Malta in the middle

  Malta, Malta
Friday, September 15, 2000

Malta took a bit of getting used to. I was expecting a tiny beach resort feel of an island full of sandy beaches just minutes from the town centre. Valletta, the main part of the huge city on the cliff overlooking the med was simply gigantic. The island itself has a very early religious feel to it, with all the building possessing religious icons. At the main point of Valetta is a huge fortified old city.
The main form of transport is funky old school yellow buses still bearing British flags. There is a huge old ex-pat British influence in Malta.
We finally managed to get to some of the beaches that turned out to be stunning. They were a half-hour bus ride away but well worth the effort. The water was so warm it was unbelievable.
We also visit the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, which are similar to Stone Henge.