Sliema: The Coastal Gem of Malta

• HelloBongu
  [bon-goo]
• GoodbyeĊaw
  [chow]
• YesIva
  [ee-va]
• NoLe
  [leh]
• Please/You're welcomeJekk jogħġbok
  [yekk yoj-bok]
• Thank youGrazzi
  [grat-see]
• Excuse me/SorrySkuzi
  [skoo-zee]
• How are you?Kif int?
  [keef eent]
• Fine. And you?Tajjeb. U int?
  [tay-yeb. oo eent]
• Do you speak English?Titkellem bl-Ingliz?
  [tit-kel-lem bl-ing-lees]
• I don't understandMa nifhimx
  [ma neef-heems]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNixtieq inara l-menu, jekk jogħġbok
  [nix-tee-ek ee-nara l-may-noo, yekk yoj-bok]
• I don't eat meatMa niekolx laħam
  [ma nee-e-kolsh la-ham]
• Cheers!Saħħa
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNixtieq inħallas, jekk jogħġbok
  [nix-tee-ek in-hal-las, yekk yoj-bok]

• Help!Għajni!
  [ay-nee]
• Go away!Mur lejn
  [moor layn]
• Call the Police!Ibqa' lill-Pulizija!
  [ib-ka lil-poo-leet-see-ya]
• Call a doctor!Ibqa' lill-tabib!
  [ib-ka lil-ta-beeb]
• I'm lostInkejt
  [ink-edge]
• I'm illJien ma ħasniex sew
  [yee-en ma has-neex so]

• I'd like to buy...Nixtieq inkun
  [nix-tee-ek in-koon]
• I'm just lookingQed nara biss
  [ked na-ra beess]
• How much is it?Kemm huwa?
  [kem hoo-wa]
• That's too expensiveDan huwa wisq għoli
  [dan hoo-wa wees gho-li]
• Can you lower the price?Tista' tgħaqqad il-prezz?
  [tis-ta tag-gad il-prezz]

• What time is it?X'ħin huwa?
  [shin hoo-wa]
• It's one o'clockHuwa l-ewwel siegħa
  [hoo-wa l-ew-wel see-ga]
• Half past (10)Nofs il-għaxra
  [noffs il-aakra]
• MorningFilgħodu
  [fil-gdo]
• AfternoonWaranofsinhar
  [wa-ra-no-fsi-nar]
• EveningFl-ewwel lejl
  [fl-ew-wel layl]
• YesterdayIlbieraħ
  [il-byer-ah]
• TodayIllum
  [illum]
• TomorrowGħada
  [gada]
• 1Wieħed
  [wee-hed]
• 2Tnejn
  [tnejn]
• 3Tlieta
  [tlee-ta]
• 4Erba'
  [er-ba]
• 5Ħamsa
  [hamsa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Seba'
  [se-ba]
• 8Tmintax
  [tmin-tax]
• 9Disgħa
  [dis-gha]
• 10Għaxra
  [aakra]

• Where's a/the...?Fejn hemm...
  [fayne hemm]
• What's the address?X'inhu l-indirizz?
  [shin-hoo l-indi-reez]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Tista' turienejja (fuq il-mappa)?
  [tis-ta too-ree-ne-ya fooq il-map-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Meta hu l-ġurnata li ġejja (il-karozza)?
  [me-ta hoo l-jur-na-ta lee jay-ya il-ka-rot-za]
• A ticket (to ....)Biljett (għal ....)
  [bil-yet tal]

Sliema, derived from the Maltese word 'sliem' meaning 'peace,' was originally a quiet fishing village. It was relatively uninhabited in the early days, with only a few fishermen and their families calling it home. The area was known for its serene coastal environment and the chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which later became the site of the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

In the late 18th century, during the rule of the Knights of St. John, the construction of Fort Tigné began. Completed in 1795, this star-shaped fortification was built to defend the Marsamxett Harbour. The British later took over Malta in 1800, and Fort Tigné became an important military site under their rule. This period marked the beginning of Sliema's transformation from a rural village to a bustling suburb.

The 19th century saw significant development in Sliema as it evolved into a fashionable seaside resort for the British aristocracy and Maltese elite. Elegant Victorian-style villas and townhouses began to dot the coastline. Prominent families built summer residences here, drawn by the stunning sea views and the promise of a quieter life away from the crowded capital, Valletta.

During World War II, Malta was heavily bombarded, and Sliema was no exception. The town suffered extensive damage from air raids, but its strategic location meant it played a crucial role in the defense efforts. After the war, Sliema underwent a period of reconstruction and modernization, with new buildings rising from the ruins and the town gradually regaining its status as a prime residential and commercial area.

In recent decades, Sliema has blossomed into one of Malta's most vibrant commercial and cultural hubs. The town boasts a dynamic blend of old and new, with historic buildings standing alongside contemporary apartments and shopping complexes. The Sliema promenade, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, is a testament to the town's enduring appeal as both a residential area and a tourist destination.

Sliema is easily accessible via Malta International Airport (MLA), located about 10 kilometers away from Sliema. From the airport, you can take a taxi, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes, or you can utilize the public bus service, which is a more economical option. Bus routes X2 and TD2 connect directly to Sliema and typically take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Sliema is well-connected and easy to navigate. Public buses are frequent and cover most areas within Sliema and beyond. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, though more expensive. Renting a car is an option, but parking can be challenging. Walking and cycling are popular due to the town's compact size and scenic promenades.

The official currency in Malta is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful in Sliema, and many establishments also accept contactless payments. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case of card issues.

Sliema is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash. Stick to well-lit paths at night and avoid isolated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Sliema has several pharmacies and medical clinics, and the nearest hospital is Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, about 5 kilometers away. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for the warm Mediterranean climate. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, such as removing hats and covering shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'hello' or 'bonġu' (good morning in Maltese). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like pastizzi and ftira. Don’t leave large tips; rounding up the bill is usually sufficient.

To experience Sliema like a local, take a stroll along the Sliema promenade, especially during sunset. Visit the local markets, such as the one on Bisazza Street, for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Engage with locals at cafes and bars; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the area. Don’t miss taking a ferry ride to Valletta for stunning views of the Grand Harbour.