Not much blue here but a Satisfied Flower fly!! 
“The Sky is Not the Limit – It’s Just the View”
Blue Feeling / Feeling blue…
Alone…
Shades of Blue
Tag: Color
Shades of Red
Today I just want to spread some color! My favorite flower and color, the Bougainvillea on top.
A Flower fly is looking for nectar in the flowers of Ta Qali National Park.
Color & flower.
Follow me to Valletta…
It’s not often that I visit Malta´s capital but last week I a took the ferry and spent some hours in the city. Valletta is designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
Some tourists and one of the public art installations depicting Maltese proverbs.
To the left you see the new Parliament Building in Valletta.
The architecture of Valletta’s streets and piazzas ranges from mid-16th century Baroque to Mondernism.
And the entire city of Valletta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
Here are some more of the public art installations. You must click on an image to enlarge.
It is an exciting city worth exploring. But after a couple of hours walking in the heat it’s time for an ice cream.
Republic Street is the main street of Valletta. It is about 1 km long and extends from the City Gate towards the granaries at Fort St. Elmo. It is mostly dedicated to pedestrians, with highly limited vehicle use.
Beyond the old Opera house, it’s often crowded with people due to large selection of small shops and cafes.
Daphne Caruana Galizia, the journalist who was killed in a car bomb on 16th October 2017. The memorial located at the foot of the Great Siege Monument has been wiped out more than once. But as activist Pia Zammit said: “They can remove the flowers and candles but the truth remains.”
Unlike the main street, most of the streets in the city are narrow, the houses are old in a typical Maltese style.
Time to take the ferry back home to Sliema. It only takes a couple of minutes and I think I´ll return quite soon.
Butterflies that Surprise
Macro photography are challenging and exciting. This butterfly was hidden behind tall grass a windy day in Ta Qali Park and rarely stopped for more than a few seconds. I suppose this is a Wood White (Leptidea sinapis).
I didn’t notice that it actually were two butterflies until I came home and downloaded the images to my computer. A happy surprise that often happens when shooting with macro. If these really are Wood White, I can always ask Brian. He knows a lot about different butterfly species and his blog is well worth visiting.
Floating in the blue…
How blue can it really be up there in the sky?
Can blue be just for fun?
Compare the blue color in the sky with the sea.
And you’ll find same blue color but in fifty shades of…
No sense with this post, just to keep my blog floating.
Happy Macro Friday!
If all insects on Earth disappeared, within 50 years all life on Earth would end.
If all human beings disappeared from the Earth, within 50 years all forms of life would flourish. 
Quote by Jonas Salk
Cliffs haven
When exploring the nature in Malta you often see cliffs, cliffs, I see cliffs everywhere. And a clear blue sky.
It makes me dizzy and instead of looking up, I take a look down, to find a busy bee.
When I look up again, I see someone sitting on top of one of the high cliffs.
Must be a great view up there while I got an amazing view from down here.
Finally, for those who wondered if there aren’t any restrictions in Majjistral Nature Park. Here you are…
Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night is the last day of April and a traditional non-religious holiday in Sweden. Especially in the City of Uppsala where there are huge student gatherings to celebrate the arrival of the spring.
Sailboats on the Mediterranean Sea.
From the plateau in Majjistral park
Walking on water.
Some prefer to take a jeep to the edge of the steep cliffs while others prefer to walk.
The Mediterranean around Malta has crystal clear water. It is now 18 degrees. within a couple of months 28 degrees.
Here in Malta April 30th is an ordinary day and my images have no connection with Walpurgis Night, or Valborgsmässoafton, as this evening is called in Swedish.
But I like to wish you all a wonderful evening wherever you are on this planet, no matter if you celebrate or not. Remember, even a small fly is part of our nature. Take care out there and enjoy every moment!!
Nature’s art
Majjistral Park Plateau
I’ve shown some pictures from Majjistral Park but not so many from the plateau that is high above sea level. From here the views are amazing but it’s real steep at the edge of the high cliffs. Do not walk too close!
Most of the plants up here are small, you can see the ant. These grow individually…
…whilst these blooms together and forms like small meadows on the plateau.
A symbol of the Navy.
A very special flower that I’ve never seen before. To me they look like soft corals.
Finally, Fanny on the run, full of energy 💖 …until we are back home. More to come…
Meanwhile, wish you all a great Sunday 💖
Tuesday’s mix from Malta
Nature’s miracle, an amazing world to explore.
Everything happens for a reason, take care out there…
Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 2
Last time, we went along the narrow path to the small buildings that you can see in distance at above image. From there we continued our walk in search for the staircase up to the plateau, where we got lost.
Here we are still on our way to the buildings by the sea and the path is easy to follow. My dear man carries my pink bag with water, my macro lens and some snacks. Fanny is the leader while I, as usually, walk behind.
Surrounded by huge cliffs…
…and the Mediterranean Sea below.
Always curious about what’s waiting around the corner.
Don’t look up, don’t look down look where you put your feet, it´s quite deep down to the sea..
A steep slope of dry mud. A place I’d not choose to walk on after a rainy day.
I could follow the path for hours. Hear are lots of beautiful and small flowers.
Suddenly we are surrounded by high grass..
This wooden bridge was not entirely safe to walk on.
The scenery varies quite a lot but we just have to follow the narrow path and there’s no risk of getting lost.
Finally, by the sea to rest for a while. I dip my feet in the water before continuing our walk around the corner.
Water and some chicken for Fanny…
…while I take a look at some of the pictures I have in my camera that I’ve taken along the way. 
Now I realize that even this post will be too long so I finish as last time with a picture of my beloved and brave Basenji Fanny. Part 3 will come later but to give you a clue, there were no easy paths around the corner…
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – Prolific
This week, Krista asks us what “Prolific” makes us think about. The most prolific must be the earth itself as home of all known life. Water, microorganisms, oxygen, mammals, dinosaurs, flowers, insects, humans…
A never ending process, of which these images are just a tiny fraction from my little corner of the earth.
The nature, not always easy for humans to explore, but we are attracted and we are curious about it. 
…and we are part of an amazing landscape and scenery. 
In search for life and color.
We all know that behind the clouds the sky is always blue but rarely think of the valuable air we breathe.
And when the sun sets, another day is gone and life on earth continues in an eternal circle, constantly prolific. With or without homo sapiens…
All images are from Majjistral National Park here in Malta April 2018.
Summer feeling…
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – Awakening
This week, Jen asks us to show an image/s of awakening or some kind of renewal.
While enjoying the awakening of nature after winter…
…seeing a butterfly is an obvious proof of that spring is has arrived…
…and when you see these you know that even this summer, you can enjoy eating fresh figs…
…while a wild cat yawning, renewed with energy after a few hours sleep in Independence gardens.
Poppies
Poppies, or Vallmo as we say in Swedish, are one of the most beautiful wild flowers I know and very common during spring here in Malta. 
Looks like this one is dancing, despite some lost petals.
I always think about Princess Cakes when I see the pistil of these flowers.
Stamens and pistils along with amazing colors create a beautiful flower. Nature is a wonderful world.
Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 1
In my last post, I mentioned that we went hiking in Majjistral Nature Park last Saturday. We walked for about three hours and we got lost. These are just a very few of all the pictures I took, just to give an impression of how it looks in the park. You can choose between walking at the flat plateau which we did the first time… 
…for more adventure you can choose to walk along the slopes on narrow winding paths, and that’s what we did this time. Me, my husband and our brave Basenji Fanny. Here at the beginning the walkway is quite wide.
Our first stop will be at the small buildings by the water. When we were here last time we thought this was a dead end but on our way back we meet a couple who said that you can continue around the corner and further up there are a stairway where you can get up to the plateau. No need to go back and just a few hours walk.
This trip can easily be a very long trip since I stop all the time to take pictures. Here´s the second butterfly I seen so far this year. Sadly, my macro lens was in my bag, but I managed to take some close ups anyway.
Now the paths have become more narrow and the slopes down towards the sea are steeper.
We will soon arrive at the small buildings where we will rest before moving on to see what’s waiting around the corner. It became quite exciting, but I’ll leave that until part two. 
Before I finish, I have to mention my beloved four-legged friend. She’s soon nine months old, still a puppy but very clever and so brave. She proved that on several occasions during the next part of our adventure.💖💖
I think this post may fit well with the theme of breathe with its breathtaking views, the breathtaking adventures, and our deep breaths when we were exhausted after climbing and when we realized we were lost. If that’s not enough then it’s obvious above how Fanny breathes.
Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Breathe
Macro time
I think this is a Vinbärssnäcka. That´s what it called in Swedish but I´m not sure about the English name.
Here I let the pictures speak for themselves.
This is the first butterfly I managed to capture so far this year. It flew among the flowers in Majjistral National Park. This one was not easy to catch with the camera, but I’m very happy that I found it.
WPC – Smile
This week, Ben invites us to point our camera at something or someone that puts a smile on our face.
Happy people jumping of joy a cold day in January here in Malta. Keep smiling, regardless of image quality. “There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all”
A child’s spontaneous drawing, natural colors from flowers and even the strict but yet colorful stained glass found in many churches. “A smile is the universal welcome”
An unexpected smile during last weekend’s walking in Majjistral National Park.
💖If you meet someone without a smile, give one of yours💖
Flowers…
…without the sun there are no flowers and without flowers there’s no sun.
Silent Sunday
Sunset & Memories
Honestly, I’m not so fond of images showing sunsets, maybe I’ve seen too many.
But i like straight lines, colors and silhouettes. 
And I like to look back in my archive to find memories. Here you see how the Azure Window once looked before it collapsed in stormy weather on 8 March 2017. A major tourist attractions, a 28-metre-tall natural arch on the island of Gozo in Malta, was suddenly gone forever. A place from where I have many memories.
Another memory I found in my archive. These are from 2011, three of my very first pictures before my interest in photography began. The images are real bad but the scene so perfect. There´s no need to look closely, but today they mean a lot to me as they remind me of the time when I began to explore the beauty of the photography.
WordPress weekly Photo Challenge / Rise/Set / Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s Memories
A Special Flower of the day
I’ve never seen these flowers before but there are thousands of them growing in Ta Qali Park right now.
When I first saw them, I thought they were some kind of fungus.
Apparently, insects are attracted to them too.
I found similar but in a different color and my dear man picked one for me.
I have no idea what kind of plant these are but I’m sure some of my blog friends know.
Flowers & Colors
Above, you see flowers from San Anton Gardens in Attard where I was last week. All planted but so beautiful and full of colors. Click on an images to enlarge. Below are some wild flowers from Ta Qali National Park. 
Yesterday I came home with more than 300 pictures in my camera after visiting the park for a few hours. There are hundreds of different wild flowers and trees in the park, many of which I never seen before, plus insects… 
…so it’s likely that there will be more wild flowers here, from my little corner of the blogosphere.
Favorite Place – Stockholm Sweden
My favorite place is where I live my daily life on the small island of Malta. But after almost eighteen years in this country, another favorite place is my former hometown of Stockholm in Sweden. It´s exiting to be like a tourist and explore what’s new and to visit old favorite places from where I have so many memories.
Riddarholmen is an island in Mälaren and a district in central Stockholm, belonging to Södermalm’s district. The island, together with the Old Town, constitutes Stockholm’s historic center.
It´s not easy to choose but The Old Town, Gamla Stan, is a favorite place I always try to visit.
Here the alleys are long, many and narrow. It has happened that I’ve almost got lost.
A visit to one of Stockholm’s food markets is a must. This is from Östermalmshallarna.
At Södermalm you´ll find many old well-preserved houses. You almost get a feeling of being moved to the countryside, though you are in the middle of the city.
The only time of year I try to avoid visiting Sweden is during the winter. But when you see these, you know that spring has arrived! The best time of the year to visit Sweden is in the summer.
…and when you see this, you get another proof of Spring, or at least almost. As soon as there are degrees above zero and a blue sky, you’ll have to sit outside if you’re in Sweden, even if it’s only 10 degrees.
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Favorite Place
Photo Challenge by Frank/ Dutch Goes The Photo
Tulips
I really love tulips and yesterday when I walked past the florist I bought eight yellow flowers. 
Eight because today Fanny is eight months old. These are a bit special, they are grown locally here in Malta. And the colors against the sky are the same as the Swedish flag.
Weekend in Greenery
Some pictures from Malta in early March.
I have a little too much around me right now but tomorrow I’ll take the time to visit You!
You are my inspiration, take care out there!
Spring Flowers
Just a few scenes from last weekend. All from Ta Qali National Park here in Malta, except the last one.
Some trees are blooming now…
…while most are still bare.
This flower is a bit special, I’ve shown it before but have no idea what it’s called..
This yellow one is very common in spring, often seen blooming all over the meadows like a carpet of flowers.
Another small and colorful flower and that’s all for today. Now I’ll go for a walk with Fanny… 
…and today we will walk along this path.
Happy Monday’s mix!
A kite flying in the air is a kind of freedom for both the child on the ground and for the viewer.
This road sign is so cute! I have never seen a hedgehog here in Malta but these signs are quite common. Hopefully there are many hidden living in the bushes, although they are not visible.
A typical Maltese boat with its special eye, not the first one I show, I know and there will be many more.
Jag vill också vara med viskar Fanny och det är klart att hon får fast egentligen är det nog mest jag som vill…
Silent Sunday
Malta 25 February 2018
CYW – 18-24 February
21. Outrageous Orange.
I love this one painted by my husband. Colorful in thoughtful simplicity.
18. Forest Green.
Some greenery from Ta Qali park here in Malta
19. Pacific Blue.
Fisherman at the clear Mediterranean waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
These are the week’s colors in Jennifer’s Color Your World Challenge.
Silent Sunday
CYW – 11-17 February
16 Royal Purple. 
17 Jazzberry Jam.
…and a mix of the week’s colors. Now, we are waiting for a new colorful week to enjoy.
Color Your World 11-17 February
Wordless Wednesday
Color Your World / 11 -17 February
Goldenrod
Blue Green
MelonThese are the week’s colors in Jennifer’s Color Your World Challenge from where I choose 12, 13 and 14. Each image is from different countries, Malta, Malaysia and Sweden. Which image belongs to which country? Perhaps too easy to guess…
WPC – Tour Guide
This week, Krista asks us to share images of where we live. What do we love about where we live?
Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located south of Italy. It´s one of the smallest countries in the world with an estimated population of 422,000. It´s a popular tourist destination with its warm climate and architectural and historical monuments. Malta has some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world and the capital Valletta is designated as the Capital of Culture 2018!
Love the wonderful nature, especially in spring with all wildflowers and a stunning greenery all over the island. Not to be found during the hot summer months.
Who doesn’t love the typical Maltese balconies, painted in different colors…
… and where in Europe can you buy fresh sweet strawberries even in winter.
The local wine is very tasteful as well as many other local produces.
Then we have the colorful fishing boats known as Maltese luzzu. There are much much more I would like to share, but I think I have to stop here and consider a part two…
Wordless Wednesday
Color Your World 2018 / 1
This is my first entry for Jennifer’s Color Your World challenge which began in January. I haven’t had time to participate from start, but from now on, I will try to create at least one post per week in this fun challenge
Screaming Green.
Sun glow.
Outer Space.
Nature’s soft colors
Malta 28 January 2018.
Why Malta – This is my Malta part 4
Yesterday we went to the countryside as we often do during the weekends. Chapels like these are often seen along the country roads, while all the small villages and towns have their magnificent churches in the center.
Some flowers I found in Ta Qali National Park while Fanny ran around and explored the lush surroundings.
For me, this flower is unique. They are quite small and you don’t notice the colors if you’re not really close. There are lots of these rare flowers that bloom now here in Malta. 
In my next post, I’ll show almond trees that already blooming on the island.
