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.
In the last part of the interview Ettore Raffi described two pleasant experiences which happened during his life at sea.
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 spoke about his experiences of life at sea and his voyages to Tunisia, Panama, Mississippi and the Mediterranean. He travelled to Malta three times during different periods. He shared memories regarding trade between Lampedusan fishermen and 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.
Arthur Wait posing by one of the machine guns on board HMS Ark Royal. The photo was taken during Arthur Wait's naval service.
Arthur Wait on HMS Ark Royal, on the guns.
Arthur Wait in shorts, aboard HMS Daring in Cyprus. The photo was taken during Arthur Wait's naval service, during tensions between Archbishop Makarios and Colonel George Grivas.
Arthur Wait in shorts, aboard HMS Daring in Cyprus. The photo was taken during Arthur Wait's naval service, during tensions between Archbishop Makarios and Colonel George Grivas.