Day Thirteen----September 9th, Montekristo, Roman Villa, Armier Bay

Return To Montekristo
No, this is not the beginning of a sequel to the "Count of Monticristo", we had to go back to visit our friend Victor Bonello to finalize an interview with him. In addition, we joined a tourist group visiting the winery and exhibit.
The tour is an example where the wine industry of Malta is going. There is more to wine than just the beverage and the proprietors of this winery are certainly progressive enough to realize that. People who visit such places may not be interested in wine directly and such persons need something in addition to the wine. While the winery tour only briefly mentioned the winery and its products, it was very entertaining. The group was led to various parts of the scenic winery and a historic animation of sorts took place.
The tour was led by very young (17) Francesca Scerri who with her dynamic personality and acting ability was very believable as a 18th Century village girl. She mentioned to the group that a knight (Justin) was there to protect them against any attacker. The tour culminated in a shooting of a musket and cannon which "awoke" the ghost of Ali (played by Mathew) and who was quite perturbed at being wakened up. A fight ensued and of course the knight was victorious.The group was then treated to see one of their own do some foot pressing and dancing withing a barrel. The whole thing was fun and enjoyed by all.
This just goes to show what good tourist sensitive companies can do. One does not need to depend on one product in order to be a success at that product. A good marketer can invent ways of making money and satisfying public curiosity.
Out interview with Victor went extremely well and I had nothing but good thoughts of this winery. Canada is moving very much into the Agri-Tourism field offering much in the way of winemaker dinners, barbecues, winery tours and events. Wineries also collaborate with each other to their mutual benefit. Malta does need to do more of this.
Romunus Dominus
The Villa stimulates the imagination. It is a throwback to when Rome ruled and families from Rome stayed in Malta. The highlight of the place is the magnificent mosaic floors that were in excellent condition and showed repairs by habitants over a period of years when different families lived in them. The many statues also showed the type of garments that they wore. The upper class ware togas. Women had no rights and believe it or not, the husband being the absolute ruler of the family could kill his children and his wife at will if he so desired.
Not yer best suit for family life but I feel that this was extreme cases and the opposite was true in most cases. Human nature is human nature.
There were also man artifacts: bowls, amphorae, wine utensils and glass. Yes! There was glass and it didn't look much different than today.
What happened to the family of this particular household, who knows. I wished them the best on their journey through time and space.
After the villa we went on to visit Armier Bay. I found it much different than it was twenty years ago. Gone were a number of places that I frequented. The bay was still beautiful with crystal clear blue waters and a lovely sandy beach but it was still different. Time marches on and waits for no one.
Victor Bonello's very wise words kept on ringing in my ears: "I live a good life and I enjoy my life to the fullest and that is why I am happy! I have no time to get bored!" I guess that looking forward rather than backward is part of that philosophy. Thanks again Victor!
End Of Day Thirteen!