Summer of '69 in 2007...Special Thanks To Cynthia!

So many people had been talking about the Bryan Adams concert since it was revealed that the great rock star (who sings a lot of sad songs) was coming to Malta.

At first I was interested in going to the concert, however as the concert drew closer I was less and less interested in attending the concert. The problem I found was that judging on som eprevious concerts in Malta, the organisation was not too good. Therefore, I decided to skip the Bryan Adams concert.

I must admit however, that as the concert began at Luxol, second thoughts came up and I was a bit sorry I didn't go. But thank God, the alternative plan for the night was exceptional...I met Paul, Brian, Ruth and Francesca and we drank the night away at exiles :)

Afterwards...it was off to Paceville and we met Cynthia and Elaine who were still extatic about the concert. Cynthia couldn't stop explaining the thrill as Mr. Adams started to sing Summer of '69. She also sent some pictures to share with people who read this blog:















Ahh...what a summer!!! The Summer of '07. Am really gonna miss you guys :(

Song of the Day:

Summer of '

Promising the Unpromisable - Parole, Parole, Parole!

Another general election is on its way in Malta and once again politicans have started their electoral campaign speeches. Some boasting with what has been achieved by Malta in the past years, whilst others once again promising a 'heaven on earth' for our islands.

Whilst the Nationalist government can boast of its achievements and successes throughout the past 20 years of governance (less 22 months between 1996 and 1998), the Labour opposition is once again promising various promises, as was done prior to the 1996 election without stating how these heavenly results would be achieved. How credible is that?

Shockingly, those who wathced Bondi+ a couple of weeks ago could watch the Labour leader once again promising the removal of a tax. Funnily, should this have been not so serious, this tax that Alfred promised to remove does not even exist. Alfred stated that a 'new' labour government would remove amongst others VAT on Education. Doesn't the labour leader know that Educational services are exempt from VAT? Is he now also promising the unpromisable? No wonder that he never says how, or in what way he will achieve the results he promises.

For all those who didn't watch the TVM programme, here is a recording of the part in which Alfred promised the unpromisable...Taghzel Labour? - L-Ghazla F'idejk!

Video thanks to Jurgen Cassar:



Song of the day:

Heat Wave + Beach = Sunburn! - Wake Me Up When September Ends

Ok...i know..I am always saying how much I hate Summer and the sun..and what do I end up doing...goign to the beach and get sun burnt..I can't believe how stupid i can be at times!

Basically, I wok eup at 11am and found a message from Stefana saying that Marsim and herself were going to Golden Bay (picture), and they invited me to go with them...by the time I had woken up they had already arrived...so I decided to prepare things quickly and go next to them.



The day was very hot, a heat wave was over Malta and the temperature at about 14:00 hrs was about 40 degrees celcius (in the shade). In total we spent 3 hours at the beach (12:00 - 15:00 - the worse hours for heat) and by the end I looked like a lobster.

Can't wait for the end of Summer - Wake me up when September Ends!

Warning: USE PROTECTION 24/7!

Song of the day:

Let's Party!

It's over..the mission has been accomplished..B. European Studies (hons.) is now officially the past!

The last exam was last Thursday and what have I been upto since?? Drinking, Partying, Swimming, Partying, Drinking and more drinking!! OMG Its time to party.

The best day of my life was last Thursday...had barely any sleep the night before..went to exam which started at 8am (I am sure there is a clause somewhere in the human rights charter)...and then off to exiles with most of the class...What a day!!

Started drinking at 10:30, stayed at exiles till 17:30 (taking care of someone for 4 hrs)...but it still was the best time of my life! Amazing great etc etc....Thanks guys and gals for a great time!!

Here are some pics from the day:

















Song of the day:

Back To The Books - The Final Countdown!

The holidays preview session has ended. After having had a break of two weeks from studying it was back to the books from today...the last exam is now fastly approaching, on Thursday morning the whole third year class in European Studies at the University of Malta will be meeting for the last time at UOM as we sit for Economics of European Integration.

Going to the Univeristy of Malta for the last time has a lot of meaning for me. It gives a mixture of feelings...hapiness and sadness!

Obviously I am happy for sucessfully completing my studies in a highly interesting area, European Studies. In the meantime, knowing that these 3 years have been amongst the best years of my life, I know that I will miss every single second of the past three years...All the adventures, all the laughs,all my newly made friends and also will miss the stress parts (exam periods), which although being stressful give a feeling of unity between us all.

Hmmmmm....what can I say...I know that in the future I will look back at my days at UOM in nostalgia...and will always recommend a UOM experience to everyone and obviously would recommend the course I read, European Studies.

A special thanks goes to all my friends at Uni, the extra-efficient and helpfull staff at EDRC, and of course my lecturers Profs. Xuereb, Profs. Pace and especially Mark Harwood, who was also my tutor and mentor during the past year.

And the song of the day:

Festival Kanzunetta Indipendenza 2007

I was this year again called to be a judge at the first stage of the Festival Indipendenza to choose the 20 finalists for the actual night. It is always a nice experience to see what Malta has to offer in music, and it is also nice to see the Maltese language used in different music genres.

I must say that this year I was surprised at the level of the songs. A definite positive improvement could be seen this year and this will definately reflect in a great festival.

For all of those who don't know, Festival Kanzunetta Indipendenza is Malta's second largest festival, after MSFE, and is also the most important Maltese language song festival. The final night will be held on 18 September on the Granaries in Floriana and will also be transmitted LIVE on NET TV.

Visit ESCMALTA.com for a list of the 20 finalists.

In the meantime...here is the song of the day..last year's winner:

Once In A Lifetime

Yesterday night I had the time of my life. Had planned to go out to watcha movie or else to go for a drink...anyways at the end we decided to go for wine at Gigi's and afterwards to Paceville.

Wine was fantastic, so were the dips which I had promised my self not to have any before we went but as usual promises are made to be broken, and so they were once again.

After Gigi's we went to Paceville and found nearly everywhere empty. We decided to go in for a drink at Coconut since there was a live band paying and at least there was somekind of action and low and behold we find Marsim there...and as usual with Marsim with us, we had a great time, involving also a lot of alcohol...really enjoyed..one should always have fun to the max as if it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to do so.

Another once in a lifetime thing going on at the moment, which is also taking a lot of my time, is planning the holiday I want to have this Summer. It is common for many to spend a Summer of travelling after their degree, and I realised that it is true. This is the only Summer in my life that I can spend travelling. It's a once in a life time opportunity.

So...I found a European map and started seeing which region i should travel through. In total I can spend from the 26 June till the 28 July on the trip...not too long, but not too short either. Since then I have to spend all August in Brussels doing a course in French prior to starting my Masters in Brugge.

So far the possible countries are: Belgium (have to start from their due to a conference), Luxembourg, France, Spain, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Ireland.

The thing is I have a lot of friends in many of these countries and don;t want to disappoint any. Hmmm what route shall I take? Any tips?

Song of the day:

Holy Fools

Some say that Malta is too Catholic...even more Catholic than Vatican city its self. Could be very true!

Last Sunday Pope Benedict whateva declared the first Maltese person as a saint...his name is Dun Gorg something. Apparantly, although Dun Gorg had passed away for quite a while (40 years), he managed to heal a young boy, a few years ago, from a chronic condition. This happened through a picture of the said Dun Gorg that the boy held on to in hospital. The boy nowadays is alive and healthy.

All throughout this week Malta became full of flags of the Vatican city, as well as Maltese flags, and pictures of this Dun Gorg have been put hanging out in various balconies all across the island.

But the most shocking thing I saw was yesterday....the bishop of Malta Paul something, the Bishop of Gozo (whose name i don't know) and the ex-Maltese bishop Mercieca, holding blood samples from Gorgie and a street full of people queing up in Valletta's main road (Republic street) to kiss the blood.

Shocking! Are they now adoring Gorgie instead of Christ?

I mean I left the Roman Catholic church when I was 13 years old (many here find it shocking) but these are the actual reasons I left the church for. Although they say it is Christ's church, they end up adoring every other saint and whoever, instead of God the Almighty.

Strange isn't it?

Now the biggest thing will be held on Saturday, according to some friends I was discussing this with. On Saturday an open air mass will be held at the Granaries in Floriana, where everyone will get the chance to adore Gorg.

Oh my God! Holy Fools do exist after all. I remembe I really had enjoyed Joanne Harris' book entitled Holy Fools. For those of you who don't know her, she is the same author from Chocolat. She is one of my favourite authors..u should read her books!

Anyway...better go and get ready...no I will not go to an adoration ceremony..I will be meeting Maria and another friend Roderick. We will either go to the cinema to watch the latest in Captain Jack Sparrow's trilogy or else go out for a drink!!

Till tomorrow...God Bless ya saints!

Absolutely Fabulous!

Ok ok...i know that I have been saying how much I don't like Summer and how Winter and cold weather are ideal for me...but today was absolutely fabulous! What's better than spending an afternoon at exiles, having lunch and a glass of wine?

I spent my whole life hating exiles...mostly cause I grew up having to spend every single day and night of my Summer at exiles. Afterwards, I worked there every Summer...but this year its different. I am on the other side of the bar, and believe me it is Ab Fab!

Today I woke up late and decided to go down to exiles again, but this time during the day. The nice breeze complemented the sun and made the place perfect for a nice day out...chatting with friends...nice plate of pasta...white wine...and a nice book...once again, Ab Fab!

So..if any of you want to come by and spend some nice time during the day with me and other friends...just pop down at exiles, will be there every day for the next weeks.

Song of the day:

Everyone Loves Mr. Harwood!

One week after sitting for the exam in Political Dyanmics, we already have the results. Everyone loves Mr. Harwood for being so fast and efficient in every single thing he does when it comes to University.

In fact I was really glad when I was told that Mark, as we now call him between ourselves, was to be my tutor during the writing of my dissertation. Anyways, I had chosen the subject with him in mind as tutor. Looking back I am really thankful for all his help and support and for always being there when in need. (Thanks also for the high grades throughout the past 3 years).

Anyways the first result came out today. Paul sent me an SMS saying that the reuslts were out. I was with Maria in the car on our way to her house, and cause of all the excitement we decided to stop at University, since that was the closest place with internet access to where we were.

My grades lately have become really predictable...B+ in most subject. Yes, I admit, it is a very nice and good grade, however it is just 2 marks short of an A. Why on earth would a lecturer give a 78?? 78 and has become my most common mark during this three year course. The same goes with the mark 74...why give 74 and not 75??

Well..I think it is better to be happy with 78 cause I don't think that any of the next results will be as good, since this was my favourite subject and the one I felt I did best in...we'll have to wait and see.

Song of the day:

Sous La Pluie...I feel Happy!

The weather is going bezerk...but its just the way I love it...its the perfect way to start my Summer holidays: sous la pluie (beneath the rain)...I feel happy!

I am all the time complaining about how much I hate Malta's Summer with high temperatures, a high UV index and the scorching red hot sun...but this year mother nature decided to give me a small gift..rain and cool weather in June. I only hope it will remain like this for the next three weeks, untill I get to leave for Brussels.


But wait...I switched on Euronews this morning and what I saw shocked me...temperature in Moscow 32 deg, Bucharest 32 deg, Helsinki 33deg, Stockholm 30 deg...Please not this Summer...I want to go abroad to escape from Malta's heat not go to an even warmer place.

I guess it is true...all this is the result of global warming: sun and hot teperatures in the North, rain and cooler temperatures in the South...its all gone mad.

The worse thing about the situation is that although it is called global warming, there isn't a global effort to reduce it. I find appalling the way that the United States' government is handling the situation. America one of the biggest polluters and one of the most countries that harms the environment is not a signatory to the Kyoto protocol, which amogst its aims has the reduction of greenhouse (CO2) emmissions.

Well, is the US still only concerned with military security? Can't the Americans as yet realise that in today's world, might and military strength are not the only solutions to the current global problems? Threats have changed and so has security...the US needs to realise that the world has evolved by 17 years since 1990...why are they still stuck in the Cold war era?

Anways...it was a perfect day for me to go out for a drive in the rain...never on earth did I think that the rain was going to end up being an enormous tempest with floods all over the island. Well I guess we are not that equipped for this type of weather.

Song of the day:


Laugh of the day: Window at Callilope in Baystreet dispaying the price - NECKLESS Lm 3.50

Tick-Tock Tick-Tock

I can't remember the last day when I had nothing to do...hmm...it must be quite a long time ago...months, if not even more than a year.

Studies, work and Eurovision take up nearly all of my time, everyday! But after spending a crazy 6 month period of studying, attending lectures (not all of them!), writing my dissertation, following Eurovision for escmalta.com and for Lejn Il-Eurovision on NET TV, and after finishing a stressful exam period...this was my first day of freedom.

I had been waiting for this day for soooooooo long. There were so many nice things I wanted to do instead of studying all day long in the past months, but now that I actually had the time to do them, I ended up feeling lost and not knowing where to start from.

To sum it all up, I spent the whole day staring...staring at this monitor...more staring at the books....staring at monitor......staring at nothing...until I decided to update this blog, go for a jog, have a shower and go out.

Am not used to be in positions where I have nothing to do...Maria always tells me that I do not know how to relax, and I think she is right..how does one learn how to relax? I need some kind of activity all the time...if you have got any tips on what I could do for some entertainment, just leave a comment!

In the meantime..this is the song of the day...

Ding-Dong...Wake up!

Blogs...I always loved the concept behind them and always wanted to start my own blog, but till one gets pen to paper (or in this case, create an account), time goes by and the realisation that whatever had to be done, was not done, makes you procrastinate even further.

Anyways, a few weeks ago I decided (together with a friend of mine, Maria, who you will hear a lot about in the coming days) to start the blog on the 2nd June, after finishing the final exams of the last year at Uni to keep each other informed about our whereabouts, since all of us will now be going in different directions. So finally ding-dong...I woke up, I had to keep a promise, right?

And ding-dong it was this morning too...OH MY GOD!..i had my last exam (apart form another one after a long break in 2 weeks time) and after having spent the past 17 days with barely any sleep in Malta, and another 2 weeks before that with no sleep during Eurovision in Finland, i finally managed to over sleep. It was the wrong day to do so!

Last night I spent the whole night studying French verbs and vocabulary to try and get a good grade in my French exam, which is only an opitional but which could ruin or save the year's final average mark..anyways I crept into bed at 4am (together with Maria) and put the alarm on for 6am...no need to say I slept like a baby.....5am...6am...7am...8am...9am...9.15am...and the phone starts to ring...obviousy I thought it was my alarm ringtone going off..but no!...it was a call from a classmate, Andrew and I'm like "Heeeloooo?"...he says "Are you coming?"...I'm like "obviously!..What time is it?"...and Andrew replied "Time for the exam to start"..."Fuck! coming now!"

So i started screaming, woke Maria up, told her it was time, and we all flew all around the house to get ready and leave for the exam without any revising.

We managed ot arrive in class by 9:35, 20 minutes late, Sandy (the French teacher) gave us an annoyed stare and told us that we had missed our oral comprehension and we could now not do it...so 10 marks already lost (goodbye average mark saver!!)...and then started the written part of the exam which was supposed to consume 40 minutes and it was the exact time we had till the end of the exam. The paper was difficult and because we were still startled we even found it more difficult.

Anyway...enough with moaning about exams...it is over..finally the holidays are here...oh what a year!...studying, exams, thesis writing, more exams..and finally the much awaited holidays!

After all this hard work I am really looking forward to a summer of travelling, laziness and reading books which have nothing to do with the European Union or Politics (the areas I am studying)...and what is the best way to start holidays.....a drive..lunch..some sleep...and party tonight at Ryan's and Sabor!

P.S - A big thanks to all those special people in my class...they all know who they are..they made my 3 years at uni an unforgettable experience!!