Day 4 – Malta
Had no idea what to expect when I heard we were going to Malta. What is Malta. Well now I know and it’s a great place to visit. It’s 17 miles long and 9 miles wide at its widest. This little island in the middle of no where in the sea. It is a strategic point though between Italy and Africa. A good middle ground to fight a war from. The clocks changed an hour back but they forgot to change their wake up clock system so we woke up at 6AM instead of 7AM. I had gone to bed at 2AM so I started out exhausted. Once outside though an I saw the view, I was pumped.
Coming into Malta is unbelievable. There are massive walls around Valletta, the capital as we came into port. These walls were built in the 16th century to keep the Turks out. The area was built by the Knights of St. John. We took a tour of Valletta and St. Johns Cathedral. We loved it. The architecture and general feel of the area was so cool. All the buildings were jammed side by side in the whole city. Didn’t see a patch of grass even. Many of the building have been reconstructed from the heavy bombing the city incurred during WWII.
We left Valletta and went for a 20 minute ride to Mdina. This town also has a big wall around it and fancy church with a large dome. It’s wall was built in the 9th century. Only 268 people live in Mdina. It was hot though in Malta – probably in the low 90’s. We did a lot of walking around and Dad did awesome. He kept up with the tour and was a real trooper. After the 4.5 hour tour, dad went back to the ship and I went back to Valletta on my own where I walked and walked for 2.5 hours straight exploring everything off the beaten track. Unfortunately, many of the shops were closed. They take a nap between 1-4pm and close up shop. Not big capitalists. Didn’t seem like there was a lot of money in Valletta – very simple life all packed in together. The streets were very narrow and several were walking only streets within the walls.
Walked back to the boat down steep stairs from the top and hung out at the pool as we left harbour.
Dinner was delicious again – no steak this time, it was offered but opted for the turkey and mashed potatoes and dressing. Dessert included chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup with a side of rocky road ice cream. Yummm.
The show in the lounge was an ex broadway singer. She was OK. The night before was a Las Vegas revue type with lots of dancing. No rock shows scheduled I don’t think. I tried to update my blog last night but sat down at 11PM and fell asleep typing so went to bed and got 7.5 hours sleep for a change.
Day 5 - At Sea
This morning is another sunny day – we went through the Strait of Messina where the toe part of the Italy boot meets Sicily. We’re now coming up to the Stromboli volcano. I think we’re going to boat around it. Looks impressive from the front top deck where I am now. Massive mountain just coming out of the sea.
I’m back – checked out the active volcano – it spew some smoke while we circled it – very cool. There was a ferry dropping off people to this mountain in the sea. Why would anyone live at the bottom of an active volcano – makes no sense – I’m sure we’ll read about them one day.
Went to the pool – it was an Arctic Monkeys-Buckcherry (these are music groups) kind of afternoon. Played BINGO – we lost – played in a blackjack tourney – we lost – played the 25 cent slots – we lost – played the dollar slots – we lost. Sigh.
Dinner was over the top once again – thai soup and a massive beef Wellington which was one of the most delicious tenderest meats I’ve had. Didn’t lick my plate but sure wanted to. Polished of a snickers pie afterwards. The show was a pino player doing the classics from the years before Elvis.
The boat has a funny interpretation of high speed – takes me 6 minutes just to see my email screen and what I have let alone reply. At 50 cents a minute, they sure get you. Think back to the old dialup days of 28K modems.
Going to bed now – it’s 11:30 – big day in Rome tomorrow. I’m on my own and winging it. Plan is to take a train to Rome and then find my way to the Vatican and go from there. Should be quite an exciting day and then try make it back to the train to get back to the ship before they leave without me. Dads a nervous wreck thinking I’m going to miss the boat.
Boats rocking quite a bit - feeling a little woozy
Been away from home for a week now - time flies - Linda alone with the kids - she probably needs a break by now. Hey bros, you reading this ?
Next update - after Rome -weather has turned a bit and won't be hot and sunny - hopefully no rain.
Had no idea what to expect when I heard we were going to Malta. What is Malta. Well now I know and it’s a great place to visit. It’s 17 miles long and 9 miles wide at its widest. This little island in the middle of no where in the sea. It is a strategic point though between Italy and Africa. A good middle ground to fight a war from. The clocks changed an hour back but they forgot to change their wake up clock system so we woke up at 6AM instead of 7AM. I had gone to bed at 2AM so I started out exhausted. Once outside though an I saw the view, I was pumped.
Coming into Malta is unbelievable. There are massive walls around Valletta, the capital as we came into port. These walls were built in the 16th century to keep the Turks out. The area was built by the Knights of St. John. We took a tour of Valletta and St. Johns Cathedral. We loved it. The architecture and general feel of the area was so cool. All the buildings were jammed side by side in the whole city. Didn’t see a patch of grass even. Many of the building have been reconstructed from the heavy bombing the city incurred during WWII.
We left Valletta and went for a 20 minute ride to Mdina. This town also has a big wall around it and fancy church with a large dome. It’s wall was built in the 9th century. Only 268 people live in Mdina. It was hot though in Malta – probably in the low 90’s. We did a lot of walking around and Dad did awesome. He kept up with the tour and was a real trooper. After the 4.5 hour tour, dad went back to the ship and I went back to Valletta on my own where I walked and walked for 2.5 hours straight exploring everything off the beaten track. Unfortunately, many of the shops were closed. They take a nap between 1-4pm and close up shop. Not big capitalists. Didn’t seem like there was a lot of money in Valletta – very simple life all packed in together. The streets were very narrow and several were walking only streets within the walls.
Walked back to the boat down steep stairs from the top and hung out at the pool as we left harbour.
Dinner was delicious again – no steak this time, it was offered but opted for the turkey and mashed potatoes and dressing. Dessert included chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup with a side of rocky road ice cream. Yummm.
The show in the lounge was an ex broadway singer. She was OK. The night before was a Las Vegas revue type with lots of dancing. No rock shows scheduled I don’t think. I tried to update my blog last night but sat down at 11PM and fell asleep typing so went to bed and got 7.5 hours sleep for a change.
Day 5 - At Sea
This morning is another sunny day – we went through the Strait of Messina where the toe part of the Italy boot meets Sicily. We’re now coming up to the Stromboli volcano. I think we’re going to boat around it. Looks impressive from the front top deck where I am now. Massive mountain just coming out of the sea.
I’m back – checked out the active volcano – it spew some smoke while we circled it – very cool. There was a ferry dropping off people to this mountain in the sea. Why would anyone live at the bottom of an active volcano – makes no sense – I’m sure we’ll read about them one day.
Went to the pool – it was an Arctic Monkeys-Buckcherry (these are music groups) kind of afternoon. Played BINGO – we lost – played in a blackjack tourney – we lost – played the 25 cent slots – we lost – played the dollar slots – we lost. Sigh.
Dinner was over the top once again – thai soup and a massive beef Wellington which was one of the most delicious tenderest meats I’ve had. Didn’t lick my plate but sure wanted to. Polished of a snickers pie afterwards. The show was a pino player doing the classics from the years before Elvis.
The boat has a funny interpretation of high speed – takes me 6 minutes just to see my email screen and what I have let alone reply. At 50 cents a minute, they sure get you. Think back to the old dialup days of 28K modems.
Going to bed now – it’s 11:30 – big day in Rome tomorrow. I’m on my own and winging it. Plan is to take a train to Rome and then find my way to the Vatican and go from there. Should be quite an exciting day and then try make it back to the train to get back to the ship before they leave without me. Dads a nervous wreck thinking I’m going to miss the boat.
Boats rocking quite a bit - feeling a little woozy
Been away from home for a week now - time flies - Linda alone with the kids - she probably needs a break by now. Hey bros, you reading this ?
Next update - after Rome -weather has turned a bit and won't be hot and sunny - hopefully no rain.
posted by Slurpee Guy at 2:44 PM
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