Saturday was another no car day….terrace cleaning, house cleaning, power cuts, and heatwave! Every time we stepped out of the air conditioning we felt like we were in a hot bath…

Coffee at the local in the morning, cocktails in the evening and….

Burger King for dinner!!!! While keeping our fluids up all day….

This morning, Sunday was a trip to the Marsaxlokk fish market….not that we wanted to buy raw fish….

The selection(and smell) was overwhelming! While the entire waterfront was full of all the usual market stalls….

Lots of people and “feels like” 40 degrees! We walked the entire length and back to find a cafe with shade and a fan to have a coffee …. Once more dripping from head to toe..,

Trudi, again, making new friends as we realised the duck was actually a real one! Perched in a pot plant above her head!

The fishing village sporting all its little boats who had come to tout their wares at the market!

Two bras later (that’s all we bought) and a coffee inhaled, we headed back home via Lidl (supermarket) to jump in a cold shower and wash away the morning sweat (and fish aroma)!

It was then off up north for a mid afternoon lunch with the family….

Anna had made a delicious Spaghetti bolognaise! From here we all loaded into Vivienne…

And headed further north to catch up with the rest of the family!

A terrace with a perfect view for Trudi!!!! A football pitch!

Sue and cousin Leo on the deck before heading home at dusk!

Sammy giving me pre departure orders….which were duly noted and with only small detour meant we had a relatively smooth trip home – to fireworks and fairy lights….

Last night in our Xlendi Bay hotel we donned our new frocks…

And waited until the sun set….

Just drinking in the views and activities from our second story deck…then off in search of food…Xlendi reknown for its fresh seafood….

And as the sun set on the bay we enjoyed fresh mussels and other local delicacies – not sure about the fried sprats or chewy octopus!

The sun fell below the cliffs and the changing colours on the sea were amazing, enhanced by the 30 minute power outage (not our posh hotel though we had a generator!

Sunset and this morning….

Sunrise! Again soaking up the atmosphere as this beautiful seaside village came to life!

Included in our room rate was a full buffet breakfast…

Say no more – we both ate well (too well) and a couple of French pastries to take away for a later snack!

As checkout was midday – we checked the (free) bus timetable and aimed towards an 11.40 departure! We thought we would take a little €10 boat cruise down the coast and caves, followed by a swim, shower and pack up our minimal belongings! We waited 30 minutes for another two people (as boat would not leave with less than four) and gave up on that idea as it seemed no one wanted to get on the sea today!

We did however find the clock that cousin Sammy mentioned!

Plan B kicked in and we hit the rooftop lounge area with a cappuccino and a cheeky (leftover) wine from the night before!

This young Italian girl taking a photo of her hat beside the pool lucky we had had our dip already or we may have spoiled her picture!

Enough sunshine, a cool shower and off to catch the bus….

A 10 minute changeover in Rabat and on the (airconditioned) bus to the ferry terminal….arriving again 10 minutes before departure….alighting back in Valletta with 10 minutes to catch the ferry to Bormla, and a snack and cocktail (2 for one of course) at Rouge cafe….just in time for the final bus to arrive in 10 minutes….

We both agreed today was a perfect 10….and now home after a magical mini break in Gozo to a lovely cool penthouse in Paola!!

An early start for the kiwi wanderers! Out the door by 7.45am, bus (in rush hour traffic) to Valletta and a brisk walk to catch the 8.45am Fast Ferry to Gozo…,a mere €6 each return (as over 60 here are seniors) There must have been some doubt (if we were over 60) as we were asked the question!!! 10 minutes to spare and we were off!!!

Leaving the grand harbour in style and cruising (fast) up the coast to the northernmost Maltese Island of Gozo….

The plan was to jump on a bus to Rabat, the capital….but this was obviously everyone’s plan so we let them all cram on (standing room only) and waited for the next one…

Which only left about 5 minutes later and we got our (senior) seats in the airconditioned bus! Thank goodness….as the bus we had chosen took a scenic tour of half the island, through several towns, hills, narrow streets, collecting the locals (nuns and all) on the way….a good 45 minutes and lots of places we would never otherwise have visited….arriving in Rabat around 10.30am…and in desperate need of a good strong coffee!

Sated, and relaxed we set off through the streets of Rabat…

And only purchasing fans to wave the 40 degree air around as we got totally lost! Trying to get back to the bus terminal to catch our next (free) bus ride to Xlendi Bay for the afternoon, swimming and food!

Unfortunately we had just missed the bus and the next one wasn’t for an hour so we haggled with the Taxis €10 and settled for a €7.40 bolt ride which took only about 10minutes!

First cold one of the day…and fans in action!

As we drank in the stunning scenery of beautiful Xlendi Bay!

The clear blue sea with fish swimming around.

While sitting relaxing, we made the unanimous decision that we would check St Patrick’s Hotel ….on the waterfront with a balcony sea view….if a room was available for the night! Standing only in the clothes we wore and our bathing suits, no phone charger….etc….

And we were in luck! Booked and able to check in at 3pm!

So now a swim….

The sea was clear and cooling…filled in the afternoon nicely, going in search of a Cisk and wine and a phone charger before our checkin time!

All expectations met!!!

The room with a view!!!

And wait there’s more….we asked about the rooftop! We are on 2nd floor, rooftop is 6th!

The Xlendi Bay inlet from the 6th floor and….

Car park and valley from the other side….

Plunge pool, jacuzzi deck chairs and brollies! Another couple of relaxing hours spent in the shade of the umbrella, with a rooftop breeze! We kind of feel like the rich and famous!

Oh and we shouted ourselves a new frock to shower and change into shortly before sampling some of the local seafood!

And its over and out from me, pictured here telling this story….we have another glorious Gozo day tomorrow!

The last two days have fallen into almost a routine….coffee in the morning, visit with cousins and running a few errands…

Like supermarket shopping, telephone shops, and banking.

Paola, our village for the 2nd coffee of the day(first one is instant)…

Chatting with the locals while we wait for the money machine to refill!

Followed by a frantic drive to Attard, avoiding the crazy drivers, who always seem to be in a hurry, don’t know how to use indicators and seem to be totally oblivious to stop signs, all the while trying to climb into our back seat as tailgating is a given! Heading back south after the rush is over and hitting the beach at Birzebuggia early afternoon….

Watching the children play in the sea and the container blocks load on the ocean bound ships…

Darting from shade to shade…

To return to a very hot Vivienne (car) before searching for the first cool refreshment of the afternoon!

Today it was Senglea to what has always been a favourite cafe “Alice Springs”

The view and the breeze still inspiring, but the food and service seems to have slipped! New faces (and miserable ones) and the pigeons enjoyed Trudi’s Tuna Ftira (roll) much more than she did!

Tomorrow is Thursday, and recycling day (every day is a different type of rubbish day) which we can’t miss as this one is only once a week!

This week Thursday is also a Gozo day (the northern most Maltese island), but this time we are taking the fast ferry from Valletta rather than wearing out the air conditioning in Vivienne!

This week is proving to be a challenge..planning our wanderings around the temperatures and drinks! Not really a problem for Thelma and Louise!

This morning we were out the door, deposited glass (wine bottles) in the bottle bin and headed towards Ghar Lapsi (the swimming hole on the other side of the island) by 8 am! We would have arrived a bit earlier than we did but missed the turnoff ( thanks google) and had to back track through the farms – single lane with rock walls either side!

With a brief photo stop on tgecc c way between the blue grotto and Ghar Lapsi!

Nevertheless we were in the water (with 100 other Maltese) by 9am!

We found our spot (not many left) to station ourselves, Sue with a flat spot to lie and Trudi with a rock seat

We spent a couple of hours jumping in and out of the water – cooling our body temps and craving a coffee!!! No cafes opened until midday, so w drank our water and ate our peaches!

We then decided two hours is enough for our kiwi tans and headed back to the blue grotto for some refreshments! This being a tourist area we knew the cafes would be open!

We were scooped in to a cafe on the cliff side….

We imbibed our cappuccino and then ordered a bacon and egg ftira, a beer and a wine! The bread is just too much, but the bacon and egg bit was just what the doctor ordered!

We even got a picture together with our umbrella hats! Much needed shade on a heatwave day!

Back home by 1pm – aircon set at 24 degrees…. Heaven….and an afternoon of book reading and siesta!

We needed some supplies from the local shops when they opened at 4pm again, so showered and strolled down to Paola, a wee chat with our elderly neighbour, who doesn’t miss a trick and was waiting to catch us!

Two for one cocktails (Sue) and Trudi a wine while we waited for our Thai dinner snack to be cooked! The pigeons are very confident, we just hoped he didn’t poo and spray(thru the fan) all over us!

Chicken fried rice and home for the evening…..

Into the aircon and relaxing on the terrace

Washing done (swimming stuff) for the day, which will be dry in 30 mins….another day in paradise!

Saturday was a no car day! We had a houseclean morning and took off (on foot) around 11am for a much deserved coffee….after which we decided to walk to the next town…in what turned out to be the hottest day so far!

Fgura was gearing up for their village feast! Roads closed (hence no cars in sight) and bunting going up! We expected a very noisy fireworks evening but it didn’t happen! We then carried on to the three cities – downhill at least….

The locals taking care of the street cats, and a bit of hopping through tunnels (the gates to the old cities) to end up at our favourite “Rouge Cafe” for a cool drink and a snack…very hot 38 degrees! (Celsius)

The phone booth library in Bormla on the way….when we have finished our books we know where to swap!!

A relaxing couple of hours watching some wedding photos being taken by the trees near the harbour….

Certainly not suit weather! But a beautiful setting!

Home for the evening by bus(as all uphill!)

This morning (Sunday) it was off to the car boot market again at 7am!

Even hotter today – I think we hit 41 degrees! So by 8am we were sitting by the waterfront (on a shaded bench) having coffee!

Watching all the locals take out their 50+foot launches and yachts for the day….unfortunately didn’t get an invite!

School holidays and a Sunday meant the beaches would be full…and they were by 9am…so we went back to the trusty swimming hole at kalkara for a cool dip!

There were three Maltese and two kiwis cooling off at 9-10 am! Then home out of the heat and into the aircon by 10.30am!

We chilled and read, and watched Djokovic get 2nd at Wimbledon! Now it’s toasted sandwiches for dinner and see if we can find a movie on the 500 internet TV channels!

After two days of activities, we are back to share our story!

The day before yesterday was spent with Sue’s cousin Evelyn, visiting Shoreline, a new shopping complex at kalkara and lunch at the village cafe in the centre of the town

The Kalkara church in in the background

This area has undergone a lot of renovations over the last 12 months…

Breakfast for lunch was great!

Evelyn, left us later in the afternoon and we had a quiet night with cheese and crackers (and chocolate bounty bars) for dinner!

Yesterday we had scheduled power cuts 8am to 12am and 7pm to 9 pm – most inconvenient….but forewarned is forearmed…car was out of garage (loaded with floaties and beach apparel) by 7am, aircon cranked down at 6am and turned off at 7.45am, and out the door and down the lift before 8am! Fridge closed curtains closed to keep the coolness in!

A coffee at the local cafe while we waited for the watchmaker to open and replace Vivienne’s remote battery, as manual locking and unlocking is tedious….then it was off to the beach(rocks) to cool off for the morning….a quick stop at the charity shop on the way to purchase a 1 Euro pair of swimming sunglasses for Trudi..one does need these while floating (the envy of the rock dwellers) on our sparkly floaties…all the way from NZ!

Midday arrived sooner than expected and a cool drink at the food truck…..

And some views of St Thomas Bay….

Before heading back to the apartment to utilise our power window, showering and a load of washing before the next cut…

Sue’s cousin Rebecca arrived around 4pm and we went with her back to Sam and Anna’s for the evening (and the next scheduled power cut)

Dog time and a delicious curry prepared by the family….

Trudi took time out with Sam to walk the dog and couldn’t resist straddling Sammy’s bike!!!

A very effective mode of transport here in Malta as the bypass carparks are akin to our NZ motorways in rush hour traffic

Rebecca dropped us home around 10.30pm and we crashed for the night!

This morning was hunt down the lamb roast morning – we found a local butcher and for the same price as NZ we now are prepared to cook for Sue’s family….the traditional kiwi roast…

After a hot 30 minute walk, Vivienne is loaded again with swimming gear and off to the mall and food shopping for the weekend…again got lost in the shops (didn’t buy anything apart from food and refreshments) and headed back….via rouge cafe and a nice chilled Pina Colada (2 for one deal) before home time at 4pm..the towels and bathers still locked and loaded!

On that note, a quiet night….

Trudi thinks she will only have ONE!

When you pack light to travel from the other side of the world in the middle of winter – there is just no thought or room for the big straw hat….but today was a hat day…

We had a coffee date in Valletta with a friend at 10am so we were up early and out the door at 7.30am for our early excursion to the Birgu Street market, held once a week, closing off 2 kms of the roads and filled with stalls, shoes, underwear, clothes, cleaning stuff, electronics, make up, fruit and veges, bags etc…

and lots of Maltese ladies with shopping carts!

Spot the kiwi….Italian clothes, very cheap…and again one just tries on (be it bras or dresses) in the street…

We just roll with what we are told to do! And Maltese are not shy in giving orders!

2kms up and 2kms down….carefully planning to catch the 9.30am ferry to meet our friend! A mad dash, upon realising we had missed this one and better catch the 10 o’clock one, cranked up the first sweat of the day! Actually, with today’s temperatures, this was an ongoing event for the rest of the day….thank goodness we had purchased hats!!!

They, at least, blocked the direct sun rays while we chewed the fat for a couple of hours with our friend Charles!

We walked back to the ferry and had just missed the sailing (seemed to the order of the day with bad ferry timings) so we jumped on one of the little luzzus(so as not to stand in the sun for half an hour) to get back to the other side!

Trudi making more friends with the captain and….

Sue sunning it on the other side…certainly enjoying our new hats!

We retrieved a very hot Vivienne…

Who had been sitting in the sun for 5 hours and drove straight to the beach (St Thomas Bay, rocky swimming hole) to test out our new floaties…which had travelled all the way from NZ…

After a quick dip to lower the body temperature we undertook the lung test….inflating the two ends…

Et Voila….sparkles and all, we were the envy of the beach!

The next hour was spent suspended by our stunning equipment, while envious treading water swimmers cooled off unaided!

Our Kiwi tennis player was hitting the Wimbledon courts at 2 pm in the quarter finals, so we packed up and headed to the local sports pub for a late lunch and a cool drink…. As our luck would have it, their internet was down and nothing on the big screens, in the summer heat this can be a common occurrence…however we were hungry and thirsty and ordered a bruschetta to share, as the waitress had told us it was large!

This was like a pizza on the local large circular ftira bread….delicious and between us we ate half….so leftover box was provided, just as the internet was restored and we got the rest of the game, unfortunately our girl going down to the Croatian…

Homeward bound as five o’clock loomed….salty, sweaty, full and tired! And thirsty again!

Showers and washing done and a fruit platter is being made for dinner by my flattie!!!(Trudi)

Should have been, we were prepared, and the temperatures soared to 31 feeling like 33!

However, after two banging nights of fiesta fireworks and a terrace wash to clean off the black ash dust – the months of July and August are full of village feasts and the biggest part of these is the fireworks! Day and night! Animals here seem to be immune to the noise, while us kiwis in the penthouse think we should dive under the nearest table as we feel an earthquake rolling in!

This job was then followed by an excursion to the post office to purchase some stamps, another performance as we waited in line(for half an hour) to see the one teller! Post offices here still process bills and banking, including the “Cheques” which are common payment practice here!

Mail sorted, we jumped on the ferry from the old cities, to Valletta to meet up with the girls (shopping day)!

Quite a scenic trip as one passes the gin palaces moored in the grand harbour – this one almost looks upside down in the hull! With acres of glass on top! Not sure being a decky on this creation would be too much fun unless you enjoyed cleaning windows!

On arrival we noted a cruise ship in and knew that Valletta would be swarming with boat people, easily identifiable by their lanyards and snake trails of guided tours!

Nevertheless, We caught the morning street market and Trudi found her perfect phone cover…

We then met up with the cousins and had a cool drink at an Irish pub, run by Serbians…of course!

Shopping, shopping, shopping….

Then another cool drink in the shade of a side street…

My cousin Anna finally relaxing! And it was 3pm….how did that happen! So off to catch our ferry back to the other side…

Taking the steps down instead of the lift to sea level…

The feet were getting very warm! As we waited for the ferry, with all the local Luzzus touting for tourist business…

Alongside the Gozo fast ferry…an adventure for another day!

Hitting the home side around 4pm, we decided to have a late lunch, early dinner at our favourite Rouge Cafe, before collecting a very hot Vivienne(car) and heading home, clean bathing suits and dry towels packed for tomorrow.

Now we are just in time to have a cool beverage and watch Novak Djokovic play Rune (the Norwegian) in the Wimbledon fourth round!

Early start….early birds get the worms and off to the Birgu car boot weekly (Sunday) market 6.30am!

Not too hot and not too busy but heaps more on offer than last year….every year there is “stuff” (collectables) I want at home but would never fit in my suitcase!

But mountains of clothes for €1 each that we have added to the Maltese wardrobe and can donate back when we leave…(or not!)

As all early wanderers do, by 8am gasping for air coffee…we set off on foot…..and for those of you who may wonder where we get our vitamins from….

The fruit and vege trucks on every corner….

Through the gates of Birgu and the streets to my favourite Maltese cafe on the waterfront!

Maltese are car mad….and never a wander without spying the magnificent Maltese Merc!

A very polished specimen….for my car enthusiast friends(Don) and family (Dan)…

A great coffee and Patizzi (in the shade) and home by 11ish – morning wandered away!

A lazy afternoon of personal admin ( won’t go into details) except I am now sporting a fringe! Now gearing up to watch our Kiwi play in the fourth round of Wimbledon before shouting ourselves Pizza for dinner!