Malta 2004

Malta is a delightful place to visit. It has a mild, arid climate as a result of its central location in the Mediterranean Sea. It gained its independence from the British in 1964 after 160 years of English rule. As a result most people speak English -- and driving is still on the left. The people are friendly and interesting. They speak a language that is similar to Arabic, but has always been written in the Roman alphabet. Because of its small size -- its 3 islands have a land area the size of a large US city -- and population of about 350,000, all of its many attractions are a short distance from your hotel. Clicking on the Lonely Plant map accesses their site.

Malta has a history of 7,000 years. Its very name conjures up the Knights of Malta. They were pushed out of the island of Rhodes by the Muslim Turks and arrived in Malta in 1530. The Knights immediately fortified the island. Their tremendous construction efforts created many highlights to visit in Malta. In fact, these castles, fortresses, monuments, and buildings are frequently used by the movie industry. For example, Troy and Midnight Express were filmed in Malta. The Knights succeeded in their goal of protecting Malta against a Muslim invasion. Today Malta, the southern outpost of the Catholic Church in Europe, is 98% Roman Catholic. It has 365 churches.

P&A Sullivan handled my private tour to Malta. They accommoded my last minute request for a tour to Gozo. Robert Pullicino, the Operations Manager, even accompanied me in order to squeeze this in. Gozo was worth the effort! I mentioned to Robert that the highlight of my visit was the Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the most exquisite churches I have ever seen, and specifically the floor composed of intricate, marble-inlaid tombstones of 374 knights. Robert told me that Sharon Stone, who he had accompanied in Malta, made the same comment. Sir Walter Scott called this Cathedral the most magnificent place he had ever seen.

Malta is famous for its honey colored limestone. All of the homes on Malta are constructed of stone, not wood. Because Malta is small, arid and surround by the sea, the public water system is mainly highly processed sea water. Malta is great place for a vacation. Since I took mostly video, there aren't many photos to share: