Tag: Mediterranean

Trees, Wood & Thoughts

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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

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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 ½-pounder gun. Its garrison consisted of a captain and three men, who were paid by the Università of Mdina…read moreThe view from here is amazing.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Malta – November 2019

A trip to Marsaxlokk – Malta

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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

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Söndag och dags att skylta igen. Fortsätter med mina bilder från Spanien med inslag från Malta. Spanien. Ingen direkt skylt men en något udda lokal för skyltning av lite speciella festkläder.

Något historiskt i Granada, Spanien.
Valletta, Malta
Spanien
En gammal skylt från en nedlagd butik i Valletta, Malta.

Lite blandat från Spanien och Valletta på Malta.Den här tycker jag om, rar på något vis, Spanien så klart.Att namnge sitt hus är vanligt här på Malta. När vi hade hus i San Ġiljan döpte vi det till Larnita, en kombi av våra namn, Lars och Anita. De som köpte huset år 2005 lät skylten sitta kvar och den sitter där än idag.Avslutar med en liten påminnelse om hur viktiga våra insekter faktiskt är.

Alla kan vara med och skylta på söndagar, BP håller i trådarna.
Länk till övriga deltagare.

 

Stones

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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

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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.”

Which Way…

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

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

A day in Marsaxlokk

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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-Gżira 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…

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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

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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…

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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

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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…

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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…

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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 varannandagsväder 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!

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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?

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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…

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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

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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.

Maltese Architecture

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When I moved to Malta in 2000, there was no such modern architecture on the island.

The old houses are often well-preserved with a genuine Maltese architecture. Today, modern structures at Tigné Point strongly contrast with the buildings in Valletta as well as with most of the towns on the island. The only building that had a modern style when I moved here was the Portomaso Business Tower which opened in 2001. With its 97 meters it is still the tallest building in Malta.

The construction industry is currently booming here in Malta and new high-rise houses are being built almost everywhere. Hopefully they are also thinking of preserving as much as possible of the old houses, otherwise Malta will lose a lot of its charm.

Let’s Have a Drink

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 Cisk Lager Beer has been brewed in Malta with all natural ingredients since 1928 and was awarded top prize in the International Lager Category at the 1995 Australian Beer Awards. I rarely drink beer myself.

Cocktails of different kinds are common in summer, with or without alcohol. When it’s Happy hour you get two for one. Mojito, my favorite at the top consists of club soda, rum, syrup, lime juice, mint and lots of ice. Very refreshing!!Italian wine is very good and these bottles are from Sicily.Malta may not be renowned like its larger Mediterranean neighbours for wine production, but northern European markets are just beginning to discover the secret of Maltese wines.  Grapes grown in Malta’s hot and humid climate ripen much quicker than their counterparts further north. I always buy the local or Italian wine.Water……the most common and healthiest drink during the day!!

Splash!!

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Come with me and take a dip in the sea, said the bigger dog when we were at Manoel Island last weekend.
It’s nice and cool, 22 degrees!! Come on Fanny!!!I don’t know if I dare I’ve never swam before but it looks fun. Fair enough, I’ll try!! Splash!!!! This may not be the best way to get up from the water but I’m a brave, strong and very stubborn Basenji who never gives up. I will certainly try again but may need some assistance from my leader.

Hopefully Fanny and I will soon swim together in the Mediterranean where it’s now 22 degrees. Some dogs may have the physical capacity to swim, but a mortal fear of the water. We’ll have to start on shallow waters and I’ll try to make her feel safe and encourage her to enjoy it. If that doesn’t work I’ll will never force her.…💖Who knows, within a week or two, she may be a real water lovers.💖

Follow me to Valletta…

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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.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – Liquid

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This week’s photo challenge is about keeping things fluid.

Let the imagination flow…Barefoot in soft sand and crystal clear blue water.Reflections in the sea from the sky and a boat.WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Liquid