Maltese Outdoor Enthusiasts Go On Truffle Search In Umbria, Italy

Maltese Hunters In Italy On Truffle Hunt In Heart Of Umbria

Oct 19 2023

Lucas Micallef, the head of Malta’s FKNK, and a group of Maltese outdoor enthusiasts were in Italy on a truffle hunt in the heart of Umbria.

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A post shared by Lucas Micallef (@micalleflucas)

Italian truffle hunting is a centuries-old tradition deeply ingrained in rural Italian communities. Truffle hunters, known as tartufai, inhabit small villages and rural areas. The process involves two key steps: hunting and extraction. Skilled hunters, aided by trained dogs, locate truffle-rich areas by identifying specific plant types.

They then use specialized tools to delicately extract the truffles, preserving the soil. This practice demands extensive knowledge of climate, environment, and vegetation, as well as a strong bond between hunter and dog. Passed down through oral traditions, such as stories and anecdotes, truffle hunting fosters local cultural identity and community solidarity. It’s often celebrated with festive events, and prioritizes ecological balance and plant diversity for sustainable truffle growth.

@lucasmicallef283

Finding #truffle in #Umbria #Italy #tartufo #tartufonero #cani #dogs #tartufoitaliano #food #finefood

♬ Lily – Alan Walker & K-391 & Emelie Hollow

Accompanied by two dedicated truffle dogs, the Maltese managed to get a direct taste of what it means to participate in this hunt, documenting it on social media.

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United Airlines To Start Boarding Window Seats 1st To Avoid Waiting Time

Oct 19 2023

Starting from October 26, United Airlines will implement a new boarding process for economy class passengers, prioritizing those with window seats. This strategy, known as WILMA (window, middle, and aisle), aims to reduce the time planes spend on the ground. WILMA has been tested at various locations and has demonstrated the potential to shave up to two minutes off the boarding time.

The approach spreads passengers along the aisle, enabling more individuals to stow their luggage simultaneously, thus expediting the process. The change will apply to the fourth boarding group and will not affect first class, business class, or those with priority-boarding privileges, including individuals with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, active-duty military, and families with children under 2.

In cases where multiple passengers share an economy reservation, like families, they will be allowed to board together. This new policy will be implemented on both domestic and select international flights. United’s decision to modify the boarding process stems from a reported increase in average boarding time by two minutes since 2019.

Efforts to refine boarding procedures have intensified with the introduction of checked bag fees over a decade ago, encouraging more passengers to bring carry-on luggage. This has added complexity to the boarding process, as airlines also seek to sell early boarding or provide it to elite members of their frequent-flier programs.

While a two-minute difference may not greatly impact transatlantic flights, on heavily trafficked shorter routes, delays can quickly accumulate, potentially leading to late-day flight disruptions. The new system addresses challenges like late passengers struggling to find overhead bin space, which can affect on-time performance statistics.

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Maltese Footballer Joins Sampdoria Women’s Team

Oct 19 2023

Taking to social media, 16 year old Maltese footballer Lexine Farrugia announced that she has officially signed onto Sampdoria Women’s Team.

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A post shared by Lexine ⚡️ (@lexine_farrugia)

The Italian Serie A team, based in Genoa, Italy, has officially recruited the local talent as they begin the upcoming season.

‘New season, new colours’, wrote Lexine on social media. ‘Really happy to have joined Sampdoria Women’. She went on to thank all those who have supported her on her journey so far.

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Operators Of 5 Or More Y-Plate Vehicles Need Commercial Garage

Oct 19 2023

As of Thursday, operators with five or more Y-plate vehicles are now mandated to have a commercial garage, as per the recently announced regulations by Transport Malta.

These amendments, effective immediately, pertain to the Light Passenger Transport Services and Vehicle Hire Services Regulations.

Operators in this category must secure a development permit affirming the designated garage’s use as a public service garage, in addition to an architect’s declaration, for obtaining or renewing an operator’s license, regardless of fleet size.

Should operators wish to add vehicles to their license, they must ensure adequate space in their existing garages. Failure to do so necessitates an application for a parking facility.

The rules permit operators to garage light passenger transport vehicles off-street, in areas where such parking or garaging is permitted.

Applicants must submit an architect’s report outlining addresses, site plans, and specifying each garage’s vehicle capacity.

Transport Malta asserts that these amendments enhance regulatory efforts in the sector, including the recent requirement for drivers to hold a Maltese or EU driving license. Although immediately enforceable, operators with valid licenses or pending applications have a one-year grace period for compliance.

The authority commits to expediting application processing, including those not renewed prior to the regulation’s publication. This addresses a long-standing concern for self-employed cab drivers, uncertain about the continued use of private garages for vehicle storage. Earlier in October, around two dozen drivers gathered at Pembroke Park and Ride in protest of permit non-renewals due to a lack of commercial garages. Transport Malta initially sought clarification through Facebook messages and later provided a Planning Authority document outlining commercial garage requirements.

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