We docked in the city of Valletta which seems to be one of if not the largest city in the country. Valletta has a deep and rich history which has earned it designation as a world heritage city.
While it was a very nice day all the way around one of the highlights was pulling into port. The buildings along the waterfront as well as throughout the city are all made of rock which looks like limestone that has been bleached even more by the sun.
It was early on Sunday and we understand it was also a holiday so the narrow streets and alleyways were pretty quiet which was actually very nice and peaceful.
For the whopping sum of $1.50 euros each (1 euro is currently worth a few cents more than a US dollar) we took a city bus from Valletta to the walled city of Mdina which was about 20 minutes away.
Mdina is much smaller than Valletta and has been around for over 4000 years. It is completely walled in and I can't recall seeing a car inside the walls but keep in mind I can't always remember to pack all my clothes when leaving a hotel.
We learned that according to legend Paul was shipwrecked along the coast of Mdina around 60 AD. He was made welcome by the ruler of the land and cured the rulers father of some unspecified illness.
So Peter might have been a little better with boats and fishing but it seems Paul might have been the better doctor. I guess each of the disciples had their own area of specialization.
The bus to and from Mdina was a great way to see a little of the countryside in this very clean and quaint country.
When we returned to Valletta the city was coming alive. Shops were open, cafes were busy and residents and visitors were out enjoying a sunny but chilly island day.
Tomorrow it's on to Palermo, Sicily. We've been here before and for as quiet and quaint as Valletta was Palermo is gritty and noisy but also interesting and fun.
