Malta 2013 - Family and Heritage

Malta

Family and Heritage

Malta

Family and Heritage

Arrival Left Athens 12.30am flying Air Malta arriving around 1.30am.

Taxi direct to the Marina Bay Hotel where I had made a booking 5 months ago to be told we had to go to another of their hotels as this one was “full up”.

Angry and annoyed we had no choice at this time of night.

They drove to the Carlton Hotel in an upgraded room with balcony and sea views.

We checked out at 11am and they then transferred us to the 3 bedroom apartment at Planet Court that we had booked for the next week.

The apartment block looked run down from the outside but inside it was as beautiful as we expected so our special week in Malta with our children. They also provided some welcoming provisions of ham, cheese, milk, sugar, coffee beans etc etc.

Doris, the housekeeper greeted us with flowers, she was adorable and took through all the ins and outs of the apartment beautifully decorated with no compromise on feature lighting, even along the floors.

We just sat and admired the wonderful views across to Valletta as we awaited Bec, Sarah and Darryn to arrive.

Went for an evening stroll, looked at some tour options for the week, stocked up on groceries before heading out for dinner at Giorgio’s having pizza.

Sightseeing Bus Tour

We took the north route hop on hop off Malta Sightseeing bus.

It was excellent viewing from the top deck, especially passing right next to the gallerias, some with people waving. Passed through some areas we hadn’t been to before as well as a section of the ancient and intact aqueduct. We got off at the old capital Mdina and walked through its winding streets then had drinks at the park outside waiting for the next bus.

We finished the bus trip getting off near St Julian’s and walking the pathway by the sea. We stopped at a restaurant by the water having Calamari and Rabbit pasta.

Stocked up some more from the supermarket on the way back.

Lou, Tessie, Lourdes and Joe came to see us in the evening and we shared our travel experiences.

Malta - Hypogeum, Lapsi Fest

Our first ride on the new Arriva Bus system to Tarxien. There was a character on the bus who sat behind Bec. He was still trying to get to his seat as the driver took off and he started mumbling away in Maltese about him being 80 and getting crashed against the poles and his legs of wire. Bec loved it. In Tarxien we walked along the streets busy with people and activity, again Bec enjoyed it being all local here. We bought some drinks, cakes and pastizzi and then visited Aunt Maria - she was waiting for us, sitting by her balcony, she threw down her keys for us to get in. We stayed for about an hour and a half, it was wonderful for Bec to meet her and she reminded her a lot of mum. Went on the rooftop to show Bec and Sarah the view from above of rooftop living spaces.

We walked on through a few back streets to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site The Hypogeum. They estimate the site contained some 7000 remains. The chambers are totally carved out of rock but have been done in a way that they appear like an above ground construction.

We walked back to the piazza in Paola, it was siesta time, almost every shop was closed and it was almost totally void of people, a stark contrast to when we arrived. Luckily some cafes were open - we bought hopz biz zejt and sat in the piazza to eat then caught the bus back to Sliema.

Around 8pm we caught the to Spinola Bay in St Julians where the Lapsi Festa was in full swing - a typical Maltese band playing and slowly making their way through the main street, folk performers, others dressed as knights and in older costumes. The sides of the road were lined with stalls selling all types of local sweets, wines and handicrafts etc. Bought brittle nougat and Turkish delight. A band including Debbie Scerri started playing followed by Greenfields Connie kept creeping closer to the stage and just loved it.

It was quite fresh and very windy and very uncomfortable walking to the bus stop where we waited for a long time after we realised they had stopped the buses here - we started walking back and it proved to be a horrid end to a wonderful evening - such a long way in fierce wind.

Valletta

We had booked to go to Comino on the beautiful Fernandez sailboat but it was cancelled due to the sea conditions.

It was yet another warm sunny day. I went into Valletta to show Bec and Sarah around. The bus ride again eventful - taking off with back door open, one person made a leap to get in and missed, another banging on the side of the bus. It was a public holiday and nearly all the shops were closed and apart from the cruise ship visitors crowded along Republic Street it was unfamiliarily quiet everywhere else. Enjoyed Fig and Snickers flavoured ice creams.

We walked to the Upper Barracca Gardens then along the steep streets filled with character, then to the Lower Barracca Gardens and next to the other side for views back to Sliema before walking back to the bus stop by the Triton Fountain.

Connie rested at the apartment after last night’s ordeal and Darryn went for a seaside swim.

Bec and Sarah went out for dinner. Darryn made a wonderful dinner of eggplant parmiagana and potatoes.

Enjoyed the views from the apartment watching the daylight disappear and Valletta slowly light up with fireworks at nearby Valletta and also some in the distance.

Harbour Cruise, Zebbug Festa Fireworks

Frank and Christine dropped by for a short visit in the morning. Bec, Sarah, Darryn, Connie and I went on the harbour cruise. I couldn’t find the tickets I had pre-paid and had to buy another set of tickets.

After the cruise, Bec, Sarah and Darryn went swimming, Connie and I rested and enjoyed the views across to Valletta.

We could see and hear the start of the fireworks in the distance. I think they start with a series of fireworks mainly for sound, they would sparkle and were loud, they went on for hours.

Whilst waiting for the bus, my cousin Frank (from Malta) happened to be driving past and spotted us and stopped for a chat until our bus arrived to take us to Zebbug for the Festa and Fireworks.

We were told there are 430,000 people in Malta, 365 churches and 370 fireworks factories, of which 25 are professionally run.

We were dropped off by the old gate entrance to the village and had a long walk in with the street decorated with massive banners.

At the village centre, the main road was lined with food and confectionery stalls. It was crowded, the decorative sky fireworks had started but we couldn’t see them through the buildings until later but they also went for hours. There was a band playing with vocalists.

The church was incredibly ornate with chandeliers all the way along the length of the aisle. We were allowed to take photos and enter nearly every part of the church including the alter as well as its adjoining rooms which contained numerous vestments and chalices.

We sat outside the church and watched the sky fireworks when Ramona and Jason bumped into us.

We took up a central position to watch the ground fireworks which started around 11.30pm, it was crowded and became busier as people kept moving in the direction of the fireworks that hadn’t yet been lit.

We were all worn out waiting and the pushing and shoving by everyone. We were showered with fine debris from a nearby firework with some in Darryn’s eye. We left around 1am before it was finished.

We got back just before 3 am.

Fernandez II to Comino

We boarded the Fernandez II and departed 9.30am for our day at the blue lagoon at Comino. An odd looking fog/mist hovered over the island with the top of the out of place tall Hilton hotel poking through.

It was a calm and pleasant cruise to the blue lagoon where we moored for 3 hours, Bec and Sarah took a speed boat to visit the caves. Darryn, Connie and I walked to the sandy beach where Darryn had a swim.

We had the sumptuous buffet lunch at 12.30. We then cruised past the harbour at Gozo and by the cliffs, next we anchored at another Comino bay before starting the cruise back where we arrived around 5.30pm.

I probably shouldn’t have made the journey as I still had the cough and cold and mostly just sat inside with my eyes closed for much of the trip.

We were all very tired after two very busy days and just enjoyed the apartment and had a reasonably early night.

Bec and Sarah’s Last Day

Bec, Sarah and Darryn went walking, visiting the “duck garden” at the entrance to Manoel Island.

We just relaxed and enjoying the views of our last full day at this apartment. Bec and Sarah left for the airport at 2.30. We bought ingredients for rabbit stew - our last dinner with Darryn in Malta.

Darryn packed ready for his early morning departure.

Frank and Christine visited in the evening and we enjoyed looking across the harbour as night fell. A quiet lazy day after a busy week.

Darryn’s Last Day

Darryn left 6.15am catching the airport bus almost directly opposite the apartment for his flight to Valencia.

We packed for our move to the next apartment and enjoyed the last morning with the amazing views.

Walked to the Prince of Wales, about 15 minutes away with our wheeled luggage. Assigned room 512 with a large balcony overlooking the complex courtyard and on the same floor as Connie’s sisters who we finally caught up with for a long chat.

Still suffering with chest irritation and now with throat glands swollen had an early night.

Marsaxlokk

Went by bus to Marsaxlokk with Frank and Christine where we met up with Lucy and Ed, as well as Enzo, Melissa and their family. The weather was perfect in this most picturesque fishing village. I appreciated it being relatively quiet as I had only previously been here on Sundays when the fish market is on and the flea market is much bigger and it is choked with people.

We enjoyed a leisurely walk before stopping for lunch at Pisces Restaurant. On a boat moored near us, a boatman had three dogs that were enjoying jumping into the water and fetching items he was throwing in.

At times two of them would both jump in and compete to get it first. They’d then swim to a ramp to get out and run back to return the item for another chase in the water. Previously one of the dogs climbed a ladder to get to the boat’s upper deck.

We had Fish Feast comprising fish soup, tuna, shellfish, calamari, salad and fries and of course the wonderful Maltese bread.

We continued to walk after lunch before catching the bus back to Sliema capping off a wonderful afternoon.

Ramona and Jake visited us at the apartment in the evening.

Out and About

Went to Valletta by bus with Lou and Tessie and leisurely walked the streets with Lou reminiscing about his teenage years.

Connie bought some cheese making containers then we stopped at Cafe Cordina, a cafe that Lou used to go frequent, where the interior walls and ceilings ornately decorated as in a church.

We had some pastizzi and drinks before returning.

As we arrived back at Sliema I remonstrated with our bus driver for not waiting for us to get off at our stop, no sympathy, no apology, just a “just walk back one stop”.

Late afternoon we went to Frank and Christine’s apartment for drinks, nibbles and dinner. We went by bus which took longer than had we walked directly there through some back streets.

Their apartment was small and quaint with a kitchen living area at ground level and a narrow spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms, bathroom and rooftop.

A Lazy Day

Went for an early morning walk with Lou through the residential streets in Sliema, quiet and peaceful except for the chirping of the sparrows.

The early morning shade of the buildings was welcome but still got back in a sweat. Then went and got my third round of medication to get rid of the horrid cough I had.

The six of us went out for lunch, sitting on a restaurant balcony on The Strand, we had chicken salads and fruit yoghurt. Connie had her first swim in the apartment swimming pool.

Late afternoon Lou, Tessie and us caught the bus to Tarxien as we were invited for dinner at Violet and Lino’s but first we made a quick visit to see my most beautiful cousin Connie as she lived nearby. Tessie missed a step on the way out and fell flat on her face yet only injured her knee and hands.

Whilst there, Lou’s sister Rita rang and when she found out we were only several blocks away, insisted on us visiting. We stayed there for only for a very short while before Cecil drove us to Carter’s Supermarket where Violet was waiting for us.

Their apartment is on the third level and they even have an elevator.

We had pasta followed by some exquisite rabbit and potato. There are expansive views from their balcony where we sat after dinner, watching the sunset from their balcony - planes taking off and fireworks in the distance. We enjoyed some fruit and ice cream and enjoyed their delightful, active granddaughter Deona. Lino drove us back to our apartment.

Birgu

Started the day with another morning walk with Lou and again returned in a sweat and yet only early morning. Went out for pastizzi later in the morning, it was Sunday and the three pastizzerias all closed.

Connie had a swim in the pool and I rested.

Late afternoon we all caught the bus to Birgu to meet up with Connie’s cousins. As we approached Joe kept pointing out places he could recall from his teenage years. Since our last visit to Birgu, restorations have begun and as with the rest of the historic Cottonera area. Walked through the beautiful entry gate and through the picturesque streets to Grace and Lawrence’s home where we had drinks and nibbles and met their son Ryan.

We then walked down to the waterfront, also restored with walkway and lots of outdoor dining areas. With sunset approaching it’s a lovely time of day, picturesque in the harbour and the heat of the day gone.

Gradually everyone starting arriving with lots of hugs and kisses.

We had a booking for 18 at Cargo Restaurant, a long table not condusive for everyone to chat so there was lots of loud conversation.

There was strip lighting under the umbrellas which provided a perfect amount of light as the sun set which added to the mood.

We both had Sant Angelo pizzas, slices of potato, capers, sun dried tomatoes.

Last Day before Paris We’d planned on going for a swim in the sea but just stayed in and spent the day with Connie’s sisters.

Lourdes and Lou cooked up a rabbit stew for lunch.

We packed most of our things for our early departure the next morning and had a very easy day.

Frank and Christine came by in the evening, we chatted then went for a walk around 9 pm before saying our goodbyes.

Return from Venice We caught the airport shuttle to the airport.

We were quite early and then our Alitalia flight to Rome was delayed after a brief storm and heavy ain hit the airport.

We arrived in Rome after the one hour flight with still enough time to make our 7.35pm connection to Malta only to find the time had been changed to 8.55pm. We had dinner and the time passed quickly before boarding for our one and a half hour flight with Air Malta.

We arrived at 10pm, then a taxi to the Prince of Wales apartments.

A Lazy Day - Sunset Swim

A relaxing day of doing very little and only venturing out after sunset.

AÂ walk down to the beach and along the promenade busy with tourists and locals enjoying their evening walk.

By the rocks, some fishing and others swimming and have barbecues in their little open fire burners.

We stopped at a popular spot for locals and now with the sun set, Connie went in for a swim and in the background Valletta with its lights on and the cruise boats exiting the harbour full of people on their night cruises.

And yet more festas and fireworks and back in our room we can see the fireworks from our window.

Aunt Maria’s 83rd Birthday

Back and settled in the familiarity of the Prince of Wales apartments, time to rest and relax after our big journey.

A quiet day we stocked up on groceries and back to some good home cooking.

Cousin Frank picked us up at 6pm and drove us to Paola for aunt Maria’s surprise 83rd birthday party.

They had taken her to Rita and Lorry’s while Joe and Christine had prepared everything at her house including about five fans to keep the place cool.

She was very excited and emotional when she arrived.

I had Harry on Skype watching as she arrived and kept him online for the next few hours to experience the occasion as best as possible.

It was a wonderful evening - Tony and Jennifer drove us back to our apartment.

Walk to Paceville A big shop at the supermarket to find that being Saturday they don’t deliver so we had to load up to the max to carry everything back to the apartment.

Local TV consists of some four channels of home shopping channels in Italian as well as a couple of channels in Maltese.

It appears that every day there is a live broadcast from the religious site at Lourdes which shows a priest praying and a statue in the rocks, continuously flipping between the two. A children’s show with a nun talking to a puppet character and in one segment explaining about the pope being infallible and emphasising the meaning of the word infallible and explaining that the pope does not make a mistake.

Watched Madwarna in which a jovial presenter showcases and explains the history about many historic buildings and sites in Malta.

After sunset out for a walk, stopped to have a chat to a group of guys on a buck’s night, the buck with his hands tied behind his back and dressed in that “Borat” bathing costume and being dragged along with a rope tied around his neck. Walked along the promenade to Paceville and back with lots of drink stops.

Lejla Mgarrija Sunday and very quiet outside, streets almost deserted, shutters down on the shops and almost everything closed. We visited Connie’s cousin Lena in Paola then stopped by my cousin Rita’s nearby and a quick hello to aunt Maria.

Then walked to the the piazza in Paola where Lucy and Ed met us and drove to Mgarr for this year’s Lejla Mgarrija Festival.

Mgarr is a rural village surrounded by farmland and holds this annual festival showcasing vintage cars, farm machinery, local produce, crafts, a photo competition and various other displays.

Many of the streets around the church were closed for the night featuring the displays with an abundance of tables and chairs outside the bars and cafes. We wandered around the displays then sat for drinks and sampled fenech (rabbit) pastizzi which was good but couldn’t really taste the rabbit.

We then sat in the courtyard in front of the illuminated church where a stage had been set up for the night’s entertainment.

We watched a number of acts, a very talented teenage female singer, an acrobatic group and the main act, a band an a wonderful female vocalist who performed for almost two hours.

They were so enjoyable and just the type of entertainment we love to come across. The ever changing light show on the already illuminated church against the night sky was an impressive backdrop to the performances.

Mdina After yet another lazy day, Paul and Connie picked us up at our apartment and drove us the wonderful fortress city of Mdina. It stands out like a beacon from the distance as it is floodlit against the dark night sky.

As is the case almost everywhere in the country it was impossible to find anywhere to park the car resulting in Paul having to park some distance away yet proved to be a lovely walk into the citadel.

A very warm evening there were still quite a few people about yet nowhere near as busy as during the day.

We walked the ramparts with the distant view of Malta lit up then sat in the restaurant, a table overlooking the country and with equally impressive views.

We enjoyed some cold drinks and tasty cakes before the stroll back.

Gozo Tony and Jennifer picked us up at 9am driving passed their holiday cabin at Ghadira Bay, then crossing on the ferry to Gozo. We stopped in Rabat walking through some delightful narrow winding streets and as almost everywhere on the islands, religious statues on the corners and in the streets. We passed the church with Porta Salutis on its massive adorned metal doors on our way up to the Citadel in Victoria which has been restored since our last visit here ten years ago.

We stopped for some cold drinks before making our way up to the ramparts in the heat. We walked the perimeter with extensive views of the rich farmland - so dry being summer but must be so picturesque and green in the rainy season.

Our next stop was the beautiful bay at Xlendi. We all swam in the crystal clear waters crossing to the other side and back.

Next Tony and Jennifer took us to Sea Shells Restaurant where we were treated to a meal of bruschetta, spaghetti, fish and ice cream.

After crossing the ferry back to the big island, Tony drove us on some lesser roads for some sightseeing including Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay before taking us back to our apartment.

We only had time for a short rest and freshen up before Connie and Paul picked us up for get together and night out. They drove us to a restaurant in Ta’Xbiex, a table by the water with views across the bay to Manoel Island, Floriana and Valletta, lit up with reflections in the bay.

Below the restaurant and along the shore the rocks were packed with people having barbecues, picnics and swimming.

Also meeting us for the evening were Joyce, Lorry and Grace as well as two other cousins I hadn’t met before Joe Gili and Tony Gili with their wives Mary and Katherine.

We all enjoyed pizza in such a wonderful setting then finished the evening with a short walk along the promenade before Paul and Connie drove us back to our apartment.

Vittoriosa Another stifling hot day we went to Vittoriosa early evening to visit Connie’s cousin Grace and Lawrence. A long wait for a bus in the burning sun (no shelters) and as usually happens the first bus is late as it has to pick up so many people and is usually quickly followed by near empty buses. Our double bus packed with people and not long into the ride speeding along another bus almost collided with us, our driver slammed on the brakes and almost everyone standing violently thrown forward.

We arrived in the beautiful town of Vittoriosa (Birgu) which has many of its streets adorned with colourful banners, lights and statues in preparation for their religious feast in a few days time.

Grace had prepared dinner for us, fish soup followed by a typical huge main meal of potatoes, fish and an exquisite cooked peppers.

After dinner Grace walked us along the waterfront then along the harbour to Kalkarra. A delightful walk passing many locals, fishing, enjoying the water and some families with tables and chairs picnicking. Back in the piazza many people had arrived, we sat near a bar and had some cold beer, the band walked through and stopped next to us playing their traditional music. There was little airflow and we just perspired continuously, even though it was now late in the evening, above us a religious statue of a person with wings.

Grace walked us back to the bus stop with a bus almost due, yet we waited for almost an hour sweating and uncomfortable.

Qrendi

We took the local buses to Qrendi to visit Jason, Ramona and Jake.

Another two hour epic journey with some local anger exposed whilst waiting for a bus in Valletta. One woman abusing a bus attendant telling him she’d been f**ing waiting for half an hour and when another woman told her to take action, she replied telling her what do you want me to do “cut off his balls”. Another woman angry with the bus lines as she keeps getting docked her pay at work as the buses are frequently so late.

Once at Qrendi it was a short walk to their house, a converted farmhouse they have been renovating for quite some time. Both inside and outside have been renovated and decorated impeccably with the majority of the work done by Jason. This is by far the most outstanding residence we have visited in Malta with an abundance of mood lighting throughout to highlight all the features and provide a delightful mood and ambience both inside and out.

We sat in their entertainment area in the back yard with Jason cooking at the BBQ. Enjoyed playing with Jake, several neighbouring gum trees, then telling him about kookaburras and watching youtube videos on them.

We started dinner with bruschetta, asparagus with the best salmon I’ve had for as long as I can remember, mussels and potatoes. Jason, a man of many talents made our tasty dessert of banana and chocolate baked in pastry with a scoop of ice cream.

It was such a beautiful evening, not quite as hot as it has been and as it gradually got darker the mood lighting around the garden and in the pool provided a delightful setting for the night.

They drove us back to our apartment with Jake dropping off to sleep.

Delicata Wine Festival Another relaxed day, pastizzi for lunch. We caught the bus to Valletta early evening, yet another double bus completely packed, a short way after the next stop the driver stopped the bus, asked everyone to move down the bus then asked people not to stand by the door and/or get off for the next bus. A few got off yet at the next stop he took on more people than got off.

At Valletta we went to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the Delicata Wine Festival meeting Ed and Lucy who had saved one of the very few areas where seating is available. We bought our 12 euro wine glasses for unlimited wine tasting for the night. Early in the evening we could sample many varieties of Delicata wine from any of the nine stands but after a few hours it was extremely awkward to move about and we tended to just sample from the stands nearby.

Unexpectedly met up with Giannella and Sergio.

For dinner we both had pork and potatoes with Maltese bread.

The gardens and surrounds were all colourfully lit with the nearby building’s lighting continually changing colour. The Spiteri Lucas Band entertained and toward the end of the night we had an amazing view across the harbour to the three cities watching the Birgu Festa fireworks.

We finished close to midnight, Ed and Lucy drove us around Valletta and Floriana for some nighttime sightseeing and then drove us back to our apartment where we all had drinks after an absolutely wonderful night.

A big day out

At last a day with some light cloud cover, it was windy but not as hot as it has been nearly every day here. Rita and Cecil picked us up at 9.30 driving to Rabat. We walked through some of the historic streets then into Mdina where we sat at Fortunella Cafe for drinks and some cake, conversation and a long Skype session with Frank and Joyce.

Then some sightseeing taking some minor and very rough roads where we stopped at the Imtahleb Chapel, small and seemingly in the middle of nowhere but with great views overlooking the valleys and the sea.

We continued on along minor roads passing masses of prickly pear and numerous fields of produce being grown, then along one of the best drives to Chadwick Lakes lined with many large gum trees.

Next to the formal San Anton Gardens with its ponds of turtles and ducks. We then went to their home in Tarxien for some snacks and drinks before they drove us to Aunt Maria’s house late afternoon.

Cousin Frank then took us and aunt Maria for a night out starting with a short drive to see the old church in Tarxien then to a number of the streets in Marsa with original dilapidated houses and former factories.

He took us to Albertown, the street where Sam grew up including the chapel Sam’s mother helped set up and maintain. He then drove us around into Valletta and Floriana for more sights including his usual explanatory commentary. We stopped at a bar in Sliema for drinks before continuing on our drive, stopping at Pembroke and at Anzac Street the remains of the once majestic Memorial Hall, built by Red Cross Australia to help entertain the rehabilitating Australian troops injured in the Gallipoli campaign.

With the sun setting we drove along the coastline stopping at the Apple’s Eye Bar & Restaurant at Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha for dinner and drinks. Frank and aunt Maria sharing a pizza pocket, Connie a Maltese salad and I had yet another wonderful meal of rabbit in a wonderful sauce.

The scenic drive continued as he took us the long way back, along the busy resort area of Bugibba and Qawra, then along the promenade in St Julians and Sliema. It was a long but enjoyable and memorable day.

Family We were expecting Giannella and Sergio to visit us at the apartment and had a lovely surprise where cousin Lillian was with them. So lovely to spend some quality time with them all.

Afterward they drove us to Mosta where we met up with cousin Frank at a quaint corner bar for some drinks and tapas with a few of his friends. Connie sampled some snails which she quite enjoyed (despite the photos). The building with its Catholic statues on its facade as well as a religious picture on balcony and statue in the cafe window as the island prepares for one of its major religious feasts of the year this week.

We then a meal at a restaurant next door before Frank drove us back to our apartment mid afternoon - the streets were completely deserted on this hot afternoon with most shops closed and their shutters down.

The next day we went into Valletta to see Malta 5D, a 20 minute film on the history of Malta, wearing 3D glasses for the visual effects as well as motion with the seats moving and sprays of mist and water droplets. In one scene a baker removing a freshly made load of Maltese bread which appears to be right in front of your face is conjunction with another of the 5D sensory experience with the waft of the bread gently sprayed around you.

Tony and Jennifer came for us in the evening and drove us to Rita and Laurie’s. Aunty Maria and Frank also came, we ate, drank and lots of conversation for yet another wonderful evening.

Out and About Connie got to meet Julie Gauci-Guisti, a cousin she hadn’t met before. Her son Frans picked us up and drove us to their home in Santa Lucia where we spent a pleasant evening with her husband, daughter and her family.

The next day we caught the bus to Fgura to Lucy and Ed’s new Malta home. Ed then drove us around for some sightseeing and lots and lots of his usual commentary on everything and everywhere we passed. We stopped at a high point by the outer walls around Bormla. Next driving through many of the narrow streets of L’isla. We stopped at the Gardjola Garden, a scenic viewpoint looking across the Grand Harbour. Continued on through more streets with lots more information from Ed about this area where he spent his first 20 years. Then stopped at the council rooms where Ed had lots of discussion with the mayor about local issues, a look at some of the rooms in the building and different views from their upstairs balcony.

Drove through Vittoriosa before stopping in Kalkara walking along a narrow laneway, then drove on to Rinella Bay where we stopped for a swim in the clear waters of this small bay.

Such a co-incidence that as we pulled in to park, another car pulled in next to us that was Connie’s cousin Julie and Frans that we’d met for the first time the night before.

A delightful spot, mostly, if not all local families and not overcrowded. A welcome cool off in the water, the French cruise liner sounded off as its passed through the Grand Harbour. We had fish and chips, hobz biz zejt and Kinnie, quite good and extremely cheap from such a simple nearby food van.

Leaving mid afternoon, Ed drove us to Fort Rinella then to a viewpoint overlooking the large water tanks used in the movies, such as Titanic as well as many other props from various movies. Then stopped overlooking the site of the new Smart City currently being built.

Then drove along the Xaghra waterfront then Marsascala before returning to their apartment for drinks and a warm farewell.

We caught the bus back for a short rest before Connie and Paul visited us. We went out walking along the Sliema promenade having coffee and cakes before making our farewell.

The End