Malta has had two years without their traditional “Feasts” which are celebrated through the summer months, so this year when life is back to normal, it is with a vengence!
Don’t get me wrong, it’s people living life and to the fullest and it’s wonderful to be in the middle of it again after the kiwi aftermath of lockdowns!
However being somewhat apprehensive about driving a car that may decide to stop on me at any time, I decided Sunday was a good day to get on top of my end of month work, so spend most of the day hunkered in front of my computer under the air conditioning! Accompanied to the music of fireworks from 8am all day – the last round jolting me out of a deep sleep at 10.30pm and thundering overhead(it seemed in my head) until 11pm. Yes we have double glazing thank goodness! I am thinking the animals around here must be nervous wrecks after the last four days.
So this morning I was up and at it (work) at 5.30am until around lunchtime, having booked the car in tomorrow at an auto electricians to check the starter thing, not too far away, as I have to be there by 8 o’clock.
Feeling like I needed to get out of the house, I checked the car and she started but left her safely in her garage and set off on foot to ensure I know where I am going tomorrow. Through my town of Paola….
Past the local primary school, from one end to the other of Fgura (the next town) and down the hill towards the three old cities and the Grand Harbour! Found the street of the mechanics, and it is a street with several mechanics, number 17 is what I was looking for (and yes there is a garage there) but google maps actually brings up the one I rang at number 45 – I will need to allow myself extra time in the morning in case I need to visit a few before I find the one I rang!
I continued on down the hill…
Through St Helens gate to the first old City of Cospicua(Bormla) – the old stomping ground where I stayed with mum about 9 years ago (where we also had toilet and water issues). It was fairly warm and sweaty by this time – having marched 3-4 kms – so I sat under the trees at the end of the docks with a few old men to cool off!
The American university on the old WWII dock site to the left and Birgu and Senglea(the other old cities of this trio) in the distance.
The Rouge Cafe was calling with its two for one cocktails as all I could think of was a cool long Pina Colada! However at 2pm in the afternoon, in the shade of umbrellas and breeze from the fan, I sensibility opted for a cappuccino while I waited for the next bus through to complete my outing! Didn’t fancy another 4ks uphill on foot!
Confidently leaping on the bus, which said Valletta via Paola (my town) I settled into the airconditioned bus (well actually was under the air conditioning as I had water dripping on me)
Nearing my destination I pressed the button and got ready to stand up and get off a mere 500 meters from home. Much to my surprise the bus roared past the stop and down the hill… oh no I was going to end up in Valletta! I jumped up and swung (off the rails) to the front and yelled through the glass…can you stop please I want to get out at Paola! About a kilometre down the hill he swung to a stop, in the middle of the road and let me out! It could have been worse, only a kilometre uphill climb!
Lesson learned, don’t believe anything you read! We’ll, I guess it was correct we did go via Paola – just didn’t stop! Maybe the buzzers are malfunctioning in the heat as well as cars and water pumps!
All who wander are not Lost girls 