"All in all it's just another brick in the wall"

Or is it?

When Roger Waters was busy penning the lyrics to one of the most influential albums in music history along with his group members, little did he know the extent to which those lyrics would inspire thousands of music listeners the world over.

Let's take 'Another Brick in the Wall.'

"WE DON'T NEED NO EDUCATION!" chant the dozen or so school-children in the well-known music video, who were sick and tired of their rigid schooling. Who did their teachers think they are? Mindless puppets without valid thoughts or opinions? This song was an outcry to the dictatorship that teachers made out of their position in those days.

But what does this phrase mean today?

If any of you followed the movie to this album you would know that the whole record is a concept album centred around the journey we know as 'Life'. If you didn't you've probably realised anyway. The 'Wall' is typically that invisible barrier we build around ourselves to block out all the negative events we experience in our life from childhood up to adulthood. The 'Brick' is one of life's challenges that we push aside to move ahead. So, in this context, was this protest song just another test of life that one had to go through? It must be more than just that.

Think about it.

Countries have banned this song because it opened student's eyes to the lack of liberty and freedom in schools. A lack of self-expression. A lack of rights. Where in some parts of the world this was just a cheeky anthem of school rebellion, in others this was a message of respect to the dignity of the child.

Now let's consider Malta. Today. January 7th, 2009.

It was 9.50am and I was standing outside the Common Room of the University of Malta waiting for many angry students to show up. It was raining outside and the room was filled with picket signs. The weather meant we would be rallying indoors. Original.

I had never been to a protest before. I was imagining marching students with froth at their mouths ready to hog some TV station's camera and ramble about what's wrong with this government. Alas, yesterday's good weather clouded my perception. Indoors it was. And boy was it rowdy!

Horns a-blowing! Picket signs held high. There was no space for all the protestors and media people. Still, the President of KSU (Kunsill Studenti Universitarji), Roberta Avellino, walked in and started her long but firm speech voicing her message on behalf of all University and Junior College students. Along with her was the President of the Junior College Student Council and a representative of all the Erasmus and International students.

Here is a re-cap of the events that led to today's rally:-

Early 2008: An MUT directive was issued by UMASA to prevent lecturers from releasing exam paper results. Some students wait till August or even September to get all their results!

Three months ago, lecturers symbolically strike for one day cancelling all lectures in the process.

16th December 2008: The UMASA issue FOUR MUT directives for academic staff at the University of Malta and Junior College. One of them is the withholding of all exam papers for the end of semester examination sessions.

The KSU, several student organisations, UOM students and the general public have had the last straw!

And all this because of a disagreement regarding a collective agreement between Government and the MUT which should have been resolved months ago.

The PROBLEM = (Government keeps backing up x Lecturers demand their rights by USING students as a BARGAINING tool) + 2(Students suffer) + Lecturers remain empty-handed

The repurcussions of the above-mentioned directive are the following:

a) Exams may have to be moved with the end of second semester examinations session sometime in June, July or even as late as September.

b) Second semester timetables will take long to come out because the second semester would most probably be critically shortened.

c) We might have to do exams in either our Easter or Summer holidays.

d) Erasmus and International students who are here under contract with the Government, their work bosses and landlords have already paid for expenses and cannot be granted more money to stay longer than their contractual terms allow them to.

e) Foreign students cannot come back again for exams because they might have their own exams in their own country and also this will cost them a lot of money. This is especially a sensitive issue to students from outside the EU, e.g. China and the USA.

f) If a foreign student cannot come back to Malta for exams this means they do not earn their credits which means they would have to fail or repeat a year. Don't forget, these students PAY for their higher education. This would be a waste of time and money for them, let alone lost job opportunities and a tainted degree.

g) Maltese and international employers might not accept a degree earned through pass marks due to higher education strikes and they have every right to do so.

And if that were not enough, check out the three other directives that were issued:-

1) BOYCOTT all University and Junior College faculty boards and the Senate - this is very serious because even the tiniest complaint or request must pass through the Senate. Also, we can't even get international examiners to help us because this would require approval from the Senate. Maltese students waiting for answers regarding their thesis or placements cannot get a reply because all faculty boards are suspended. That's a last year to remember.

2) STOP all work on the introduction of new courses and new examination assessment procedures - this is a disadvantage to Junior College students and all other students who were going to enter a new course but will now have to wait longer or else be forced to choose another course.

3) WITHHOLD results related to continuous assessment components - without results for assessments throughout the semester how can students be given a true overall mark! All the assignments and lectures attended would have been for nothing.

This is NOT just another brick in the wall.

And, as I listened on to the KSU president's speech, I couldn't help but wonder how many more directives would pop up in the future even if these four were dropped.

I am only in the second year of my degree and like many others, I have already been affected three times in the last 10 months by union directives and strikes.

We don't need NO education. We need AN education. One that complements the centre of excellence that the government wants to achieve.

Not only must we fight for our rights as students but our lecturers must also be satisfied in their plea for justice.

To reduce these intellectuals to such a sorry state of negotiation and students who are literally begging for their exams to take place, presents a crazy mixed-up image of the state of education in Malta.

Do you remember that Pink Floyd video I mentioned earlier? Think of that scene with the military march of the hammers.

Well, if lecturers really want to use us as a tool, I say let's be that tool. Let's be the hammer.

PUT THE HAMMER DOWN and keep it there this new year. Make sure students don't fall into the same trap again and again. We can't keep building bricks around ourselves. It's time to break down some walls and take action!

And that goes for all public institutions that deny your rights and hide the truth for their own private agendas. Show 'em who's boss or it's your own loss!

This my friends, is my message for 2009.

May it very well be a prosperous year to one and all...Happy New Year!

Tammy X

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Sign the online petition against the directives on http://www.ksu.org.mt/ before it's too late!!

AND HERE IS THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENT TO THE MUT DIRECTIVES ----> http://www.mut.org.mt/Directives-Dec-2008.pdf

Out with the old and in with the new

Instead of blabbing on how great 2008 was I'd rather look ahead at 2009 and the greater things yet to come!

But first...rewind to 4 years ago...2004...a year of politically and emotionally fired award-winning music albums. The year when Saint Bono and Good Ol' Billy sang about atomic bombs and American idiots. Where are these guys and their bands now? Well, 2009 seems to be heralding some new material in the form of new U2 and Green Day albums.



'No Line on the Horizon' is set to be released by March 2009 as opposed to later this year since Bono claims the band wanted to wait a little longer so that they can make 2009 their year.

Regarding the Green Day album no official details have been released as of yet. However, if the two albums are released around the same time then it will be a repeat head-to-head battle like the one we saw 4 years ago. Not that the albums spoke of the same topics but when you've got two heavyweights like Green Day and U2 involved, you've got to stand up and take note.

We just have to wait and see if the new stuff is worth all the hubbabaloo.

And as for concerts...this is the part where my toes wiggle with glee and my cheeks turn scarlet red. Do you remember last October when I randomly suggested a Blur reunion would be a great piece of news to hear?? Well, ladies and gentlemen, it has finally happened!! Official news came out late November, early December and the band are going to perform in Hyde Park, London next year. Concert dates are set for July 2nd and 3rd. Tickets are on sale and it seems the July 3rd gig is already sold out. I am obviously trying to see how I can afford tickets to the show as I've already spent like 300 euro on travel expenses for 2009!! I'll just wait for more info as it seems they might be headlining next year's Glastonbury festival too. Tickets to that would be more prize-worthy especially seeing as another rockin' British Indie band which I love to bits will be there...FRANZ FERDINAND. The band are set to release a new album as well next year and have a UK and European Tour all lined up. Score!

Also, you thought the Norwegian duo 'Kings of Convenience' were never gonna clear the dust from their shelves, did you? Well, you're wrong. Despite the guys being in different projects and vocalist Erlend Øye working on the second 'The Whitest Boy Alive' album it seems their latest album since 2004 is coming out next year. The name is still a work in progress but the new material is bound to be great. It also seems the guys feel they need to get back to some live gigs under the KoC name. Good for them! Fans will much appreciate.



As for the highly anticipated events in Malta, next year...

No doubt that the return of Luuk Cox from Shameboy will be the crowning event of January 2009. Previously this year I wrote about Shameboy due to their growing popularity in Malta and my encounter with Luuk. The guy himself informed me that he will be back on January 23rd at Axis, Paceville. The event is already being advertised and is in various DJ gig diaries including Mathematikal, Junior B, Kenji and Squeak who will all be performing on the night. The event is organised by DONDISKO who are really giving a breath of fresh air to the dance scene with their fidget, electro and nu-disco themed events. Tickets are 10 euro and you can call on 79091884 for more info. Looking forward to that one...

Another cool, non-music related event is Swan Lake on Ice on the 10th-11th January. Yes, I do find ballet to be entertaining. The cool thing though is that it's gonna be more like figure skating but with a classic ballet theme. Last time I checked tickets were selling at about 25 euro for standard balcony seats. The event is the first of its kind in Malta and will take place at The Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

That's it for me and my visionary blog of the day.

I'll leave you with Resident's Advisor's Top 2008 music lists:-

• Top 30 dance and electronica tracks for 2008
• Top 20 dance and electronica albums for 2008
• Top 100 dance and electronica DJs for 2008

And remember we have a Leap Second this year at the midnight of New Year's Eve, to correct a time lapse on Earth. So that means you get to kiss that stranger at midnight a little bit longer. ;-) Also, if you're aiming for your last binge drinking session for 2008 at least make sure you don't drive afterwards. Don't get a lift with anyone who's drunk either. Have a fun merry-making evening! This is probably my last blog for 2008 unless I feel the urge to write some more album reviews. If not...well...see you all next year!!

TaMMy xxx

"Comin atcha like a beam, like a ray, like a rooster, like a goose trapped in the rafters of a barn in Shropshire"

The above title is a quote from the hilarious TV show, THE MIGHTY BOOSH, which I ashamedly had been missing out on (since 2004) until a few weeks ago. Most probably many of you have been missing out too. So do yourselves a favour and check out The Mighty Boosh. Here's a taster...The Mighty Boosh PARTY episode!

Now that I got that off my chest, here's what's really comin atcha...

And my personal favourite is:-

Look at those stockings!! Carefully detailed complete with Maltese Luzzus and cute little fishies. ^_^ I LOVE THEM and these photos!!

The model is Steph and the stylists are RED BUTTON.

I've been seeing Red Button's work in various Maltese magazines including Insite and Manic as well as in the photo shoots of one of my favourite photographers and a friend of mine, Kris Micallef a.k.a. Krino.

This style team seem to keep their identity on the low and I don't think they have a website as of yet. However, I can tell you that they are made up of two friends whom I happen to know too, who have a taste for vivid colours, red buttons and a strong sense of Maltese heritage cleverly incorporated with some foreign influences too. Just imagine, for the ladies, a bright scarlet puffed shoulder jacket with thin black stripes and a Maltese Cross brooch to boot along with a black vintage cotton lace dress underneath finished off by a pair of grass green stockings with black pin-stripes and shiny red Wizard of Oz style shoes. In the hair, a scrunchy band screaming from ear to ear in wacky shades of green and hints of red and orange. As for the guys, you'll have to wait. I haven't seen enough shoots to fire up my imagination. However, I assume a white vest with a 3D pop-out homemade design created using bits of cloth, yarn and buttons, a pair of baggy brown sack/linen like pants with thin dark brown stripes (which gather mid-calf and have a gold button on each leg), grey ribbed socks and dark brown short leather military style boots. Then a long loose light grey buttoned cardigan (open) and on top one of those Maltese farmer hats (beritta) in a matching shade of brown with the trousers (preferably tartan or stripey print)!! Hope I got that right and hope you got an idea of the grandeur and creativity these two stylists are creating. What I appreciate the most is their ability to add Maltese identity to their works. You can see their interview in the last issue of Manic Magazine. I have yet to read it but if I find it I'll try and scan+upload it here.

As for Kris Micallef...he is one of the finer talents in photography on this island and you should really check out his work on http://www.krismicallef.com/ . The above photos are all his doing.

In the coming weeks I will be the subject of one of his photoshoots so keep your eyes peeled for that one!

PS: Check this month's issue of Platinum Love to see another up-and-coming designer...CHURPINA (Charlene Joan Sant).

For all it's worth, it was worth all the while

DAY 9

I don't know how to start this last blog entry but I just did.

Simply...
Put...

...We made it to LIVERPOOL!!!



November 6th, 2008. We all dressed our full-on Fanwalk gear, had a quick breakfast and headed off to catch a ferry to Albert Dock, Liverpool. The ferry ride wasn't the most pleasing or glamorous experience what with all the misty outlines and murky British waters.

When we actually landed in Liverpool we were quite taken by our surroundings. This was the European Capital of Culture 2008 for a reason and the locals made sure we knew it at every corner.

We walked our way to the Echo Arena and when we arrived we were greeted by Dirk and the international press. Soon enough, internet-celeb Perez Hilton (cyber-host of this year's awards) came to welcome us. We all got a chance to take pictures with him and talk to him. He is such a flirt with the guys. HAHA.




Then we wore the Echo Arena pass so that we could enter the place for the first time. My first reaction was: It's not THAT big? My second reaction was: I wonder where WE will be seated/standing? While my third reaction was: What the heck is that cannon doing on stage? The 1st and 2nd questions remained unanswered but the third was promptly replied to by the appearance of scantily dressed dancers with pom-poms, just like cheerleaders, on stage. It was quite obvious that they were rehearsing for one of Katy Perry's performances.

We didn't really get the time to check out the place since we were rushed back out due to a strict schedule. Before leaving to our hostel we gathered for our last photoshoot with Dirk holding a wobbly, springy MTV EMA award, in front of the specially erected EMA monument.

As soon as we got to the hostel all hell broke loose. We had to be ready by 4pm so that we could have dinner together and get to the arena by around 6pm because people wouldn't be allowed in after that time. I think I ironed 4 different outfits including my own and gave away 2 pairs of tights too! In the end I had no time to treat my blister properly so I slipped into my heels and rushed out. This was the end result:-




Now, a girl wearing heels on sore feet is a dangerous thing if not unhealthy! But I did not anticipate the extent of damage on the sole of my foot. The pavements in Liverpool are mostly cobble-stone which proved deadly to me. As I was slowly making my way to the arena, a sharp pain shot up my leg and my ankle gave way on the cobble-stone. As I clutched onto Chloe to stand straight, I couldn't believe this was happening. We had almost arrived to the restaurant so I ripped off my heels and walked barefoot through Liverpool till we got there (How dramatic! HAHA. You must be roaring with laughter right about now). We got into the restaurant and joined the seating queue and on closer inspection it was revealed the sole of my foot was covered in blood and the sore on my foot had opened. The blood got through my plaster and stained the inside of my shoe. Everyone looked like stars and I was barefoot and bewildered. But I wasn't going to be let down. I just needed a way to get back to the hostel. Luckily, one of the organisers saw me and was kind enough to contact Troy. She was a life-saver! Too bad I don't know her name but I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart. Anyway, back to the action! So, Troy got me some first-aid materials and I cleaned and bandaged my left foot in the Ladies' Room. Then he joined me for dinner on the table while we waited for the taxi he had called. I was so grateful that he got a taxi in no time and made sure I got there safely. I managed to get to my room, adjust my bandage and change my shoes to flat pumps in no time! Hallelujah.

Soon enough I found myself with Sarah making our way to the Echo Arena. Sure I had a bandage on my foot and no heels (boo-hoo) but nothing could stop me. This was the day I had been waiting for and we were finally going on with ticket in our hand and tag on our wrist. As we were rushing past the fans, two security guards called me. They thought I was Beyonce. I guess they were just pulling my leg, but it really was a confidence boost to me at that moment.

I quickly forgot about my foot and got down to finding my seat. As soon as that was established we raided the bars to get our free drinks. It was free cocktails all night and we were loving it! Obviously, the standard girls-night-out-restroom-shots ensued.

I don't think I need to comment about the WHOLE show because most of you saw it on TV or in repeats or even on the internet. However, I will comment that our seats sucked! They were at nose-bleed level and terrible for taking photos and videos. It would have been better if we were standing in the pitch close to the stage and star-audience-interactivity. The show itself LIVE is far better when seen on TV. The lights were pretty top of the list in coolness though. Katy Perry made a fairly good host but 30 Seconds to Mars just ruined her efforts. Puh-leaaaaseee, gimme the Foo Fighters any day of the week over those guys! Best performance? I would have to say a cross between THE KILLERS and KANYE WEST feat. ESTELLE, even though Kanye and Estelle were crap vocally. P!nk's performance obviously kicked ass, as always, but I was a bit dissapointed with Beyonce's performance. I mean I love Beyonce and I'm glad she chose to focus her performance on her actual profession: SINGING. Still, I always wanted to see a Beyonce SHOW...you know...the sexy raw dance number and bursting-at-the-seams energy! I was happy with her act though. She is a strong, talented woman. And finally, The Ting Tings just blew my socks off. Heard and seen live they are perfect. Katie's voice sounds exactly like on the record and I love the way she delivers her lines with her sharp quirky movements and style. Together with Jules, they're going places. Duffy and Kid Rock were really cool too.

The most anticipated moment of the night was surely when Dirk presented 30 Seconds to Mars with the award of Video Star along with Kerry Katona. Dirk got the VIP treatment that night and he actually looked pretty high on stage. LOL. But he did a great job and we were all so proud of him. The best moment was when the Fanwalk advert came up on screen and we stood up singing 'Pull it Together' like lunatics in front of a whole arena of onlookers. Ahh, good times, good times.

Et puis...

Le After Party!!

This is where we mingled with the A-listers baby! I met the likes of Kanye West, The Little Terrors, Solange Knowles and my idol Lauri Ylönen from THE RASMUS. I even got a pic with him:-



The crowd was so cool and happy. I found myself talking and dancing with random people. The place itself was huge. Like a whole corner block HUGE. There were different floors and rooms everywhere. I got lost countless times. There was also free-flowing alcohol and delicious party food like giant prawns, sheperd's pie and pasta-cups. It was a really fun night and worth it in the end even though we didn't really get to meet all the celebs we thought we would. Also, security was really tight even to take pictures with some celebs. Ultimately, we just wanted to enjoy our last night together because the next day some of us had to leave early to catch their flights.

The Maltese were the last group to leave Liverpool the next day. In fact, we even had time for shopping in the morning. I don't really want to write about this last bit because it was both a sad and satisfying day. However, I am sure that this experience will never leave me and that I will visit Liverpool again soon enough. At least, even to get a closer look at the Beatles musuem which we didn't have time to really visit.

And so ends my first trip to the UK.

I miss it so much but know I will meet my new-found family soon enough. We will be meeting all again in Amsterdam in February 2009 for a reunion. I' m really hoping I can get enough money to go because it's going to be a big gathering with the Dutch fanwalkers recruiting a film crew to follow the event. We might also do some fundraising through music. I can't wait!

Thanks everyone for helping me achieve this dream and for following my experience with the same enthusiasm I had throughout the trip. This final blog is dedicated to all those that appreciate music and its influence in the world. Music is the most abundant and influential resource of every era. And now as 2009 has been declared the European Year of Creativity and Innovation, I invite you to explore this medium and make a change in the world through it. Hopefully, as Fanwalkers we can carry on this music pilgrimage and pass on the message of music throughout all of Europe and maybe one day...the WORLD. In the great words of Lenny Kravitz: "Let's start a LOVE REVOLUTION!"

Peace out,

TaM x

The final days...

DAY 7

On Day 7, I woke up with my first blister after one week of walking. Due to the commotion of getting ready for each event and consuming vast amounts of alcohol (JOSE!!!!), I left it untreated. Somehow, I managed a full day's walking from Whitchurch to Chester.

On the way, we visited a Dairy Farm and had ourselves some British ice-cream. Everyone was so tired but we all had one thing on our minds...who was going to win tonight?! Some common names were whispered on our lips and people ushered their favourites but it was all down to that evening's judging.

The judging ceremony took place at Peckforton Castle...a titan structure of historic times. It is the only intact medieval castle in the UK and feels like a scene out of a Harry Potter film. Check it out: http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/. It felt all very regal and we were served quaill meat for dinner amongst other strangely named foods.

After dinner, the Judges (Kate Edmonson: our MTV host for Fanwalk, Sara Kelly-Husain and Julian Hewitt: Clubfeet) commented on the presentations by each finalist. All of them were really good but you could tell some were more nervous than others. We actually got to see the presentations since they were done in the banquet hall where we had dinner.

The moment Dirk (Germany) was announced winner that night you could feel everyone's shoulders dropping and their hands coming together in one huge applause. Shoulders dropped because that tense feeling of anticipation was destroyed and hands clapped in approval. Of course, some people felt dissapointed but after that defining moment our friendship was sealed forever.

DAY 8

The next day was Guy Fawkes Day in the UK. We walked it from Chester to Wirral (Heswall). Despite the aches and pains we experienced from all the walking and exhaustion this may have been one of the very best walks. That element of competition was totally eroded and now that we knew each other so well it all boiled down to that feeling on our first day except better cause we had a history of good times to share along the way. Everyone was just mixing with different groups since there were no challenges so we were free to hang out with who we wanted to. I took this as an opportunity to talk to other people I didn't really have the chance to speak to properly. By this time most people (mostly girls) had caught on the trend me and Sarah started. A sort of high-school school-leaving book for jotting down memories, messages and contact details. It all felt a bit strange. Now that we knew the winner and could finally relax and be together as one big family, it was all over! Tomorrow, would be the day we land in Liverpool...the day we had all been waiting for. But, we were just not feeling it. We wanted to be fanwalkers forever. Liverpool never felt so close as that day. And after 8 days complaining: "Are we there yet??" , it all seemed to have ended too quickly!

That evening, we got to our hotel (at this point I don't remember any more names), and then drove to this location for our Guy Fawkes-style bonfire night complete with crappy amateur fireworks. Despite the petty attractions we conjured up our own form of entertainment in the form of campfire songs. We sang all the fanwalk classics. Wonderwall by Oasis, Good Riddance by Greenday and all our other special songs. Inside the dinner hall, people were signing their farewell books and some were crying and hugging each other. I felt a bit gloomy that night. Not only because of the general mood but I was in pain. My blister was 3 times too large and I had burst it open and tried to burn it before stepping out. Blonde moment, right there. Not that I haven't done it before. It's a pretty effective yet gross technique. However, this was the grand-daddy of all blisters and I went tampering with it.

Sheloian (the gorgeous one) presented some awards for the best bloggers too. They all got a new phone and bag by Sony Ericsson. I know that Sheloian reads this blog so I'd like to wish him all the best for the festive season. He really helped us Maltese a lot and he's an awesome guy.

Back at the hotel we had our last party together (besides the awards after party). I don't remember much of that night. Did I go to bed early? :O Everything's a blur to me now. All I knew is that the next morning we would have to wear our full fanwalk gear for the international press and Dirk would be attending soundcheck early in the morning...

These boots were made for walking...

DAY 5

It was Sunday and it was our day off. From walking, that is!!

All we were told the night before is that the next day we would have to dress up in our own personal style for a photoshoot and then perform a little challenge. NO WALKING. That sounded cool especially since we were going to Oxford and could do some shopping...

It was a bit of a struggle getting ready in the morning but we made our way out and packed the Fanwalk party bus for a new adventure.



When we got to Radcliffe Square in Oxford and finished our shoot we were briefed about our challenge for the day and for the next day. We had to split up in teams and create bands by collecting musical items from the streets of Oxford in any non-criminal manner. We couldn't buy the stuff either.


Three persons from each team followed by their own camera crew scoured the streets in search of "instruments". The result was amusing and quite creative. My team even managed to get an actual item from a band's tour bus...the "Cage the Elephant" tour cow-bell!! (www.myspace.com/cagetheelephant)


In the evening we were split up in four different hotels which SUCKED. Particularly scary was our choice of hotel...the Formule 1. We were just a group of about 10 separated from the rest of the team. However, we quickly made up for that at our night party location...the Barton's Arms. This pub was so majestic and breathtaking with its swooping staircase and chandeliers, that I couldn't help stop and stare. In addition, I felt some sort of connection with its musical roots especially when I found out icons like Ozzy Osbourne and UB40 used to be regulars there.

The night was pretty relaxed and Clubfeet got a little more intimate with an up-close-and-personal gig followed by some fanwalker performances. The Italian fanwalkers entertained us with their dance rendition of Mamma Mia!, Caroline from Germany sang a little Cranberries and the Free Booze Band played the unofficial fanwalk song - "Wonderwall".



DAY 6


And then we busked.

The sixth day saw us in Birmingham starting off with some time with the Birmingham press and some more photoshoots. By this time we had all gotten sick of getting our pictures taken.

Our mission was to use the instruments we had collected the day before to BUSK for charity. We all had our hats, tins and jars ready for collecting coins in aid of Sound Futures: an organisation in Birmingham providing underprivileged kids the chance to play an instrument. Unfortunately, we were stopped by the fuzz, but still managed to collect a lot of money in a short time.

On the bus ride to our walking spot of the day, Sarah (my fellow Maltese sister) suggested we do a mini-challenge to get a wristband. Seeing that we were only going to walk 8 kms that morning we thought we'd tie our shoelaces together for the whole distance. This day was to be known as Muddy Monday...

Never in my 19 years of life did I see such quantity, depth and density of mud before!! It was the worst day to pick a challenge but we endured. Two kilometres of tripping, falling on our arses and getting mud in our pants we were finally made to stop, much to our dismay. The terrain was too dense and we were slowing the team down. It was the funniest and most difficult walking experience of my life but totally worth it because later that night we were awarded a special Sony Ericsson gadget for it (http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/14/sony-ericssons-hbh-ds970-stereo-bluetooth-headset-with-remote/). Also, we travelled through dark woodland with steep climbs and our torches to guide us. It was a new experience for me.

The good news was that we got to spend the evening in a Spa Resort with comfortable beds, spa facilities and a mini-fridge in each room. *grin* The rooms were so large and opened up to the lawn. Basically, we kept the residents up all night. ;)

The biggest announcement that night was when Troy revealed the final list of eligible fanwalkers to present the award at the MTV EMAs. The pressure was certainly on for these guys as they had 24 hours to prepare a 1 minute speech explaining why they were the ones to present the award. However, for that one night, nerves were pushed aside.

Let the good times roll...

DAY 2

There's one thing I hate about British fields...the gates! We climbed over many a gate, I assure you. However, they're easier to tackle than the Maltese rubble wall. Therefore, I'll stop complaining. And anyway we learned to make gate-crossing fun by kissing the person who passed after us on the cheek after each gate. Awwww...

The most significant part of the day was undoubtedly the first challenge. Troy (see picture above) made us walk the final stretch to our location with our arms in the air and finally also standing on one foot in a line (still with our arms in the air). It was tough because it was bitter cold and I had no gloves on. When we got to put our arms down in the end I couldn't feel them!!

That evening we got to Watford (Geri Halliwell's hometown) and had to get ourselves ready in an hour to go out again. Something which became routine to us. We made our way to WALKABOUT (http://www.walkabout.eu.com/home/venues/london/watford) for our next challenge...KARAOKE. I won't reveal much but I can say it was an interesting night. However, in memory of good times I can say it was the honorary night when the FREE BOOZE BAND was born (named after all the free drinks they gave us each night) and the night I visited my first British club, OCEANA (http://www.oceanaclubs.com/watford/). This club is so cool and has got different bars and one main arena. Thanks to our UK fanwalker friends, John and Sinead, who showed us round their usual clubbing spots.

DAY 3

This was the day I realised that wearing heels after walking 15kms is not the brightest of all choices. Nevertheless, I did wear heels on various nights leading to a sprained ankle incident on the night of the Europe Music Awards, but I'll tell you all about that in later blogs...

The third day was actually sunny and bright and we walked along the Glade River (canals) to Hemel Hempstead. We also had a hilarious piggyback challenge. The fact it was so funny was because the person being carried and the carrier's body ratios varied in size. You had some people with tiny body frames carrying much bigger fanwalkers on their backs. The falls and laughs were countless.

Day Three was also October 31st, aka HALLOWEEN. Our evening challenge was the hair challenge. Lots of clever hair designs were created and everyone put on their best Halloween outfits. The party was held at this house by the side of the canal known as THE BOAT (very original name, I know). I was a little homesick that night for some reason but after I heard Michael Jackson's THRILLER (which I had been waiting for all night) then I got into full party swing!! Celebrations continued till the early morning back at the hotel.

DAY 4

The morning after the night before. Scary. Somehow, we managed to roll out of bed, grab a bite to eat and start our walk to Aylesbury. A few canal side scenes and a trust challenge later, we got to our destination all pooped out only to find a horrible dormitory/sports centre. The hall I slept in actually had 14 beds for guys and girls. You could see that the toll of walking and hard nights partying was taking its effect on us. Some people were getting cranky and didn't want to go out for the evening's challenge. However, it turned out to be one of the funnest challenges...DISCO BOWLING!! I was in the Sex Pistols team so we had to dress up like the group. Other teams included the KISS team, ELVIS team, P!NK team, MICHAEL JACKSON team, THE BEATLES team, PUSSYCAT DOLLS team (or Amy Winehouse, I'm not so sure) amongst others. We really had some team spirit going like never before. We were becoming more than just friends...we were becoming a family...the FANWALK FAMILY.


(to be continued)