Mark & Gill

Nice sleep in this morning, a chance to read and get sorted and plan ahead for Tuscany in 2 days.

Did go shopping in Sliema – a nice lunch on the waterfront and home for seista like all good locals. Again very hot so the air conditioning is much appreciated at that time of day and our beach plans were shelved. Not a lot of shade on beaches but can hire a lounger and umbrella  in some areas. The beaches here are mainly rocky as coastline is quite rugged. There are a few beaches with smallish areas of golden sand – also saw a nice smooth rock beach today on Sliema waterfront – you find a patch with the right elevated head/foot rest (both if you are lucky) and away you go.

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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!

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A little expedition today to Gozo – the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago – 30 minutes by ferry from Malta. Very efficient ferry service – no queues – drive up and on and away you go! (some good timing from Matt as well). Steeped in history like the rest of Malta, from the era of the Knights of St John, apparently Gozo is where in the legend the nymph Calypso held the Greek hero enthralled for 7 years originated from.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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