A Place in the Sun

Today I reminisced about my maritime law course, completed almost one year ago at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), in Malta. This Institute is the brainchild of the International Maritime Organisation , an internationl organisation that brings states and other entities together in the interests of Safer Shipping on Cleaner Oceans. The motto of IMLI is 'Serving the Rule of International Maritime Law', which IMLI graduates vow to observe upon successfully recieving their LL.M. after one competitive year spent studying some of the major conventions and traditions in maritime law. Maritime Law has roots in ancient history, and has developed over time to become the very large and interesting subject it is today. The year spent at IMLI taught me cultural tolerance and has given me friends from all over the world. the Tuition is also vast and I think I've never enjoyed studying anything as much as this. We were also given the opportunity to network with people of

Recently I was browsing through some photos and came across pics of the Easter Camp spent in Oliveri, Northern Sicily - not far from Messina - by 'we' I mean St Michael School Scouts Group. The scenery is simply stunning and much can be found to explore on this lovely island full of historic places, a combination of hills and beaches. Oliveri is a camping / touristic zone not far from Messina. During the summer it tends to be busy, but during Easter - which is when we went - it is rather quiet, which I tend to prefer. Not far from Oliveri is the ancient village of Tindari, which lies on a hill top. Legend has it that a ship was wrecked close to this high village, and the Madonna aboard the vessel was a black Madonna (no political incorrectness intended). Until then there had been disputes as to the Madonna's skin colour, and the Madonna in this church is supposed to be the same one that was found on the wrecked ship. To explain, this hilltop village is no more than half an

I hear lots of complaints about public transport in Malta, but really it's not that bad any more. The only problem is the lack of direct services, but then again, when they are implemented, it takes a while for them to become commonly used. For example, Bus Route 65 which commutes between Sliema and Mdina via Naxxar and San Gwann is nowadays well used, but I do remember when it was first put in place - people took time to become aware of the service. Another problematic factor is the close proximity with humanity. One does not always feel inclined to sit next to another person that might randomly begin to chat - about the weather, politics or even their personal life. Yet again, others really have no option but to use this means of transport. While the Park & Ride Scheme is quite useful, and the new Controlled Vehicle Access means that one often finds parking, I still find that public transport beats them all. Park & Ride is very convenient - but only for those entering Val