Peter Carbonaro interviews a number of Eurovision singers, who visited Malta recently, on their impressions of our islands.
Name: Daria
Age: 20 years
Nationality: Croatian
Length of stay: Four days
Accommodation: A hotel in Sliema
First time in Malta
Croatia Eurovision singer
What were your first impressions of Malta?
My first impression was similarity with Croatia. Both countries are Mediterranean, architecture in Valetta is similar to those in some Croatian towns.
The people are nice, easy-going, friendly and open, so I felt almost like at home. Many recognised me on the street and asked if I was the Croatian representative. They saw me on PBS television and said they liked my song. What I found funny was when people on the street told me that they have never seen such a tall girl.
A place or something that you really liked in Malta or about Malta?
Well, there are many places I liked, but also I did not have the chance to see everything I wanted to due to the lack of time.
I especially liked Casa Rocca Piccola, it’s one of the greatest monuments I have ever seen, it tells a lot about rich Maltese culture and history. I didn’t know that the place was so old and that it is still privately owned. We have similar houses in Zagreb, but most of them were turned into museums. This is truly a unique monument to history, culture and Maltese way of life. Too bad I did not have the time to see more.
I liked Malta in general, people were friendly, nice, sociable, everything was really great.
What do you think of the service and the food in restaurants?
Service is very fine. We tried Malta’s national dish, I think it’s called fennek, rabbit I think? It was very tasty, but I was somehow surprised that fish wasn’t a national dish in a Med country.
If Malta had to be a film, what film would it be?
My first thought would be Maltese Falcon. But this was more due to the popularity and significance of a film, Malta is a modern country while the film is from the 1940s.
I ’m not a film maker, neither a director, but the way I see it, maybe a good name would be “Connection”. Malta lies between two worlds, Europe and Africa, and the film would have to tell about the significance of its location, its history and culture.
From the little time you were in Malta what did you learn about the island?
My impression was that the island is bigger than what geo-graphy says, and also that it has more people than official figures say.
Definitely, Malta is a very dynamic country.
You can feel that positive atmosphere and link between history and the present day.
What do you think of this year´s Maltese Eurovision entry One Life by Glen Vella?
He is a great singer, I think he has a lot of potential and will represent Malta inthe best possible way. I met him and really liked the way he sings.
Will you come back to Malta, and why?
Naturally. This was a very nice experience, too bad I didn’t come during the summer to enjoy the beaches. Maybe this summer.
Name: Senit
Age: 32 years
Nationality: San Marino
Length of stay: Two days
Accommodation: A hotel in Floriana
First time in Malta
San Marino Eurovision singer
What were your first impressions of Malta?
My first impression was about the colour of the buildings, so typical! Malta is a sunny, lovely country! People are warm and friendly. On one hand, Malta has a very familiar feeling: on the other hand, there are small differences that made me understand that I am in another country, such as the fact that in Malta cars drive on the left side of the streets.
A place or something that you really liked in Malta or about Malta?
The harbour. My hotel room had a harbour view, and I wonder how beautiful it could be to spend a summer here in Malta.
What do you think of the service and the food in restaurants?
Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to experience any Maltese restaurant and food. The quality and the service of our hotel’s buffet, however, was more than amazing; it was a real food feast!
If Malta had to be a film, what film would it be?
Malta could be a romantic comedy in James Ivory’s style like a James Bond movie, full of action and adrenaline.
From the little time you were in Malta what did you learn about the island?
I know that Malta is an independent country from the 1960s: now Malta is a member of the EU and adopted the euro a few years ago. I know that Maltese language has many Italian words, I could understand a few words in the shows where I was invited. And Grazzì is so similar to our grazie! And I am impressed by the passion that many Maltese have for music!
What do you think of this year´s Maltese Eurovision entry One Life by Glen Vella?
I am impressed by Glenn’s sympathy and passion. I had the chance to meet him in Armenia, and he’s amazing in communicating with people. On stage, Glen manages to put energy into every performance: we’ll meet again in the Düsseldorf Arena backstage!
Will you come back to Malta, and why?
I love the summer, the sun and the sea. Three good reasons to visit Malta again.
Names: Ell & Nikki
Ages: 21 yrs and 31 yrs
Nationality: Azerbaijani
Length of stay: Three days
Accommodation: A hotel in Floriana
First time in Malta
Azerbaijan singers
What were your first impressions of Malta?
Eldar: Awesome! I fell in love after I had made the first step on Malta’s land. When we were driving from the airport I couldn’t stop recording everything on my phone. Malta is beautiful, very ancient and I’m very sorry that we stayed here so little time.
Nigar: Malta was just fantastic! I was speechless!
A place or something that you really liked in Malta or about Malta?
Nigar: The main thing we loved in Malta are the people. They are so great, open, positive and sincere. When we were performing we felt such powerful energy from them and we didn’t want to go off the stage.
Eldar: Maltese people are superb! It was so amazing, we stood on the stage and wished our performance would never end! Nigar even started to cry!!!
What do you think of the service and the food in restaurants?
Eldar: Service was always excellent. We had a short stroll down the city and went into a restaurant in the old philharmonic hall. I have to say it was amazing how homelike it felt, very cosy and delicious!
Nigar: And the food was great! We had fish - I don’t remember the name – (smiles) and other sea food – it was unbelievable!
If Malta had to be a film, what film would it be?
Eldar: It would be a film about summer love story: adventurous, warm, sensitive and honest, almost like our song. (Smiles)
From the little time you were in Malta what did you learn about the island?
Nigar: We’ve learned that Malta consists of three smaller islands, that it is only 25 kilometres long and we’ve learned that it is a dream place for vacation.
Eldar: We’ve also discovered where live probably the most open people we’ve ever met. (Smiles).
What do you think of this year´s Maltese Eurovision entry One Life by Glen Vella?
Nigar: Glen is lovely! Great singer with extremely nice song! We wish him good luck in Germany! We got together and spent some time in Malta, great guy!
Eldar: Yes, Glen is very pleasant and friendly! We’ve met on the TV show and became friends since then. We now keep in touch through Facebook.
Will you come back to Malta, and why?
Eldar: I would gladly come back to Malta, especially in summer. During our stay it was a bit windy but I’m sure it is a paradise in summer.
Nigar: For sure, I will bring my family for summer getaway!