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!
Malta – “Peaches and Cream”
Arrived in Malta late yesterday after a whole day travelling – thanks to check-in requirements and delayed flight. Matt and Kat met us at the airport- great to have this time with them.
Flying in, Malta looked flattish with land rising up out of the sea, straight cliffs and very dry landscape – reminded me of a giant puzzle piece sitting in the sea. It’s hot, humid and dry, with what I think is a “peaches and cream” palette – most buildings are of those hues with a few blues and pinks here and there. Typically Mediterranean style buildings and landscape then vast expanses of deep blue sea all around.
End of Trafalgar Tour – Back to London
Our last tour evening finished with a great night at the cabaret in Paris – then another early morning start back to London. No stops on the way to the ferry at Calais as there had been a fire in the chunnel and therefore more ferry traffic expected. Also raining and the Pope heading to Paris as well and everyone wanting to see him! All went well on the trip across the channel and we got back to London about 5pm. The drive through Kent was uneventful – all rather tired and winding down.
Return to Paris
The last 2 days we have been in Paris – a return trip for us but some different things to see this time. We arrived in Paris via the little town of Beaune where we enjoyed strolling the shops, the local farmers market, cafe au lait and yummy chocolate eclairs!
We spent yesterday afternoon on a tour around Le Louvre capturing different exhibits to our last visit and another look at Mona. Then to our hotel to freshen up before dinner – our room looks out on the Seine River and we also have a view of the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Cote A’zure-Cannes, Provence and Lyon
A nice paddle this morning in beautiful waters and a walk on the golden sand (brought from Africa) at Cannes followed by coffee ($16 NZ for 2). (The beach at Nice is large round pebbles.) Viewed the handprints of the rich and famous outside the Convention Centre where the film festival is held each year and watched all the activity as the waterfront was set up for a pleasure boat festival starting tomorrow – just as well Mark has to keep moving!
An afternoon in Monaco
A pleasant drive this morning through Carerra marble country and Pinocchio land to The leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower is much more beutiful than pictures do justice to – lovely marble structure with a definite lean! Another hot day too!
On to Monaca (via France for the 3rd time this trip). Monaco is tiny but opulent – beautiful harbour and boats, buildings and of course the casino where we had a quick look but resisted a spend! walked along the racetrack and enjoyed gelatos and espresso as we gazed about. Climbed the hill to the palace and then enjoyed dinner al fresco at Freddy’s International Cafe – great food.
St Francis and Florence (Firenze)
An early morning visit without the crowds to the double Basilica of St Francis of Assisi – with beautiful frescos by Giotto – really liked this church both for masterpieces and serenity. Also viewed relics of St Francis and his tomb.
Then on to Florence – quite a drive but our turn in the front seat. Apparently unseasonably hot here for this time of year so time in the bus is not always a bad thing. We wandered the Piazza del Duomo with it’s stunning intricately carved cathedral in red, white and green marble, baptistry with the golden “gates of paradise” and of course we stood in awe in front of the original David by Michaelangelo – some 5.17 metres high and anatomically correct! Also saw several other of his unfinished sculptures “the slaves” – never completed as Michaelangelo was ordered to paint the Sistene Chapel instead. Crossed the Ponte Vecchio the covered bridge over the Arno River on which Florence is located. Not enough time for the Uffizi gallery this visit – home of finest collection of Renaissance Art donated to Florence by the Medici family.
Pompeii, Amalfi Coast & Isle of Capri
Headed out of Rome early this morning to beat the traffic – down the coast past Mount Vesuvius and the city of Pompeii which was buried when the mountain erupted in 79 AD. Guided tour around the ruins which are awe inspiring and restored so can see how the streets, houses and shops etc were laid out. Sweltering hot and dusty! On down the coast to Sorrento where we had lunch in the shade on a mozzarella farm. Then into mini buses to drive along the Amalfi Coast to the town of Postitano – amazing narrow winding streets clinging to the cliffs bustling with cars and scooters – on 3 turns the mini bus had to back up – in one case twice! – to negotiate tight corners. Inspected the beach – pebbles with deck chairs laid on every square metre and warm Mediterranean water. Cocktails at a beach front bar before walk back up the hill to the bus. Overnight in Sorrento.
The next morning went by fast ferry to the Isle of Capri – 5 km at the closest point off Naples – where we spent a delightful morning – admired the stunning cliffs and crystal clear water below, houses of the rich and famous and boutiques along the steep alley ways. Would not like to live or holiday here though as many of the properties only have walking access and it is a loooong way down to the beach and any boat moored there- luxury or otherwise. Again super hot day, about 35degrees so a long cool drink and pizza on the deck in the shade overlooking the sea was luxury for us.
The Pope and the Gladiators – Rome now and then
We started the morning with a visit to the Vatican Museums, opulent in the extreme and housing a magnificent collection of art works, and tapestries, and the gallery of maps. We then walked through to the Sistene Chapel and spent a good while admiring the ceiling and altar wall decorated by Michelangelo some 25 years apart – all with the expert commentary of a local Italian woman as guide. Rather overwhelming when you get the real low-down on the symbolism and meaning in each panel. Then into St Peter’s Basilica – more opulence and magnificence. Apparently the Pope returned from his summer home today – and held an audience a “stone’s throw” from us and blessed everyone and everything within 1 mile so we were blessed while we had early lunch across the road! The guide then took us on to other sites around the city including St Paul’s Outside the Wall – another magnificent church, one of four churches of great significance – obviously not visited by every tourist as not as crowded as some of the other sites visited!
On to Rome
Left Venice this morning, another overcast start with the promise of sun. Through the last plains of Veneto into the Appenine Hills, past Ferrara and Bologna (of sauce fame) and into Tuscany and Umbria. Progressively drier s we go south with characteristic villas and landscapes of olive trees and vineyards.
Reaching Rome in good time to sweltering heat and sun – time for a quick rest up before a drive-by of the Roman forum and Colusseum to whet the appetite for tomorrow. We then walked into Piazza Navona, admired the monuments, and visited the Pantheon – the oldest original Roman building now preserved as a basilica. This visit was enlivened by a German group on a pilgrimage taking part in a mass, and then admiring the artwork. A couple of ‘roman guards” were quick to seize us for a photo opportunity and a few euros. Dinner was back in the outdoor Piazza Navona – antipasta, pasta, veal and salad, frozen chocolate dessert confection and wonderful coffee. There is no way I can diet here!! The piazza is lit at night and full of painters, music and atmosphere.