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18. december 2024
Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Manchester to Gozo
18. december 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
After a 3am wake up and smooth 7am flight we touched down in Malta around 11am local time. Beautifully efficient airport - our luggage arrived within a few minutes, a short walk to pick up the hire car and we were away!

We were immediately struck by the beautiful Moorish/European fusion (I’m
sure we’ll learn more about the architecture and influences as the trip progresses).
Kate did some expert driving (on the left side of the road) negotiating the many small roundabouts and single track windy roads (under my helpful direction and encouragement of course).

Our tummy’s were rumbling from the early start, so we pulled into Ghadira bay and enjoyed lunch at a beach bar called Munchies, whilst watching the international sailing competition training and listening to the waves. We knew that moment, as the sun poured onto the terrace, we’d made the right call coming to Malta in December.

We then had a confusing but efficient drive over to the small ferry port, and were one of the last cars on the 2.15, bound for Gozo. After 25 minutes mooching around, negotiating dogs, school children and other passengers we docked. There was a beautiful church overlooking the small town of Ghajnsielem (pronounced “Einsilem” - Maltese language is apparently a mixture of Arabic, Italian, Spanish and English - the only Arabic language written in Latin text, which will also take some getting used to!).

Claudia’s house was tricky to find, a 10 minute drive from the ferry port at Mgarr Harbour. She greeted us with a warm smile and big hug after we took a chance and knocked on the big green door. The rest of the afternoon/evening was spent unpacking, getting to know “the girls” (the felines we’ll be caring for over the next 8 days) and all chatting over tea and pannetone. Claudia had some amazing recommendations of places to see and eat, and insights into living and working in Gozo, and how this differed to her time in London.

Maya was last seen relaxing on her scratching box. Kate just said to me, whilst giving Chandra (Fatty-Bum-Bum) snuggles as she rested on her chest purring and “making biscuits” -
“Hasn’t it been a great first day”.
Very right she is, feeling right at home already!Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
A Relaxing Day of Celebrations
19. december 2024, Malta ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
We said a sad goodbye to Claudia this morning - Maya and FB definitely knew something was up (maybe because we all double fed them - oops). We then made some porridge for breckie to set us up for our first sea dip of the trip. We chose Ramla Bay, a short drive on Gozo’s north side, and were the only people there enjoying the warm waves despite the bit of wind. Laughing and splashing around was a lot of fun, between the beautiful cliffs and intermittent sun.
We remembered to wish each other a "happy 4 year wedding anniversary" on the beach, then headed over to Victoria (the island’s capital) to check it out and stock up. Lidl has the most amazing Italian desserts, giant aubergines and an entourage of cats outside (adding to our delight!)
We got back to the house (a gorgeous traditional stone terrace), and cheered Rachel on from the rooftop terrace, watching her graduation online (FB taking up a large portion of my lounger).
We relaxed a while, made a yummy veggie bolognese for tea then spent the evening starting our paint by numbers project and fussing the girls 🐈‍⬛ 🐈.Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Spa Trip & Lovely Lunch at Xlendi
20. december 2024, Malta ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
After feeding the girls and some play time, we were collected at 10.30 to head for our package at “The Secret Day Spa”. This was Kate and my Christmas/anniversary gift to each other and oh was it lush! An hour in their hot tub and sauna (though they would benefit from some ventilation down there 🥵😅) then a full body massage which was just heaven.

Feeling totally chilled we were then ferried over to Xlendi bay for a beautiful 3 course lunch at “Zaphiro’s” overlooking the sea. We had the place to ourselves (the joys of travelling out of season, apparently it’s difficult to get a table in summer) and again there were 2 lovely resident cats (adding to Kate’s delight!). The seafood was fresh and tasty, and I was very proud of Kate shelling her own prawn AND trying mussels. The waves were wild and we enjoyed a little stroll before Maria picked us up again, telling us about the most fertile valley on the island and natural spring allowing for this, given they have so little rain.

We then had a little snooze (because all that relaxing was so tiring) and Maya and FBB both joined us for this.

Went for an evening walk to try to visit Bethlehem (more on this when we go) but it was closed. Checked the times and it’ll be open Christmas Day, so we shall visit then. We did see the Ghajnsielem Christmas tree made from recycled bottled which was cool, in front of the church. Came home and continued with our painting, music and cat cuddles!Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Yoga, Prickly Pear 🍻 & Parade
21. december 2024, Malta ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
So last night we battened down the hatches before bed as it was set to be very windy. Luckily this morning the only evidence was the litter bucket knocked over on the rooftop terrace and a few scattered plant pots.
We had our morning coffee with the girls on the roof (FBB cuddly as ever after spending the night between us both).

Kate dropped me in Victoria for a Solstice Celebration Yoga class which was so relaxing and heart opening. Funnily got chatting to the other two ladies at the end and one turned out to be Claire - our cat mum’s best friend! What a small world! Kate had been shopping so we deposited yoga mat and new Italian trouser suit at the car then wandered round Victoria’s beautiful Citadel and the fortress walls, before heading down to a very small Christmas craft market.

After this we could have nipped into the archeology museum, but instead opted to relax and enjoy the intermittent sun in the park and stock up on Maltese snacks and drinks (foreign supermarkets are as interesting as museums to me - plus I’d herd of “Kinnie” I wanted to try) before our reservation at Casa Vostra. The pizza here came highly recommended from Claudia and did not disappoint. Kate particularly enjoyed her 3 cheese and sliced potatoes, and the prickly pear local brew beer was yummy, if not a bit strong at 7%.

A few hours at home relaxing and a spot of painting, then we decided to get an uber back to Victoria. Kate had seen them setting up tables and chairs earlier, and after asking found out there was a Christmas parade! We arrived early, snagged a couple of bar stools overlooking the street and tried our first Cisks (Maltese beers). Whilst waiting the atmosphere was so lovely - families and children running down the closed rods, dogs wearing Christmas jumpers and a strange mix of dance/dubstep Christmas pop song remixes.

The parade itself was fabulous - local dance schools marching in very sparkly and cute costumes, stopping, doing their routine then moving on, in and amongst were characters and two impressive floats at the end. It ended in Independence Square where there was a full swing band, more dancing and some fantastic singers. So glad we caught this, and equally glad we made it home safe - the second uber driver of the night mistook the island for a Mariokart track!Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Mainland in a day: Valetta,Mdina & Rabat
22. december 2024, Malta ⋅ 🌬 14 °C
Started the day with a chilly pool dip to wake me up after a late night. We then had breckie, grabbed our picnic for the day and headed out to Valetta. Smooth ferry crossing and more expert driving from Kate for 40 minutes across the island (still can’t believe it’s that small!)
We arrived for our walking tour early, so grabbed Pitsetta in Trident Square (traditional Maltese filo pastry filled with mashed peas and bacon, yum!)

Nadine our guide was brilliant and not only showed us the main sights of WW2’s most bombed city in Europe (the country was awarded the St George’s across for bravery from Great Britain following this, and the symbol now features as a national emblem and on the flag); but also told us some of the interesting history. This included the founding Knights of the order that started by digging out drainage/sewage systems then constructed the grand fortified city in the 1500’s! Understandably due to Malta’s location and strategic advantage it was frequently invaded throughout history, gaining independence in 1964 after over 100 years of British rule.
We learned other interesting facts like there are over 360 churches in Malta, 25 of which are in Valetta alone, and Nadine encouraged us to “look up” to admire the Spanish-influenced balconies, which have become iconic (the longer the more affluent the owner due to the cost of importing the wood!)

The views across the Harbour were pretty special too, and the sun made it all the more beautiful. We cracked open our Kinnie here (a Maltese soft drink) that was like a syrupy mix of cola and Fanta… nice but we agreed we couldn’t drink too many!

After the tour we looked around some shops and enjoyed 2 lungo coffees at Cafe Cordina, Malta’s oldest coffee shop (founded in 1837). It was very reasonably priced at €2.50 per coffee, and we didn’t need to buy food as we enjoyed our picnic in the square beforehand #TravelSavvy (we’ll be splashing out on Christmas Day!)

We then drove around 20 minutes to see the original historic capital Medina adjacent to the beautiful town of Rabat. There were some incredible churches here, and being adorned with trees and nativity scenes (much like many residence’s windows) made it all the more special.

We drove back to the port in around 30 minutes and hopped on the ferry back to Gozo, home just before nightfall for cuddles with Maya and FBB. They were so sweet waiting on our bed when we arrived home! We made Aubergine Pammegiano and enjoyed leftover cannoli for tea, then a relaxing evening progressing the paint by numbers listening to music. I think we’ll sleep well tonight!Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Cosy Down Time & Relaxation at Home
23. december 2024, Malta ⋅ 🌬 14 °C
After yesterday’s super busy day, we took this opportunity to relax and chill out. Kate binge watched a series (black dove), I went for a walk round the village and called at the shop to buy baking ingredients and had a bath. I opened a lovely thoughtful card from a dear friend (on a potentially sad day), but being away and happy definitely helped with this…

The relaxing continued, we did some cooking and painting, and of course gave FBB and Maya lots of love and cuddles… all in all a lovely day.

(Oh, also the crazy weather continued - from glorious sun during the day to hail in the evening!!!)Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
A Maltese Christmas Eve
24. december 2024, Malta ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
Christmas Eve started with coffee in bed and a lovely little lie in. We then set off with a pastizzi picnic in tow to see the west of the island. We loved driving through the small villages though some roads were like driving on bridleways haha! Impeccably navigated by Kate, who took great delight in spontaneously pulling into places. We were headed to the Dwejra Cliffs, but first stopped at the “Ta Pinu national shrine”. We heard that many people make pilgrimages here due to strong links with miracles. Within the beautiful cathedral there were rooms dedicated to these miracles, adorned with stories, thank you letters, bike helmets, plaster casts, etc.

We next stopped at “Wied Il-Mielaħ window” which is an interesting rock formation, all the more interesting today with the big waves crashing against it/up the channel creating beautiful shimmers of rainbows as the sun met the spray.
When leaving, Kate suggested I pick a prickly pear… which ended in prickly fingers!

We then spotted a craft centre and pulled in, buying a handmade new prickly pear theme Xmas decoration, and enjoyed a coffee/beer. After this we admired the waves some more at Dwejra bay, and enjoyed our picnic overlooking these from the shelter of the car, out of the blustery wind.

On our 25 minute drive back across the island we passed the remains of the disused aqueduct, and called at a few shops to try get some food Maya liked. She seems to have gone off her sister’s hypoallergenic stuff, but happy enough on Sheba.

I then did some baking, trying out a cake in the Ninja, and some oat cookies (yum) whilst Kate finished the paint by numbers project!

The evening was extra special. We sat in the square at Qala (the next village on) eagerly awaiting the procession we had read about. It was a little late starting and we had to take a chance and follow some strangers to find the start, but it was very sweet - children carrying signs and stars, followed by a marching band, and finally 4 teens bearing a crib with baby Jesus. It wound round the village streets and we followed behind a little while, before darting off to snag a space in the Parish Church ready for the service. This was not like a service we were expecting - more like a jazzy Maltese school assembly - singing, trumpet players, carols, a play, finishing with a raffle/lottery, the prize of which was a large model stable and characters.

We returned home, got snuggly, played with the girls, and watching one of our favourite films - the Grinch.

A different but very special Christmas Eve!Læs mere
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Christmas Day
25. december 2024, Malta ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
A lovely lie in, followed by video calls with family, opening the two small gifts we’d brought, and a dip in the pool for me, whilst Kate whipped up a tasty breckie. We then had a quick clean around as we fly home tomorrow, and we’re mindful we want to leave Claudia’s lovely home as we’d found it. We got ready, played with the girls, then took a leisurely stroll to “Country Terrace’ Restaurant. Kate became a bit nervous walking up, as she’d booked back in August and wondered if they would remember. She was so released when we arrived, and her name was in the reservation book… then was so smug/happy when we were walked through the restaurant out to one of the tables closest to the balcony, overlooking the harbour. The waiter smiled, and asked if they would remember table was ok… I was speechless, it was an idyllic view.
Since Kate was so brave with her prawns earlier in the week, I opted for something I’d never tried before - oysters! They were very fishy, tolerable with the fresh garlic, soy and Tabasco, but can’t say I’ll be rushing for them again. Kate’s mushrooms took a while to arrive, but we both thoroughly enjoyed our respective beef wellington and roast duck (paired with a lovely tart Italian red). Too full for pudding, but managed a baileys on the rocks.

We headed back to the house to layer up as although it had been sunny, the temperature had dropped after dark. We then went to see ‘Bethlehem’, an annual immersive re-enactment of Jesus’ birth town. The bakery was selling bread, the animals very sweet, they were offering boat trips, and you could admire the newborn being bounced on "Mary’s" knee with proud "Joseph" looking on.

Back to the house to spend the rest of the evening relaxing with the girls and playing board games.

A very memorable and special Christmas Day celebrated on Gozo.Læs mere
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Gillian MichaelDon't chew the Oysters!
26.12.2024SvarOversætte
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Malta (Gozo) 2024 Emma Harvey-Robinson
Goodbyes are sad….
26. december 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C
…but this one felt especially sad. We were up bright and early, We fed FBB and Maya one final time and we got packed up and ready to go. I don’t know if we were just emotional, or whether it was feeling so at home and FBB’s sweet nature, but we both shed a tear as we said goodbye to them.

Smooth ferry crossing and driving out of the terminal on Malta side the queues waiting to board were very long! We speculated people had left Gozo to spend Christmas on the island/elsewhere - it had been very quiet in the streets yesterday (Bethlehem aside).

Filling up the car on the way back to the airport was interesting… you had to pay for a set amount at the pump e.g. €5 /10/ 20 then redeem what you didn’t spend by scanning the receipt. We hadn’t realised this and topped up 10, then two lots of 5… but still aside from the unusual system we were happy having only spend around €18 in fuel for all that gallivanting!

We returned the car at the airport (no damage/scratches incurred much to Kate’s relief), and dropped the bag smoothly. Slight delay after boarding but all in all we arrived home before 7pm, picking up a curry on route and looking forward to catching up Gavin and Stacey Christmas special.

Both really loved Gozo, and agreed could spend another few days in Valetta. We hope it’s not the last time we see FBB and Maya too, as they really did make the holiday, as did experiencing the Gozitian / Maltese Christmas customs, traditions and cuisine!Læs mere
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26. december 2024