There has been a lot to read in The Times in the way of complaints against this wonderful island and on the declining tourism. It's true, there are some things one can complain about - but where not in the world?
Now let's have a look at Malta's blessings.
As regular visitors to Malta (two to three times a year for the past 16 years) and now back home after another three-week holiday, it is time to say a huge grazzi hafna to all the people who spoil us in such a manner that Malta will always remain close to our heart. First of all there is the friendliness and kindness we always get from most of the Maltese people. It's easy to make friends and it always makes our heart weep when we have to say goodbye.
A special grazzi hafna to all the staff of the Castille Hotel in Valletta which has become our second home. Even though it is "only" a three-star hotel and some tourists may miss the luxury of a "modern" hotel, we always miss the warm and familiar welcome we get in this house.
Grazzi hafna to all the staff in the restaurants, bars, shops, museums, the little newspaper kiosk next to St Catherine's church... they always have a friendly smile for us and make us feel welcome as guests and not only as consumers.
Grazzi hafna to the bus drivers - even when we sometimes get very angry about the irregular service. We can't imagine how hard this job must be in the hot summer and even more when it rains in winter - and until now we have always been safely delivered to our destinations.
Grazzi hafna to all those who make us happy with wonderful performances at Manoel Theatre, St James Cavalier or the other weekend with the splendid concert National Orchestra Goes Pop in the ruins of the Royal Opera House in Valletta. Maybe one day these ruins will again become a temple for the arts in a newly awakened capital.
Grazzi hafna to all those whom we cannot mention here by name.
And a final word to all those who criticise, whether or not they are right - please open your eyes and don't forget to count the blessings of these wonderful islands. Sometimes a second look is necessary to see the beauty. When you have seen the beauty of Malta and have felt the soul of this island and its people, then you can never live without Malta.
Malta, we love you.