Subsidized travel plans with a lucky scoop...

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The trip to Malta came about simply because I had entered a prize draw through a coffee promotion at work by punching in codes into a website, and entering myself into 5 draws for a pair of tickets to a European destination. Well, somebody up there likes me, because I scooped a pair of return tickets to Malta, and almost instantly, I was boarding a BA flight to Valletta, and arriving with the task of getting from the airport to the hotel armed with a basic map, and no other sense of direction. This proved to be the hardest task of the entire trip, really, despite how simple the map made it look, and once we'd arrived, after taking numerous diversions, and straying well off course, the resort of St. Julians looked lively enough to spend a 4-night break, with scope for getting around the island to a sufficient extent. This was the first visit to the island since the late 1970's, so naturally, the whole allure of the place had altered, but was not what you might call already etched on my mind. The capital city Valletta is not without its historic charms, and the picturesque setting of Spinola Bay is something which you would stray back to on repeat occasions, which invariably we did, due to its overall appeal, and proximity. Repeat visits to the casino at the Dragonara hotel proved to be ample evening entertainment, and days out to places such as Mosta and St. Paul's Bay were complimented nicely by daily visits to the hotel's jacuzzi and rooftop pool. On the whole, I'd say that this was the most unplanned trip I have ever been on, due to the random nature of how it came about, but if my run of luck holds out, then I can only hope that the elusive return flight to Sydney can appear on that as-yet-unpurchased scratchcard, or indeed the bonus ball with the words 'tickets to the Seychelles' stamped on it pops out for me at the right moment. So, when that occasion arises, I guess it really is worth cancelling those projected week-long resort break plans to a European destination just to make way for it!

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Photos

Spinola Bay
Glorious harbour views at Spinola Bay

Mosta
Mosta dome, the centrepiece of the town of Mosta

Valletta
Mediterranean chic in the main street of Valletta, the island's chief town

St. Paul's Bay
St. Paul's Bay, where visitors are more intent on lazing around

St. Julians
View from rooftop pool in St. Julians, looking like the essence of the Mediterranean