May 27 - Last look at Malta

We are home and I have been thinking of what stood out for me during our holiday in Malta. There were so many small experiences and although our time didn’t allow us to do everything, I think that for us it was enough.

Our holiday apartment was in the old section of Valletta and of one thing I am sure. If we had stayed for any longer, I would have opted for a more modern hotel. Our apartment was on the fourth floor and thank goodness there was a miniature elevator because the stairs were pretty much a nightmare. I think that every step was a different height and there was no hand railing. We only had to negotiate six steps but that was enough! The main door of the antiquated building fronted onto a pedestrian only alley way – a bit scary at night! In spite of all this, the location was excellent as it was right in the middle of the city’s historical centre.

That is what I will remember most about Malta...the history!  Fortunately, anthropologists have been able to piece together much of it. For instance, we saw two pottery vases that experts estimate came from around 2,000 BC. In fact, there is some evidence that Maltese culture predates even the Egyptian pyramids.

Politically Malta is also a mix. Conflicts between Islam and Christianity prompted the Construction of Fort Elmo to guard the entrance to the Grand Harbour and the tunnelling of underground escape routes for the early Knights of St. John. In more recent times, these same tunnels were used as bomb shelters during World War Two. In 1989, Malta was chosen as the location for Bush and Gorbachev to sign the treaty to end the Cold War. Malta still stands in a strategic position in modern times as there is dispute around the Suez Canal.

Malta was a fascinating place to visit. It isn’t the easiest place to get around for anyone with mobility issues but we did see three other white cane users while we were in Valletta. One man had an identity cane and the other two were using long mobility canes. We weren’t sure, but Lyle thought that the men might have been passengers from visiting cruise ships.

Now for the pictures. We took the first picture at the main gate into Valletta and looking across to the city wall. The second picture was taken inside Fort Elmo. I am standing in front of a very large anchor from a former sailing ship. The last picture is my favourite. Lyle and I are standing with the waters of the Grand Harbour behind us, with Fort Elmo in the distance. 

 

Sue at the main gate into Valletta

Sue at Fort Elmo in front of large anchors

Sue and Lyle standing in front of the Grand Harbour

 

Thanks to all of you for joining me as I have reminisced about Malta. I hope that you have enjoyed travelling with me.