Shrouded in mystery, I had no idea where I was being taken by my children on 'Mother's Day', so I waited in joyful anticipation at 7.a.m. on my doorstep for their arrival. Less than two hours later, we reached the enchanting village of Gharb in Gozo, where our host, the indomitable Victor Galea, chairperson of the Ager Foundation, emerged full of his usual enthusiasm, from his idyllic retreat in a sun-splashed street, and introduced us to his charming wife Miriam who gave us a true Gozitan welcome. I did not yet know that a memorable day on a neighbouring farm was to be my experience.
A very homely Grezzja, sweet daughter Guza and avuncular dad Karmnu stood at the entrance of their farmhouse ready to receive us. We were joined by two young couples from Malta and a beautiful lady lawyer from Russia. Fortified by steaming mugs of coffee flavoured with tacci (cloves), we made our way to the farm around the corner.
Here we found sheep, goats and rabbits and here also, we were introduced to the art of milking - everyone trying his hand - and treated to a sheep-shearing session. The biggest rabbit I have ever seen ate his dinner unperturbed by prying eyes while a kindle of kittens would their way around our feet.
And so to lunch to Grezzja's cosy kitchen who, before we sat down to table, prepared a big container with the milk which Karmnu had brought back and into which she put coagulating powder for the production of cheese which took exactly one hour to settle.
Steaming bowls of vegetable soup made with chestnuts and cheese graced the table - everyone accepting a second helping - and this was followed by succulent timpana and ravjoli, home-made ice-cream, wine and coffee. A treat fit for a king!
Now to the basement to watch the sheep at their feeding troughs and to feel the depth of Lanolin in their thick coats. Back to the dairy to inspect the now ready cheeses and to put them into cuplets (qwieleb). All into the back of the Land Rover for a jaunt to scenic spots and then to the home of the late Frenc ta' l-Gharb the mystic and holy man of Gozo to whom miracles have been ascribed. Mass at the exquisite church at Ta' Pinu at 5.00pm and then back to Grezzja for a duic an doras (drink for the door) as we say in Ireland and some of her delicious home-made cake. What a bonus it would have been to meet His Grace the much loved Bishop Nikol, but that will have to wait!
This unforgettable day was a practical example of what those who believe in sustainable development can do, and a huge 'Proset' I say for Victor Galea to come up with such ideas! Settling our account for a very decent sum - half-price for young Daniel - we bid a final farewell to our gracious hosts. Tired, sated and full of peace, we board the boat for Melitaland and throw back a kiss to this magical world that is Gozo: 'Some island with the sea's silence on it...'
My family keeps surfing the Ager Foundation's Website www.agerfoundation.com and I will venture on another service waiting for us on its menu!
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Agro Tourism in Gozo by Ager Foundationby universal302,470 views
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