Her Excellency Ms. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley and her guests on a rural tour with Merill

In February we had the pleasure to host the US Ambassador to Malta Her Excellency Ms. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley and her guests on a rural tour. Here are some photos from the visit.

Having a chat at Tan-Nixxiegha Olive Grove

Time to taste some delicacies

Left to right - Ms. Tess Gauci, Her Excellency Ms. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley,
Mr. Chully Vella and Mrs Isabella Vella

The guests at Mr. Antoine Vella's weaving workshop

Mr Antoine Vella explaining the tricks of the trade

Merill Local Products display

Enjoying traditional coffee 

Click here to have a look at the blog post written by Denise, one of the guest attending the trip.

For more details about rural tours drop us a line on info@merill.com.mt

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experience 

NOW AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS

every Sunday morning!

Maltese Breakfast with a Difference

Orange marmalade spread on bread

Extra Virgin olive oil and Olives

Olive oil and mint on crispy local bread

For more info about eco and agri tours, farm visits, and tasting sessions drop me a line on jeanette@merill.com.mt or visit our website www.merill.com.mt.

A group of students visit the Bingemma Olive Grove

View from the Olive Grove

We were pleased to host a group of students from the university association called "Youth for the Environment". Daniel Buhagiar is the current President of the organisation. The students all have the environment at heart and study at various faculties and institutes within the University of Malta including sciences, engineering and health. The scope of the association is to create environmental awareness, promote efficiency and contribute to sustainability in society. This rural experience was organised as one of their social events.

During the discussion

It was a splendid Sunday morning when John, a young farmer, and I met the group next to the Chapel of Our Lady of Ittria in Bingemma, Mgarr. After a brief introduction, we moved towards the Olive Grove where we were hosted by Nena, Tessie, Bella together with John. The youths were offered tea and coffee together with local jams and marmalades. Following that, the visit was complemented with an engaging discussion about rural tourism and agriculture. John, recalled how studying agriculture has kept him close to his family and the traditions they harness. Olive oil and other delicacies produced by the farmers within the Merill Network were also tasted during the experience. 

Olive oil tasting

Delicacy Tasting

At the olive grove

Photos by Kurt Cuschieri

To get involved in this student organisation visit their Facebook Fan Page: 

https://www.facebook.com/youthfortheenvironment

For more information about the Olive Grove Experience, drop us a line on info@merillecotours.com.

Cheers

Jeanette

Nature Walks in Dingli - next Sunday 15th May 2011

Verdala Palace as seen from Dingli Cliffs

The preparations for the yearly Agricultural Fair at Dingli are almost ready. People from Dingli (in Maltese "Dinglin") are proud of their rural village and promote it's beauty amongst locals and foreigners alike. This event, organised by the Dingli Local Council, and will feature the very best of agriculture practices, produce and traditions. The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene will be the landmark for this activity, as it's parvis and surrounding area will be all nicely set up with stands, livestock and exhibitions. We are glad that this year we're part of this initiative. 


An information stand will be present all day long and we're looking forward to meet visitors and provide them with information about the variety of places of interest within Dingli. At around 1.00pm short nature tours will start. Small groups will be accompanied by one of our knowledgeable licensed guides to areas close by. Items such as geology, biodiversity and archaeological sites in Dingli will be explained. 

Other items that are not to be missed are: 

- Milking of sheep and goats

- Sheep sheering

- Demonstrations showing the making of cheeslets

- Renactments

- Band and Parade of Dingli Scouts

- Antiques show

- Local wine tasting

- Fruit and vegetable displays

- Traditional local food and pastries

- Tombola and other local games

Thumbs up to the Dingli Local Council for taking such an initiative and investing in the promotion of local nature, culture and tradition!