Where you say? Malta, you know that rock in the middle of the Mediterranean below Sicily and North of Tunisa? You know, possibly the birthplace of the Phonetians? You know, the rock that was the first group of Europeans to become Christians in AD 90? That dry piece of land that has been invaded, attacked, be-sieged, colonized and then pretty much ignored for thousands of years?
Why go there? Because it is absolutely STUNNING!
Talk about a history lesson. Malta was home to Romans, Turks, Arabs, and for 300 years was home to the Knights of the Order of St. John, the last order of the Knights of the Crusade that were sworn to protect the Pope and Christianity, and were the hated enemy of the Turks and all that the Moslem warriors believed in. All the while the Maltese locals endured and did little complaining.
Some of the buildings that stand now on the main island of Malta in the ancient city of Valleta are the buildings that the Knights defended in one of the most amazing battles of the 1000 year old history of the crusades. Read The Siege of Malta sometime if you want a good read about Knights, bravery and bloodshed!
I stayed on Gozo, the northern most Island that is only 5 miles long by 3 miles wide. The Order also owned Gozo, and on an Island that takes only two hours to drive around they built no less than 45 churches! Some are the most elaborate and stunning churches anywhere in Europe. The Co-Cathedral in Malta is one of the most amazing places I have seen. The floor is marble and is completely decorated from wall to wall with headstones dedicated to the Knights of the siege, and most are magnificent in their depiction of their bravery. Apparently, they all wanted to be remembered! Very cool!
Gozo also has arguably the best scuba diving in Europe. The water is clear, and the topography is amazing. I dove just across the small bay from my apartment, and swam to a cave that is 70 feet wide and 50 high ABOVE the water. There is a window to the surface that allows fresh air in, so you can surface, take your mask and regulator out and float in the cave for a real amazing experience.
The Maltese are incredibly good at standing around in doorways. Some sit, some kneel, some choose benches just outside the house, and some like to stay near their businesses and talk to the guy in the next doorway. Young, old, male, female, it did not matter, they were all equally adept at just hanging out. I propose a new Olympic event that requires the participants to stand around. Malta vs Greece will be a sell out for sure!
I spent my days planning the trip to India, driving around the small island touring the various beaches, and other wise chilling out. VERY relaxing, and I will be back again.
Vacation house, small dive boat, and maybe a little restaurant? Sounds Good! Who's in?
I would thank my hosts on Gozo in their language for such a nice time, but I have all but forgotten my phonetian!