MALTA: Gozo – Small, Charming & Delicious

After three action-packed days in Malta, I was ready for the relative calm of Gozo. As it turns out, the days were peaceful but filled with activity nonetheless since Katharina wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything of importance. She is a hostess with the mostess and is truly cut from the same cloth as my parents who were generous to a fault and she knows how to treat a guest. I’ve always been used to giving this sort of treatment, but rarely do I actually accept it.

MY GOZITAN SUITE – The view was amazing – Katharina drove me all over the island for three days.

THE WAVES CRASH AND THE WATER COLLECTS IN THE POOLS

THEN IT DRIES AND LEAVES THE SEA SALT

IT CREATES A BEAUTIFUL TEXTURE IN FRONT OF THE SEA AND SKY

AND IT ENABLES THIS MAN TO EARN A LIVING

IT-TIEQA TAZ-ZERQA – The Azure Window, was formed by the waves pounding on the lower soft strata of the rock for thousands of years. Recently the island’s most famous formation collapsed into the ocean, but I think this one holds its own.

Dwejra Point – Id-Dwejra is a true gem of the Maltese Islands. Its uniqueness lies in its complex geological, ecological and historical all concentrated in a relatively small area. In the areas of id-Dwejra and il-Qawra, around the inland sea, there are indications of serious activity during Punic, Roman, and Medieval times. This makes it a site of extraordinary heritage value.

Were you aware that the original shallow style coupe champagne glasses were designed with Marie Antionette’s breast in mind, that it might accommodate the shape of the receptacle? Actually it’s a fun myth brought to mind by the formation depicted above.

DEEP BLUE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

WATCHTOWER – These are found all around the island given the tendency of other countries to attack it throughout the ages.

FOX DANIELS – Avant-Garde Artist, Interior Designer, and Creative Savant. She is also resistant to smiling in photographs as demonstrated here in her attempt to suppress a gleeful expression. I did however catch her laughing with a gleaming smile, but did not publish it out of respect. Instead, I sent it to her in order that she might see how pleasing it is. Here she is standing outside of a newly renovated and decorated flat with three bedrooms that is due to be listed on Airbnb. It’s in the best neighborhood on Gozo, has top quality mattresses and linens, a beautifully appointed kitchen, and even a small pool. It’s five stars all the way.

This bed is larger than a California King!

One of Fox’s paintings resides above this bed. She has well-heeled collectors all over the world.

Strangely enough, she permitted herself to be photographed smiling in this photo which I obtained from Katharina Booth. As you can see it’s a great smile, and the Pucci dress is not too shabby either.

Two scorpionfish await their fate at the hands of a famished diner.

BEEF WELLINGTON WITH MOREL SAUCE – A Rare Find – Truly Delicious

XLENDI – Sanap Cliffs – This area, which forms the southwestern part of the village of Munxar, is characterized by the high cliffs known as Sanap cliffs. The surrounding are a grazing site for sheep and goats.

Snap Cliffs offer an unparalleled view of the south coast of the island of Gozo

It’s like Ireland’s Atlantic Way all over again except without the rain and with that beautiful blue sea thrown in for good measure.

RED SAND BEACH

TAL-GGANTIJA – Unesco World Heritage Site

Different types of stone were used in the construction of the temples.

The wine cellar and the offerings in the local gourmet shop are so good that people from the mainland take the ferry over to do their shopping here. Katharina and I stocked up on Lindt chocolate.

CITTADELLA

The Citadella was beautifully restored, and the exhibits brought up to meet high standards.

AMPHORA COLLECTION – Malta’s Roman Period

ROMAN ANCHORS – Lead anchor stocks and collars retrieved from Gozitan waters.

FULL ANCHOR – Utilizing lead stocks and collars. Most of the anchor is constructed of wood.

Roman Sculpture – Romulus and Remus

BEAUTIFUL CEILING IN THE GUNPOWDER ROOM OF THE ARMORY

A perfect day on Gozo. It gets very hot in the summer so make sure and visit at the end of April or beginning of May.

                                       Katarina’s Compound

ARCHES COMMON IN CONVERTED LIMESTONE MALTESE FARMHOUSES

A wonderful mix of art and antiques really fits beautifully. The top left is an abstract by a Maltese artist. Bottom right is a lovely portrait of Katharina when she was fifteen.

ANTIQUE BARBER’S CHAIR – Beautifully reupholstered, it has a mechanism to enable the back of chair to recline.

RECLINED POSITION

THE MARINA – The place you pick up the ferry.

FISH WITH A PISTACHIO NUT CRUST

DESSERT COMBO – Mango Panna Cotta, Lemon Tart, Chocolate Mousse Pod

KATHARINA – Winner of 2017 Host of the Year

CRYSTAL STARLIGHT FIXTURE – Last aesthetic touch from Casa Katharina.

PULLING OUT OF THE MARINA HARBOR

Although I left Gozo behind, Katharina brought her car to drop me off at the airport on Malta. Even hanging out at the airport was pleasant. Off to Tunisia for six days.