DISCOVER GOZO

Carnival in Gozo

Last week was carnival week – a feast with huge importance in the Maltese cultural calendar!

The rather traditional carnival celebrations in Gozo mainly take place in the capital Victoria as well as Nadur. Colourful carnival floats made up papier-mâché in such huge proportions that you find yourself wondering how their ingenious makers get all the little details right!

Carnival in Nadur 2010

But by nightfall Nadur transforms and becomes an enormous crowd-puller, with its by now famous “spontaneous carnival”.  A little advice: avoid visiting on the Saturday – there’s hardly space to breathe, leave alone move; Sunday and Monday will be just fine!

Revellers in their tens of thousands (!) from near and far roam through the streets, and there are no rules as to what to wear; you don’t even have to dress up at all. The village becomes a stage of the weird and wonderful, many participants transforming themselves with amazing imagination, often not giving away who is behind the masquerade.  Here are a few impressions of what there was to see at the carnival in Nadur in 2010:

I’ve also put together a small video that includes the above and many more:

Prinjolata, Malta’s carnival sweet

Prinjola = stone-pine tree
Prinjol-ata = of pine nuts

A few weeks before carnival, the local carnival sweet starts appearing in the shelves of sweets shops and supermarkets around the islands. It is a very sweet and rich kind of cake, which I’m always looking forward to; you just won’t find it at any other time of the year! It is instantly recognisable by its peculiar shape…

Are you interested in what actually goes into it – or even make one yourself? Then have a look at this prinjolata recipe!

Carnival in Gozo 2011

Maybe (what am I saying… hopefully!) this post has started you thinking about coming to Gozo to see the craziness of our carnival for yourself? The dates of next year’s carnival are from 4th until 8th March 2011 – so close to spring that it will make for a perfect extended weekend break away from northern Europe’s winter! And why not spoil yourself a little and complement the merrymaking in Nadur with a relaxing stay at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz? A little tip: bookmark the special offers page!

And the winner is…

Gozo – the magnificent winter hideaway

Last but not least, here is the post by Lianne Debono, participant in the blog competition of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and contender for the prize of a weekend break. Stay tuned for the prize draw!

Gozo – the magnificent city

Visiting Gozo, even if for a short stay, is like a breath of fresh air.

For me the best time to visit Gozo is in winter when everywhere is very peaceful and quiet, so quiet that you can almost hear a pin drop while relaxing in some of the many countryside spots. Gozo is adorned with many must-see historical sites, and one of my favourite things to do in Gozo is going for a long walk and stopping by some of these places every now and then.

As for my favourite town in Gozo, it is the sleepy village of San Lawrenz and the surrounding countryside.

But all in all a visit to Gozo is always splendid, and a different experience awaits you every time you visit, no matter how rare or frequent a visitor you are.

Going to Gozo: vacation within a vacation

Post by Michael Carøe Andersen, participant in the blog competition of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and contender for the prize of a weekend break:

Two years ago I met my girlfriend from Malta and thanks to her I have now visited these Mediterranean gems five times, a treat every time. Whenever my girlfriend comes across a map of Europe she always has to check if Malta is there – and sadly sometimes it’s not. Like a precious stone it can seem tiny almost hidden until you get closer and then you will notice its beauty in the detail.

Stepping off the plane in Malta I am usually met by a warm breeze and it always puts a big smile on my pale Northerner’s face. Spending time on the main island of Malta is great. There is the hustle and bustle of Valletta, with museums, sights, cafes and restaurants. Malta is where a lot of things happen and where my girlfriend’s friends and family is. We visit aunts and uncles – usually over delicious meals made with fresh produce, we meet friends and help out at home. Malta is densely populated and my girlfriend has a big family so it can be quite busy. And this is where Gozo come in. It’s the vacation in the vacation.

Usually we head up to Gozo for a day or two in the middle of the stay in Malta. It starts on the ferry across the straight that separates Gozo from Malta. The boat ride across takes about an hour and is a perfect interlude for putting the mind at ease and slow down a notch.

Last time I crossed it was when we went to Gozo to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It was an almost clear evening with just a dash of clouds on the horizon – enough to give the sunset a beautiful golden glare. There was a fresh breeze but the sea was calm so it was great standing on the deck as the boat made its way.

Approaching Gozo you are met by the silhouette of Mgarr, the ferry town of Gozo that is winding its way up the rock from the port to the towering belfry of Ghajnsielem’s Parish Church.

As soon as you start moving into Gozo you can feel the difference from Malta. There are fewer people, it is greener and quieter. That is how it feels to me. More relaxed, more rural and more friendly. It is like the water between Gozo and Malta has kept parts of the frenzy of modern European life at an arm’s length and things here are more like they have been in a long time.

I enjoy the fact that Gozo is small enough that you can walk most places. Although small, once you go to the countryside you will feel that you are alone on the island while taking in the facets of this gem; the saltpans, the golden beaches and the lush green valleys.

Getting back from Gozo I always feel refreshed and relaxed. Ready to enjoy another round of friends, family and good food.

Looking forward to retiring in Gozo, too!

Post by Dee’s husband Michael Owen, participant in the blog competition of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and contender for the prize of a weekend break (photos added by us):

Visiting Gozo and the big island was one of the best holidays ever. Even though it took three days to get there from Panama, Central America, and considerable cash, it was well worth the trip. Having rented a car, we were able to explore the whole island and take in the breathtaking views and buildings.

We rented a third floor flat in Marsalforn and it served as a good base to explore. The bay and coastline were incredible. A little windy but this only made for spectacular wave action crashing against the rocks and depositing salt in the pans.

We watched a local band performing down at the seafront and they were as good as any we had heard in the past. (Maybe with the exception of Pink Floyd.)

The people of Gozo are so friendly and helpful giving good advice and directions when we got just a little lost (kind of hard to do). We met Gozo Mark and attended a huge boot sale. The rest of the time just visiting churches, landmarks and just about every tourist attraction.

We hope to return soon and experience a different time of year to give us an idea of what to expect when we finally re-locate to Malta.

Looking forward to retiring… in Gozo

Post by Dee Owen, participant in the blog competition of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and contender for the prize of a weekend break (photo added by us):

I have only had the privilege of visiting Gozo once, that was in September of 2008. The trip to Malta and Gozo was my first and I fell in love with both islands. Although, Gozo was my favorite. The journey to Malta, from my current home, took three days. Every day and hour of that stressful trip, it’s really no fun to travel now, was worth it.

Marsalforn was the place that my husband and I stayed. We had a rental car and explored the whole Island. Probably went places that the average tourist wouldn’t, off-road both by vehicle and foot.

We went to Gozo to see if it was a place we could live, enjoy retirement but still be active. Yes, it met all of those criteria. Each village or area has its own charm and uniqueness. The beauty and diversity of the sea, the hills, rocks makes you want to never leave. We will be back…very soon.

Memories of Gozo

Post by Giselle Farrugia, participant in the blog competition of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and contender for the prize of a weekend break (photos added by us):

Gozo in my thoughts has always been a place of escape. When I was younger we used to come to Gozo during summer and it was a good thing to look forward to. We used to rent an apartment at Qbajjar near Marsalforn. Well actually we used to rent almost the whole block of flats as we spent this holiday of ours with another three to four families. The time we used to spend there was not always of the same duration, but it was always a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks and sometimes more.

Everyday was a dream during our summers in Gozo. Apart from having a lot of cousins and other kids to play with, even our parents’ moods were much better as they used to allow us kids to do many more things than when we were back in Malta. Gozo reminds me also of our first flirts which are normally experienced at the early years of a teenage kid.

Nowadays it’s a little different because almost all of the kids that experienced Gozo with us at that time are married and/or with kids so such an adventure most of the times would not be possible. Having said that however, I still enjoy Gozo today. On the contrary to when I was younger, today I actually prefer Gozo much more in Winter. It is much quieter, and enjoying the breathtaking views it offers during winter days, helps in transforming a sense of total relaxation and well being. I call it the a natural healer as it makes you forget the day-to-day worries, simply like magic.

On various occasions I had the thought to buy an apartment in Gozo but that would of course be during my last stage in life, and hopefully to spend a great time after my retirement. Since I’m 32 I’m afraid its still too far away for now, so for the time being I will continue enjoying Gozo in winter and renting a farmhouse in summertime. This way I will be sure to enjoy this magical island 360 degrees all year round.

I have tons more to say on Gozo but I’m afraid my write up would be too long so I need to stop. Well done for choosing such a good subject. Gozo is in my heart and having sea separating it from Malta, makes it more unique because I don’t think I would have enjoyed it this much if it was sticking to Malta. Gozitans are lucky… Gozo is simply magical.

From Qbajjar over Zebbug to Rabat

Post by Ann Fenech, participant in the blog competition of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and contender for the prize of a weekend break (photos added by us):

Living abroad, I cannot make it there as often as I would like. However, I still make sure to skip over to Gozo whenever I am visiting the islands.

Spring in Gozo is particularly gorgeous… particularly the peace and quiet away from the summer crowds. The season is also perfect for walking. My favourite trek is from Qbajjar, where my aunt has an apartment at our disposal.

From then on to Zebbug by walking along the coast and up a (steep, steep!) hill – but there are so many good vantage points on the land beneath you that no one will mind stopping for ‘a few photos’ on the way

And then on to Rabat, approaching the Citadel from behind. What wonderful views! From the blue sea and saltpans, to green landscapes with people working in their fields and on to the majestic limestone bastions of Citadel rising in front of you: a veritable kaleidoscope of colours that will truly soothe your senses.

By the end of the trek you definitely deserve some pastizzi (ricotta is my favourite ) and a refreshing bottle of Kinnie (beer wouldn’t go amiss either). After a relaxing sit-down watching life go by you in some tiny bar or other, the last leg of the journey is a trip back home on one of the iconic grey and red buses.

The question should not be what I like about Gozo, but why ever don’t I spend more time there!

A handsome young man named Charlie…

Hey there! The guys at Sales & Marketing thought if I live for free in a five-star luxury resort, then I should at least give my two cents’ worth to Discover Gozo. So I guess that’s what I’m going to do today, lest they put a stop to the culinary deliveries that come my way every so often. And let’s face it: I really don’t have much else to do now, do I?

Oops, where are my manners? Totally forgot to introduce myself. Well, I’m Charlie. At least that’s what they call me at home; sometimes I’m baptized all over again by nice people who visit the hotel. Honestly, I’ve lost track how many names I have under my belt by now!

I am a permanent resident in the gardens of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, and boy, was I glad they didn’t kick me out with the last departures when they closed down the place a few days after New Year’s. On the other hand, when they started tearing the spa apart, things got so scary that I made off for a couple of weeks. I’m not sure you humans know this, but January is Valentine’s month for us felines, so the timing for my vacation was rather convenient!

Obviously, Gozo being what it is, I didn’t have to travel all too far to arrive in peaceful and quiet venues for my romantic tête-à-têtes with the girls. You just follow the road that circles the hotel grounds, then continue either left or right. This time I took the right fork and within minutes the hammering, sawing and generator noises subsided. That road eventually leads to Santa Lucija and Kercem, and if you are equipped with four legs and an extremely good sense of balance you can even criss-cross the fields and head down for Dwejra. OK, I can see that’s hardly your thing, so let’s just stay on the beaten track and take in the beauty of the countryside…

The road also passes by a huge quarry; that’s where they cut all those perfectly shaped blocks of limestone, which most houses in Gozo are built of. Mind you, personally I find that place a bit intimidating too, but the ready cut blocks waiting to be loaded onto lorries are a somewhat fascinating sight to behold.

Time flies when you’re having fun… and so a couple of weeks ago my holiday came to an end and I returned home. The place was still pretty much messed up, but they had made good progress with the works. It’s a good thing they didn’t touch the garden: it is still quite peaceful there, even too quiet at times.

I’m really glad the hotel opens again next week and starts filling up with people once more. I miss all the cuddles and treats that are usually forthcoming from human girlfriends on vacation. Alright, alright, I’ll be honest. Tanja and Nicole do take some time out from their busy schedules, to keep me happy and well-fed; even Sabine has paid me a couple of visits with her paparazzi equipment (she does cuddles, but never brings me food – someone ought to give her a hint!!). But the empty spaces are just plain boring and a little lonely; I’m really looking forward to some action!

By the way, there’s a little video of me on the Kempinski’s Facebook page!