Carers
Carers Trust
A Maltese holiday
A letter from carer JT, who enjoyed a respite break to Malta
Dear Saga Respite for Carers Trust
Re: My Malta holiday – Coastline Hotel, Salina Bay.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for selecting me to take a one-week break at the resort of my choice, Malta.
As lifetime members of SAGA, both my wife and myself always enjoy reading the monthly magazine, and it was in the July 2008 edition that we noticed a request for carers to submit their details for the chance to be selected for a Respite Break.
Having cared for my wife in an increasing capacity since 2004, it was not until 2008 that she was finally diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy). This diagnosis was to change our lives forever, as it is a terminal illness for which there is sadly no cure or medication.
I duly sent my details as requested and was surprised to hear from Saga Respite for Carers Trust early in November informing me that I had been selected to be considered for a Respite Holiday. Following an interview in November of 2008 I was fortunate enough to be short-listed and eventually chosen for a respite holiday.
I cannot begin to thank you for the care and consideration to both my wife and myself at this time, being one of considerable emotional stress for both of us.
Your attention to detail in the organising, not only of the holiday in Malta for myself, but also for allowing my wife to have the opportunity for her own respite break at a nursing home of her choice. Sadly, due to her deteriorating condition, she never got to enjoy her break in Bournemouth as she had to be taken into full time nursing care on August 10th and, due to the possibility of cross infection it was decided that it would be unwise to allow the arrangement to go ahead.
As for myself, it was with a great feeling of guilt that I took my holiday in Malta. My taxi arrived at 8.00.am on the 21st September and the driver took me to the checking in desk for my flight out. It turned out that I was the only carer who would be on the flight and the only carer staying at the Coastline Hotel. May I say how impressed I was at the smartness of both the vehicle and driver of the taxi firm, and also the way that I was put at ease on the journey.
On arriving at Malta International Airport we were greeted by the Saga Rep, who escorted all the Saga holidaymakers to the coach and we eventually arrived at the Coastline Hotel at around 5.40.pm. The following morning we had a short reception with introductory drinks and were given a brief outline of our holiday stay and the various trips that one could take. We were also given details of the shuttle bus service from the hotel and also the local bus services that run from just below the hotel.
On Wednesday September 23rd we had a Gala Dinner for everyone who had arrived the previous week. The evening proved to be one not to be forgotten, with an introduction by the hotel management to all the members of staff who had were involved in the day-to-day running of the hotel and its facilities. During the dinner we all had photographs taken and were able to purchase these from the photographer the following day Our pictures were displayed on a large screen outside the restaurant for several days.
The hotel was exceptional in every way, from the polite and helpful staff, the cleaners and maintenance staff, the chefs and kitchen workers, the waiters and waitresses, the bar staff and of course the Saga Reps. The food was excellent, with a varied selection of meals to choose from every day. This, coupled with the daily entertainment program and the evening entertainment made everyone’s holiday one not to forget, especially my own holiday. I will recommend the Coastline hotel to all my family and friends, and hope one day to return again myself when the time is right. I did notice that there were four stars on the wall outside the hotel and thought that there should have been an additional star added due to the excellence of the services provided and the high standard of cleanliness throughout the hotel.
I had hoped to do some sketching and painting during my time in Malta; however, there was an excellent Saga Holidays Excursion program that detailed all the trips that were available, some were included as part of the holiday package, others had to be paid for. I chose to take part in most of the trips around the island, visiting historical sites and the many churches and cathedrals on Malta. I have taken many photographs, and will use these to work from my return home. (I enclose copy of the itinerary – including my scribble and, as you can see, we were all very well catered for).
On Tuesday 22nd and included in my one week stay was an orientation trip around Xemxija Bay, St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba resort, Qawra and Salina Bay.
On Wednesday 23rd there were two half-day trips. The morning trip included a visit to the Mosta Dome. The awesome dome is the fourth largest in the world and famous due to the incident that took place during WWII – a bomb, which pierced the dome in 1942 landed on the church floor and slid across the floor without exploding! The church was crowded when the bomb hit and all were spared. The bomb is now on display in a small museum attached to the church.
We also visited Mdina, the Silent City, this being the oldest city on the island of Malta, going back to pre-historic times, the word Mdina derives from the Arabic word 'medina' which means 'walled city'. Here we went into the Cathedral in St Paul’s Square. The interior was a sight without comparison, beautiful paintings on walls and ceilings left the viewer in absolute awe.
In the afternoon we went to Mellieha and once again we were invited to take a look inside the church. As the island of Malta is predominantly Catholic, the interior of the church was again bedecked with beautiful paintings on walls and ceilings. Further up from the church was the local graveyard where all graves are cared for with love and tenderness. Almost all the graves had photographs of the interred family member and were beautifully kept. A lesson we could all take in this country where, sadly, most cemeteries are in poor condition.
A trip to Popeye Village, formerly known as Sweethaven Village. This was the film set for the musical ‘Popeye’. The film set was built at Anchor Bay in 1979, and filming began on 23rd January 1980.
On Thursday 24th I had the opportunity to visit the Villages and Traditions but was so busy writing postcards that I missed the coach and ended up being quickly inserted by Saga rep Ivan, on to the Knights of Malta and Harbour Cruise at Valletta. The Hospitallers and the Knights Templar, formed in 1119, became the most powerful Christian groups in the area. The order came to distinguish itself in battles with the Muslims, its soldiers wearing a black surcoat with a white cross. The Order's practice of acting first and legislating later is epitomized by the fact that it was not until 1248 that the pope, Innocent IV (1243-54), approved a standard military dress for the Hospitallers to be worn in battle. Instead of a closed cape over their armor which restricted their movements, they should wear a red surcoat with the sign of the cross on it in white.
Friday 25th we had a day trip to the island of Gozo. We were treated to a visit to yet another very impressive Sanctuary Cathedral at Ta Pinu. Located on the western coastline of Gozo is Dwejra. Dwejra is the place where the Azure Window (perhaps the island's most famous landmark), the Inland Sea, the Fungus Rock and Dwejra Tower can be admired. We also visited Mġarr which has two important prehistoric sites: Ta’ Hagrat which is still in a good state of preservation and stands in a field near the village centre; Ta' Skorba, excavated in 1963, lies just outside the village.
The Ta’ Hagrat temple in Mġarr is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several other Megalithic temples. They are amongst the most ancient religious sites on Earth. The larger Ta’ Hagrat temple dates from the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BCE); the smaller is dated to the Saflieni phase (3300 - 3000 BCE).
Saturday 26th saw us visiting Vittoriosa, home of the Malta GC and wartime shelters that were hewn out of the limestone rock. We then travelled to Fort Rinella where the 100-ton gun is on display. From here we were taken to Ta’ Qali craft village where glass blowing was demonstrated, and a chance to purchase souvenirs of their products. From here we went to the Filigree Workshop where the delicate art of filigree silver working was demonstrated. Here the craftsmen worked delicate strands of silver wire into models of a spitfire, a Vespa scooter and animals of all descriptions. Brooches of the most beautiful silverwork were on display and one was spoilt for choice as to which item to take home.
Sunday 27th being my last day in Malta was spent relaxing and packing for the journey home. I had very mixed feelings, as every day my thoughts were with my wife back at home. However, my holiday is one that I will never forget and I hope one day to return to the island and explore all that I was unable to do in my brief stay.
During my holiday I made several good friends, some of who live within a short drive from home, and whom I shall be visiting in the next few weeks.
Thanking you all once again for allowing me the chance to have a break from my role as carer for my wife.
Yours most sincerely
JT
Reader comments
I agree with all the comments made by JT. My husband is disabled & we have stayed at The Coastline Hotel for a fortnight holiday in both Nov 2008 & October 2009. The kindness & care we received there was wonderful. The staff at the hotel were so helpful. The Saga Reps (especially Ivan) made our holiday so enjoyable. Every help was given to a wheelchair user, from a room near the lift to help with seating for meals. If I went on an excursion the hotel staff took my husband for meals & looked after him so kindly. We found the courtesy bus invaluable as it enabled us to go with the wheelchair to Sliema & Valetta as well as to church in Qwara.We certainly recommend this holiday in Malta most highly for everyone.
Posted by: Coral Harrow | 13/01/2010 21:09:28
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
