Malta June 8th 2007
Sliema, Manoel Island, & Cospicua
Today we had decided, would be a get up when we feel like it day, (primarily determined by Dan & Rosie), and go to visit Sleima, Manoel Island and Cospicua. We had already pre-booked a BBQ for the evening back at the hotel.
Sliema? well because my brother Mick and his wife Valerie had stayed there previously, Manoel Island? because my dad was stationed there at HMS Phoenicia as well as being the location of the church, St. Patrick, where I was baptised and Cospicua? because we lived there, initially with some friends at 'Bormla Gate' and then Ghaindwili Rd. (I think that is actually 'Ghajn Dwieli').
Getting to Sliema in our little car was no problem. By the time you have driven around it a couple of times trying to find somewhere to park and get out, tempers become a little frayed. I think that driving in the big built up areas is really the only downside to Malta, that is that the locals drive as if everyone knows where they are going and cut you very little slack. Not to worry, we eventually found a big multi-storey carpark and abandoned our wheels.
First up was something to eat. Yep, sorry, it's Big Mack time again. We found a Macdonalds in a lovely little Shopping center which I think is called the 'Plaza Shopping Center'. Anyway, Mrs Walker insisted we did the customary tour of the retail outlets prior to stuffing faces.
View of the waterfront and Sliema Creek.
After lunch we went for a stroll along the waterfront, which really is quite nice with plenty to look at and tourist type shops to nose in.
Sliema is obviously the big resort & shopping center of Malta and personally I think I preferred the more 'rural' setting in Mellieha.
There are some excellent views across Sliema Creek and Marsamxett Habour of Valetta though.
View of Valetta from Sliema.
Next it was back to the car and a short drive along the waterfront to Manoel island.
View of Manoel island from Sliema.
Unfortunately Manoel island was all but closed to the public in favour of a rather extensive marina redevelopment, though we did drive on as far as what looked like the gate to the old naval base.
Nevermind.
We spent the next hour or so escaping the Sliema area and trying to end up at Cospicua. We drove around by Paola, through Ghajn Dwieli, though we did not realise it, on through Cospicua and again did not realise it and finally through Kalkara. We then did a loop back round and ended up somewhere in Paola. The problem is that the road signs only seem to let you know where you are when you have been there. That coupled with the constant harassment from two children in the back as well as from quite a large contingent of local 'rally drivers' gave us incentive to call it a day. So I wound down the window, actually it was already open and shouted 'You are a day'. Hehe!
Next we headed back to Mellieha bay to spend some time on the beach collecting some sun.
The beach at Mellieha Bay is really quite good for children and adults alike. It's sandy and has a very gentle slope making it relatively safe for children and has plenty of loungers for hire at a very reasonable rate.
And it were hot too, loverly !
Mellieha Beach with Mellieha in the distance.
Mellieha Beach view northwards.
My Mum has pictures of me paddling at Mellieha Bay back in 1958. Now I have pictures of our two on the same beach, almost exactly 50 years on.
I don't suppose it looks much like it did then, now? other than the sea, sun and sand.
After a few hours swimming in the warm waters and toasting both sides adequately we set off back to the hotel to clean up and get ready for the evenings BBQ on the roof terrace.
The BBQ was excellent. Virtually all you could ask for.
There was plenty of food to choose from as well as a virtually unlimited amount on a help yourself basis. Not good for the waistline, but who cares?.
Daniel at the BBQ (at last, as much as I can eat).
Rosie at the BBQ.(I'm not going to spill this).
I think Rosie especially enjoyed it as she can eat for England.
It was all pretty healthy food though and very well prepared. Funny though, with all of the grub available Rosie latched onto the abundant supplies of fresh fruit? That's not a complaint merely a surpriising observation.
Well, after pigging out to the point of wishing we hadn't and the following wine & Cisk Lager the BBQ ended.
Stayed long enough up on the terrace to take in the lovely sunset over Mellieha. Yeh I know, the crane again.
Sunset over Mellieha from the roof terrace.
We spent the rest of the evening down in 'La Caverna' bar, once again listening to some live music.
And that were the end of Friday.
Click here to read about Saturday 9th June.
(You can of course use the menu on the left towards the top of this page to roam around.)
