Marama Corlett: "I remember letting paper boats go down Valletta streets in the rain"
London-based Maltese actress Marama Corlett gives us a taste of the sounds and smells of her Malta.
Where did you grow up and what memories do you have of it?
I grew up between our home in Valletta and with my grandparents in Birkirkara.
In Valletta, I recall the church bells ringing through the day and night, the sound of people on the street market in the early mornings, playing at the Upper and Lower Barrakka gardens, St Paul's feast and throwing paper from the balcony. I also remember letting paper boats go down the Valletta streets in the rain and the excitement during the Valletta Karnival.
In Birkirkara, I have fond memories of feeding the animals in my grandparents’ garden, helping my nannu (grandfather) cook and watching Italian Films and TV programmes together. Looking back, I also think of Saint Elena's feast and walking around the B'Kara market with my mum and nanna (grandmother).
What is your favourite…
Bar or watering hole & your usual order: During the day it's Prego (they also make the best toast sandwich!) or QEII in Valletta. In the evenings, it’s between St Paul's Shipwreck Bar in St Paul's Street in Valletta or Hole in the Wall in Sliema or Tony's Bar in St Julian’s. And, it's got to be whiskey or a glass of tea.
Local dish: Stuffed aubergines or octopus pasta.
Beach or swimming spot: Down by the boathouses in Valletta (Taż-Żiemel) or Xlendi in Gozo.
Place for a walk: Valletta at night time.
Nightlife spot: Juuls or Hole in the Wall or Funky Monkey.
Family tradition: Picnic with all my mum's family at my cousin's field or a majjalata (suckling pig) at my Uncle Emmie's house next door.
Maltese word: Ejja ha immoru (C’mon let’s go) or aqbes gbin (jump, man).
Local smell: The sea, fresh Maltese bread and my mum's food.
View: St Ursula Street in Valletta and the view off Dingli Cliffs.
Town/village: Birgu, Birkirkara, Victoria (Rabat in Gozo).
Describe your ideal day spent in Malta:
My ideal day would be having no set plan, driving around the island, talking to the Maltese elderly in the streets and eating good food in the sunshine by the sea.
Is there anything you would change about Malta or the Maltese?
If anything I fear it will change too much.
What do you like on your hobza?
The way Andrew's Bar in B'Kara makes it has got to be the best. It literally has every single traditional hobza ingredient on it including gbejna (cheeselets) and gardiniera (marinated veggies). I usually would then add fresh broad beans and mint leaves myself.
Either or...
Irkotta or pizelli? Irkotta
Cisk or Kinnie? Love both
Sand or rocks? Rocks