HANDS ON EXPERIENCE FOR VET TRAINERS 22 nd to 24 th November 2016 INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS Dear participants, We are happy to welcome you as participants for the VET Trainers meeting. We hope to spend an intensive, productive and enjoyable three days together and we hope that you are looking forward to it as much as we are! At present we are preparing the various stages of the visit and we would like to ensure that all the preparation will give you the best experience you can benefit from whilst on our beautiful islands. Should you require further information on Malta we suggest you visit: http://www.visitmalta.com 1
In this information pack you will find practical information about the meeting and the transport systems. We wish you a safe journey and we look forward to seeing you in Malta very soon. Malta Full official name: The Republic of Malta Language: Maltese and English Currency: Euro Area: 316km 2 Population: 445,426 Capital: Valletta Emergency number: 112 Police number: +356 2122 4001-7 Electricity: The electrical supply is 230 volts /- 10%. The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The threepin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find. Weather: The current temperature is approximately 21 C during the day and around 16 C at night. http://weather.maltairport.com/en/home-weather.htm Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum. The Maltese archipelago lies practically at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo). Malta is the largest island, Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited. With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places 2
of interest are immediately identified the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few. World The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture. Mdina The history of Mdina traces back more than 4000 years. According to tradition it was here that in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. Lamp lit by night and referred to as "the silent city", Mdina is fascinating to visit for its timeless atmosphere as well as its cultural and religious treasures. Mdina has had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role but its medieval name describe it best - Citta' Notabile': the noble city. It was home then, as now, to Malta's noble families; some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards. Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. 3
Valletta Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen" is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Started in 1566, Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts and cathedral, in the astonishingly short time of 15 years, even more remarkable is considering the fact that mechanical tools did not exist at the time and the whole city was built entirely by hand. Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It is the "modern" city built by the Knights of St John; a masterpiece of the Baroque; a European Art City and a World Heritage City. Today, it is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere by night, that gives the feeling that you are walking back in time. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces. Valletta is abundantly rich in sites to see and explore, intriguing historical buildings around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafés, while Valletta's main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewellery and much more.the best way to get around and see the most, from your visit to Valletta, is on foot and although the things to do & see are many, a good start and 4
definitely not to be missed are Valletta's beautiful gardens. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, Hastings Gardens & the Lower Barrakka Gardens are just three of the most popular ones, however on further exploration many more hidden gardens can be discovered. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens it is also possible to see the Saluting Battery as well as take the lift down the bastions to sea level. St John's co-cathedral & museum are definitely not to be missed, this elaborately adorned church is home to world famous artistic masterpieces by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. Apart from beautiful Baroque churches other places of interest include the various grandmaster auberges, piazzas & museums. 5
Getting to and from the Airport Malta s International airport is located in Luqa, just 8 km outside the capital city of Valletta. There are four airport express services, X1, X2, X3 and X4. These routes make it easier for you to get directly to and from the airport. The service is provided by fully air-conditioned buses with additional luggage space and room for passengers. There are also other routes servicing nearby villages via the hub at the airport. For more information, kindly refer to Information booth within the Welcomers Hall or visit: http://gettinghere.maltairport.com/en/bus-service.htm Public Transport Though diminutive in size, the Maltese Islands operate quite an extensive public transport system that both locals and tourists can rely upon. The public transport in Malta offers a cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo including the main hubs of Valletta and Sliema, locals and tourists alike choose buses to get around the islands. The service utilizes a new fleet of modern and air-conditioned buses that provide an efficient yet inexpensive transport system across an extensive network across the Maltese Islands. A single journey ticket (up to 2 hours) is 1.50 and the night bus service is 3. You can plan your journey by using the following link http://www.publictransport.com.mt/home?l=1 For further information regarding timetables, refer to: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/route/x3. 6
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Taxi Service Taxi service is available 24 hours a day from Malta International Airport to any destination in Malta. Fixed rates are applicable and pre-paid tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth inside the Welcomers' Hall on Arrivals. For further information visit: http://gettinghere.maltairport.com/en/white-taxi.htm. A taxi to anywhere in Malta will cost no more than around 25 and the journey will take between 30-45 minutes. Malta Transfer is the official Airport Shuttle Service offering airport to hotel shuttle service throughout Malta and Gozo. Customers can avail of a fixed price when booking on-line via the booking system below. Alternatively one can also book the service upon arrival at the booking desk located in the baggage reclaim area or visit http://gettinghere.maltairport.com/en/shuttle.htm 9
Emergency & Useful Numbers Ambulance 112 Fire 112 Police 112 AFM (Air/Sea Rescue) 22 49 4000 Malta International Airport 21249 600 Government Information Services 2200 1700 Hospital Malta Mater Dei 25 450 000 Hospital Gozo (from overseas) (+356) 2156-1600 (from Malta) 02156-1482/02156-1600 Overseas Operator 115 2 Passport Office Malta 2215 6270 Passport Office Gozo 22156247 Note: All emergency services can be contacted on 112 as can be seen above 10
Useful Words and Phrases This small island state has a language of its own, a language that has also been recognised as an official language of the European Union. Maltese (Malti) is a unique language, though many words have been adapted from the languages of the various nations that once occupied Malta. An easy example is bonġu (pronounced bonju ) from the French word bonjour. Here are some words and phrases which you may find useful in your stay in Malta. We ve included some rough pronunciation guidelines, but we ll always recommend that you ask one of us for tips on how to get the accent right. Maltese people are proud of their language, and are always keen to get you acquainted. Yes No How are you? Goodbye Please Thank you Sorry Good morning Good night Iva Le Kif inti? Saħħa Jekk Jogħġbok (yeckyojbock) Grazzi Skużani Bonġu Il-lejl it-tajjeb Venue and accommodation Further information regarding the venue will be forwarded to you as soon as available. Important contact details: For any emergencies please call Kevin Apap on +356 25586123 or +356 79088710. 11