ED'S WOR(L)D

I have just returned home from enjoying a picture postcard sunset down in Xlendi. Having spent a lovely afternoon out in the sun, I wonder how on earth one is supposed to think of Christmas, which is just around the corner! I still associate Christmas time with bitter cold, ice on windscreens in the morning, snowy roads and sidewalks – even though I did not get that for the past 21 years!

This lack of festive mood is probably one of the reasons why I’m always late for Christmas shopping. Year after year I end up in a big, stressful last-minute shopping spree that leaves me gaping for air. Every year I swear that next Christmas will be different – but none of these oaths has ever been kept…

Thankfully, choosing presents for family and friends is a little less painful than it used to be a couple of decades ago. A myriad of small and not so small shops have wonderful gifts for everybody’s taste – which of course leads to new problems: Hands up all those of you who never wanted to keep a gift to her or himself…

So this is Issue No. 2 of GOZO plus. The first one went down well with our readers and your response was truly impressive. You gave us all the encouragement we needed to continue! Special thanks to those of you, who took the time to send us e-mails and letters with suggestions and praise.

The vast majority asked for more information about the island of Gozo itself to be included in GOZO plus, about its beautiful and perhaps less known spots worth a visit, country walks and things to see. As promised, we heed your call and start by including a country walk in this issue, kindly contributed by Dr. Mario Saliba. He leads you down to the secluded bay of San Blas and to the beautifully restored Torri Ta’ Sopu.

Apart from the Country Walk feature we once again wrecked our brains to bring you the best mixture of articles for all ages. The younger ones will surely enjoy Charmaine Attard’s mini survey among Gozitan youths: What do the girls think of the boys – and are they right? The “Island Life” column is here to stay, as is the interview with a Gozitan personality. Anything you are missing in GOZO PLUS? Let us know! The spring issue is scheduled to be published in March 2006.

May you all have a peaceful and harmonic Christmas and a very happy, healthy New Year 2006!

SCA