Film Director Abigail Mallia reveals her favourite tastes and sights of Malta.
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
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