Yesterday was a wandering in different directions. Trudi, Russ and Kev took off in torrential rain to play Bingo in Bugibba – that is there story – terrible traffic and no wins!

Sue donned raincoat and walked off the beaten tracks from Paola to Figura – poking around in the local shops.

Diving for the doorways as traffic passed to avoid the showers from their tyres!

The bingo players returned early afternoon and while Russ had a rest – Sue and Trudi walked to Birgu to collect Trudi’s custom made Maltese ring.

Just had to stop at Rouge Cafe in the way back for the two for one cocktail deal!

Then back to get ready to go north again to Sues cousins, Sam and Anna (and family) for a lovely roast pork dinner! Great night had by all, we have been really spoilt!

This morning, Russ took himself into Valletta to further progress his Maltese passport status and Sue and Trudi did an errand (collection) for Kev – without getting lost!

Then back to find our Pianist friend Carmen for a coffee. Not answering her phone and not at home, it appeared we would not have the promised catch up! However, driving back to Bormla to collect Russ from the ferry we spied her at a cafe finishing her coffee on her own. Screech of tyres, Trudi jumped out, and Sue went in search of a car park.

A lovely (but shortish) catch up before the thunderstorms rolled in again!

Off to the airport to collect Sally (from Paris) as Kev has more construction happening at his new flat!

Lunch at Senglea, home now and we are all catching up for dinner a bit later.

A day of heading North, South, sideways and in circles….getting really good at wandering without getting lost!!!

Meeting Charles for coffee in Valletta, we decided a car less day was the way to go – walking from Fgura to Birgu to catch the ferry ⛴

Rest stop by some prickly vegetation

Waiting for the ferry I commented how humid and still it was like the calm before the storm (how right I was!)

The thunder clouds in the background

And another postcard image of these magnificent superyachts!

Coffee at Barakka Gardens and suddenly the wind got up and the clouds rolled in. Russ had taken himself off to the Co-cathedral and we hoped he was inside.

Trudi and Sue played dodgems with the heavy rain in search of a poncho!

All sold out! And the only option was…

The ‘Rainbow’ umbrellas. A five Euro well spent.

We had a return ticket on the ferry (but that would mean a 30 minute walk from Birgu) As our shoes, and the rest of us, were drenched we decided a direct bus ride was the better option

The Main Street if Valletta in the rain, a sea of umbrellas and ponchos.

The fountain at the gate of Valletta was benefiting from the extra moisture, so there is always a positive!

Bus stop found! A 10 minute wait (still getting value from our 5 Euro rainbow umbrella)

On the bus – back seat boys

And any seats a good one, even if I can’t sit with my mates…

Writing this in the bus – looking forward to a hot coffee and dry feet!

A stroll around our Farm hood this morning revealed flora, fauna and farmhouses

The streetcats on their rock wall home

Farmers in the valley!

Very large farmhouses high on the ridge overlooking the farmland and sea!

Driving out we noticed the sign to San Blas Bay (a spot missed on yesterday’s driving tour), so down a very steep road (path) as far as the car was allowed – deciding not to walk the remainder 60degrees down (it was the up that was more of a concern)

We are sure it was very nice but we had Victoria in our sights for the morning.

Short detour via Nadur for a coffee and the street art on the corner.

Off to Victoria for some retail – a little disappointing as the old shops, in this area, are replaced by the new modern chain and designer boutiques!

We did, however, stumble across the charity shop which I found three years ago. It was closing in 20 minutes, but managed to snatch a couple of treasures!

Walked up to the Citadel ( now a tourist attraction and payment before getting near)

Again a bit surprised as last time we walked right around the outside of the wall for free and the views were amazing! I don’t mind paying at all, just did not want the process of organised tours!

We walked down again to a cool drink in the square

Back to the car and off to Ramla Bay for a much needed swim

Beautiful red sandy beach and a local selling a nice refreshing cold glass (plastic cup) of local wine on arrival. Trudi loves this place!

We are now waiting in line to board the ferry back to the big Island!

ETA 6pm. The wandering Kiwis have had a fantastic mini holiday on theIsland of Gozo 😊