Freddie Mercury’s Private Collection On Exhibition Before Auction

Aug 4 2023

A stunning exhibition featuring hundreds of items owned by Freddie Mercury, the iconic Queen frontman, is now on display at Sotheby’s central London gallery.

The exhibition, designed to resemble Mercury’s former home, showcases over 1,400 lots set to be auctioned in six stages.

Among the remarkable items is a treasured Yamaha baby grand piano, estimated to fetch up to £3 million, on which Mercury composed numerous hits. Also on display is the replica of Britain’s St Edward’s Crown and an accompanying cloak, worn by Mercury during his 1980s stage performances, including at Live Aid.

The showcase also features elements from his Japanese collection, including decorative arts, glass, ceramics, and graphic arts. Furniture from his Garden Lodge home, a kitchen with an operating 1941 Wurlitzer jukebox, and unique musical manuscripts, including working drafts of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” are part of the collection.

The auction is being organized by Mary Austin, one of Mercury’s closest friends who cared for the items after his passing. The proceeds will partly benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John Aids Foundation.

The exhibition is a tribute to Mercury’s love for collecting and will give fans a glimpse into the various facets of his personality through the autobiographical pieces on display.

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20% Increase In Tourists Coming To Malta Over June 2022

Aug 4 2023

During the reviewed month, Malta welcomed 267,585 inbound tourists for holidays and 15,060 for business, the NSO reveals.

The largest group was aged between 25 and 44, accounting for 40.9% of visitors, followed by the 45-64 age bracket at 29.6%. UK, Italy, and French residents made up 47.0% of the total inbound tourists.

Total nights spent increased by 22.4% compared to June 2022, reaching over 1.9 million nights. Most guest nights (87.4%) were in rented accommodations, and the average length of stay was 6.6 nights.

Tourist expenditure reached nearly €286.5 million, showing a 32.1% rise from the same month in 2022, with an average expenditure of €147.2 per night.

For January to June 2023, inbound tourists rose by 43.8%, totalling 1,289,292 visitors, while nights spent grew by 35.9%, surpassing 8.1 million nights.

Total tourist expenditure amounted to €1,036.8 million, a 48.8% increase from 2022, with a per capita spending of €804, up from €777 in 2022.

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Aalto: Dine On Great Food As You Bask On Blue Grotto Views

Aug 4 2023

Experience the essence of the ocean at Aalto, a restaurant inspired by the beauty and power of the sea.

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Located in the stunning Blue Grotto on Malta’s southern coast, the name, Aalto, derives from the Finnish word for “waves.”

With a menu, decor, logo, and ambiance all influenced by the waves, the menu offers a diverse range of dishes that showcase the unique flavors and textures of various ingredients.

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Led by skilled chefs, only the freshest ingredients are used to create dishes that blend innovation with comfort, paying homage to Mediterranean culinary traditions while pushing boundaries.

The brains behind Aalto: Kurt, co-owner and director, brings his experience from a 1 Michelin-starred restaurant in London and 5-star hotels in Malta to craft a remarkable menu. Dimitris Haskaj, the restaurant manager, ensures a pleasant and unique experience for all guests with his extensive hospitality background. And Cliff Busuttil, the talented Head Chef, treats all ingredients with equal respect, resulting in a memorable dining journey.

So head down to Aalto and savour the culinary creations amidst the breathtaking views of Blue Grotto. As part of Deep Blu Boutique Hotel, Aalto promises an exclusive and luxurious dining experience, reflecting the flavors and traditions of the local terroir.

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Lufthansa Pilot Draws Penis Sky Path Before Landing In Malta

Aug 4 2023

Last week, a Lufthansa pilot unintentionally drew a penis-shaped flight path in the sky after being diverted from Catania airport in Sicily.

The aircraft, en route from Frankfurt, Germany, attempted to land twice at Catania but was diverted due to high winds. During the diversion, it circled off the east coast of Sicily for just over 16 minutes, creating the phallic shape, before continuing to its destination in Malta.

Local Italian media speculated that the pilot drew the pattern in protest, but officials claimed it was accidental, stating that it was created unintentionally when flight LH306 manoeuvred away from the island.

The incident occurred amidst numerous flight disruptions at Catania airport following a terminal fire, leading to cancellations, delays, and diversions.

SAC, the company that manages the airport, has been criticised for its slow response and poor communication with airlines. They said that a sudden change in wind was responsible for this diversion.

Notably, an Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) helicopter had earlier taken a phallic flight path over the island of Comino. However, the AFM clarified that the tracking had been “printed out of context,” and the helicopter was flying at low altitude, not intentionally creating the pattern.

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