September 5, 2013
The second stop on our Mediterranean cruise was Malta.
Malta, a small island nation, is situated about 60 miles south of Sicily. We anchored at the capital of the country, Valletta. This was just a quick stop along the way to Greece, but it proved to be interesting.
Malta is known for its warm, dry climate, which our arrival would belie. A virtual deluge of horizontal rain let lose as we pulled up to the dock. We watched from our stateroom, as dockside vendors and restaurant owners chased down their umbrellas and righted tables that toppled in the gale.
The storm was short-lived, and we did get out in the afternoon for a walk through the interesting and historic town of Valletta.
CLICK FIRST PHOTO BELOW TO START SLIDE SHOW.
NOTE THE CAPTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH SLIDE.
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- Arriving in Valletta, Malta.
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- A cave opened up to the sea. Steps could be seen inside that led up somewhere, possibly to street level many feet above. It looks like a great hangout for pirates of old.
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- The town LOOKS very “Mediterranean.” Its imposing seaside cliffs topped with high walls gave Valletta a commanding defensive posture.
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- Arriving dockside.
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- We did get out for a walk around Valletta in the afternoon. Here is part of our party getting ready to enter the city gates.
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- Wet streets from the morning’s rain.
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- Walking through the narrow passages.
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- Back “home” again.
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- Greg and Wendie getting ready to board.
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- Some of the more interesting pictures came as we made a somewhat unusual nighttime departure from Malta.
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- The city launched fireworks as we arrived in the morning and again as we departed in the evening.
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- We sail away from the intriguing land of Malta. Tomorrow is a day at sea as we make our way to our next destination: Athens, Greece.
