaign
Head coach
Rassie Erasmus remained steadfast in his belief that "traditional" South Africa strengths, such as scrums, lineouts, mauling and defence, would conquer the world.
Outsiders urged the Springbok coach to add some strings to their attacking bow, especially as he possessed such lethal wingers as Mapimpi and Kolbe. However, scrum-half Faf de Klerk stuck doggedly to the box-kick ploy, and Mapimpi and Kolbe chased every one.
Pollard, meanwhile, slotted the kicks in the big games. It was almost as if Erasmus was holding back a few attacking moves for the final. So it proved, as the Springboks added some clever passes, played with good width and put in smart chip kicks behind the England defence, to supplement the power of the forwards.
The eye-catching decision to select six forwards among the substitutes also brought a new dimension to the South Africa pack, as a fresh tight five in the second half kept up the relentless pressure on the opposition.
It all worked out for Erasmus and he could not hide his smile after the final whistle on Saturday. He will now relinquish the head coach position and concentrate on his role as the director of rugby at the South African Rugby Union.
Player of the tournament
As the team’s game is based around forward dominance and scoring from penalties, Pollard’s goal-kicking was crucial. After a somewhat shaky effort in the pool stages, the fly-half showed why he is so highly regarded in the knockout stage.
He controlled proceedings expertly in the quarter-final, semi-final and final, with his late penalty against Wales particularly important. Against England he had a number of difficult penalties, but missed only two out of 10 shots at goal. The 25-year-old ended the tournament as the leading points scorer with 69, which included 16 penalties - also the most at the 2019 event.
Memorable moment off the pitch
South Africa seemed to be the second team for many Japan supporters, probably as a result of the Brave Blossoms’ stunning victory at RWC 2015. Many local fans even sang the South African national anthem and that support increased after the Boks beat Japan in the quarter-final.
Memorable moment on the pitch
When fly-half Pollard kicked the ball into the stands to secure a third Rugby World Cup for the Springboks.
What next?
While some players will be moving to overseas clubs, the Springboks will still be able to call on any player, wherever they are based. With only a few senior statesmen in the champion squad – Schalk Brits, Francois Louw, Frans Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Duane Vermeulen – the nucleus of the side will still be around for a good few years.
Quotes of the tournament
"Every time last year, since I started coaching and we lose a match, I changed my clothing. Last year, we lost quite a lot. This year, I only had to change it once. So, I’m hoping that I can wear this until the end of the final. So, this is my lucky shirt so far. It’s my church shirt." - Rassie Erasmus on his lucky white shirt, which now may need a change.
"Rassie has made a massive difference, not just to the Springbok team, but a lot of decisions that have influenced the whole nation." - Hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi.
Results
Lost to New Zealand 23-13
Beat Namibia 57-3
Beat Italy 49-3
Beat Canada 66-7
Beat Japan 26-3
Beat Wales 19-16
Beat England 32-12
South Africa by the numbers
185 - Most team points in the pool stage.
1 - Yellow card, for Tendai Mtawarira, in the quarter-final against Japan.
98 - The percentage of lineouts won by the Springboks prior to the final, with just one lineout lost out of 63.
69 - The most points scored in the tournament by a player, Handre Pollard, including 22 in the final.
Source : https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/536732
Losing Mummy - Recounting the emotions following her untimely death
“Mummy suffered a stroke, she is at the hospital now”. On the morning of the 17th August 2018, 8.13am, to be precise, my sister called me with the grim news. I had just started my much-needed holiday break in Venice. But it wasn’t meant to be. My last conversation with mummy the previous day over the phone was a good one. I had bought her something she had been wanting and I bought her two of same and she told me “You know I don’t need two as I don’t have much time left in this life”. And I laughed it off. Thinking back it sounded as though she knew.
From that day on everything was a blur, cutting short my stay, the flight back, going to the hospital, the last moments with her. I talked to her but she couldn’t respond. I knew she was hearing me and I could sense she felt helpless at her inability to answer me. “She suffered a massive stroke”, the doctor told me, “It is highly unlikely that she will make it, the damage is irreversible”, together with the medical jargon that came along with her prognosis.
On the night of the 21st I kissed her goodnight while holding her hand tightly. I am sure she felt it because she reacted with a slight shiver which gave me some hope. She seemed surreally calm that day and for a short moment I thought that perhaps the doctors were wrong and she would come out of it. I just didn’t want her to go. But I was wrong. The dreaded phone call came at 5am the following morning. Mummy took her last breaths and just like that she was gone. There we stood, my sister and myself, beside her, lost, numb, incredulous of how she was taken from us so suddenly. The rest of that day went past in a daze, calling relatives and friends, all as stunned and shocked as we were, going to our parent’s house to get some clothes for her. We picked a white shirt and white trousers and a scarf I had brought her from Paris some years ago. She loved scarves.
I went on automatic pilot in the days that led to her burial, helping organizing the funeral service, talking to friends who sent their condolences, keeping strong for my ailing Dad while still playing mother to my young son. I was in shock. I just couldn’t digest the reality of it. Not yet at least. I think I was in denial. It felt like it was just a bad dream I would wake up from to remind me that our parents are not there forever and to make the most of them as they grow older. But the dream persisted. As I write I still wish I could wake up from it but I know I won’t.
The funeral service was overwhelming. Many dear relatives and friends came to pay their respects. Messages that poured in that morning were so comforting. My sister and I wanted to make sure she had a befitting service as she deserved it and it truly was. I thought to myself, once the funeral is over I would feel comforted and will move on. Only I had no idea how wrong I was.
In the days that followed reality started to kick in. I didn’t want to get out of bed for days and just wanted to sleep, not wanting to wake up again. I wanted to call her, talk to her. I kept recalling our chats over the phone. I still do. I miss her smile so much. I know she was suffering in silence after my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But given all she had to face she still managed a smile every now and then.
Along came the panic attacks. Is this the new reality? I want to see her again. I can’t. Why was she taken from us so suddenly? Where is she? These questions kept reverberating in my mind for weeks on end. For the rest of my life I will never see her again.
I felt as though I was drowning, every time I tried to reach the surface to catch my breath I felt I was being pulled back down again, not giving me enough time to breathe. Tears flowed in abundance for anything that reminded me of her. There was so much, my life so far. The pain of the loss was hitting me with a vengeance. But it was more than that. I started to feel it was my fault, my fault for going away on holiday. Before we left she kept telling me what if something happened to them and I dismissed it as just fear of us being away for a few days. She was well before I left, I kept reminding myself. Maybe if I didn’t go, what if... Guilt took over. It was all my fault.
“She is in a better place,” those words were being said to me over and over, “she is looking over you”, words I myself said many a time to comfort others suffering the loss of their loved ones. “How do you know she is in a better place, watching over me? Have you been there? Do you know of anyone who has been there and back and recounted their experience?” That is what I wanted to scream at whoever told me so. I know in my heart those words were said to me to comfort me and they meant well but I started to question the reality of afterlife, if there is one at all, more deeply. What I would give to know if she really has turned into a butterfly in paradise and can see and watch over us or if she is just six feet under but I will never know.
I returned to work, threw myself in my work in order to distract myself from the pain of the loss, which did help a little, but then the pain and guilt gradually started turning to anger.
It wasn’t just anger. It was a rage. I took it out on people I cared for deeply, who had no fault. I wasn’t reasoning anymore. I was firing things I never thought I would. It felt like I wanted others to feel the pain I was going through, regardless of what they were going through in their own personal lives. “You don’t walk in my shoes and I don’t walk in yours” were words said to me by a dear friend which stuck with me. And it was true. I was wrong in getting it out on others just because I was going through my own hell.
The anger made me turn suicidal, I ached to end it. I was no longer seeing straight. I felt the world turning black. Everywhere I looked there was a memory of her. What a sad life I felt we are living in. What kept me going? My son, he is my miracle, my love and my life, my dear sister, family and friends, those who genuinely cared, those who truly mattered. I knew that in ending it I would ruin his life forever. He would live wanting an explanation as to why his mother chose to end her life. It would have destroyed him and that is certainly not what I want for him. I would never want to do anything to hurt him.
Three months later, that pain still persists. I get my good and bad days. I still miss my mother so very much. And it comes in so many different forms, in her photographs, our long conversations, recalling our suppers together at home, a lifetime of memories. I still dream of her almost every night. Healing from the loss of someone as close as a mother is a very slow process and I guess it will take a while. And only in experiencing it can I understand the pain one truly feels. Nothing prepares you for the death of a loved one, no matter the cause of death, be it sudden, be it expected.
She was a good woman, a beautiful one, both inside and out. Yes, we did have our occasional tempestuous arguments, she was a perfectionist. I wasn’t. But she was always my mummy.
I have sent many a condolence message prior to my mother’s demise, only now I understand the true pain of that loss. I know there will be the firsts: Christmas, New Year, birthday, anniversaries … and those days will be particularly hard. I still find myself talking to her when I am alone.
They say time heals. It doesn’t. The pain will never really go but something you learn to live with. The moment you feel you are drowning you must swim up for air. Death is a part of our life and we all have to go through it at some point. Mummy looked at peace when I last saw her in the morgue. Every day is a day closer to that next stage of our lives and I am trying my very best to make the most of my days ahead, to keep positive even after all that this year has thrown at me.
I just want to end by saying this to all those whose parents are still alive, not just parents but also dear ones, be it family or friends. We must make the most of our time with them. Treasure and cherish every moment with them. Life is not to be taken for granted. And I now have a better understanding of this. Always tell them you love them, do not bear grudges, never leave an argument unresolved. You don’t know if you will see them alive again, talk to them again, resolve pending issues because when they are gone, they are gone forever and that is the hardest part of it all. It is very hard seeing a loved one go.
stef
From that day on everything was a blur, cutting short my stay, the flight back, going to the hospital, the last moments with her. I talked to her but she couldn’t respond. I knew she was hearing me and I could sense she felt helpless at her inability to answer me. “She suffered a massive stroke”, the doctor told me, “It is highly unlikely that she will make it, the damage is irreversible”, together with the medical jargon that came along with her prognosis.
On the night of the 21st I kissed her goodnight while holding her hand tightly. I am sure she felt it because she reacted with a slight shiver which gave me some hope. She seemed surreally calm that day and for a short moment I thought that perhaps the doctors were wrong and she would come out of it. I just didn’t want her to go. But I was wrong. The dreaded phone call came at 5am the following morning. Mummy took her last breaths and just like that she was gone. There we stood, my sister and myself, beside her, lost, numb, incredulous of how she was taken from us so suddenly. The rest of that day went past in a daze, calling relatives and friends, all as stunned and shocked as we were, going to our parent’s house to get some clothes for her. We picked a white shirt and white trousers and a scarf I had brought her from Paris some years ago. She loved scarves.
I went on automatic pilot in the days that led to her burial, helping organizing the funeral service, talking to friends who sent their condolences, keeping strong for my ailing Dad while still playing mother to my young son. I was in shock. I just couldn’t digest the reality of it. Not yet at least. I think I was in denial. It felt like it was just a bad dream I would wake up from to remind me that our parents are not there forever and to make the most of them as they grow older. But the dream persisted. As I write I still wish I could wake up from it but I know I won’t.
The funeral service was overwhelming. Many dear relatives and friends came to pay their respects. Messages that poured in that morning were so comforting. My sister and I wanted to make sure she had a befitting service as she deserved it and it truly was. I thought to myself, once the funeral is over I would feel comforted and will move on. Only I had no idea how wrong I was.
In the days that followed reality started to kick in. I didn’t want to get out of bed for days and just wanted to sleep, not wanting to wake up again. I wanted to call her, talk to her. I kept recalling our chats over the phone. I still do. I miss her smile so much. I know she was suffering in silence after my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But given all she had to face she still managed a smile every now and then.
Along came the panic attacks. Is this the new reality? I want to see her again. I can’t. Why was she taken from us so suddenly? Where is she? These questions kept reverberating in my mind for weeks on end. For the rest of my life I will never see her again.
I felt as though I was drowning, every time I tried to reach the surface to catch my breath I felt I was being pulled back down again, not giving me enough time to breathe. Tears flowed in abundance for anything that reminded me of her. There was so much, my life so far. The pain of the loss was hitting me with a vengeance. But it was more than that. I started to feel it was my fault, my fault for going away on holiday. Before we left she kept telling me what if something happened to them and I dismissed it as just fear of us being away for a few days. She was well before I left, I kept reminding myself. Maybe if I didn’t go, what if... Guilt took over. It was all my fault.
“She is in a better place,” those words were being said to me over and over, “she is looking over you”, words I myself said many a time to comfort others suffering the loss of their loved ones. “How do you know she is in a better place, watching over me? Have you been there? Do you know of anyone who has been there and back and recounted their experience?” That is what I wanted to scream at whoever told me so. I know in my heart those words were said to me to comfort me and they meant well but I started to question the reality of afterlife, if there is one at all, more deeply. What I would give to know if she really has turned into a butterfly in paradise and can see and watch over us or if she is just six feet under but I will never know.
I returned to work, threw myself in my work in order to distract myself from the pain of the loss, which did help a little, but then the pain and guilt gradually started turning to anger.
It wasn’t just anger. It was a rage. I took it out on people I cared for deeply, who had no fault. I wasn’t reasoning anymore. I was firing things I never thought I would. It felt like I wanted others to feel the pain I was going through, regardless of what they were going through in their own personal lives. “You don’t walk in my shoes and I don’t walk in yours” were words said to me by a dear friend which stuck with me. And it was true. I was wrong in getting it out on others just because I was going through my own hell.
The anger made me turn suicidal, I ached to end it. I was no longer seeing straight. I felt the world turning black. Everywhere I looked there was a memory of her. What a sad life I felt we are living in. What kept me going? My son, he is my miracle, my love and my life, my dear sister, family and friends, those who genuinely cared, those who truly mattered. I knew that in ending it I would ruin his life forever. He would live wanting an explanation as to why his mother chose to end her life. It would have destroyed him and that is certainly not what I want for him. I would never want to do anything to hurt him.
Three months later, that pain still persists. I get my good and bad days. I still miss my mother so very much. And it comes in so many different forms, in her photographs, our long conversations, recalling our suppers together at home, a lifetime of memories. I still dream of her almost every night. Healing from the loss of someone as close as a mother is a very slow process and I guess it will take a while. And only in experiencing it can I understand the pain one truly feels. Nothing prepares you for the death of a loved one, no matter the cause of death, be it sudden, be it expected.
She was a good woman, a beautiful one, both inside and out. Yes, we did have our occasional tempestuous arguments, she was a perfectionist. I wasn’t. But she was always my mummy.
I have sent many a condolence message prior to my mother’s demise, only now I understand the true pain of that loss. I know there will be the firsts: Christmas, New Year, birthday, anniversaries … and those days will be particularly hard. I still find myself talking to her when I am alone.
They say time heals. It doesn’t. The pain will never really go but something you learn to live with. The moment you feel you are drowning you must swim up for air. Death is a part of our life and we all have to go through it at some point. Mummy looked at peace when I last saw her in the morgue. Every day is a day closer to that next stage of our lives and I am trying my very best to make the most of my days ahead, to keep positive even after all that this year has thrown at me.
I just want to end by saying this to all those whose parents are still alive, not just parents but also dear ones, be it family or friends. We must make the most of our time with them. Treasure and cherish every moment with them. Life is not to be taken for granted. And I now have a better understanding of this. Always tell them you love them, do not bear grudges, never leave an argument unresolved. You don’t know if you will see them alive again, talk to them again, resolve pending issues because when they are gone, they are gone forever and that is the hardest part of it all. It is very hard seeing a loved one go.
stef
I am back !
Hi all,
I am back after a long absence from my website. Life has been pretty hectic so it was difficult for me to update this site regularly.
I have been juggling between family life in Malta, Brussels and Paris, I have a full-time job at European Parliament, lots of ACCA studies, freelance writing about various topics, from travel, to sport, to current affairs, photography, landscape being my favourite, my one true passion, fitness training, and my latest addition to my hectic life, giving Spinning classes.
I promise to write more frequently and will blog soon.
Have a good day all and keep positive .....
stef
I am back after a long absence from my website. Life has been pretty hectic so it was difficult for me to update this site regularly.
I have been juggling between family life in Malta, Brussels and Paris, I have a full-time job at European Parliament, lots of ACCA studies, freelance writing about various topics, from travel, to sport, to current affairs, photography, landscape being my favourite, my one true passion, fitness training, and my latest addition to my hectic life, giving Spinning classes.
I promise to write more frequently and will blog soon.
Have a good day all and keep positive .....
stef
Destination: Côte d’Azur (Part II – Monaco)
No self-respecting motoring enthusiast (or not) on holiday on the Cote d’Azur can possibly justify not driving a few extra kilometres, or extend his stay by a day or two, to experience Monaco at first hand. One cannot miss out on the 25 km stretch of coastal road that links Nice to Monte-Carlo. During the whole of the 30 minutes drive along the coast one can experience breathtaking views of marinas with huge yachts and beautiful houses, old and new, dotting the hillside that encases the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea.
Monaco, an ancient principality steeped in a rich and colourful history filled with barbarians, kings and even a movie star, is considered by many to be Europe's most fascinating country. Though the Principality covers only two square kilometres, it stands as a proud monarchy with his Serene Highness Prince Rainier III as its Head of State. The city is full of the some of the finest, most beautiful and stylish architecture yet to be seen.
But leave your car for some time, and stroll around the principality’s three principal areas: Monaco-Ville, the old fortified town, with the Prince's Palace, the ramparts, the gardens, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum; the Condamine, the harbour area; and Monte Carlo, created in 1866, in the reign of Prince Charles III who gave it its name, with its internationally famous Casino, its great hotels and several leisure facilities.
The Grimaldi ascent began one night in 1297, when François Grimaldi, known as Malizia, seized the fortress of Monaco from a rival Italian faction disguised as a monk. Over the next few centuries, Monaco prospered as an important port in major maritime trading routes. Prince Rainier III ascended to the throne in 1949 and later caught the world's attention with his fairytale marriage to actress Grace Kelly. Today, Monaco still stands as a proud monarchy with H.S.H. Rainier III as its Head of State.
Monaco, the capital of the Principality, stands proudly on a rock jutting out to sea some 140m above sea level and is overlooking the bay. It is dominated by the 13th century Palais Princier which has been the residence of the ruling Grimaldi family ever since. Every generation has left their mark on the place. It was originally a fortress and remained so for nearly 400 years. Its character as a fortress in those times was essential for developing its defences due to the fact that Monaco was coveted by enemies resulting in many conflicts with the Genoese, the French and the Spanish.
Towards the middle of the seventeenth century, Prince Honoré II took the first steps to transform it into a palace. The military structures were retained but the interior was completely altered. It now houses superb collections of paintings by famous artists, tapestries and precious furniture. A great gate, which opens to the Court of Honour, and still exists today, was constructed some fifty years later. A double staircase in white marble leads to the Hercules Gallery, considered as the old central part of the fortress despite modifications carried out over the years. This gallery is adorned with 16th century frescoes. Some battlemented towers remain standing till today.
The Court of Honour is paved with over three million white and coloured pebbles forming immense geometrical figures. This palace is worth a look inside but if one is pressed for time one can at least witness the ceremony of changing of the guard. This takes place everyday just before midday and lasts about two minutes.
Walking through the quaint alleyways of this pretty town one cannot miss the neat little eighteenth century houses with their salmon-pink façades. A short distance away from the Prince’s Palace is the Cathedral of Monaco. This neo-Romanesque, completed in 1884, was built with white stone on the ruins of St. Nicholas church and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. It houses three naves and an ambulatory where the sepulchres of past Princes, including the one of Princess Grace, are to be found. At the entrance to the ambulatory is the altarpiece of St. Nicholas. This Cathedral has held several important ceremonies including the wedding of HRH Prince Ranier III and former actress Grace Kelly.
Cross the road to the St Martin’s Gardens, and savour the glimpses of the sea through lush tropical vegetation and shady walkways. The Oceanographic Museum, an architectural masterpiece just off the gardens, is entirely dedicated to the study of the sea and houses an exceptional collection of marine fauna and its world famous aquarium.
Monaco owes its renowned principality to its Grand Casino. It was established in 1856 by Charles III to save himself from bankruptcy. The first casino was opened in 1865 on a barren promontory (later named Monte-Carlo in his honour) across the harbour from Monaco-Ville. The Grand Casino was designed in 1878 by Charles Garnier, the same architect who designed the Paris Opéra. It comprises several sections with the oldest part facing the sea and offers magnificent views of Monaco. Inside the gambling rooms are sumptuously decorated featuring stained glass windows and admirable decorations and sculptures, paintings and bronze lamps. Opposite the Casino are magnificent flowerbeds and impeccably maintained green lawns interspersed with ponds. These gardens, embellished with pools and fountains, slope gently upwards in the direction of the main shopping area of the town. A definite must when visiting Monte-Carlo is a brunch (or even a dinner) at the Café de Paris. Just next to the Grand Casino, it boasts spectacular interior fittings and magnificent windows and its décor is deliciously old-fashioned in style.
La Condamine is Monaco’s commercial district stretching between the Rock and Monte-Carlo. It houses the Port Hercule and is skirted by a broad terraced promenade and crowded with luxury yachts. Prince Albert I had commissioned its building in 1901 when it became apparent that the Principality needed a harbour that was able to accommodate the large number of boats and yachts that visited the Côte d' Azur and to help open up the commerce of the area.
But who says Monaco says motor-sports. The Principality permeates with motor-sport heritage and tradition, several mementoes of which adorn its junctions, not least the life-size tribute to Juan Manuel Fangio. The Grand Prix de Monaco is a dream for the Formula 1 enthusiast and the fact that one can drive along the roads composing the actual track on any other day makes it even more compelling. That famous tunnel, that hair-pin bend, that stretch along the port, set instant goose-pimples onto any warm-blooded driver. And yes, Monaco’s fabulous streets do indeed host the highest concentration of sports and luxury cars – our typical jaw-dropping day brought out any number of Ferraris (including the coveted Enzo), Bugattis, Porsches, Aston Martins and Bentleys. That’s stuff that dreams are made of …
Monaco, an ancient principality steeped in a rich and colourful history filled with barbarians, kings and even a movie star, is considered by many to be Europe's most fascinating country. Though the Principality covers only two square kilometres, it stands as a proud monarchy with his Serene Highness Prince Rainier III as its Head of State. The city is full of the some of the finest, most beautiful and stylish architecture yet to be seen.
But leave your car for some time, and stroll around the principality’s three principal areas: Monaco-Ville, the old fortified town, with the Prince's Palace, the ramparts, the gardens, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum; the Condamine, the harbour area; and Monte Carlo, created in 1866, in the reign of Prince Charles III who gave it its name, with its internationally famous Casino, its great hotels and several leisure facilities.
The Grimaldi ascent began one night in 1297, when François Grimaldi, known as Malizia, seized the fortress of Monaco from a rival Italian faction disguised as a monk. Over the next few centuries, Monaco prospered as an important port in major maritime trading routes. Prince Rainier III ascended to the throne in 1949 and later caught the world's attention with his fairytale marriage to actress Grace Kelly. Today, Monaco still stands as a proud monarchy with H.S.H. Rainier III as its Head of State.
Monaco, the capital of the Principality, stands proudly on a rock jutting out to sea some 140m above sea level and is overlooking the bay. It is dominated by the 13th century Palais Princier which has been the residence of the ruling Grimaldi family ever since. Every generation has left their mark on the place. It was originally a fortress and remained so for nearly 400 years. Its character as a fortress in those times was essential for developing its defences due to the fact that Monaco was coveted by enemies resulting in many conflicts with the Genoese, the French and the Spanish.
Towards the middle of the seventeenth century, Prince Honoré II took the first steps to transform it into a palace. The military structures were retained but the interior was completely altered. It now houses superb collections of paintings by famous artists, tapestries and precious furniture. A great gate, which opens to the Court of Honour, and still exists today, was constructed some fifty years later. A double staircase in white marble leads to the Hercules Gallery, considered as the old central part of the fortress despite modifications carried out over the years. This gallery is adorned with 16th century frescoes. Some battlemented towers remain standing till today.
The Court of Honour is paved with over three million white and coloured pebbles forming immense geometrical figures. This palace is worth a look inside but if one is pressed for time one can at least witness the ceremony of changing of the guard. This takes place everyday just before midday and lasts about two minutes.
Walking through the quaint alleyways of this pretty town one cannot miss the neat little eighteenth century houses with their salmon-pink façades. A short distance away from the Prince’s Palace is the Cathedral of Monaco. This neo-Romanesque, completed in 1884, was built with white stone on the ruins of St. Nicholas church and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. It houses three naves and an ambulatory where the sepulchres of past Princes, including the one of Princess Grace, are to be found. At the entrance to the ambulatory is the altarpiece of St. Nicholas. This Cathedral has held several important ceremonies including the wedding of HRH Prince Ranier III and former actress Grace Kelly.
Cross the road to the St Martin’s Gardens, and savour the glimpses of the sea through lush tropical vegetation and shady walkways. The Oceanographic Museum, an architectural masterpiece just off the gardens, is entirely dedicated to the study of the sea and houses an exceptional collection of marine fauna and its world famous aquarium.
Monaco owes its renowned principality to its Grand Casino. It was established in 1856 by Charles III to save himself from bankruptcy. The first casino was opened in 1865 on a barren promontory (later named Monte-Carlo in his honour) across the harbour from Monaco-Ville. The Grand Casino was designed in 1878 by Charles Garnier, the same architect who designed the Paris Opéra. It comprises several sections with the oldest part facing the sea and offers magnificent views of Monaco. Inside the gambling rooms are sumptuously decorated featuring stained glass windows and admirable decorations and sculptures, paintings and bronze lamps. Opposite the Casino are magnificent flowerbeds and impeccably maintained green lawns interspersed with ponds. These gardens, embellished with pools and fountains, slope gently upwards in the direction of the main shopping area of the town. A definite must when visiting Monte-Carlo is a brunch (or even a dinner) at the Café de Paris. Just next to the Grand Casino, it boasts spectacular interior fittings and magnificent windows and its décor is deliciously old-fashioned in style.
La Condamine is Monaco’s commercial district stretching between the Rock and Monte-Carlo. It houses the Port Hercule and is skirted by a broad terraced promenade and crowded with luxury yachts. Prince Albert I had commissioned its building in 1901 when it became apparent that the Principality needed a harbour that was able to accommodate the large number of boats and yachts that visited the Côte d' Azur and to help open up the commerce of the area.
But who says Monaco says motor-sports. The Principality permeates with motor-sport heritage and tradition, several mementoes of which adorn its junctions, not least the life-size tribute to Juan Manuel Fangio. The Grand Prix de Monaco is a dream for the Formula 1 enthusiast and the fact that one can drive along the roads composing the actual track on any other day makes it even more compelling. That famous tunnel, that hair-pin bend, that stretch along the port, set instant goose-pimples onto any warm-blooded driver. And yes, Monaco’s fabulous streets do indeed host the highest concentration of sports and luxury cars – our typical jaw-dropping day brought out any number of Ferraris (including the coveted Enzo), Bugattis, Porsches, Aston Martins and Bentleys. That’s stuff that dreams are made of …
Extracts from Nirvana's final message to all 
Unfortunately work and family commitments are leaving me with little time to work on my website and post my work but busy or not busy I felt I wanted to share an excerpt of Nirvana's, or Niri as she was known by those close to her, with you all. These are the words of a strong positive woman who fought so hard to overcome her illness in order to continue to live on to see her children grow up, one of many reasons of course, someone who learnt a lot about life while facing her death. Please read and share these words if possible.
Having cancer doesn't come with many perks. However, there are a few. One is the chance to tell people you care about that you love them and that you are grateful for their presence in your life. Another is the huge learning curve you go through. Being faced with your own mortality gives you perspective, lots of it. It aligns life and sets about creating order in the 'what matters and what doesn't' department. Yet another perk is that people really listen to you because every word you utter could be your last one, I guess! So I have taken these three advantages and used them to write this letter to all the people who care enough about me to be here today. A letter to thank you and give you some advice.
And because these ARE actually my last words, I really hope that you will listen!
The first words of advice I'd like to share with you is not to wait till you are sick to tell the people you love that you love them. Even better than telling them, show them. Spend time with them. Write them little notes, buy them little thoughtful presents, surprise them, shower them with hugs and kisses and try and be there for them, no matter what it is they need.
Forgive. If there are people who have wronged you, and there always are, even if they have not shown remorse, forgive them anyway. Someone once told me that holding on to anger is like holding on to a hot piece of coal, waiting to throw it at someone. In the meantime it's you who's getting burnt. Let go. Forgive.
Put work in perspective. Yes we all need to work to earn a living, but not all of us need to work so hard. Work to live; don't live to work. It's not worth it. And it's when you get sick that you realize how insignificant that 'important' report was. How further from 'life or death' that deal actually was.
Stop smoking. There is NOTHING good that we get from smoking. Only disease, bad breath, yellow fingers and a suppressed immune system. Quit. Today. When you leave this church. No excuses.
Love yourself. Love your self sick. Feed your body good stuff. Take exercise. Find time to do the things you enjoy. Every day. Try to dedicate 20 minutes a day to yourself, doing what you enjoy. Make yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up and read a magazine. Have a relaxing bath. Do some gardening. Go for a walk. Spend time with your pets. 20 minutes a day. It's not a lot, really.
Do not stress. Yes you can do it. Stress is how we choose to react to the problems in our lives. I went through a period of extended stress before I got sick. I am sure, beyond any doubt, that this stress was a major contributor towards my illness. It's just not worth it. No matter who does what to you or your family, don't let it stress you. It will just make matters worse.
Trust your instinct. You know better. If you ever sense that something is wrong, make your doctors rule out your fears with tests, not opinions. Had I done that I would probably not be writing this letter and you would not be here bidding me farewell.
Connect with God. Now. Not when you need a miracle. Have faith. Believe in Him. Believe that even though you might not understand it, the universe is unfolding the way it should. He's got it under control.
Count your blessings. Daily. I found so much more to be grateful for after I got struck with a terminal illness, it's quite sad really. I always tell my children, life is not about what you have, but how much you appreciate it.
For you parents out there. There is nothing you will do in this life that is more important than bringing up your kids. They are the future, your legacy. Put that phone down. That message can be sent after they go to sleep. Close your laptop. Playing with your child is more important than seeing what rubbish everyone is posting on Facebook today. Enjoy them to the full, give them time, take in their beauty, learn from them, make beautiful memories with them. That is what will matter in the end. Tell them they are wonderful and special and show them that they are loved and valued.
This past year was not easy for me in a number of ways. But during this time I have come to realize how important and precious life is to each and everyone of us and how we should never ever take anything or anyone for granted. I keep posting, repeating the same words on FB telling all to live, love, appreciate all you have and forgive to the fullest. To smile, even when times are hard. For yourself, for those around you. Nothing is guaranteed to us in our lives. We are all human, we all make mistakes, get upset, hurt or angry sometimes. In our own ways we are all beautiful from the outside and from within. I am thankful for all I have, my family, beautiful sister and her family, my numerous close friends, those who stood by me even in the hardest of times, my colleagues, past and present. Please do not treat life badly because it is not ours forever. stef
Unfortunately work and family commitments are leaving me with little time to work on my website and post my work but busy or not busy I felt I wanted to share an excerpt of Nirvana's, or Niri as she was known by those close to her, with you all. These are the words of a strong positive woman who fought so hard to overcome her illness in order to continue to live on to see her children grow up, one of many reasons of course, someone who learnt a lot about life while facing her death. Please read and share these words if possible.
Having cancer doesn't come with many perks. However, there are a few. One is the chance to tell people you care about that you love them and that you are grateful for their presence in your life. Another is the huge learning curve you go through. Being faced with your own mortality gives you perspective, lots of it. It aligns life and sets about creating order in the 'what matters and what doesn't' department. Yet another perk is that people really listen to you because every word you utter could be your last one, I guess! So I have taken these three advantages and used them to write this letter to all the people who care enough about me to be here today. A letter to thank you and give you some advice.
And because these ARE actually my last words, I really hope that you will listen!
The first words of advice I'd like to share with you is not to wait till you are sick to tell the people you love that you love them. Even better than telling them, show them. Spend time with them. Write them little notes, buy them little thoughtful presents, surprise them, shower them with hugs and kisses and try and be there for them, no matter what it is they need.
Forgive. If there are people who have wronged you, and there always are, even if they have not shown remorse, forgive them anyway. Someone once told me that holding on to anger is like holding on to a hot piece of coal, waiting to throw it at someone. In the meantime it's you who's getting burnt. Let go. Forgive.
Put work in perspective. Yes we all need to work to earn a living, but not all of us need to work so hard. Work to live; don't live to work. It's not worth it. And it's when you get sick that you realize how insignificant that 'important' report was. How further from 'life or death' that deal actually was.
Stop smoking. There is NOTHING good that we get from smoking. Only disease, bad breath, yellow fingers and a suppressed immune system. Quit. Today. When you leave this church. No excuses.
Love yourself. Love your self sick. Feed your body good stuff. Take exercise. Find time to do the things you enjoy. Every day. Try to dedicate 20 minutes a day to yourself, doing what you enjoy. Make yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up and read a magazine. Have a relaxing bath. Do some gardening. Go for a walk. Spend time with your pets. 20 minutes a day. It's not a lot, really.
Do not stress. Yes you can do it. Stress is how we choose to react to the problems in our lives. I went through a period of extended stress before I got sick. I am sure, beyond any doubt, that this stress was a major contributor towards my illness. It's just not worth it. No matter who does what to you or your family, don't let it stress you. It will just make matters worse.
Trust your instinct. You know better. If you ever sense that something is wrong, make your doctors rule out your fears with tests, not opinions. Had I done that I would probably not be writing this letter and you would not be here bidding me farewell.
Connect with God. Now. Not when you need a miracle. Have faith. Believe in Him. Believe that even though you might not understand it, the universe is unfolding the way it should. He's got it under control.
Count your blessings. Daily. I found so much more to be grateful for after I got struck with a terminal illness, it's quite sad really. I always tell my children, life is not about what you have, but how much you appreciate it.
For you parents out there. There is nothing you will do in this life that is more important than bringing up your kids. They are the future, your legacy. Put that phone down. That message can be sent after they go to sleep. Close your laptop. Playing with your child is more important than seeing what rubbish everyone is posting on Facebook today. Enjoy them to the full, give them time, take in their beauty, learn from them, make beautiful memories with them. That is what will matter in the end. Tell them they are wonderful and special and show them that they are loved and valued.
This past year was not easy for me in a number of ways. But during this time I have come to realize how important and precious life is to each and everyone of us and how we should never ever take anything or anyone for granted. I keep posting, repeating the same words on FB telling all to live, love, appreciate all you have and forgive to the fullest. To smile, even when times are hard. For yourself, for those around you. Nothing is guaranteed to us in our lives. We are all human, we all make mistakes, get upset, hurt or angry sometimes. In our own ways we are all beautiful from the outside and from within. I am thankful for all I have, my family, beautiful sister and her family, my numerous close friends, those who stood by me even in the hardest of times, my colleagues, past and present. Please do not treat life badly because it is not ours forever. stef
My interview with EP Newshound with the aim of raising more awareness on Rhino-poaching
22nd September marked World Rhino Day. Many of us do not know of this date dedicated to rhinos. Many of us are unaware of what is going on to the rhino species in Africa and Asia. Many do not know they risk becoming extinct.
A few months ago I was made aware of the cruelty that goes on in many parks in South Africa and many other African countries. Having never been to South Africa myself I did my own research and was introduced to the Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit, the 1st unit of this kind which was set up in 1992 (http://www.protrackapu.co.za/) who gave me an insight of what is going on and what they do to try to, well, I cannot say stop altogether as it seems an impossible task, but to catch poachers and have them arrested. Please have a look at their website in order to see more of what they do. A noble act in my humble opinion. I then proceeded to write an article which was then published on The Malta Independent and many read the story and expressed their concern.
On my part I feel that raising awareness about this crime is not enough. Posting pics and statuses on Facebook is not enough. Yes, true, people will get to see what is going on. But it is certainly not enough.
In order to mark World Rhino day I sent my article, which featured on the newspaper last June, to MEPs, senior officials and colleagues within the institution and the response was overwhelming. I came to realise that many would like to do something about it but do not know which way to go about it. Others had no idea of this crime and expressed shock and sadness to what is going on.
I want to go a step further and help set up an association within the European Institutions whose aim is to help those working hard and putting their all in trying to put this crime to an end.
I will be writing more about this issue but for now I wish you to read my article featured on my website http://www.stephaniemizzi.com/rhinos-in-danger as well as the interview via these links Stephanie Takes Up The Rhino Cause Meps Respon . In the Word document version Stephanie Takes Up The Rhino Cause you can click on the respective links in order to view the websites featured in the article (open hyperlink etc). It was my first time being interviewed for a magazine so I must admit I was quite nervous but the scope of it all is to continue to work on saving the rhinos and all our beautiful creatures on our precious Earth.
Scanned Stephanie Takes Up The Rhino Cause Meps Respon
stef
A few months ago I was made aware of the cruelty that goes on in many parks in South Africa and many other African countries. Having never been to South Africa myself I did my own research and was introduced to the Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit, the 1st unit of this kind which was set up in 1992 (http://www.protrackapu.co.za/) who gave me an insight of what is going on and what they do to try to, well, I cannot say stop altogether as it seems an impossible task, but to catch poachers and have them arrested. Please have a look at their website in order to see more of what they do. A noble act in my humble opinion. I then proceeded to write an article which was then published on The Malta Independent and many read the story and expressed their concern.
On my part I feel that raising awareness about this crime is not enough. Posting pics and statuses on Facebook is not enough. Yes, true, people will get to see what is going on. But it is certainly not enough.
In order to mark World Rhino day I sent my article, which featured on the newspaper last June, to MEPs, senior officials and colleagues within the institution and the response was overwhelming. I came to realise that many would like to do something about it but do not know which way to go about it. Others had no idea of this crime and expressed shock and sadness to what is going on.
I want to go a step further and help set up an association within the European Institutions whose aim is to help those working hard and putting their all in trying to put this crime to an end.
I will be writing more about this issue but for now I wish you to read my article featured on my website http://www.stephaniemizzi.com/rhinos-in-danger as well as the interview via these links Stephanie Takes Up The Rhino Cause Meps Respon . In the Word document version Stephanie Takes Up The Rhino Cause you can click on the respective links in order to view the websites featured in the article (open hyperlink etc). It was my first time being interviewed for a magazine so I must admit I was quite nervous but the scope of it all is to continue to work on saving the rhinos and all our beautiful creatures on our precious Earth.
Scanned Stephanie Takes Up The Rhino Cause Meps Respon
stef
Destination: Côte d’Azur (Part I – Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St-Tropez)
Tired of driving along your usual roads? Need a change of perspective? Need to stretch your motorised legs beyond our 30-odd kilometers? You can do much, much worse than opting for a motoring holiday along the French Côte d’Azur!
This stretch of coastline from Toulon to the Italian border has long cast a spell on its visitors. Known as the Côte d’ Azur or the French Riviera, it boasts beautiful sun-drenched, chic towns and villages, azure-blue sea and a truly spectacular drive along its coastline. The glamorous towns of Nice, Antibes and its adjoining Juan-Les-Pins, Cannes, Port Grimaud and St- Tropez are all synonymous with style and beauty, enhanced by a top-notch road network utilized by an amazing concentration of Porsches, Ferraris, Bentleys and other such exotic machinery.
Driving around Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, one discovers a town of broad palm-fringed avenues, grand hotels, fine restaurants and outstanding museums. For long an inspiration for artists and musicians with its green pines happily rubbing shoulders with the blue shades of the Mediterranean Sea, its natural setting of rocks and hills is a scene to be slowly taken in and be fully appreciated.
Perhaps most inspiring is the Promenade des Anglais, a magnificent, wide promenade stretching about 7km and running the length of the sandy-beach seafront. Although traffic lights are placed with almost religious rigueur every 50 metres or so, it is possible, by sticking to the 50 km/h speed limit, to drive through the 7km stretch and not once be held up by a red light!
As expected, the promenade is lined with cafes, hotels, museums and posh apartments and provides spectacular views of the bay all the way from the Nice Cape to Antibes. It is a haven for swimmers, sunbathers, joggers and roller-bladers. Furthermore the Promenade is lined with old and grand hotels that were built at the turn of the century. A definite must when visiting Nice is a tea/coffee break (or why not an overnight stay) at the Hotel Negresco, a striking Baroque structure built by Henri Négresco, a Hungarian immigrant, in the early 20th century and specifically designed to attract the very top of the upper crust.
The old quarter of the Nice town center is made up of narrow streets curving in an irregular fashion between red-tiled roof-topped buildings. The Cours Saleya, once the elegant promenade of old Nice, is now lined with shops and restaurants, flower and vegetable markets, and also confectioneries. There is an array of façades worth viewing including Chapelle de la Miséricorde and the Caϊs de Pierla Palace, where Picasso lived in a small room facing the sea between 1921 and 1938. The Cathedral of St. Réparate, the patron saint of Nice, was built in 1650. It is adorned with a colourful façade and its interior is mainly Baroque.
A short drive away from the hustle and bustle of Nice is Cimiez. It is located on a hill that overlooks the rest of the city. Aside from some very impressive residences, Cimiez features the wonderful Matisse museum and some fairly elaborate Roman ruins. In July, Cimiez is home to many Jazz concerts that take place in and around the old Roman arena. Nearby a 16th-century Franciscan monastery with its gardens next to it affords superb views of the bay.
A short distance from Nice is the highly popular resort town of Antibes, sporting picturesque streets, bright with flowers and barely a stone’s throw from the sea. Antibes’s splendid Port Vauban is one of the largest in the Mediterranean and is used by luxury cruise ships; its promenade runs along the remains of 17th century fortifications, and allows an uninterrupted view of the coastline stretching towards Nice with the Alps in the background. The Chateau Grimaldi, nowadays housing a Picasso Museum, was built on a terrace overlooking the sea and until the 17th century was home to the Grimaldi family.
Just next to Antibes, in fact less than an hour’s leisurely drive away, is the coast of Juan-les-Pins, a haven of golden sandy beaches. Here water-skiing, paragliding, scuba-diving, fishing, sailing and swimming are all at their best.
An ideal driving excursion, not far from the coast, is to Mougins, an old village with narrow lanes and restored houses contained within the boundaries of earlier fortifications. Mougins is situated on a hilltop site and there is a panoramic view of the countryside as far as the sea. There are various restaurants here and their homely cooking and warm welcome with their pretty terraces overlooking the vast countryside beneath makes it a very attractive setting for lunch or dinner.
Driving down from the village of Mougins is Cannes, the ‘star’ of the French Riviera famous for its International Film Festival and the glitzy hotels, cars and beaches. Cannes offers a harmonious union of sea shores, wooded mountainsides, and dazzling gardens. The famed Boulevard de la Croisette, an elegant promenade bordered with gardens and palm trees overlooking a sandy beach is lined with elegant boutiques and luxury hotels, among which is the Carlton built in 1912 in Belle Epoque style whose twin cupolas are said to be modelled after the breasts of La Belle Otero.
Stretching your legs with a stroll to the old part of Cannes takes you to Le Suquet, which overlooks the old harbour. This old town has narrow streets climbing up and around the hill, with a fine view from the top and is dominated by the 17th century Provençal Gothic style church of Notre-Dame d’Esperance, the 12th century St. Anne’s chapel and the Castre Museum formerly a castle built in the 12th century. Just off the coast of Cannes are the Lérins Islands, which include the Sainte-Marguerite Island in whose fort the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was said to be imprisoned for over ten years.
Driving along the coast, past St Raphaël, Frejus and St Maxime, some 70km south of Cannes is the charming Port Grimaud, the so-called ‘Venice of the South’, built in 1966 in Provençale style on a network of canals. It is divided into a few islands connected by small bridges and its many homes have their own mooring. Their terracotta tiled roofs, wonderful ochre and cream painted façades, a main characteristic of many Provençal villages, is no less illustrated here. Port Grimaud also offers superb views of the Gulf of St-Tropez.
The seaside town of St-Tropez has become one of the best-known resorts in Europe, the place where journalists, photographers, writers and artists all meet. Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of St-Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is most popular for the line of yachts along the quay, and the facing line of terrace cafés, divided by a parade of strolling tourists and slow cruising expensive cars.
At the turn of the century St-Tropez was a charming little village unknown to tourists. Then in the 1950s, Brigitte Bardot’s film, And God Created Woman, was shot here and no sooner St-Tropez’s fame was established. It gained the reputation of being the vacation spot for the international jet set and other chic visitors.
The harbour in itself is full of life. The fishing boats and other commercial vessels share the mooring with a crowd of yachts – from the most humble to the most luxurious. Along the waterfront and its neighbouring streets the old pink and yellow houses have been converted to cafes and pastry shops, restaurants, luxury boutiques and galleries. And yes, the beaches in St-Tropez are truly heavenly with their combination of fine sand and charming rocky creeks.
_________
To follow
Destination: Côte d’Azur (Part II – Monaco)
No self-respecting motoring enthusiast (or not) on holiday on the Cote d’Azur can possibly justify not driving a few extra kilometres, or extend his stay by a day or two, to experience at first hand Monaco …
This stretch of coastline from Toulon to the Italian border has long cast a spell on its visitors. Known as the Côte d’ Azur or the French Riviera, it boasts beautiful sun-drenched, chic towns and villages, azure-blue sea and a truly spectacular drive along its coastline. The glamorous towns of Nice, Antibes and its adjoining Juan-Les-Pins, Cannes, Port Grimaud and St- Tropez are all synonymous with style and beauty, enhanced by a top-notch road network utilized by an amazing concentration of Porsches, Ferraris, Bentleys and other such exotic machinery.
Driving around Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, one discovers a town of broad palm-fringed avenues, grand hotels, fine restaurants and outstanding museums. For long an inspiration for artists and musicians with its green pines happily rubbing shoulders with the blue shades of the Mediterranean Sea, its natural setting of rocks and hills is a scene to be slowly taken in and be fully appreciated.
Perhaps most inspiring is the Promenade des Anglais, a magnificent, wide promenade stretching about 7km and running the length of the sandy-beach seafront. Although traffic lights are placed with almost religious rigueur every 50 metres or so, it is possible, by sticking to the 50 km/h speed limit, to drive through the 7km stretch and not once be held up by a red light!
As expected, the promenade is lined with cafes, hotels, museums and posh apartments and provides spectacular views of the bay all the way from the Nice Cape to Antibes. It is a haven for swimmers, sunbathers, joggers and roller-bladers. Furthermore the Promenade is lined with old and grand hotels that were built at the turn of the century. A definite must when visiting Nice is a tea/coffee break (or why not an overnight stay) at the Hotel Negresco, a striking Baroque structure built by Henri Négresco, a Hungarian immigrant, in the early 20th century and specifically designed to attract the very top of the upper crust.
The old quarter of the Nice town center is made up of narrow streets curving in an irregular fashion between red-tiled roof-topped buildings. The Cours Saleya, once the elegant promenade of old Nice, is now lined with shops and restaurants, flower and vegetable markets, and also confectioneries. There is an array of façades worth viewing including Chapelle de la Miséricorde and the Caϊs de Pierla Palace, where Picasso lived in a small room facing the sea between 1921 and 1938. The Cathedral of St. Réparate, the patron saint of Nice, was built in 1650. It is adorned with a colourful façade and its interior is mainly Baroque.
A short drive away from the hustle and bustle of Nice is Cimiez. It is located on a hill that overlooks the rest of the city. Aside from some very impressive residences, Cimiez features the wonderful Matisse museum and some fairly elaborate Roman ruins. In July, Cimiez is home to many Jazz concerts that take place in and around the old Roman arena. Nearby a 16th-century Franciscan monastery with its gardens next to it affords superb views of the bay.
A short distance from Nice is the highly popular resort town of Antibes, sporting picturesque streets, bright with flowers and barely a stone’s throw from the sea. Antibes’s splendid Port Vauban is one of the largest in the Mediterranean and is used by luxury cruise ships; its promenade runs along the remains of 17th century fortifications, and allows an uninterrupted view of the coastline stretching towards Nice with the Alps in the background. The Chateau Grimaldi, nowadays housing a Picasso Museum, was built on a terrace overlooking the sea and until the 17th century was home to the Grimaldi family.
Just next to Antibes, in fact less than an hour’s leisurely drive away, is the coast of Juan-les-Pins, a haven of golden sandy beaches. Here water-skiing, paragliding, scuba-diving, fishing, sailing and swimming are all at their best.
An ideal driving excursion, not far from the coast, is to Mougins, an old village with narrow lanes and restored houses contained within the boundaries of earlier fortifications. Mougins is situated on a hilltop site and there is a panoramic view of the countryside as far as the sea. There are various restaurants here and their homely cooking and warm welcome with their pretty terraces overlooking the vast countryside beneath makes it a very attractive setting for lunch or dinner.
Driving down from the village of Mougins is Cannes, the ‘star’ of the French Riviera famous for its International Film Festival and the glitzy hotels, cars and beaches. Cannes offers a harmonious union of sea shores, wooded mountainsides, and dazzling gardens. The famed Boulevard de la Croisette, an elegant promenade bordered with gardens and palm trees overlooking a sandy beach is lined with elegant boutiques and luxury hotels, among which is the Carlton built in 1912 in Belle Epoque style whose twin cupolas are said to be modelled after the breasts of La Belle Otero.
Stretching your legs with a stroll to the old part of Cannes takes you to Le Suquet, which overlooks the old harbour. This old town has narrow streets climbing up and around the hill, with a fine view from the top and is dominated by the 17th century Provençal Gothic style church of Notre-Dame d’Esperance, the 12th century St. Anne’s chapel and the Castre Museum formerly a castle built in the 12th century. Just off the coast of Cannes are the Lérins Islands, which include the Sainte-Marguerite Island in whose fort the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was said to be imprisoned for over ten years.
Driving along the coast, past St Raphaël, Frejus and St Maxime, some 70km south of Cannes is the charming Port Grimaud, the so-called ‘Venice of the South’, built in 1966 in Provençale style on a network of canals. It is divided into a few islands connected by small bridges and its many homes have their own mooring. Their terracotta tiled roofs, wonderful ochre and cream painted façades, a main characteristic of many Provençal villages, is no less illustrated here. Port Grimaud also offers superb views of the Gulf of St-Tropez.
The seaside town of St-Tropez has become one of the best-known resorts in Europe, the place where journalists, photographers, writers and artists all meet. Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of St-Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is most popular for the line of yachts along the quay, and the facing line of terrace cafés, divided by a parade of strolling tourists and slow cruising expensive cars.
At the turn of the century St-Tropez was a charming little village unknown to tourists. Then in the 1950s, Brigitte Bardot’s film, And God Created Woman, was shot here and no sooner St-Tropez’s fame was established. It gained the reputation of being the vacation spot for the international jet set and other chic visitors.
The harbour in itself is full of life. The fishing boats and other commercial vessels share the mooring with a crowd of yachts – from the most humble to the most luxurious. Along the waterfront and its neighbouring streets the old pink and yellow houses have been converted to cafes and pastry shops, restaurants, luxury boutiques and galleries. And yes, the beaches in St-Tropez are truly heavenly with their combination of fine sand and charming rocky creeks.
_________
To follow
Destination: Côte d’Azur (Part II – Monaco)
No self-respecting motoring enthusiast (or not) on holiday on the Cote d’Azur can possibly justify not driving a few extra kilometres, or extend his stay by a day or two, to experience at first hand Monaco …
Destination – Marbella 
Marbella was Spain’s Costa del Sol pioneer town and has since become one of the most famous resorts on the Andalusian coast, a holiday home to the international jet set. Legend has it that Marbella got its name from Queen Isabella’s exclamation when she saw the sea, Que mar tan bella! (What wonderful sea!) A large white 'Marbella' arch, spanning across the main road, marks the entrance to the town and greets its visitors.
However varied one’s tastes may be, Marbella offers something for everyone. It comprises two halves of different appearance: the old and the new. The old part – with its charming, winding, very narrow cobble stone streets and tranquil squares is flanked by white washed houses with wrought iron balconies adorned with a profusion of bougainvilleas and geraniums. This offers a striking contrast with the structure of the modern city, the latter being characterised by its large buildings and the lively atmosphere of the streets where shops, restaurants and discotheques are always crowded with people of diverse nationalities.
Marbella’s old quarter, known as the Casco Antiguo, dates back to Moorish times and the 9th century walls, which once surrounded the town, are still in evidence in parts. Architecture from different eras graces the quiet little lanes. This quarter is reached via one of the cobbled narrow streets just off the main road. There are many niches, or hornacinas, scattered throughout the old town. These niches are built into walls and contain religious statues depicting the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ, adorned with candles and flowers. A particular picturesque hornacina is the Rincón de la Virgen placed high in the wall with bright bougainvillea covering much of the narrow street below. A photo of this niche in one’s travel album is a must.
The labyrinth of streets of the Casco Antiguo lead to the Plaza de Los Naranjos, the ‘Orange Tree Square’. This square, which dates back to 1485, is surrounded by white-washed houses and three major historical buildings: the Town hall, or Ayuntamiento, the Governor’s house, or Casa del Corregidor, and the Chapel of Santiago. The gardens in the Plaza are full of brightly coloured flowers and orange trees and in the centre stands a bust of Spain’s Head of State, King Juan Carlos I. On the façade of the Ayuntamiento, built around the middle of the 16th century, sports a sun-dial and some perfectly preserved stone inscriptions most of which go back to 1485. The Old Governor’s house dates back to 1552 and still retains the original stone façade adorned with a multi-arched balcony. An elegant marble fountain, dating back to 1504, adjoins the square.
The Orange Tree Square is an ideal stop for lunch, and offers several good restaurants giving you the possibility of combining great fare, an enchanting ambience and the characteristic orange-blossom all-encompassing scent. A refreshing gazpacho and paella with mixed fish makes for a perfect meal, possibly doused by ice-cold sangria, all in good measure. If eating is your thing then you will be very happy in Marbella, offering as it does a wide selection of eating places in every corner of the town.
No visit to a Spanish town is complete without a visit to its main church; that of Marbella is the Iglesia de la Encarnacion. Built in the 17th century, it features a fine tower and its main façade is adorned with a beautiful red stone entrance worked in Baroque style.
Equally a must when visiting Marbella, is a detour to Puerto Banús, Marbella’s luxury marina, situated some six kilometres west of the main town. Created by José Banús some 30 years ago, it is known to be the playground of the rich and famous. Here one can ogle fabulous luxury yachts and exotic cars while sipping a drink at one of the many open-air restaurants and bars. The setting is close to ideal, with its impressive La Concha mountain backdrop and ocean views. Between the restaurants and bars is a vast selection of shops selling all sorts, from shoes and other leather accessories to souvenir gifts. Designer shops, including Armani, Chanel and Versace, are here in abundance. At the entrance of the marina is a large commercial shopping centre and Spain’s leading department store, El Corte Inglés. It is easy to understand why every year around five million tourists visit Puerto Banús.
The Costa del Sol is famous for its never-ending beaches – Marbella is no exception. The beaches here stretch as far as the eye can see with warm sand, and crystal clear sea. Most beaches in Marbella have showers and public services, watch towers, lifeguards and first aid services. The usual windsurfing, paddle boating, jet skiing, etc, are all on offer. Nevertheless, one can also simply relax on a sun lounge on the golden sand. Pure bliss!!
Coastal towns are usually thought to fall asleep in summer but Marbella is different, since luckily there seems to be some celebration or other nearly every other day. Amongst key dates on Marbella's calendar of celebrations are the traditional fair, or feria, around the second week of June, in honour of the town's patron saint, San Bernabé. This colourful event is a combination of flamenco music, typical Andalusian dances and parades of horsemen and horsewomen.
The feast of Nuestra Señora del Carmen takes place on 16th July and is the festival of fishermen and their wives and families. Visitors and locals join in the famous procession, part on land, part at sea, with their traditional dances. On a completely different note, during the St Joseph weekend (19th March) Marbella plays host to an international motorcyclists’ gathering, a must for any serious motorcycle enthusiast.
Marbella is truly a concentrate of what bubbly Andalusia is all about, and an excellent introduction to the pleasures and delights of Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Some images are courtesy of Wikipedia and Travelpod. When I visited Marbella digital cameras were not the norm.
Marbella was Spain’s Costa del Sol pioneer town and has since become one of the most famous resorts on the Andalusian coast, a holiday home to the international jet set. Legend has it that Marbella got its name from Queen Isabella’s exclamation when she saw the sea, Que mar tan bella! (What wonderful sea!) A large white 'Marbella' arch, spanning across the main road, marks the entrance to the town and greets its visitors.
However varied one’s tastes may be, Marbella offers something for everyone. It comprises two halves of different appearance: the old and the new. The old part – with its charming, winding, very narrow cobble stone streets and tranquil squares is flanked by white washed houses with wrought iron balconies adorned with a profusion of bougainvilleas and geraniums. This offers a striking contrast with the structure of the modern city, the latter being characterised by its large buildings and the lively atmosphere of the streets where shops, restaurants and discotheques are always crowded with people of diverse nationalities.
Marbella’s old quarter, known as the Casco Antiguo, dates back to Moorish times and the 9th century walls, which once surrounded the town, are still in evidence in parts. Architecture from different eras graces the quiet little lanes. This quarter is reached via one of the cobbled narrow streets just off the main road. There are many niches, or hornacinas, scattered throughout the old town. These niches are built into walls and contain religious statues depicting the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ, adorned with candles and flowers. A particular picturesque hornacina is the Rincón de la Virgen placed high in the wall with bright bougainvillea covering much of the narrow street below. A photo of this niche in one’s travel album is a must.
The labyrinth of streets of the Casco Antiguo lead to the Plaza de Los Naranjos, the ‘Orange Tree Square’. This square, which dates back to 1485, is surrounded by white-washed houses and three major historical buildings: the Town hall, or Ayuntamiento, the Governor’s house, or Casa del Corregidor, and the Chapel of Santiago. The gardens in the Plaza are full of brightly coloured flowers and orange trees and in the centre stands a bust of Spain’s Head of State, King Juan Carlos I. On the façade of the Ayuntamiento, built around the middle of the 16th century, sports a sun-dial and some perfectly preserved stone inscriptions most of which go back to 1485. The Old Governor’s house dates back to 1552 and still retains the original stone façade adorned with a multi-arched balcony. An elegant marble fountain, dating back to 1504, adjoins the square.
The Orange Tree Square is an ideal stop for lunch, and offers several good restaurants giving you the possibility of combining great fare, an enchanting ambience and the characteristic orange-blossom all-encompassing scent. A refreshing gazpacho and paella with mixed fish makes for a perfect meal, possibly doused by ice-cold sangria, all in good measure. If eating is your thing then you will be very happy in Marbella, offering as it does a wide selection of eating places in every corner of the town.
No visit to a Spanish town is complete without a visit to its main church; that of Marbella is the Iglesia de la Encarnacion. Built in the 17th century, it features a fine tower and its main façade is adorned with a beautiful red stone entrance worked in Baroque style.
Equally a must when visiting Marbella, is a detour to Puerto Banús, Marbella’s luxury marina, situated some six kilometres west of the main town. Created by José Banús some 30 years ago, it is known to be the playground of the rich and famous. Here one can ogle fabulous luxury yachts and exotic cars while sipping a drink at one of the many open-air restaurants and bars. The setting is close to ideal, with its impressive La Concha mountain backdrop and ocean views. Between the restaurants and bars is a vast selection of shops selling all sorts, from shoes and other leather accessories to souvenir gifts. Designer shops, including Armani, Chanel and Versace, are here in abundance. At the entrance of the marina is a large commercial shopping centre and Spain’s leading department store, El Corte Inglés. It is easy to understand why every year around five million tourists visit Puerto Banús.
The Costa del Sol is famous for its never-ending beaches – Marbella is no exception. The beaches here stretch as far as the eye can see with warm sand, and crystal clear sea. Most beaches in Marbella have showers and public services, watch towers, lifeguards and first aid services. The usual windsurfing, paddle boating, jet skiing, etc, are all on offer. Nevertheless, one can also simply relax on a sun lounge on the golden sand. Pure bliss!!
Coastal towns are usually thought to fall asleep in summer but Marbella is different, since luckily there seems to be some celebration or other nearly every other day. Amongst key dates on Marbella's calendar of celebrations are the traditional fair, or feria, around the second week of June, in honour of the town's patron saint, San Bernabé. This colourful event is a combination of flamenco music, typical Andalusian dances and parades of horsemen and horsewomen.
The feast of Nuestra Señora del Carmen takes place on 16th July and is the festival of fishermen and their wives and families. Visitors and locals join in the famous procession, part on land, part at sea, with their traditional dances. On a completely different note, during the St Joseph weekend (19th March) Marbella plays host to an international motorcyclists’ gathering, a must for any serious motorcycle enthusiast.
Marbella is truly a concentrate of what bubbly Andalusia is all about, and an excellent introduction to the pleasures and delights of Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Some images are courtesy of Wikipedia and Travelpod. When I visited Marbella digital cameras were not the norm.
Tough week 
It's my Friday night. I thought of watching some TV, have a lazy night, but as usual, my mind was racing and wanted to put down all my thoughts and feelings 'on paper', so to speak. Only then will I probably be able to sit still and relax, or fall asleep in front of the box, or rather, the screen.
This week has not been an easy week, from a personal point of view. Some things of course I prefer to keep personal. However this week I learnt of sickness, physical abuse and death.
I want to start off with saying how sorry and saddened I was to hear of Sharon Sapienza's sudden demise. At 38. How unfair. A lovely girl, great talent, so bubbly, a little bit like me from that aspect, a great Flamenco dancer. Malta and Sevilla lost a gem. She will sorely be missed by her loved ones, her parents, Frank and Edwige, her husband Jose Antonio, relatives, so many friends. Her passion for dance was incredible. I first met her back in 1993 while I was living in Madrid. She had just moved to Sevilla at the time. We hit it off instantly. I met her a number of times on my trips to Sevilla and on her trips to Madrid. I could see her dedication and love for flamenco, it lived in her. It ran through her veins. I would say she was a female version of Joaquin Cortes. I also had the pleasure of spending some time with her on three occasions she came to Paris with her dancers and after the shows we went to supper together. We never stopped talking always having so much to talk about. I will forever cherish those moments I spent with her and treasure them for the rest of my life. When I was informed of her sudden demise I felt so cold, shocked, it sounded surreal. Sharon, when you think some people like her are immortal, death knocks at their door without even being given a chance to fight for life. She will remain a legend, a beautiful face, incredible talent. The world has lost an angel. And I quote what was written in her obituary, "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear". A beautiful life taken away so abruptly from us all. Rest in peace dear Sharon. She will be laid to rest on Monday 18 February.
Oscar Pistorius .. A hero, a legend, an Olympic champion, South Africa's pride and joy, and I don't blame them. He had it all, as he said "You are not disabled by your disabilities, but able by your abilities". Those words struck me. He was born with a congenital absence of the fibula in both legs. When he was 11 months old, his legs were amputated halfway between his knees and ankles. He lost his mother at a young age. Yet despite all, he went on to be an Olympic World Champion. What happened on that fateful night of St. Valentine's Day at his residence in Pretoria is not entirely clear yet. Except that of course his girlfriend, supermodel and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead at his residence. Some said he may have mistaken her for an intruder, but then this was dismissed. I have no words for what happened. I cannot and will never speak against him because I do not know what really happened. Having said that I do condemn what happened. No one has a right to hurt or kill anybody unless, of course it is self-defence. Why, what was going on through his mind? Was he troubled? Disturbed? It seems it was not the first time that the police was called to the house on occasions which considered as that of a 'domestic nature'. They could have had the world together. Love and passion unite so they say. They were known at the Posh and Becks of South Africa. I have a great affinity for South Africa, my dream of visiting it soon, some wonderful people I have grown to know and whom I worked with over the past years. I could never stop writing about why and why such a beautiful country, with a scenery that goes beyond our dreams, is still victim of so many acts of violence and crime. Innocent people, hurt, robbed, raped or killed. Back to Pistorius's case. As much as I condemn what he did, I still strongly feel that there is more to it. Perhaps a momentary madness that overcame him, fear. But now it happened and everyone is trying to pick up the pieces following such a terrible tragedy. What a sad ending to what was believed to be a fairytale love story.
I also want to talk about a dear friend of mine, who is suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitisa, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, in short ME. It breaks my heart to see someone at such a young age having to live with this condition. And I am sure he is not the only one suffering from ME on our little rock, Malta. I feel that there should be more awareness and more explanation given about this condition, which could be so easily misdiagnosed. The majority of ME cases start suddenly, usually accompanied by a "flu-like illness" while a significant proportion of cases begin within several months of severe adverse stress. I want to help raise awareness of ME and wish that all necessary health care and medication is given to each and every person suffering from it. I have read alot about it and recall studying about ME when I was pursuing my studies as physiotherapist some 20 years ago. What I want to say is that people suffering from ME should be given the appropriate treatment, physiotherapy where necessary and assistance they deserve. It is of utter importance to me as it is of many who have relatives or friends suffering from this condition. Kevin, you have my support. Hang on in there ..
I am getting sleepy now and I guess it is time to switch off and have a rest although I need to do some more studying before I hit the sack. I just want to say that my heart goes out to all those who in one way or another are going through their own sufferings, difficulties, sadness and pain. No one deserves to be unhappy. Finally I want to say that those in my heart will remain always there, in my heart.
Goodnight xxx
stef
It's my Friday night. I thought of watching some TV, have a lazy night, but as usual, my mind was racing and wanted to put down all my thoughts and feelings 'on paper', so to speak. Only then will I probably be able to sit still and relax, or fall asleep in front of the box, or rather, the screen.
This week has not been an easy week, from a personal point of view. Some things of course I prefer to keep personal. However this week I learnt of sickness, physical abuse and death.
I want to start off with saying how sorry and saddened I was to hear of Sharon Sapienza's sudden demise. At 38. How unfair. A lovely girl, great talent, so bubbly, a little bit like me from that aspect, a great Flamenco dancer. Malta and Sevilla lost a gem. She will sorely be missed by her loved ones, her parents, Frank and Edwige, her husband Jose Antonio, relatives, so many friends. Her passion for dance was incredible. I first met her back in 1993 while I was living in Madrid. She had just moved to Sevilla at the time. We hit it off instantly. I met her a number of times on my trips to Sevilla and on her trips to Madrid. I could see her dedication and love for flamenco, it lived in her. It ran through her veins. I would say she was a female version of Joaquin Cortes. I also had the pleasure of spending some time with her on three occasions she came to Paris with her dancers and after the shows we went to supper together. We never stopped talking always having so much to talk about. I will forever cherish those moments I spent with her and treasure them for the rest of my life. When I was informed of her sudden demise I felt so cold, shocked, it sounded surreal. Sharon, when you think some people like her are immortal, death knocks at their door without even being given a chance to fight for life. She will remain a legend, a beautiful face, incredible talent. The world has lost an angel. And I quote what was written in her obituary, "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear". A beautiful life taken away so abruptly from us all. Rest in peace dear Sharon. She will be laid to rest on Monday 18 February.
Oscar Pistorius .. A hero, a legend, an Olympic champion, South Africa's pride and joy, and I don't blame them. He had it all, as he said "You are not disabled by your disabilities, but able by your abilities". Those words struck me. He was born with a congenital absence of the fibula in both legs. When he was 11 months old, his legs were amputated halfway between his knees and ankles. He lost his mother at a young age. Yet despite all, he went on to be an Olympic World Champion. What happened on that fateful night of St. Valentine's Day at his residence in Pretoria is not entirely clear yet. Except that of course his girlfriend, supermodel and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead at his residence. Some said he may have mistaken her for an intruder, but then this was dismissed. I have no words for what happened. I cannot and will never speak against him because I do not know what really happened. Having said that I do condemn what happened. No one has a right to hurt or kill anybody unless, of course it is self-defence. Why, what was going on through his mind? Was he troubled? Disturbed? It seems it was not the first time that the police was called to the house on occasions which considered as that of a 'domestic nature'. They could have had the world together. Love and passion unite so they say. They were known at the Posh and Becks of South Africa. I have a great affinity for South Africa, my dream of visiting it soon, some wonderful people I have grown to know and whom I worked with over the past years. I could never stop writing about why and why such a beautiful country, with a scenery that goes beyond our dreams, is still victim of so many acts of violence and crime. Innocent people, hurt, robbed, raped or killed. Back to Pistorius's case. As much as I condemn what he did, I still strongly feel that there is more to it. Perhaps a momentary madness that overcame him, fear. But now it happened and everyone is trying to pick up the pieces following such a terrible tragedy. What a sad ending to what was believed to be a fairytale love story.
I also want to talk about a dear friend of mine, who is suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitisa, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, in short ME. It breaks my heart to see someone at such a young age having to live with this condition. And I am sure he is not the only one suffering from ME on our little rock, Malta. I feel that there should be more awareness and more explanation given about this condition, which could be so easily misdiagnosed. The majority of ME cases start suddenly, usually accompanied by a "flu-like illness" while a significant proportion of cases begin within several months of severe adverse stress. I want to help raise awareness of ME and wish that all necessary health care and medication is given to each and every person suffering from it. I have read alot about it and recall studying about ME when I was pursuing my studies as physiotherapist some 20 years ago. What I want to say is that people suffering from ME should be given the appropriate treatment, physiotherapy where necessary and assistance they deserve. It is of utter importance to me as it is of many who have relatives or friends suffering from this condition. Kevin, you have my support. Hang on in there ..
I am getting sleepy now and I guess it is time to switch off and have a rest although I need to do some more studying before I hit the sack. I just want to say that my heart goes out to all those who in one way or another are going through their own sufferings, difficulties, sadness and pain. No one deserves to be unhappy. Finally I want to say that those in my heart will remain always there, in my heart.
Goodnight xxx
stef
Why?
I feel I should write a few things that I was told about this week, sometimes we do not realise that we are blessed with good things, we must treasure our health, our children, our loved ones, whether we are in touch with them or not for various reasons ..
I live in Brussels, I often work from home, resumed studying and am glad to say that I have successfully passed exams I have written so far. I go to the gym as often as I can, do rigorous gym routines. I am hard on myself, aside from that I also tend to isolate myself, there are days when I feel the need to be alone even though I am in constant contact with my dearest friends. Having said that I want them to know that I am always there for them, in good and in bad.
Anyhow, this week I learnt of people being abused when young, being physically abused by their partners, then moving on, only to have more of same, cheated by their partners, verbal abuse and so much more. People going through serious illnesses, my age, not knowing if they will live through the end of this year, not knowing if they will be able to see their own children become adults. A mother whose three month old child just died, cot death, she was told. Trying to pick up the pieces of all she has built, thinking her little daughter would grow into a young lady, her princess. Now what ? A young boy, shot by his step-dad fourteen times, miraculously surviving but chances are he may remain a vegetable for the rest of his life.
These are the serious problems of our world. Why so much pain, why so much sadness ? Don't we all deserve a piece of happiness ? That is when I ask myself is there a God ? Why hurt those so innocent around us and let those who thrive in terrorism, violence and vandalism get away with it ? And more often than not they do. Why so much poverty in poverty-stricken countries and Africa and Asia ? Why wars ?
I hear of fathers not bothering to get in touch with their own children. How heartless can they be ? Their own flesh and blood ! How can they dismiss their children as though they meant nothing to them ? I call these people heartless no matter how religious they are. Our children are innocent. They need the love of their father AND their mother, no matter how young or old they are. Mothers who have sacrificed their all to give the best to their children, going through the hardest of times in their own life dedicating their life for their own child.
However, there are fathers who give their children the best they could possibly give them and I know a couple out there who really do and I cannot give a better definition to the term perfect exemplary dad to this respect. Their children are blessed to have such a father in their life. They will always love and treasure their father as they grow older, appreciate the wholesome love and dedication their dad has given them, just like my dad gave me and my sister.
Moving on to other territories, perhaps a bit more delicate. General elections in Malta next month. Some of the Maltese seem to be at war and it is so sad to see that happening. I grew having a particular political view, I grew to want democracy, fairness. I hate corruption, I hate arrogance. I hate greed. Sometimes I lose control and comment but I try to be fair. I try to see the good and bad of both sides, I try to be objective. But, on the other hand I am a hopeless in politics. I cannot stand it anyway. Both sides hurling hurtful comments at each other. It is just all too much.
Aren't there more serious issues in life than just ranting and raving against each other in politics ? Seems not at the moment on our little isle. I cannot wait for all to pass and come what may I hope our little rock will survive every hurdle it will come across.
We are all Maltese, until we are on this earth we must try to control our feelings especially those of anger, because as with all other elections, these will only be put in our history books, but what with our own personal attacks and accusations? We will sadly have to live with them for the rest of our lives .. we must think before we act.
I want to end this by saying that I am forever grateful to my dearest friends Liz, Antonella, Marilyn, Vicky, Manuela and Germaine for always being there for me, in good and in bad. I will love you always. Moreover as I stated on my FB earlier .. Throughout my years I have learnt to fight. Fight for what is right, fight for what I believe in, but most importantly fight for the ones I love, whether I am in touch with them or not. Those dear to me and who will always remain. We must never forget to let them know how much they mean to us and always will ..
Love to all .. stef xxx
I live in Brussels, I often work from home, resumed studying and am glad to say that I have successfully passed exams I have written so far. I go to the gym as often as I can, do rigorous gym routines. I am hard on myself, aside from that I also tend to isolate myself, there are days when I feel the need to be alone even though I am in constant contact with my dearest friends. Having said that I want them to know that I am always there for them, in good and in bad.
Anyhow, this week I learnt of people being abused when young, being physically abused by their partners, then moving on, only to have more of same, cheated by their partners, verbal abuse and so much more. People going through serious illnesses, my age, not knowing if they will live through the end of this year, not knowing if they will be able to see their own children become adults. A mother whose three month old child just died, cot death, she was told. Trying to pick up the pieces of all she has built, thinking her little daughter would grow into a young lady, her princess. Now what ? A young boy, shot by his step-dad fourteen times, miraculously surviving but chances are he may remain a vegetable for the rest of his life.
These are the serious problems of our world. Why so much pain, why so much sadness ? Don't we all deserve a piece of happiness ? That is when I ask myself is there a God ? Why hurt those so innocent around us and let those who thrive in terrorism, violence and vandalism get away with it ? And more often than not they do. Why so much poverty in poverty-stricken countries and Africa and Asia ? Why wars ?
I hear of fathers not bothering to get in touch with their own children. How heartless can they be ? Their own flesh and blood ! How can they dismiss their children as though they meant nothing to them ? I call these people heartless no matter how religious they are. Our children are innocent. They need the love of their father AND their mother, no matter how young or old they are. Mothers who have sacrificed their all to give the best to their children, going through the hardest of times in their own life dedicating their life for their own child.
However, there are fathers who give their children the best they could possibly give them and I know a couple out there who really do and I cannot give a better definition to the term perfect exemplary dad to this respect. Their children are blessed to have such a father in their life. They will always love and treasure their father as they grow older, appreciate the wholesome love and dedication their dad has given them, just like my dad gave me and my sister.
Moving on to other territories, perhaps a bit more delicate. General elections in Malta next month. Some of the Maltese seem to be at war and it is so sad to see that happening. I grew having a particular political view, I grew to want democracy, fairness. I hate corruption, I hate arrogance. I hate greed. Sometimes I lose control and comment but I try to be fair. I try to see the good and bad of both sides, I try to be objective. But, on the other hand I am a hopeless in politics. I cannot stand it anyway. Both sides hurling hurtful comments at each other. It is just all too much.
Aren't there more serious issues in life than just ranting and raving against each other in politics ? Seems not at the moment on our little isle. I cannot wait for all to pass and come what may I hope our little rock will survive every hurdle it will come across.
We are all Maltese, until we are on this earth we must try to control our feelings especially those of anger, because as with all other elections, these will only be put in our history books, but what with our own personal attacks and accusations? We will sadly have to live with them for the rest of our lives .. we must think before we act.
I want to end this by saying that I am forever grateful to my dearest friends Liz, Antonella, Marilyn, Vicky, Manuela and Germaine for always being there for me, in good and in bad. I will love you always. Moreover as I stated on my FB earlier .. Throughout my years I have learnt to fight. Fight for what is right, fight for what I believe in, but most importantly fight for the ones I love, whether I am in touch with them or not. Those dear to me and who will always remain. We must never forget to let them know how much they mean to us and always will ..
Love to all .. stef xxx
Baby fast asleep till favourite song is played ..
I wanted to add this to my blog because I think it so cute and funny. I wanted to share it with everyone not simply those on my FB page because it is worth a view ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjd2wFWDubc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjd2wFWDubc
The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle 
Are you worried?
Do you have many 'what if' thoughts?
Are you identified with your mind, which is projecting itself into an imaginary future situation and creating fear?
There is now way that you can cope with such a situation, because it doesn't exist. It's a mental phantom. You can stop this health and life corroding insanity simply by acknowledging the present moment.
Become aware of your breathing. Feel the air flowing in and out of your body. Feel your inner energy field. All that you can have to deal with, cope with, in real life - as opposed to imaginary mind projections - in this moment. Ask yourself what 'problem' you might have right now, not next year, tomorrow or five minutes from now. What is 'wrong' with this moment? You can always cope with the NOW, but you can never cope with the future - nor do you have to.
The answer, the strength the right action or the resource will be there when you need it, not before, nor after.
Extract taken from 'Mind Strategies for Avoiding the Now'
Are you worried?
Do you have many 'what if' thoughts?
Are you identified with your mind, which is projecting itself into an imaginary future situation and creating fear?
There is now way that you can cope with such a situation, because it doesn't exist. It's a mental phantom. You can stop this health and life corroding insanity simply by acknowledging the present moment.
Become aware of your breathing. Feel the air flowing in and out of your body. Feel your inner energy field. All that you can have to deal with, cope with, in real life - as opposed to imaginary mind projections - in this moment. Ask yourself what 'problem' you might have right now, not next year, tomorrow or five minutes from now. What is 'wrong' with this moment? You can always cope with the NOW, but you can never cope with the future - nor do you have to.
The answer, the strength the right action or the resource will be there when you need it, not before, nor after.
Extract taken from 'Mind Strategies for Avoiding the Now'
Love, that of the true kind .. 
I haven't had much time to sit and write this week, particularly because I was quite busy and taken up with various commitments. Two things happened to me that were special in their own little ways this week. I had an overwhelming amount of likes on a photo on my FB photography page, which I have posted on this blog, together with a wonderful Rieki session performed on me by Vanessa Leleu, who has also become a very dear friend to me. If anyone reading this email living in Brussels would like to have a good Reiki session please send me an email on stefmizzi26@gmail.com and will be more than happy to pass on her details.
During my Reiki session, which was my third (and badly needed) session, I was told I needed lots to work on, my liver, my heart, my mind, but I prefer to keep the rest of the details private. Strange as it may sound, it left me with a sense of serenity, peace. It was an exhausting session, this morning I had no energy to even get out of bed. All I want is for those dear to me to be happy, something I always wished for them and forever will. Those dear to me will always remain so, dear. No matter how far or close they are or whether they are in touch with me or not. Nothing will ever change how I feel, what I think.
Although I am only in my 40's I feel that life has taught me a great deal. Last year was a turning point and a particular issue threw me. But I have since forgiven, albeit not forgotten, the harm and pain it caused me and those involved. It is past now and one learns from their errs. I never knew I could have fallen so low but in doing so I learnt. And I learnt a lot, and the hard way. If one does not learn from his/her mistakes then they are not worthy of being given that one last chance to be trusted ever again.
Humans sometimes tend to think with their hearts, well, I think most women do, but we should also think with our minds. Before we take any drastic decisions we must put circumstances before our feelings. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and choices which do not always depend on us. This does not mean we must cease to love those who have been dear to us, who will forever remain in the depths of our hearts. NEVER. It is a matter of understanding a situation and learning to live with it and accept it. For the good of those around us who depend wholly on us, who depend on our love. Hard as it may sound this is the reality of life and I have, through circumstances, learnt to live with it.
Few may understand what I am trying to say. It does not mean it makes you love that person or persons special to you any less, oh no, but if you really care for them, you only wish them the best and stand by them making sure that they are happy and that nothing will ever come in their way of their own loves or passions. Even if it means complete silence. That, to me is true love, absolute love.
Real love lasts a lifetime, and, trust me, it is true.
stef
I haven't had much time to sit and write this week, particularly because I was quite busy and taken up with various commitments. Two things happened to me that were special in their own little ways this week. I had an overwhelming amount of likes on a photo on my FB photography page, which I have posted on this blog, together with a wonderful Rieki session performed on me by Vanessa Leleu, who has also become a very dear friend to me. If anyone reading this email living in Brussels would like to have a good Reiki session please send me an email on stefmizzi26@gmail.com and will be more than happy to pass on her details.
During my Reiki session, which was my third (and badly needed) session, I was told I needed lots to work on, my liver, my heart, my mind, but I prefer to keep the rest of the details private. Strange as it may sound, it left me with a sense of serenity, peace. It was an exhausting session, this morning I had no energy to even get out of bed. All I want is for those dear to me to be happy, something I always wished for them and forever will. Those dear to me will always remain so, dear. No matter how far or close they are or whether they are in touch with me or not. Nothing will ever change how I feel, what I think.
Although I am only in my 40's I feel that life has taught me a great deal. Last year was a turning point and a particular issue threw me. But I have since forgiven, albeit not forgotten, the harm and pain it caused me and those involved. It is past now and one learns from their errs. I never knew I could have fallen so low but in doing so I learnt. And I learnt a lot, and the hard way. If one does not learn from his/her mistakes then they are not worthy of being given that one last chance to be trusted ever again.
Humans sometimes tend to think with their hearts, well, I think most women do, but we should also think with our minds. Before we take any drastic decisions we must put circumstances before our feelings. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and choices which do not always depend on us. This does not mean we must cease to love those who have been dear to us, who will forever remain in the depths of our hearts. NEVER. It is a matter of understanding a situation and learning to live with it and accept it. For the good of those around us who depend wholly on us, who depend on our love. Hard as it may sound this is the reality of life and I have, through circumstances, learnt to live with it.
Few may understand what I am trying to say. It does not mean it makes you love that person or persons special to you any less, oh no, but if you really care for them, you only wish them the best and stand by them making sure that they are happy and that nothing will ever come in their way of their own loves or passions. Even if it means complete silence. That, to me is true love, absolute love.
Real love lasts a lifetime, and, trust me, it is true.
stef
Destination - Le Mont Saint Michel, France 
Imagine a whole village built on a hilltop … imagine a whole village surrounded by water and quicksand at high tide … imagine a tiny rocky islet about 1 km in diameter visited by 1,500,000 tourists per year… Welcome to Mont-St-Michel.
Surrounded by sea, jutting defiantly above glistening sands, Mont St Michel is one of the most enchanting sights in France. It is located on the north coast of France, near the border of Brittany and Normandy, and is home to centuries of tradition. Perched on the isle of Tombelaine in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides this Gothic-style Benedictine abbey is dedicated to the archangel St. Michael. With its rich and influential history, and glorious architecture that combine to make it one of the most magnificent of all abbeys of France it is of no surprise that it has been called ‘The Wonder of the Western World’.
The isle, accessible by land at low tide, is also linked to the mainland by a causeway (built in 1879). Before it was built, the only approach to the Mont was on foot. When the tide is out, it is separated from the mainland by approximately one kilometre of sand. Due to its uniqueness the Mont is recognized from miles away, each angle is so different that a 360-degree tour is required and a detailed insight to the history of Mont St Michel is certainly a must.
One of the most spectacular features that makes this site look so fairylike both during the day and at night is the tide. Normally the difference between high tide and low tide varies from a few centimetres to several metres. The exceptional range of the tides in the bay of Mont St Michel is mainly due to its geographical position. The difference between these tides can be as much as 15 metres. They rise and fall with the lunar calendar and can reach speeds of 10km/h in spring. When the sun, earth and moon are aligned, a phenomenon takes place which provokes extremely strong tides, or spring tides. This is particularly evident during the spring and autumn equinox and more spectacularly so at times of the new and full moon. On the other hand, when the sun and the moon are at right angles to the earth, the gravitational pull of these two celestial bodies is in contrast and the range of the tides is much smaller. All this sounds like fiction, but is very much scientific fact!
Its historical events date back to as early as 708, when, legend has it that a dream led St. Aubert, then bishop of Avranches, to built a shrine in honour of St. Michael on the island, then known as Mont Tombe. In 966, the Duke of Normandy entrusted the sanctuary to the care of the Benedictine monks who in turn built a magnificent abbey. In the 11th and 12th centuries, a Romanesque monastery was constructed with the church on the top of the hill. A part of this abbey burned down in 1204 and was replaced by the famous "La Merveille" (The Miracle), a building often regarded as the jewel of the abbey’s architecture. From the middle of the 13th century to the beginning of the 16th century, the monks completed the ring around the church constructing the abbot's residence and buildings to house the abbey's legal and administrative services. During the Hundred Years' War the construction of fortified walls with imposing towers was undertaken. The abbey is thus an exceptional example of the full range of medieval architecture. In 1790, the monks left their monastery which was then used as a prison until 1863. In 1874 the abbey was declared a historical monument and was then restored to its former splendour. The belfry, spire and statue of St. Michael were added in 1895.
Upon entering the fortified city through Porte Bauole, a gate in the ramparts added in 1590, one finds oneself in the Grand Rue, the city’s main street now crowded with restaurants, souvenir shops and a few small hotels. A pilgrim’s route from as early as the 12th century, the street is steep, winding its way up and around the Mont, finally reaching the abbey gates.
The Abbey is a feast of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The present buildings bear witness to the time when the abbey served both as a Benedictine monastery and as a political prison for 73 years after the French Revolution. The highlights of the abbey include the 13th century monastery (La Merveille), the Refectory, the Knights’ Room, the Cloisters and, of course, the Church.
Built in the early decades of the year 1000 the Romanesque church was constructed on the island’s highest point. The nave, whose structure is covered with a wood-panelled lined vault, is divided in seven identical bays, separated by the half-columns engaged in the walls and rising jet-like from the ground to the top of the wall. Each bay is divided in three levels in which large archways give way to aisles lighted by tall windows.
The Romanesque choir, which collapsed in 1421 was rebuilt after the Hundred Years War and today one can admire a very homogeneous ensemble in the purest style of the flamboyant Gothic.
The Cloister, situated at the top of the Merveille, comprises a covered gallery surrounding an open-air garden. This gallery provided communication between various buildings and was a place of prayer and meditation. Built during the early 13th century, it gives access to the refectory, church, dormitory and to various stairways. The garden we admire today was built during the restoration of 1965.
In the Refectory, or dining hall, the monks took their meals in silence whilst one of them gave a reading from the pulpit on the southern wall. Located on the 3rd floor of the Merveille, just above the Guest Hall, it is a long narrow hall with light flooding through the tall windows, each framed within an arch supported by two columns that offer a perspective of closed space.
The Guest’s Hall beneath the refectory was a princely hall, decorated with paintings, stained-glass windows and tiles, missing today, and was designed for receiving royalty and nobility. It was originally equipped with a fireplace, two great hoods to prepare meals, and a small chapel in the southern wall.
The Knight’s Room is located on the second floor of the Merveille and is illuminated by large round bay windows, placed high up. It was originally equipped with all the necessities to face the hard climate of the place, its two large fireplaces, direct access to the Cloister and the Refectory. This hall, divided by columns, was the work and study room of the monks.
On an outcrop of rock is the small 15th century chapel dedicated to St Aubert. At high tide this chapel is isolated by water. With its wealth in history, Mont Saint Michel erases boundaries between the imaginary and the real. It is open all year, day and night.
Rising up from an indefinable point in the sand and waves, Mont Saint Michel appears like a human challenge to the elements and time. Perched on its summit, the abbey is an invitation to come and discover its builders' wild inspiration - one which has driven so many to make this isolated place a universal meeting point for many years. From up here, everything comes as a surprise: the amazing feats of medieval architecture, the power of nature, the light ... everything.
No one can remain indifferent to this edifice. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the abbey of Mont Saint Michel is one of those ‘must-visit’ destinations in any traveller’s books.
Imagine a whole village built on a hilltop … imagine a whole village surrounded by water and quicksand at high tide … imagine a tiny rocky islet about 1 km in diameter visited by 1,500,000 tourists per year… Welcome to Mont-St-Michel.
Surrounded by sea, jutting defiantly above glistening sands, Mont St Michel is one of the most enchanting sights in France. It is located on the north coast of France, near the border of Brittany and Normandy, and is home to centuries of tradition. Perched on the isle of Tombelaine in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides this Gothic-style Benedictine abbey is dedicated to the archangel St. Michael. With its rich and influential history, and glorious architecture that combine to make it one of the most magnificent of all abbeys of France it is of no surprise that it has been called ‘The Wonder of the Western World’.
The isle, accessible by land at low tide, is also linked to the mainland by a causeway (built in 1879). Before it was built, the only approach to the Mont was on foot. When the tide is out, it is separated from the mainland by approximately one kilometre of sand. Due to its uniqueness the Mont is recognized from miles away, each angle is so different that a 360-degree tour is required and a detailed insight to the history of Mont St Michel is certainly a must.
One of the most spectacular features that makes this site look so fairylike both during the day and at night is the tide. Normally the difference between high tide and low tide varies from a few centimetres to several metres. The exceptional range of the tides in the bay of Mont St Michel is mainly due to its geographical position. The difference between these tides can be as much as 15 metres. They rise and fall with the lunar calendar and can reach speeds of 10km/h in spring. When the sun, earth and moon are aligned, a phenomenon takes place which provokes extremely strong tides, or spring tides. This is particularly evident during the spring and autumn equinox and more spectacularly so at times of the new and full moon. On the other hand, when the sun and the moon are at right angles to the earth, the gravitational pull of these two celestial bodies is in contrast and the range of the tides is much smaller. All this sounds like fiction, but is very much scientific fact!
Its historical events date back to as early as 708, when, legend has it that a dream led St. Aubert, then bishop of Avranches, to built a shrine in honour of St. Michael on the island, then known as Mont Tombe. In 966, the Duke of Normandy entrusted the sanctuary to the care of the Benedictine monks who in turn built a magnificent abbey. In the 11th and 12th centuries, a Romanesque monastery was constructed with the church on the top of the hill. A part of this abbey burned down in 1204 and was replaced by the famous "La Merveille" (The Miracle), a building often regarded as the jewel of the abbey’s architecture. From the middle of the 13th century to the beginning of the 16th century, the monks completed the ring around the church constructing the abbot's residence and buildings to house the abbey's legal and administrative services. During the Hundred Years' War the construction of fortified walls with imposing towers was undertaken. The abbey is thus an exceptional example of the full range of medieval architecture. In 1790, the monks left their monastery which was then used as a prison until 1863. In 1874 the abbey was declared a historical monument and was then restored to its former splendour. The belfry, spire and statue of St. Michael were added in 1895.
Upon entering the fortified city through Porte Bauole, a gate in the ramparts added in 1590, one finds oneself in the Grand Rue, the city’s main street now crowded with restaurants, souvenir shops and a few small hotels. A pilgrim’s route from as early as the 12th century, the street is steep, winding its way up and around the Mont, finally reaching the abbey gates.
The Abbey is a feast of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The present buildings bear witness to the time when the abbey served both as a Benedictine monastery and as a political prison for 73 years after the French Revolution. The highlights of the abbey include the 13th century monastery (La Merveille), the Refectory, the Knights’ Room, the Cloisters and, of course, the Church.
Built in the early decades of the year 1000 the Romanesque church was constructed on the island’s highest point. The nave, whose structure is covered with a wood-panelled lined vault, is divided in seven identical bays, separated by the half-columns engaged in the walls and rising jet-like from the ground to the top of the wall. Each bay is divided in three levels in which large archways give way to aisles lighted by tall windows.
The Romanesque choir, which collapsed in 1421 was rebuilt after the Hundred Years War and today one can admire a very homogeneous ensemble in the purest style of the flamboyant Gothic.
The Cloister, situated at the top of the Merveille, comprises a covered gallery surrounding an open-air garden. This gallery provided communication between various buildings and was a place of prayer and meditation. Built during the early 13th century, it gives access to the refectory, church, dormitory and to various stairways. The garden we admire today was built during the restoration of 1965.
In the Refectory, or dining hall, the monks took their meals in silence whilst one of them gave a reading from the pulpit on the southern wall. Located on the 3rd floor of the Merveille, just above the Guest Hall, it is a long narrow hall with light flooding through the tall windows, each framed within an arch supported by two columns that offer a perspective of closed space.
The Guest’s Hall beneath the refectory was a princely hall, decorated with paintings, stained-glass windows and tiles, missing today, and was designed for receiving royalty and nobility. It was originally equipped with a fireplace, two great hoods to prepare meals, and a small chapel in the southern wall.
The Knight’s Room is located on the second floor of the Merveille and is illuminated by large round bay windows, placed high up. It was originally equipped with all the necessities to face the hard climate of the place, its two large fireplaces, direct access to the Cloister and the Refectory. This hall, divided by columns, was the work and study room of the monks.
On an outcrop of rock is the small 15th century chapel dedicated to St Aubert. At high tide this chapel is isolated by water. With its wealth in history, Mont Saint Michel erases boundaries between the imaginary and the real. It is open all year, day and night.
Rising up from an indefinable point in the sand and waves, Mont Saint Michel appears like a human challenge to the elements and time. Perched on its summit, the abbey is an invitation to come and discover its builders' wild inspiration - one which has driven so many to make this isolated place a universal meeting point for many years. From up here, everything comes as a surprise: the amazing feats of medieval architecture, the power of nature, the light ... everything.
No one can remain indifferent to this edifice. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the abbey of Mont Saint Michel is one of those ‘must-visit’ destinations in any traveller’s books.