Malta - Majestic, Monumental, and Memorable (but, is it worth it?)

An Honest Uber Ride

"How do you like Malta?" Our Uber driver, Mark, warmly asked as he maneuvered through the high-traffic streets of Sliema toward Rabat.

Derek laughed as he answered, "I can honestly say, I haven't seen so many cactuses, not even in Texas."

Mark smiled in reply as he quickly looked up at us through the rearview mirror. "Ah, you are Americans then? I spent a couple of years in America, but I was happy to return here. There is something about Malta, it may be small, but it has roots, you know - it is home. The water may be too cold to go swimming now, but don't let that stop you." He winked at us as he stopped to let an older couple cross the street.

"But my son, he is in America. You see, my ex-Wife lives there and I tried to move over to make it work." He paused and the smile briefly faded from his face as he stared intently at the road, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "I am here now, so it didn't work; but I felt lost there and didn't know where to go. Here..." he paused to gesture to the outside view of rolling fields with stone walls, "here is home."

Derek asked him what his favorite spots in Malta were and he lit up as he told us about a set of clear stairs that led to these majestic gardens. "A beautiful spot for pictures." He grinned at us, "but, that is to be said for all of Malta."

During the rest of the 16-minute ride, I was caught up in Mark's excitement and love for his homeland. He spoke of Malta as if it was a dear friend, full of life, adventure, and stories. I wish I could have seen Malta through his eyes, a place of belonging and home.

An Honest Review

When we left Malta on Wednesday morning, March 8, 2023, sunlight reflected off the gentle lull of a sky-blue ocean, groups of Cacti bordered busy streets, and the tan limestone buildings stood majestic against the colorful skyline. It was majestic, it was beautiful, and it was rich in history; but to be brutally honest, it was a fun but done trip for us. There is so much beauty in Malta, it was just lacking that extra something for me. It could be because we went during the off-season, it could be because the Popeye Village was temporarily closed due to storm damage, or it could be that I wasn't a fan of the rabbit and octopus-focused foods (on the other-hand, Derek loved the rabbit spaghetti, however he was hands-off when it came to seeing horse on the menu). In my opinion, it was like hiking up a mountain and taking in a beautiful view and then thinking to yourself, now what?

Now, that isn't to say we didn't have an incredibly fun time. We got to walk down the charming streets of Valetta, a UNESCO world heritage site; had a drink by the Mediterranean Sea; walked through the silent city of Mdina; visited the artfully designed St Paul's Church; explored St. Paul's catacombs; and tried a traditional Maltese Pastizzi (usually filled with ricotta or curried peas); walked in the incredibly blue waters of the Blue Lagoon; and took a tour of Gozo. Despite a fully planned trip, we seemed to finish our days early. If you feel the sunlight on your back and the breeze of the sea in your hair, Malta may be calling - but, wait for summer to answer.

Malta is a Mood