Malta I recently returned from a week long trip to Malta and found this beautiful island nation to be a wealth of history and culture. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is easy to travel to via connecting flights from London or by a ferry ride over from Sicily, an excursion that would combine very well with an Italian trip. The island has good weather year round and while very rocky and arid, Malta has a beauty all its own particularly in the blue waters of the harbor around Valleta, the capital and historical center of the country. The country is blessed with impressive archaeological treasures and fascinating, well preserved ruins up to 5000 years old! Malta inherits it's culture from Arabic, French, Roman and British influences. The most famous of these being the Knights of St. John, who for 2000 years influenced the nation with their religion leaving behind beautiful Cathedrals and art treasures. Malta includes the smaller island cities of Gozo and Comino. Gozo has it's own walled city the Citadel, and ancient ruins and beaches that make it favored as a destination in itself. All three cities can be explored by foot or by boat through the narrow streets and ancient neighborhoods. I was very impressed with the quality of the many hotels we explored, from historic castles converted to resorts to luxury hotels with every modern amenity. The food was delicious with abundant seafood and unique national dishes. I really did not have many preconceived notions of Malta, except that it is off the beaten track so to speak, so had no idea what I might find. I was pleasantly surprised with the beauty and historical interest offered by the island as well as the fine accommodations, good food and welcoming people. Back