Guests from Afar

This past weekend we had visitors from Iowa! Our good friends, Al & Cindy Mohling from Cedar Falls, were in the neighborhood and dropped by. This sort of thing doesn't happen very often while we are in Malta, so we were thrilled to have them here.

We gave them the adventure of riding Maltese buses on Saturday morning. First to Valletta, then on to Mdina, and back to Valletta once again.

Moat and walls at Mdina

In Mdina, we were able to visit the old, walled city that we had seen earlier, show them the view of the island from the fortress wall, and enjoy extra-thick hot chocolate and decadent dessert at the Fontanella Tea Garden.

Governor-General's/Presidential Palace, Valletta

We also enjoyed hot from the oven pastizzi -- the Maltese specialty of flaky crust surrounding a ricotta cheese filling -- in Rabbat, just outside the old city. Al also decided he needed to try the local soft drink, Kinnie. It's a sort of root beer with sour orange juice added -- definitely an acquired taste that we have yet to acquire.

Al photographs the Grand Harbor as Cindy takes in the view.

Back in Valletta we enjoyed the busy streets, but unfortunately the scenic churches are all closed except for mass. Our guests toured the Sacra Infermeria -- the hospital built by the Knights of St. John back in the 16th century that was extremely advanced for its time. The hospital was used up through World War I, was badly damaged by bombs in World War II, and has been reconstructed as a conference center. We thought it a fascinating tour back in February, but didn't wish to repeat, so we waited for them.

Boats in the harbor at Marsaxlokk

An excellent meal by the bay back in Sliema capped a full Saturday.

Mary and Cindy head for the market at Marsaxlokk

On Sunday we ventured out by bus once again to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, on the south tip of the island. This was a new spot for us, as well as for our guests. There is a rather famous Sunday fish market here, and the bus was packed. For awhile, we thought the "fish market" had everything for sale EXCEPT fish, but we eventually found those, too. We enjoyed a light lunch of fish soup at one of the local cafes, and popped in briefly at the little church where fishermen pray for safety on the water and a good catch.

Village church at Marsaxlokk

Bus connections out of Marsaxlokk are not great, so we enjoyed the company of a rather chatty taxi driver who transported us to the site of the megalithic temples at Hagar Qim. Mary elected for a walk in the countryside, while I tried to be at least a minimally effective guide to the temples. I'm sure I left out a great deal.

The buses back to Sliema were once again extremely packed, but we made it. We enjoyed yet another very good meal at another sea-side restaurant, and brought the day to a close. On Monday morning we saw our guests to the bus for the airport and bid them farewell.