6th September 2019
After having spent the last four weeks doing short sails to different spots around the islands, it was well past the time to revisit Valetta, the Capital City that had captured my heart.This time to venture inside some of the magnificent buildings and gardens. Ricky wanted to stay and do boat jobs, so I was being a tourist on my own.

As I passed The Triton Fountain and over the bridge I entered through the main gateway to the city, now a very modern affair. This is actually the 5th version of an entrance to the city, constructed on the same spot, between 2011 and 2014. It is probably my least favourite bit, as to me, it would not look out of place as the entrance to a new outlet shopping complex. The archive pictures of previous city gates look far more interesting and are perhaps more sensitive to the city - but that's progress. Once inside, with my street map in hand, I headed to a cafe on the side of the Main central street The Triq Ir-Repubblika for breakfast. Well, an iced latte and traditional orange and almond cake - delicious. As I sat there smiling to myself, people watching and scrutinising the map, I chose my first stop 'The Toy Museum.' Since my very first visit to the Bethnal Green Toy Museum with school, I have been drawn to them like a magpie to a diamond necklace.

This one was only tiny, tucked down a side street, manned by a couple of youngsters, who looked as if they would rather be at the beach with their friends. It was quite sad as I was their only visitor and as I paid my 3 euro fee, I had the feeling that perhaps should I return in a few years time it would no longer be here. They were actually trying to sell off some of their smaller pieces . The first collection of toys, mainly metal dinky cars in glass cases, could have been a private persons collection purchased on eBay or a house clearance. Upstairs though there were a few older toys from different parts of the world. Two that caught my eye were both from Germany; a child's small toy gramophone that had real records from the early 1930's and the smallest kitchen in the world constructed in a matchbox.

My next stop was a visit inside a 16th Century Palace that is owned and is still lived in by The Marquis de Piro and his family. This appealed to me as it reminded me of many of our own stately homes that are still lived in, yet have been opened up to allow the public in and make a few pennies to help towards running costs. Also it fascinated me that the entrance on the edge of the street looked like a town house. Could this fairly ordinary door actually lead me into a Palace? The courtyard garden was beautiful. Even the family pet parrot was part of the welcoming party, although he wouldn't talk to me. I needed Ricky AKA Dr Doolittle if I stood any chance at all, but I twitted on unsuccessfully regardless until the guide came to show us around. All the rooms were lavishly furnished, with very obvious signs of heritage and family nobility on the walls and in photographs. It was a beautiful house, but to me it didn't quite feel like a Palace. So I headed next to the Grandmasters Palace complete with it's own armoury.

Now this felt more like a Palace. From it's grand entrance into Prince Alfred's Courtyard, with it's clock tower and stone lion statues, sat in the corner, as if they were just enjoying the shade - it felt positively regal. The palace was built between the 16th and 18th Centuries, as the name suggests for the ruler, the Grand Master of the Order of St John. As recently as 2015 it was the seat of Maltese Parliament.

As I walked the marble floored halls, and gazed at priceless tapestry walls, oil paintings depicting Malta's history, intricate ceiling paintings and 18th century glittery chandeliers, I could imagine the palace alive with people. My only disappointment was the renovations taking place were of the corridors that contained portraits of our own Royal Family. That is where the Maquis de Piros Palace trumped the Grandmasters as they had proudly framed an actual invitation to The Queens Coronation. They also had a picture of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex, that's Rachel from 'Suits', for my non Royalist readers. The photos showed her modelling the families Maltese lace and tradition Maltese Faldetta (hooded cloak), when she visited on a holiday, as her Grandmother was Maltese.

The weather was cooler by the time I left the palace so I decided just to wander around and take some photos of the streets and cafes, who's tables and chairs were precariously balanced on the steep stone steps of the city. I visited all the cities squares and many of the churches and the two Cathedrals before admiring the views of the Marsamxett and Grand Harbours that the city afforded. I finished my day by visiting the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, such a contrast to the busy city streets. Relaxing in these two tranquil gardens was the perfect way to end my day.