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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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11 Unique Japanese Snacks

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11 Unique Japanese Snacks

1. Otoko Kaoru

While this might look like a normal chewing gum at the first glance, I can assure you that it is not. This gum has the function of making your sweat smells like rose after consumption. If you are going on a date and worry about body smell, pop one of these in your mouth!

2. Curry Lemonade

This is not something for the weak stomached. A lemon and curry flavoured drink…We do not know who came up with this combination, but it might just be the worst in the world. 

3. Diet Water

This might be suitable for people who literally can get fat from drinking water. There is hope guys.

4. Tamagogani

Forget the usual cinema snacks of chips or popcorn…Why not try these crunchy dried little hermit crabs? They are preserved in their natural foam, fried and then seasoned. Delicious.

5. Wasp Crackers

The only good thing about this snack is that the wasps are definitely dead when they are put into these crackers so they will not sting you. Still, kudos to those who are willing to give this a try, think of the extra protein intake! 

6. Ice Cucumber Pepsi

This might be a product produced to combat the hot weather in Japan during summer. However judging from the colour, it looks just like a regular mint flavoured drink.

7. Syringe candies

Many hospitals are making their medicine taste more like candies so that children would not hate them. However, it seems to be the reverse in this case. Candy jellos are made into syringe shapes. Not sure this would appeal to the children when they see the needle.

8. Bust Up Gum

This might be especially suitable for ladies who are less well endowed. This gum claims that they can make your breasts fuller and firmer. Other added benefits that come with this are thicker and stronger nails.

9. Chocolate Coated Ika

Ika are squids and, as the name suggests, they have been generously coated with chocolate. Although lets not give the Jpanese all the credit for unique snacks…The French also have chocolate coated ants. 

10. Grilled Lamb Flavoured Caramel Sweets

If you are stuck at work and feels extremely hungry, you might want to try this out. The grilled lamb flavoured caramels might fill up your empty stomach. The sweetness of the caramel can almost pass off as the sweetness that comes from grilled lamb.

11. Grilled Corn Kit Kat

We all know that the Kit Kat comes in so many flavours that it is almost uncountable. This is just one of them. Grilled corn flavour together with wafer and chocolate, a strange combination indeed.

What crazy snacks have you heard of? Let us know in the comment section below! 

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 

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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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