Sleepless in Sliema

Extreme bathing, SM Spirits and Beer Bucket Near Misses

Well it seems that I may have made an unfortunate error which could result in the blog being more random and filled with drivel than usual. I appear to have forgotten (read was dragged out for a few pints whilst packing) to pack my laptop charger. This means that if I am going to blog, I will need to do it from my phone. This will clearly be a pain in the proverbial!

I have a cunning tech solution: I will jot down notes, long hand and then scan and OCR it, in the hope that technology has reached a level where it can translate my scrawl...

What could possibly go wrong? I apologize in advance...

So. The day started early. A 6am flight from EMA means that I am up at 2am. I mean, what is the point of retirement if you have to get up at 2am??

Anyway, I am pretty impressed with Jet 2. Very friendly staff and seemed to deal with the large amount traveller assistance required without really slowing things down.

I’m not sure whether it is the timing of the trip (term time) or the destination (Malta being much less ‘foreign’ than some other destinations) but the demographic of the passengers is skewed very much to the older end. I feel positively spritely !

Still, kudos to Jet 2 for making everyone comfortable. I store up some early holiday karma by swapping seats with a young girl so that she could sit next to her Mum. If only I had let her have my pre-ordered breakfast rather than intercepting it, I could have saved myself a not entirely pleasant experience (man that positive karma doesn’t last!)

Arriving in Malta, I am impressed by the efficiency ( this may in fact change) and value of the public transport. Acquiring my 7 day explorer pass for €25 was a breeze. Of course the efficiency means that I end up at the hotel several hours before I can check in.

No worries - it’s my first introduction to how helpful & friendly the Maltese are. The hotel staff could not have been more accommodating - letting me juggle some bags, freshen up and then leave my luggage before going out to explore.

I wander down the seafront, taking snaps some of old buildings (well I say old, but obviously a few hundred years doesn’t really hack it in terms of what I am here to see).

Along the way I reflect that the bathing looks quite extreme. Not that I will be indulging in as my bathing attire is clearly with my laptop’s charge

No sir, I think not

I expect the promenade gym will also not be receiving my patronage.

On the other hand, the establishment offering beer buckets almost did but no, steady Tony, you have not yet checked in.

And this high end wine and spirits shop was just plain intimidating.

Passing the ferry terminal I notice that the timetable switches to a less frequent one in a few days. Yes, it is winter, but you would never know it! I may have to reassess my order of business.

I have to say, I can see why the old folks (I’m not unaware of the irony) like to visit here. Driving on the left, most people speak English, and they have proper UK power sockets rather than the dodgy European or US arrangements. Oh yes, and Lidl. And M&S.

On my way back to the hotel, I spot a brew pub. Hmm. I expect I will be visiting that.

I seem to have developed a tradition of finding brew pubs for my first, jet-lagged meal on my travels. I can’t really claim jet leg with a I hour time difference, but I refer you to the 2am start. It counts.

Well... It's rude not to really.

Let’s see what tomorrow brings...

Oh yes, and I may share the original OCR transcription at some point just for the lolz.