156-days till take off…

I’ll be living like a local while in Malta. I’ve found two apartments. One for two weeks on the Isle of Gozo and one for two weeks on the Isle of Malta.

On Gozo, I’ll be staying in the Triq il-Gleneagles Penthouse, in Għajnsielem. Oh I feel so POSH when I write that.

Here’s the view from one of the two terraces. Again, that POSH feeling.

It’s in a historic building on a quiet neighborhood street. The waterfront and beach are a couple blocks away. The ferry terminal is a 15-minute walk.

This is the gated entrance to the building. And, more POSHness.

On Malta, I’ve got a three-bedroom apartment with a little balcony. It’s located at San Pawl il-Baħar. It’s a big sunny apartment with a cute kitchen.

The Malta apartment has an ocean view in the Bugibba District. The area is busy and filled with markets, waterfront cafes, historic buildings, marinas, and attractions. The street is residential, and free of traffic and tourist.

I’ve started looking into festivals. The Maltese Islands are known for their celebrations. There are numerous festivals throughout the year. Feast days, harvest festivals fireworks festivals, music festivals, art festivals, village festas, regattas, and many more.

One of several festivals I’ll attend is Fjakkolata. I’ll meander through country and town to view the spectacle of thousands of lanterns lining the roads and streets called fjakkoli.

On the practical side

I’ll be renewing my Allianz Annual Traveler’s policy. I was very glad to have it when my camera gear was stolen while on assignment in San Francisco’s Presidio. Thank you, Allianz for making the process as painless as possible.

I got a new Canon Rebel T6 and three lenses. Today I ordered a new camera backpack, mine was taken in the robbery. I plan to get very comfortable with the gear before I get to the Mediterranean.

A special thanks to Ed at Malta Uncovered. With unending patience, he helped me sort through the apartments I discovered and gave me insider’s info on a few. He’s done a lot for me, I suppose a thank you dinner is in order.

There will be no car, I plan to walk, bike, bus, boat or ferry my way around both islands and maybe another country or two.

Until next month, thanks for stopping by, MaryGo

Folks Helping Me Plan My Trip to Malta
~ Visit Malta – Malta Uncovered ~

Some of My Malta ESP (eat, sleep, play)
~ Air – Virgin Atlantic – Air Malta ~

~ Housing – Air B&B ~

~ Travel Insurance – Allianz ~

*All photos courtesy of Visit Malta and Air B&B