Today we’re docked in Valletta, Malta. The city has a large natural harbor extending 4 km in from the sea. It’s naturally protected, made even more secure with the construction of massive forts on both sides of the narrow entrance.
(A giraffe crane also watches over the harbor)
Flanking the cruiseport are similar huge walls with portals, former warehouses of the Knights of Malta.
The small (120 sq miles) island nation of Malta was originally settled by Phoenicians from what is now Lebanon. Like many countries in the Mediterranean, it was subsequently governed by a long list of rulers. The Maltese language is unique and reflects this history. Word origins are 75% Arabic and 25% Latin in origin, and is written using the Latin alphabet.
Malta’s population has grown over the past decade or so from 380,000 to about 500,000. The increase is due to an expanding economy, peaceful status and the government policy (not endorsed by all Maltese) of recruiting immigrants to maintain the growth.
For centuries, it was safer and thus more desirable (and expensive) to live inland. Today, most people prefer the coast.
We had booked a tour of Mdina and Valetta, the current and former capitals of Malta.
Mdina is a planned small city only 1 square kilometer in size. It was designed to be defendable, and is enclosed by a dry moat and incredibly impenetrable high stone walls. Picture Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. In fact, that’s just what the producers of the show did. Malta was used extensively for location spots in the first season.
At the top of the city wall...
... looking over the countryside
The Cathedral in Mdina is dedicated to St. Paul (who shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD) and St. Peter. It’s in Mdina’s main square.
Very busy Christmas village
The town is a warren of narrow deserted streets. Although the official population has dwindled to around 400, in reality about half that many people live there full time.
Grand house on the cathedral square
We were bussed back to Valletta and walked to some gardens with a fine overlook (and public restrooms).
Valletta is also surrounded by a moat and massive walls enclosing mostly narrow streets.
Note the tiny couple walking by the tower.
But there are also broader boulevards and open spaces surrounded by public and government buildings. Many incorporate Arabic designs like enclosed balconies.
The main street was incredibly crowded.
But Greg found a deserted place to search for a geocache.
We were back on the ship in time for a late lunch. Erin and I hit the spa thermal area before we all gathered for New Year’s Eve dinner.
Most of us managed to stay up until midnight, when we watched the exuberant party in the ship’s main gathering area. It was crazy crowded. We were happy to be above the fray!
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