Day 3 - Malta and France

Wednesday

I woke up at 7:30 am on the dot.  Knowing that our schedule started early, we both rolled out of bed.  I think we could have slept at least a couple of hours more, but we needed to catch a bus to Cirkewwa and then the ferry to Mgarr, Gozo.  We had to get up.  Instead of the buffet in the hotel restaurant, we opted for a quicker option in the executive lounge.  The selection was more limited, but we needed to hurry.

The stop for bus 222 wasn’t too far from the hotel; we were glad to snag seats for the one-hour ride to the ferry.  The ferry was then another 25 minutes to Gozo.  Such reasonable prices.  €1,50 for the bus and €4,35 round trip for the ferry. 

We hadn’t done as much research on the island of Gozo as we might normally undertake, but we should have.  We said no to the taxis and the hop on/hop off tours and just took off walking.  It wasn’t too far to the church in Ghanjsielem.

I found the people to be friendly in returning my smiles.  And a first for a European country—a lady actually said hi to me first!  We waited at the bus stop for a ride in to Victoria only to find that the bus was coming from the ferry terminal and was completely full.  It just drove right on by us.  The next bus wouldn’t come for almost an hour.  So we set off to walk some more.  And more.  And more.  The one bus we could have gotten, we watched as it arrived at its designated stop five minutes early and then moved on.  We were too far away to get to it in time.  So we walked a couple of miles more until finally reaching Victoria.  My advice?  Take a tour, get a bus, or hire a taxi at the ferry terminal.  You’ll be glad you did.

Once we finally made it to Victoria, we were famished.  We hadn’t had much breakfast and we were ready for a rest.  We stopped at the first cafe we found--Hog.  Rejuvenated by our lunch, we toured the Cittadella (Citadel) in Victoria.  It was made of limestone and had served as a fortress for the residents of the island until it was breached and the people were all carried away to be slaves in foreign countries.  Some of the fortress was in ruins, some of it had been reinforced, and many of the walls still stood.  

We then took a bus from Victoria to Dwerja to see the Blue Hole.  Gelato and water, that was our first purchase.  Chris and I sat on the rocks to eat and enjoy the view.  The rocks had been worn and weathered by the tide over the years.  You definitely had to watch your step as you made your way to the cliffs and water’s edge.  I watched as four different guys jumped in the water.  

Dwerja was the home of the Azure Window at one time until it fell in a mighty storm in March of 2017.  Such a beautiful treasure to lose.

The sunset was stunning.
 

We had to catch the 4:30 bus to return to the city and then catch another bus to the ferry terminal.  Once arriving back on Malta from the ferry, we queued up for the next hour-long bus ride back to Saint Julian’s.  A guy with a van offered 5 euro rides with a guaranteed seat (instead of maybe standing on the bus for the next hour) and Chris and I, along with about ten others, jumped at the chance.  The driver dropped us off not too far from the hotel and we walked around until finding Ghonella’s.  An underground Italian restaurant that was completely deserted. 

Chris got up to go the bathroom and started first for the kitchen.  Our server, Sharon, joked, “That’s the kitchen, unless you want to cook your own dinner.”  I replied, “It might only be macaroni and cheese from a box then.”  

She was lovely as she served us and then another couple that arrived a short time after us.  She gave tips on places to see on Thursday and perhaps some places that weren’t worth the trip.

The Thai Massage place across the street caught our eye, especially since it was Trip Advisor recommended.  Chris got the name and number to call and check on appointments for Thursday evening.  After a day of so much walking, we were happy to crash for the night.

Thankful 13 - People Who Write

I love to read and listen to good books.  I am grateful for talented people who take the time to share thoughts, stories, and inspiration.  Their talent motivates to be a better person as well as to go after my dreams.

Day 2 - Malta and France

Tuesday

The descent in to Frankfurt was bumpy through the rain clouds, followed by another long taxi.  We deplaned to a bus which then took us to the terminal, winding all around the entire terminal it seemed.  Immigration was pretty quickly managed.  We had an hour or so layover in Germany and got some food in the lounge.

I thought my girls would appreciate the wide assortment of pretzels.

I find it interesting that when some people have access to free alcohol, they seem to drink excessively, even at 10 am in the morning.

Our final flight of the day was to Malta.  Again, we had to board a bus to get to our airplane and ended waiting in a stairwell until all passengers had checked in for the flight.  Chris and I were both exhausted and both dozed for most of the flight.  Sandwiches were passed out, but neither of us ate them.  The palm trees and sunshine of Malta were a welcome sight as we arrived at the airport.  

Our bags, though mine was soaked, were the first to arrive at baggage claim.  

A taxi dropped us off at the Hilton Malta in Saint Julian’s around 2 pm.  Talk about an impressive lobby and view!

Our room was not quite ready, but we were invited to wait in the Executive Lounge on the 9th floor. We found a few cokes and biscuits (cookies), and sat down to take in the view.

As soon as we were able to get the keys to our room, we dropped off extra baggage and grabbed a taxi to Valletta—a 20 minute taxi ride away.  Our driver was friendly, sharing helpful information as we drove, and dropped us off at the Upper Barrack gardens.  Valletta was a cruise ship terminal, so we had mobs of cruise ship passengers to work around.

Sunset was early, as in Colorado, and lacked an abundance of time for looking around during day light hours.  We wandered through the streets, much of the construction of homes, buildings, apartments, walls, etc. were made out of lime stone, so there was a yellowish cast to much of the scenery.

Instead of returning to our hotel by taxi, we noted a ferry traveling back and forth across the bay from Valletta to Sliema and were pleasantly pleased with €1,50 ticket price.  We did have about a half an hour walk back to our hotel once arriving at Sliema, but after three long flights, we were happy to be out and about.

We made a quick stop for a dinner of pizza and lasagna halfway back to the hotel.  A small bowl of chocolate gelato to share at the hotel and then we were both fell in to an exhausted sleep. 

Thankful 12 - Promptings

I am so grateful for promptings.  In those moments when I am just going through the motions of life--driving, vacuuming, walking--I am overwhelmed that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to inspire me with promptings, ideas, and an overall feeling of knowing that I matter.

Amy Helping Out

In hindsight it would have been cheaper to have Amy stay home this past semester while she was off-track at BYU-I, but we felt it was important for her to be in a good friend environment.  When Chris proposed a trip to Europe for him and me, Amy was the logical choice to be at home while we were gone.  Misha's schedule is fairly busy all day long as she leaves for seminary before 6 am and works after school until 8 pm.  Kristen would have a lot of time on her own and needed help getting to the bus in the morning.  I wasn't comfortable leaving her on her own for 10 days.  Amy was happy to come home and help out.

Chris was returning from a quick trip to San Diego to visit his grandfather, dad, and brother.  Though Amy's flight kept getting delayed, he stayed at the airport until she arrived to save making an extra trip to the airport.

Amy flew in Sunday evening and drove Chris and I to the airport on Monday morning.  What a blessing all of our girls are that we can leave them on their own and know that they will make good choices.

Day 1 - Malta and France

Monday

I wasn’t too disappointed that Chris and I were leaving Colorado snow for Malta on Monday morning. I shoveled snow off the front sidewalk, the part that didn’t get melted off by the early morning sunshine. Chris dropped of some paperwork to our neighbors before leaving. I got Amy up around 10 so that we could leave at 10:45, hoping to stop at Costco for gas and for a few groceries for the girls while we were gone.

Amy said goodbye to us on the West side of the airport drop off with instructions that she was only to drive the Pilot, not Dad’s Audi. We checked in and then made our way to the Executive Lounge for a quick bite to eat. We only got one upgrade on the flight to Newark and Chris kindly gave it to me. The flight was fairly uneventful until we landed. Our gate was not available so we taxied for at least 20 minutes and then sat on the tarmac for another 30 minutes waiting to offload. We were finally given a new gate which was actually closer to our departure gate to Frankfurt, Germany, but we had sat for so long on the tarmac that our flight was already in the process of boarding as soon as we arrived.

We had middle seats on our next flight, but it was business class so I wasn’t too disappointed. The disadvantage being in the middles means having to climb over people mid flight and while they are sleeping to use the bathroom. The German guy who boarded on my side of the aisle and assigned to the seat next to me got after Chris for taking his overhead space even though there was an open bin right next to the one he was looking at. This same guy then proceeded to creep me out for the rest of the flight. If I had known that he was going to be such a creeper, I would have changed seats with Chris before Chris fell asleep.

This dude was seriously unnerving. Every time the flight attendant came by, he would tell her how beautiful she was and that he just needed a little kiss to make things perfect. Add to that, he would turn and stare at me every so often. I did my best to ignore him. Hard though when he was encroaching on my space with his arm on the arm rest as well.

The dinner was ok. My ice cream had been flash frozen and was hard as a rock when it was served to me. I waited to see if it would melt a bit, but finally managed to eat it with a fork.

When the guy next to me finally settled down to sleep, he lay on his side facing me with his hand on the arm rest. Every couple of minutes he would touch my arm with his finger. I finally grabbed a pillow and put it between his hand and my arm and moved my other pillow so that he could no longer see my face. Ewwww. I stayed awake until he fell asleep and then slept right through the morning breakfast service. (Not too much to miss though since it was my midnight and I wasn’t ready to eat yet).

San Diego

Chris made a quick trip out to San Diego to visit his grandpa Len with his dad and Kevin.  Seeing Kevin and his dad was the highlight of the trip for Chris.  They even got to spend a little time at the beach this morning.  Something to treasure since he is coming home to snow tonight!

Thankful 11 - The Barf Parent

Kristen was sick earlier this week.  As I was chatting with Amy about being tired from helping Kristen each time she threw up, Amy remarked that I should have had Dad do it.  "He's the barf parent.  He has the ears for it and comes running in the night."

True, there were times when Chris was up and out of bed in a flash in the middle of the night in response to hearing one of the girls throwing up.  That's not to say I wasn't quick to follow most of the time, but those long legs usually got there faster than I did.  Not always, but usually.  There were times when I slept right through the fun, and sometimes when I had to wake him up.  I am just glad my kids are old enough to hit a garbage can, toilet, or bowl AND that Chris was willing to help.

Second Snow of the Season

We missed the first snow of the season when we were in Utah in October.  It is nice to see a change in the scenery.  And...the roads and driveway are all still clear.  That's a bonus.  Misha kindly shoveled a little snow by the front door that wasn't getting any sunshine.  Chris put the snow plow on the ATV on Friday morning.  I guess we are ready for winter.

Decorating Gingerbread

Misha loves to make and decorate gingerbread cookies.  She made a batch of dough before church and was happy to decorate with Kristen and Amy after Amy flew in from Idaho.

Thankful 10 - Jeffrey R. Holland

I am grateful for this man.  There are so many talks he has given during General Conference as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that simply speak to my heart.  I can't pick a favorite, because they are all so good.

Thankful 9 - Living your Dreams

Even before Amy was allowed to wear makeup at twelve, she has loved makeup and fingernail polish.  She spent hours watching Youtube videos on makeup application, beauty products, nail art, and hair design.  Makeup and beauty and nails are a big part of who she is.  So, I was impressed when she chose to get her Eyelash Technician Certification.  I am thankful for the example she sets for me to go after one's dreams.

Thankful 8 - Watermelon

I absolutely love watermelon.  It is my favorite fruit.  I am always thrilled when it is back in season after a long winter hiatus.

Thankful 7 - Good Friends

Earlier this year Chris and I went on a cruise with three other couples.  We were friends before, but we came home as even better friends.  I am grateful for their friendship, support, kindness, enthusiasm, and love.  We have fun going out for lunch, getting together for a game night as couples, and just being supportive.  I am grateful for good friends.

Thankful 6 - Getaways With Chris

Over the past couple of years, I have had the amazing opportunity to travel with Chris.  Not only do I love spending time with Christopher, but I have loved seeing and photographing bucket list places--Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, England, and Spain.  I am mostly enamored with Europe.  We are blessed to have lots of travel points to make travel so much easier.

New Lights

So, I tried to get a great picture of the landscaping lights at night.  Really the best view of them is from by bedroom window.  Chris' dad was so wonderful to come and help set up the lights with Chris.  Larry might have been just a tad bit cold.

I am excited to put up some Christmas wreaths out front and maybe, we will get some lights on a few trees this year.

Thankful 5 - Deseret Bookshelf

On my brother's and parents' recommendation, I signed up for Deseret Bookshelf last Christmas.  The service allows you to listen to or read books available through Deseret Book.  I have listened to many books on my phone as I drive and read books on my iPad over the past year.  Love it.

Swing Sleep

We had a Regional Conference today and had a nice relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Some of us napped.  Some of us had cool hammocks to sleep in.

Thankful 4 - Blog/Journal

I am writing a book and incorporating thoughts, adventures, and experiences from my blog.  I am grateful for the inspiration to keep a journal and a blog for so many years.

Norwex Party

I asked my friend, Kirsten, who is a Norwex consultant if I could host a party through her.  I bought cleaning cloths probably ten years ago and it was time to replenish my stash.  We had about ten ladies who came to the party, most who had experience with the cloths and few who did not, and a few who couldn't come who still ordered online.  The products are pretty amazing if you haven't ever tried them before.

Thankful 3 - Spotify

I love listening to music throughout the day when my girls are at school.  (When they come home, they usually change the music or turn it off since our tastes are not the same).  Spotify is great for making playlists that I love.

Thankful 2 - Internet

Isn't it amazing that we have the world at our fingertips?  When I was a young girl, even in to my late teens, there was no such thing as Google, wifi, or cell phones.  If I wanted to talk to my mom during the day while at school, I would call from the pay phone at school and let it ring once.  My mom would then know to call back.  I love to research vacations, shop, check out ratings for new products, keep in touch with family and friends, blog, and search through LDS.org as I write my book.  The internet is invaluable in my life.

Digging at the Beach

Our neighbor, Mike DePriest, had some huge machines on site to work on improving the flood plain around our neighborhood.  He offered to us and some of our neighbors an opportunity to make use of the machines (paying for the time spent working on our lots), so we opted to have them dig out around the point on our beach so that it was deeper for boats and for jumping in the water.

Watching from the house, you think these guys are going to dump themselves right in to the lake, but they are pretty skilled.

Thankful 1 - Glasses

I am grateful to see my computer screen clearly and to read books with ease with my glasses.  Without them, there would be much in this life that would be blurry.

Grandpa Kline to Help

Grandpa Kline flew in for a couple of days to help Chris with his outdoor lighting project and an indoor tv project.  It was a little chilly for Grandpa's Arizona blood but he was a trooper in working outside all day long with Chris.  Chris loved spending time with his dad.