Tag: Medelhavet

Hello!

Published on by Anita6 Comments

Hello from Malta. This is what it looks like where I am, or rather where I was this morning.Mum took me to the sea, only a short distance from where we live. I’m used to run every morning but not now.

It’s 30 degrees but with a nice breez.
It feels relaxing to just lie here and watch.
I can swim but will probably have to wait until next summer.

Since I’m pregnant and due very soon I prefer to just sit on the rocks, relax and look around.My mom goes swimming almost every day. No, she’s not sailing, she swims but there are no photos of her in the sea so this image is good enough as it shows that she only swims when the water is calm.
And I know she always thinks of me when she’s not at home. I honestly believe she can think of nothing but me right now, and of the puppies I will soon give birth to.
And she has no idea how many there will be🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕
So if she’s not visiting your site very often right now, you know why.

Lens-Artists Challenge – Negative Space

Published on by Anita36 Comments

This week’s theme, Negative Space chosen by Amy feels both challenging and fun. Although at least one of the images I’ve chosen may not fit the theme completely, they all have something in common. The blue color.“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”
— Ansel Adams“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
– Sally Mann.“When people ask me what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.”
— Anonymous“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place

I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt

Lens-Artists Challenge #114 – Negative Space

Xwejni Salt Pans – Part 2

Published on by Anita23 Comments

Here I’m again, among the Salt Pans in Gozo. Now much later in the afternoon and it’s a bit cooler.
As you can see in the first picture, the dried salt has now been collected in white bags.I wonder how big these caves really are and what might be inside, I guess tools and more sacks.Needless to say, someone taking a bike ride just before dusk.Others choose to fish.I’m curious about the salt, it looks like it hasn’t dried properly yet.
It looks like snow, wet snow.But it’s not snow, it’s too hot for that on this small island in the Mediterranean.
Now the sunset awaits…
🐕
In case you missed part one, you’ll find it here

Where am I?

Published on by Anita26 Comments

Looks like an exciting place, let’s go down and take a look.Like a moonscape in the middle of nowhere.
Where am I?I really enjoy to run freely along the cliffs, although it looks more like I jump on soft dunes.
It may not be easy to see me at first glance but look closely and you will find me.Now you probably think I’m curious about that cave but I actually need some shade, it’s very hot.Here I am, at Xwejni Salt Pans on Malta’s sister island Gozo, and yes, I’m in this picture too.

These salt pans have been in this region since Phoenician and Roman times,
and the tradition actually continues to be used even today.

Click here and you will learn more about salt harvesting in Gozo, it’s quite interesting. Many people probably think of salt as simply that white granular seasoning found in saltshakers on virtually every dining table.
But it’s far more than that..No, I’m not in this picture but you can see a black dot far away, it’s the car that took me here.
It feels like a long walk back in the heat, but it was well worth the experience.
🐕
More to come from my short vacation in Gozo.

Trees, Wood & Thoughts

Published on by Anita19 Comments

The tree on the top is from San Anton Gardens in Attard while the one above was taken when I was walking with Fanny in Victoria Lines And yes, if you look closely you can see my dog sniffing on the ground.

Cones are an important part of many trees.

Figs on the fig tree are soon ready to be picked.
It will take a while but in a few years, an almond tree will grow here.
Here someone planted a tree in Ta Qali in 2007.

Here you can see Figs on fig tree, a tree planted in 2007 and an indication of an upcoming almond tree.
Click on an image to enlarge.I love trees and the wood from which you can create so much. In Sweden, wooden houses are common but here in Malta it seems like they have not realized how useful the material actually is.
But as seen here, we are well on our way.

Susan’s Trees on Tuesdays 

Marsaxlokk

Published on by Anita28 Comments

Last Sunday we went to the small and picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The village is famous for its Sunday fish market and its many decorative painted boats.The traditional Maltese fishing boat, luzzu, is usually painted in bright colors, while the bow has a pair of eyes. The eyes are referred to as the Eye of Horus or of Osiris and said to protect the fishermen while at sea.

If you are hungry and like seafood, this is the place to go. Here you’ll find a selection of the finest fish restaurants on the island. Or just sit down and relax with a cold drink after a peaceful stroll in the area.

It’s well worth spending a few hours in this colorful charming village. More to come…
Marsaxlokk, Malta 21 June 2020

A trip to Għajn Tuffieħa

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Għajn Tuffieħa / Riviera Bay is located on the north-west coast of Malta. Here you’ll find clay slopes and high cliffs on either side of the bay, red sand, crystal clear water and lots of narrow footpaths to hike on.Here I go with Fanny as it’s one of the few places where she can run freely. Ta Qali Park which is closer and where we normally go is completely closed and on the rocks along the sea at home dogs must be leashed.This man has chosen a clever way to keep the social distance imposed by the authorities.The scenery here is barren but offers several beautiful views. Singita Miracle Beach – Mgarr Għajn Tuffieħa – Malta / April 2020

 

The Tower

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Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, designed by architect Vincenzo Maculaniwas, is a small watchtower built in 1637.The tower was built on the site of a medieval watch post and was originally armed with a Âœ-pounder gun. Its garrison consisted of a captain and three men, who were paid by the UniversitĂ  of Mdina…read moreThe view from here is amazing.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Malta – November 2019

A trip to Marsaxlokk – Malta

Published on by Anita36 Comments

Last Sunday we went to Malta’s largest fishing village Marsaxlokk. I enjoy walking around here, mainly because of all the colorful fishing boats that are seen in the harbor but also because of its special atmosphere.Even the fishing nets are colorful.…and so are the benches.

Some snapshots!On Sundays, many Maltese visit the fish market to buy from the morning’s catch and it’s a popular location among locals for Sunday lunch. We neither bought any fish nor ate lunch but it was well worth a visit!

Skyltsöndag

Published on by Anita8 Comments

Söndag och dags att skylta igen. FortsÀtter med mina bilder frÄn Spanien med inslag frÄn Malta. Spanien. Ingen direkt skylt men en nÄgot udda lokal för skyltning av lite speciella festklÀder.

NĂ„got historiskt i Granada, Spanien.
Valletta, Malta
Spanien
En gammal skylt frÄn en nedlagd butik i Valletta, Malta.

Lite blandat frÄn Spanien och Valletta pÄ Malta.Den hÀr tycker jag om, rar pÄ nÄgot vis, Spanien sÄ klart.Att namnge sitt hus Àr vanligt hÀr pÄ Malta. NÀr vi hade hus i San Ġiljan döpte vi det till Larnita, en kombi av vÄra namn, Lars och Anita. De som köpte huset Är 2005 lÀt skylten sitta kvar och den sitter dÀr Àn idag.Avslutar med en liten pÄminnelse om hur viktiga vÄra insekter faktiskt Àr.

Alla kan vara med och skylta pÄ söndagar, BP hÄller i trÄdarna.
LÀnk till övriga deltagare.

 

Stones

Published on by Anita11 Comments

Thousands of small, small stones, shaped by the waves of the sea.Salobreña beach, Spain September 2019.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples”
– Mother Theresa –

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Stone

Time for a break

Published on by Anita48 Comments

I’m taking a break now, not sure for how long. Flying away from Malta tonight for two weeks.

It really feels like I have to get away from it all right now.
💕 Take care out there! 💕 “Sometime I just want to fly
away from here…
                                                                …as the bird fly before the winter.”

Skyltsöndag / Sunday Signs

Published on by Anita13 Comments

I have a dear friend that I have known ever since I started blogging year 2011. Every Sunday she post different kinds of signs and there are many others that follow. I haven’t participated since I can’t remember when but now I feel it is time to join again. Here we go…Great Sales in Sicily.

Gosh!!
Colorful Vegetarianos.
Good to know since I often leave my door open.

Many road signs here in Malta need a facelift. O…pen!!

Anyone can join this fun photo challange, managed by BP.

Follow the link to find others who participate.

 

Which Way…

Published on by Anita17 Comments
Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park in Il-Mellieħa late afternoon.
Harmony Bridge in Kuching, Sarawak.
The foot bridge in Tigne, Sliema from where you can watch the view of Malta’s capital Valletta on the other side.
Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.

This is my entry for this week’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Same blue sky…

Published on by Anita42 Comments
As soon as we fly back to Spain, Fanny will come along.
The Mediterranean Sea has the same blue and clear water here as there.
It’s low season for tourists in April, same here as there.
Andalusia with its mile-long coastal strip and its warm climate while snow-covered mountains in the Sierra Nevada are seen behind. Not at all the same here as there.

Back in Malta, back to my longed-for Fanny and back to the fantastic world of bloggers. I’ve been in Andalusia, Spain, a lovely place. Same blue sky here as there but in other ways, so totally different.White houses everywhere and many narrow alleys to find in the small town of Frigiliana.A menu in both Spanish and English is perfect if you can’t speak Spanish and I don’t, yet.I love the atmosphere……and I love the colors!!

A day in Marsaxlokk

Published on by Anita32 Comments

Last Sunday we went to Malta’s largest fishing village Marsaxlokk.

Sundays are most crowded when many people flock to the Sunday market where street hawkers set up their stalls selling souvenirs, clothes and all kinds of things. And of course they sell lots of fresh fish.

But we were not here mainly for the market but for the colorful boats……and the genuine and lovely atmosphere among the locals.

We also found a dog friendly beach but it was quite small and rocky. Fanny just relaxed and enjoyed being in a new place while she was curiously looking at what happened in the harbor among the colorful boats.Before heading back home we stopped at Ta Qali Park to let Fanny have fun and run freely. Lucky me found spring’s first Poppy, my favorite and no, I didn’t pick it but needed a helping hand because of the wind.

A little bit closer…

Published on by Anita16 Comments

Here we were last weekend, in Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, to explore the amazing scenery.
These images are from the same place as in my last post. Just a little bit closer.

Today I’ve made one thousand posts on this blog! But it’s from when I started, in
Today I have 1,823 amazing followers!My new blog, where I participate in a Swedish photo challenge, has 9 equally amazing followers.
  💕Thank you all for stopping by my little corner of the blogosphere.💕

Which Way…

Published on by Anita16 Comments

Stairway to heaven…

Sometimes we may need to just relax and contemplate before making any decisions, which way…

Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Let the New Year Begin…

Published on by Anita33 Comments

Yes, I know, we are all almost back to our everyday life again and it’s the third day of the New Year 2019. Some may have noticed that I let my blog rest during the festive season, that was without any special reason.Above, two typical images of Malta. Greenery all over the island and yellow flowers, even though it’s winter. And when you see the different colored balconies in the cluttered but yet charming surroundings, it’s easy to guess where you are.

From yesterdays visit to Il-GĆŒira Manoel / Manoel Island in Gzira. I also noticed that the mimosa trees got buds and they will soon bloom, in February.But, it feels colder than cold, especially when I walk with Fanny on the cliffs along the Mediterranean sea. Strong winds, 12 degrees but luckily the sun shines. The forecast says it will drop to 4 degrees at night!The new year has just begun and we know nothing about the future but it looks bright with lots of love and joy. Take care out there!!!
Anita & Fanny

Majjistral National Park…

Published on by Anita25 Comments

Last Friday we went to Majjistral National Park in Il-Mellieħa. We haven’t been there since spring. It was 18 degrees, and a bit windy but it was really nice to walk on the cliffs again along the Mediterranean Sea.

Fanny really enjoyed running around freely in the green countryside.

I came home with more than hundreds of images in my camera.These were just a part of them, there will be more from the park in my next post.
Hope you enjoyed!

A Photo a Week Challenge – Blue

Published on by Anita20 Comments

This is my first entry for Nancy Merrill’s photo challenge, where the theme for the week is Blue.
Where the first picture of the boy in blue jeans was taken, I will show in a later post.Blue color in two different pools, or maybe the same pool but from different angles in different light.

Old and new surrounded by blue…Back to the pool for a dip in the blue……before embarking on this sailboat for a trip on the Mediterranean blue sea.

A Photo A Week Challenge / Blue

Which way…

Published on by Anita33 Comments

A  breakwater outside Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour which is one of the most spectacular ports in the world.It is possible to take a walk along the Mediterranean Sea when you are in Malta’s capital Valletta.
But some parts could be a bit difficult to access… …and so it was when we hiked in Majjistral park. My brave Basenji Fanny and my dear stubborn husband try to find the way to the stairs leading up to the plateau. Which we never found because there was no staircase.Another breakwater outside Malta’s Grand Harbour in Valletta. St Elmo Breakwater Footbridge.

Which way would you choose.

Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Comfort

Published on by Anita28 Comments

It may not look so comfortable but when I saw this man I felt that he had fun. Seeing the fun in an uncomfortable situation shows that the man has an open mind who enjoys his comfort.

Some may feel the comfort of a cold beer after a hard day’s work while others choose a light lunch.

Friendship and games between adults.
Lonesome on the rocks by the sea with a book.
Friendship between young people.

There are so many types of comfort, that can be friendship or being alone.
And most important, to be grateful for having the feeling of comfort, which we can’t take for granted.

Post inspiration:  Dutch Goes the Photo – Comfort

On the Way…

Published on by Anita34 Comments

Here we are on the way along the Mediterranean Sea where the sculpture “White Shadow”stands. A marble cut-out of human figures walking together. Designed by Maltese Architect Richard England in Sliema 2002.On the way by car to the countryside.

…where we meet these happy riders.Suddenly the road ends. Which way I chose then I’ll let you know in a later post, without high heels.

This is my second post for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Clouds in the sky…

Published on by Anita43 Comments
A barefoot man looks at the wakes on the sea after the stormy weather.
Sailing in the Mediterranean Sea when the weather is clear in October.
The vision of the little man shows the simplicity of humanity on earth.

We have variable weather now here in Malta with sun and blue sky and gray days with rain, while the first stormy weather has passed. (Please click on a circle to enlarge, each image has a short text.)…and when it’s gray and rainy, there are always colors to find that can brighten our days.Autumn is here to stay but we have varannandagsvĂ€der as we call it in Swedish. Yesterday I had to bring my umbrella while walking with Fanny, today it’s clear sky and 27 degrees. Wish you all a wonderful weekend!

In a World of Colors

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In this weeks photo challenge, Frank like us to share some insights into “Our World”.
How we see it or something that can catch your eyes or someone else’s eyes.The colors of these traditional fishing boats are usually painted in bright colors while the bow has a pair of eyes. These Luzzus have existed since ancient times and is often considered as a symbol of Malta.I can’t imagine living in a world without being surrounded by colors.

Imagine if Our World only could be seen in different shades of grey. Colors are part of our lives and we need to add more bright and vivid colors into Our World. These boats represent few colors but colors are everywhere. Look around, it will make our existence more joyous, fulfilled and full of positive adventures. Let’s paint Our World in a variety of colors. Tuesday Photo Challenge – Our World

Genuine Joy!

Published on by Anita44 Comments

Can you see her? For me this is pure joy. To see when Fanny with great delight runs freely on the rocks. She loves to run and she loves to run fast. This is a huge area along the Mediterranean, near Marsalforn in Gozo.

Here you also find the Salt pans. The production of sea salt has a long tradition in Gozo and the Salt pans found near Marsalforn are still used today. Click on the link and read more if you are interested.The salt is stored in caves carved into the coastal rock and I see a happy face!It’s amazing how nature has been shaped through the years! Some rocks looks more like soft sand dunes.

Here someone has created a cute snail in the soft stone.
Like sand dunes.
Fanny resting in the shade
The only plant I found.

Obviously, this is not the place to visit in search of plant or insects…

…but you can run, you can bike and if you’re brave, take a dip in the sea from the high cliffs.
Notice the ladder and don’t forget to click on an image to enlarge.With love from Anita & Fanny, my beloved Basenji! 💕

Autumn?

Published on by Anita55 Comments

No autumn feelings so far here in Malta.

We have some flowers left on our roof terrace and have planted new ones on the lower one.We are in the middle of September and it’s still warm but yet, not too hot. In the Mediterranean it’s 27 degrees.No rain has fallen and what you see is not water from the sky.
No, I’ve no feelings of autumn, yet…

Remember in November the lovely September!Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow.
When grass was green and grain was yellow.
When you were a tender and callow fellow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow…
Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow…
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember,
Although you know the snow will follow.
Without a hurt the heart is hollow.
The fire of September that made us mellow.
Deep in December, our hearts should remember
And follow…
– American original text: Harvey Schmidt 1960 –
Slightly shortened.

Away for a while…

Published on by Anita51 Comments

I’ve been away for a while, away from it all, again. This time we went to Gozo, Malta’s sister island which is completely different from the main island. Gozo is known as a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change.

This little island has its own special charm. It’s greener, more rural and with life’s rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture. I love this little island in the middle of the Mediterranean. These images may represent tranquility and life’s rhythm, at the sunset of Dwejra.

I’d like to thank Ben Humberman at WordPress.com who once again highlighted my blog in the Reader under Discover. Thank You so much Ben and thanks to all of my new and old followers!!
You are my inspiration. ❀

Selmun Bay

Published on by Anita29 Comments

Last weekend we went to Selmun Bay after we heard that there should be a nice dog-friendly sandy beach. Getting there was quite challenging, this is NOT a one way road! Fortunately, we didn’t meet any cars.Here we are! Looks nice and very dry up here, but we have to climb down a steep slope to reach the beach.

We soon realize that the water and the sandy beach is black! Black and full of seaweed! And where the water is clear it’s very rocky and slippery which makes it difficult to walk, especially when holding Fanny in my arms.But we manage to take a quick dip and a few meters from the shore the bottom consists of soft sand.Back from the water and Fanny has decided that it’s enough for today. No more swimming, now I just want to relax and observe what others are doing on the beach and in that black muddy water.

Fanny is obviously not the only one who prefers to stay on dry land.

All pictures in this post were taken with my digital camera Panasonic Lumix TZ100 that I rarely use for the reason that I still haven’t learned how to use it. I used only P-mode but I’m pleased with the quality and will try to use it more. The weight is only 300 gram compared to my Canon 1,5 kilo.