Malta

I have a few photos for you, but this trip was much more about connecting with Malta than visiting it.

It is an island south of Sicily, 30 miles long by 14 miles wide. So much of it was built by the Knights of Malta in the 1500’s. There are a few walled cities, but mostly towns and villages. The Maltese are a mixture of Arabs and Europeans and their food and culture dates back thousands of years. As a people thier sensibilities lean toward understanding, kindness and the knowledge that all things will pass. Their family roots are deep, their children are cherished, and their zest for life is all important.

Chazy’s friends, Paul and Gino, are as I remember them — fun and witty and intelligent and lovable. They embraced Brad and me like long lost family, and we spent our days together drinking in dive bars instead of visiting cathedrals. The cathedrals will be there — more important to say hello to the owner, chat with the staff and talk with friends and laugh and cry.

We met three cats in Malta and found them to be rather aloof. We saw many walled cities, smelled lemon blossoms with every breeze, and managed to scrounge a few loquats. We saw a parade of Knights with torches, heard the lilting Maltese accents in every cafe, discussed international politics with our driver, a bass player and a real estate agent and were reminded why Chazy fell for the place.

It has been a very emotional trip for me, more than I anticipated. I’ve left my sister where she is happy and free, but I have left her none the less. Her last wish completed. The ending to the story.

I’m crossing the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean as I’m writing this. Heading to Sicily to stay in yet another palace. I hadn’t thought of it till now, but I only booked hotels that were former 17th century palaces — no wonder I travel dressed like a Principessa.