MALTA: Perpetually Under Siege – Country #85

Posted by on Apr 28, 2017 in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Punchdrunk from the Italian trifecta of Rome, Florence and Venice, I blew into Malta after a couple of delayed flights and a double dose of airport security shuffle. I met a nice guy from Finland waiting in line to check in on my last flight and we shared a cab into the city where we both were staying. On the flight the in-flight magazine had an article about Maltese restaurants, and I headed for Ta’ Kris that had rabbit which received a lot of praise from TripAdvisor. The rabbit was as good as any I’d had in France, and the authentic desserts were delicious. Tomorrow will be get my bearings day.

Malta is a country that has been perpetually under siege throughout its history. It is now finally at peace, and has also since achieved independence.

TA’ KRIS – This phenomenal Maltese restaurant made up for my questionable choice for a home base in Sliema. It turns out that the best place to base yourself is in Valletta because buses to all destinations head out of Valletta. However, I would have missed this amazing restaurant which I dined in for three nights in a row! Amazing authentic Maltese specialties, pleasant waitstaff, and a charming environment at a reasonable price make this a winner any way you slice it. It is located close to the ferry in Sliema so I would just stop in on my return from Valletta at the end of the day.

Such a cheerfully colored cat until you get to his milky scarred eye.

SEASIDE WALK TO THE FERRY FROM MY HOSTEL

Ah yes, Valletta beckons in the distance as I make the crossing in the ferry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VALLETTA’S WATERFRONT FACES THE THREE CITIES

 

 

SALUTING BATTERY THAT FIRES AT NOON

VITTORIOSA – Home of fortresses, charming alleyways and megayachts.

ISLA

UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS

WINSTON CHURCHILL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE NOBLE MONICA DE PIRO D’AMICO – 1909-2004

 

 

BOMB SHELTERS – Stairs leading to the bomb shelter. These were not just for the one percent. People in the neighborhood were welcome to take refuge here. Malta was more thoroughly bombed than London during the Blitz. I found this to be a rather shocking piece of data which probably explains the Maltese fondness for fireworks.

THE FIRST AND SMALLER SHELTER

STAIRWAY TO THE LOWER AND LARGER SHELTER

Steel reinforcements to prevent cave ins. These shelters were originally cisterns for water storage, and they were drained and retrofitted in WWII.

Sixty people could take shelter here with plenty of elbow room to spare. The house manage to avoid damage during the war, but many buildings weren’t so lucky.

 

 

 

Heading back to Sliema for a tasty meal at Ta’ Kris.

 

 

                                            Mdina

MDINA – This was a handy tip from Katharina my soon to be host in Gozo. I walked through the gated to find the Medieval Festival in full swing replete with historical re-enactments, authentic foods and pageantry. Thanks for the great suggestion Katharina.

JUST IN TIME FOR MEDIEVAL RE-ENACTMENTS

 

DRUMMERS GO AT IT AS THE TRUMPETERS WAIT THEIR TURN

 

DUELING FLAGS

A cordial, well-informed and authentically dressed guide complete with dagger.

 

 

 

 

 

An elegant Lady with daughter, her lady in waiting, and her servant.

 

 

FELIX AQUILINA – Purveyor of Jewelry – Neolithic and Bronze Age Pebble Pendants

His pieces utilize patterns and images from historic pieces found at archaeological sites and housed in local museums. They are nicely made, unique and quite reasonable. You can find Felix’s pieces at templeartsmalta.com

 

 

 

 

Time for the bus back to Valletta and the subsequent ferry to Sliema.

Valletta recedes as my lamb shank dinner at Ta’ Kris awaits on the other side.

VINTAGE CITROEN I ENCOUNTERED ON THE WAY BACK TO MY HOSTEL

 

 

 

                                                     Qrendi

 

 

 

 

A parking lot full of compelling vehicles for my friend Pierre in Guadeloupe. Pierre is a fellow world traveler who want to up the ante and spend more of his time in this endeavor.

 

 

 

 

Neolithic Fertility Statue

HÅGAR QIM TEMPLE – The cover is there to prevent further deterioration from the elements.

 

 

 

 

 

This one of the largest single blocks found in any temple on the Maltese Islands. It is 6.4 meters long and close to 20 tons.

 

 

 

 

Hågar Qim Altar – 3600-2500BC

 

MNAJDRA TEMPLES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MALTESE STONE TEMPLES PREDATE THE GREAT PYRAMID IN EGYPT

 

 

 

 

THE VENUS OF MALTA – This priceless artifact from Hågar Qim is a remarkable representation which reflects a high level of artistic achievements in modeling. In particular, the back of this figurine reflects a very realistic rendering of anatomical features.

 

TEMPLE MODEL – Temple Period 3600-2500BC

 

STONE BLOCK DEPICTING FOUR FISH FROM BUGIBBA TEMPLE

 

SAMAR – A mega-yacht that I saw parked in Monaco in 2015.

A FLOATING OBSCENITY

 

 

 

 

Marine Le Pen was defeated by Emanuel Macron in France on May 7th. ensuring the EU’s survival.

LOCATION OF A POLITICAL RALLY EARLIER IN THE DAY

ISLA- I wandered about the streets and failed to encounter any of the excellence referred to in this sign.

For example, the place was pretty shabby for the most part.

I ran into this poor fellow going in the opposite direction a good twenty minutes before. He probably covered about 100 meters in that time. Here he is arriving at his favorite store only to find it shut on the holiday. Crestfallen, he must now begin the trek home which thankfully is downhill.

 

 

 

Another choice and final meal at Ta’ Kris. After such a long day visiting the temples, the Museum of Archaeology and the Three Cities, I was so hungry I could eat a horse, so I did. Tenderloin of horse on a bed of mashed potatoes. Karen’s going to kill me.

 

OFF TO GOZO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

12 Comments

  1. Dinachka and Miachka
    April 28, 2017

    Off to a good start! Have fun!

  2. Jason
    May 1, 2017

    I am all caught up again and waiting for the next installment. Perfect way to spend a monday morning. I am thinking I may be packing to much into my days lately so I decided to start my week nice a slow out of the gate. But life is good and I am appreciating your friendship and this awesome experience you have created. See you in Venice! More selfies! lol The one with your head in the dome was pretty amazing. Also realizing its best to visit your site on a full stomach. Your food photography is making my hangry!

  3. Jason
    May 1, 2017

    Hangry is not the typo as you know however the food is making me hangry not my hangry just to clarify. 🙂

  4. The Travel Zealot
    May 2, 2017

    Will Be.

  5. The Travel Zealot
    May 2, 2017

    Oh my God,
    The food in Malta has been great. The food in Venice was most enjoyable as well. It’s been a real food fest for the last two months. It’s a good thing I’ve been walking five miles a day.

  6. The Travel Zealot
    May 5, 2017

    Just hold onto your hat Jason the food situation gets even more compelling and mouth watering. They could do no wrong on Malta. From the best caprese salad I have ever eaten with succulent tomatoes and melt in your mouth buflalo mozzarella to perfectly cooked local swordfish. I had six perfect sit down meals in a row on Malta. The street food was amazing as well. Prepare to be very hangry. This has been an amazing world food tour this year, and I’m just getting started. Anthony Bourdain move over!

  7. Karen Devers
    May 8, 2017

    The cities of Malta look like they are floating on the water and the artifacts are amazing. I love the tent cover of the temple – that makes a lot of sense. It’s probably nice for the visitors to view it in the shade.

    I loved the photo of the horse, what a beauty. And then you ate horse meat! It just shows our human nature – the aesthetic and the practical. Growing up, we fed our cat raw horse meat every day for her 17 years and she never had a single health problem. Maybe you should try it tartar next time! It’s not something I could eat but that’s just part of the list that includes dogs and guinea pigs. You are more adventurous than me!

    I will have to let Elli know about the re-enactment photos on your website. She will love them. Thanks for including so many.

  8. The Travel Zealot
    May 8, 2017

    Hi Karen,
    Sorry about the horse tenderloin, but it was delicious. Some locals don’t like the tent over the temples, but I was grateful for the shade. It does get hot there in the summer. It feels good to finally get caught up on these posts.

  9. Karen Devers
    May 9, 2017

    No problem with the horse meat. It’s all part of the experience and I’m glad you can partake. I can see how people would dislike the tent, but I think it’s actually very nicely designed. Protecting the shrines and providing shade for visitors are worthwhile endeavors.

  10. The Travel Zealot
    May 9, 2017

    Yeah Karen,
    I thought the tents were well designed and constructed too, and since I hadn’t seen the temples before I didn’t feel that they were a detriment. When I saw the temple without the shade I kind of missed the other ones.

  11. Jason
    May 15, 2017

    I felt like I was in a episode of Game of Thrones, What a amazing place. On to the next post!

  12. The Travel Zealot
    May 15, 2017

    Actually Jason, I think they have filmed Game of Thrones in Malta. Good call.

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