The only bit of prosperity is on the military bases, where children dress in uniforms, and people drive instead of walking.  Adults look well nourished and content.  But away from the bases, and abject poverty reigns.  Even the emaciated cows look at you when you wander by, and appear to say to you, “don’t straggle, or I’ll get you.”  Finding a place to eat is challenging.  Even a restaurant near the airport, looked like something out of a science fiction film.  There was one small light bulb hanging from the ceiling, perhaps simulating a police interrogation scene.  There was one small table in the middle of the room, covered with layers of dust.  A haze hung in the restaurant, which had a ceiling height of about six feet.  We passed up the opportunity to eat there.  In the villages, most people have miniature abodes, the size of one of our bedrooms.  Often the floors are dirt, and many, many people live there.  I only saw one man with gray hair.  Sadly, their life expectancy is just too short.

But, people are very generous and hospitable.  We were always greeted warmly, and often were invited to share a meal in one of their small homes.  I had a good time, and thoroughly enjoyed the people and their country.  When returning home, I had a new perspective on just how blessed I am.

Located at the Heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is one of this Earths most precious Jewels. Situated just south of Sicily (Italy's sister island) Malta offers unimaginable views that no words could possibly describe. This pretty little island is home to around 350,000 people. The Main Language spoke in Malta is Maltese, but a lot of the Maltese people have a strong grasp and understanding of English and Italian as these are the 2 main languages that Maltese is based upon.

With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage. The Islands went through a golden Neolithic period, the remains of which are the mysterious megalithic temples dedicated to the goddess of fertility. Later on, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines, all left their traces on the Islands.

One of the most amazing temples that I can write about whilst living in Malta is the Hypogeum, an underground temple, with the same layout as the megalithic temples. All of these temples are open for public viewing. Charges for these museums cost little to nothing. But booking with a travel operator might be a good idea as entrance to these temples is always difficult due to high demands with customers, who all book months in advance to visit these stunning temples.

Christianity was brought to Malta by St. Paul. He was on his way to Rome when his boat shipwrecked in Malta. These days St Paul is seen as one of Malta's Patron Saints, with the 10th of February being a bank holiday in order celebrate this Saints work on the island. Nowadays traditional boat trips can be taken from Buggibba, one of Malta's more lively towns taking you to the actually spot where St Paul's Boat shipwrecked, showing you a monument of the Saint, then taking you on a Tour of local water caves hidden around the island with amazing corals which can be seen through the crystal clear waters. Many of these tours continue into Gozo and Comino-Malta's sister islands.(more about those in Part 2)

Many of Malta's towns and villages were built to be protected from enemies in battles throughout the Islands history. They were built up thanks to the nights of St John. Building fortresses and massive walls around many of the outer cities to protect them from attack. These protective barriers were so strong that they helped in protecting Malta in the World War 2. Many areas of Malta have been so well conserved. All of these pieces that build up Malta are still in a good state.

Many Cathedrals were also built in this time. All of these having an amazing history behind them. For example the Mosta Dome. It's as the 4rd Biggest Dome in Europe. During mass in World War 2, enemies bombed through the ceiling of the church. This bomb miraculously never went off. And till this present day, the actual bomb that was dropped on the church is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Entry into all churches and Cathedrals is Free.

The World's Largest Cannon is Found in Malta, and amazingly is still fired once a year, sending vibrations around the country. The massive 100-ton gun used as a coastal battery, was designed to become the world's largest cannon.

The gun, still on show at Fort Rinella, has a barrel almost 10-metres long and could fire a one-ton shell about three miles. Animated tours of the Fort, and the cannon itself happen daily by Maltese heritage volunteers, dressed as Victorian soldiers. Entrance to this Fort is again little to nothing.

This is a brief insight into Maltas history. The document would continue going on forever. In following parts I will be talking about Malta's Entertainment, Shopping, Traditions and Clubbing.

Thank You.

Visit Malaysia Year, also known as Visit Malaysia, is an event in Malaysia officially declared on New Year's Day with pomp and splendor amid a spectacular fireworks display and a colorful concert showcasing the diversity of the nation. The declaration was made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the historical Dataran Merdeka before some 100,000 Malaysians from all walks of life just before the stroke of midnight.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007 is expected to increase the number of tourist arrivals to the country from the current 15 million to 20 million in 2007. The country targets to attract some 17.3 million tourists this year. The third edition of Visit Malaysia Year is in 2007, after 1990 and 1994, is considered special because it coincides with Malaysia's 50th year of independence and nationhood. Come visit Malaysia this year, we have many festival and events through out all nationwide as listed.

January

• Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 Grand Launch 1 January 2007
• Visit Malaysia Campaign 1 January 2007 Until 31 December 2007
• Eye on Malaysia 1 January 2007 Until 31 December 2007
• Flora Fest 20 January 2007 Until 4 February 2007

February

• Thaipusam Festival 1 February 2007
• Federal Territory Day 1 February 2007
• Le Tour de Langkawi 2 February 2007 Until 11 February 2007
• Malaysia Open Golf Championship 8 February 2007 Until 11 February 2007
• Chinese New Year Celebration and Open House 18 February 2007

March

• Malaysia GP Sale 2007 24 March 2007 Until 22 April 2007
• Taman Negara Eco-Challenge 24 March 2007 Until 25 March 2007

April

• KL GP City Festival 1 April 2007 Until 8 April 2007
• Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix 6 April 2007 Until 8 April 2007
• Royal Go-Kart Competition 10 April 2007

May

• Wesak Day 1 May 2007
• National Water Festival - Labuan International Sea Challenge 1 May 2007 Until 6 May 2007
• Johor International Orchid Show 25 May 2007 Until 27 May 2007
• World Harvest Festival 2007 & Gawai Dayak Sarawak 26 May 2007 Until 2 June 2007
• Colours of Malaysia 26 May 2007
• Tadau Keamatan 30 May 2007 Until 31 May 2007

June

• Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition 5 June 2007 Until 7 August 2007
• Penang International Dragon Boat Festival 8 June 2007 Until 10 June 2007
• Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 16 June 2007 Until 2 September 2007
• Japan GT 22 June 2007 Until 24 June 2007
• Fiesta San Pedro 23 June 2007 Until 29 June 2007
• Penang Bridge International Marathon 24 June 2007

July

• Ipoh Open International Run 1 July 2007
• Rainforest World Music Festival 2007 13 July 2007 Until 15 July 2007
• World Music Festival 2007 - Botanical Garden, Penang 20 July 2007 Until 22 July 2007
• Port Dickson International Triathlon 21 July 2007 Until 22 July 2007
• KL Fest 29 July 2007

August

• Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 3 August 2007 Until 4 August 2007
• 50 Years of Nationhood - World Lion Dance Invitation 3 August 2007 Until 5 August 2007
• Malaysia International Fireworks Competition 15 August 2007 Until 30 August 2007
• Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 25 August 2007 Until 26 August 2007
• 50 Years of Nationhood - Merdeka Month Celebration 17 August 2007 Until 16 September 2007

September

• Sarawak Regatta 1 September 2007 Until 2 September 2007
• Malaysian Motorcycle Cub Prix 7 September 2007 Until 9 September 2007
• KL International Butt Show 7 September 2007 Until 9 September 2007
• Penang International Lantern Festival 15 September 2007 Until 14 October 2007

October

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration and Open House 13 October 2007
• Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 27 October 2007 Until 31 October 2007
• Heart of Borneo 4X4 Safari 28 October 2007 Until 4 November 2007

November

• Malaysia International Gourmet Festival 2 November 2007 Until 29 November 2007
• World Drumstick Festival 3 November 2007 Until 10 November 2007
• Deepavali Celebration and Open House 17 November 2007
• Malaysia A1 Grand Prix (Grand Prix of Nations) 26 November 2007 Until 28 November 2007
• Terengganu Monsoon Cup 2007 28 November 2007 Until 2 December 2007

December

• Malaysia Year End Sale Carnival 1 December 2007 Until 1 January 2008
• KL International Buskers Festival 1 December 2007 Until 9 December 2007
• Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 4 December 2007 Until 8 December 2007
• Christmas Celebration and Open House 25 December 2007

In conjuction of Visit Malaysia 2007. Malaysian government has introduce Hop-In-Hop-On bus where all this buses will take travel along around the Kuala Lumpur. Visit Malaysia is one of the biggest events in Malaysia. Join all other tourist and feel the safest living place among us. For more information and details, you can search on website about us and do not hesitate to travel from anywhere of the world to Malaysia.

Listed above is the events nationwide, we also have many other places that promise you such an attractive and fascinating experiences when you come visit Malaysia. Among the favorite places is Malacca, where you can find an ancient building such as Stadthuys, The A'Famosa, The Albuqueqe ship and many more. As on Perak, you can find a Kellie's castle that build on the time of English people. You can visit Sarawak for its popular Cave called Niah. The largest cave in the world. You can also feel the tastes of malaysian cuisine like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Nasi Dagang and many more.

Support us with Visit Malaysia 2007. There is so many ways to enjoy yourself here!!