New feet needed

If only my feet didn't hurt I'd be out and about every minute. As it is, I am on the move as much as possible. Today was a measley 5000 steps to this point. The weather is spectacular and according to a local source, much warmer than usual for this time of year. Bonus! Of course, my long-sleeved shirts linger in the closet, quite bored. They will vie for my attention when we are in Amsterdam, I'm sure.

Today I hired a driver to take me to a few places off the beaten track in the northeast corner of the island. First stop - the Red Tower, also known as St Agatha's tower. It was built in 1649 by the Knights of St John to protect the coast from invasion. The government keeps it painted a deep ochre shade and it's most impressive, able to be seen from quite far away. The tower itself wasn't open, but the views in the area are spectacular.

From there I could see Comino and beyond it, Gozo. The ferry port is visible as are the ferries that go between Malta and Gozo. Passengers ferries also go from Valletta but if you want to take a car, you must leave from the northern port. 

We drove past the White Tower, about which I know absolutely nothing. I gave some thought to inventing a story about it, but opted to ask ChatGPT. And here's what information came back:

The buildings in the foreground are holiday homes, privately owned. Nobody in residence today.

The White Tower, also known as Aħrax Tower or Torre di Lacras, is a historic watchtower overlooking Armier Bay in Mellieħa, Malta. Constructed in 1658 during the rule of Grand Master Martin de Redin, it was part of a series of coastal fortifications designed to protect the island from maritime threats. The tower's strategic location made it the northernmost fortification on Malta's main island.

Now it's known that AI does hallucinate from time to time, but for the moment let's just give it credit for the information.

We moved on past the Coral Lagoon where two very hardy souls were immersed in the crystal clear turquoise water. I asked the driver how much nicer it was possible for the Blue Lagoon in Comino to be. he assured me that the waters there were even more spectacular. In summer, everyone with a boat chooses that as their destination. 

Comino in the distance - uninhabited now, but enjoyed by thousands at the Blue Lagoon in summer

The White Tower from the Coral Lagoon

The tip-top northern corner of Malta is home to the Blue Hole. You have to walk from the Coral Lagoon. It's very close, a few hundred metres, but the ground is pitted limestone, with lots of crumbled bits. It surprised me to see that someone had constructed an Inuksuk. Well, not quite, but a good try.

Almost there - I can see the hole

Beautiful - except for those plastic bottles floating around

Just to prove that I was there

This point offered an even better overlook than the Red Tower and was worth the climb. Except ---

Malta is a very clean place. They are conscientious about recycling and I haven't seen any litter at all, anywhere. Each day is designated for compostible waste, recycling or regular garbage. Just put yours out  the the appropriately coloured bag, on the curb on the designated day and it will be collected.

Back to my story, floating in the Blue Hole, carved by the sea out of the limestone, were several plastic bottles. It really took away from the wonder of the spot. I believe you can kayak from the open water through one of the arches, but there were no kayakers out today.

On the way back, I had Jurgen stop to take a picture of a house that looks like it's being eaten by a tree.

The small shuttered homes seen in this area are holiday homes. They are quite small and none seemed to be occupied at the moment. 

We made a stop at a pretty white chapel where Mass is celebrated every Sunday. Sadly, it was completely locked up so it was impossible to see the interior. 

The final "tour" stop was at the (unoccupied) Selmun Castle. It could be quite spectacular to visit if furnished. Built in 1783 by the Knights it was a summer residence and a meeting place for hunting. Across the road was a replica of a small farmhouse complex, again not open. As for the hunting - the area is completely rocky and there was no sign of anything you might want to hunt. So, what did they shoot? 

The private tour ended when I asked the driver to drop me off at Welbees grocery store to pick up a few things. From there it was all downhill - literally and figuratively. I had shopping bags with me and distributed my purchases between the two. Then it was a downhill walk back "home." 

Now that I've put away the groceries, eaten lunch and enjoyed a Cisk, I'm relaxing with my feet up. They are grateful not to be load-bearing at the moment. I think I'll have a nap on the terrace. After all, it's there to be enjoyed.