FIRST Magazine SEPTEMBER 2023 No345 VOYAGEUR

ISSUE 345 SEPTEMBER 2023
A CAPSULE OF THE WORLD
Voyageur
“We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
ANAÏS NIN

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EDITORIAL
“Anything I can not transform into something marvelous, I let go. Reality doesn’t impress me. I only
believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another.
No more walls.”
Anaïs Nin
VOYAGEUR
“You have a right to experiment with your life. You will make mistakes. And they are right too. No, I
think there was too rigid a pattern. You came out of an education and are supposed to know your
vocation. Your vocation is fixed, and maybe ten years later you find you are not a teacher anymore
or you're not a painter anymore. It may happen. It has happened. I mean Gauguin decided at a
certain point he wasn't a banker anymore; he was a painter. And so he walked away from banking. I
think we have a right to change course. But society is the one that keeps demanding that we fit in and
not disturb things. They would like you to fit in right away so that things work now.” Anaïs Nin
ON THE COVER: Fontaine des Mers, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France. Photography Ozgur Kara.
THIS PAGE: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. Photography Hugo Richard.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND SALES MANAGER SEAN ELLUL SELLUL@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN
CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PUBLISHER STANDARD
PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356 2134 5888, WEB: WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT
FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM FIRSTMAGAZINEMALTA PRINTER PRINT-IT. FIRST IS PUBLISHED AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE
WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY. NO PART OF THE PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT THE PRIOR AGREEMENT OF THE PUBLISHER.
FIRST MAGAZINE SINCE 1993. ISSUE NUMBER 345.
3

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CONTENTS
8
LA DOLCE VITA. Retreat into the Legendary Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. Photograph © Christian Horan/Four Seasons.
48
THiS
IS
WiNE
18th chapter in
this issue
EXCLUSIVE SERIES: THIS IS WINE. Super Tuscans IV: Super Tuscan Styles of Wine. Siena. Photograph Patrick Schneider.

20 31 43
CONTENTS
INTERIORS. Designers Paolo
Moschino and Philip Vergeylen.
Photograph courtesy Vendome Press.
GASTRONOMY.
The Roux Brothers and Le Gavroche.
Photo courtesy Le Gavroche.
PRIDE AWARENESS. You’ve Come a Long Way
Baby. Michelangelo, David. Photograph Taylor Smith.
CONTENTS
[ISSUE 345. SEPTEMBER 2023]
8
A DOLCE VITA
Timeless Elegance on the Cote D’azur.
Retreat to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
20
INTERIORS
An Entertaining Life.
Designing Town and Country.
31
GASTRONOMY
The Legendary Roux Brothers.
Le Gavroche.
43
PRIDE AWARENESS
You’ve Come a Long Way Baby.
48
THIS IS WINE
The 18th Chapter in This is Wine.
Super Tuscans IV:
Super Tuscan Styles of Wine.
57
MIXOLOGY
Negroni Fever.
Celebrating NEGRONI WEEK.
63
HEALTH & FITNESS
Let’s Get Physical. Mind and Body.
64
HEALTH & WELLBEING
World Alzheimer’s Month.
SPECIAL FOCUS. Raising Awareness
about Alzheimer’s Dementia.
75
ENVIRONMENT
Environment and Climate Change.
78
BACK TO SCHOOL
Back to School Anxiety.
Teaching Children the Lifelong Skill
of Money Management.
82
WANDERLUST
Inside a Fairytale.
Fabulous Château Chambord.
86
ICONIC
Falling in Love with Laura.
A Mystery in Marble.
MIXOLOGY. Negroni Fever.
Photograph Thomas Franke.
57
86
82
WANDERLUST. Inside a Fairytale. Fabulous Château Chambord.
Photograph Domaine National de Chambord Castle © Leonard de Serres.
ICONIC. Enigmatic Renaissance Masterpiece.
Francesco Laurana, Bust of a Woman,
Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Kunstkammer.

LA DOLCE VITA
“The majority of (painters), because they aren’t colourists, do not see yellow, orange or sulphur
in the South of France, and they call a painter mad if he sees with eyes other than theirs.”
Vincent Van Gogh
RETREAT INTO THE LEGENDARY GRAND-HÔTEL DU CAP-FERRAT, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
TIMELESS ELEGANCE ON
THE COTE D’AZUR
At the turn of the 20th century, midway between Nice and Monte Carlo, the tip of the isolated Cap Ferrat
peninsula in southeastern France was little more than a wilderness of rocks and dense scrubland jutting
out from the French Riviera. In the late nineteenth century, King Leopold II of Belgium acquired the only
wooded area of the Cap and bought the majority of vacant land. Shortly before 1900, Leopold sold a
portion of his property to a company founded by Mr “Péretmère”, the son of a northern coachman and in
1908 construction began on what would become the magnificent Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, with the
two open angle wings. At the time, the building was seen as incomplete by many and the following year
was given additional amenities including a dining loggia and a large central rotunda designed by the
iconic architect Gustave Eiffel, who spent his winters in neighbouring Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Remarkably
simple for its time, today, the classicism offers a striking modernity. Fast forward through the First World
War, the Great Depression and the Second World, and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat would be on the
cusp of a new holiday lifestyle with sun seekers flocking to its oasis – its guestbook signed by everyone
from Charlie Chaplin, Picasso and Elizabeth Taylor to Winston Churchill and Aristotle Onassis.
Photography courtesy Four Seasons.
8
This page: Panoramic sea view terraces. Photograph © Christian Horan/Four Seasons.

LA DOLCE VITA
9

LA DOLCE VITA
In the nineteenth century the French Riviera was almost exclusively
frequented by luxury tourists who came for long winter stays, including
royalty from the north, like Queen Victoria and her court, and many
aristocratic families. However around 1930, a handful of unconventional
individuals, mostly writers and avant-garde artists, began exploring the French
Riviera during the summer in search of tranquility. During summer of 1933,
German filmmaker GW Pabst persuaded Russian opera singer Feodor Ivanovich
Chaliapin to film Don Quixote at Cap-Ferrat – its Moorish landscape perfectly
suited the movie’s need and filming in Spain was not possible. Consequently, cast
and crew arrived unexpectedly and secured accommodation at the closed
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat for a few weeks. While accommodation was
improvised, actors and technicians were delighted to stay in such a corner of
paradise. The following year, many of them wished to return independently,
marking the modest beginnings of the summer season in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
10

LA DOLCE VITA
This page: Constructed in 1939, the 33-metre pool has been a glamorous destination ever since, drawing world-famous actors, artists,
writers and politicians to its infinity edge and sunbathed views. Photograph © Christian Horan/Four Seasons.
11

LA DOLCE VITA
This page: Nestled in 17 acres of lush gardens on the rugged Saint-
Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four
Seasons Hotel, has been a French Riviera destination since 1908.
Photography above and left © Christian Horan/FourSeasons,
bottom © Manuel Zublena/Four Seasons.
Younger and more athletic than their
predecessors, this new generation of
vacationers was seeking sun and water, but
because of the rocky tip of the Cap, the sea was not
easily accessible. To address this, a cove was created
by removing rocks and cliffs, with the aim of
constructing an Olympic-sized seawater swimming
pool near the shore, however masonry contractors
were hesitant to build a reinforced concrete tank
measuring over thirty metres in length and twelve
metres in width, given its exposure to varying
temperatures and outdoor elements. This
engineering feat would eventually become a source
for one of the property’s most captivating stories.
Construction of the pool was eventually entrusted
to a recently established company in Cap-Ferrat, led
by an Italian bricklayer who possessed a surprisingly
advanced level of technical expertise for the size of
his company. In 1939, this Italian bricklayer
astonished the hotel management by designing and
constructing the hotel’s structurally intricate
waterfront pool in just one day – indeed today, the
Club Dauphin pool still remains a standout feature
among the hotel’s many amenities and is accessed
via a private glass funicular.
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LA DOLCE VITA
Above: Jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, the peninsula offers a stunningly rugged landscape to immerse in nature and disconnect from everyday life.
Photograph © Christian Horan/Four Seasons. Bottom: Ride the glass funicular down to the Club Dauphin Pool and you’re arriving at a
Côte d’Azur landmark. Photograph © Four Seasons.
Several years after building the pool, during the World War II
Italian occupation of the Côte d’Azur, the same bricklayer
returned to the hotel, now in a dashing military uniform, and
remarked to the manager, “Nice to see the pool held up.” The simple
bricklayer had been an Italian spy who had used the hotel’s prominent
clients as a source of intelligence. What could be a better way to locate
and identify, without attracting attention, military sites and positions,
than being a brick-layer on the coast?
Just a few weeks after this unexpected encounter, the hotel would close
its doors, paint its windows blue, and remain shut for an extended sixyear
period. On March 5, 1944, the entire peninsula faced evacuation
and was heavily mined in anticipation of a military invasion.
Surprisingly, the iconic hotel and its pool remained untouched by the
nearby artillery shells and the explosion that demolished the lighthouse.
After the war, the hotel underwent several changes in ownership before
its transformation into the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons
Hotel.
14

LA DOLCE VITA
16

LA DOLCE VITA
Above: The original Rotunda, with magnificent views through its bay window, was imagined and built by iconic architect Gustave Eiffel
in 1909. Photograph © Christian Horan/Four Seasons. Left: The sparkling waters of a private infinity pool rival the blue of the nearby
Mediterranean Sea in a Four Seasons Pool Suite. Photograph © Christian Horan/Four Seasons.
Today the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four
Seasons Hotel is a rare and exquisite seaside
retreat on the Côte d’Azur, set amidst 17
acres of lushly landscaped gardens with panoramic
views of the Mediterranean. The Hotel features 74
guestrooms including 24 suites, and a private villa –
Villa Rose Pierre, an award-winning Spa, fine and
casual dining restaurants and one of the most
beautiful pools in the world. The Hotel completed its
100th anniversary in 2009 with an extensive
expansion project that celebrates the grandeur of the
past. The renovation project began in 2007 when the
acclaimed landscape designer Jean Mus added his
touch to the Grand-Hôtel’s gardens: seven hectares of
verdant, blossoming and flawlessly manicured
seafront gardens rolling down the impeccable lawn to
the dramatic coastline. Rare trees, exotic plants, and
richly fragranced Provençal flora bloom in shades of
soft pastels along winding walkways that lead down to
the rocky sea shore. Paris based Pierre-Yves Rochon
led the design of the hotel, restaurants, guest rooms
and the interior design of The Residence: a new wing
designed by architect Luc Svetchine.
On the ground floor of the hotel, a salon, Le bar and
the restaurant La Véranda were created besides the
Rotunda. On the garden level, the gastronomic
restaurant Le Cap awarded one Michelin star is open
every evening in the mid and high season, and closer
to the sea, the legendary Club Dauphin restaurant with
its Olympic pool. The hotel's Salon des Collections
also holds one of the world’s most spectacular wine
collections including 141 vintage bottles of Château
D’Yquem dating back from 1854 (1854 – 2003) and 33
bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild wines dating back
from 1799 (1799 – 1899).
17

LA DOLCE VITA
Above and left: Tucked away among the pines, Villa Rose Pierre, a private
villa at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.
Photograph © Gregoire Gardette/Four Seasons.
Bottom left: Le Spa is a haven of peace and tranquility, uniquely situated
at the tip of the peninsula of Cap-Ferrat, overlooking the Mediterranean.
Set amidst seventeen acres of fragrant Provençal gardens.
Photograph © Manuel Zublena/Four Seasons.
The most prominent design elements are intended
to provide the experience of living in a well
appointed home. The use of beige Persian
marble and white Calcutta cream marble throughout
rooms and public spaces in addition to exquisite fabrics
of white linen, natural silks in pastels and tones of beige
and white maximize the effect of an abundance of
sunlight, spectacular views of the sea and surrounding
gardens.
While the rooms and suites were carefully redecorated
in order to follow modern palace standards, the design is
classic French reminiscent of the Riviera of the 1940’s and
1950’s. More than a century after it first opened, the
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel still
attracts vacationers seeking a tranquil sun-filled and
water-rejuvenating corner of paradise. Jutting out into the
glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the
peninsula offers a stunningly rugged landscape to
immerse in nature and disconnect from everyday life.
And if you’re seeking livelier nightlife after a peaceful day
of relaxation, a quick dash to Monaco – just minutes away
– is a must for young and the restless.
18

INTERIORS
“Someone once told us that if you see something you like and you can afford it, buy it. It is
always the things you don’t buy, not the ones you do, that stir up regret. Shopping this way
leaves one open to surprises. We never go out looking for specific pieces, with their place
already picked out and tape measure in hand. Rather, it is the ability to change plans, or to
spot something when you’re not looking, that has helped us find some excellent things.”
PAOLO MOSCHINO AND PHILIP VERGEYLEN
20

JOIN TWO OF THE WORLD’S MOST CELEBRATED DESIGNERS,
PAOLO MOSCHINO AND PHILIP VERGEYLEN, AS THEY SHARE
THE INSPIRATIONS AND STORIES BEHIND THEIR LIFE AND WORK
IN LONDON, THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, AND BEYOND
INTERIORS
AN ENTERTAINING LIFE
DESIGNING
TOWN AND
COUNTRY
After nearly thirty years together, mixing professional and personal lives, every day
is still a surprise for design gurus Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen. Chronicled
in the pages of an inspiring new publication, An Entertaining: Life Designing Town
and Country published by Vendome Press, are their own houses in London and
Sussex alongside client projects – from a Balinese-style compound in the Caribbean
to a palatial villa in Sicily. Several chapters are devoted to their country home,
which has become their base – not just a weekend escape for relaxation, but a home
filled with collections, an office, and a series of formal gardens that has proven
perfect for entertaining. Nestled between pages of stunning imagery from some of
the design world’s best photographers, Moschino and Vergeylen include engaging
stories and anecdotes, recipes from their favorite dinners and notes on their
celebrated design philosophy. The pages share an intimate look at their peripatetic
lives filled with beauty, adventure, and the unexpected.
Photography courtesy Vendome Press.
21

INTERIORS
Moschino and Philip Vergeylen are two
extraordinary interior designers,“ writes
interior and garden designer Bunny Williams,
“Paolo
in the introduction to their new book An
Entertaining: Life Designing Town and Country. “The special
combination of Paolo, who is Italian, and Philip, who is Belgian, and
the fact that they live in England, has made for completely unique and
personal spaces. As you pan over the pages, you can imagine them
traveling the world finding the furniture, objects, and textiles that fill
each room, and you wish you were traveling with them. You then can
study the artful arrangement of furniture, the creative small still lifes,
and the use of fabrics and textiles that all blend together without
feeling decorated. This is a unique skill. Each room is so luxuriously
and comfortably assembled that, as a guest, you never want to leave.”
22

INTERIORS
“Entertaining is a big part of our lives –
entertaining friends is our pleasure,
while entertaining clients is part of
our job to understand their needs and to translate
their dreams into reality when we create the homes
they desire,” write Paolo and Philip. “However, for
us, the entertainment continues even when it is just
the two of us. We have known each other for almost
thirty years, and we have worked together for almost
twenty, so we need to entertain each other to keep
going strong together!“
24

INTERIORS
26

INTERIORS
“Travel is a strong source of inspiration and
pleasure for both of us; inspiration can be
found in the most random of places, from a
street market in India to the Met in New York. We often
buy little things at museum gift shops – and we have also
been known to carry back with us a thirty-six-piece
dinner set from an antique store in East Hampton!“
“It could be said that buying beautiful objects is a bit of
an addiction of ours. Philip especially loves to buy china,
glass, silver, and any other accessories required to create
our theatrical table-settings. You could stay with us for a
month and never eat twice from the same plate or drink
twice from the same glass.“
“We bought the house in Sussex about twelve years ago
and had very grand ideas for it, treating the cottage like a
big country house. The garden is growing and improving
every year, while all the interiors reflect how our passion
for design is liberally sprinkled with a sense of fun.“
On their first visit to Sussex, Paolo and Philip fell in love
with the area. They had been invited to lunch, and the
picturesque countryside, sunny weather, and their host’s
charming Tudor house were compelling. Paolo and Philip
had been living in London but were looking for
something in the countryside and by the end of lunch
were convinced that West Sussex was the place for them.
After lunch, they visited a local real estate agent and made
an offer on a stable block- although the offer would fall
through, it cemented their desire for a country house in
Sussex.
27

INTERIORS
twenty-five years together, mixing professional and
personal lives, we have become good at making these
“After
types of decisions together quickly. We spent almost a year
looking... Philip, especially, was poring through the listings – and he
found a property that ticked every box. We arrived ten minutes early
for our appointment with the real estate agent. Peering over the garden
gate we saw a house covered with vines, while behind an old,
somewhat dilapidated barn we could see a sunny pasture with a
smattering of sheep. When the agent arrived, we told him we’d take it.
“But you haven’t even seen it!” he replied. To us, however, the house
was already ours.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Born and raised in Italy, Paolo Moschino
came to London at the age of 23 and never left. He now leads the
award-winning firm Paolo Moschino Ltd, which has become an
international brand encompassing interior design, furnishings and
fabric. With three interior design showrooms in London, the firm
continues to evolve. Moschino’s partner, Belgian born Philip
Vergeylen, helms the company’s Design Studio, and is now
recognized around the world as a leading voice in luxury interior
design. They divide their time between London and Sussex.
Bunny Williams is a world renowned interior and garden designer,
and the author of several books. She divides her time between
Connecticut and Punta Cana.
28
AN ENTERTAINING LIFE: DESIGNING TOWN AND COUNTRY
by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen. Foreword by Bunny Williams.
Published by Vendome Press. Hardcover with jacket. 256 pages, 250
colour illustrations.

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GASTRONOMY
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
Auguste Éscoffier
THE LAST BASTION IN LONDON OF CLASSICALLY RICH FRENCH HAUTE CUISINE
THE ROUX BROTHERS
LE GAVROCHE
Le Gavroche (The Urchin) is a restaurant at 43 Upper Brook Street in the heart of Mayfair, London. It was
opened by the legendary Roux brothers, the late Albert Roux OBE and Michel Roux Sr OBE, in 1967 at 61
Lower Sloane Street, its premises until 1981. Albert’s son Michel Roux Jr is the current chef patron. Le
Gavroche is an industry titan and its influence on the UK hospitality scene cannot be overstated – it was the
very first restaurant in the UK to be awarded, one, two, and then three Michelin stars – which it held from
1982 to 1993. Known as “the last bastion in London of classically rich French haute cuisine,” the restaurant
today holds two Michelin stars (the longest restaurant in the UK to do so), alongside a host of honours,
spanning from inclusion in various World’s 50 Best lists to the Laurent Perrier Award of Excellence, Tatler
Restaurant Awards – Most Consistently Excellent Restaurant, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for its
Chef Patron, Michel Roux. Le Gavroche is internationally recognised for its culinary excellence, illustrious
pedigree, and inimitable guest experience, and for over five decades has remained an iconic figure.
Photography courtesy Le Gavroche.
This page: Michel Snr (left) and Albert opened Le Gavroche in 1967 at 61 Lower Sloane Street, its premises until 1981. Photography Le Gavroche.
31

GASTRONOMY
Above: Chef Michel Roux Jr outside Le Gavroche, at 43 Upper Brook Street in the heart of Mayfair. Photography Jodi Hinds.
Over the course of half a century, the Roux family’s influence and reputation for incomparable French fine dining has taken
London’s dining scene from almost non-existent to cementing it one of the food capitals of the world. As a London
institution, Le Gavroche has attracted some of the finest UK and international culinary talent to its kitchen, including the
likes of Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffman, Monica Galetti, Jun Tanaka, Bryn Williams, Phil
Howard, Stephen Terry, Rowley Leigh, Paul Rankin, and Brian Maule.
32
Albert Roux was born 8th October 1935, in Charolles, France. He was the son of a charcutier. His brother Michel was born 19th April
1941. Both brothers began their culinary journey by training under various renowned French chefs. The brothers opened Le Gavroche
together in 1967, marking the beginning of their culinary success in London. Its name comes from the character Gavroche in Victor
Hugo’s Les Misérables, a kind street urchin who lives on the streets of Paris, desperate for a warm house and a good meal.

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GASTRONOMY
34

GASTRONOMY
This page: The legendary Roux brothers Albert (centre) and Michel Snr (right) in the kitchens at Le Gavroche. Photography Le Gavroche.
35

GASTRONOMY
Above: The intimate bar at Le Gavroche, a place to enjoy a drink before your meal. Photography Issy Croker. Bottom left: Inside the main dining room of Le Gavroche restaurant.
Photography Issy Croker.
Above: Chef Michel Roux Jr has been at the helm of Le Gavroche since 1991.
Photography Jodi Hinds.
In 1982 Le Gavroche became the first restaurant in the UK to
earn three Michelin stars, setting a new standard for fine
dining in the country. The Roux brothers also established
The Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, which also achieved three
Michelin stars. In addition to their restaurants, the Roux brothers
made significant contributions to culinary education in the UK.
They established the Roux Scholarship, a prestigious cooking
competition for young chefs. In 1986 the brothers split their
restaurant business between them, Albert took Le Gavroche,
while Michel took the Waterside Inn, which is currently run by
his son, Alain.
36

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GASTRONOMYA
This page (clockwise): Le Gavroche Butter Poached Lobster Tail, Le Gavroche Lamb
Cutlets with Courgettes, and Le Gavroche Strawberry Shortbread.
Photography Jodi Hinds.
This August Chef Michel Roux Jr, who has been at the helm of
the restaurant since 1991, surprised the culinary world with
the announcement of the upcoming closure of Le Gavroche.
After 56 years, the restaurant will close its doors in January 2024.
“This decision has not been made lightly. Le Gavroche means so
much, not just to myself and the Roux family, but to the wider
Gavroche team and our guests who have become family over so many
years,” says Michel. “The end of the current lease gave me the
opportunity to assess and consider the future, and I’d like the
restaurant to close on a high. It’s about turning the page and moving
forward so I can focus on my family and other business ventures.
This is not the end of Le Gavroche – the restaurant may be closing,
but the name will live on, as will the Roux dynasty.”
The closure at Upper Brook Street will also allow Michel more time
to concentrate on the other Roux businesses, including Chez Roux –
famed for its stunning hospitality at prestigious sporting events, it has
expanded to offer unparalleled catering at home or chosen venue as
well as cookery classes and culinary consultancy. Michel will continue
to operate the Le Gavroche brand for special events and pop-ups, and
will also continue to write cookbooks and create television series.
Guests at Caractère, the restaurant belonging to Michel’s daughter Emily
Roux and husband Diego Ferrari, will also be able to experience Michel’s
cooking at special events. “I am pleased to have made this decision and
excited to take Le Gavroche on the road, to be a master of Le Gavroche
rather than it being my master,” says Michel. Over the course of the next
few months, Michel and the team at Le Gavroche will be hosting a series
of exclusive events to ensure the restaurant goes out in style. The dinners,
which will commence in November and run through until the restaurant’s
closure in January next year, will be open to the public and will celebrate
the restaurant’s menus throughout the years.
38

GASTRONOMY
Soufflé
Suissesse
TAKEN FROM MICHEL ROUX JR’S LE GAVROCHE
COOKBOOK, WEIDENFELD & NICOLSON.
The thought of making a soufflé can be intimidating for
even the most skilled home cook, however this signature
recipe from Michel Roux Jr’s Le Gavroche – on of the
restaurant’s most famous dishes – is worth trying. Soufflé
Suissesse is a splendid representation of opulent classical
French cuisine at its finest. It’s crucial to use the finest
quality eggs (preferably good free range or organic eggs),
milk, cream, and butter to elevate this dish
SERVES 4
1. Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Melt the butter in a thick-based saucepan, whisk in
the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for about a minute. Whisk in the milk and boil for 3
minutes, whisking all the time to prevent any lumps from forming.
2. Beat in the yolks and remove from the heat; season with salt and pepper. Cover with a piece
of buttered greaseproof paper to prevent a skin from forming. Whisk the egg whites with a
pinch of salt until they form firm, not stiff, peaks.
3. Add a third of the egg whites to the yolk mixture and beat with a whisk until evenly mixed,
then gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Spoon the mixture into four well-buttered 8cm
diameter tartlet moulds and place in the oven for 3 minutes, until the tops begin to turn golden.
4. Meanwhile, season the cream with a little salt, warm it gently and pour into a gratin dish. Turn
the soufflés out into the cream, sprinkle the grated cheese over them, then return them to the
oven for 5 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.
45g butter
45g plain flour
500ml milk
5 egg yolks
salt and freshly ground white pepper
6 egg whites
600ml double cream
200g Gruyère or Emmental cheese, grated
40
Photography this page Issy Croker, courtesy Le Gavroche.

7 Oct 2023 31 Oct - 5 Nov 2023 10 - 11 Nov 2023
11 - 28 Jan 2024 9 - 13 Feb 2024 14 - 16 March 2024
4 May 2024 24 - 25 May 2024 14 - 23 June 2024
8 - 13 July 2024 25 - 28 July 2024 August 2024
CELEBRATING
THE PAST,
CREATING
THE FUTURE festivals.mt

PRIDE AWARENESS
“It takes no compromise to give people their rights.”
Harvey Milk
YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY
According to the ILGA Europe Rainbow Europe index Malta is the best place in Europe for
LGBTIQ+ people, in fact legislatively Malta is far ahead of many other European nations.
Having anti-discrimination laws introduced in the Maltese Constitution in 2014 was
definitely one high point in the development of equality for the LGBTIQ+ Community in Malta,
and ILGA-Europe have ranked Malta first place in its annual review of the human rights situation
of LGBTIQ+ people in Europe since 2016 - with 91 points out of 100, it is seventeen points ahead of
second-placed Denmark.
But changes in Maltese law started in the 1970s. In 1973 the Government decriminalised male homosexuality and harmonised age
of consent against a strongly opposing, but still influential Roman Catholic Church as well as the Nationalist Party in opposition.
Since then, several important milestones were reached that brought Malta’s LGBTIQ+ rights up to the highest standards.
In 2002 LGB people were allowed to serve openly in the military. In 2004 anti-discrimination laws were passed regarding employment. In
2012 hate crime provisions were extended to include sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2013 grounds were introduced for asylum
protection, and a provision included that allows time on gender affirmation treatment to be counted as part of sick leave entitlements. In
2014 constitutional anti discrimination provisions for the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity were introduced, as were
recognition of same-sex couples and parenting rights including adoption through civil-unions. In 2015 the right to change legal gender was
approved; also intersex minors became protected from normalising surgical procedures without informed consent; while hate crime and
anti-discrimination provisions were extended to include gender expression and sex characteristics. In 2016 conversion therapy was banned.
In 2017 marriage equality came into force, and a third-gender option on ID cards and passports was introduced. In 2018 access to IVF for
lesbian couples and single persons was granted, and access to free healthcare for trans persons and setting up the of Gender Wellbeing Clinic.
in 2019 MSM's were allowed to donate blood (under a one-year deferral period). As of 2022 all genders, irrelevant of sexual orientation, are
allowed to donate blood.
Source: Europride Valletta 2023.
WHAT IS ILGA-EUROPE? ILGA-EUROPE IS THE EUROPEAN REGION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS AND INTERSEX
ASSOCIATION. IT IS AN ADVOCACY GROUP PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS AND INTERSEX (LGBTI) PEOPLE, AT THE
EUROPEAN LEVEL. ITS MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES MORE THAN 500
ORGANISATIONS FROM THROUGHOUT EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA.
This page and overleaf: Michelangelo, David, Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence. Photography this page Taylor Smith, photography overleaf Lucas Calloch.
43

PRIDE AWARENESS
EQUALITY FROM THE HEART 7-17TH SEPTEMBER 2023
EUROPRIDE VALLETTA 2023
EuroPride is a pan-European international event dedicated to LGBTI pride, hosted by a different European city each year. The host city is
usually one with an established pride event or a significant LGBTI community. EuroPride was inaugurated in London in 1992, and
attended by estimated crowds of over 100,000. Madrid's EuroPride 2007 was the most well-attended event at the time, with an estimated
2.5 million visitors. This huge attendance was not only a success for Madrid, but for the whole LGBTI Spanish community, due to the celebration of
the change of terms in the laws related to gay marriage and adoptions. In 2020 five bids to host Europride were submitted to the European Pride
Organisers Association- Malta Pride won with 54% of votes (vs Belfast 29%, and Rotterdam 18%).
WHY IS PRIDE AWARENSS STILL IMPORTANT?
Pride awareness remains important in a country like Malta, despite its high ranking on the ILGA Europe Rainbow Europe index,
because it helps maintain and advance the progress made. It reinforces inclusivity, educates against complacency, and serves as a
global example of LGBTIQ+ rights and acceptance. Continued awareness ensures that the positive environment is preserved and
can inspire other countries to follow suit. Ultimately, even if there is just one adult or child being bullied in one family by family members, or in
one classroom by classmates or teachers, because of their orientation or gender, Pride Awareness and education will remain important.
44

The Continuous Struggle to Achieve a
Fairer, Better, and More Equal Society
Traditionally Malta was considered as the most conservative and homogeneous country in
Europe strongly embedded in its Roman Catholic roots. Starting with the referendum on
divorce in 2011, the country has embarked on a path that recognizes that some cohorts in
society have different needs and aspirations from the norms and values that are deemed
“right” by the prevailing culture, writes MEP Alex Agius Saliba.
The push for greater equality was multi-faceted; various sectors of society voiced their frustrations about practical and
legal obstacles they encountered in their struggle to have a fair and equal chance of prospering in their life and to
enjoy their life without hindrance. The Government has wisely taken these concerns on board and enacted a raft of
legislative reforms. Legislation about sexual orientation is well publicized but reforms which provided equal opportunities
for individuals with physical and mental health issues are just as important. The reforms have brought us on par with other
countries in Europe and, in some areas, Malta is now avant-garde.
In 2016 Malta became the first European country to ban gay conversion therapy. Similar bans have since been adopted in
Germany, France, and several northern European countries. Malta is ranked first in Europe for LBGTIQ protection and
human rights.
The Government’s work is in sync with similar reforms being adopted by the European Parliament. During the last few
years in my role as MEP I foresaw and negotiated the introduction of measures to promote the rights of victims of sexual
abuse, deaf individuals, and autistic persons. The struggle to promote an equal and fair world continues.
Individual needs evolve together with society, and it would be utopian to say that we may ever reach a point where the
specific needs of all individuals would have been catered for. Future challenges will include how to ensure equality for
specific cohorts within the already identified distinct cohorts. Another delicate matter will be to ensure that archetypal
members of society do not feel engulfed or threatened by the promotion of equality for all.
I believe that with a more focused effort by the stakeholders involved, we may further enhance the work done in the last
years to promote equality and ensure that all individuals have a fair opportunity to achieve their aspirations.
E: alex.agiussaliba@europarl.europa.eu M: +356 7943 5702

PRIDE AWARENESS
One of the myths surrounding the LGBTIQ+ community is that intimate partner violence is
not a common issue for LGBTIQ+ couples, however, the prevalence rate of abuse in samesex
relationships is as high as the rates experienced by heterosexual couples. This in fact
reflects on the individuals’ experiences of reporting, as they fear that they would not be
believed or ridiculed.
THE FEAR OF COMING OUT & SAME-SEX
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
LGBTIQ+ people are at a great risk of experiencing gender-based violence and domestic violence
especially when considering that binary gender stereotypes and norms are still prevalent in our
society writes Samantha Pace Gasan, Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic
Violence. To address these issues, the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence
hosted a community discussion during Euro Pride Valletta 2023. The discussion was moderated by
the Commissioner on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, Ms Samantha Pace Gasan;
and the panel involved professionals who are experts in the field: Ms Renee Laiviera, Commissioner
for the Promotion of Equality; Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane, Deputy Dean within the Department for
Gender Studies & Sexuality at the Faculty for Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta; Ms
Colette Farrugia Bennett, Service Manager at the Domestic Violence Services Unit within Aġenzija
Appoġġ; Ms Beverley Abela Gatt, Social worker within the Rainbow Support Services;
and Dr Denise Frendo, Lawyer at Victim Support Agency.
One of the myths surrounding the LGBTIQ+ community
is that intimate partner violence is not a common issue
for LGBTIQ+ couples, however, the prevalence rate of
abuse in same-sex relationships is as high as the rates
experienced by heterosexual couples. This in fact reflects on the
individuals’ experiences of reporting, as they fear that they would
not be believed or ridiculed.
Understanding that violence and abuse within any domestic
environment manifests itself due to dynamics of power and
control, where one individual exerts their power over another to
be able to control them, is essential. There are different forms of
abuse, including emotional and psychological violence through
intimidation and insults, or in the form of economic violence
where one person controls the earnings of the other person. Rape,
sexual harassment, or forcing someone to watch pornography are
also abusive acts which can take place in any relationship.
LGBTIQ+ individuals, especially youths, may encounter
neglect and hostility in their families when coming out.
Such non-acceptance may result in abusive behaviours
such as threats, blackmail, insults, physical violence, or
forcing the person to leave the family house because of their
sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex
characteristics.
Recently, a survey with LGBTIQ+ individuals in the UK
conducted by Galop in 2022, showcased that 29% of LGBTIQ+
respondents experienced abuse from their family members. 60% of
these respondents felt that their LGBTIQ+ identity was the main
reason or part of the reason for the abuse they had experienced in
their families. 63% of the respondents were under the age of 18
when they first experienced family violence.
Additionally, a survey conducted by LGBTI+ Gozo also
found that 64% of Gozitans find it difficult to be open in
Gozo, mainly due to a lack of societal and family
support. This also highlights the importance of working
within different communities, especially those where one
struggles to express themselves freely.
Addressing the core issues of an underlying fear of the unknown
both from the LGBTIQ+ community and their loved ones, having
more mainstream visibility and educational efforts that address
the shame surrounding diversity in sexual orientation, gender
identity, and gender expression; as well as shame surrounding
violence and abuse are few of the approaches that need to
continue to be undertaken by different stakeholders and society at
large.
The provision of support services, and their outreach is
also necessary. Drachma helps and support sparents of
LGBTIQ+ individuals in this process of understanding
their children’s gender identity, gender expression, sex
characteristics and sexual orientation. Aġenzija Appoġġ and
Rainbow Support Services provide social work services, whereas
Victim Support Agency provides legal and psychological support.
Other NGOs, such as those providing shelter in cases of
emergency are also fundamental to addressing imminent
situations of violence.
To reach out for support, please contact 179 or 116006.
Challenges brought about because of one’s intersecting
identities, such as having a disability and being a member
of the LGBTIQ+ community were raised during the
discussion. Primarily, there is a widespread
misconception that persons with a disability are asexual.
While this is not the case, there are also persons with disability
who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex or queer.
Dependence on family members for personal care may also
hinder one’s opportunities to live freely, possibly enduring more
denial of their sexuality.
47

THIS IS WINE
The eighteenth chapter in This is wine: its storied place and taste.
“Fruit of the earth, work of human hands,
blessed be God forever”
SUPER TUSCANS – TUSCANY – ITALY
SUPER TUSCANS IV:
SUPER TUSCAN STY LES OF WINE
This page: Tuscany is endowed with a Mediterranean climate partially influenced by the Apennine mountain range that delineates its eastern boundary in a series
of rising foothills and ranges that run parallel to the spine of Italy and the Tyrrhenian coast. While no one characteristic defines the Super Tuscan family other than
sheer originality in the choice of grape variety and even blend; a broad brush stroke generalization would highlight their propensity to the bold, powerful, often high
in alcohol content, without lacking the necessary acidity for aging and balance, and having a spectrum of red to dark fruit flavours well imbued with strong
secondary wood and spice textures that are fundamental to their complexity and richness, all the while kept in check by a clean minerality of gravel or clay and
tertiary undergrowth for good measure. Views from San Gimignano, province of Siena. Photography Alexander Henke.
48

SUPER TUSCANS
s such the Super Tuscan
genre can be vaguely
divided into two
or three groups
depending upon
winemaking style
and grape varieties used. Some go
down the Tignanello route of
tweaking the Chianti style blend by
keeping to a predominance of
indigenous grape varieties, such as
Sangiovese of Brunello fame, and
adding French variety grapes.
Others take a leaf out of the
Sassicaia cookbook, creating blends
solely out of French variety grapes
mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and
Franc, and/or Merlot; Ornellaia and
Solaia come to mind. A third group
forgoes the blend route entirely to
create single grape cuvées or
monocepages, whether that be 100
percent Merlot as in the case of
Masetto, or Sangiovese in the case of
Flaccianello and Pergole Torte,
writes Kris Bonavita.
The key appreciation and qualitative
question is the calibre of wine as a
result of terroir (mainly climate
and soil-related) and winemaking style
(traditional versus modern). Incredible soils
can give a strong mineral streak to
complement the fruit and wood flavours.
Choice of grape varieties can bring out the
best expression of the climate and soils at
hand, while blending of different varieties
can add extra layers of complexity,
consistency in different vintages, and greater
aging potential.
Balance, concentration and equally finesse
are important key elements in the making of
a good wine and are affected by decisions
made in the vineyard; regarding yield
volumes and when to harvest for optimum
phenolic ripeness; as well as skillful
extraction during the fermentation
processes in the winery or chai, and level of
oak barrelling if at all.
Of course, regardless of the technological
know-how in making a wine, the personality
of a wine is very much dependent on the
winemaker’s creativity which adds an extra
dimension of je ne sais quoi to its enjoyment
as a work of art in itself.
However, regardless of to what extent one
understands the methodology behind every
bottle, even if this adds to one’s appreciation,
the proof of a good wine ultimately resides
in its blind tasting and in one’s subjective
tastes, for good reason.
FOR CONSTANT REVIEWS ON
WINES AVAILABLE IN MALTA
AND GOZO FOLLOW US ON
INSTAGRAM/FIRSTTHISISWINE
49

THIS IS WINE
Above: The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. It extends over an area of 319 hectares,
of which about 130 are dedicated to vines. Two of the estate’s prized vineyards are on the same hillside, Tignanello and Solaia, on soils that originated from marine marlstone from
the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist. The vines benefit from hot days and cool evenings through the growing season. Tenuta Tignanello, the vineyards. Photography
Mauro Puccini, courtesy Marchesi Antinori Spa.
Marchesi Antinori Tignanello 2020
exclusively represented by S. Rausi Trading Ltd
Tignanello together with Sassicaia can
comfortably lay claim to be the first
precursors of the modern day Super
Tuscan. By Antinori’s own reckoning they were
the first to age Sangiovese in barriques; to
blend with non Chianti grapes (Cabs Sauv and
Franc); and to forgo the use of white grapes in
their blend. The estate is in the heart of the
Chianti Classico region where two vineyards on
limestone and schist rich Pliocene soils are
specifically used for Tignanello (a San Giovese
based blend) and Solaia (a Bordeaux based
blend).
Tignanello 2020 opens up to wild cherry pie
filling and crust pastry, cigar tobacco wrappings,
mulberry jam, caramelised brioche and walnuts.
The attack holds good on the olfactory promise
with droves of dark ripe and tart cherries
wrapped in a textural delight of silky only needs
time to get better genteel tannins all held
together by a lengthy touch mineralised crushed
stone seamlessly sweet and dry taut finish.
On day two a slew of berries, tomato pulp
and garrigue herbs melted off by a savoury
treacly molasses finish. Exacting peak flavours,
elegant tannins, length and breadth with
enough luminosity between layers and textures
to actually enjoy the cadence and dance.
You can make powerful and intense wines;
you can make balanced and delicate wines; but
it requires lots of choice plots and plenty of
nous to make a wine whose signature style is
equally about balanced harmony as it is about
feisty complexity; explaining Tignanello’s
established place in the Super Tuscan
firmament.
This of course is still very young, super bright,
utterly primary and delightful as many a good
2020; yet with woven streaks of tertiaries and
secondaries on their wonderful journey of
aging this beauty into a star in its own right.
This can be drunk now, but be aware that
Tignanello is famously and consistently more
about style rather than vintage with each
aficionado having their own choice preferences
of which vintage best expresses or is beholden
of glory and at which part of its aging trajectory
you should really be drinking this. Just make
sure you have more than one bottle to avoid
disappointment.
Supplier details: S. Rausi Trading has the full portfolio of Marchesi Antinori Wines.
S Rausi Trading Ltd, Empire Stadium Str, Gzira. Tel 00356 2131 6210. Web srausi.com/shop
50

SUPER TUSCANS
51

THIS IS WINE
Above: Founded in the early 1980s, Le Macchiole is a renowned Bolgheri winery, known for its quality Tuscan wines. Founders Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli played a pivotal
role in the region's rise to fame by crafting characterful wines that are now iconic. Today, Cinzia, supported by her sons Elia and Mattia and a dedicated team, leads the winery. Scrio
was first produced in 1994, and the inspiration for its creation was the desire to produce a 100% Syrah, one of Le Macchiole’s favorite grapes. Rare and original and produced in very
small quantities, Scrio quickly became a benchmark in Bolgheri. Photography courtesy Le Macchiole.
Le Macchiole Scrio 2016
€139.84, exclusively represented by Farsonsdirect
Scrio is refreshingly and boldly 100
percent Syrah grown on old vines from
the diverse holdings of Le Macchiole;
featuring limestone marls, clays, fluvial sand and
gravel. Produced in small quantities since 1994
(around 5000 bottles made), and influenced by
the wine style of the Rhone valley, Scrio takes its
inspiration from a Tuscan expression meaning
'pure, candid, whole'.
Le Macchiole is a small but important domaine
in Bolgheri founded in the early 80s focusing on
single grape cuvees to resounding success. Due
to their ideal location near the Tuscan coast with
multiple vineyard plots and differing soils and
exposures, they are at the forefront of
expressing the region’s potential.
Scrio 2016 is ruby red with a dense bejewelled
opacity, uncorking to a blackcurrant, berry, cedar,
mint and vanilla bouquet. The attack is all dark
cherries and berries with deep spice; white
pepper, clove and cardamom; all ending in a dark
chocolate and espresso slight anise finish. Already
generous in the primaries and secondaries, yet
an underlying current of unrealised textures
beams huge aging potential.
On day two this opened up to a perfectly
balanced yet exacting confection of dark forest
fruit, baked spices, and old vine woods with
weighty clays and floral gravels exuding a
touching elegance. Munificent and lush with
billowing layers of velvety textures, slowly
revealing a brooding tertiary streak of leather
and wet earth.
A wine with sculptural strength of good
energy, wholesome structure, tense length and
evolving complexity; this is textbook classical
Syrah on steroids; given another decade this will
really sing.
Supplier details: Farsonsdirect has a vast selection of Italian and French wines. In the Le Macchiole portfolio there is also Messorio, Paleo, and Paleo Bianco.
Farsonsdirect, The Brewery, Mdina Road, B'Kara. Tel 00356 2381 4444. Web farsonsdirect.com
52

SUPER TUSCANS
53

THIS IS WINE
Above: In remote southeastern Tuscany, Tenuta di Trinoro specializes in rich, age-worthy red wines from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. The estate,
located in the Orcia Valley near Sarteano, where Tuscany meets Umbria and Lazio, was acquired by founder Andrea Franchetti in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, he began planting
vines and drew a valuable lesson from his time in Bordeaux, emphasizing the importance of terroir. He recognized clay-limestone and gravel soils similar to those in Saint-Émilion in
the rough woodland that would become Trinoro. Photograhy Enea Barbieri, courtesy Tenuta di Trinoro.
Vini Franchetti Campo di Tenaglia 2017
€195, exclusively represented by Vini e Capricci by Abraham’s
Tenuta di Trinoro is in the inner reaches
of Tuscany in the Val D’Orcia region
and was founded on virgin forest and
farm land. The acclaimed vigneron Andrea
Franchetti produces a much sought after Super
Tuscan Bordeaux blend flagship wine by the
same name. This rare cuvee (133 cases) is made
entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes chosen
from one specific west facing field of deep
crumbled limestone.
Campo di Tenaglia 2017 is all violets,
blackberries, blackcurrants, leather and rich spice
with a pencil shavings silhouette. The attack is
dark forest berries and plums with a generously
chewy mid palate for a Cabernet Franc cuvee,
ending in a detailed lingering finish of coffee,
dark chocolate, tobacco, smoke, herb and anise.
Deep and brooding in colour, texture and
flavour this has a beautiful life ahead and though
quite primary yet complex; quickly develops a
superb secondary structure true to the grape
variety and concentrated but searing vintage.
You get the ripe powerfully pithy small berried
skin and stem maceration but also a tad dry, racy
and tart astringent wood finish.
My take is either drink this upon opening now
or cellar for a few good years to let some of
these steep intense tannins soften and evolve
into a more pronounced tertiary beauty.
Supplier details: Vini e Capricci has a vast selection of Italian and French wines. In the Vini Franchetti portfolio there is Palazzi Merlot 100%,
Tenuta Di Trinorio, Campo Di Camagi, Campo Di Magnacosta, Rosso Terre Siciliane, Contrada Chiappemacine, Sancaba Pinot Noir 100%,
Le Cupole, Passorosso Etna Rosso, and Passobianco Etna Bianco.
Vini e Capricci by Abraham’s, Gozitano Agricultural Village, Mgarr Road, Xewkija Gozo.
Tel 00356 2156 3231. Web viniecapricci.com
54

SUPER TUSCANS
55

MIXOLOGY
NEGRONI WEEK 18TH TO 24TH SEPTEMBER 2023
NEGRONI FEVER
The Negroni is a classic cocktail that is said to have originated in Florence in 1919 at Caffè Casoni on
Via de’ Tornabuoni. The drink was created for a regular customer named Count Camillo Negroni, who asked for
an Americano (a mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and club soda) to be made stronger by adding gin instead of
soda. This simple modification led to the birth of the Negroni as we know it today. The Negroni’s popularity has
led to variations like the Negroni Sbagliato, as well as global events like Negroni Week, when each September,
bars and restaurants around the world come together to celebrate the iconic Negroni.
Photography this page Thomas Franke.
57

MIXOLOGY
With its vibrant red colour, bitter and herbal taste, and aromatic qualities,
Campari is at the heart of the Negroni cocktail and a key ingredient in the
classic Negroni recipe. A traditionally made Negroni is stirred, not shaken,
and consists of equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth; it is built over ice in an oldfashioned
or rocks glass and garnished with a slice of orange. The bitterness of Campari provides
a counterbalance to the sweetness of the vermouth and creates a well-rounded and complex
flavour profile in the Negroni. Since it’s creation in the early 20th century, Negroni has since
become a staple in the world of mixology, and variations of the cocktail have emerged over the
years, allowing bartenders to add their own creative twists to the original recipe. Whether you
enjoy it as it is or prefer a variation, the Negroni remains a timeless and iconic cocktail.
Classic
Negroni Recipe
The iconic equal-parts mix of gin, Campari and
sweet vermouth is simple to make – the secret:
stirring the alcohols in a mixing glass to chill
with ice, then strain over fresh ice to serve!
1oz Gin
1oz Campari
1oz Sweet Vermouth
Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, strain into a
chilled or ice-filled old-fashioned or rocks glass and
garnish with a slice of orange.
Americano
The Americano is a simple and delightful cocktail
that’s perfect for those who appreciate a lighter and
less potent drink, known for its refreshing and
slightly bitter profile.
1oz Campari
1oz Sweet Vermouth
Soda Water
orange slice
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour in Campari and
sweet vermouth. Stir gently to combine. Top with soda
water. Give it another gentle stir. Garnish with an
orange slice.
58
Photography this page Sebastian Coman

Marketed and Distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co. Ltd. Trade Enquiry 2381 4400

MIXOLOGY
Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a delightful variation of the classic
Negroni cocktail, and the drink’s name suggests that it was
created by mistake when a bartender accidentally used sparkling
wine instead of gin. The Negroni Sbagliato offers a lighter and
bubbly twist on the classic Negroni, making it a refreshing
choice, especially during warm weather or as an aperitif.
1oz Campari
1oz Sweet Vermouth
1oz Sparkling Wine or Prosecco or similar
orange slice for garnish
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in Campari and
sweet vermouth. Stir well to chill ingredients.
Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with
sparkling wine. Give it a gentle stir to combine
ingredients. Garnish with an orange slice.
60

MIXOLOGY
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail from the 1920s that
shares similarities with the Negroni but replaces gin with
bourbon or rye whiskey. It offers a rich and slightly sweeter
twist on the bitter and herbal flavours. The Boulevardier has
a smooth balance of sweet, bitter, and spicy notes from the
whiskey and is a great option for those who enjoy the flavours
of a Negroni but prefer the warmth and depth of whiskey as
the base spirit.
1.5oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
1oz Sweet Vermouth
1oz Campari
orange twist
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet
vermouth, and Campari. Stir well to chill and combine flavours. Strain
into a glass with a large ice cube or over fresh ice. Express oils from
orange twist over drink by giving it a gentle twist to release the
aromas. Drop into the glass.
Aperol Negroni
The Aperol Negroni, also known as the “Aperol Spritz
Negroni” or “Aperol Negroni Spritz,” is a variation of the
classic Negroni that incorporates Aperol, which is lighter and
slightly less bitter. The Aperol Negroni offers a lighter and
fruitier twist on the traditional Negroni by using Aperol’s
citrus and herbal flavours. It’s a great option for those who
enjoy the Negroni’s concept but prefer a milder bitterness and
a touch of refreshing sweetness.
1oz Aperol
1oz Gin
1oz Sweet Vermouth
orange slice
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth.
Stir to combine and chill ingredients. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
Cynar Negroni
The Cynar Negroni is a variation of the classic Negroni that
replaces Campari with Cynar, an Italian amaro made from
artichoke and various botanicals. This substitution gives the
cocktail a unique and earthy flavour. The Cynar Negroni
offers a more herbaceous and vegetal character compared to
the traditional Negroni, making it a great choice for those
who appreciate complex and slightly bitter flavours. The
artichoke-based Cynar adds a unique and intriguing element
to the cocktail.
1oz Gin
1oz Sweet Vermouth
1oz Cynar
orange twist
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in gin, sweet vermouth, and Cynar.
Stir well to combine and chill ingredients. Strain mixture into a glass
filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Photography this page Wine Dharma.
61

LET’S GET PHYSICAL
We've all heard it from at least one person in our lives: regular
exercise has long-term benefits – both physically and mentally. But
did you know that regular exercise has also been associated with a
reduced risk of dementia? Here's a quick read to get you motivated.
Photography Alexey Lin.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Physically, regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening
the heart and improving circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood
pressure, and stroke. In turn exercise can help control body weight by burning
calories and building – and also maintaining – lean muscle mass. Maintaining a
healthy weight helps to lower the risk of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is
beneficial for individuals with or at risk of type 2 diabetes
Importantly weight-bearing exercises like resistance training and weightlifting help
increase muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. As
we age both men and women naturally lose muscle mass – muscle mass is directly linked to
bone health, and by engaging in resistance training and weightlifting exercises this can be
counteracted. Additionally activities like yoga and stretching helps improve flexibility and
balance, which helps reduce the risk of falls and injuries – especially in older adults.
Interestingly regular physical activity can also help alleviate chronic pain such as lower back
pain and arthritis by strengthening supporting muscles and promoting joint health.
Mentally, regular exercise can help with stress reduction, better sleep, mood
regulation, and even self-esteem. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins
– your bodies natural mood lifters which help reduce stress and promote
relaxation. Exercise has also been linked to improved cognitive function,
memory, and concentration, and can also boost creativity.
Several studies suggest that regular physical activity may help maintain brain health and
protect against age-related cognitive decline. A key benefit of exercise could be that it helps
the brain make new neurons. Increased blood flow to the brain may help to enhance
cognitive function and support new brain cell growth, and exercise may help reduce the risk
of vascular dementia by improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk factors for
this form of dementia.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise
regimen, especially if you have any existing health conditions.
Photography this page Renith R.
63

HEALTH & WELLBEING
WORLD ALZHEIMER’S MONTH
World Alzheimer’s Month, established in 2012 and aligning with World Alzheimer’s
Awareness Day on September 21st, aims to raise awareness about available
support for those impacted by dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term
describing various symptoms that impact one’s ability to perform daily tasks, whereas Alzheimer’s
is a specific disease and the most common cause of dementia. Understanding these distinctions is
essential for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, along with their families and
caregivers. Dementia encompasses various symptoms linked to memory and thinking decline, with
numerous underlying causes. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases and isn’t a
typical part of aging; it results from brain cell damage affecting communication, impacting
cognition and behavior. Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disease, arises from complex brain
changes after cell damage, leading to progressive dementia symptoms. Early signs often involve
memory problems, as it initially affects the brain’s learning center. With advancement, symptoms
worsen, including disorientation, confusion, and behavioral changes. While age is a significant
risk factor, Alzheimer’s isn’t a natural aspect of aging. Younger-onset Alzheimer’s can also occur.
COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
THE DO YOU REMEMBER ME DILEMMA
Dementia affects everyone differently so it’s important to communicate in a way that is right for the person. Although it may be hard to
accept, it is not important that the person recognsises you, but that you spend quality time together. It’s crucial to tailor your approach
to their needs. Here are 5 things to avoid saying to somebody with dementia: Instead of saying, “REMEMBER WHEN...?” which can
often be a reminder of memories lost, gently share your own memories using “I remember when...” to help them engage if they wish. Avoid saying,
“I’VE JUST TOLD YOU THAT,” as reminding a person that you’ve answered their question won’t aid their memory and may remind them of their
condition which may be distressing for you both. Respond patiently and consider taking breaks if needed – remember that the person cannot help
repeating themselves. Don’t ask open-ended questions about the past, like “WHAT DID YOU DO THIS YESTERDAY?” Focus on the present
instead as it could be stressful for a person with dementia to remeber the past. Instead of asking, “DO YOU RECOGNIZE ME?” opt for a friendly
greeting or stating your name and relationship to them, as recognition can be challenging and upsetting. Lastly try to AVOID LONG COMPLEX
SENTENCES, like for example Let’s have lunch, then go shopping, and then maybe we can go for a coffee – keep instructions simple and one step at
a time, as complex sentences can be difficult for those with dementia to process due to slowed cognitive abilities.
64
Photography this page Mike Meyers.

HEALTH & WELLBEING
Dementia Awareness Month
Throughout this month dedicated to dementia, individuals, communities, and organisations unite in a collective effort to
disseminate knowledge, promote empathy, and advocate for enhanced support systems for those affected by dementia
and their caregivers. Dementia, a syndrome characterised by cognitive decline beyond what might be expected from
normal ageing, presents a range of challenges that extend well beyond the individual directly impacted. By equipping
individuals with a deeper comprehension of the condition, we can diminish stigma and misconceptions, fostering
environments that engender respect, patience, and support for those individuals with dementia.
Furthermore, Dementia Awareness Month stands as an opportunity to reinforce the significance of early detection,
intervention, and comprehensive care planning. Seminars, workshops, informational campaigns, and online resources
play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information, empowering individuals to recognise potential signs of
dementia, and encouraging them to seek professional guidance when necessary. Let this month serve as a reminder that
every action we take in raising awareness and promoting support contributes to a brighter and more compassionate
future for all, writes the team at Saint Vincent de Paul.
UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S DAY:
ENLIGHTENING PERSPECTIVES ON
SEPTEMBER 21ST
On September 21st, we find ourselves
presented with a unique opportunity to
deepen our understanding of a
condition that profoundly impacts the lives of
millions worldwide.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological
disorder characterised by cognitive decline and
memory impairment. It affects not only the
individual diagnosed but also their families,
caregivers, and communities.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading
causes of dementia, affecting individuals across
diverse age groups. Its prevalence is expected to
rise as the global population ages, thus
emphasising the urgency of awareness and
research efforts.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of
Alzheimer’s in its early stages empowers
individuals to seek timely medical intervention.
Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and
plan for the future effectively.
Alzheimer’s Day reminds us of the significance
of raising public awareness about the challenges
faced by those living with Alzheimer’s. It is a call
to action, prompting us to educate ourselves.
Caregivers play an integral role in the lives of
individuals with Alzheimer’s. The observance of
this day extends support and recognition
to these individuals, who selflessly dedicate
themselves to the care and well-being of their
loved ones.
As we prepare to commemorate Alzheimer’s
Day on September 21st, let us join forces in
raising awareness, fostering empathy, and
advocating for improved care and support
systems. By dispelling stigma and misinformation,
we contribute to a more compassionate society
that respects and dignifies the journeys of
individuals and families navigating the challenges
posed by Alzheimer’s disease.
ENHANCING DEMENTIA CARE
AT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
At St, Vincent de Paul (SVP) our
commitment is to provide
excellent care and to give the best
quality of life to individuals with dementia
(IWD). It extends beyond medical treatment
to encompass a holistic approach that
emphasises effective communication, informed
decision-making, and continuous education. As
part of this commitment, our team serves as a
vital clinical point of contact for IWD, their
families, and the professionals involved in their
care.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
AND CONTRIBUTIONS
St Vincent de Paul serves as a consistent
and invaluable source of guidance and
support for IWD, their relatives, and
professionals. Our role involves facilitating open
and empathetic communication, ensuring that all
parties remain informed, empowered, and
reassured throughout the care journey.
By maintaining robust communication channels
with IWD, families, carers, and professionals, we
foster an environment of collaboration and
shared understanding. This ensures that relevant
information is disseminated promptly and
accurately.
Recognising the complexities associated with
dementia, we are dedicated to offering tailored
support, education, advice, and information to all
stakeholders. This includes providing guidance on
care strategies, addressing concerns, and
facilitating informed decision-making.
Our team actively collaborates with other
professionals to shape policies, procedures, and
clinical guidelines that reflect best practices in
dementia care. We engage in policy development
and influence by contributing our clinical insights
and experiences to ensure a comprehensive and
patient-centred approach.
Our presence at Multidisciplinary Team
Meetings, including those involving relatives,
highlights our commitment to collaborative care.
By actively participating and offering valuable
insights, we contribute to well-rounded
discussions and decision-making processes.
We believe in equipping professionals, carers,
and relatives with the knowledge and skills
needed to provide exceptional dementia care.
Our team designs and delivers targeted education
and training sessions that enhance their
understanding and capabilities. To keep abreast
with dementia knowledge we offer a
comprehensive Dementia Accreditation Course,
specifically tailored for nursing staff, including
carers. This course is designed to provide a
comprehensive and in-depth understanding of
dementia care. We are also pleased to offer a
Dementia 10-week program course designed for
persons in the community, which includes
understanding and knowledge of dementiarelated
changes, skills and coping strategies thus
fostering a holistic approach to dementia care and
support.
DEMENTIA-FOCUSED ACTIVITIES
AND OUTINGS AT SVP
At SVP a range of activities and
outings have been carefully designed for
the well-being and enrichment of IWD.
We recognise the importance of providing
meaningful and engaging experiences for
individuals living with dementia. Our activities and
outings are purposefully crafted to promote
cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and
emotional well-being, all of which contribute to
enhancing the overall quality of life for our
participants. We are proud to offer a variety of
activities that cater to the unique needs and
preferences of IWD. These activities encompass
creative arts, music therapy, sensory experiences,
reminiscence sessions, gentle exercise, and more.
Each activity is thoughtfully designed to
accommodate varying cognitive abilities, fostering a
sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. In
addition to our on-site activities, we recognise the
importance of venturing beyond our walls to
explore the world around us. Our scheduled
outings provide participants with the opportunity
to engage with the community, experience various
environments, and enjoy nature’s beauty.
These outings are planned with utmost
consideration for safety, accessibility, and the
comfort of our IWD. We have witnessed firsthand
the positive impact these activities and
outings have on the participants’ mood, behaviour,
and overall well-being. Moreover, our initiatives
extend to the families and caregivers
of these individuals, offering respite, support, and
the knowledge that their loved ones are engaging
in meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Our
commitment to enhancing the lives of IWD is
fortified by collaboration among our dedicated
staff, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Through ongoing communication and feedback,
we ensure that our activities and outings are
tailored to address the evolving needs and
preferences of our IWD.
Our dedication to providing purposeful activities
and enriching outings for IWD underlines our
holistic approach to care. We believe that every
individual deserves a life filled with dignity,
engagement, and moments of joy. It is with great
pride that we continue to offer these
opportunities that contribute to the well-being
and happiness of those in our care.
67

HEALTH & WELLBEING
RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DEMENTIA,
OTHER TYPES OF DEMENTIA, AND RISK REDUCTION
WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY 2023
September is the month internationally dedicated to Dementia, with the 21st of September named
as World Alzheimer’s Day. Throughout this month, numerous organisations and entities around
the world campaign to educate and raise awareness about Dementia. The aim of such activities is
to encourage and support those living daily with this condition and promote the importance of
consistent research to further our understanding and management of this condition. This year the
focus is on risk reduction that is, identifying risk factors for dementia, making the public aware
of these, and how they may be tackled to decrease the risk of dementia in the future,
writes Dr Nicole Marie Zerafa, General Practitioner, Dementia Care Directorate.
The number of dementia cases in Malta has been steadily
rising over the past few years. It is estimated that there are
currently around 7,500 cases in Malta, with this number
set to continue to increase over the next few years.
Dementia is a term comprising several symptoms which come
about from disorders of the brain function which affect the
individual’s ability to live their normal daily life. The process is a
physical one, but the symptoms may be physical or cognitive and
often demonstrate the greatest impact on memory, thinking,
behaviour and emotions. The most common type of Dementia is
Alzheimer’s Dementia, amounting to about 70% of diagnosed
cases, but other types exist, such as Vascular Dementia, which is
the second most common type, Lewy Body Dementia, and
Frontotemporal Dementia among others.
Alzheimer’s Dementia occurs due to physical changes in the
brain that are commonly seen with ageing. As time goes by, the
brain’s cellular structure changes (cells deform or die), causing
overall changes in the size and shape of the brain. These changes,
as well as the location in the brain where they occur, affect a
person’s overall function, resulting in different signs and symptoms
which eventually become noticeable. With Alzheimer’s Dementia,
which tends to affect the frontal part of the brain, the most
common symptoms are memory loss (especially recent), speech
difficulties, poor concentration, disorientation, difficulty in
judgement, and low mood. These tend to begin slowly and worsen
over time because the process of brain change occurs slowly.
In contrast, Vascular Dementia is related to injury in the brain
from damaged or blocked blood vessels which can lead to strokes,
that therefore result in damage or death of brain cells. The
symptoms in this case are related to where the damage occurs, but
the most common symptoms of this type of dementia are
confusion, disorientation, speech difficulties, and difficulties in
walking and balance. The other types of dementia occur through
different processes and produce other symptoms.
This year the slogan chosen for World Alzheimer's Day is
“never too early, never too late”. The diagnosis of
dementia should be made at any stage of the process.
Interventions to manage this condition should be
initiated whatever the stage of the condition. The same may be
said for risk reduction; any risk factors identified in an
individual’s case should be managed to enhance brain function as
far as possible. Through research, several risk factors have been
identified as increasing the risk for developing or worsening
dementia, including depression, diabetes, excessive alcohol
consumption, head injuries, hypertension, obesity, smoking,
physical inactivity, and social isolation.
Weight control, regular exercise, a healthy diet, diabetes control,
blood pressure control and smoking cessation are all included in
the management of dementia. Discussing with a General
Practitioner, either a personal family doctor or those located in
the Primary Care Centres around Malta and Gozo, about
controlling any of these risk factors plays an important role in risk
reduction of possible future dementia. It also aids in diagnosing
and managing dementia, apart from possible referral to other
specialised services.
The local Dementia helpline 1771 is a 24/7 telephone
helpline that provides advice to dementia patients and
provides information about the multiple services offered
by the local Dementia Care Directorate within the
Active Ageing and Community Care. Advice can also be given on
how to proceed if an individual is suspected of having dementia
signs and symptoms.
THE DEMENTIA INTERVENTION TEAM WILL BE
HOSTING AN INFORMATION STAND NEXT TO THE
PARLIAMENT BUILDING IN VALLETTA BETWEEN THE
20TH AND 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023. SEVERAL
PROFESSIONALS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER AND
EXPLAIN ANY QUERIES.
All senior citizens over 60 years of age, or known cases of dementia, are encouraged to make use of the services available that are provided
by the Dementia Care Directorate within the Active Ageing and Community Care. Further details are available online on aacc.gov.mt,
on telephone numbers 153/22788900, email aacc-services@gov.mt / dit.aacc@gov.mt / dcd.aacc@gov.mt, or by visiting Ċentru Servizz
Anzjan at 3, Old Mint Street, Valletta, Malta, or Elderly Service Centre at 39, Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo.
71

PROMOTION
How to Spot Signs of Dementia
in a Loved One
It is very difficult to watch a loved one go through changes as they age, and it can be
challenging to know when to seek help. As people get older, the risk of developing
dementia increases. At Simblija Care Home, we understand the significance of this
journey and are here to support you.
Early intervention can help slow down the
progression of the disease, making it essential
to be aware of these signs. It’s important to
remember that the following patterns can
prove distressing and alarming for your loved one, so it’s
crucial to approach them with compassion and
understanding.
PERSISTENT CHANGE IN BEHAVIOUR
If you notice a persistent change in your loved one’s
behaviour, it could be a sign of dementia. They may seem
more forgetful, confused, or struggle to complete familiar
tasks.
MEMORY LOSS
Memory loss is one of the most common signs of
dementia. Your loved one may forget recent events,
names, and faces. They may also struggle to find the right
words to express themselves.
DIFFICULTY IN LEARNING NEW THINGS
Dementia can make it challenging for your loved one to
learn new routines, skills, or adapt to changes in their
environment.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to manage their
finances. Your loved one may forget to pay bills, make
inappropriate purchases, or struggle to manage their bank
account.
LOSING TRACK OF TIME
Your loved one may forget what day it is or what time it
is. They may also forget appointments or important
events. It can be helpful to create a daily schedule for your
loved one to help them stay on track.
LOSS OF INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES
Dementia can cause a person to lose interest in activities
they used to enjoy. Your loved one may stop participating
in hobbies or social events they used to enjoy. They may
also withdraw from social interactions and become more
isolated.
REPEATING THEMSELVES
Your loved one may tell the same stories or ask the same
questions over and over again.
If you think you have spotted signs of dementia in a
loved one, there are several proactive steps you can
take. Firstly, you can document and share these
patterns with a doctor. Keeping a record and tracking
signs can help to provide a clearer picture of the
progression of the disease.
It is important to find professional help after noticing
early symptoms of dementia. At Simblija Care Home, we
specialise in dementia care and can guide you through
this challenging journey. Begin by selecting the right
doctor who specialises in dementia care and
communicate your observations in detail. Preparing for a
diagnosis can involve reviewing their medical history,
physical or mental exams, lab tests, and brain imaging. It’s
important to continue to observe and track the symptoms
to help you and the medical professionals determine the
best care and treatment for your loved one.
As difficult as it may be to accept, planning for the
future is essential. Seeking professional care and exploring
long-term care residential options may be challenging at
first. Rest assured our resident-centered team approach
will guide and assist you through this journey with the
highest level of professionalism, competence, and
compassion.
Your loved one may feel scared or vulnerable, so it is
essential that they recognise that you have their best
interests at heart.
Learn more about the compassionate and
comprehensive care we offer to individuals living with
dementia at Simblija Care Home. Our team is here to
support you and your loved one through this challenging
time, and we are committed to providing the highest
quality care possible.
What's more, we are organising a special event to give you a chance to build friendships
and connect with our team over tea and tasty delights on Saturday 21st October from
9:30 am till 12:30 pm at Triq il-Forga, Naxxar. Give us a call on 2235 1000 to book
your spot today and learn more about life at Simblija.
73

SWITCH NOW, GO ECOO
LOW INTEREST RATES
PERSONAL ENERGY FINANCE
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SCAN ME
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ENVIRONMENT
GOING CARBON NEUTRAL & SUSTAINABILITY,
REDUCING EMISSIONS, URBAN GARDENS AND
ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
GOING CARBON NEUTRAL
UNWRAPPED
Climate change is one of our most pressing global
challenges, a topic scientists have emphasised for
decades. It signifies the ongoing transformation of
Earth's climate due to human actions, chiefly the release of
greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
oxide. These gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere, contribute
to global warming. So, where do these gases come from?
Carbon dioxide, mainly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels (such as
coal, oil and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, is the most
abundant greenhouse gas. Deforestation and land-use changes also release
carbon dioxide as trees store carbon, and their removal releases it into the atmosphere.
Methane emissions, resulting from natural and human sources, come from fossil fuel
production, livestock digestion and manure management in agriculture, and the decay of
organic waste in landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a much higher heattrapping
potential per molecule than carbon dioxide. While it doesn't persist in the
atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide, it can have a significant impact on global
warming, especially in the short term. Nitrous oxide emissions, stemming from both
natural and human activities, include agriculture (especially with the use of synthetic
fertilizers) and industrial processes. Nitrous oxide, like methane, has a higher heattrapping
potential per molecule compared to carbon dioxide and contributes to climate
change and ozone depletion.
To address the consequences of climate change, the notion of "achieving carbon
neutrality" has become increasingly significant. Being carbon neutral entails finding
equilibrium between the volume of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and
those removed from it. Sustainability is of paramount importance for safeguarding
Earth's natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems, all while maintaining a high
quality of life for everyone. It assumes a pivotal role in tackling climate change by
curtailing carbon emissions and encouraging responsible patterns of consumption and
production. The journey toward carbon neutrality and sustainability encompasses
transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient technologies,
endorsing sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry, minimizing waste, and
embracing eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
Urban gardens and parks are green spaces within cities that are designed for
recreational, aesthetic, and ecological purposes. These areas include
community gardens, public parks, rooftop gardens, and green corridors.
Urban gardens and parks provide numerous benefits, including improved air quality,
enhanced urban biodiversity and stress reduction. They also contribute to climate
resilience by acting as natural cooling systems, reducing the urban heat island effect and
promoting carbon sequestration.
Addressing climate change, achieving carbon neutrality, reducing emissions, promoting
green urban spaces, and practicing environmental care are critical components of a
comprehensive strategy to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for all. These
efforts require global commitment, innovative solutions, and individual actions to
mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve the environment.
Photography this page Sonny Baccam.
75

BACK TO SCHOOL
“That old September feeling, left over from school days,
of summer passing, vacation nearly done, obligations
gathering, books and football in the air... Another fall,
another turned page: there was something of jubilee in
that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year's
mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.”
Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose
PHOTOGRAPHY THIS PAGE: VIEW FROM VILLA RUFOLO IN RAVELLO
ON THE AMALFI COAST, LYNN VAN DEN BROECK.
78

BACK TO SCHOOL
BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY
7 TIPS TO HELP
CHILDREN COPE
Going back to school after the summer holidays can be a big deal. For some children, it means moving into
a new classroom with a new teacher. Others will be going to a new school altogether. Change can be
exciting, but it’s often scary, too. Your child might be feeling a version of the “Sunday scaries” we sometimes
experience when the weekend’s over – a miserable anticipation of the boring old routine starting back
again. Or they might be experiencing more significant emotional distress, perhaps wanting to avoid school
altogether. If your child is feeling fearful and anxious about the return to school, you may be unsure how to
help them. This can be an upsetting and challenging situation for you as a parent or carer, too. Here are
some steps to take to help your child with their return to the classroom write Lecturer Trudy Meehan and
Senior Lecturer Jolanta Burke at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
1 LET YOUR CHILD
KNOW YOU HEAR THEM
It might be tempting to dismiss your child’s
fears with a quick reassurance that everything
will be OK. But it is more helpful to let them
know that you understand and believe them,
and that you will work with them as they get
back into the school routine and do whatever
you can to support them. This can help your
child move on from negative emotions and
towards solving the problem with you.
2 FIND OUT WHAT’S
WORRYING THEM
There are various reasons why your child
might not want to go back to school. They
might be trying to avoid something negative:
bullying, a difficult environment created by
teachers, struggles interacting with their
classmates or academic pressure. They might
have neurodevelopmental issues, such as
autism, ADHD or dyslexia, that make school
difficult, or a mental health issue such as
anxiety.
Or they may be worried about leaving the
home they’ve got used to spending all their
time in over the summer holidays, and having
to learn instead in a bright, noisy environment
that may be overwhelming. They might be
feeling some separation anxiety, wanting to stay
close to you. Finding out what in particular is
worrying them will help you work out a
solution – perhaps with the assistance of a
teacher or other professional.
3 LET THEM KNOW
IT’S OK TO FEEL SCARED
If your family is experiencing back-to-school
anxiety, both you and your child may be feeling
a little bit inadequate and ashamed of these
feelings. But this fear is not a sign of weakness.
It’s an understandable challenge, with a genuine
cause, that you and your child have the capacity
to understand and overcome. By going through
this challenge and facing it with the right
support, you and your child can end up feeling
more capable and more resilient.
4 TAKE THINGS
STEP BY STEP
Going straight back into school – seeing
classmates and teachers again all at once – might
be a lot to handle. You could set up a playdate or
social meet for your child with a few school
friends in the days before school starts, so they
can catch up before the first overwhelming day.
Breaking a task down into bite-size chunks
and focusing on small successes that you can
link together over time can make a big hurdle –
like the return to school – more manageable.
5 FOCUS ON SLEEP
Sleep routines probably went out the window
over the holidays, and everyone at home will
struggle to deal with earlier bedtimes and
morning alarms. Teenagers, in particular, will
find it difficult – a shift in sleep patterns from
puberty can push the time they feel ready to
sleep later by as much as two hours.
Unfortunately, though, this doesn’t reduce the
amount of sleep that they need (about nine
hours a night).
But sleep is important for mood and
academic performance. Try to be kind and
compassionate with yourself and everyone else
in the house, and see if you can all get to bed at
least 15 minutes early in the week before school
starts. If you can’t manage this or if it’s already
too late, there are other ways to improve sleep.
Exercise during the day, cutting caffeine intake,
reducing evening screen time, and even
missing some extracurricular activities at the
start of the school year might be helpful.
6 PAY ATTENTION
TO YOUR OWN MOOD
Try to reduce your own negative talk about
the return to school. If you’re unhappy about
going back to the school routine, then it’s likely
your children will follow your lead. Try to
avoid negative conversations, in real life or
online, about going back to school. If you can’t
manage to be positive, and there’s another adult
in the house or family, you can ask them to
support you by being positive and acting as a
counterbalance to your anxiety or negative
thoughts.
7 ENCOURAGE OPTIMISM
Practice thinking optimistically with your
child. Before going to bed each night, you
could both write down three things you are
looking forward to the following day – seeing
friends, an after-school club, a favourite meal.
This can help you both balance out the negative
emotions you might be feeling about the day
ahead.
This article first appeared on The Conversation.
79

BACK TO SCHOOL
Research has shown that the lack of financial literacy can lead to a range of problems, from
struggling with debt to making poor financial choices. By starting financial education early,
we can help our children build a solid foundation of financial well-being.
80

BACK TO SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL
Teaching Children the Lifelong Skill
of Money Management
Teaching children money management is an investment in their future well-being. Petra Ellul-Mercer,
Financial Capability Project Developer at ĠEMMA's explains the importance of instilling this crucial life
skill from a young age and how innovative tools like AI-powered budget planners and gamification can
help make it engaging and educational. Photography Fabian Blank.
THE STRESS-REDUCING POWER OF
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Financial literacy is not just about understanding numbers: it’s
about gaining control over your financial life; it is a skill set that
equips us with the knowledge and abilities to make informed
decisions about our finances. According to the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), financial literacy is
not only a critical life skill, but also a global concern. According to a
2019 OECD report, only one in three adults in OECD countries
possesses the necessary financial literacy skills to make sound financial
decisions.
Research has shown that the lack of financial literacy can lead to a
range of problems, from struggling with debt to making poor financial
choices. By starting financial education early, we can help our children
build a solid foundation of financial well-being. When children learn
how to manage money responsibly, they are better equipped to navigate
the complexities of adulthood, from managing debt and saving for the
future to dealing with unexpected financial setbacks. This early
education can significantly reduce stress and anxiety when it comes to
money matters.
STARTING EARLY: A FOUNDATION
FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS
Many important decisions happen early in life, the sooner we
start teaching children about money, the better. Just as it is not
possible to thrive in an industrialised society without the
ability to read and write, it is also not possible to successfully navigate
today’s world without being financially literate. The primary school
years are an ideal time to introduce basic financial concepts and build
financial habits. Children are curious and eager to learn, making it the
perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for good money management
habits. But how can parents and educators make this learning process
engaging and effective?
AI TOOLS AND APPS:
EMMA MAKES LEARNING FUN
In the age of smartphones and tablets, harnessing the power of
technology can be a game-changer in teaching financial literacy. AI
tools and apps have emerged as invaluable resources for introducing
children to the world of money in a fun and interactive way.
Budget planners like the "Gemma Budget Planner" simplify how we
manage our money and help to build positive money habits such as goal
setting, allocating allowances, and tracking spending, all while learning
about saving and budgeting.
Gamification is another tool that has gained traction in financial
education. Apps like ĠEMMA Karus turn money management into a
playful experience, transforming saving, spending, and goal setting into
real-life experiences. Children can grasp the value of money, make
decisions in a risk-free environment, and build important financial
skills.
LEARNING BEYOND
THE CLASSROOM
While schools play a vital role in imparting knowledge,
financial education should extend beyond the classroom.
Parents are a child's first and most influential teachers, and
they can reinforce these lessons through daily activities.
For instance, parents can involve their children in budgeting for family
outings or holidays, letting them participate in decisions about spending
on non-essential items like toys, and making them aware of their social
responsibility to buy products from ethical organisations. Encouraging
children to save a portion of their allowances for long-term goals can
instil the habit of delayed gratification.
From an early age children absorb information and habits from their
surroundings, by modelling good financial behaviour parents and
teachers can help children develop essential, positive money habits that
will stay with them throughout their lives.
ADDRESSING CHANGING
FINANCIAL LANDSCAPES
Financial education is not a one-time endeavour. Our financial
needs evolve over time and so should our understanding of
money management. For example, understanding the basics of
investing and the potential impact of inflation becomes crucial as
children grow into adults. Talking about current affairs and their effects
and implications helps to minimise the taboo of talking about money
and gives ongoing support that can help young adults make informed
decisions about subjects such as student loans, credit cards, and longterm
savings. When children have a solid understanding of money
management they are better equipped to adapt to economic changes,
take advantage of opportunities and secure their financial future.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: BUILDING
FINANCIALLY RESILIENT GENERATIONS
Teaching children about money management isn't just about
preparing them for their own futures; it's about creating a ripple
effect that benefits society as a whole. Financially literate
individuals are less likely to fall into debt traps, more likely to make wise
financial choices, and be better equipped to handle financial
emergencies. This financial resilience contributes to a more stable and
prosperous community.
In conclusion, back-to-school season offers an ideal opportunity to
prioritise the teaching of financial literacy to our children. This essential
life skill can reduce stress and anxiety, improve financial decisionmaking,
and provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of financial wellbeing
As we send our children back to school, let's also send them on a
path to financial empowerment and security, guided by the insights and
recommendations of organisations like ĠEMMA.
For more useful financial savings tips visit gemma.gov.mt or
www.facebook.com/gemma.know.plan.act
81

WANDERLUST
“ All magic, all madness is represented in the bizarreness
of this palace of fairy kings and queens.”
Victor Hugo
INSIDE A FAIRYTALE
FABULOUS CHÂTEAU
CHAMBORD
Château de Chambord, nestled in the Loire Valley, is one of the most recognisable châteaux in the world, its
very distinctive French Renaissance architecture blending traditional French medieval forms with classical
Renaissance structures. Commissioned by the flamboyant King of France, Francis I, this château is a testament
to the artistry and vision of the time. He began work on the castle in 1519, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci (who
died that year) and who had been working for the King for the last three years. The result is an exquisite
architectural masterpiece that boasts an iconic double helix staircase, believed to be designed by da Vinci
himself. The staircase alone is a testament to Renaissance engineering and aesthetics.
Photography courtesy Domaine National de Chambord Castle.
82
This page: The gardens in full bloom at Chambord. Photograph Domaine National de Chambord Castle © Leonard de Serres.

WANDERLUST
Chambord is by far the largest château in the Loire Valley
and was built as a hunting lodge for Francis I, however the
king spent just seven weeks in total within its walls. The
château was built for short stays - massive rooms, towering
windows, and lofty ceilings rendered heating impractical. Additionally,
its remote location meant that sustenance had to be transported. This
meant that all food had to be brought with the group, typically
numbering up to 2,000 people at a time. Furniture, wall coverings, and
essentials were brought in for each hunting excursion, a logistical feat
that often required disassembling and reassembling furniture.
Top: Combining medieval
architecture with the new modes of
construction typical of the Italian
Renaissance, Chambord drew
inspiration from the medieval
imagination, chivalric romance and
depictions of illuminated
manuscripts. In accordance with the
wishes of François I, Chambord
springs up in the forest as an
enchanted castle. Photograph
Domaine National de Chambord
Castle © Olivier Marchant.
Left: In the eighteenth century the
interiors of the castle were
refurbished by various occupants
who had the apartments fitted with
woodwork, parquet floors, false
ceilings and private petits cabinets.
Photograph Domaine National de
Chambord Castle © Sophie Lloyd.
83

WANDERLUST
Above left: The castle is designed around a central architectural marvel:
the double helix staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.
Photograph Domaine National de Chambord Castle © Leonard de Serres.
Above right: The restored Chambord lanterns.
Photograph Domaine National de Chambord Castle © Leonard de Serres.
Left: Inside Renaissance Château de Chambord.
Photography Domaine National de Chambord Castle © Sophie Lloyd.
Following the death of Francis I in 1547, Chambord saw a
period of neglect until the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th
century. The Sun King would reside at Chambord several
times in the company of his court - hosting grandiose hunting parties
and festive entertainment. In the 18th century various occupants
took on the task of furnishing the castle's apartments with
woodwork, parquet floors, false ceilings, and private spaces known as
"petits cabinets."
Château de Chambord has also seen unique moments in history. In
the late 1700s, as the French Revolution raged, while the château was
ransacked, the monument itself escaped destruction, though it would
then remain deserted for decades. Then, just before the outbreak of
World War II in 1939, the château played a pivotal role in
safeguarding some of France's most precious works of art like the
Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Today, Château de Chambord has a magical fairy-tale-like
appearance with an enchanting, towering presence. Featuring a
magnificent 128 metre façade, Chambord boasts an intricate
roofscape - Francis I wanted it to resemble the skyline of
Constantinople, and the result is a stunning contrast of white stone
against the sharply pointed black slate roof. The château is
surrounded by a sprawling 52.5 square-kilometre wooded park and
game reserve, enclosed by a 31-kilometer wall. This expansive natural
setting adds to the captivating aura, putting Château de Chambord in
a world beyond the ordinary, steeped in history, with the influence of
Leonardo da Vinci in the air.
84

YEARS of
Splendour & Devotion
The Art Collections of the Order of St John
Theresa Vella
Photography: Daniel Cilia
Elegantly written and
thoughtfully conceived,
this lavish production is
grounded in scholarly
research but accessible
to a wide readership.
To read it is to enter a
fascinating world.
Signed copies available from
www.kitegroup.com.mt
Kite Group, 13, Triq il-Franġiskani, Ħamrun
Specifications: 300 x 255mm |
304 pgs | Hardback | €95
9993 2592

ICONIC
ENIGMATIC RENAISSANCE MASTERPIECE
FALLing IN LOVE WITH LAURA
A Mystery in Marble
The enigmatic marble busts of young women by Italian Renaissance sculptor Francesco Laurana (c.1430–1502) are a
captivating mystery. People have long wondered about the identity of the sitter. Why has she averted her eyes? Does
her expression suggest boredom or arrogance? Is she shy or haughty? Nine of these busts are found in various
European and American museums. One is held at the Kunstkammer Vienna. It is one of the few Renaissance marble
busts with colouring and among the most significant creations of fifteenth century portrait sculpture, and currently at the centerpiece
of a small but spectacular exhibition, In Love with Laura – A Mystery in Marble, at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, until
15th October 2023. The exhibition also explores the possibility that that this is a portrait of the mysterious Laura, who was so deeply
(but unhappily) beloved by the Italian Renaissance poet Petrarch. He addressed over 300 moving love poems to her. For the first time
ever, three out of the nine busts by Laurana are on display together including two busts from the Frick Collection in New York.
86
This page: Francesco Laurana, Bust of a Woman, idealized portrait of Laura (?) Last third of the 15th century, polychromed and gilt marble, wax appliqués,
Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Kunstkammer. In Love with Laura, advertising image © KHM-Museumsverband.

OCTOBER ’2 3
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