A nice slow start this am, then off on a peaceful little boat trip around a bit of the south west coast of the island to see the Blue Grotto and several caves in the dramatic sheer rock face walls. Fortunately calm with brilliantly clear water. Lunch back on land was an interesting experience – we did think the service was pretty slow and casual – then the boss turned up, a shouting match ensued resulting in the waiter being fired in our hearing – loud and chaotic!
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On then over perhaps the roughest roads we have encountered to the Dinghli Cliffs some 220m above sea level with an outlook to the smallest island- Filfla. The highest point in Malta is only 253m above sea level. There are a few great roads and motorways funded by the EU with beautiful lush planted roundabouts. Our next stop was the city of Rabat where we went underground to St Paul’s catacombs – 4AD ancient burial complex with halls, passages and chambers hewn out of rock – covering some 2,500 sq metres – we didn’t see it all!! Nice and cool down under on another hot sunny day. Then on to Mdina “the silent city”, the oldest city in Malta, an ancient walled town with narrow curving streets, medieval and baroque architecture and at one point stunning views out to sea. St Paul’s Cathedral (the only church we have visited here!!) has a beautiful dome, frescos, art, statues and intricate floor mosaic panels dedicated to various saints and so on. I find it amazing to think how these cities and structures were all constructed way back when!! Photos don’t do these places justice anywhere – save your pennies and wander over!
There are lots of contrasts and variety here, from houses, shops and boats to cars. Many of the houses appear quite old, while others are clearly new and/or renovated with attractive entry porches, plants etc. Most are named and also feature a small icon/decoration alongside the name, with/without a street number. Houses do not seem to feature gardens, they are perhaps communal or market garden style – there are huge melons and other fruit for sale and prickly pears seem to grow wild.
It is drier than usual here at the moment we’re told – the fields are ploughed but appear to be lying in wait for rain! There are hay bales and tractors in evidence and we have seen a few rustic looking farms and smelt a few more but have yet to discover any significant livestock anywhere. I think I saw “6” cows in the distance today. Matt reckons they must be in underground bunkers!! The milk is “bottled in Malta” and the traditional cheese, Gbejniet, is made from sheep’s milk so all a bit of a mystery so far!
Prices for food and meals, are cheap and reasonable. The local wines have been very nice to date and I quite like the local bittersweet soft drink Kinnie. The local beer Cisk is also pleasant, if served somewhat warm.
Comments
Comment by Brownie on 2008-09-18 03:45:45 -0700
No beer is good if it has to be served somewhat warm! Never the less your doing a better job of blogging than Matt and Kat!
Comment by Mike and Jane on 2008-09-18 13:42:14 -0700
Interesting to learn about Malta,- seems rather lovely.
Sounds as though you are having a fab time and supporting the local economy rather well. Continue the fun times!
Comment by Matt on 2008-09-19 12:51:20 -0700
You’ll get our perspectives on Malta soon enough, cheeky whippersnapper.
Comment by Brownie on 2008-09-20 04:39:41 -0700
Starting to sound old with words like that :p
