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This blog is dedicated to Malta - my island home. My aim is not to bore you with history but to share my thoughts and a few facts together with a photo or two. For a more in -depth background of the island please go here. The purpose of this blog is not to point out the short-comings of the island. There are plenty that do that already. My wish is to show you the beauty of an island at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of history; a place where fact and fiction are sometimes fused to create unique myths and legends; a country that has been conquered so many times that our culture is a mish mesh of the lands that surround us and of lands far away. I confess that my greatest desire is to make you fall in love with this tiny enchanting island.

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Thursday 19 January 2012

Maltese Boats

Darin's 161

Traditional Maltese boats are colourful and on, sunny days, cast pretty reflections in the water. The local fishermen have different names for the boats, depending on their type and size. Personally I cannot tell a luzzu from a frejgatina or a dghajsa, but whatever their name, I find them fascinating. It is thought that the design of some of these boats dates back to Phoenician times, the only exception being that these days motors are use instead of sails.

Darin's 147

Darin's 148

Nowadays these boats are not as plentiful as they used to be. It takes a lot of time and effort to keep the colours fresh and vibrant and the number of people who make a living just by fishing dwindles every year. I do hope though that, for generations to come, these boats will continue to bob gently on the sparkling blue waters of our harbours and bays.

Darin's 149Darin's 150Darin's 152

 

I cannot believe it has been well over a month since I posted here but, in my defence, we were away on vacation for over three weeks and then I had to deal with the aftermath of a long vacation – unpacking, laundry …. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my first post for the year.

Darin's 159

Photographed at

Marsaxlokk Harbour

February 2011

8 comments:

  1. I did, and that first photo reminds me of your husband's painting :)

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  2. Beautiful post Lorna.......and I agree with Leslie......Darin caught the colors and inspiration well from these beautiful mode of transportation.

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  3. Oh I just love Mediterranean boats, they are so colourful!

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  4. Beautiful pictures and what cheerful painted boats !!

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  5. I suppose a sail is like a motor -- its engine the entire jet stream!

    Absolutely delectable photographs, Loree. Thank you.

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  6. Such bright, beautiful boats, and what a joy to see the water. (I've been in farmland too long!)

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  7. Love the colorful boats! You make me want to visit Malta so much!
    These are just great photos!

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  8. I am wondering why are the boat is such colours? Is there a reason behind it? I couldn't find any explanation on the web.

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