View of Fort St Angelo & Upper Barrakka Gardens

A great place to visit while in Valletta is Upper Barrakka Gardens. Open to the public, these gardens originate from around the year 1661 and were distinctively "private", created and owned by the Italian Nights.
For many residents Upper Barrakka Gardens are a place of peace and tranquility, a place to sit reading, take in the sights or simply gather your thoughts. With strategically placed trees and shrubs, and the most magnificent of panoramic views, it is easy to see why so many people choose to spend their time here. At the heart of these prestige gardens is where you feel the true worth of your visit, providing you with the most spectacular panorama of the monumental Grand Harbour. Here you can appreciate what lengths the Knights of the Order of St John went to in building their fortress, with bastion walls standing proud since the 16th century. On the opposite side of the water lie the Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, alongside which are the Great Dockyards that served their own purpose by helping to keep the British Navy out of difficulty during World War II. The top left hand picture is of Fort St. Angelo, which can also be seen from Upper Barrakka Gardens. So if you do get time, Upper Barrakka Gardens is another one of Malta's great places to visit.
Deborah

Beautiful chapel set in a cave

This unique little chapel is situated in Wardija Ridge, between St Pauls and Mgarr.

It was shown to my parents by a lovely Maltese lady a number of years ago who used to frequent the chapel, sadly since she has passed away.

Unfortuately, I don't know any history or even the name of this quaint little church and only wish I could say more about it. One thing I was told, (and I have to say I don't know if it is the truth) is that the chapel was placed here for the local farmers. Set in the cave, the farmers would then only have a short distance to travel for daily prayers, during the height of there farming seasons.

If anyone can give me more of an incite, I would be very interested to know, especially why it is beautifully set in a cave.

Debs

Malta here I come.........

Well I have managed to book our flights, 2 weeks of guaranteed sunshine and precious time with my mum and dad, (I cannot wait).
It has actually been a difficult task this time, prices for apartments have shot up to an extortionate amount. I don't like saying it, because I adore this country, but what is going on? As a family we used to be able to lease an apartment for around the £150 mark, per week, now your looking at double! It has been a challenge, but thankfully as my folks live there, they have managed to find us something decent for a little more than we were used too, Phew. Anyway, we are going now and it is something to look forward too this summer.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the photo's.
Debs

The Beautiful Buskett Gardens

This photo was taken during our Christmas/New Year holiday 2009. The weather was absolutely gorgeous that day and didn't feel like winter at all.
On entering the gardens we were met by the heavenly smell of oranges which left your tastebuds tingling.
This secluded wood area is a great place for picnics and is home to one of Malta's most popular Festas, "The feast of St Peter and St Paul".
Situated between Rabat and Dingli Cliffs, Buskett Gardens is a must when visiting the island's of Malta.

Here Goes........

Hi all,
Well, here goes, my first ever blog post........WISH ME LUCK.
As you can see my blog is dedicated to the island's of Malta, I hope you like it. My family first visited Malta was when I was around 5 years old. My uncle had been based there for a brief period during his Navy years, and had become incredibly smitten by the place. He told my parents how beautiful Malta was and how much we would like it, that shortly after we spent our first holiday there. Loving the island's so much, my parents made Malta their number one holiday destination, and from then on, until leaving home, I spent 3 weeks of my summer on these beautiful island's.
Now at the age of 36, I find myself green with envy, not only has Malta gained a special place in my heart, but 2 years ago it finally captured my parents too, and they now reside there. I miss them very much and it can be very hard at times, but i suppose they feel the same too. We spend as much time together as possible, and just as soon as I finish my studies I am hoping Malta will be my home too.
Anyway putting my ambitions and dreams aside, the real reason for creating this blog spot is to share my photo's, thoughts and brief incites on what Malta can offer you, should you ever decide to visit. So please keep on reading my bloggs, I would love for you to see these beautiful island's through my eyes, it truely is a magical place.
Love
Deborah X