Mediterranean Navigation Day 3
Mediterranean Navigation
Day 03 - Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Valletta, Malta; Board the M/V Clio
Our day began with gentle rain, but by the time we went to breakfast, the sun was coming out. The dining room breakfast buffet was lovely, with lots of choices and a delicious selection of fresh fruits and breads.
Our bags had to be out of the room at 7:30, and then we had time to bring our carry-ons to the lobby. All of our bags were taken to the ship this morning after we checked out of our hotel.
The morning's activities were a Welcome and Introduction meeting with our Red Group. Aziz, our Tour Leader, gave us a list of rules to make our trip go more smoothly. The first item on the list was No Talk of Politics!
At 8:45, we met our city guide, Ernesto, who took us on a 2.5-hour walking tour of the city of Valletta. The island of Malta was first colonized by the Knights of St. John, a monastic order of the Catholic Church. Most of the limestone and sandstone buildings were destroyed in World War 1 or World War 2, as Malta was a strategic island for military defense.
Our walk took us over the city's ramparts and high fortress walls. In the distance, we could see many churches; Valletta has 365 of them, one for every day of the year. We had great views of the harbor, and we could even see our small ship, M/V Clio, docked next to a huge Viking Ship.
Today is Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, with lots of families on the streets and children dressed in costumes to celebrate the last day before Lent. This is also the month of Ramadan, and Aziz told us we would be learning more about the time of prayer, reflection, and fasting of the Muslim faith.
After thanking Ernesto, we walked to the harbor and the Cruise Ship Terminal to board M/V Clio, our home for the next 16 days. The Overseas Adventure crew welcomed us warmly, and after turning in our passports, we went to our room, where all of our bags and carry-ons were waiting for us.
A buffet lunch was served at 1:00 in the dining room. Our large group of 92 seems very friendly and we have tried to sit with different people at each meal to get to know more of our fellow passengers.
We settled into our spacious cabin, where we had lots of room to store our clothes and belongings. At 3:00 we had an evacuation and abandon ship drill, required by all vessels. Each room is equipped with life vests, so we practiced donning the vests and meeting at our muster site to board the lifeboats. Safety first is an important motto of OAT.
After dinner, we came back to our room to finish our Journal and relax after an exciting day in Malta. The ship departed Malta at 7:00 pm, and we were lulled to sleep by the ocean waves.
Accommodations: M/V Clio
Comments
That sounds like a nice-sized group!
You only had a short time in Malta, but a good introduction. It is a lovely city. Bon Voyage!
Post a Comment!Nice to travel with you again. That's the size ship I like.
Trident Fountain
View of Malta
Mardi Gras Children
M/V Clio in the Harbor
Our Cabin
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