I’m back again! I’m in Malta at the minute, this is country number twenty four on my ‘been to’ list and one that I’ve wanted to visit for quite some time now! I had a huge list of things I wanted to do and see here (as always) and guess what? I ticked hardly anything off. This trip did not go to plan at all, I had a really busy lead up to going away with loads of different things happening (one of which I will be posting about!), and as soon as I landed, I fell really poorly, and spent the first three days in my hotel either in bed or on a sunbed by the pool feeling sorry for myself. I visited a doctor, and the pharmacy a few times and I can only describe what they eventually gave me as miracle medication because after a few days I finally started to feel like myself again and was ready to start (slowly) exploring. So, what have I been up to?

First up, Valetta; the capital. I wish I could say I saw everything I wanted to see in Valetta, but the reality was, I was still more poorly than I realised and I only managed about an hour or so of walking around in the 30° heat before feeling like I was going to collapse. So after a very brief encounter of the city centre, I headed back to my hotel, hoping that I’d have some time to head back another day, but I unfortunately didn’t. My time in Valetta was largely just my own little walking tour of some of the different sights and scenery. I wanted to take a gondola to see the three cities, but didn’t manage this, but even without doing it myself, would absolutely recommend to anyone and can only hope that one day I can return to do it! I really enjoyed walking the meandering streets and really did find myself getting lost in the little lanes really enjoying seeing the quirky buildings, doors and general architecture. It was really picturesque and definitely a place i”d love to return to to see more.

Next day I visited Mdina and Rabat, it was sooo hot on this day! It peaked at around 32° and there wasn’t a lot of shade where I was. Mdina is known as ‘The Silent City’ in Malta and it really didn’t disappoint. Some of the Game of Thrones was filmed here (I haven’t watched it so couldn’t honestly tell you) but there were loads of fanatics there checking out the different places and really getting into the vibe. I was just quite happy in my own little world with my headphones in exploring.

I easily got lost walking around, every street looked similar and I’d walk up and down and wonder where I got too, but, I really enjoyed getting tangled up in the little alleys, wandering up and down and seeing new treasures and delights around each corner. It had a real ‘royal’ feel to it, the architecture was stunning and there was just pure beauty everywhere. I real highlight for my trip and one that whenever I searched the best bits of Malta before I went, came up as one of the number one things, so if you’re visiting, do not miss it!

Friday, day five! I finally felt well enough to go on the boat trip I had to cancel earlier in the week, I had originally booked a party boat trip but I had to trade it for a more chilled out vibe as I still wasn’t sure I was fully recovered. The boat trip went to the islands of Gozo and Comino, stopping at the Blue Lagoon for swimming.

I explored Gozo and visited the capital, Victoria. I went to St George’s Square and visited St George’s Basilica, as well as Santa Savina Church, which were all stunning, and though I didn’t have a long time in Gozo to explore, the time that I did have was well spent and I really enjoyed getting lost in the streets. Comino is largely inhabited, with one two people permanently living on the island, all other visitors are those on day trips, and the island is only accessible by boat. I booked my trip through GetYourGuide (not an ad although would recommend all of their trips I’ve done so far!) and it was really worthwhile. The Blue Lagoon was SENSATIONAL! I have no other words. The crystal clear teal blue sea was welcoming and warm and I loved exploring the shore and island of Comino too.

By the time Saturday (day six) arrived, I was knackered again, I still hadn’t fully recovered from being poorly, and my full day in the sunshine on my boat trip had clearly taken it out of me, so I binned off my original plan to visit Marsaxlokk, Malta’s fishing village, and had another chill day. I really wanted to admit defeat by this time as I was getting so annoyed that I didn’t have it in me to be out and about every day, however, as much I’m one to always be out and exploring, it really did me no harm spending a few days chilling. As I said at the beginning of my post, life has been full on both physically and emotionally since my last trip away and I do feel like I really haven’t had the chance to slow down and stop, so it was almost guaranteed that I was going need a chance to rest and reset before going back to the craziness of life (and yes, it’s crazy busy as soon as I land).

Day seven was well and truly chilled before my very late flight home! I always try and travel as cheap, but still as lush, as possible, so usually flights at really odd times of the day are the ones that get my vote! So, my flight home is at 22:30, I land at 01:00 and need to be in work at 08:00 in the morning.. I’m wishing myself all the luck in the world to see me through Monday! I have no upcoming trips planned now (which is so unlike me!) but I haven’t decided what kind of adventure I want next… once I know you’ll know! See ya soon, Mads x