In this part of the interview Ettore Raffi spoke about his travels as a sailor in different parts of the world: Tunisia, Panama, Mississippi and the Mediterranean.
In the interview Ettore Raffi shared memories regarding trade between Lampedusan fishermen, sailors and the Maltese. The Lampedusans used to consider Malta as a rich island because of the availability of tobacco, sugar, chocolate and bars of soap. He recalled relations between Maltese, Italian and British sailors, as well as the nightlife in Valletta, particularly related to Strait Street, and Maltese women. Ettore Raffi gave us his opinion about Maltese culture, the period between 1964-1979, the Dom Mintoff government and the changes after Independence.
In the first part of the interview, Giovanni Fragapane explained his research and the sources he used to write his book about the history of Lampedusa. He traced the relations between Lampedusa and the Knights of Malta. He described the origin of the Maltese colony in Lampedusa from 1800 to 1843 and its impact on the Island.
Giovanni Fragapane continued to trace the relations between Lampedusa and the Knights of Malta. He described the origin of the Maltese colony in Lampedusa from 1800 to 1843 and its impact on the Island.
Salvatore Davì focused on his life experiences in both Lampedusa and in Malta. He lived in Lampedusa until 1968. That year he met his future Maltese wife and subsequently relocated to Malta in 1970. During the interview, he spoke about the exchange of products between the two Islands. He also described how he adapted to life in Malta and how he managed to integrate with the Maltese.