Malta

So, since the stop in Tunisia was abandoned, Malta was added a 2nd time. I'm not sure why we didn't stop at another port since we are still scheduled to stop in Malta on the way back, but I am quite sure it is about money. Seems the things on this ship are all about money, they charge for things that are standard on Princess and that takes some getting used to. But the ship is beautiful, the most beautiful I have been on and the cabins are also wonderful. It's great to be with Terry and Peter too. Dinner is interesting, so many different kinds of people in our world! And a good cross sample of them are on this ship.

I wasn't sure what to expect in Malta but the captain said sailing in was like sailing into Venice. I couldn't imagine that, but I have to agree, it was a beautiful arrival! Cloudy skies, but that is okay with me, it means cool temps too. This island is quite fascinating! So much history and we even passed ancient monoliths, that were built before Stonehenge! It is called prehistory because it was before any written records were kept. So many countries have been here and we had a great guide that shared interesting information. The cities are built in walled areas, walls that are 20 meters thick!! Something to see! We stopped for photo stops and had time to wander through a fishing village. Unfortunately it was so cold that there were stores or craft stands open. That was a shame but as I walked around I did have the opportunity to talk to some local people. It seemed many spoke English, even the older ones. I think my pictures will be great and show the interesting things. All buildings are built with Malta limestone. The large domes are painted with a red paint that protects the frescos that are painted inside because the weather would ruin them otherwise. We went to a church that has the 3rd largest dome in Europe. The largest is St. Sophia Mosque in Istanbul and the 2nd is the Vatican. Another accomplishment now that I have seen the 3 largest domes in Europe. Who'd have ever thought that?

I was saddened to see two dogs wandering around the fishing village so I asked about them. Their 38 year old owner died and no one wants the dogs because they are big. That broke my heart! They just wander around and it was so cold, poor little orphans! I had a cheese sandwich and tried to give it to one of the dogs but she just wanted to be petted instead. Yes I would have brought them both home if I could. I hope that someone will take them in for the cold winter, but no one seemed to care. At least they said the shop owners help feed them, but no shops were even open today.

On another positive note, I learned about the Maltese Cross, and yes the maltese dogs do come from here, but I didn't see any of them. We saw the beautiful blue grotto and the caves that the first people lived in, the ones who built the massive 'temples'.

Tomorrow we are at sea and Wednesday we arrive in Athens. We are expecting winds of over 50 knots an hour and the captain hopes to get past the 20 ft waves soon and be ahead of the storm. We have to go quickly part of the way so hopefully I will sleep during the most rocky part.

And that, my friends, was my day in Malta!