Malta

Malta is magnificent. South of Sicily east of Tunisia and north of Libya; it sits squarely in the middle of the Mediterranean. The culture feels mostly Italian/Spanish but not entirely. There are strong British and North African influences as well. It is very clean and the people are extremely hospitable.

The port of Valletta is a walled city that is both modern and ancient. On day one we explored the city including a tour of St John’s Cathedral which is as exuberant and ornate as anything we saw in Rome. Inside is the largest Caravaggio painting of all time. We are not really knowledgeable about art but even I can tell you that guy was a kook!

Later in the day we met all 8 Pickleball players in Malta at the university for a fun match. They were excited to have Americans show up to play and share news of the “great new sport”. It is fun to be at the beginning stages of pickle in the Mediterranean.

On day two we spent most of the afternoon and evening at the Royal Malta YC. We ate Red Snapper and Sea Bass prepared in a salt dome. See the photo. Hard to imagine using that much salt but super tasty. Incredible food, wine, views and a whole crew of new friends.

Day three was also great as we traveled via ferry to the island of Gozo to see monolithic temples (oldest free standing structures in the world), sea caves and even more walled cities with lots of churches. We love Gozo and think it and the Bozo (aka Bozeman) should be sister communities.

On the final day we explored Mdina and more of Valletta. We experienced St Paul’s feast and were extremely sad to leave the amazing island nation.Læs mere