Memories of Malta

Malta,
It seems impossible that we were there for 9 months last year. Looking back on these pictures it all feels like a bit of a dream... When we told people that we were spending that much time there
they said we would probably get bored.  Bored, on a beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean.... We never got bored. Especially during the long summer months we were always in the water.
The beauty of living right on the Grand Harbour was that we could just jump in almost from our front door. The last photo is of the view from our door.

Sicilia part I Siracusa

Jon and I stayed our first night in Sicily at the lovely rustic Villa dei Papiri, a short drive from Siracusa (Syracuse) As you can see from the pictures the place is covered in groves, of lemon, orange and olives. Nearby is a wetlands nature reserve full of papyrus, which is where the villa got it's name. It's a perfect spot for a rustic Italian destination wedding, or a fun family get together. I think we were the only people there than night.  I think both Jon and I were just so overwhelmed with how different the landscape of Malta and Sicily are. Even though they are only a 90 min ferry from each other, Sicily is just so big and has so much agriculture. They had just had a bunch of rain and everything was so green and fresh looking. Oh Sicily I think I'm in love!

The amazingly Blue Grotto

 

The Blue Grotto on Malta is pretty spectacular, we ended up there a few months ago when my brother and sister were visiting. We paid our 7 euros and hopped in a boat, the seas were a bit choppy and I was a little hesitant because I had brought along my big camera, I kept seeing visions of myself trying to swim while keeping my camera out of the water... but, I am so glad that I brought it along! Our awesome guide took us through a few caves and then in one of the last ones he said, "Okay, now you swim!" We were so surprised to be allowed to jump into the water.  My brother went first, he brought his new dive mask which was great because we all got a turn. You can see from the pics below that it was intensely turquoise and super clear the visibility was probably 30 meters. The actual "Blue Grotto is tiny and when you put your hand into the water it looks like someone turned on a neon blue light, it's that bright. I would have to say the highlight was our really cool boat captain and getting to jump into the water in the cave.

Trying out the new Dive mask, and my sisters feet as she jumped into the water.