A Week in Malta

Ed's business often takes him to Malta and this summer we got to accompany him on a week there.  We stayed in a residential area called Naxxar as it meant we could have more space than if we stayed in a busier town.  It was our first time in a villa and it won't be our last based on the week we had.

Malta is a very small country (smaller than the Isle of Wight) and heavily populated on one side, with lots of internet based companies residing there.  The weather is incredible though, with 300 days of sunshine per year and it fluctuated around 34 degree during the day on our visit, and around 28 degrees at night.  Having our own pool meant we could always cool off.

We wanted to see as much of the island as we could during our trip, so we spent time in the capital Valetta which is beautiful, the business area of Sliema, the more party area of St Julians, the ancient city of Mdina as well as Naxxar where we stayed and a trip to the blue lagoon off the coast of Comino island.  The location means there is a mix of Italian and Arabic influence in the architecture and language making it a really unique place.

I have shared more on Instagram of our trip, but I wanted to put a few of my favourite photos on here to look back at.

Our Villa

Our Villa had such a great outdoor space with a pool table, table football and table tennis as well as a pool big enough to really swim in.  It was spacious indoors too and a great location for exploring the island.

Mdina

The ancient capital of Mdina doesn't have a lot for families but is definitely worth a visit.  The small walled city is in the middle of the island and has some really interesting buildings.

Naxxar

We really liked Naxxar as a residential area.  There was a 5 a side pitch next to the kids playground which was a big hit with my boys and it was a good base for seeing more of the island.

Splash and Fun Water Park

A day at the water park is a given with five children and this one had plenty of slides, a lazy river and a huge pool with wave machine.  Unfortunately the way the water was treated didn't agree with Archie's skin.  As Malta has no natural water sources, they use salt water from the sea and treat it with something (we aren't sure what).  The rest of the gang had a great time and Archie chilled on a sun bed with ice creams and snacks.

Blue Lagoon

Whilst Ed was working I took the children on a speed boat to the Blue Lagoon.  It was very crowded and I would definitely do this on a trip next time that went to a quieter area as the ferry stop was so busy.  The water was crystal clear though and we had little fishes swimming around us, and they sold cocktails in fresh pineapples which is always a winner!

St Julians

We went to St Julians for lunch and had delicious food at Two Buoys on the river front.  In the evenings this is the party capital but during the day it is lovely (and busy) with some great places to eat and shop.

It was our first visit to Malta as a family and I feel like we got a great overview of the country.  It was sunny, chilled and beautiful with so much great Italian food, brilliant transport and lovely people.

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Nun Night Eleven Year Old

You have grown so much as an 11 year old, in every way.  You are the main character in your story, you have an active life away from me and I feel like I am letting go a little bit more each week as you seek out independence and forge your own path.  You are confident without me always there, you are capable and you always make me proud.

I think 11 is the last year I will be able to look down at you as you must be around 5 foot 6 and you are wearing a size 9 shoe now.  There is still so much youth in your face and the way you walk though that I still see you as a child.  11 was the year you started caring a little more about what you wear (although as long as it is Adidas or a football shirt you still aren't that fussy).  It is a weird tween age where you have left behind so much of the child but you still have so much growing to do.

At 11 your passion is football.  It's come from nowhere and is all consuming and you want everything to be football based. You wanted the new FIFA game, football shirts and football training gear for your gifts, and of course anything with Liverpool FC on it.  I love seeing how enthusiastic you are about it all and how much time you spend outside because of the new hobby.

As an 11 year old you have been great company.  You can be sensible, helpful and chatty (you can also be none of these things depending on the day of course).  You are better at walking away from fights with your siblings (again, depending on the day) and we can see how important for you having your own space is as you reach this next stage in your life.

It is the last year before you officially become a teenager and I am looking forward to adventures with you both big and small this year. 

I know twelve is going to be a busy year with so much change but I want to stop and enjoy you whilst you are still littler than me, because I know how many lasts are coming as you start needing me less.  You are clumsy, frustrating, intelligent, loud and wonderful and no matter how big you get, you will always be my baby.

Sleep tight my gorgeous eleven year old, for tomorrow is a big day

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