Razzett Ta"Wilga Victoria

... self rule now, but it means nothing, as the European Union calls the shots.
We made many stops to enjoy the view and learn about the various forts. At one point we boarded little boats that looked rather like gondolas, six to a boat, and toured the harbor. Our guide was great. We discussed politics, health care and taxes. He is not happy with the EU. Qaddafi offered Malta oil at $10/barrel, forever ...

I've just popped over to Malta for a day & a bit (as you do!) to say a quick hello / goodbye to my parents (and bring them lots of goodies over for the last time in a while).

The weather is a little warmer than the UK, but not as warm as it's going to be in a week's time (ha ha ha).

Anyway, I'll keep this blog short so ciao for now!

Anita x

... He went on to say and I quote “Those Italian’s they are just s—t”. At that stage thought it was time to take our leave, hoping the next unsuspecting visitors waiting to get in weren’t Italians. We left port at sunset and the views over the city, with the beautiful, unusual cloud formations, made for a spectacular exit.

Sicily

Not on our list of places to return to. Grimy, full of rubbish but to be ...

We have been staying on the island of Gozo. Today we traveled to two popular sites - in one case too popular. In morning we took a water taxi to the island of Comino - a small island with an official population of about three. It is known for the beauty of the waters around it. We visited the Blue Lagoon which is a body of water with clear white sand on the bottom. It makes the water crystal clear in parts and a stunning blue in ...

... a bit weird but I was not complaining. For the evening I was being picked up by my father's family, I was very much looking forward to seeing them all again and there were a few more coming tonight that I was not able to catch up with last time which was great. One was my dad's eldest cousin Louis (and his wife Lina) who run a dive shop and boat in northern Malta and another was my second cousin Denise. Denise is my age and we spent some time together as 6 year olds the last time I was ...

... was a church, normally dedicated to a particular saint. And when I say church, I really mean magnificent and lavish buildings that all seem to be rich in history and religious significance. Every church I have seen so far has me scrambling for the camera and then continually getting amazed with the baroque style images adorning the walls and ceilings. In one church today I just sat on a pew and looked around at the pictures trying to decipher the stories from the bible they are depicting ...

... ancient walled city of Mdina in Malta with one difference, that being the majority of the buildings within the walls were a pile of rubble thanks to an earthquake in 1693. However, the Cathedral of the Assumption and a number of other buildings were rebuilt, and incredbible views were offered in all directions from the fortress walls. Looking east I could make out Malta and Comino, as well as the huge church rotunda in Xewkija, with a bigger volume ...

... was old! After Ggantija, and a nice cruise down a windy hill, we arrived in Victoria, amid all the traffic. Victoria gets quite busy around midday due to the day trippers. Glad I was on a bike. I powered up the hill to Il-Kastell, weaving through traffic, and passing at least fifty cars! The Citadel was most spectacular.The bastions, turrets, walls, cavaliers, streets, and alleyways all make for a great experience. I was determined to explore every ...

... but no dice. Al the other ways would cost even more and take way more time, so we had to drag ourselves out to the airport again, buy the tickets, and bus back to Valletta. First time I've ever paid for airplane tickets with a wad of cash, counted out several times to make sure it was right. 154.88 in Liri, which is around $450, for a tiny hop across around 200 km of water. Sigh. Well, at least we got the tickets and there won't be any major ...

... meals so I never called ahead and requested a vegetarian meal but they thought of that mostly. I had a cheese sandwich on the first flight and a nice omelette on the second. We got to Malta on time. Passed over Sicily and saw the volcano. We took bus 8 to Valetta and from there took bus 68 to Sliema but missed the stop and had to take bus 62 back to Sliema (they don't label the bus stops or where they are so unless you are a local, you won't know either) and finally ...