Monday 29 December 2008

"MALTA"

It was a three hour smooth flight to MALTA. Upon arriving to the country, you see different types of people, houses,roads, types of transportation ,currency, trees (plenty of palm trees)etc...Basically, its a completely different culture all together. "Malta is a sundrenched island that sits in the heart of the mediterranean sea, with a wealth of history waiting to be explored." (More of the history below) Its so much different compared to England. It is warmer there this time of the year. Although we were not able to get into the blue water, we did the boat tour and enjoyed the scenery. If you happened to see the movie "TROY" or "GLADIATOR" both movies were filmed in MALTA among many other. It is just unbelievable how houses are built on top of the rocks. Getting on the public transportation (Buses) was quit an experience. It reminds me of the Philippines. It is so bumpy...but accessible. Buses runs every ten minutes. In fact we were not expecting to get anywhere on christmas day because we thought everything would be closed. But Many Thanks to Malta public Transportation Department, the buses were running and some of the restaurants in downtown "SLIEMA" were opened. We had a taste of some of the finest "MALTESE" meals.
Do you want to know more...CATS...are everywhere here in Malta. Maltese people love cats. Even in the hotel we stayed at there were cats around the area...Meowwww!
Right across from the hotel are the island of Gozo and Camino. We did not get a chance to cross over because I got sick on our last day. But we saw the outside of it from a distance and from what I've heard it's really not a lot to do but snorking and swimming, which is not the time for swimming. Although, we got a chance to get in the hotel pool and both Ashley and Katie had a blast especially in the spa. (See more exciting pictures below)


"HISTORY"
Contributing Editor: Martin Debattista
Contributors:Sonia Attard, Peter Prictoe, Joseph Vella, Alexander Borg

The Maltese Islands are a group of small, barren rocks, jutting out of the middle of the dark blue Mediterranean sea. In these conditions, they would have been relegated to the footnotes of history. Yet, ever since the archipelago was first colonised thousands of years ago, they have never been far from the centre of events and have often played a crucial role in the making of history. Their strategic situation in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea makes up for all the lack of resources that nature endowed the rest of the globe. Malta, the largest island, and her sister islands of Gozo, Comino, Filfla and other very small islands, are strategically placed in the narrow channel joining the eastern and the western basins of the Mediterranean. Or if you like, a bridge between Southern Europe and North Africa, or between Western Europe and the Middle East. This had landed the Maltese Islands right in the middle of the most important historic events: the wars between Rome and Carthage, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the wars between Christians and Moslems, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the fight for democracy against Fascism and Nazism, the Cold War, the rise of a United Europe and the challenges of the Third Millennium.














More Pictures:







The hotel had a Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration. Luckily, they were able to accomodate us because this dinner was by reservation only. Considering we just arrived that day, we actually had a good time. We met some family who are also visiting from Germany




Katie is drinking Taquila Sunrise?




Ashley and Katie at the dinner with their cheesy smiles!


Ashley and Katie in the spa!


























"BIG 20th CELEBRATON"

Can you guess who this child is?
Ashley at 21/2



and at 20!

(still loves Hello Kitty)
What does that make me??? Don't even wanna talk about it!

December 23, 1988, when Ashley was born. It feels like it was just yesterday when Ashley was the "BIG 2" still crying in my arms. NOW, she is the "BIG 20" and still crying in my arms...:) We celebrated Ashley's birthday by cooking some of her favorite Thai food; roasted duck, pad thai and brussel sprouts. It was the first time I cooked a roasted duck and it turned out pretty good. Rodney, Katie and Ashley enjoyed the meal. We even had a bottle of wine. Needless to say I was drunk. Unfortunately, when it came down to a surprise cake, Rodney and I could not find a lighter. Rodney even went to the next door neighbor to borrow one, but no one was home. So, Rodney took the chocolate cake in the dining room and we had a make believe light on the candle and Ashley blew the candles out and made her wish.

Soon after dinner, we all gathered in the living room to open christmas presents. I know, you are wondering why are you opening presents two days away from christmas? Well, the next day we are off to MALTA....
'HAPPY 20th BIRTHDDAY BABY GIRL"
WE LOVE YOU!!!

Sunday 21 December 2008

"X-Factor"/American Idol

I cannot beleive that I am watching "X-Factor." Yes, X-Factor is just like "American Idol" in the US. I never watched American Idol in the states, but now i am hooked on this show. It is still produced by Simon Cowell and American Idol is supposed to be modeled after this show. And I love it. When we go out on Saturdays, I make sure we are back on time I can't even go anywhere on a Saturday night because I have to stay and watch this show. I am so proud of the winner Alexandra Burke. Here is her cover of "Hallelujah" and also her duet with Beyonce!!







Monday 8 December 2008

Month of "December"

Just like every year, we tend to get excited when December comes. Commercialism normally advertises in every news paper. But, will it be the same this year in spite of the economic crisis? With the number of properties being repossesed, Department stores are filing for bankruptcy and job layoffs are drastically increasing, but do you think this will stop consumers???

CHRISTMAS is celebrated around the world. Some are excited because "Christmas" is right around the corner. But often we ask "Why" do we cebrate and "HOW" do we celebrate "Christmas.? For many, christmas is being celebrated with their families and friends, exchanging gifts, and having a moments of "Peace, Joy and Love." WHERE do we fit in???? Well, As I was acustomed to say, "Christmas is Everyday." Although, we do things that we can only do during Christmas time e.g. decorate the house with ornaments.

Well this year for the first time after so many years, I decided to put up a "pre-lit christmas tree" and a few decorations on top of the fire place. It actually looks nice and feels like home. As a tradition, our family travels every year during this holiday. This year is no exception. Our destination this time around is Malta.
Where is Malta? Malta is in Europe and located South West of the italian island of Sicily. It is North of the African continent and sits in the Mediterranean sea. The island is about 315 sq. km.
Well so much about the history, I will be able to share more after we come back from the trip.
Enjoy your holidays!
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