Peter J. Shield
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A Time To Share: N0. 4
Posted: Malta Sept 28th,2004
Arrival in Malta
Well as the saying goes “I've arrived and to prove it I'm here!” I promise not to bore you to death with my newly established home of Malta, but please indulge me just this once! If you've not visited this Island Paradise you are doing yourself an injustice. As someone who has spent over 50 years travelling the world I can assure you there is nowhere quite like it. Yes there are prettier places, yes there are more exciting places (Las Vegas for example) but nowhere that I can name offers the English speaking holiday maker the variety of things to do or see. From modern 5 star resorts to 7000-year-old Archeological sites all within a half hours drive! How exciting for me to renew a friendship dating back 50 years! Farther Victor Camilleri was the Priest who assisted me on my many visits to the excavations at the ancient Catacombs of St. Agathas at Rabat, during my stay here over 50 years ago as a photojournalist assigned to record these incredible passages. (He is today the proud curator of one of the most amazing collections of artifacts in the world).
My welcome here was overwhelming as I arrived in Valletta I was met with a Guard of Honour and Military Band. Princess Anne escorted me to the welcome and even the President showed up! I said it wasn't necessary, and someone muttered something about Independence Day! I told them I had already seen the movie (I'm a Will Smith fan) but they insisted on going ahead with the proceedings!
1. Princess Anne and I 2. Guard of Honor 3.The President Arrives
I digress; timeshare is doing very well in Malta. As I prepare to install one of their first exit programs I have been impressed with the interviews I have carried out amongst visitors. All, with few exceptions are repeat visitors; and amongst the existing owners I have spoken to have been extremely satisfied with their purchase. I find it hard to get use to “right to use” after dealing only with deeded property in USA, however that's the product here so if you want to own your vacations in Malta you have little choice. There is little doubt however that the cost of holidaying here is skyrocketing and for those serious about regular visits here there is no better way than to become an owner at one of the great resorts here. Many are Bed and Breakfast also which impressed me! A good English breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausages can fill you up for the day and help the budget considerably - unheard of in good old USA! One unique attraction that I enjoyed was a visit to Sweet Haven or Popeye's Village as it's better known. The movie Popeye starring Robin Williams was shot here and the film set preserved as a theme park. What a spectacular location and it was the site of my favourite photograph this month!
Sweet Haven or Popeye's Village,Malta
On a final note, I was proud to attend the Malta Governments Tourist Department's exhibition of Photographs encouraging tourism to Malta which included two of my recent pictures. (Note to Princess Anne - sorry Your Royal Highness, I couldn't resist joining you in the photograph!)
Peter J. Shield
(Visit http://GoingGlobalTV.com for a complete update on Peter's activities in Malta.)View earlier article
Contact Peter at pshield@onvol.net
Shield International Marketing Partners Ltd, 3205 #D Pinehurst Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89109 USA. Phone (702) 731 3660