just read the letter - taking the criticisms one at a time

1. ferry ticket more expensive for non-residents of Gozo - true, but has been for years. This has nothing to do with Gozo - the fares are set by the ferry company, and by the government
2. overcharging for non-Gozitans - I've never experienced it, and whenever I have guests staying and they go off on their own, I always check what they paid for things when they get back, and apart from there being a dual pricing for ice creams at Inland Sea, never heard of it, but I don't really go to Marsalforn where it could well happen. 80c for a bottle of water - thats way over the top
3. price of soup - was it good soup ?? the price seems normal to me, although at the top end - normally 1.50-2.50, both in Gozo and Malta
4. I've noticed these cars with no reg on front - no idea if its legal - TBH I only see them at weekends, so presumed they all came over from Malta anyway
5. problems boarding the ferry - thats bad, but again, I've never seen it, but if its true, its nothing to do with Gozo, but the ferry company

don't want to come across as all defensive, but only 2. seems a criticism of Gozo really (and I've heard overcharging happens alot more in Malta than in Gozo)

Grazzi Mark

although if I had a weekend away like he described, I'd be fairly p***** off, whoever was to blame

Hi there. There are 2 price structures in Malta, 1 for the Maltese and 1 for tourists ( there seem to be diferent prices depending on nationality but that is another topic!). Considering the wages in Malta I have always accepted this. The Maltese family I know in St Pauls do not 'shop' in St Pauls as they say it is 'tourist price' they go to Rabat and Mosta for their food shop and things like opticians etc. I have never had problems in Gozo either boarding the ferry or being 'overcharged'

Hi Charliegirl

glad to hear you haven't been overcharged in Gozo !

Hope you don't mind me saying, but what you describe in Malta in St Pauls isn't really a tourist price, but a St Pauls price - ie everyone gets charged more in St Pauls, so atleast its not discriminating, which is what is really bad and illegal - all items are supposed to have price stickers on - I refuse to shop in places where there are no prices displayed. Here in Sannat, there are 4 local shops - the one closest to Ta Cenc, where there are alot of holiday homes , and weekend properties owned by Maltese, prices are maybe 10% higher. The good thing though is that if you are in a hurry and only want a couple of items, and its not holiday time, the shop is empty !

more to the point, is this forum losing its lustre ?

No way it's still the best, I think it's just that us Malta / Ghawdex chaps only post when we have something worthwhile to post, tight now granted it's a tadge quiet but it is Autumn so not much to discuss.