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Europe 2024
  • R and R Travels
  • Robin Braithwaite
  • R and R Travels
  • Robin Braithwaite

Europe 2024

Malta, Crete, Athens and the Ionian Islands via Tokyo and London Okumaya devam et
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  • Gezinin başlangıcı
    23 Ağustos 2024
  • Europe 2024
    View from one of the Junior Suites (free upgrade)
    Local marinaHotel JulianiSpinola BayOne of the many entry points to the crystal clear waters of the Med.€25 for 7 days of travel - a must buy

    First day in Malta

    26 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We arrived without any drama today. Hotel organised pickup was on time and easy to find.

    We are staying for 3 nights at St Julians area on Spinola Bay in the Hotel Juliana. The area has a number of easy to access swimming spots (rocky just like Fairy Bower in Sydney) and a swag of restaurants and cafes.

    Looking for to using this as our base for a few days    Okumaya devam et

    Çeviriyi gör
  • Europe 2024
    Excellent waterside table
    DeliciousHot date

    Dinner at Gululu on Spinola Bay

    26 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    The restaurant was recommended on several sites and was only 200m from our hotel.

    It was offered as a place to sample Maltese seafood based cuisine.

    We managed to jag a table right on the waters edge in a balmy 28 degree evening, enjoyed our food and tried some of the local beverages. A Negroni with added Kinnie (not unlike a Chinotto) and a local white based on the Girgentina variety.Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Traditional Maltese boat
    Traditional Maltese boatTraditional Maltese boatTraditional Maltese boatTraditional Maltese boat

    Traditional boats on Spinola Bay

    27 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    There are a number of types of traditional boats used for fishing and local coastal transport. The designs stem from Phoenician and Greek influences, including the “The eye of Osiris” or “The eye of Horus”.

    They are called Luzzu, Kajjik, Ferilla, and Frejgatina Boats depending on the design, size and purpose. They add a lovely colourful mix to a bay.

    If you know which is which, please drop a comment.    Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Upper Barrakka Gardens - Saluting Battery

    Morning in Valetta

    27 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Took an easy bus trip from St Julian’s over to Valetta. Had a walk around past St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Courts of Justice and the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery.

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  • Europe 2024
    Caffé Cordina, established in 1837.
    Maltese mixed platter

    Lunch in Valetta - Caffé Cordina

    27 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    I've found the AI called Claude Sonnet 3.5 to be an excellent travel planner, once given the right prompt.

    We were not disappointed with this recommendation. Food and service were great. Watching the passing parade of tourists and passengers from a recently docked cruise liner was entertaining.

    Plenty of outdoor seating in Republic Square    Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Booking essential

    Dinner in Sliema, Malta

    27 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Early dinner at Ta'Kris, a popular restaurant serving local cuisine. We had the local cocktail, Maltese Spritz, which is a super refreshing riff on a negroni or aperol spritz. The base, Bajtra (Prickly Pear Liqueur), is not bitter, but it is not a sugary drink and is mixed with sparkling rose and topped off with Kinnie, a non alcoholic soda reminiscent of chinotto. Very light and refreshing. Good to see the prickly pear put to some good use. Light dinner of local dips and octopus salad.Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Prickly Pear everywhere
    Dingli CliffsDingli CliffsDingli CliffsDingli CliffsDingli CliffsMany names familiar to Australians hereMany names familiar to Australians hereMany names familiar to Australians hereMany names familiar to Australians hereMany names familiar to Australians hereMany names familiar to Australians here

    Dingli Cliffs

    28 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Morning on the cliffs of Dingli. We passed by a small cemetery and many of the family names are fairly familiar to most Australians. For a country with a population of just over 500k, the Maltese ventured far and wide.Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Mdina Gate
    View from the fortificationsCoogi's Tea Garden and BarFalcon, a favourite moniker for Maltese Australians

    Mdina - Medieval City

    28 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Mdina, often referred to as the "Silent City," is a fortified medieval town perched atop a hill in the heart of Malta. Its history stretches back over 4,000 years, with evidence of Bronze Age settlements. The city served as Malta's capital from antiquity until the medieval period when the Knights of St. John arrived in 1530. Mdina's strategic location offered sweeping views of the island and surrounding seas, making it an ideal defensive stronghold. The city's architecture reflects its rich past, showcasing a blend of Norman and Baroque styles. Narrow, winding streets and imposing palaces tell tales of noble families and religious orders that once called Mdina home. Today, with its population of just under 300 residents, Mdina stands as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Malta's complex history. Its well-preserved fortifications, grand cathedral, and timeless atmosphere make it a crucial site for understanding Malta's cultural heritage and its evolution from a strategic Mediterranean outpost to a modern nation.

    Well worth a visit.    Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Exit from the Inland Sea at Dwejra
    Exit from the Inland Sea at DwejraNote the purple coral formation on the rocksFood icon Meave O'Meara and style icon Robin BraithwaiteSt George's Basilica, Victoria, GozoInside St George'sThe largest perspective drawing on GozoHighly recommended local restaurant. Restaurateur makes everything himselfLocal rabbit dishSalad with cheeseMarsalfornMarsalfornMarsalforn

    Day trip to Gozo

    31 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    The day began with a brisk 45 minute ride on the high-speed ferry from Valetta to Mġarr, Gozo. Upon docking, we boarded a bus to Victoria, Gozo's capital.

    Another bus took us to Dwejra, where we boarded a small boat at the Inland Sea. The trip through the narrow channel to the open Mediterranean was exhilarating, the towering cliffs on either side a testament to Gozo's geological wonders. A chance meeting with Maeve O’Maera, the famous food icon from Australia, topped off the morning.

    Back in Victoria, we explored the ancient Cittadella, marveling at its medieval architecture and panoramic views of the island. The narrow streets led us to St. George's Basilica, its baroque interior a stark contrast to the bustling square outside.

    Lunch at Ta' Rikardu was a rustic affair. We savored traditional Gozitan dishes of rabbit stew and other dishes made with local ingredients, including their renowned homemade cheese and wine.

    Next, we visited the Xwenjni Bay Salt Pans, walking around the checkerboard patterns carved into the coastline. The centuries-old practice of salt harvesting came alive before our eyes. (see next post)

    As the afternoon heat intensified, we headed to Marsalforn for a refreshing swim in the clear, cool waters of the Mediterranean and a refreshing Cisk lager.

    We made our way back to Mġarr, then catching the ferry to Valetta. The evening cruise back to Valetta was a perfect end to our Gozitan adventure.    Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024

    Xwejni salt pans

    31 Ağustos 2024, Malta ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Near the village of Marsalforn, the salt pans, are primarily located at Xwejni Bay, and operate through a simple yet effective method. Seawater is collected in these shallow limestone reservoirs, and the sun's heat evaporates the water over several days, leaving behind salt crystals. This process is repeated multiple times during the summer months, typically from mid-May to September. The collected salt is then dried and stored in caves carved into the coastal rock.Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Recommended by German and David
    Don't know how this panned out

    Last day in Valetta

    1 Eylül 2024, Malta ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We had a few hours this morning to do some final sightseeing to fill in the blank before flying out to Crete.

    We were keen to sample imqaret (date filled pastry), pastizzi (ricotta filled pastry) and ftira (leavened Maltese bread eaten with fillings like tuna, onion, capers and olives).

    After stowing our bags we went in search of the above and were not disappointed.    Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    First Ryanair flight. Trouble free.
    Chania Airport

    Arrival in Crete

    1 Eylül 2024, Yunanistan ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We’ve never flown with Ryanair before and frankly, were a little nervous having read hundreds of negative stories about the airline. Our experience was excellent. As long as you set expectations appropriately, you should have a good experience.

    We are staying in the Old Town of Chania where it is predominantly a pedestrian precinct. As a result, our accommodation sent a young man to help us walk 750m to our apartment.

    So far Chania looks delightful    Okumaya devam et

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  • Europe 2024
    Souda Bay Allied Cemetery
    Souda Bay Allied CemeterySouda Bay Allied CemeteryA typically Kiwi tribute to a lost soldier. NZ servicemen paid a heavy price on Crete.

    On the trail of Cyril Bolden NX9137

    3 Eylül 2024, Yunanistan ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Ross’ father, Cyril Bolden enlisted for the 2nd AIF in 1939 despite being in a protected industry. He left Australia on the first ship out and arrived in Gaza in early 1940. The 6th Division Australian Army Supply Corp (AASC) saw action in Tobruk, Greece and were evacuated from Greece onto Crete to assist the allies in its defence.

    There are many histories written about the Battle of Crete. The Germans used a bold new technique for landing troops by parachute. Whilst not entirely effective and was retired by the Germans, other forces were to take up this technique later in the war.

    A fierce battle ensued for a couple of weeks however once the Germans captured Maleme airport they were able to send troops and supplies at will, and eventually, were able to overrun the allied forces. Some were evacuated at Souda Bay, others were able to cross the mountain range and head south to Sfakia for evacuation to Egypt, 10,000 were captured and sent to German POW camps and thousands gave their lives. Cyril was captured and spent 4 years as a POW.

    The Commonwealth War Graves Commission established a cemetery on the shore of Souda Bay to commemorate the lives of those service men who lost their lives. RIP    Okumaya devam et

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