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Taste & Takeoff

Casa
España
Barcelona
Taste & Takeoff

From Malta and dividing my time between Malta and Barcelona. I’m retired and love exploring amazing places.

Here, I’ll be sharing tips, ideas, and inspiration mostly about Malta and Barcelona, along with a little of everything I enjoy along the way.

27/03/2026

Windy Days in Malta: How to Make the Most of Blustery Weather on the Island

A windy day in Malta doesn’t have to ruin your plans, in fact, it’s a great excuse to experience a different, often overlooked side of the island. When the sea is rough and the beaches are off-limits, Malta’s rich history, cozy interiors, and dramatic landscapes really shine. Here’s how to make the most of it. Explore Malta’s Indoor Heritage: Windy weather is perfect for diving into Malta’s deep history....

A windy day in Malta doesn’t have to ruin your plans, in fact, it’s a great excuse to experience a different, often overlooked side of the island. When the sea is rough and the beaches are off-limi…

14/03/2026

The Traditional Maltese Clock: A Unique Piece of Island Heritage

Among Malta’s many cultural traditions, one small but fascinating feature of everyday life in the past was the traditional Maltese clock. Unlike standard clocks used throughout Europe, these clocks were often intentionally inaccurate, displaying misleading times to confuse thieves and strangers. Found in old Maltese homes, farmhouses, and village buildings, these clocks became a curious example of local ingenuity and reflect the practical mindset of rural Maltese communities....

Among Malta’s many cultural traditions, one small but fascinating feature of everyday life in the past was the traditional Maltese clock. Unlike standard clocks used throughout Europe, these clocks…

05/03/2026

Malta’s Semaphore Towers: The 19th-Century “Telegraph” Before Electricity

Long before radio, radar, or even electrical telegraphs, messages across Malta were sent through a fascinating system of manual visual signalling towers. Known as semaphore towers, these structures formed a network that allowed operators to send messages across the Maltese Islands using large mechanical arms mounted on top of towers. At a time when communication could take hours or days, this system allowed information to travel across Malta in just minutes....

Long before radio, radar, or even electrical telegraphs, messages across Malta were sent through a fascinating system of manual visual signalling towers. Known as semaphore towers, these structures…

22/02/2026

Fungus Rock (Ġebla tal-Ġeneral) — Gozo

Fungus Rock, known in Maltese as Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, is one of the most historically and scientifically significant natural landmarks on the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago. Located in Dwejra Bay on the west coast, the rock rises steeply from the sea near the Inland Sea and the former Azure Window site. Though modest in size, Fungus Rock has played an important role in Malta’s natural history, medicine, and colonial past....

Fungus Rock, known in Maltese as Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, is one of the most historically and scientifically significant natural landmarks on the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago. Located …

21/02/2026

The Great Siege of Malta (1565)

The Great Siege of Malta in 1565 was one of the most significant military confrontations of the sixteenth century, representing a decisive clash between the expanding Ottoman Empire and the Christian powers of Europe. Though fought on a relatively small island in the central Mediterranean, the siege carried enormous strategic, political, and symbolic importance. It demonstrated the crucial role of geography, leadership, and determination in warfare, and its outcome helped shape the balance of power in the Mediterranean world for generations....

The Great Siege of Malta in 1565 was one of the most significant military confrontations of the sixteenth century, representing a decisive clash between the expanding Ottoman Empire and the Christi…

15/02/2026

The Traditional Maltese Balcony: History, Craft, and Cultural Meaning

Few architectural features are as instantly recognisable as the traditional Maltese balcony. Known locally as the gallarija, these brightly painted, enclosed wooden structures projecting from limestone façades have become one of Malta’s most iconic symbols. Beyond their visual charm, Maltese balconies tell a rich story of climate adaptation, cultural exchange, craftsmanship, and social life. They are not simply decorative additions to buildings, they are historical documents in wood, glass, and stone....

Few architectural features are as instantly recognisable as the traditional Maltese balcony. Known locally as the gallarija, these brightly painted, enclosed wooden structures projecting from limes…

13/02/2026

Trekking Around Barcelona: Discovering Nature Beyond the City

Barcelona is often celebrated for its architecture, cuisine, and Mediterranean beaches, but beyond its urban charm lies a remarkable world of trekking opportunities. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and coastal landscapes, the city is uniquely positioned as a gateway to nature. Within less than an hour from the bustling streets of Barcelona, hikers can find themselves immersed in serene woodlands, climbing dramatic rock formations, or walking along cliffs overlooking the sea....

Barcelona is often celebrated for its architecture, cuisine, and Mediterranean beaches, but beyond its urban charm lies a remarkable world of trekking opportunities. Surrounded by mountains, forest…

12/02/2026

Carnival in Barcelona: A Festival of Freedom, Satire, and Community

Every year, as winter begins to loosen its grip on the Mediterranean, Barcelona bursts into color with the arrival of Carnival. Timed according to the lunar calendar, the festival traditionally begins on Fat Thursday and ends the following Ash Wednesday, marking the final period of indulgence before the austerity of Lent. Carnival is widely associated with “partying, bustling crowds, costumes, parades,” and a spirit of hedonism that historically served as a joyful prelude to religious fasting....

Every year, as winter begins to loosen its grip on the Mediterranean, Barcelona bursts into color with the arrival of Carnival. Timed according to the lunar calendar, the festival traditionally beg…

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