Malta

"Voir Malte et mourir " a saying... Numerous peoples have occupied these islands (Phonenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, French and English ) leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. Large temples were built as early as prehistoric times, it was however under the Order of the Knights of Saint John that Malta developed culturally and artistically. In 1530 Emperor Charles V gave the Maltese islands to the Knights of Saint John. Attacked by the Turks in 1547 and 1551, the knights were obliged to build numerous fortifications. Grand churches, palaces were also built and art went through a revival. The eight pointed cross is known as the Maltese Cross. It is this fortified city island that St Paul was shipwrecked in 60AD as told in the Acts of the Apostles. Against this backdrop of a wealth of history was how I discovered the wonder of Malta.
Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta consists of two main islands, Malta and Gozo as well as Comino and three smaller uninhabited islands. About 90km from Sicily and 290km from the African coast, one can expect the people, culture, cuisine and language to be a clash of these two influences. The language is a mixture of Arabic and Sicilian; the modern architecture distinctly Moorish with flat roofs and arches; the food distinctly Mediterranean just like the inhabitants.

Being part of the British Empire since 1814, the Maltese adopted the British judicial, education and parliament systems. Malta is a haven for retiring Brits and many have snapped up real estate properties. Ideally located for mariners, many of them park their luxury yachts in the numerous marinas that dot the island. Malta is also a port-of-call for holiday cruiseliners touring the Mediterranean islands.

Home of Luxury Yachts

Blessed with such an attractive weather and clear blue seas, friendly local folks, laid-back lifestyle, fresh seafood and fresh air, the temptation to sink some roots is hard to resist. Fishing village of Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala, where I slurped fish soup and ate grilled calamari.

For the culture vulture, the treasures of Malta housed in her numerous museums, churches and historical sites will keep one fairly occupied. The St John's Co Cathedral is one of the most ornate churches in this part of the Christianized world and contain the painting of Caravaggio 's The Beheading of St John the Baptist. Mdina, the medieval capital is definately worth a visit. St Paul's catacombs for the bravehearted is one of the few unique sites.

City of Mdina; St John's Cathedral

We stayed at the Sliema area in a boutique-style hotel with posh fittings. The best part about this location is the proximity to promenade where people take leisurely evening strolls. I was so inspired by it that i took to jogging each morning along the winding promenade up to Spinola Bay and back.

One of the grandest restaurant in Malta is the Barracuda, where Madonna is said to visit when she's in town. The food is sublime with prices that would not hurt your wallet. A favourite among well-heeled residents and tourists who've done their research on Malta's places to dine.

Other items that are unique to Malta are : silver filigree jewelleries, Maltese cross, Maltese hand blown glassware, tea towels with jokes about " the Italian tourist in Malta".