Malta at Eastertide

My husband and I have just returned from two weeks in Malta and for a change this letter is in praise of the island. It seems that quite a number of people read my letters to you and I must admit I usually write with either unfavourable comments or to give unsolicited advice.

Malta over Easter looked and felt beautiful. The weather was right, the colourful countryside and the beautiful flowered verges which abound around the island made it look absolutely wonderful. And then there was the religious pageantry. We attended all the church and outside festivities in Rabat and everything was done with majestic decorum.

No wonder everybody was saying "Your beautiful island". Does that not make people feel proud to be Maltese and to actually preen oneself and say "I am one of them"?

My last praise and heartfelt thanks must go to Mellieha. Mellieha always comes up trumps in cleanliness and tidiness. You arrive in Mellieha and you know you are on holiday.

But what about the amazing International Brass Band Festival? It was absolutely first class and the organisation of the whole five-day event was so professional. All the bands were excellent and highly entertaining and the local bands La Victoria and Imperial were superb. Three cheers to the organisers and the sponsors and we look forward to the next festival. It is worth travelling from the UK to attend this event.

There was a good feeling about the island in spite of all the mutters of the locals. Somebody somewhere is touching the right key on the Maltese computer. Long may this last and I look forward to writing more letters with this feel good factor in them.

Regards to all my friends who read what I have to say and I hope to see you very soon.