Il-Kazin

Il-Kazin; or kazini (plural) are the traditional Maltese clubs. These are bars pertaining to the different political parties or band clubs, and can be found all over the villages of Malta. And to me, they are little gems of our tiny island's culture, and history.

Apart from this however...one cannot deny the fact that Maltese clubs are the best fun one can have on a night out. It's been thought by our generation, that these clubs only belong to the older generation. They imagine these clubs to be old and stingy, with a couple of old men reminiscing about past times. But this is far from the truth. I can say that I have had my fair share of the night life, be it in Malta or abroad- and I can fairly say that nothing beats a good traditional Maltese club. This is so, for a number of reasons.

1. The people: the people you meet at these clubs are so real, interesting and intriguing. Everyone has something interesting to share, be it a youngster or otherwise. I have learnt so much about life since I started going to such places. Furthermore, the people are ever so friendly. You will gradually start feeling part of a big family, and nothing beats this feeling of familiarity. There is nothing better than sharing a drink with these people, who have so much to say about their life experiences, and about their opinions.

2. On a less serious note: THE DRINKS: WHY oh WHY would you go to paceville, spend five euro on one drink, when you can go to a Kazin, and get 3 drinks for the same amount?? And be able to hear what your friends are saying, rather than the deafening noise which is passing for music nowadays? (I'm probably an old soul, but I'd rather have a decent conversation than wake up the next morning with a throbbing in my head)

3. Free finger food: slices of pizza, chips, crackers with cheese, maltese bread, timpana, chicken, horse meat...need I say more?

4. Karaokes: I know you can find this sort of entertainment anywhere in Malta, however this is linked to no: 1.  Going to a karaoke in Paceville- you'll find a couple of drunken girls screaming to 'I'm a Barbie Girl'  and giggling and shouting in the microphone. In a Kazin, you'll probably find a cute little old man singing to Elvis' songs, and trying to wiggle his legs. (This is a true story) Or you might find a couple of your dear friends, changing lyrics and making them funny. And the best thing is, you don't need to wait for your turn to sing. You can just walk towards the karaoke machine, and demand to be played a song. No one will make fun of you.

Ultimately, I can say that I have made some wonderful friends. These places have taught me so much, and I'm ever so glad for having this opportunity. After all, it is the people who make this world a nice place to live in.

A slice of vintage heaven

(picture taken from timesofmalta: November 20,2011)


Yesterday evening I met with one of my loveliest friends in Valletta, to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. (We also had to plan NYE, but we were so immersed with what we were eating that we completely forgot about it)

We decided to try out a new place which I had seen a couple of weeks before. It had looked so cute on the outside, along with a pretty name: Angelica. And I tell you, I'm pretty sure it's been created by angels. This place...has it all. Although small (but all the best things in life come in small doses!), it has a unique, beautiful, beautiful charm about it. Once you open the (vintage) door, you step into another era. The place is full of vintage ornaments, collections of tins and all sorts of amazing little decorations which give the place such a cosy , vintage feel. Even the tables and chairs are vintage.

You can imagine my utmost delight.
But that is not all.

Along with the tea, we were served the most delicious cupcakes, and snickers cake EVER. (We actually stumbled out of the shop with a sugar rush)... The people serving us were also very lovely and helpful.

All I can say is...it was a little piece of heaven. I can't wait to visit again...next time I'll be trying their wine, and a maltese ftira!

 http://www.angelicamalta.com/ : this is their site, check it out!

I wish I was a punk rocker...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc2jDz6w-r4

My mum doesn't like this song. I, on the contrary, think that this is one heck of a song.It illustrates my feelings PERFECTLY... and it makes me feel nostalgic about times I never lived.

I can just imagine myself as a 70s child, screaming at some Beatles concert. (yes, they're my favourite band, surprise surprise!!)
Oh well, I was born too late...

'Time Travel Romances'- I'm loving it!!

http://janeaustenaddict.com/confessions

I am currently reading this lovely book by Laurie Viera Rigler, called 'Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict'. It's a kind of time-travel romance, where the heroine finds herself in 19th century Britain.

It's amazing because of a number of factors: Jane Austen (!)
                                                                   TIME TRAVEL
                                                                     ...Jane Austen...
                                                                         ...and well- Jane Austen.
Oh, and it's also beautifully written.

I'm loving this emerging trend of Austen-inspired fiction... apart from keeping Jane Austen and her novels alive, and drawing people who haven't yet read her masterpieces to try them out, it's SO FUN!

Time travelling to a world where all men are Darcy-s...AND...EMPIRE WAISTLINE DRESSES!!!Who would refuse?!

And it's hardbound, with a pretty pink hardcover! Delish.

My first entry

What tickles your fancy?
What makes your heart beat faster?
What makes your mouth water?
What gives you pleasure?
What makes you all warm and fuzzy on the inside?

Well, to me, all these questions can be summed up in 1 word. Vintage. Vintage makes my world go round. And before you say, 'whatever floats your boat' to this oh-so-new blog, give it a chance. It will not bore you into the subject of antiquity and deteriorating subjects. It will just cast a new light on things around us, which are not only fascinating because they are beautiful or artistic, but also because- they are vintage. Vintage! A commercial phenomenon which will never end, just because it's THAT awesome.

Welcome :)