Holiday Like a Film Star in Malta

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Holiday Like a Film Star in Malta

The Mediterranean island of Malta is perhaps best known for its historical magnificence, fantastic cuisine, exhilarating activities, and favourable climate. Did you know that this diminutive and delightful destination has also provided the backdrop for numerous film and television productions?

In fact, Hollywood blockbusters shot on the island include World War Z, The Da Vinci Code, and Gladiator. This means that world-renowned A-list stars such as Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, and Russell Crowe have all experienced the enticing attributes of Malta.

Come here on vacation and you too can feel like these movie stars by visiting the following movie locations.

1. Mdina

This fortified city featuring buildings that date from the 12th century and was at one time the capital of the Malta. The square and side streets around St Paul’s Cathedral were used for a carnival scene in the Count of Monte Cristo. Mdina also made an appearance in Cutthroat Island and the TV opera film The Death of Klinghoffer

2. Fort St Elmo, Valetta

Both Cutthroat Island and the Count of Monte Cristo also took advantage of Malta’s modern-day capital Valetta and its 16th-century Fort St Elmo. The espionage drama A Different Loyalty starring Sharon Stone used this location to replicate a Beirut street market too.

3. Xatt ir-Risq, Vittoriosa

It is little surprise to hear that this idyllic stretch of waterfront has been used for both contemporary and period movies which required an unspoilt harbour-side location. Although Xatt ir-Risq doubled for 1870s Genoa in the BBC TV drama Daniel Deronda, its most high-profile visitor was Madonna in the romantic comedy Swept Away.

4. Azure Window, Gozo

The second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, Gozo should be yet another essential itinerary item regardless of whether you are seeking out movie locations. But one of its most popular attractions, the 100-metre high natural arch known as the Azure Window, has appeared in Clash of the Titans and the TV series Game of Thrones.

5. Ramla Bay, Gozo

Most of the time, the beautiful beach at Ramla Bay in Gozo is a peaceful and tranquil retreat. But in the BBC biographical drama Byron, this was the setting for a flaming funeral pyre of the poet Shelley.

6. Blue Lagoon, Comino

With a permanent population of only four residents, Comino is one of the smaller Maltese islands. However, the stunning water of its Blue Lagoon inlet was the location for a spearfishing scene in the mini-series Helen of Troy.

Malta has an abundance of attractions and activities – and if you are a movie buff you are spoilt for choice!

Images by Giorgos V, SarahTz, Britrob, Ben124 and sky_hlv used under Creative Commons License.

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What to wear when you are backpacking

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What to wear when you are backpacking

We've all been there. You're getting ready for your long awaited trip, take a look at your closet and are at a total loss as to what to take on your backpacking adventure. Don't worry, here is our guide to the esential items to take on your trip.

1. Scarf

A scarf is such a versatile piece of clothing that you really cannot be without. It can shield you from the cold winds and act as an umbrella during light rain. It is also the perfect blanket if you are taking a night train or bus.

2. Shorts

If you are travelling during the summer, temperatures can be extremely high, especially in some European countries like Italy. So dress lightly to avoid the heat. However, if visiting a church happens to appear on your itinerary, you might want to check for a dress code first, as some of them require you to cover your shoulders and knees.

3. Tights

Temperatures can vary from morning to night. It can be super chilly in the morning and at night while extremely hot during the day. So for the ladies a pair of tights is the perfect solution to shield your legs if the temperatures drop. They are also light and compact- great for your backpack!

4. Sunglasses

Spending all day out in the sun exploring a new country can take its toll on your eyes. It is essential to always carrry around a pair of sunnies with you to protect your them from harmful ultra violet rays.

5. Daypack

Besides your big haversack, you need a daypack to put in the things that you will need to for your day activities, such as a waterbottle and food. Choose a backpack as it will leave you hands-free to do other things.

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

 

What to read next: 5 of the Easiest Ways to Meet Natives Abroad

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5 of the Easiest Ways to Meet Natives Abroad

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5 of the Easiest Ways to Meet Natives Abroad

We all know about the importance of travel and how it helps us become well-rounded human beings. But can you really have a culturally enriching experience just by visiting monuments and museums?

We strongly feel that a country’s soul is carried in the heart of its people, and the only way to discover this is to meet and interact with locals. This is of course easier said than done, but after reading our top tips you will be well on your way to making the most of your trips abroad.

  1. Meetup Groups

Not only can this help you meet a country’s local community, but you’ll find people who have the same interests as you. With over 9000 groups to choose from around the world there are so many different activities you can experience at the click of a mouse.

 

  1. Tours with Natives

Locals will always want to show you the very best of their country, so it’s a great idea to let them show you around! Plus they are more likely to know off-the-beaten-track attractions that you won’t find in your guidebook. What’s more, lots of companies like Discover Walks offer tours for free! Their “Walk Paris With a Native” is a great way to see a country first-hand, through the eyes of the people that live there.

  1. Live with a local

You couldn’t get to know a native more intimately than if you lived with one. As you do not normally get invited to someone’s house after a first meeting it is very rare that you will ever see the inside of a local’s home while travelling. However AirBnB often have the option to stay in accommodation where the host is still living there.

 

  1. Learn the language

As Nelson Mandela said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” The best way to connect to a local is to try and speak their language. Even just a few sentences. There are lots of great apps and guidebooks out there to pick up some local lingo, or you could just try learning through immersion!

 

  1. Eat the native cuisine with local people

The most fun way to experience a culture is definitely to taste it! No one makes a national dish better than locals. Visiting the sites that tell the tales of history, roaming the streets and eating in eateries and restaurants along the way can tell a lot about a city, but this merely grazes the edges of the local community. What better way to immerse yourself than to bond over a hearty home-cooked meal, coupled with the taste of home?

Image Credits: 1|2|3|4|5|

 

 

Travel Guide to Milan: 6 Things to Do in the City

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Travel Guide to Milan: 6 Things to Do in the City

Trendy Milan, welll-known for fashion, luxury brands and commerce, draws a sizable crowd of eager visitors who arrive at the city for shopping. But even as you gather a shopping list and make grand plans for your retail therapy fix in this city, do set aside time to visit some of its spectacular monuments and travel sites!

1. Duomo  

It is impossible to miss this iconic cathedral when in Milan. The Duomo is the city's most recognisable building, and one of the largest Gothic-style cathedrals in the world. Apart from exploring the interiors of the Duomo, visitors can also take an elevator ride to the roof to enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you have plenty of time to spare and care for a workout, take the tougher way out by opting to climb the stairs to the rooftop. Just make sure that you are donning comfortable footwear, as the surface of the steps are not even throughout! 

[MILAN-BEST-RISOTTO https://www.bonappetour.com/barbara-bs/classical-milanese-evening-in-a-peaceful-home-in-navigli]
 

2. Santa Maria delle Grazie

A central work of Renaissance architecture, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is better known for housing the renowned fresco, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper", situated in the refectory of the church. If you wish to see Da Vinci's masterpiece, do book tickets in advance as queues to see the painting are long, and only a fixed number of visitors allowed to see the painting at a time. Each visitor is allowed a viewing time lasting a mere fifteen mintures, so if you get the opportunity to this masterpiece, be sure to make the most of your time spent admiring the work of art!

3. Piazza Fontana

Situated close to the Duomo, the Piazza Fontana is a site that houses a beautiful fountain and plenty of benches. In 1969, the site was attacked by terrorists, resulting in the death of 17 people, and a total of 88 injured. Today, the piazza offers an oasis of calm for those seeking respite from the crowds. Ideal for locals and holidaymakerskeen on spending a quiet afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of Milan's attractions. 

4. Castello Sforzesco 

Discover the history of Milan at Castello Sforzesco, home to several of the city's museums, libraries and art collections. Following Italian unification in 1861, the castle was on the verge of demolition, but the city council was persuaded by architect Luca Beltrami to preserve the historical site. Here, you may view the Pieta Ronadanini, Michelangelo's final, unfinished sculpture, as well as other works that he created. There are also exhibits of masterpieces by renowned artiests such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Andrea Mantegna and Bramantino. 

5. Parco Sempione 

A large city park in Milan, Parco Sempione is located just beside Castello Sforzeco, and houses the arco della pace, which was meant to be an emblem of Napolean's triumph in Italy. During the warmer months in the year, the park serves as a popular spot for the locals to enjoy picnics and recreational activities. It is also common to find locals basking under the sunlight and lying upon the grass. Even when temperatures start to dip, visitors can still venture here to enjoy quiet and leisurely walks away from the busy bustle of the city.

6. Dine with the Locals

Eat like a local by dining with the Milanese in their homes! Tuck into a sumptuous three-course dinner with Alessandra, or enjoy dinner and a fun-filled tour of the city with Federica. Local hosts will happily alter the menu to suit the tastes and dietary restrictions of diners, so be sure to state your dining preferences during the booking process. 

 

Image Credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

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