Simone writes:

I live in a small village called Wardija, in Maltese the name implies the flowery place. It is typical rural Maltese countryside with very few buildings. Indeed its natural surroundings make it unique. The houses and villas some dating from the 17th century all reflect a quiet lifestyle and nothing has changed much since the early inhabitants made it their home.

I sometimes hesitate to call it a village as villages tend to have a centre with a community that evolves around them. In this respect Wardija has not evolved, it remained rural. It has no centre but it has always been its tranquility and natural aspect that built forth the old and new homes we see today. Some are gorgeous hunting lodges that were built in the past still owned and lived in by local aristocracy.

I’m not aristocratic and my home is not palatial but it is typical and rooted in tradition. If you ever happen to visit my home you would probably have to enter through the back gate as most likely I would be pottering around the garden. I tend to become oblivious to everything when I ‘m around my plants.

Itinerary 2:

A day in Wardija

We will start our day with a coffee and some typical Maltese biscuits or biskutini (if you re lucky they would have just come out of the oven). I must say I like to cook and as any Maltese, I also like to entertain my guests.

A walk would be next on the list so ideally walking shoes would be a better option, the terrain is rural and it does get wet and muddy during the short winters. I would of course show you some of the natural scenery that Wardija has to offer whilst also various stops to admire some lovely chapels along the route.

Chances are that we`ll meet Dr.Mario a local pensioner and avid walker. I always stop and have a little chat about the state of affairs on the island; or we’ll meet Sam, a next door neighbor on his daily walk. He has the only olive press in Wardija and that’s were I press my olives when in harvest. My family owns some land and dad has around 250 olive trees. It is customary to have our own olive oil which I might add is excellent. In fact when we get back home I will serve you crusty bread dipped in Aquilina Olive oil together with olives in brine and sun dried tomatoes, all made by myself.

At a certain time it would be quite possible to involve you in the preparation for these products. This truly can be a relaxing and fun experience. (I say depending because if you manage to visit during the 4th week of August we also have our local festa (local chapel feast) in Wardija but that merits an itinerary on its own.)

On the way back we’d stop at Gianna’s house. Again talk would be part of the day as would be buying local produce. I buy all my vegetables from Gianna including her fantastic goats’ cheese.

A typical lunch would be home made ravioli made with these cheeses and parmesan cheese. Depending on the weather – fortunate for us the Malta weather is very dependable – we’d have lunch in the garden.

Early afternoon, my two boys would be back from school. On certain occasions I like to take them out. Whether it’s the old capital Mdina or the more vibrant modern parts of the island, the choice is most of the time in their hands. They come with me to antique shops in places like Rabat or local art galleries as well as cinemas fun parks and well stuff that kids really like.

Mdina is a short walk away from Rabat and it’s always nice to wander round the narrow alleys and indeed the feel of medieval times is still very strong, everywhere. The threat in Mdina is a fantastic chocolate cake at one of the best cafes in Europe. Fontanella tea rooms are situated on the bastions of this old capital. It is a must to get a table outside with a great view. You’ll know what I mean if you see it and order a thick and creamy hot chocolate together with a huge slab of dark chocolate cake.

Do you like fish? I buy my fish from St.Paul’s Bay at Connie’s to be exact, my local fish shop. This will be our next stop after Mdina. In the evening I will treat you to what Connie or Saviour would have kept for me from their daily catch. You cannot get fresher then this. Steak fish such as swordfish or Grouper for the boys and perhaps a small rock fish for me depending on the day’s catch.

A stop at Veccja wine bar for an aperitif overlooking St.Paul’s islands is a feast for the eyes. Off we go to have dinner at my house.

Itinerary 3:

Burgia & Valetta

Today, around 9am I shall come and pick you up from your hotel as I need to go down to the market at Birgu. This will take around 40 minutes by car. Birgu is one of the 3 cities and I love to wander round the stalls of this huge market and haggle for things which I need and sometimes don’t need. I am trying to find a couple of brass candlesticks and I might be lucky in finding them here. If not around 11am we will drive up to Valletta, the capital and have a wonder there. There are a couple of good antique shops in old Bakery Street which always have amazing and extraordinary objects.

But before we’ll stop at Café Cordina, the oldest and chicest coffee shop on the island. Censina will be at the till so the first thing she will ask me is” how are the boys, they re growing into fine young men yes? “The next greeting will be to the patron himself if he’s in, John, an old friend.

When I’m in Valletta I always like to lose myself in this great fortress, a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen as Lord Byron once remarked. These days the city as it is affectionately called has its fair share of gentleness but it’s the ladies that mostly do the shopping.

I love walking around and discovering new architectural gems such as niches or balustrades which would have gone past me unnoticed on other days. One walk along the winding streets will always take me to Ta’ Giezu church. I might sit there for a couple of minutes, light a candle and just to soak in the serenity of the place. Churches do have a calming effect whether one is a believer or not.

For lunch we can go to the British hotel, David and Rita are good friends and their food is wholesome family cooking. Plus it is served overlooking a wonderful view of the Grand Harbour. You’ll understand what the Grand stands for when you see it.

Before leaving Valletta I love to visit St. James Cavalier, the centre for art and creativity just to have a look at the art exhibition.

Before we finish off our day I think an aperitif in one of the cafés in Sliema would be in order. Just watch the world go by and enjoy the sunset; there is bound to be somebody you know and if you’re a visitor the meets and greets can become contagious.