Pictures, Finally!

Hi all! This past week and a half or so since I last posted has been quite busy, but really good thus far (minus the giant mosquito bites that I am NOT scratching and the cold that my flatmate passed along!). Now that I am in my flat and have better (read: paid for) internet, feast your eyes on a selection of pictures from the beginning of Ottubru (October in Malti). I will update with another text post soon!

Sahha (a farewell wishing health upon you),
MH

P.S. I have figured out how to allow "anonymous" commenting, but please leave your first name or initials so I know who you are - THANK YOU :)

^ The main fountain in Valletta (the capitol) lit up at night

^Triq Ta' Republikka (Republic St) on the night of Notte Bianca, a festival in Valletta

^ Are we found or just less lost?

^ The beautiful embroidered banners at Notte Bianca

^ The sign describing the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, one of over 25 churches in Valletta (we went into the church but there were people worshipping so it seemed rude to take photos of the interior, though there were other tourists doing so)

^The outer facade of St. John's Co-Cathedral as we waited in the queue [It is a "co-cathedral" because it shares cathedral status with another church, I believe St. Paul's in Mdina]

The next few are all interiors of St. John's - the rather plain exterior gives no hint of the breathtaking gilding and artwork within. I did get to see Carravaggio's "Beheading of St. John," but was not allowed to take photos in that room. You are allowed to take non-flash photos in the rest of the church. If coming to see me isn't enough of an incentive to fly here, seeing this cathedral in person (and all of the other amazing historical sites here) should help to convince you!

End of the St. John's pictures

^Another church (remember, there are over 365 in Malta!) in San Giljan aka St. Julian's

^A view from the bay in St. Julian's

^some traditional luzzu boats and an Arriva bus, which rarely arrives on time unless you are going to the capital [brief explaination regarding the buses: Malta had these older style smaller British buses that were run independently up until July of this year. They then decided to transition to this new bus company Arriva, who brought in bigger, newer busses and theoretically made the routes and timetables more regularized. The buses are nicer (I have not been on an older bus yet, but have heard many a story) but the routes are apparently strange and I can directly attest to the fact that the timetables frequently lie! They are supposed to be reforming the system in early November, so we'll see what happens!]

^ A Band Club in St. Julian's - not only do they have traditional music there, but also political discussions (and even fights at times, apparently)

^the main fountain in Valletta in daylight

^the city of Birgu, aka Vittoriosa, at night

^ Birgu's town flag

^Birgu by candlelight

^some of the famous window boxes

^ The Maltese flag

^ a pretty carved window in Birgu

^ In the 'Canteen' (the cafeteria) where several of the pillars are shaped like giant KitKat bars

^ the "beach" nearest to my apartment - it's really just rocks and then water

^ The main Quad at the University

^ Valletta from the side of the University

^ Chaucer's Stationary Shop in Bay Street, St. Julian's

More pictures to come soon!