Spring Sensation


I left Prague in snow and flew the next morning from Bremen on a freezing, misty morning.

Misty take-off

And arrived at Malta a few hours later. Heres the tiny Maltese island of Comino as it looked on the approach. Wikipedia claims there are only four permanent residents but there is also a 100 room hotel and the Blue Lagoon so in summer time its a bit more crowded.

Comino from the air

The weather was cloudy and we had some scattered rain – but I didnt care, Ann was there to greet me :)

Us

Last time I was in Malta I only had 4 days there and everything was new and different. This time around I knew what to expect and I was there for a week which gave me a better chance to take it all in.

In the meantime I also had a chance to learn more on Malta, the history and follow a few of the local bloggers to get a grasp of what Malta is all about. A couple of my favorites are the politician and economist who tracks everything Malta online, the Salvadorian who married a Maltese, the Peruvian, the newlywed, the German in Gozo and the pregnant Danish couple.

Here is a map of some of the places we covered this time round. (click on the blue pins)


View Malta March 2008 in a larger map

Off to Gozo

Malta is really seven islands were only the three biggest, Malta Island, Gozo and Comino are inhabited. Comino is the small island I flew over in the beginning. Malta Island is the big, main island and Gozo is the little brother to the northwest – this was where we were heading.

Mellieha Church

Before we crossed over we made a stop in Mellieha where one set of Anns grandparents is from. Next to the parish church on the picture was a small sanctuary with lots of letters, photos, crutches, casts and other items sent from people who thanked Our Lady for all sorts of miracles.

I later realized that Mellieha also is the place of The Danish Village a resort own by the Danish Folkeferie.dk.



As we were crossing over the strait to get to Gozo the weather had turned for the worse so the sea was a bit rough. Here we are approaching Marr the only habour on Gozo. One of Anns aunts have an apartment on the island and was kind enough to lend it to us.

Rough sea on the way to Gozo

The next day the weather was great and we went out to explore the beautiful island of Gozo. The first picture below is the view from Gozos Citadella in the middle of the island.

Gozo view from the citadel
Podarcis Filfolensis Lizard
Ramla Bay

Gozo is greener, more rural and calmer than the main island of Malta,
its the place where people from Malta go for a weekend breaks and I
can understand why;

Imagine yourself on the most tranquil, isolated, sunshine-filled island. You have no worries. You feel at peace with your
surroundings and time seems to slow down. Well, this isnt an imaginary
place, this island is Gozo, also known as the island of Calypso. A calm, clear, deep blue water surrounds the island. This relatively unknown island may be small but it is rich in culture, history and beauty.

Comments

5 responses to “Spring Sensation”

  1. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    THanks for the post :D

    Some comments now (A)

    The things at the Sanctuary in Mellieha and at Ta Pinu, Gozo are known as ex-votos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex-voto

    Swimming: Glad to let you do it on your own this time round O: ). Hehe and you forgot to talk about your swimming mates: Pelagia noctiluca :P

    Hmm maybe should have taken a leaf out of Calypsos book ;)

    Sorry about the red face! Didnt think about you getting burnt, seeing as it was still MARCH!

  2. wen Avatar

    Oh my goodness! Those pictures are awesome!! You two guys are a lovely couple :)

    I havent been to Calypsos cave yet :( I hope that this summer I will be able to. Though as you well pointed out, Comino and Gozo are packed in summer! :)

    I loved the picture of the lizard, I think in Maltese it is called Gremxula. I like the name too :)

    Have a nice week!

    By the way, I am glad that you like my blog :)

  3. Michael Avatar

    Wen, I still think you can enjoy Gozo in summer :)

    Yes, Ann says the lizard is Podarcis filfolensis or Gremxula ta Filfla. She studies biology so I trust her on that ;)

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