While many see Gozo as a relaxing destination for a day trip or weekend getaway, for others it means much more than that. Stephanie Fsadni finds that the island holds a very special place in some hearts.

Ray Bondin’s favourite Gozo view.Ray Bondin’s favourite Gozo view.

Ray Bondin

What is your connection with Gozo?I have had a place in Gozo for many, many years. I have always looked upon Gozo as the place to go to if I needed to reset my thoughts. Valletta is too busy, too noisy. I love Valletta but it is not the easiest place to live in.

How often do you visit Gozo?

Some years ago I had decided to move permanently to Għajnsielem. It was a particular moment in my life when I needed change and tranquility. I travel a lot and I am always looking forward to returning to the peace and tranquillity of Gozo, of my countryside and sea views. We have over-constructed in Malta and Gozo is also suffering terribly from over-development, but it is still a step behind Malta.

Living in Gozo creates terrible logistical problems. For four years I commuted every day to Gozo and it was very tough. Working daily in Malta means wasting between three-and-a-half and four hours of daily life commuting. Yes services have improved but still many times, you do not make it for five minutes or you are left behind, especially on weekends. Catching planes means you have to depart really early. And then, since my work with Heritage Malta was linked to international programmes, all I did was open my laptop in Bighi.

Now I am working from our Cittadella office. So I just go down to Malta when I have meetings. I am now really enjoying Gozo and its special ambiance.

What’s your favourite spot in Gozo?

People do not realise that even in tiny Gozo, there are hundreds of different beauty spots away from the tourists and the day trippers. Gozo is still a paradise for walks in the countryside. But I would not give away my secret spots!

I am not for no change but I am for change that helps Gozo’s image and not its destruction

Do you return to the same restaurants?

I do like to try new places but I tend to stick to the three restaurants I like most.

What can you tell me about Gozo that maybe our readers would not know?

Well, Gozo was very remote in the past. Għarb, for instance, had such a strong dialect that it was called the Jewish dialect, not because it had anything to do with Jews but simply because it was very particular. Gozo has a story all of its own. For example, we ignore the emigrant story completely and yet it has always been so important to the island. Many Gozitans have made good names for themselves all over the globe, yet do not get mentioned.

Would you like Gozo to change in any way?

First of all, we have seen a hardened break between the Maltese and the Gozitans. The Gozitans think that they are not given enough attention and the Maltese think that they are being robbed.

In my opinion, Gozo needs to find its own tourism niche and also a niche for special education. I have plenty of ideas but up to now no one has listened to what I said. Let us see. Maybe things will change or maybe it is too late. But I hope it’s not too late. Gozo is special and must be treated in a special way.

Mepa has a lot to answer for here. I am not for no change but I am for change that helps Gozo’s image and not its destruction. The traditional features of Gozo houses (the upper level arched loggia for instance) have all but disappeared.

There is a real need for people to sit together and discuss the future. Not a political debate but a citizens debate. The people of Gozo love their island. They need to be heard more.

Would you consider retiring there?

Without doubt! I do not intend to move.

Ray Bondin is a manager at Heritage Malta andexpert consultant on world heritage.

Since childhood, Lou Bondì has spent all his summers in Marsalforn.Since childhood, Lou Bondì has spent all his summers in Marsalforn.

Lou Bondì

What is your connection with Gozo?

I was born and bred in Gozo until I was 19 when I emigrated to Canada.

How often do you visit the island?

We go over every weekend all year round and on every other occasion that ops up. However, I have a quirk. It is impossible for me to go over for just a day because it feels like I’m a day tripper. I need to sleep over for at least one night to justify the trip.

Which is your favourite spot?

It’s Marsalforn where I spent all my summers from as far back as I can remember. I’m lucky to have a flat there on the same seaside spot where my parents’ house used to be. So basically, I have been looking out to sea and at the same view for over half a century and I still find it enchanting.

Is there any particular thing you do repeatedly every time you visit the island?

Gozo is our second home and so visiting is devoid of holiday-making routines. We also do different things and go to different parts of the island according to the seasons. In summer, for instance, we drop anchor at our Marsalforn flat and we don’t budge more that 100 metres from it to eat and swim.

For Gozitans, real ġbejniet are strictly seasonal. Eating them out of their season should be punishable by law

Do you return to the same restaurants?

It has become possible to have excellent meals in Gozo, although even here I have a quirk. For me, Gozo and the rituals and airs of fine dining restaurants don’t go together. I prefer down home, off-the-beaten track haunts which specialise in local fare.

What can you tell me about Gozo that maybe our readers would not know?

For Gozitans, real ġbejniet are strictly seasonal. Eating them out of their season should be punishable by law.

Would you like Gozo to change in any way?

It is a pipedream to expect Gozo to be frozen in time. I’m not sympathetic to the view that it should be preserved like some sort of national crib. Unless employment opportunities are created and fast, Gozo will quickly become a geriatric ward. I believe that the island can prosper if it capitalises on its natural assets, rather than by destroying them.

Would you consider retiring there?

Given that we already spend two days a week in Gozo and given that I don’t imagine that I would ever fully retire, what I hope for is that the two Gozitan days a week would go up to four.

Lou Bondì is a strategic communications, PR and marketing consultant.

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