Sandra Scott Travels

Gozo is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, one of 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. Over the years, Gozo has been influenced by and/or ruled by a variety of people including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British. It is a 20-minute ferry ride from the main island of Malta. The island is not only smaller than Malta but quieter and more rural. Because of its uniqueness it has been used in many movies.

The name “Mdina” is a reminder that the Spanish Muslims (Moors) ruled Malta from 870 to 1091. During that time, Christians and Muslims lived in relative harmony and the Catholic Church copied some Islamic rituals.
Church bells ring five times a day inviting Catholics to pray and the Islamic month of fasting called Ramadhan was transformed into Lent. In the 1200s, Charles II of Naples had all the Muslim inhabitants exiled or sold into slavery and the mosques were destroyed or converted to churches.

Many people had suggested we visit Malta. I don’t know what took so long. I think Malta is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. There are an amazing number of historical sites dating back to Neolithic times. Even though more bombs fell on Malta during World War II than any other place, the reconstruction maintained the island’s architectural integrity.

Malta is an island in the Mediterranean, so seafood it very popular. One day, John and I had lunch at La Nostra Padrona, a seaside restaurant in the picturesque fishing town of Marsaxlokk. The weather was beautiful – perfect for dining alfresco. John was able to pick from the “catch of the day” while I had a great salad.

I have read many articles about the health benefits and uses of coconut milk and oil. It is touted as being a lactose-free, vegan milk substitute that can be used in a variety of ways including as a dairy substitute used in coffee, ice cream, smoothies and in variety of recipes including many Thai curry dishes. John and I have enjoyed many curry dishes and breads in several countries that are made with coconut milk. Coconuts are rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 plus minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Coconut oil is versatile.

Imagine 150 different flavors of soda. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I like the fact that the old-time soda fountains are making a comeback. When I was in Eagle River, Wisconsin, I had a great lunch and root beer float at Soda Pops. I passed on the ice cream, but most people did not. There is a wide choice of ice cream with 70 topping to choose from.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has inhabited Lac du Flambeau since 1745. The word Chippewa and Ojibway are one and the same. The Band was given the name “Lac du Flambeau” (Lake of the Torches) by the French traders and trappers who visited the area and saw them harvesting fish at night by torchlight. The reservation is checker-boarded with parts in three counties.