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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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Tuesday 1 March 2011

An Island At The Crossroads

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I rarely write about current events on this blog but I cannot fail to do so during this time of upheaval. After the quick shift of power in Tunisia and Egypt, the revolution in Libya is turning into a bloodbath and the winds of civil war are howling around the streets of Tripoli. With just 210 miles of deep blue sea separating us from our Libyan neighbours, Malta has become the main hub which other countries are using to rescue thousands of their workers stranded in Tripoli, Benghazi and other cities or from remote areas in the desert. To date, over 12,000 people have made it to our shores by air, ship or catamaran. Almost overnight, this little island has become a humanitarian base, acting as a stepping stone for all those that have fled Libya and now wish to continue on their journey  homewards.

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Perhaps I find it rather ironic that in times of peace Malta is so easily forgotten and dismissed as just an island which is the southern-most tip of Europe, of no importance whatsoever – and this is not far from the truth. But in times of war and crisis, the story is very different.

The Mediterranean is an ancient sea and for thousands of years the superpowers that conquered the until-then known world, rose and fell on its shores. Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Turks – their dominion has come and gone, their memory entrenched forever in our souls, their legacy still part of our daily lives. As the world focuses its eyes on North Africa, I believe that the final chapter in the history of this embattled sea still needs to be written and that the final curtain on this drama still needs to rise. Which makes me wonder what further part this island at the crossroads will have to play in the history of this oldest of seas ... but that is a story which only time can reveal.

18 comments:

  1. Yes, I've been hearing more about Malta these days due to the evacuation of stranded foreign workers in Libya. Special circumstances pave way for sometimes "not known" places to become strategic.

    Btw, I've always known about Malta. I had a penpal from there when I was in grade school

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  2. The knights... now this... The photo is striking. The post is necessary.

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  3. Such a powerful passionate post Loree..i can feel your deepset and heartfelt energy..hugs and much love to you..and thankyou for sharing such a beautiifully touching piece!
    peace to all
    xo

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  4. I agree with the previous comments, your post is heartwarming, passionate and absolutely necessary. The irony of it.
    The image is very strong, all those children. And the proud veiled woman... I can only imagine what that family has had to witness.

    Thank you for involving us, here.
    Ciao from Roma and your synchronized friend,
    Ele :)

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  5. Loree, I have been quite engaged with Malta since finding you almost a year ago and I have watched with appreciation and concern as Malta plays a key role in recent events. Your love of your island country has spurred me to read much about your rich history and heritage.

    Thank you for sharing this story on a personal level... blessings to you and Malta.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  6. Lorna, I am not surprised that our beautiful Island has once more become a haven of help and a step stone to freedom. The Apostle Paul in Acts 28:2 states "the islanders showed us unusual kindness". Just think, 12,000 souls will never forget this Island Jewel......at least, let's hope not.

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  7. Your blog has made me more familiar with Malta, Loree, I never realized before that Malta was the southern-most tip of Europe. It's an island with a past to be proud of and it's part in current happenings.

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  8. Awesome news, great post Loree!

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  9. Lor, you never cease to amaze me. You show such deep passion in your writing.......it makes me proud to be your mother. For all the followers who do not know you personally, I would like to point out that you are a reserved person with very few words, but when you are writing, it is another story. I am truly proud of you.

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  10. Great shots !! Salut!!!

    Francesc, Barcelona

    http://balapertotarreu.blogspot.com

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  11. local news is filled with stories about the displacement of the Filipino diaspora. so many Philippine overseas workers have reluctantly gone home because of the upheavals.

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  12. It is a very delicate situation and i hope that all those people are going to be alright!

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  13. Beautiful post, Loree. My heart and prayers are with everyone involved.
    xoxo, B

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  14. Thanks for this post Loree, I had been wondering about Malta in this current situation.

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  15. Hi Loree
    This is something I would have been ignorant about if not for your post.. although I admit.. I haven't been watching any news lately.. 2011 has brought such horrific events to the southern hemisphere and I'm afraid at times we have had 24hr coverage.. which begins to desensitize one to the horrors of the events... so I've been a no news gal these last few weeks..

    I hope your islands stays safe.. and continues to provide mercy and rest fore those that need it..

    PS.. beautiful shots in your last post.. just catching up now i'm back.. ciao xxxx Julie

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  16. I just wanted to thank you all. Some of your comments have moved me to tears. I truly appreciate you all for stopping by to read.

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  17. Oh, the photo of the people seeking refuge just makes me want to cry, so reminiscent of WWII...
    How lovely they feel they can come to your homeland and know safety awaits. But I cannot imagine how awful it must be to have your life so destabilized. I shall count my blessings indeed. Have a wonderful day ~ xox Alexandra

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  18. Thank you for this post, opened my eyes for this speciall positon of your island! And tank´s for your very kind comment on my post about the Romanian wild dogs. The image of this post, these sad eyes, are the eyes of a very lucky dog. A friend of mine retrieved him and his brother from a hungarian homicide station. Now this both dogs are living in Germany and makes her happy day and night. I guess, it was one of the best decisions in her life. I wish you a wonderful night full of nice dreams. Hugs from Luzia.

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