Things Maltese

Abstract

The Maltese Islands, one minute - Comino, one small - Gozo, and one, the largest - Malta (17 x 9 miles), cluster in the middle of a historic blue sea and cloudless sky, Man has certainly existed here from the immemorial. Over the centuries, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the best of Europe through the Knights of St. John, the French and the British have all come and gone, influencing our architecture, language and way of life and making Malta all the richer for it. Yet over these long, long years we have retained our character, traditions and crafts - we have stayed Maltese, a nation, different and interesting, Visitors show delighted surprise at our houses, our food, our history: it is the greatest compliment they could pass us - they are acknowledging it all. The People, ordinary simple people all over the Islands, cherish their heritage in every form and their wishes must be sacred to whatever government is in power. [excerpt]