Malta. Good for Mind, Body and Spirit

For me, the Maltese are the friendliest and kindest people in the world. Their little island is also the place I return to as often as possible for life-enhancing therapy for mind, body and spirit.

Malta enjoys a wonderful climate. Sunshine is warm and plentiful. In winter an average of 6.5 hours is available each day, while in summer I am  drenched in glorious heat for 10.5 hours daily. I'm not great in extreme heat, but for some strange reason I revel in the Maltese variety. Temperatures in summer (May-September) can reach 35 degrees, but average at around 24C, while in winter (October-April) the average at 24 degrees is just the tonic for frost-averse softies like me.

Lots of sunshine and clear water make Malta a haven for lovers of water sports. I am not one of them, but I'm impressed and fascinated by the trongs of divers, the multitude of sailing enthusiasts, and the myriad of yachts -  from the basic to the most extravagant -  that add colour and atmosphere to the islands, especially in summer.

The Maltese are proud of and loyal to their own official language: Malti. It is closely related to Arabic and they speak it between themselves every day. But they also have English as their second language and most can speak Italian and French as well. For me this is a real pleasure and a bonus for under-privileged linguists like myself.

Malta has virtually no serious crime, mainly due to a no-nonsense police and justice system. Drug dealers, muggers, rapists and burglars are a rarity, and those that do offend are quickly apprehended and dealt with severely. I always feel safe and secure in Malta.

The currency of the islands is now the Euro. Banks and money exchange systems are first class and prices are reasonable. Goods, services, transport, food and accommodation are all good value, with the added bonus of quality, efficiency, and most appreciated of all: service with a smile.

Travel in Malta is a pleasure. I've used all forms without complaint. The national airline, Air Malta, is world class. Less distinguished is the bus service due to inferior roads and the reluctance to retire the famous old 'Maltese Bus' There are still hundreds of these 'boneshakers' on the roads. Most are now ancient and creaky but are inexpensive and reliable. I'm not complaining; to ride them is a unique experience. Now, with the EU bonanza, the road network is being transformed and brand new coaches are beginning to grace the highways.

I've driven every mile of Malta. Self-drive cars are cheap to hire and another bonus for me; driving is on the left. Still it can be an exhilarating experience due to some young banger-drivers making up the rules of the road as they speed along. Light-flashing, roundabout and lane location have not the same meaning as elsewhere. But there are few fatal accidents and I enjoy cruising along at my own pace, admiring the beautiful scenery, and with a little help from St. Paul, reaching my destinations safely.

I have given just a tiny taste and bird's-eye view of Malta, my little haven of tranquillity. Its attraction for me is three-fold: the mystique and fascination of its history and landscape, its warm, soothing climate and the simplicity and sincerity of its people. These characteristics are not adequately conveyed by the pen; they must be experienced and enjoyed.

There is something solid and re-assuring about the Maltese. Perhaps their strength is derived from centuries of defensive heroism against greedy predators and their eventual glorious triumph over pain and adversity. Whatever drives them, Malta is now a proud independent republic with a healthy democracy, a prosperous economy, a distinctive language and culture and a deep-rooted christianity that inspires all their thoughts, words and deeds.