The Maltese Calypso

24 Jun - 01 Jul 06
Joe, Kieran and Sinead joined me on my annual trip to Malta. I visit the island each year to mainly see my Grandad, who at 93 years old still going strong! However, this year was a little bit different after Joe, Kieran and Sinead all agreed that they quite fancied a holiday and I was only too happy for them to come along with me.

Our week together included sun worshipping, people watching on the beach, several games of bat & ball in the sea - we were determined to beat our record of 10 consecutive hits (and no, we didn't seem to improve), battles against the jelly fish, world cup football games and celebrations, a bit of sight seeing and lots of eating...! PURE BLISS!

We hired a car for the week and took off to somewhere new each day - Melliha Bay, Golden Bay, Blue Grotto, Blue Lagoon - Comino, Sliema, Mdina, Valetta, St. Julians, we even managed to fit in a charity concert on Manuel Island in which Bob Geldof was headlining.

It seems Joe has contacts in the celeb world, and so when I saw Bob Geldof was going to be in Malta for a charity gig, Joe did no more then get us VIP tickets. It was a good evening, we watched tribute bands to U2 (New 2) and Queen (Killer Queen), and 2 Maltese acts Ira Lusco and Winter Moods before Bob Geldof came on... does anyone know any Geldof songs? Nope, we didn't either except... "I don't like Mondays" seemed to be the only one we could belt out, but even still he put on a good show and we can now say we have seen him live.

An eventful day trip to the Blue Grotto was to follow, beautiful caves, the bright sunshine shone down to glisten on the gorgeous clear water where we had a relaxing swim... until... a nasty little (I mean huge... it was massive ;o)) jelly fish came along and stung me! I think it was revenge for us flinging them half way across the Med whenever one crossed our path whilst playing bat "n" ball. I can safely say it stung like hell, and no, no one wee'd on my arm to sooth the pain - I opted for the less embarrassing option of vinegar!!

Now the World Cup, a worldwide extravaganza even in a small country where their national team is made up of part - time players and fail to win a game time and time again. However, don't be fooled and think they do not get behind the beautiful game... screens were EVERY WHERE! And when England or Italy were playing the island turned into footballs biggest fans with wins for both teams whilst we were out there meant it was carnival time!!!! Hordes of people took to the streets, waving flags, beeping horns. The amount of times we heard "Vindaloo" being played in a bar in Bugibba bordelined "cringe-worthy". A fantastic atmosphere, very jovial, which was a pleasant, change from the packed out, musty pubs we are used to back home.

Mum and Dad joined us for the 2nd half our week on return from a short European cruise. Dad was only too pleased to take us to a local village to watch the Spain vs. France match and eat & drink amongst the local Maltesers - Sinead and Joe loved that, so thanks Dad.
Mum and Dad were pleased to have us there, and enjoyed giving us all a historical tour of Mdina, the Silent City and played perfect hosts.

Anyway, I could go on (and think I already have), but these are a few highlights of what was a fantastic week. Thanks to Joe, Kieran and Sinead for making it memorable and enjoying a country that is my 2nd home. Here's to Malta Part II after I return from my backpacking adventure!