MALTA
1 to 18 March
A view from Valletta of one of the "Three Cities"
I had been attracted to the fascinating history of Malta and thought of it as a good stepping stone to Italy and beyond. My plans did not work out as expected, but I began appreciating Malta, particularly the Island of Gozo, more and more each day. The Maltese language, which I had assumed was an Italian dialect, is rather an Arabic/Italian meld with a smattering of French and other influences. But the second official language is English having been a British colony for 150 years. The small island nation means the sea is always near, and although ebbing, local commercial fishing remains. Long walks and appreciation for continued traditions made my time in Malta most memorable.
Valletta shops
The Arches of Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta
Public benches in Valletta
Laundry day, Valletta
The eccentrically designed Duck Island: birds find food and refuge here
Juxtaposition of the old and new
Portrait of a twenty year old woman purposely painted, in the 1860's, to make her look much older. Longevity was all too rare and old age was a luxury.
Typical architecture in Malta
Workers at Marsaxlokk harbor
Marsaxlokk
For Titti, the amazing diving dog, with her own Facebook page.
Titti engaging in her second favorite pastime, after diving with "her dad," fetching rocks
Hiking destination from Marsaxlokk
Harbor cafes in Marsaxlokk
Eyes, a tradition dating back to the Phonecians, painted on fishing boats
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk
Fish farm
St.Peter's Pool: a popular swimming/diving spot
Loading nets onto boats
Workers mending fishing nets
An amorous donkey who soon after avidly showed "his affection" for another donkey
Crystaline waters of Hondaq Bay in Gozo. Virtually empty in off season, I was told it is packed to capacity in the summer. Comino Island is seen in the background.
Mgarr Harbor. Gozo
Boathouses- many used by the same family for generations
Site of the Dwejra Window, a 92 foot natural arch, that collapsed during a storm on 8 March 2017
Wied Il-Mielah: natural limestone arch. Similar to, but less renown than the iconic and world famous Dwejra window.
5000 year old temples predate Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge
Coastal walkway: Gozo
Salt Pans
Abandoned salt pans dating back 350 years on the north coast of Gozo
A man repairing the walls of his salt pans, with stones and cement, still in use today
Ladders to diving platforms all vacant at Hondaq Bay.
"Zen Temple" by Nicozen reminiscent of Robert Smithson's 1970 earthwork Spiral Jetty.
Coastal town of Marsalforn off-season in Gozo, not yet in full swing. Cafés and restaurants were shut by 4pm.
The modest restaurant transformed into a set for "By the Sea" a film written and directed by Anjelina Jolie. She rented the restaurant and bay for three months during filming. Owners Noel and Sandra shared anecdotes of their experience. Ironically I had watched the film on Netflix, the week before, while in Malta.
Coastal Tower completed in 1661 by the Knights of Malta for the defence of Malta and Gozo
Marsalforn, Gozo
Monochromatic architecture
Coastal view