We boarded the coach about 9:15 so we didn't have to worry about messing up hairdos on the open top level. Malta is not very big but it has so much to offer the tourist, historian, oenologist, and just plain sightseers and shoppers. I'll tell you right off the bat we've not shopped at all - except for food and the odd treat. That may come to an end soon.
It wasn't a long drive to the Blue Grotto and our guide described the sites along the way in English and in German. He threw in a lot of personal anecdotes that added nothing to his narrative, but he was keen and we did learn a few things.
When the bus, er coach, parked at the Blue Grotto we had the option of enjoying a lovely cafe that most likely had pastizzi, or take a boat ride. We opted to walk down the rather steep hill to get tickets and take the boat ride. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny, and the sea was calm. The procedure looked rather haphazard at first, but it turned out to be very efficient.
We paid our €10 each per ticket and wandered down another rather steep slope to the dock. Each boat had a "captain" and held up to about 10 people. The line moved right along and we really didn't wait. Once aboard we were given lifejackets that were probably made the year I was born. Let's just say "not brand new." Then our "captain" drove the "ship" out along the coast where we saw the island of Filfla in the distance. It's uninhabited and a bird colony. I took a useless photo because it was a bit far away, but easily seen. As we motored along the coast we could see lots of different surfaces to the rock, Maltese Limestone from which everything is built.
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Setting out to sea to see the Blue Grotto |
We were soon near the caves and noted the amazing Caribbean blue water. Our captain/driver named the different caves, none of which I caught except for the actual Blue Grotto. There were windows through some of the rocks and I managed to capture a couple, along with the heads of my fellow passengers. It was certainly worth the price of the excursion at sea.
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The water was so clear and had such an amazing colour |
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The surface of the limestone ranges from smooth to very rough |
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View from the top, above the caves It was a nice place to pause on the steep climb back up to the coach |
Then, of course, we had to go back up that steep hill we'd walked down. Somehow it wasn't as much fun, and I haven't gotten any fitter yet, but as we continue to encounter hills everywhere, maybe that will happen. LOL
Once the two stragglers were aboard the coach, off we went to Marsaxlokk. We passed a couple of vineyards but obviously it's not grape season because they bore no fruit. There are quite a few of these on the island and I should learn more on Friday during the wine-tasting adventure.
Marsaxlokk, being the destination for the entire population on Sundays, required a 10-minute walk from where the coach parked, to the start of the market. It looked like any other flea market, except for the varieties of fish available for sale. We ignored the fish and sought pastizzi but found none. We had to compromise with Maltese pastries of a different sort - and were not disappointed.
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It was difficult to choose which one to enjoy |
The harbour is very pretty and there were a number of Luzzus - the brightly painted boats this area is noted for. There is a movie "Luzzu" which is available on some streaming service but I can't remember which one. Maybe I'll watch it now.
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| A Luzzu beside the harbour |
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| Peaceful spot by the harbour to take a break |
And then, as it was only a half-day tour, we got back on the coach for the trip to Qawra where we are staying. By the way, "Q" is silent in the Maltese language. It had been quite warm without much but a slight wafting breeze at the market. Once we stepped off the coach we were almost blown away by a cool breeze that seems constant here. We are across the road from the shoreline and it's always breezy.
Now we're relaxing, having done a bit of grocery shopping, and will get supper organized soon. I'm not sure what the guys are doing tomorrow but I'm off on the bus to check out the shopping. My feet are not completely happy in the shoes I have with me so perhaps a new pair of (substantial) sneakers is in order.
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