These traditional gaily painted Maltese boats are very cute bobbing at anchor (photo coming)- there are two types – the Djhajsa – these are more like the Vienese gondolas (ceremonial) and the Luzza which are the everyday boats – we saw lots today especially in the fishing village of Marrsaxlokk at the southern end of Malta island. Some are just for getting about, others are set up for fishing – I counted 13 nets on the back of one – must be very cramped when it’s all go! Also saw a “posh’ djhajsa with inlaid wood floor and surrounds – clearly not for fishing!
We had morning tea overlooking the beautiful harbour at St Julians Bay – a more upmarket area with lots of renovation and building going on and then drove through Sliema – where Kat and I will return to shop! Then on to the 3 cities – fortified cities on the opposite side of the harbour to Valleta, where we enjoyed a very fine lunch at the Grand Harbour – with some very posh boats anchored in a Westhaven style marina. Kat sampled the traditional Maltese dish of stewed rabbit, while I had a fish medley and the guys enjoyed ceasar salads.
The weather has been a more pleasant temperature today with a lovely sea breeze keeping the humidity down. Enjoyed gelato and icecreams in Marsaxlokk this afternoon and wandered the street stalls with traditional lace and liquers.
Malta has 3 main islands – Malta, Comino and Gozo. We are staying in the tourist town of Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay, named after the saint who was shipwrecked here in AD60. Malta observes the Italian practice of siesta each afternoon when most of the shops and businesses close between 1-4pm – too hot to work they say. All comes alive again late into the night with people out and about – strolling, shopping and dining.
