Little Gem
Little Gem
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Malta. My little gem in the Med
Approaching from the air, the Maltese Islands, little sun-drenched dots nestled in the Mediterranean's heart, appeared arid and austere, but when I landed I found a unique and beautiful landscape, a fascinating history and culture, and 400,000 of the most friendly, good-natured people in the world.
Maltese landscape is a feast to the eye. Pastel coloured rocks, dry stone walls enclosing little farms, large ship-laden harbours, cute little inlets with multicoloured 'luzzu' fishing boats, delightful baroque architecture, magnificent church domes, all bordered by a purple blue Mediterranean Sea.
It has become my colour postcard, but now I must share it with a million other visitors who come each year, lucky like me to have discovered this little 'Heaven.'
In Malta I live in St. Paul's Bay, a quaint little inlet of peace and slumber, sacred as the spot where St. Paul set foot as he struggled ashore after being shipwrecked just off the coast in 60 AD. The tiny church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, where I attend mass, stands on the venerated spot, and I never fail to sense its biblical significance. Paul stayed three months on the island, bringing Christ's message to the people, curing their ailments, before leaving revived and impressed with the generosity of the Maltese. He is now their patron saint, honoured for bringing christianity to the islands and worshipped for continuing to protect and enrich this devout catholic community.
Malta is not a sandy beach holiday destination. That explains why most of its annual visitors are, like me, peace-loving, pleasure-seeking, mature wanderers, happy in the comfort of a perfect climate, enjoying the treasure trove of historical fascinations and a pampering from friendly and caring hosts.
But there is more to the Maltese than hospitality and religious fervour. They are a justifiably proud race with a strong sense of identity. Now full members of the European Union and Eurozone, their prosperity is steadily growing, fuelled by healthy trade and tourism and the honest endeavour of industrious workers.
Some famous geologists have speculated that the Maltese Islands, being just little 'rockscapes' peeping above the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, may be susceptible to a future giant Tsunami, and could be submerged into oblivion in minutes. I can't see that happening. If courage, piety, honesty and sincere generosity are virtues recorded as bonus points on high, Malta will prevail into the distant future in peace and prosperity, illuminating the Mediterranean as a beacon of light for the world.
About the Author
Paddy Cummins Irish author. Books: Three novels. Four collections of short stories and poems. Latest novel: 'The Crying Sea' Lives in Ireland in summer and in Malta during winter months.
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Little Gem $99.99 Simon Bull Little Gem - Limited Edition |
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Little Gem Story Book $19.99 Little Gem Story Book - Premium Poster |
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Little Gem and Black Calla Lilies $49.99 Little Gem and Black Calla Lilies - Giclee Print |
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Mosey Life Women's Little Gem Travel Wallet $40.23 Mosey Life Women's Little Gem Travel Wallet |
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Mosey Life Little Gem Lit005Mu Cross Body $69 Mosey Life Little Gem Lit005Mu Cross Body |
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Green Gem Little Lizard Belly Ring $11.99 Green Gem Little Lizard Belly Ring Leaping lizards! You will seriously love this green lizard belly ring. Double gem navel ring with cute lizard dangle. Curved barbell belly jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8" (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel |
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Pink Gem Little Lizard Belly Ring $11.99 Pink Gem Little Lizard Belly Ring Leaping lizards! You will seriously love this pink lizard belly ring. Double gem navel ring with cute lizard dangle. Curved barbell belly jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8" (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel |
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Crystalline Gem Little Lizard Belly Ring $11.99 Crystalline Gem Little Lizard Belly Ring Leaping lizards! You will seriously love this yellow lizard belly ring. Double gem navel ring with cute lizard dangle. Curved barbell belly jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8" (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel |
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Gem Dealer $7.99 Throughout history beautiful gems have been the prized possessions of kings artisans and lovers alike. Today dealers search the world over for rare gems for their clients who demand only the finest stones for their collections. In a back room of The Club Hotel in San Isidro Peru you join other members of a secret gem syndicate. Using cunning strategy and a little bluffing each of you bids for richly colored stones to fill the orders of your wealthy clients (and maybe to line your own pockets as well). This mini-travel edition is perfect to take Gem Dealer with you anywhere! Type: Card Games |
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Mosey Life Little Gem Cross-Body $69 Mosey Life's Little Gem is just that. This functional find will be your go-to bag for on the run with its small size and durable nylon exterior. An outer pocket gives you quick access to your most used items, while interchangeable straps provide multiple carrying options. The best kept secret is inside with its 5 card slots and multiple pockets for organization. |
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Ivory Gem Earrings $95 These Ivory gem earrings are not for the faint of heart. These ivory snakeskin earrings are just what you need to get a little daring with your style and transform your look. These earrings fasten with a French wire back for pierced ears. |
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US Marine Randall Sprenger Putting Finishing Touches on Little Gem, a Pinup Mascot $79.99 US Marine Randall Sprenger Putting Finishing Touches on "Little Gem", a Pinup Mascot - Premium Photographic Print |
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Five Filigree Chandelier Gem Earrings $150 Add a little drama to your look with these five filigree chandelier gem earrings. The 24 karat gold plated vermeil earrings are fashioned in filigree style and are definitely easy on the eyes. French wire back for pierced ears. |
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Little Gem Story Book 28x42 Giclee On Canvas $428.79 Series: Book CoverArtist: UnknownPeriod: Source country: USASource Year: 28 inch by 42 inch Giclee print on Canvas.All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results.This item is custom made per order. |
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Little Gem Story Book 12x18 Giclee On Canvas $77.63 Series: Book CoverArtist: UnknownPeriod: Source country: USASource Year: 12 inch by 18 inch Giclee print on Canvas.All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results.This item is custom made per order. |
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Pink Black Twisted Deco Gem Belly Ring $12.99 Pink Black Twisted Deco Gem Belly Ring Make yourself glamorous with this dazzling gem belly ring. A little bling makes any outfit shine. Surgical steel belly ring with black plating. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8" (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball |
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Clear Black Twisted Deco Gem Belly Ring $12.99 Clear Black Twisted Deco Gem Belly Ring Make yourself glamorous with this dazzling gem belly ring. A little bling makes any outfit shine. Surgical steel belly ring with black plating. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8" (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball |
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GEM Breast Sweatshirt by CafePress $42.5 This sweatshirt has a little breast logo on the front and a BIG logo on the back Breast Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester |
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Gem $9.99 Look carefully. There may be a gem in your garden. For nearly four decades, watercolorist Holly Hobbie has drawn inspiration from the wonders of nature. During one especially hard winter, she found herself imagining the story of a determined toad's spring journey. Her vivid depiction of this endearing creature's glorious yet fragile world is a sparkling celebration of survival and renewal. From the muddy brown road outside a farmhouse to the sweet-smelling garden to the cool lily pads in the pond, readers will feel their senses rejuvenated by Holly Hobbie's gemlike, detailed paintings in this nearly wordless work. |
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Gem Smashers Wii Game SVG $19.99 ESRB Rating: E - Everyone Genre: Strategy Features: Many ages ago. The Earth was populated by beings that lived in peace and harmony until a fearsome scientist named IMBU and his henchmen arrived to steal earth's energy, capture all the inhabitants and lock them up in crystal cells. Miraculously, three creatures escaped: BAU, BAM and BOM. They became Gem Smashers, traveling the world to spring, spin, and smash the crystal cells where their friends are imprisoned. It's up to you to help our little heroes survive! Features Three different playable characters, each with its unique speed, bounce and style. Story mode: 8 different worlds to play with over 100 levels. Overcome the levels and defeat the bosses. Battle mode: Challenge your friends, see who truly has mastered the game. |
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0 Gauge Steel Red Gem Cheater Plug $8.99 0 Gauge Steel Red Gem Cheater Plug Add a little sparkle with this gem plug. Fake ear plug. Get the look of a real 0 gauge plug piercing with this fake cheater plug. This cheater plug is designed for a 16 gauge piercing. Fake plug sold individually. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 8mm (for a 0 Gauge Plug Look), Individually Sold |
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0 Gauge Steel Aqua Gem Cheater Plug $8.99 0 Gauge Steel Aqua Gem Cheater Plug Add a little sparkle with this gem plug. Fake ear plug. Get the look of a real 0 gauge plug piercing with this fake cheater plug. This cheater plug is designed for a 16 gauge piercing. Fake plug sold individually. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 8mm (for a 0 Gauge Plug Look), Individually Sold |


US $99.99






























































































