It was a happy coincidence that the Baroque Festival was happening while we’re in town. Friday evening we went to our second concert of the Festival, this one at Teatru Manoel in Valletta. The grand theater, built in 1731, is beautiful and the performance by countertenor Raffaele Pe’ and his ensemble La Lira di Orfeo, exuberant!
We took the bus to Valletta this morning and learned along the way that streets were closed. We had to exit the bus and walk the rest of the way. As we left the bus, helicopters were buzzing overhead, police were everywhere as were TV cameramen. We couldn’t imagine what was happening and stopped to ask a policemen – it was the President of Malta’s Solidarity Fun Run!! The event really jammed traffic but it seemed that everyone was having a great time! Anyone could join in from those participating in the marathon to families with kids in strollers. The photo below shows the first group of runners arriving in Valletta.
Our destination was the Sunday market at Marsaxlokk, a small city on the Southern coast. Buses to the market town were crowded beyond capacity and we finally gave up. Instead, we shared a taxi cab with a British couple from Liverpool. They were happy pro-Brexit supporters looking forward to their freedom from the EU in just a few days time. Time will tell whether or not they’ll be happy with their decision. On the other hand, we met a man from the UK who is quite nervous about Brexit.
We were a bit disappointed with the market, though the seafood looked good.
And these purple vegetables colorful – rutabagas????
There are architectural sites all around the island and Saturday we visited two. The most famous is the Hypogeum – an underground pre-historic burial chamber. We were too late to get tickets for the actual site but we did see a well-done audiovisual presentation. The entrance to the site is a simple storefront on a side street in the town of Paola.
We were able to tour the Tarxien Temples, about 10 minutes away – these were built between 3000 BC and 2500 BC. Really amazing!
Lunch can be really inexpensive. A empanada-shaped pastry with a creamy chicken and mushroom filling is delicious and only €1.70. Here’s Larry enjoying one!
The Triton Fountain in Valletta is a highlight – especially at night!
Cheers!