From the roof of the hotel my wife and I were staying at in
Malta there were panoramic views over Sliema Creek to Manoel Island and beyond.
We could just see Lazzaretto Creek adjoining Marsamxett Harbour. Grand Harbour, where enormous cruise ships
dock, was hidden from view by the peninsula upon which Valetta, the capital
city stands. According to particular light settings, the ancient limestone
buildings rising above the ramparts form a beautiful silhouette featuring the
domed Carmelite Church and the spire of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. St. John’s
Catholic Cathedral was hidden from view by other buildings and trees.
From this vantage point high above the waterfront the two of
us on several occasions sunbathed beside the rooftop swimming pool. This eagle’s
roost was never crowded by sun seekers, and there were times when we had it virtually
to ourselves. There the cooling wind would gently dry our sun-blessed bodies
after swimming in the crystal clear water. Refreshments were to hand by way of
a kiosk and an obliging waitress. Our favourite snack was toasted sandwiches flavoured
with various fillings. We would retire to this nest after visiting places of
interest such as the attractions of Valetta, walking beside St. Thomas Bay, a
bus ride to St. Julian’s or a sightseeing tour of Malta.
Under a parasol we could relax and reminisce, just chat or
be silent, perhaps read from our Kindles or snooze. It was even possible to phone by mobile to
people at home or send text messages for almost instant communication. Above,
the sky was mostly blue; only for the last two days of our holiday was there
any significant cloud, but one morning there was a heavy downpour that
made access to our hotel impossible for a short while.
From this vantage point of the roof I loved watching
activities on Sliema Creek. Visiting yachts would moor right in front of our
hotel. Ferries and Captain Morgan’s sightseeing boats shuffled to and fro doing
harbour trips and round the Island day cruises. Rod fishermen would try their
luck at the quay, patiently waiting for bites, hopeful for a reward, but there was
not one that I saw who caught a fish.
Before sunset locals would gather in groups beside the
water for chin-wagging - families with children, old men, young people, all
wanting to exchange news or present points of view. Courting couples with no
inhibition would closely embrace and kiss, as if on their own. A continuous stream
of cars and buses hurtled along the coastal road. Nearby there were numerous
pavement cafes and packed restaurants, most blurting out loud music making
conversation difficult. Health fanatics could be seen running or walking
swiftly along pavements while trying to ovoid those who were not in a hurry.
Yes, observing Sliema from the rooftop gave me a different
perspective and an understanding of what is valuable to the Maltese. They
highly value speaking to one another; they love communicating and expressing
opinions just as the ancient Greeks, Plato and Socrates. They have something
that is missing from my neck of the woods, apart from conversations when locals bump into one
another, that’s when we are not in our cars or when we choose not to ignore
those whom we meet on the street.
Please God make me more gregarious; teach me to shout and to
gesticulate as do the Maltese and make me more tolerant and communicative with
my neighbours, but let me be courteous and caring when in a queue, never to
push in as they do.
Links
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Valetta
Carmelite Church, Valetta
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