A Glimpse of Gozo Through the Eyes
of a Gozitan

This Page is all about - GOZO-(MALTA).

Early history, customs and folklore, present day facts about life-style, cost-of-living, holiday accommodation, real estate and festivities like Carnival and the Summer festas.

I also write about subjects that interest me, like my hobbies and Art.

Let us FaNtaZisE a little bit about Odysseus and the Nymph Calypso and see how we can adapt their adventure on the Island to the situation of Gozo TODAY.

Odysseus found himself on an enchanted Island and was bewitched by Calypso's beauty. He stayed with her for 7 long years living in her cave overlooking the magical sandy beach of Ramla Bay. It was a kind of illicit romantic vacation for them.

Ramla as its Maltese name implies is a sandy beach. The sheltering trees at the back help to render it more spectacular. No wonder that Homer and the Goddess Nymph Calypso chose it as her home. It is so unique.

What is the pull that Gozo exerts on shipwrecked mariners and other visitors?

1) The weather in Malta reflects Calypso's nature, it is warm and welcoming. Apart from July and August when it is quite hot on some days, the weather is pleasant for the rest of the year. And when it is hot, there is always the welcoming blue sea for a cool refreshing dip.

2) Our Winter is a blessing. The temperature rarely goes below 17 and it is enough to put on a woolen sweater to keep warm. In fact we locals pray for a short cold spell during Christmas and the New Year to get us more into the season's spirit while celebrating in Victoria

3) Our Island enjoys a Clean Air environment. Why? Owing to the small size of the Island the frequent slight breezes sweep it clean from end to end. We have no smoking chimneys up to now and we hope to remain so.

As soon as one arrives at Mgarr, that's the main port where the Ferry berths and sets foot on the island, one immediately begins to notice the cleaner invigorating air. As if by Magic, your head feels lighter and you kind of get the relaxing sensation that you are Home.

This is how Odysseus must have felt when he drifted on the beach at Ramla.

4) The locals are very helpful and friendly and welcome first-time visitors with open arms reflecting the way that Calypso warmly welcomed Odysseus. They show great HOSPITALITY.
Besides, the Maltese Archipelago was from time immemorial under occupation by one foreign power or another up to quite recently, 1979 (eg. the Phoenicians, the Knights, the British).

Perhaps these are the reasons why we regard foreigners as our friends and feel that we must welcome them. It is in our system, somehow.

5) There is so much to see and experience here. You'll experience the magic of total peace and quiet in situations you wouldn't believe possible.

For this reason our Island is ideal for a romantic holiday. For instance you are standing in the square of one of the smaller villages at 8 or 9 in the morning on a fine working day and you would not see a living soul. Incredible.

Odysseus only heard soft singing and music wafting out of the mysterious cave when he first opened his tired eyes.

6) Language helps, of course. Many locals speak good English so communication is not a problem. The younger generation speak Italian, French and German too.

7) Calypso committed a crime by holding Odysseus against his will but being a Goddess, Zeus turned a blind eye until Athene intervened on our hero's behalf.

Even today the Crime Rate in Gozo is non-existent or very very low when compared to the other cities of the world. The island is therefore an excellent venue for a family holiday together with the children.

8) Odysseus only paid with his love for his long sojourn in Calypso's Cave.

Incidentally the rental rates for Short Lets here are much cheaper when compared to other European resorts and the Long Lets are lower still.

The above picture is of Marsalforn (Xwejni, rather) the number one resort in Gozo - very different from Ramla as you can see.

9) Calypso fed Odysseus on milk, fruit, red wine and honey so he did not spend a red cent on food and drink. Maybe he helped her with a couple of house renovation ideas in return or fixed some things in her cave. In the end she gave him tools and timber to build his sailing raft to make his way home to Ithaca.

The cost of living here is more or less related to the local wages/salaries which are only about 1/3 or less than those in other countries of the E.U. I have learnt recently that the basic wage in Norway is 2000 Euro/month at least while here it is between 700 and 800.

Therefore a person coming here from abroad can live like a Lord here in Gozo on his salary/pension.

Gozo has a magical attraction and many people come here on family holidays, romantic vacations, and wedding and honeymoon vacations.

Wedding vacations are becoming very popular these days.

Many people also come to Gozo purely for the scuba diving to enjoy the caves and the fantastic topography of our sea-bed.

Winter vacations are especially suited for the baby boomers and for the more senior citizens who need to escape the cold temperatures of N. Europe.

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