Seven years ago, Malta stupefied us with her beauty. Returning, this time with a visit to Gozo (another of her islands), and she did it again.
Where is Malta?
The Maltese Archipelago, consisting of three small islands, Malta, Comino and Gozo, is the European Union’s smallest member and located directly south of Italy and north of Libya. Its location in the middle of the Mediterranean sea has proven strategically important and over the centuries the country has been ruled or had to fight a number of powers including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of St. John, French, and British.
As a matter of interest – so strategically important was Malta, the country was one of the most bombed areas during WW2, 80% of her buildings virtually flattened.
Sailing into Spectacular Valletta
It’s a mid morning arrival into the stunning port of Valletta. Knowing how beautiful the view of the city is as you approach from the sea, we are on the Resilient Lady’s upper deck. It’s fun this time to hear the oohs and ahs of fellow sailors, my favourite overheard comment being – “I thought Barcelona was good, but this is next level.”
Our Tuk-Tuk Tour on Gozo
Having already explored Valetta during our 2017 visit (read my blog), this time we wanted to explore further afield. A tuk-tuk tour of Gozo was offered and so we took it. Tuk-tuks are a three-wheeled motorized vehicle. Perfect for not only traversing Gozo’s narrow roads but for also popping into areas not permissible to larger modes of transport.
What We Saw On Gozo
While Maltas winters are cold and windy, with temperatures falling to 10 degrees, her summers are hot and dry. It’s not uncommon for the thermometer to reach 45. Accordingly, rain in summer is rare, and the landscape reflects it. Travelling Gozos roads, the surrounding land was spare and brown. Hay bays were frequent. There to feed Gozos dairy cows who, for most of the time, dwell indoors.
Also common were small terraces of produce such as cabbages, onions, beans, tomatoes and potatoes. When asked where the water for these crops comes from, the reply was, “water for the fields is collected when it rains. Drinking water is piped over from Malta.”
Tidbits of Information About Gozo
Our tuk-tuk driver appeared to be the youngest of all the drivers and obtaining information was a bit like getting blood from a stone. Information we did manage to gleam was – the population of Gozo is 33,000, which swells to 43,000 during summer. There are 13 villages and 66 churches. Languages spoken are a unique blend of Arabic, French, Spanish, and English.
One of the older drivers was a little more informative. He was happy to relay stories about Gozos history, such as the 1551 battle with the turks which saw Gozos complete population of 5000 chained and taken into slavery. When talk turned to current times, his demeanour wasn’t so joyous.
“In the past 7 years, the population has grown by 40%. We have had migrants, some legal, others illegal. Also, many from other countries. Who wouldn’t want to live here? Education is free. It’s got everything, but the problem is, everything is now stuck.” Probing further what he means by stuck, is that the infrastructure just can’t handle the increase. “The roads are full. So are our hospitals and schools.”
A Big Day
Of all our land excursions, our day spent at Gozo was the biggest yet. Gozo is 67square kilometres and our tour covered a good part of it. Throw in the 40 minute high-speed ferry to reach the island and by the end of the day I was too exhausted to really appreciate the quick visit to Gozos blue lagoon. While I have come a long way since chemotherapy, I’ve realised I am not there yet and my current medication doesn’t help.
Where Next?
We are currently on day 41 of a 43 day cruise. Tomorrow we visit Santori, followed by Athens the day after. In all, it’s been an incredible journey, and we have been very lucky to have sailed it. To have had the opportunities to visit Mauritius, South Africa and Morocco has been amazing. But equally, I’m ready for it to end. I’m keen to revisit the real world even if it does mean having to make my own bed.
