Malta

September 11 and 12, 2010 - Malta
Elder Burt received the assignment to audit the Malta Branch (which is now in the Italy Rome Mission). The flight to Malta is only 1 and 1/2 hours.

We were picked up at the airport by Elder and Sister Tilley. Notice that the steering wheel is on "the proper side" according to Sister Tilly who is from England. And she drove the car on "the proper side" of the road, too. The Tilley's drove us to the Blue Grotto. The wind was too strong for the small boats to ferry us out, so we just enjoyed our picnic lunch and the view. Our picnic view.At the top of these stairs... is this view. We then drove to Mdina and walked through the old city. Malta is very arid looking, with few trees and an abundance of limestone rocks. Rock walls border the roads and parcels of land. One of my favorite photos - hibiscus against red shutters.

We smiled when we saw this phone booth because of the last scene in the movie Waking Ned Divine (an Irish film). The British have a strong influence in Malta. Though the native language is Maltese, most speak British English.

We ate authentic Maltese food - stewed rabbit and...

snails!

Sunday morning Sister Tilley picked us up at our hotel and drove us to church.

Our Elders serve for at least one year on the island because they learn Maltese.
After the audit, Elder Burt's next assignment was to inspect the Elder's apartment.

Here is the front of their apartment...

and the view from their kitchen balcony.

The Tilleys took us to see the capital city Valletta.

These fortresses were used during WWII.

The Siege Bell Monument honors over 7000 service personnel and civilians who gave their lives during the siege of Malta 1940-1943.

Another memorial.

Another view of the same memorial which includes my shadow.

Walking through the streets of Valletta - amazing facades...

and blue wrought iron balconies.

Also lovely garden spots overlooking the sea.

Sister Tilley had packed a picnic for our Sunday dinner...

and we enjoyed it on the side of the road overlooking the sea.

Thank you Elder and Sister Tilley for a wonderful time in Malta.