I had been attracted to the fascinating history of Malta and thought of it as a good stepping stone to Italy and beyond. My plans did not work out as expected, but I began appreciating Malta, particularly the Island of Gozo, more and more each day. The Maltese language, which I had assumed was an Italian dialect, is rather an Arabic/Italian meld with a smattering of French and other influences. But the second official language is English having been a British colony for 150 years. The small island nation means the sea is always near, and although ebbing, local commercial fishing remains. Long walks and appreciation for continued traditions made my time in Malta most memorable.
Valletta shopsThe Arches of Upper Barrakka Gardens in VallettaPublic benches in VallettaLaundry day, VallettaThe eccentrically designed Duck Island: birds find food and refuge hereJuxtaposition of the old and newPortrait of a twenty year old woman purposely painted, in the 1860’s, to make her look much older. Longevity was all too rare and old age was a luxury.Typical architecture in MaltaWorkers at Marsaxlokk harborMarsaxlokkFor Titti, the amazing diving dog, with her own Facebook page.Titti engaging in her second favorite pastime, after diving with “her dad,” fetching rocksHiking destination from MarsaxlokkHarbor cafes in MarsaxlokkEyes, a tradition dating back to the Phonecians, painted on fishing boatsMarsaxlokkMarsaxlokkFish farmSt.Peter’s Pool: a popular swimming/diving spotLoading nets onto boatsWorkers mending fishing netsAn amorous donkey who soon after avidly showed “his affection” for another donkeyCrystaline waters of Hondaq Bay in Gozo. Virtually empty in off season, I was told it is packed to capacity in the summer. Comino Island is seen in the background.Mgarr Harbor. GozoBoathouses- many used by the same family for generationsSite of the Dwejra Window, a 92 foot natural arch, that collapsed during a storm on 8 March 2017Wied Il-Mielah: natural limestone arch. Similar to, but less renown than the iconic and world famous Dwejra window.5000 year old temples predate Egyptian pyramids and StonehengeCoastal walkway: GozoSalt PansAbandoned salt pans dating back 350 years on the north coast of GozoA man repairing the walls of his salt pans, with stones and cement, still in use todayLadders to diving platforms all vacant at Hondaq Bay.
“Zen Temple” by Nicozen reminiscent of Robert Smithson’s 1970 earthwork Spiral Jetty.Coastal town of Marsalforn off-season in Gozo, not yet in full swing. Cafés and restaurants were shut by 4pm.The modest restaurant transformed into a set for “By the Sea” a film written and directed by Anjelina Jolie. She rented the restaurant and bay for three months during filming. Owners Noel and Sandra shared anecdotes of their experience. Ironically I had watched the film on Netflix, the week before, while in Malta.Coastal Tower completed in 1661 by the Knights of Malta for the defence of Malta and GozoMarsalforn, GozoMonochromatic architectureCoastal view
