A Place in the Sun

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...