Travel | Mdina, Malta

For our last adventure, we drove inland to the Citadel of Mdina, Malta's ancient walled capital.

The citadel dates back as long ago as 1000 BC and has obviously changed a great deal since those times. In the 9th century Arabs arrived and built these big strong walls and deep moat that we see today. Medina in Arabic means "walled city".

The moat has been landscaped but the big stone walls remain and give the Mdina a very peaceful atmosphere.

Similarly to Valletta, there is a huge Cathedral (St. Pauls). 

Whilst we were here, we took some time to understand the rich history of Malta and the Knights of St John. It really is quite amazing and whether you follow religion or not, The Knights fought to protect Malta because they believed in Jesus' Commandment to "love one another as I have loved you". 

Make of that what you will, but you cannot escape a visit to Malta without noting the strong Catholic Faith. 

With the sun beating at our heels and one last afternoon by the pool beckoning we said our goodbyes to the Mdina.

As we were leaving I found our new home....I wish, but seriously. She's a beauty, no?

Travel | Valletta, Malta

On Sunday, we caught the ferry over to Valletta, Malta's Capital.

The streets were sleepy and calm, and we were able to roam around without any crowds.

First on the sight-seeing hit list was St John's Co-Cathedral. The outside does not do the inside justice! Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to photograph inside as there was a service in progress but it is breath-taking; every inch of wall, floor, ceiling is covered in a baroque-style masterpiece. You can feel the history as you stand there taking it all in.

We wandered around the elegant and tranquil streets some more.....

Before too long, we stumbled across The Grand Masters Palace. Another beautiful building where the inside is even prettier than the outside. It was once the residence of the Knights of St John (you get to learn a lot about these very famous Knights, more on that in another post), but it is now the official residence of the Maltese president.

After leaving the palace, we walked towards the sea and the Lower Barrakka Gardens.

Not only do you get fabulous views but there is also this little temple commemorating Sir Alexander Ball, the naval captain who took Malta back from the French in 1800.

After doing the culture-piece, we were of course ready to sample some food! Unfortunately, the heat meant that our appetites were not their usual selves but we came across a lovely little restaurant with seating shaded by big parasols and thought we could definitely manage a bite or two.

We ordered a local cheese-board and some bruschetta, kicked off our shoes and dug in.

If you visit D'Office, you must also visit the bathroom whilst you're there. One of the best decorated facilities I have ever come across....think Audrey Hepburn and typewriters.

On our way back to the ferry we continued to admire the streets and buildings, everywhere you look there is something that catches and holds your attention.

 

From the water we noticed this rather sad looking building (on the left), and daydreamed about turning it into a lovely little boutique B&B....one day.

Back on dry land it was time for gelato....of course.

Travel | Malta, The Pool Days

I like arriving in a new country at night time. It feels all the more surreal and you wonder what you are going to wake to the following morning, when you get to see your destination in all it's sunlit glory. 

We got to Malta late, headed to our hotel and then straight to the rooftop pool bar. After a couple of refreshing V&T's we wandered out into the night to explore our surroundings. 

When we woke the following morning, this was the view from our balcony. No sea, but a beautiful church and pretty little Maltese road.

After a busy time at work, we were both ready for some R&R. So we spent our days lying in the sun; reading, drinking, eating.... you get the gist. 

Batteries fully recharged we were ready for an adventure......next stop the beautiful Valetta.