Whilst 2013 was a quiet year for travel (certainly a quiet year for this blog) I did get to spend a week in Malta which is worth writing some notes about here.
One of the surprising things was that there is a reciprocal agreement between the UK National Trust and its Maltese equivalent. I found this out after paying to visit the Red Tower, but later visited a couple more sites around the island. They were all defensive towers of some sort or other (and would only have cost a euro or two to visit anyway!)
Other interesting historic sites included underground second world war bunkers and the Parish Church at Mellieha. The bunkers were especially notable, as I visited at a time when I was the only person there. To be wondering along dark, low bunkers (which stretch for many hundreds of yards) on your own was really quite eerie (especially when they had a few mannequins dotted about!)
Getting around the island was aided by the comprehensive bus network - not necessarily quick (and occasionally crowded at rush hour) but a day ticket was good value. A trip to the capital, Valletta, was well worthwhile. There was lots to see around the town, in particular the old city walls (and also the big bell shown below which warned people not to get too close before it rang!). The Cathedral (St Johns) was impressive, and also had a lot of Maltese history with its knights and grand masters. The National War Museum was occasionally random but had some interesting displays, particularly on Malta's role in WWII and how they came to be awarded the George Cross. The national Museum of Fine Art was a bit hidden away, and not necessarily a lot to find when you got there! One thing to note - the town is very hilly - between the city walls and the sea front you will go up and down twice if you pick the wrong route through!
A day trip to Gozo was also a highlight. The capital Victoria in particular is very impressive, particularly up on the city walls. From here you can see across the whole island as you walk round. There is also a Cathedral to visit (as well as many other churches across the island), and more national trust sites on the coast.
The British influence in Malta is still clear, despite having its independence for many years. Post boxes are of a traditional British design, and many British shops are here, including Marks and Spencer, Burton and BHS! Being there before Christmas decorations were as prevalent there as they would be back in the UK, both street decorations and trees (including one made out of plastic bottles!) and also school children on a "Santa train" going through the streets. One thing that isn't British is the TV, which is many local or Italian. However one very useful part was that any US imports on certain channels were played out in English rather than being dubbed into Italian meaning there was something to watch!
