When you return from an epic vacation, how often do you find yourself daydreaming about the time spent away? Having recently spent 10 days in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, I am reliving some of those moments and sharing them vicariously.
When I say Malta, people I know generally throw up an eyebrow while they search memories of history/geography class and come back blank. 90 KM South of Sicily in the middle of the sea. I am lucky enough to have married into a Maltese family and it was great to return for a visit.
Warm people on a very warm island, especially so in the summer. 3 months of drought and the wonderful stone homes huddle together as they have throughout the ages. The above photo represents much of what I appreciate in Malta. The heartiness of the plants in a harsh environment. The front door left ajar to permit breeze and neighbourhood sound. Ancient building maintained and kept about as modern as it needs to be to house a family comfortably.
Every alley way is probably older than my home country. Every roadway slaps me with the perspective and makes me want to pause and take a picture. I must have dozens of shots just like this. The British-influenced second story covered balconies were once a status symbol and are now a distinct part of the architecture throughout the country. Being an island of stone with no native trees, it makes sense that most of the homes are made of stone from local quarries. Recently, the construction has become cinder block but the centuries-old buildings will prevail.
With a population of only 533,000 people, you would still expect to see people. Where are they?
They are at the beach of course! I generally took my walks in the middle of the day when the locals are smart enough to be resting or swimming. The days saw temperatures hovering around 40 Celsius and a northerner like me would bust into flames in 1 day if it were not for several coatings of sunscreen. Taking a dip here is like a cool bath but is still shocking when you first go in for the high temperature of your skin from the sun. Swimming in the salt water is such a special brand of refreshment.
The press of the history is palpable from so many vistas around town. Ancient forts rubbing shoulders with tightly packed homes huddling beneath walls which have bared witness to battles throughout the ages. Harbours which moored the latest and greatest war and transport ships throughout history now are the perfect spot for leisure craft in times of peace. An hour simply watching leaves you with the feeling of centuries past.
I have so many photos and stories to share, I may have to revisit this every week for a year to tell it properly. This may not be the last tale of Malta I tell.
Thanks for the views Malta!
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