Day 6 - Our side of the Island

Today was a local day. We stayed on our side of the island, which the tour books have labeled the wild side. Right below our hotel and next to the large church is a series of tunnels that go on for what seems like miles.

These are bomb shelters dug into the sand stone between 1940 -1941. Each family could dig out a section to call home, albeit they were smaller than most people’s closets today.

There was a gentleman sitting at the entrance, who was a survivor of the WWII bombings. He was only 7, but his memories were vivid. Mellieha was not an important military target like Valletta, but in April of 1942, Malta endured 3 straight days of bombing with no break. I could not imagine living in these caves,





We needed wide open spaces after that tour and rode out to the furthest point on this side of the island. The winds were howling again. I mean they are blowing hard enough to move me. 

Hence, getting close to the edge was not option. Even though it was cloudy it was beautiful. They say there are 365 churches on this island, well I think this one must be that last number. 

BTW – Our nice GPS (the bad name has gone away) has decided paved roads are much nicer and quicker to navigate.

At one of the highest points there is a red tower. It was built in the 1660s, and is just one of many that were used as watch stations. 

The view from the top was spectacular!

Tom had to do a drive by of Popeye’s Village. This was the location of the Robin William’s movie many moons ago. It is now a theme park. If you look carefully you can see Popeye and Olive Oil.

A quiet lunch in Golden Bay was enjoyable as we watched some fools take a swim. All young men feeling manly, but I am sure that was solved when they hit the water.

Our day ended in Mosta. This town is the home of the third largest dome in the world. 

This church is absolutely amazing, and survived a bomb penetrating the ceiling in WWII. The munition never exploded.

Then it was back to our room to sit on the balcony and enjoy our view.

Another wonderful day, with only one more full one to go.