A Gozitan looks at Gozo

Abstract

Much information is available about Malta, an island with an "azure sea and azure sky" and in fad it has been so well advertised that a brisk tourist traffic has been established with the most beneficial results. On the contrary, however, the sister island of Gozo has acquired the rather melancholy aura of a forgotten land. Gozo, covering an area of nearly 25 square miles with about 30,000 inhabitants, is traditionally known as the Ogygia of H-omer's Odyssey, the place where the nymph Calypso lived. Owing to its isolation, this tiny island still preserves many characteristics of a primitive land. It is one complete picture of peace and quietness - indeed it entirely lacks all the hubbub and bustle of the big cosmopolitan cities of the world. From morning to evening, one notices nothing more extraordinary than the regular occurrence of sunrise and sunset, and the intense agricultural work that is carried on between the two intervals. A foreigner visiting this little island, may wonder how its inhabitants live in so dead a place. But strangely enough, after a time one realises that Gozo, the nature of whose industry makes it quiet, is, none the less a busy place. Men are working steadily in the fields, or doing other peaceful jobs such as .weaving the marvellous fishing baskets, while the women are entirely occupied in their houses. There is no hum of activities it is true; no music to cheer them up in their work; no clatter of commercial transport; but the industry, work and commerce are there all the same.