Browsed by
Author: John

Rabbit Stew, Pastizzi and the Malteaser

Rabbit Stew, Pastizzi and the Malteaser

Comments 0 Comment

The cuisine of Malta shows heavy influence from Sicilian and English cuisine, as well as Spanish, French, North African and Arabic cuisines. Malta’s strategic location and history have contributed to the forming of a multi-faceted and delicious array of interesting dishes. It was as a reaction to a hunting ban by the Knights of St. John, that rabbit became so popular, and likewise, the predominance of pork in the cuisine was a reaction to the non Christian powers that ruled…

Read More Read More

Caves, Ruins, Domes and Sparkling Waters – What to do in Malta

Caves, Ruins, Domes and Sparkling Waters – What to do in Malta

Comments 0 Comment

With 7,000 years of history, the most perfect climate and highest number of sunny days in Europe, English as one of the official languages and incredible cities, towns, beaches and nightlife, it is no wonder that Malta is a popular tourist destination.  UNESCO’s world heritage website calls the capital city Valletta – the smallest in Europe, by the way – “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. Valletta Lets do a quick tour and start with Valletta….

Read More Read More

The Knights of St. John

The Knights of St. John

Comments 0 Comment

Between the years 1530 and 1598, Malta was under the governance of the Roman Catholic Order of St. John.  This order, which has been called by many names as a result of the many changes and developments in its history, came into existence all the way back in the 11th century. The original purpose of the Order was to tend to sick pilgrims visiting the holy city of Jerusalem. On February 15th, 1113, the Order was officially named the Hopitallers…

Read More Read More

A Short History of Malta

A Short History of Malta

Comments 0 Comment

Malta has such a fascinating history. It seems that nearly everybody in Europe either controlled or tried to control this strategic archipelago in the Mediterranean.  Part of the fascination of this place is experiencing the numerous influences in the language, the architecture, customs and culture. The story of Malta goes way, way back. Remains of pottery from the stone age indicate that the Sicani, the oldest inhabitants of Sicily made their way to the islands around 5200 BC. By 3500…

Read More Read More

Malta

Malta

Comments 0 Comment

  This month I am so excited to explore the fascinating island of Malta. The Republic of Malta is actually an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and includes three populated islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino. These islands have a long and intriguing history dating back to around 5,000 BC. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, Sicilians, Spanish, French and British, among others (!) have ruled or invaded these small islands. Malta is an island…

Read More Read More

Slow food, Nanaimo Bars and the Victoria Sour – Vancouver Island Food and Drink

Slow food, Nanaimo Bars and the Victoria Sour – Vancouver Island Food and Drink

Comments 0 Comment

  Vancouver Island is a dream destination for food and wine lovers. In 2006, Saveur Magazine bestowed the island with the title of ‘new epicurean mecca of the west coast’. There is no short supply of farms and farmer’s markets, fresh seafood, restaurants and culinary schools.  The wines produced at the many island wineries have received rave reviews and the slow food movement has gained a strong footing with farm to table meals offered by rural farmhouses to upscale city…

Read More Read More

Victoria, British Columbia – A Little Piece of England

Victoria, British Columbia – A Little Piece of England

Comments 0 Comment

  Known as “The Garden City”, as well as the “City of Newly Weds and Nearly Deads” due to it’s parks, gardens, large number of young couples and seniors, Victoria, named after Queen Victoria, has been described as a ‘piece of England’.  It is equidistant (60 miles) from the city of Vancouver on the British Columbia mainland and from Seattle in the state of Washington, with regular ferry and air service to and from each city.  Victoria is one of…

Read More Read More

Vancouver Island Attractions – The Parks, Trails and Islands

Vancouver Island Attractions – The Parks, Trails and Islands

Comments 0 Comment

Whether you arrive by ferry or by plane, Vancouver Island promises an amazing escape for anyone who appreciates the peace and wonder of nature, the leisurely pace of quaint fishing ports or the adventure of hiking, kayaking, skiing, exploring and camping in the mountainous provincial parks.  Vancouver Island, known by locals as ‘The Island’ is the very definition of escape for many of us. The Provincial Parks The largest provincial park on the island is Strathcona Provincial Park, established in…

Read More Read More

History of Vancouver Island

History of Vancouver Island

Comments 0 Comment

Vancouver Island has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for at least 8,000 years. There are many totem poles and longhouses on the island erected and built by members of three basic First Nation groups, the Kwakiutl, or Kwakwaka’wakw, who inhabit the northern and northwestern parts of the island, the Nootka, or Nuu-cha-nulth, found on the west coast, and the Coast Salish, a grouping of several smaller tribes, who reside on the south and southeastern part of Vancouver Island, as well…

Read More Read More

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island

Comments 0 Comment

This month we return to the Northern Hemisphere and visit Vancouver Island.  Located off the Pacific Coast of Canada, it is separated from British Columbia by the Strait of Georgia, and separated from the US state of Washington by the Juan de Fuca Strait.  Located partially south of the 49th parallel, Vancouver Island and it’s smaller neighboring islands have one of the warmest climates in Canada. Although the island shares a name in common with the city of Vancouver, the…

Read More Read More