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Showing posts from April, 2008

BirdLife reports attack on birdwatcher's car

BirdLife reports attack on birdwatcher's car

Another visit to Sicily - with a purpose

Some time last week I was asked to join on a trip to Sicily in order to acquire a boat. This is a pretty 21-foot Solcio, a boat that is now a classic as it is no longer being manufactured, and is extremely ideal for Maltese waters because of her shape. She is still in very good nick, and we're looking forward to having her registered. Sicily was as lovely as ever, th0ugh it rained quite a lot. We also had some extremely windy spells while we were there. We stayed in San Nicola L'Arena, having driven up from Pozzallo. We rented a small house complete with a locked drive-in and back garden. Very pretty, and very Mediterranean. This served as a much-needed break for us, especially because, being unexpected, we did not have to plan beforehand. Watch this space for pictures later ...

Bank charges and all that

I like to use internet banking to transfer funds between different bank accounts - in different banks too. I recently was disappointed to discover that certain local banks have introduced quite a hefty charge for transfers to other local banks. What a whole load of baloney! This will of course reduce the use of internet banking in favour of cheques - thereby increase use of ATM's, lengthen queues, etc. Moreover it is unfair on the consumer. A person receiving salaries by direct credit has to open a bank account in the same bank as the payor - i.e. his employer - or pay the banking charges himself / herself! People transferring money on a personal basis will also have to follow this procedure. What a way to stifle innovation in Malta !