New & now
Abigail Mallia: “I grew up in Paola and I have beautiful memories there”
Film Director Abigail Mallia reveals her favourite tastes and sights of Malta.

Rebecca Anastasi

abigail

Where did you grow up and what memories do you have of it?

I grew up in Paola and I have beautiful memories there... playing in the street with the other kids mostly. Right across the street, the view was the majestic Addolorata Cemetery, however, to me it always felt like part of my landscape, with no real connection to death. I remember buying hot Maltese bread from the bakery down the road, and eating a hole into the centre of it by the time I got back home. It got me into trouble every time, but I really couldn't help myself.

What is your favourite…

Local dish: Easter figolla (does that count as a dish?)... if not aljotta (traditional fish soup) though I avoid meat as much as possible

Beach or swimming spot: Ramla l-Hamra

Place for a walk: Mdina

Family tradition: Christmas Lunch

Maltese word: f'sikkti (fi skiet tieghi, in my silence)

Landmark: Cittadella

Festa food: I don't go to festas! Are there any imqaret (traditional honeycomb sweets) there?

Local smell: The sea

View: Xlendi Cliffs/ Zurrieq

Town/village: Manikata

abigail

Describe your ideal day spent in Malta.

My ideal day would include a walk in the countryside with my dogs, and lunch by the sea, preferably in Gozo. Another beautiful day could be spent camping in Comino in the winter months.

Is there anything you would change about Malta or the Maltese?

I would definitely like to change our education system, and give more space to critical thinking, entrepreneurial skills and the creative process. Moreover, I would like to change Maltese laws with regards to animals.

What is the one tip you’d give to a visitor?

Use sunblock and taste Maltese traditional food.

Either or...

Cisk or Kinnie? Kinnie

Sand or rocks? Rocks

Summer or winter? Usually summer, but after this year, I will go for winter

17th October 2018


Rebecca Anastasi
Written by
Rebecca Anastasi
Rebecca has dedicated her career to writing and filmmaking, and is committed to telling stories from this little rock in the Mediterranean.

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