O Island in the Sun

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Malta is made up of three islands, we stayed on the main island, Malta in the suburb of Sliema. It was overlooking a harbour and one of the delights of the area was the promanade that stretched for about 5km through two other suburbs. This was our first trip abroad and I'd played it safe by picking a type of package holiday where English was the main language.

So we get to Gatwick Airport to be confronted by lines of Brit families and pensioners (what did I expect) all heading to Malta. When we arrive in Malta, Vickie (our tour rep from Thomas Cook) is there to meet us. To cut a long story short I thought I had landed a role in Benidom, it was just like on TV. Our hotel (The Plaza) was tired, very tired but the view was surperb. The food was bland and british but there was plenty of it and some nights they served Maltese food. I am not complaining, our trip cost us £300 each and included airfares, 7 nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner and transfers. You get what you pay for and it was good value. Anyway once we were out and about on our daily excursions there was a huge mixture of accents and very friendly local Maltese.

Malta has an amazing history and I love walking the narrow alleys and imaging how it might have been centuries ago. The bus system was excellent, they went to anywhere on the island for no more that 1.16 ($2.30) a trip and shorter trips $1 (only two prices). We visited the capital Valetta twice, the ancient city if Medina and the 3 sandy beachs in Goldern Bay. By the time we left we had virtually seen the whole island. We also went to the second island, Gozo, for a day trip and sailed (well motored really) around the entire island in a day trip on a 32 metre Turkish Gulet, this included stopping at the third island Comino and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon followed by a tasty lunch. We did a couple of 3 hour walks along the cliff tops, ate stewed rabbit and just really enjoyed the ambience and sights of the country. Every day the weather was between 25 and 30, always with a refreshing sea breeze. All in all it was a nice break from work and the perfect entree to the travels that will follow.


Anita's sideswipe- At Gatwick Airport I experienced my scanning and was frisked all over. Malta was warm and it was a very relaxing break.Amazing history adn they say 365 churches one for every day of the year. It would seem christianity and in the main catholism is keeping the people honest and spiritually uplifted. Got back to London - it was drizzling with rain! Still all good. Back to work and the daily grind till next time.............

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Photos

Valleta
Tony passes Tonys bar/cafe

Gozo
Overlooking one of the few Sandy beaches

Valetta
View from the water, ver impressive

The Mediterainian
This is the colour of the water around the island (no polution)

The streets
I love these narrow streets, steeped in history

Mjarr
Delicious Rabbit stew (My best meal)