Magnificent Malta

I’m not sure when I stopped doing so much research before arriving in new ports, but Malta was the biggest surprise yet. This rocky country is actually three islands between Tunisia and Sicily that are part of the EU. The heritage is both Muslim and European and the official languages are Maltese and English, yet the street signs are also in Arabic. It’s a long and passionately fought history that includes nearly every early and late civilization that traversed that part of the sea.

What amazed us was the grandeur of the many classical Roman buildings that line the harbour entrance like . It is the grandest entrance we have ever made, and also the most narrow channel to our berth we’ve ever had to navigate, requiring an escort to ensure no other boats were coming or going.

The two sides of Valletta are connected by efficient and inexpensive water taxis, and then an elevator takes you up to the historic walled city high above the sea. It is fortified, imposing and impressive. If I were looking to take over an island back in the day, I would not have chosen to mess with Malta.

In a competition of opulence between the Vatican and the Knights of St. John, I think the Knights would win. We toured just one of the seven megalithic temples built by the Knights and I can’t believe I haven’t read a Dan Brown book taking place here. In August, the different neighborhoods and churches take turns celebrating their patron Saint. Each evening we were surprised with fireworks, marching bands, church bells and holiday lights from a different direction. It was fascinating and awesome.

We were in Malta for more than ten days while Captain Osman traveled home to visit family (our first docking without him and we nailed it!). We explored the blue lagoon - literally, the world’s biggest natural swimming pool - the ‘silent city’ of Mdina (dating back 4000 years), a popular swimming spot, and several primordial caves.

I have no doubt the grand walls in Malta hold secrets and mysteries of bygone worlds, but they are as silent and serene as limestone.