FRIENDS REUNITED Malta Trip 2018

Coincidentally, the dates for the OM European trip to Malta took place during the lead up to and day of the wedding of Harry and Meghan but to my surprise none of our intrepid travellers withdrew from the party. We were joined in Malta by OM, Jim Lee and his delightful wife, Diana, both of whom spent most days and evenings with us.

For such a small country, Malta, which has been inhabited since about 5900 BC, is a historians paradise. The group based itself in Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which shares the European Capital of Culture accolade in 2018 with Leeuwarden [Netherlands]. Built by the Knights of St. John on a peninsula just 1km by 600m Valletta has been described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’. The city has recently been transformed with the new Renzo Pianodesigned City Gate, Parliament Building and opera House, and the fabulously restored fountain in the main square.

Although we were two short on the first morning [no names mentioned but a certain ‘farming couple’ overslept!] most of us set off on time to visit Mdina, the old capital of Malta, a fortified medieval town located on a hill with incredible views across the island. Close by, in Rabat, we explored the Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha, used in Roman times to bury the dead. Happily the sleepy ones caught us up in Rabat declaring they had enjoyed their best sleep in many years.

During our walking tour of Valletta we visited the Upper Barrakka Gardens situated high above the 16th century Grand Harbour; St. John’s Co-Cathedral, designed by Gerolamo Cassar and built between 1573-1578. One of its greatest attractions is a large painting of John the Baptist by

Caravaggio. The day tour concluded in the National Museum of Archaeology which houses exhibits from 5200 BC.

In the evening, Graham Fear gave a short and interesting talk on ‘The siege of Malta 1565’, following which the group embarked on what can only be described as ‘The Long March of Valletta’ during which the tour ‘leader’ [the author] marched the group up and down the coastal road for over half an hour in a vain attempt to locate the locally booked restaurant. Thankfully, our local resident, Jim Lee, came to the rescue and ferried two car loads to the restaurant [several miles away] whilst the remainder walked back to the hotel to book cabs. Although unable to join us for the trip, OM, Nigel Wray and his wife, Linda, kindly arranged a wonderful evening on the Friday at their stunning villa overlooking the bay. It was a very relaxed time with great views, food and wine….and no getting lost! It was an early start on Saturday as we set off for the ferry to visit the beautiful island of Gozo. Sadly, time did not permit us to visit the Ggantija Temples but we did manage to see Dwejra Bay and the beautiful Rabat Citadel, which has amazing views across the island. We had lunch at a lovely restaurant on the bay where we were able to keep tabs on the Saracens score, or watch the royal wedding, depending on your preference.

All in all it was a super trip enjoyed [I hope] by all. Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun and memorable trip. Tour party: Ronnie & Denise Boon, Ann Bunyard, Tim & Robin Corbett, Graham & June Fear, Andrew & Sue Halstead, Robert Harley, Frederick & Lorraine Higgs, Jim & Jill Kent, Jim & Diana Lee, Marcel & Cherill Mann, Sylvia Smith, Graham Taylor, Peter & Anita Wakeham, Stewart & Gina Wernham.

Stewart Wernham (Collinson 74-79)