Mediterranean fusion

by Marina Tsarova (Bulgaria)

I didn't expect to find Malta

I have always been in love with the beauty of being different, exploring other people's cultures around the world, other languages, other customs, other perception of the world. Malta, one of the smallest countries in the world (10th smallest country to be exact), situated just below Sicily and north of Tunisia, Mediterranean archipelago, highly influenced by different rulers over the centuries, is a stunning and historically rich place to visit. Its filled with people from all around Europe making it even more colorful and rich. January and February are just the perfect time for the explorers not to be too tempted to stay on the beach all day sunbathing or diving in the turquoise waters. The temperatures in mid-January are around 16 to 20 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees Fahrenheit, sunny but windy, its a good setting for sightseeing and trips around the island. It took us quite a while figuring out their public transport but once you have it figured out the numerous buses can take you everywhere around the island for 1.50 euro per ride. The small roads remind me of the old cities of Spain or Italy, houses made out of mellow yellow limestone with typical balconies take me of the cities of the exotic middle east, with palm trees and Mediterranean cuisine, Malta is way more diverse than any other country I have been into. While walking through the small Maltese cities you can definitely feel the Arab influence from centuries back when Malta was under Arab rule (between 870 and 1091 AD), with cities named Mdina ('medina' from Arabic mean 'city'), Rabat (also the name of the Capital of Morocco), the island Gozo with its capital Victoria (the old name of which is also Rabat), to their language which has Arabic roots. In time, the vocabulary became mixed with more Arabic, Italian, French and English which made it sound very unique and different. The capital Valletta (which is the smallest EU capital), also known as the city of the Knights, with an area of only 0.8 km2, has its own commercial street with a LOT of clothing stores and souvenir shops surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants. Valletta is the place to be in the weekends evenings when it becomes alive and filled with people. It has stunning views around every corner since Valletta is surrounded by water. The capital has Renaissance and Baroque architecture which gives it magical feeling and makes you travel in time. Taking the ferry from Malta to Gozo is just around 4 euro for both ways but the best time is definitely sunset! There is no better view than the sun going down between the two islands colliding with the surface of the sea. Catholicism is believed to have been brought to Malta by St. Paul, who was a Christian missionary and lived around 60 A.D. St Paul was shipwrecked at what is now known as St Paul’s Bay, and converted the then pagan population of Malta, starting another chapter in Malta’s rich culture. Visiting the large and richly adorned local churches is certainly one of the best activities in Malta. With 49 churches and chapels only on the island of Gozo, it has one of the most breathtaking ones in Malta such as Gozo Cathedral and Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary. Overall Malta is an excellent fusion of rich culture, good cuisine and stunning architecture, just enough to make your summer nostalgia go away with sea breeze and sunny days.