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Maltese Musings #6 – What’s On the Scene?
To be fair, this wasn’t this year’s big gay holiday. This wasn’t, incidentally, due to having a pratfalling aunt in tow, but basically it was always intended to be a more restful and sedate affair when compared with – say – a trip to Gran Can, and from our point of view we were mainly only window-shopping when it came to the males.
That said, though, Theresa was most insistent we went out and had a rip-roaring time without her on a couple of evenings and so, inevitably, we decided to opt for a bit of faggery.
Now, it’s true to say that as a small island Malta isn’t really going to have much of a gay scene; indeed our brief investigations into the possibilities turned up only two options in the area near to us, viz and to whit one bar and one club.
The club – “Klozet” – was an interesting place. You could tell the clubbing options were limited since different styles of gay were all mashed together (if you’ll excuse the expression) in one room. Indiepooves, twinkypooves, bearpooves and coffin-dodgers all abounded in the shiny environs, none of them looking entirely like they belonged but certainly making the most of a bad job.
Still, I often find myself most at home in places I don’t really belong so oddly enough I rather enjoyed it to an extent. Well, I did once the copious consumption of JD and coke had numbed the senses to the style of music on offer. For some reason the resident DJ seemed to consider “stuff that sounds like Gloria Estefan or Beyonce” to be the only criteria for a set, which did tend to pall after a while.
Well, okay. It palled after the first song. But I was enjoying myself anyway and the drinks were cheap so I didn’t care.
The best prospect though was Adams’s Bar, which we visited twice. Barely bigger than a handbag, it was a snug place to be sure, but it was a friendly place with a much better selection of music (although admittedly on one night it degenerated from non-stop ABBA to non-stop Madonna – who I’ve decided is a total waste of skin – but you can’t have everything).
Our first visit there coincided with what was apparently Malta’s ever Pub Quiz. The gentleman in charge of this innovation seemed to be struggling with this a bit: apparently the concept was completely alien to the area, but it was reassuring to see that certain decisions Rob and I made in regard to the Griffin one are adopted by others too. And it was very good, so I hope it takes off.
(Indeed, whilst we didn’t take part since they were halfway through when we arrived, afterwards the host came over and asked if we knew anything about quizzes. I was able to chuckle and admit I was hosting my 91st the next week.)
Adam’s Bar is attached to a hostel of the same name and if you happen to be a big ole mox visiting the island I think you would do well to drop in. It was a matter of some regret, actually, that we didn’t spend a few more nights in there propping up the bar.
Chris rather fell in love with the former-go-go-dancing barman, in fact, so I think he feels the same way.
Posted on October 30, 2008 | Filed Under Holiday Excess
Comments
Response left by Louis Price on May 28th, 2010
Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine are really great, i love their music on the old days.’~.
Response left by Charlotte Wright on July 21st, 2010
I have no major objection to them, I seem to remember a couple of good hits.
But for it to be wall to wall for a couple of hours struck me as excessive.
Response left by Rob on July 21st, 2010
Gloria Stefan and the Miami Sound Machine is classic but they do make great music’”‘
Response left by Garden Lighting ` on October 12th, 2010
in the 80s, the best singer is of course Gloria Estefan. she has that unique sounding voice `,;
Response left by Stevia on December 13th, 2010
Got something to say?
i always remember the music of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. great music!.,~-