A nightmare two weeks in ‘quiet and quaint’ Gozo
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- Christmas greetings to Gozo from President Obama
- Malta Gem of the Mediterranean – Readers Letter
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- Gozo SPCA appeal for information on stray dog found in Marsalforn
- Extensive road works being carried out in Marsalforn
- A new Venice in Gozo – Readers Letter
I am writing this letter to you upon my return from a two week holiday to the island of Gozo. A holiday that I wish that we had never taken, the bad points of our family holiday severely out-weighed the good points. We arrived off the ferry, which was very quick and clean with no problems, proceeded through the airport and collected our hire-car, then the nightmare began….NO nightmare is a definite full and clear picture of the two weeks.
The farmhouse that we stayed in was brilliant and the owners were outstanding they could not do enough for us, and the three restaurants in Victoria that we found, Brookies/Ritz and Il-Tokk were excellent and the people were friendly. If we could have spent our holiday flitting in-between these restaurants and our farmhouse we might have been spared the nightmare.
Why is it that the wardens around the island are so "quick to ticket," is this to gain more revenue for the local council, to which do they use this money on the roads and cleaning up of the island ….NO….. the roads are atrocious and the island is dirty. The only person we saw on the whole holiday cleaning was a gentleman , and yes he was a perfect gent, sweeping the streets and emptying the bins. To which I was astounded to watch a local person just throw his bottle on the floor right in front of the bin, the sweeper just picked it up and placed in the bin…..What is wrong with the people who live on this island!
We found that the locals were rude, unfriendly unless you went into their shops spending money. The drivers on the roads …well…. words fail me on these people, do they realise that they are in a vehicle and that other people are in theirs on the roads as well. They seem to have the "blinkers" on, perhaps they should go back to driving carts with the horses, might slow them down a bit as well. They seem to see the hire car and WHY PRAY-TELL are the hire cars picked out …….Well its because of the stickers and the K in the registration, hence the wardens know who you are and the locals think that they can push you around the roads and out of their way.
The Internet gives the impression of this lovely island that is quiet and quaint, that has lovely welcoming friendly people who would love you to come to the island and join them in enjoying their island….I don’t think so!
I was talking to a local resident and business man who let me read your news and I was shocked at what seemed to be happening on this "island of tranquility," hence the letter to point out to your readers that some tourists are not happy with the way that the island is run and how the locals seem to react to tourists, if I hadn’t read some letters on your website and seen the local behaviour for myself I would not have believed it of this "quaint island to relax in."
Perhaps a few more readers should write and voice their concerns it might make the locals "sit up and take notice" and "appreciate the island" and what the tourists can bring to it if they "buck their ideas up." I am sorry to say that I am under no circumstances going to book another holiday to the island of Gozo and have told several people and voiced my concerns on several Internet forums that people should stay away.
This island needs to improve before it becomes isolated and with no visitors on it, the world is in recession can Gozo afford for it to be the forefront of the recession!!!!
Regards,
Joanne French
Nottingham, England
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Dear Ms French,
I’m really sorry to hear about your “Knightmare” of a holiday. I’ve also recently returned from a Holiday in Gozo and had a very different experience. We stayed in my wife’s Father’s villa in Sannat and had a wonderful time.
The K plate issue has been a theme everytime I have visited the island but it becomes less of an issue if you’re aware of it and and compensate for it. Having said this I find the driving no worse than a lot of other countries surrounding Malta and Gozo (Italy and Sicily primarily). In reagrds to parking tickets, if you parked incorrectly you deserve the ticket, if not appeal the ticket. I think this rule pretty much applies in every country not just Malta / Gozo. Interestingly I read that many businesses are trying to get the local council to get rid of the time limited parking zones.
It’s also taken time to get used to temprement of some of the locals. My advice is to not take initial approach to heart. Once you develop freindships I have found, the majority, of Maltese people to very hospitable and kind. My wife’s family are from Malta and we’ve had many discussions when I’ve perceived some remarks to be slightly rude where the Maltese perspective seem’s to be that it’s just being honest. Bearing that in mind we’ve developed lot’s of friends whilst on holiday.
I think the dirt issue is partially due to the high levels of dust that come with such a dry climate. There is a chap that works in Victoria who collects rubbish from the streets. He has dreadlocks and during our last stay he assured us that he used to be “Mr. Malta”. I’m not sure how true that was but he is another example of a very friendly Maltese person.
It would be a shame if you didn’t return to the island as everytime I’ve gone back my holidays have got more and more enjoyable.
All the best
Mark
Joanne I have been holidaying on Gozo for many years now and would like to comment on the various aspects of your letter. Lets begin by saying that I agree with all your plus points. I too have eaten in those restaurants and agree with you that they are excellent as indeed are many more throughout the island. The farmhouses too are excellent and the owners go out of their way to help you and make your stay a happy one.
With regard to the wardens being quick to ticket can I just say that in all the years I have been going to Gozo I have never received a ticket. Could that be because I don’t park my car anywhere it shouldn’t be parked, and always abide by the parking time limits?
You state that the roads are atrocious and the island is dirty. Well speaking from experience I can tell you that the roads are getting better, however the roads are part of the islands character. As for the island being dirty I don’t think it’s any worse than anywhere you could pick in the UK. For instance my friend John better known to the tourists as Bob Marley because of his hair keeps the market square spotless.
You next attack the local people and say that they are rude and unfriendly. I’m sorry Joanne but this is just total rubbish, no other word for it. I have lots of Gozitan and Maltese friends and they are without doubt the friendliest people on Earth. I guess wherever you go people react to you as you are and given the reactions you have received from people maybe you are not a very friendly person.
I’ve heard a lot of people complain about the driving but again I’ve never personally had a problem. Yes I have witnessed bad driving on the island but I know I will witness the same on the way to work tomorrow, so it’s not a Gozitan thing as such.
To sum up Joanne there are problems I agree with the way the island is being run, but please direct your anger towards the people concerned the Gozo Ministry and not the local people who have very little say in what happens. Like the rest of Malta, property developers are raping Gozo and this is happening with the support of the Government through their planning authority Mepa. In two months time I will be back in Gozo and I’m really looking forward to it, even more so since I know that you have returned home to Nottingham!
James A. Tyrrell
Larne, N. Ireland
So many positive replies to the letter of Joanne French, how nice to read, nearly had me in tears.
The last time we visited Gozo from Malta for the day,we parked by the Arkadia for just a little bit over the time limit, unintentionally of course and boom a ticket was plastered all over our hired car, that put the bill of our stay and shopping up by 5% so where is the goodwill for us tourists?
Also I was overcharged many times in restaurants in Masalforn and Xlendi, and of course for a family of four Gozo doesn’t come cheap because all they see is green or red notes in front of their eye balls.
However as far as being friendly, of course they are friendly we are paying their wages. As for their driving ,well I can honestly say they can handle a car very well, same as the Maltese I guess, but their road sense is non-existent, sorry but its the God’s honest truth!
Will we be coming back to Gozo in the future? Yes maybe because it is a lovely island and despite of all these snags we had a good time with a difference, we shall just know better next time hopefully……
Gozo is great and the people are fantastic. The Island is beautiful and much cleaner that England.
Peter Whelan . UK
I find Joanne French’s letter extremely offensive and in particular the comments listed below.
“perhaps they should go back to driving carts with the horses”
“the roads are atrocious and the island dirty”
“some tourists are not happy with the way the island is run”
“if I hadn’t …………seen the local behaviour myself”
“make the locals sit up and take notice”
“make the locals appreciate the island”
I shall be arriving in Gozo next week with my family for the twenty fifth time – need I say more?
As a Gozo resident I thank you all who answered Joanne French in a very polite way.
A letter like this certainly won’t help to get us more tourists which we certainly need to keep afloat.
One thing that Joanne missed out is how Gozo is being over built and turned into a concrete jungle.
I certainly believe something like this should be directed to MEPA and the Ministry for Gozo that backs some of these proposals such as, the Xerri Complex, Ramla and Hondoq ir Rummien.
It saddened me that Joanne had such an unhappy experience. Maybe her expectations were not realistic. I am not Maltese or Gozitan, I have been visiting Gozo for some years and will continue to.
Tips:
1. You enjoyed 3 restaurants – travel the island and sample more. There are lots of good ones with friendly people.
2. Don’t park illegally and you won’t get a ticket.
3. Some roads are bumpy, but you can find similar in UK and it keeps the speeds down!
4. There is a daily rubbish collection (as opposed to a fortnightly UK ’service’. People keep their roads clear around their homes. Maybe the capital has rubbish in places – compare with London!! and the dust is the consequence of the arid place you are staying.
5. There may be reported crime in the papers, but there are not many places in the UK where I would leave my key in my door, my car unlocked or walk back from a restaurant at midnight and fell perfectly safe.
6. There are always ‘not so perfect’ experiences on holiday, but that’s what they are – experiences. Visit agaian and give it a chance. Rent somewhere outside the centre and try to accept a bit more – you might enjoy it!
In September my wife and I shall be returning to Gozo for the second time.
Yes the roads are not up to the standards we are used to and I agree that we were very surprised to see the amount of rubbish that had been fly tipped (the majority building materials), but the people who we came into contact with were in the majority friendly and welcoming and not looking for the tourists money.
Overall a friendly and safe island (quirky-certainly) but that adds to its charm.
Geoff Peart
Leicester UK
I am totally gobsmacked to read the complete jibberish in Joannes letter!!
I first visited Gozo on my honeymoon just over 3 yrs ago. We stayed for 3 weeks then and I have to say it was the best 3 weeks of my life. Not just because of the glow of newleyweds but because of this breathtakingly beautiful island and its warm and friendly inhabitants. We have returned every year since and even taken our parents who feel exactly the same about this magical island as we do.
Everywhere we went we were treated like a part of the family. Everyone we spoke to was helpful and friendly. Every place we visited was beautiful and unspoilt.
As for the parking, well there are so many places where you can park legally and they are very clearly marked and free!…anybody on the island will tell you they are strict on parking because of the size of the island and the amount of visitors such as joanne who think they can park wherever they like. If you park on double yellows in this country I can assure you there will be a ticket on your car by the time you return.
The fact she even uttered the word DIRTY!! makes me laugh hysterically!…myself and my husband always joke about all the women outside sweeping and washing down their porches…like obssesvie complusive behaviour!..I think you would hard pushed to find a cleaner nation of people!…in fact we have been driven to distraction before by maids trying to clean and do too much for us!
I will agree that their driving leaves a lot to be desired but that is the way they do it there and you are a visitor to their home…you either choose to fit in with it or you get the hell out of there!…i think its extremely rude to presume you can go to their home and for them to make way for you…to change how they are to please someone as rude and uneducated as this woman obviously seems to be.
If you walk around with a face like a bulldog who has eaten a wasp then its hardly surprising they didnt welcome you with open arms…is it??
Im fairly sure the Gozitans were as pleased to see the back of you as you were to see the back of them!
I love to travel and see new places but Gozo is the one place I will return to time and time and time again…it has become my second home…and one of my true loves in life.
Myself and my husband fly out on Sunday again and our parents will be joining us a week later.
I cannot wait!!
Chel Norton
Telford, Shropshire
We have a house on Gozo and visit for approx 3 months per year.
I find that all the natives (and ex-pats) are friendly!
We are looking forward to retiring to Gozo in a few years’ time.
I have never had a parking ticket – I always park legally.
The dirt is less than in most parts of the UK, and the roads are no worse than the approach to the village in SE England where I currently live.
I shall be back to Gozo in November (as every year) and am looking forward to a week of peace and quiet where I can do my own thing but in the knowledge that I could call upon any neighbour for help in time of need (which I have done occasionally in the past).
Friends have visited and have without exception been charmed – so much so that one couple, both doctors, borrow our house two or three times each year and sing the praises of the island to all their acquaintance, as do we.
I am sorry that your experience was negative, but can only assume that it was untypical, or perhaps that you have different expectations from a holiday than do I.
Sue Johnson Kent UK
I think the comments made are sad and not correct Gozo is a special place with great people.There are many places to visit around the world that are 5 star however you will pay the price.I have only one tiny moan which effects locals and tourists which is cash refunds trying to obtain one in many cases is impossible.
Most of what I had to say has already been said. I am a Maltese American and proud to say that my family is from Gozo. While I agree that the residents and tourists should keep the islands cleaner, the rest of what Joanne says is completely untrue. I rent a car just like any other tourist and have only been ticketed once…when I parked illegally. I would not expect anythiing less from the local police where I live. The people, especially in Gozo, are friendly and even the elderly who may not speak English are always willing to try to help you out. I find that no matter where you go in this world, be it where you live or where you travel, you are usually treated in the same way you treat people. I suspect Joanne might find issues no matter where she travels as it sounds like she thinks the places she visits should conform to her way of life rather than the other way around. We have taken several people with us on our trips to Malta and Gozo and all of them not only enjoyed themselves but preferred Gozo to Malta! No place is perfect, but in my book, Gozo comes pretty close. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. I for one can’t wait for my next trip to Gozo…it can’t come soon enough!
I have read all the comments regarding my letter, and am a bit shocked at the “personal accusations” but “EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINION JUST PERHAPS PERSONAL ACCUSATIONS SHOULD BE PUT TO ONE SIDE”, as this was a letter regarding the island NOT ME PERSONALLY!
I did not “go around with a face like a bulldog, nor did I not smile and try to involve myself in the culture and people. I have been in contact with the several local people who we met and have kept in touch with and they agreed with my letter!
I have visited other countries and I just felt that perhaps this island needs to be welcoming to their visitors, and yes I did see the buildings being built, nor do I want the countries I visit to conform to my way of thinking.
The current financial situation is bad in UK and abroad, and like I did people will do their research before going to countries, just as I did, hence the comment “everyones entitled to their opinion” otherwise the world would be a boring place!
We have been regular visitors to Gozo for nearly 30 years and I donot recognise the place that Ms.French writes about!!We think that Gozo will be a better place without her visitation.
Derek Steele and Mary Constable-Pembrokeshire-Wales
Hello again Ms. French,
You are perfectly right everyone is entitled to an opinion. The problems start when those opinions contain derogatory and offensive remarks about others…
“They seem to have the “blinkers” on, perhaps they should go back to driving carts with the horses, might slow them down a bit as well!”
“Is this to gain more revenue for the local council, to which do they use this money on the roads and cleaning up of the island ….NO….. the roads are atrocious and the island is dirty.”
“locals were rude, unfriendly unless you went into their shops spending money.”
etc…
Stating such things as facts is bound to build up resentment and to cause similiar remarks from subsequent posters. I don’t agree with the personal remarks, that were made about you, but I can understand why they were made after your initial post.
I do hope those who you advised to “Stay away” seek additional opinions to develop a more balanced view of the island.
All the best.
Mark
I can’t believe what I have just read regarding Joannes letter. I am half Goziton and very pround to be, I have been visiting the Island for 40 years and never had an issue
with anything in this letter.
Regarding the parking issue I have never received a ticket,whatever part of the world you are visiting if you break the law you deserve the penalty!!!
My opinion is “you only get out of life what you put in” obviously Joannes approach isn’t what the friendly Goziton people are used to.
Yes we are all entilted to our opinion Joanne and you say you are shocked at the personal accusations made to you but what about the personal accusations you made to the people of Gozo?
I think from the reaction of your letter this speaks volumes!
I am German and in two weeks I’ll be going back to Gozo for the 16th visit since 1993. And, believe it or not, one of the things I’m looking forward to again, is driving my rental jeep all over the island again. I never had any problems with the Gozitan way of driving. I just adjust to their ways. And my only ticket in Victoria was my own fault, didn’t bother to put the parking disc out. If dirty means litter on the road side, well that is a problem here in Germany too. All the other issues in the letter were never a problem for me.
And as a last comment: I can’t wait to be back and to meet all my Gozitan friends.
Dear lady
It’s a shame to have to hear about your nightmare hols in Gozo.Unfortunately for you, but it was you who decided to go there in the first instance.! Gozo is a little .. trap of the past , with people living by their own ways, a little bit like Nottingham in away ,except you have more crime in Nott. As for the driving.. nothing wrong with it,if you realy want to complain about drivers then I wish you.ve gone to India instead , where you risk life and limb the comment you sit behind the wheel.
Gozo is not dirtier than any town or city back in the UK.It is a smaller place ,hence you will see more rubbish about, and there’s always sweepers around too.Maybe it was you the one with the ” blinkers on “.
I sincerely hope you find yourself a different place to go in your holidays next time , maybe costa del sol or costa brava will do you nicely as most of the ” locals” are from your part of the world.Dare you complain then….
A Gozo fan..
The best thing about all of this is she won’t be coming back! Miserable intolerent blinkered people like her should never leave the UK. Yes we need tourists but not of her ilk!
We have been holidaying in Gozo for the last 5 years and, sadly we will not be hurrying back:
1. Sterling to Euro ratio is bad enough without the unnecessary price increases to deal with as well!
2. The ‘driving and ticketing’ I guess we have to take on the chin but we did find it a little ‘over-zealous’!
3. I would like to see some Local Government assistance for completion of existing building projects rather than allowing the many new projects to start; oh, and then allowing them to start in mid summer?!
4. I don’t honestly believe that much of what has been left alone by developers can be described as “quaint” – I think those days are gone!
Gozo is (in my opinion) now an expensive holiday destination as business reaps the profits from the change over to the Euro and as they fight to drag the last penny from the depleated numbers of tourists.
So, I guess I’m with Joanne!
Dave and Jacqui, Very happy Guests on Gozo.
For the last two years my wife and myself have found what we think is one of the best holiday places left, Gozo is where we have found truely honest people (where else can you leave your car unlocked without it being stolen) we never got overcharged when shopping and the people of Gozo whether shopping or just passing responded to a hello ,a nod or even a wave, as for the driving well you are a visitor and need to adjust to the Gozitan way, I would add that on each of our visits we have never met any road rage, had any bad language shouted at us and never recieved any hand gestures. If you want to see a Gozitan family at work Visit the Vineyard restaurant on the Mgarr road just past the roundabout, Peter will welcome you when you enter and dad Tony the chef will cook you something special and the rest of the family will help out when it gets busy but you never have anyone hanging over your shoulder watching you eat chasing you for the next course to be served but peter will always be ready to help as soon as you are ready, you will be able to try many of the local wines, if you prefer try out the buffet on Saturday evening or Sunday lunch time for a great selection of food and eat as much as you want, I wont mention the sweet / pudding selection as my wife says they are to die for.
As for those that have written complaining maybe Gozo is not for them, we dont like being crammed together like sheep, treated like holidaymakers, but as we have, on each of our visits, been seen as guests / visitors to Gozo and treated with smiles and friendly welcomes.
If you like space, freedom,culture, great food, great people then Gozo might be worth a visit but if you want night clubs, pubs and alike then maybe Gozo is not for you.
Dave and Jacqui
Ms French…To be credible, you must base your statements on facts.. not on sour grapes and misguided opinion. Let me help you.
Your home town of Nottingham enjoys a violent crime rate some 14,000% higher than Gozo.
More cars were stolen in Nottingham last week than in the last 20 years on Gozo.
The streets of Nottingham are, every night, littered with chip papers, Kebab remains, Burgers, drug remnants, vomit and urine.
Your Chief Constable has openly admitted that control of the streets has been lost to the gangs of gun toting thugs.
The incidence of “road rage” related incidents in Nottingham is slightly above the UK National Average.
Pro-rata, there are 1.7% more road accidents in Nottingham than there are on Gozo (Source W.I.A 2008)
Notts City Council have passed over 16,200 planning applications for new build projects since 1/4/2009.
Gun and knife crime levels place it in the top 50 of the worlds most violent cities (2008/9)
Parking Tickets are issued in Nottingham for 45 different traffic offences..on Gozo there are 15 offences listed.
Nottingham’s criminal courts were, in 2008, on a pro-rata basis, 200 times busier than the courts on Gozo.
Your incidences of drug abuse, single girl pregnancies, drug abuse, benefit claimants and across the board, low education standards all combine to produce a shocking but realistic picture of modern day Nottingham.
Yet you come to Gozo and complain about us????
Dear Phil,
many thanks. A very elegant argument by simple statistics. I am not surprised by the numbers though. People who make churches into pubs should expect that.
Excellent comment Phil. I wonder if we shall get a reply from Ms. French? Just over two weeks to go before I’m back in Gozo. Cant wait.
I always say A HOLIDAY IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.
My wife and I are both medically retired from UK. and decided to come and live here. I moan a hell of a lot about things I see going on, but I am a moaner by nature
Then…….
Then I go and sit at ta’ Cenc or the bell vedre at Qala, or Xlendi bay and I say to myself.
“Stivala, what the hell have you been moaning about? You are in heaven and you do not realise it” By the way I am Maltese who spent 40 years in criminal UK
My family (Wife and two daughters) have visted Gozo for two years on the trot. We booked again on return this year and will be back for our third holiday in July.
I tend to agree that the locals can be somewhat lacking, when it comes to litter disposal. It is the only point that tends to irritate me about the island. On a number of occasions, i have noticed, generally more mature locals discard waste paper, plastic in the sea. This is regrettable to say the least.
Apart from that, I see no liking to the description of Gozo by Ms French. She clearly visited a different island to the one we have been coming to of late.
Looking forward to our holiday in 2010!
Paul Johnson
Sussex
Bravo Phil…
We have owned a home in Gozo for several years and leave it unoccupied for months at a time without a worry… The only time our Gozitan friends contact us is to tell us they have rectified a problem like a leaking tap or over-flow or to tell us they picked up a furniture cover that had blown out of the yard onto the street… A simple act of friendship and courtesy… I cannot imagine anything like that in Nottingham.. But I wouldn’t leave a house unoccupied there for long either..!!