Go the Wrong Way: Oops - we ended up in Malta

We have been in the UK visiting with Rani's Mum and brother as well as various relatives. For various reasons it seemed like a good idea to take a break somewhere warmer and sunnier that could be reached by a cheapo direct flight from Birmingham. That gave us the options of Spain, Portugal, or Malta.

We rented a car to get around here - definitely going the wrong way because this place is one of the most crowded little countries in the world. Add on to that driving on the left and narrow streets and things get really interesting - a bit like a video game at times and an excellent test of one's relationship when the navigator and driver communications break down. So - if you do come here, take the excellent and plentiful buses instead!

Canon at the Portomaso Marina in Saint Julians

Day 1 we walked around the area near our hotel, the Corinthia, which is in Saint Julians. The local architecture in the older areas is lovely using the local limestone (which underlies all of Malta) and consistent vernacular features including window boxes and ornate doorways. The wooden fishing boats (luzzus) have completely plumb stems and a great deal of freeboard. They are painted in colourful schemes with blue appearing predominant. See this article for more info on luzzus.