A Remarkable Country
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Malta is a place with an incredible and fascinating history. From 1530 to 1798, the Knights of Malta ruled the Maltese islands. They left a very important mark on the islands' culture and look. The knights built fortified cities on Malta to protect from invasion by the Ottoman Turks and anyone else who would want to take the islands for themselves. The cities of Valletta and Mdina are both examples. (Valletta is the capital city of Malta.) Still today, the cities have their protective walls, and people go in and out through the cities' gates.
Many Americans do not realize it, but Malta played a very important part in World War II (1939-1945). At that time, Malta was ruled by Great Britain. The country was badly damaged in the war, but its people fought bravely on the side of Great Britain, France, and the United States. The Maltese are very proud of this part of their history.
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I had the opportunity to make some new friends in Malta. Standing to my right is a man named Chris. He knows some friends of mine back in the United States. Chris is a history teacher, so he was very helpful to me in learning about the history of Malta. He also gave me a pretty great tour of Valletta. Then I had a very nice dinner with Chris and some of his friends on Friday! In Malta, I have met people from a number of countries, including Great Britain, France, Spain, and Luxembourg. Making friends around the world helps you to realize how connected we all are as human people. And it helps you to remember that there are good people in every country.
Do you notice anything about this photo? The first thing I noticed is that I was the only one smiling. But I don't think it's because they didn't like me. Sometimes traveling makes you realize things about your own country that you do not notice living there. One thing I have learned on this trip is that we Americans smile a whole lot! In the U.S., it is almost expected that you smile at everyone, lest they think you are angry. Europeans do not feel the need to smile at everyone all the time. Don't get me wrong; Italy and Malta are filled with friendly people. I have shared smiles and laughs and good times with people in both countries. But I guess the front desk clerk at the hotel doesn't really see a reason to smile when collecting my laundry, nor does the waitress in a restaurant when bringing the bill. And people don't necessarily feel the need to smile as they try to get past you when you are very clearly in their way on the street. In some ways, I guess kind of makes sense. And I guess people don't see pictures as moments where they must have a big grin on their faces!
I have had the chance to sample some interesting foods here. You have already seen some of them. Here are a few more. Foods I love in Malta: cheeses, bread, pasta, fruits, vegetables, desserts, Kinnie (soft drink). Foods I don't especially care for: stewed rabbit, fish the way it is prepared here. Food that was okay: octopus salad, french fries (known here as chips, surprisingly popular in Malta). One of the good things about sampling a new dish is that you are only stuck with it for one meal out of your entire life. But if you do like it, you have found a new, delicious food you can eat again!
Today I was supposed to go and visit some of the oldest buildings on earth. At a few places on the island of Malta, there are temples built by people who lived during the Stone Age--over 5,000 years ago! Yes, many of these buildings are still standing. Unfortunately, I got way turned around and wound up lost on the other end of the island. By the time I figured out where I was and how to get back, the day was too far advanced. So I headed back to Valletta without seeing the temples. Remember, sometimes travel does not go according to plan! I regret that I missed out on this part of Malta. But the Stone Age temples have been there for 5,000 years without me. I suppose they will be okay without a visit from me--maybe for 5,000 more years. That said, I ended up in a town located on Pretty Bay. I have to admit: this is a good name for it! I was able to take some nice pictures there while I waited for my bus back to Valletta, so not all was lost!
Tomorrow morning I depart from this country and return to Italy. I have really cherished my time in Malta. It is a very special place filled with beauty, joy, and good people. I think it will go down as one of most memorable places I have ever visited. I leave you with these pictures taken from the balcony of my hotel room overlooking Grand Harbour.