Reflections of the past are similar to Penelope Livelys return to her home a form of repatriation as I travelled along roads fragranced with jasmine. And tree lined with oleander
and jacaranda.
Visiting Sleima was a delightful day where the vibrancy of Malta is highlighted by this marina and it's a jewel in the Mediterranean. Here I met a friend who had read my blog whilst recovering from an operation. I enjoyed the views across the harbour to Valletta.
A delightful trip around the north of the island brought the reality of Maltas historical significance and many areas are known as world heritage sites.
Valletta the gates built by the Order of St John in 1568 a fine example of baroque architecture. Many historical places are housed in this world heritage site including palaces and gardens.
San Anton Gardens is a site to behold. It was designed by Grandmaster Antoine De Paule (1623-1636). This was his summer residence. Many botanical plants of interest are to be found here.
I travelled also around the Grand Harbour by night Valletta illuminated highlighting it's beautiful bastions and fortifications. Valletta was awarded the GC for its bravery in the siege of 1942.
Mosta a place where I lived 54 years ago and yet it seemed only yesterday I had played within the city. It has the 3rd largest unsupported Church dome in Europe this was built in 1860, close by are the catacombs which have prehistoric remains.
Another delight was a walk through to Bugibba from Qwara stopping at a lovely restaurant called Watercolours this is one of Maltas largest seaside resorts. It also has the the remains of a Bugibba temple near the Dolmen Hotel. Close by is the Oracle Casino bearing similarities of entrance to Monte Carlo.
St Pauls bay delightful fishing village known as "Il Menqa". St Paul was welcomed here and you can see the island called St Pauls island. The locals built a chapel here called St Pauls Shipwreck Chapel. And close by is the Wignacourt Watch Tower built by the Grandmaster (1601-1622). This is the oldest standing for the period of the order of St John.
The Salt plains and L Salina is a lovely area to visit its National Park is a protected area for three endangered species which include the Killfish, a grass and a spider. Access to the gardens are through L'Salina or a top entrance at Bugibba.
The Killfish is also at Ghadira Nature Reserve this also hosts brackish waters and protects flora and forna a special conservation area which is the holder of the Europa Nostra Award.
Malta is also known for its fireworks and festivities visiting these which bring ancient cities to life.
A visit to the South.of the island to Tarxien the home of a Neolithic temple includes bands marching illuminations aerial fireworks and the pride of the feast.
Eighteenth century windmills can be viewed.
Blue Grotto and the sea caves, the traditional Luzzo boats take you into the limestone caves.
Returning to the mainland further along the coast are the Prehistoric temples of Hagar and Mnajadri...
Traditional to Malta a horse racing meet normal ten races..the trotting horses.
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