Flying by….

With only a little over a week until we leave this second home of mine, the days are flying by!

Looking relaxed? Don’t let looks fool you, life here is a hive of activity! The end of last week disappeared into a blur of work and shopping days!

Friday morning got up at 3am – 1pm nz time to get through work by 10am – when everyone in NZ had finished for the weekend! Jill and I had a plan….Valletta then Sliema for the day before meeting Tracey(our new friend) for 2 for 1 cocktails at the Rouge cafe at 5pm (this gave us an hour of happy hour to set us up for the evening)

On arriving in Valletta around 11.30am we discovered that a festival (of Maltese beer) “Pinta” was happening over the weekend – a few hours of shopping, coffee and exploring put paid to the Sliema side trip, as we had to get back to Paola (drop shopping and shower) before heading off for our night out! The beer fest was not met with much enthusiasm by Jill and as I’m not keen on shoulder to shoulder crowds we opted for pre arranged Plan A for Friday night! So Rouge Cafe it was!

Ok, so it looks like I was having a little rest – but towards the end of the night (having missed the last bus home) I was contemplating an Uber, while the girls finished their wine! Having been up since three am and falling into bed at midnight I had probably earned a little shut eye time!

Today, Saturday, Jill had a nail appointment at 8am so we got up early, if a little dusty and decided a big brunch (after nails) was in order before exploring my favourite part of this world – the old cities of Senglea (breakfast) And Birgu!

Breakfast was accompanied by the blasts of fireworks from Birgu who were gearing up for the feast of St Dominic! Having secured a park for “Vivienne” (the car) we set off on foot to jump on a luzzu harbour cruise on the other side of the harbour!

Cruising past the superyachts in Birgu harbour

The army training (pirate) ship – moored at Valletta.

Chased by a police boat when our skipper looked like we might be getting too close to the fireworks at Birgu!

The tankers fuelling up in Rinella bay

Circling the grand harbour gates and lighthouses! Luckily I was familiar with the landmarks as our skipper had very poor English and I could give Jill a commentary of sorts!

Cruising back down the southern side of Valletta – the beach and summer holiday baches.

Caves

And Rocks that are the foundation of Maltas capital! Back to rest on the Birgu side and another coffee needed! So we headed up to the square which is usually sporting some nice peaceful (and in the shade) cafes!

Not today! The lead up to tonight’s feast was in full swing! (at midday)

Band powering out music (really loud)

Folks singing and chanting (really loud)

And streets adorned with bunting! We did find a little side alley were we could get a coffee (the push button type) and some shade! (Still really loud) The city was gearing up for a big night!

There was one tourist attraction we were determined to get under our belts – The Malta at War Museum – a little further up the streets of Birgu! Having visited several air raid shelters over the past few weeks, this was a must….so underground we went again!

The story of the Second World War from the Italian attacks to the Germans almost claiming victory and the destruction these seiges wreaked on the Island of Malta from 1938 to 1944. You can certainly admire the resilience of my ancestors! From stories, movies, relics of the war, to poverty and almost starvation of the Maltese people – there was so much to read and see, I only took a couple of photos!

A range of Bombs unleashed by the Germans!

And the all important care package for the soldiers and sailors who defended this country!

Again there was also a maze of underground shelters – self tour – which took us well underground, ducking and descending into what felt like airless rooms, where the Maltese people lived for up to four years while the city above them (and their homes) were reduced to rubble! Two hours later we emerged into the afternoon sunshine and the last stop of the day was a much earned dip in the sea off the Senglea harbour point! Cooling off our hot bodies and feet!

But wait there’s more, one more stop I spied – La Guardiola gardens lookout above our swimming hole at the northern tip of Senglea

The watch tower – surveying the panorama of todays adventures!

A quick trip to the supermarket and home to clean decks and floors – with the ongoing construction surrounding us this is a daily task!