Malta day 5

Got up bright and early today to go to Valletta. Only 54c on the bus. Valletta is the capital of Malta, and it is one of the tiniest capitals in the world.

Starting at City Gate outside which you are spoilt for choice for snacks/drinks etc at one of the many kiosks. I first went to see Fort St Elmo, which is now the Police academy and where the War Museum is located. It's quite spooky thinking about why and how long ago this was built! This fort bore the brunt of the attack by the Turks.

Then I went to the World War 2 memorial, which is a huge bell which rings every day noon in commemoration of those who lost their lives. Just uphill from this was Lower Barakka Gardens, which is a very pretty and picturesque park with fantastic views over the harbour.

Up from here is the Upper Barakka Gardens, above the Saluting Battery where they fire a connon at noon every day. This is like the lower gardens, but on a larger scale and with more fantastic views over the harbour. Here I stayed to see the cannon being fired. Just like Lonely Planet promised, it certainly did clear the wax from my ears!

Feet starting to ache now, but onwards I go for more essential sight seeing. But before that I stopped at La Sicillia restaurant which, as the name suggests, is an italian restaurant. I decided to go here because Lonely Planet recommended it, and whaddyaknow they were spot on as per usual!! Delicious, simple, cheap food from an unpretentious restaurant, which I ate in a lovely little sun trap of a square overlooking the harbour, just like Lonely Planet promised. I had the spag bol.

Next I found Hastings Gardens. This doesn't get a mention in Lonely Planet, and is not so touristy - just the locals hanging out. Its near the City Gate, and is now one of my favourite places in Valletta.

I then took a walk along Republic Street on which are the archiological museum and St Johns Co Cathedral. I decided to take advantage of my ISIC card and take a look around both. St Johns Co Cathedral was magnificent, but unless you have the audio tour, you don't really have a clue what's where or anything. I was hoping to see the crypts but I didn't know whether I had actually seen them or not. Also along this street is the Casa Rocca Piccola which is a 16th-century palazzo which is the elegant family home of the Marquis de Piro. The marquis has opened part of the palazzo to the public and guided tours give an unique insight into the privileged lifestyle of the aristocracy.

My feet were caning by now, but on I went to Vittoriosa which is one of the 3 cities, but by the time I got here it was getting late so I had a quick wonder round then went back to Bugibba.

The weather was astoundingly beautiful again today, not a cloud in the sky and unrelenting sun. I definitely recommend this place (Malta) for October time.

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Part of trip: Malta

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