Malta & Gozo - Cliffs, Caves and a Stalker

There are many beaches here on Malta and wherever you go, the views are stunning. Take the many beautiful shades of the blue Mediterrean Sea, add some sunshine, maybe a cold one and you have a lovely day indeed.
Out at Golden Bay I enjoyed lunch and then found a trail to hike up to the top of the cliffs to get a better view, it was amazing...Golden Bay on one side and Ghajn Tuffieha on the other. I was fumbling with my camera to get a picture happening and a couple fellows came by and one offered in his broken English to take my pic - once he snapped it, the other fellow said to wait and jumped in beside me for a picture and said "you be my wife eh"......ahhhh ummmm, smile and take the picture.

Blue Grotto is another gem on Malta, went out here twice as the first time I missed the temples and was going to see about a boat ride to the Blue Grotto Caves. It's about a 30 minute walk from the temples to the village of Blue Grotto and despite it being in the middle of nowhere and nothing nearby there are extra wide sidewalks most of the way to the village and of course a ledge for part of it that you can walk along to avoid being run down by a vehicle. Before heading to the village I checked the bus stop - busses come out once an hour here - this is where I met my new stalker.....friend Alexandria, he kindly stopped and asked if I was going to Blue Grotto and offered me a ride.....ahh, no thanks, I'm walking.....how about a boat ride? Dingli Cliffs? I take you......ahhh, no thanks, I'm good......it's a long walk.......it's ok, I need the exercise (remember, muffin top)......it's ok, it's safe......nope.
When I made it to the last hill heading to the village, he came by again and offered me a ride back to the village of Zurrrieq - which is where I would eventually need to be to head back.....nooooooo, seriously, I'm good. A tour bus came by, he stopped and told me to get on saying it was too far to walk......sigh....don't these people walk?
Well, after a walkabout in Blue Grotto and finding no boats were running as the sea was a tad angry and wouldn't have it, I took a seat down on the rocks for a bit.......and who shows up but my new stalker friend.......so we have a chat.....claims he was just being helpful.....mmhmm. I let stalker Alexandria take a pic at the top of the cave I was checking out and off I went to catch a bus.

The Island of Gozo has a beautiful treasure called Dwejra and I was fortunate to make it out here twice. Four euros will get you a boat ride for a birds eye view of the Azure Window and Fungus Rock. The boat guy did not want to take me as I was solo.......said he had to charge me double....I don't care, just take me! Where was my stalker friend when I needed a buddy?
A short exit from the bay, into a cave, out the other side and you are on the open sea......in a little boat.......little......why was this a good idea? where is my life jacket?........you quickly forget when you start snapping pictures of the massive limestone walls, the caves, the coral - it's mesmerizing.

Enjoyed an evening out to watch a Flamenco show. "Aire Flamenco", a wonderful performance - gorgeous dresses, tiaras, music and off course pretty shoes!

A visit to Malta must include taking part of "The Malta Experience". The underground theatre runs a 45 minute show which covers 7000 years of history and the events that have shaped the Maltese islands. From the early settlers of the temple period to the Knights of the Great Siege through to the destruction of World War 2 - the history here is mind boggling. Afterwards, there is a short walking tour through what was once The hospital of the Knights of St. John, built in 1574, which is now known as the Mediterrean Conference Centre. Hard to believe the floors they laid down in the 15th century are still intact in parts of this building and being walked on daily. There are 3 levels underground in this building!

A Horse Carriage Cab is an enjoyable way to have a little tour of the Valletta area. I had a great driver who stopped at various points and shooed me off to look at this and that and take photos, I didn't have the heart to tell him I had already been to and taken pics at many of the spots.......I just wanted a ride in the horse carriage.