Tuesday was forecast to be very, very windy so we decided to spend the day driving around the island. There were a couple of places we'd earmarked to visit, the first of which was the fishing village Marsaxlokk on the south coast.
We got there after several wrong turns and parked in what appeared to be a car park but as we'd been warned that different rules apply for tourist and residents, thought we'd better check. There was a Tourist Information Office nearby so we asked in there if it was OK to leave the car "It's a car park" was the reply, but it's impossible to convey the tone with which it was said!
As predicted the winds were unbelievable strong and at times it was hard to stand up, never mind hold a camera steady. It's a really pretty village and in the summer I should imagine it's heaving with tourists eating in the many fish restaurants, but today it was practically deserted. On a Sunday there is a large fish market.
The eye of Osiris is painted on the side of the fishing boats for good luck
From there we drove inland to Mdina, the old capital and a really interesting walled city. The wind by this time had increased even more so I didn't get to take many photos.
Again, the cathedral was very beautifully painted.
We (Ian) had a fabulous salmon and tuna baguette at this cafe (I had a little taste). The cafe was built on the edge of the city wall and the wind was howling and buffeting the plastic shuttering but the view was amazing - you could see right across the island to Valletta.
Not sure where the London Transport sign fits in
From there we drove to the very north of the island where the ferry to Gozo leaves from; nothing of particular interest but a couple of churches (there are so many churches) and the crashing waves.
We then drove the coast road as much as possible back to Valletta but there wasn't much worth stopping the car for (a lot of all inclusive, stay in the hotel and don't venture out resorts).
For dinner we went to the Valletta Waterfront area which looks like a fairly newly renovated area with loads of restaurants and bars - but unfortunately no people!! We'd decided to eat Pepe Nero and turned up a bit before then opened, but the waiters noticed us sitting outside in the "tented" area and opened up for us. They were lovely and the food was delicious, if a little large. Hopefully for all concerned the area will be heaving in the summer months.