Geo: 35.89, 14.4The bus journey to Mdina was rather stretched out with a long wait in Buggiba. It was worth it though. Mdina is incredibly atmospheric. The perfect place for a horse and carriage ride (but too expensive!) It was calming to have no cars around. It is actually much smaller than it seems from the outside. We walked across to Rabat but didn't want to pay 5 euros a go to get in places! They could do with a day ticket for historic attractions. With time on our hands, we caught the bus down to the Blue Grotto - absolutely nothing at this time of year but it was a good bus ride!! It seems it's always a gamble as to whether the boats will be running or not here. Isaac added to his many ... read more

Geo: 35.96, 14.36 Today we headed to Popeye Village. This turned out to be quite a surreal experience! We walked to the beach then took a minibus for 1 euro. The village is quite an amazing sight, very Disneyesque! Off season, it is desperate for visitors. There is no hiding from the company drained cast members! We even got roped into starring in our own film. Bill was a natural in his role as a pirate! Isaac made a very convincing 'screaming Sweet Pea!' Still not all that sure what I was! The cast members who played Popeye (based on the Robin Williams version rather than the cartoon) and Olive Oil were very much in love which must make the job easier! The off season nature of the village was very much emphasised by 'Santa's Village!' ... read more

Geo: 35.9564, 14.3622 Isaac's first flight proved bearable. I can't say he enjoyed it (especially take off) but he wasn't traumatised by it either! On arriving in Malta, we were picked up straight away by our private transfer arranged through resorthoppa. Our taxi driver was our first glimpse of the friendly, chatty, warm hearted people that were the highlight of our stay. Not to mention their impeccable English - definitely makes for an easier life! Our first impression of Malta was that it looked very much like an oasis. All the buildings are limestone, set off beautifully by the colourful fauna, prickly pear cactuses and sparkling blue sea. Spires belonging to a multitude of magnificent Churches spring up everywhere. Throughout the whole holiday, I don't think we ever saw an ugly part of Malta! Mellieha was ... read more

Geo: 50.8504, 4.34878... read more

Geo: -33.8671, 151.207After what felt like months spent on an aeroplane/airport, I was able to catch my first glimpse of Sydney Opera House, shining in the bright Sydney sunshine - WOW! After battling with money and time greedy lockers at the YHA, I met Lanny, a great Indonesian friend from the Tianjin days after 9 years! Was wonderful to catch up and get shown around the sights a la Lanny! On closer examination we concurred that the opera house close up was very reminiscent of bathroom and toilet tiling. Best to keep it at a distance - from which it is truly spectacular, like a serene mixture of a shell/lotus/scallop bug. The overall effect is quite awe inspiring especially when viewed against a bright blue sea and sky. We trekked along George Street until we reached ... read more