This morning we docked in Valletta, Malta! Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, it’s only 52 miles south of Sicily.
The weather was perfect for just strolling around the busy Saturday markets. The buildings are all constructed of native limestone rock which is actually sand-colored. This is the island where Paul, along with a whole ship full of prisoners, were ship wrecked. You can read the miraculous account of the ship wreck found in Acts 27. Chapter 28 of Acts tells the account of Paul on the Island of Malta. It was here that Paul survived a deadly venomous viper snake bite and where he healed the father of Publius. With this healing, many others sought out Paul to be cured of their diseases. Paul notes the hospitality and generosity of the citizens of Malta.
Later, Valletta was built to protect Christian pilgrims en route to the Holy Land and played other very important roles in history. I’ll bet traveling into a foreign territory must have been pretty scary back then. That’s where the Knights of the Order of St. John came in. In 1530, the Spanish king gave the whole island to the Order. After a bloody battle with the Turks, the Knights fortified this city. In more recent history, during WWII the island was considered a key in the battle for the Mediterranean and was exposed to months of bombing raids and blockades, leaving many of the inhabitants homeless and without food. More history occurred here than I could possibly write about in this short space, but it truly is fascinating and something I would like to research further when we get home.
We quickly found a little city park and enjoyed looking at all the plants blooming. Some men were playing an enthusiastic game of soccer – a favorite sport all over Europe. Continuing on our stroll, which I might add is always a little brisk with Ross as the leader, we came to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. These were originally the private gardens of the Italian Knights. Also, we saw Fort St. Elmo, a fortification located on a peninsula which was a strategic stronghold for the Knights against the Turks in the 16th century. Today, it is home to the Malta Police Academy.
The population is overwhelmingly Catholic. Shrines to Mary are everywhere and are enhanced with large sconce covered light bulbs and flowers in little vases. They are all preparing for Easter as signs are posted displaying the times of local passion plays and concerts. Bakeries and candy stores in ancient buildings display their delicious goods in the shop windows – little chicks, bunnies, brightly colored eggs, and pastel colored icing sweet cakes.
Right on the side of the street a circular structure resembling a closed in gazebo held the most lovely flowers, plants, and little animals. We saw the tiniest turtles ever, along with bunnies and parakeets. The turtles reminded of the kind you use to be able to win at carnivals, and then you could buy little, plastic, island homes for them to live in – and with their own private palm tree I might add. They’re outlawed now because of salmonella , but I know my brother and I really enjoyed ours in the good ol’ days!
Tonight’s show featured ballroom dancing. Should I repeat myself once again and say how great they were? Well, they were! Their costumes were especially beautiful!
But wait –there’s more! Tonight at midnight we’ll be enjoying a chocolate buffet. Who could ask for anything more?
Linda at Valletta park - notice the time on the clock
Round-about at the peak of Valletta
Busy main street of Valletta
Outside St. John's Church
Did they tell you about the history of the Knights of Malta? I mean the conspiracy theorist's historical account of course.
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