Malta

[Kazzer75]

I definitely will check out the glass, I love glass and normally pick some up from my holidays.

All this advice is great, keep it coming.

Still haven't decided between a jeep or a car. I asked the company we are thinking of using about the security issue with a jeep and he said we aren't covered for theft even in a car. The insurance only covers damage to the vehicle and travel insurance would be the only way to get money back for stolen items, but we wouldn't be leaving anything other than beach towels in the car. Decisions, decisions.

 

[penguina]

Oh gosh don't encourage me! I will bore the pants off you - you won't need to go yourselves. And you maybe one of the ones who hate it LOL then I will have egg on my face!

 

[Kazzer75]

Can you offer any tips on parking when we go to Valletta?
Or any of the major sights?

 

[Kazzer75]

Not long now, starting some packing today. Still very excited, although the weather isn't looking all that great. Still not decided on the hire car situation though.

 

[Kazzer75]

The weather forecast isn't looking terribly clever. Any suggestions for rainy days? Also not sure now if the pool is going to be warm enough for swimming. I'm a little upset actually as we paid loads extra to go for a villa with a pool...so really want to use it. Have also sorted out a jeep to hire so hope that the rain doesn't impact on that as well.

 

[penguina]

Sorry haven't been on much over the BH.

I wouldn't worry about the weather it should be hot it always feels hotter than the numbers say. Even in December I am often in tshirts, plus a fleece if it is windy. The rain is also not like here, if it says rain it will be a heavy downpour but then bright within the hour, if not 20 minutes later! That is the time to go and sit in a bar or cafe and have your Kinnie or a Cisk (pronounced Chisk) if any of your party like beer. I think it would be very odd if you got rainy days like we do. We hardly ever get them even in the winter.

Just in case I don't get on before you go, have a great time, and please tell us how you got on, when you return. I will keep my fingers crossed you are a lover not a hater!

 

[Kazzer75]

We got back from Malta Friday morning. Had a great time despite a few days of bad weather, a broken camera and a rash!! Really liked Malta though. I will post more when I get some more time to do it justice. Just wanted to pop in and say hello.

 

[suepat10]

Really glad you had a good time x x

 

[penguina]

Glad you had a good time, whoops sorry about the weather, and I said it will be fine..:ignore: What do I know! I hope you did get to use your pool though.

Let us know where you went and what you enjoyed, and whether, hire car or public transport won the day. Just about to book our flights for December so roll on Christmas!

 

[Kazzer75]

We did use the pool at the villa, but could have used it more if the weather had sorted its self out sooner, but thats the chance you take.

We were super busy and I just wish that we had had more time than 7 nights as there wasn't a lot of time to relax at all.

We used the hire car for the entire trip and despite getting lost several times a day, we really enjoyed it all. The roads are crazy, there are no signs and the maps show what we call dirt tracks as major roads. Also, you have to get used to conflicting help from locals and they give directions that include going the wrong way down 1 way streets. It was a lot of fun getting lost though. At one point we asked 2 locals if they could show us on the map where we were and they took some time to think and discuss and then pointed and said 'you may be here...or you may be there'. So funny!!

The weather was to bad for us to do the Blue Grotto boat in Malta which was sad. The men's fishing trip kept getting re-scheduled as well due to poor weather. But we saw the Azure Window and the inland sea, etc. in Gozo which was lovely. We hung out at the Rambla beach in Gozo as well and then fell upon a village festival in Gozo which we stayed around for and enjoyed.

We did the blue lagoon on Comino, but only had a couple of hours. It was very hot and busy though, so not such a bad thing.

We drove the Dingli cliffs and went to Marsaxlokk for a look around. Not to mention all of the back roads we found ourselves on.

We spent 2 1/2 days in and around Valletta as well and saw the Mdina, Rabat and the Mosta Dome.

It was great. The food was good, the villa was good, we liked the area that we stayed in. Would go back in a minute....wish we were going again in December.

 

[SARAH S]

We absolutely adore Malta as well. Over the last few years have been at least once a year.

We have noticed that it is losing its charm now that they have joined the EU...blast their stupid rulings.

The island neede funds though so it wasn't a surprise when they joined and we feared that it would all change.

I can't believe they are getting rid of the buses...........watching the locals get on the bus and crossing themselves ( they are very religious) and then crossing themselves when they made it to there destination...truly...gives you an idea of how these boy racer drivers are!!!

We always felt very safe both walking and driving, always hired a car, the Maltese adore the Brits and love children so if you havent been you really must try it

 

[penguina]

Getting lost is half of the fun! We have taken our hire car down some tracks that we shouldn't have, but take a bit more care now that we borrow our friends car LOL. Hubby always says he wishes he had the discovery over there - what fun we would have then.

Glad you found a festa - that is something I haven't seen sadly as it is too hot for me in the summer. We spoke to our Maltese friends tonight and they said it was 31 today and the lad said he was burnt, so I think the weather has improved since you came back.

I can't remember if I said in an earlier post but hubby was lucky enough to go to the top of the Mosta Dome last year (all the way up the outside).

Sarah the new buses are coming in on 3rd July. The drivers will even be wearing suits!!!! I don't know if they will still be able to hang up their crucifixes - but maybe the luck of God will not be needed after the change over ;-) The character of the old british cars has gone too - now it is the same as any modern country - which is good for the Maltese, but not good for the character. We have seen the roads improve so much since they have joined the EU.

 

[SARAH S]

I remember driving along a main road all bumpy and potholed! on one visit, it was a beautifaul sunny day, watching the largest black cloud brewing out at sea. It was like some sort of movie!.
Within minutes the skies opened and I can only describe it as monsoon like rain poured down. We couldnt see the road it was like driving in a river!!!
10 minutes later it was gone...........5 mins after that the roads were dry and you'd think that it was just a dream

Amazing!

My favourite about the place is the fish and seafood! mmmmmmmmmmmm!

Better get a visit in very soon!