After a wonderful night with our new hosts, sharing stories, food and wine,  we are off to the three cities for our last day of exploring Malta culture.  Before we head back into town, James suggests a quick stop at the Ta'Qali Artisan market,  one of Malta's claim to fame is their glass blowing.  Much like the Italian's Murano glass in style, this market has a proud showing of glass blowers.  We were lucky enough to get up close with one of the masters at work.

We bought some nice blown glass candies to add to our collection from Murano. Great call,  James!

Shopping completed,  it is on the bus we go.

The three cities consist of Cospicua(Bormla), Vittorosa(Birgu) and Senglea(Isla). These small cities sit directly across the Grand Harbour from Valetta and have quite a history.  Birgu was inhabited during Phoenician times, however it really came into its own during the rein of the Knights.  The "Order" changed the capital from M'dina to Birgu and proceeded to build fortifications around all three cities.  Entering the Grand Harbour from the sea is an impressive site to behold.  For sure the Turks thought is was when, in 1565, they arrived some 40,000 strong and attempted to take the Island of Malta.  The Order of the Knights of Malta along with 400 Maltese and 2000 foot solders battled in what is known as one of the bloodiest and fiercely contested in history.  This small group fought for weeks and weeks until the Spanish re-enforcements arrived to finish the Ottoman empire.  This is a view from Valetta of the fortification of the three cities. Of course Valetta was built after the great siege of 1565.  

The three cities were not to escape battles even in more recent times, as the Germans bombed the hell out of it during WWII.  Today, the European Union and Malta have investd considerable amounts of money in rebuilding the historic buildings in the area.  While this part of Malta is not touristic, it is very much worth visiting.  We stopped for lunch along the waterfront.  Sitting on the patio while crews polished up the 100 plus foot yachts across the street, it is a nice way to spend the afternoon.  

Back on the bus, we head back to enjoy our last dinner with our hosts.  Let's start with the wine.  Two great bottles of Malta's local production.  Comfortably stored in the cellar.  Down these stairs we go.

To arrive at this very nicely stocked wine cellar.  James opens a very nice Syrah, Wendy's favourite and a Cab Sav, James favorite.

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Very nice.  Too bad Malta' production is so small that the good stuff never leaves the island.  I guess we will just have to come back.  The rest of the evening was all you could ask for.  Splendid hosts, great food, great wine.  

The next morning, we toured the local village around the house.   Walking down a narrow street, we can hear the sound of a car approaching.  The driver leans on the horn.  I am about to shoot him the finger, as we are not in his way.   When James saves me from the start of the next great siege, explaining that that sound is the distinct sound of the baker.  The car turns out to be a small van.  The driver stops next to us, greeting the locals who have just appeared from their homes.....  The side door of the van opens to a cornucopia of bread. It even smelled freshly baked.  What a country!  For those folks that missed the morning street shopping, the baker deposits the usual order on the front step or doorknob of their house.

 Our time in Malta has come to an end.  We have many more stories to tell and to create.,  We will be back here for sure.  Next up Tunisia, North Africa.

Be Well

Ciao