A few days ago I embarked with a couple of Swiss friends of mine for a trip to Gozo. Somehow such nice trips are more often than not tainted by despicable sights or experiences. As soon as we were dropped off in Ċirkewwa, I couldn't help but noticing the endless chain of students waiting to board the ferry. The problem was not the endless queue but the scorching sun under which these people had to wait for approximately 30-45 minutes. We might not always be aware that many of these foreigners hardly ever see the sun, let alone bask in the heat at midday unwillingly.

To add insult to injury there are no benches where people can sit down except for those benches in front of the cafeteria. I felt sorry for some elderly tourists which had to walk out of the queue to shelter from the sun.

One young student was frowned upon when he attempted to jump the queue but he swiftly remarked that he just wanted to seek shelter from the sun under the HSBC building. Who could blame him for such a move! Can the people concerned not foresee the need of a tent especially when we always preach of the rising number of tourists that apparently swarm our islands?

The wiring and concrete slabs which enclose the area behind the queuing zone echo some photos shown of Guantanamo Bay!

A short search on the internet will reveal these similarities. This scene sets the rhythm for what is to come next... As one sets foot around the corner he is greeted by the scene of a dilapidated beacon which evokes pity, especially since the statue of Our Lady below is adorned by corroded windows, wire netting and seemingly deserted rooms.

Could it be that this statue is not adorned with the same dedication found in villages because it does not belong to any particular village or home façade?

The culmination of this hour before our trip was the panorama of four skips lying some metres away from the statue which finally demarcates and fossilises our carefree nature.