Valleta, Malta

We spent the sea time out of Alexandria enduring what the ship calls “increased hygiene” measures to prevent GI illnesses – translated that means no self service at the buffets, extra hand sanitizing stations, crew spraying carpets (to counteract the Egyptian dirt we might have tracked in?), and no going and getting yourself a cup of coffee (except for those of us lucky enough to have coffee makers in our rooms).

Valleta entrance

We sailed into Valleta, Malta, eagerly.  The entrance is pretty tight, with massive walls lining the city and a narrow port channel.  We moored behind a German frigate.  

Valleta harbor

Mdina, St Paul's Cathedral

Rather than do a ship tour we opted for the HO-HO bus… that’s a hop on, hop off.  Right as we boarded the open top level of the bus, it started spitting rain… the bus company was prepared and promptly handed out ponchos.

Malta is home to the Knights of Malta, defenders of the Roman Catholic church, and, indeed, there are churches everywhere.  One church in Mdina was St. Paul’s home church when he was named Bishop of Malta and where he is believed to be buried.  

the bombed church

There was one church with a huge dome that was bombed in WWII and the bomb penetrated the roof, but did not go off… today they keep a replica in the sacristy.

Near Italy and Africa, it is a historic crossroads – and has been invaded multiple times, as well as serving as a launch point for the crusades.  It was most recently under British rule (until the 1960s), so they speak Italian, Maltese, and English.  We even saw one building that had a sign saying Napoleon had ruled the island for seven days.  There is even an old naval hospital that handled British troops from the battle of Gallipoli.

They do like their religious festivals, and Christmas decorations at every turn reminded us that December is here… where did the year go?

We are headed now for Barcelona… with strong storms moving across Europe and closing airports in the UK, we picked up some gale force winds and pretty good swells.  We sat at lunch and watched the waves crashing from the lap pool onto Deck 12.  Barf bags began appearing throughout the ship due to the rough seas.  We think the line mistook seasickness for GI distress because at dinner they were serving bread instead of putting a plate of rolls on the table and even the salt and pepper shakers were removed.   After Scott complained, we were allowed to have the waiters give us freshly ground pepper. 

They are taking the measures a bit too far.  After dinner, our friends returned to their room to find their ice bucket had been removed and their coffee maker.  We still have our cappuccino machine and our ice bucket, so there must be separate rules for suites. 

We’re all packed and ready to leave.  We’re taking a ship’s tour to Monserrat (a monastery in the hills near Barcelona).  It is supposed to have a killer view and a famous choir, and what works for us is that it kills some time … allowing us to check in to our hotel.  (When your ship arrives at 5 am to meet westbound morning flight schedules, the hotels just don’t have rooms ready!)

We’ll be home before we know it.