The plan was to head for Mdina. The only part of the plan that was not set, however, was the transport. A taxi would cost 21E each way and take about 25 minutes. A tour bus would cost about 15E each and take a couple of hours. We decided to take public transport. This cost 2.60E each and took about an hour.
Great choice, as it turned out. It gave us a chance to have closer look at Malta as we made our way round. It reminded the Gorse Fox of the North African cities you see in the films. Narrow streets, an air of dilapidation on the outside, tall narrow buildings vying for space. The other impression it gives is that of one mugs metropolis, with no visible demarcation from one town to the next, until you get to middle of the island, where there is some precious open space.
In the middle of the Island rises a bluff. Perched on the bluff is the ancient walled city of Mdina. This is well worth the visit. From the walls you can peer down over the whole island, but within the walls is place of significant peace and tranquility (at least until the tour groups invade the Cathedral). Wonderful place, well worth the visit.
Back at the hotel we had some tea and made for the sun deck. The Silver Vixen wanted some rays and the Gorse Fox wanted a swim. Suffice it to say, Thailand is still preferred for swimming. The pool was very cold (compared to what GF was expecting).
2 comments:
Enjoy the cruise.
If you have time, get to see the old citadel of Birgu opposite Valetta, where the Knights of St John fought off the might of the Ottoman Empire in 1565. Ernle Bradford's book 'The Great Siege' tells the story.
Mdina was saved by the stratagem of dressing up everyone in the town in uniform, women included, and putting them on the ramparts. The Turks had lost so many troops already that they decided not to attack such a seemingly strong defence.
Enjoy your stay in Malta, a place I have to visit someday. As Laban says, try for Birgu, it was key to the defence - though I doubt anyone will mention the 400 tons of canabis the Turkish Janissaries are reputed to have smoked during the seige - presumably in preparation for the injuries and wounds they expected to receive ...
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