Back from holiday! I was fortunate enough to venture to both Malta and Ireland for two weeks. Two very different places, with two different experiences.
I was so pumped to go to Malta to get a little sun, and put away my umbrella. Shorts, bathing suit and sandals packed. Shorts, bathing suit and sandals never left my suitcase! I am glad that I packed for two different climates. Because I was able to wear my warm clothes for Ireland in Malta. I did see the sun for periods of time, and when it was out it was warm. But it rained and was so windy that I wore a coat, scarf and yes even my mitts for a lot of it. It doesn't help either when places don't have heating because it typically doesn't get cold enough for heat. So I froze for almost 6 days straight.
Malta itself is a very nice island, with tons of history. The fortresses that surround the capital Valetta were amazing. The Mediterranean sea did not disappoint, it was so clear, blue and absolutely breathtaking. If it wasn't for the massive waves due to the unsettled weather, I would have loved to get lost in the water for awhile. The many bays on the island were filled with fishing boast, sailboats and a few much bigger ships (Like David Beckham's Yacht). Malta is a melting pot of cultures and so there are many different languages spoken. Every one is taught English in school so it was very easy to communicate with the locals. The nightlife in Malta I can only imagine in the warmer months would be hopping, as many of the clubs were not fully running during this off season. I did manage to find some great pubs that were reasonably priced. Each meal I had was great, except for the first meal at the hotel. I had a lobster ravioli, and well it tasted like I was brushing my teeth. I went on two tours, one was around the coast line of Malta. Wow! So beautiful! (You will have to see some of the pictures) and the other tour was to the Island of Gozo. The ferry ride over was extremely rocky, but I managed to keep my breakfast down. This island was a lot calmer than Malta, and had some breathtaking views. It is a shame that the weather wasn't all that great this day as it made it hard to want to tour all the things that were on the trip. I am not convinced that I would return to Malta again, unless it was during the hot months and all that was on the agenda was eating, drinking and suntanning.
Ireland on the other hand, well, I am pretty sure I could live there! I loved it! It could have to do with the obsession I have now developed for the Irish accent. I couldn't get enough of hearing it. I think the weather gods got messed up because the weather in Ireland was a lot better than it was in Malta. Not hot, but beautifully sunny with no wind and no RAIN!!!!!! I went less times without my coat here! Dublin itself is similar to all big cities. It is busy with tons of traffic and extremely crowded sidewalks. But, it was all good, if I could hear people talk. Not that I understood them half the time, but it was great all the same. The first day seemed like a perfect day to go to the Guinness Storehouse. What an amazing operation, and huge! A little sample in the middle of the tour and then a free pint at the end. I have now become a Guinness fan! The bar at the top offers a 360 degree view of Dublin and with the sun being out, it was great. The technique of pouring a perfect Guinness was strictly followed and was finished off with a clover leaf in the foam. So cute! For the next two days, I enjoyed the hop on hop off bus service. It took and hour and half to go all the way around. I was able to see all the sights that I was interested in first before stopping off. From Christ Church Cathedral to Jameson Whisky Distillery, I can honestly say I made my way around Dublin. The hotel I stayed in offered nightly Irish entertainment, including Irish dancers. It was great to sit back and enjoy a show at the end of a long day. The only downfall to Dublin was how expensive it was. I just about fell out of my chair when I was charged 14 euros for two drinks! This of course was in the most expensive touring spot called Temple Bar. It was at least 11 euros in the less touristy areas. My favourite was the day tour I took through the Wicklow hills and through the Glendalough lakes. Pictures can not describe the beauty of some of these sights. It did remind me of how fortunate I am to live close to the Rockies and to not take for granted the beauty of the scenery there. I felt so blessed though to be in a different place of the world and have the opportunity to admire its greatness.
There are never enough words to describe in detail all that I saw in Malta and in Ireland. I am glad that I am keeping a journal of the things I experience. It is unfortunate that I can't share everything with you, but hopefully through my blog and pictures on facebook you can get a small glimpse of how lucky I have been to travel.
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