Yesterday and today have been unbelievably grey and dull. Even in Winter it’s usually sunny but it’s been cloudy and raining on and off. I don’t like rain, at all, but I can deal with it- I own wellington boots, thick coats with hoods and an umbrella- but what I cannot deal with is the darkness.
Luckily Tuesday was a glorious day and being the snap happy kinda person I am, I made sure to get a few photos to look back on when the weather is crappy and hope the memory of sunshine cheered me up! And somehow it does- especially as I know this greyness wont last long, not like in the UK where it lasts 80% of the year!
We had to go to Marsa (which is awful by the way!) to sort out a loan phone for Joe whilst his is in being repaired (pay €400 for a mobile and it’s breaks within a few months. Technology!) and we had to change buses at Valletta so on the way back we had a wander and some lunch. Along the Waterfront at Grand Harbour all the balconies were festooned with coloured ribbon and masks- I don’t know if this is a permanent fixture or something to do with the carnival (but I think that’s just in Gozo?) but they looked stunning.
I may not have enjoyed lunch that much but the setting was just beautiful. Look at the colour of the harbour sea right next to our table! I really can’t wait til I can frolic in the sea every day before work, on lunch and as soon as I finish!
We’re going to Cozumel for carnaval this weekend! Come on sunshine!
I love those balconies, btw
Seems to be carnival everywhere this weekend! I never go to the one here as I heard its a bit ‘macabre’ and sounds scary! Have a great time though, looks like you’re having much nicer weather than we are :) xx
There’s a reason why it was carnival everywhere… it’s the weekend before Ash Wednesday which marks, naturally, the start of Lent: 40 days when Catholics traditionally used to fast and not eat meat… so it was their ‘last chance’ before Lent to sort of live it up. From the Italian Carne Vale, literally meaning meat is valid. The ‘macabre’ one – which is probably more original actually, and very spontaneous – is the one in Nadur, Gozo. The one in Valletta is where the traditional colourful floats parade (weather permitting – the rainy weekend busted their plans I think!) and street ‘dancing’ in elaborate costumes takes place. It’s not to everyone’s taste… a bit gaudy, perhaps, but one day might give you some more colourful shots for this blog. Traditional sweets are pastel-coloured perlini (sugar coated almonds) and prinjolata (don’t even try and guess the calories per slice :) )
It occurred to me after I wrote it that there’s obviously religious reason for the carnivals everywhere. I can be so thick sometimes! This was really helpful thank you- I definitely will check out the Valletta carnival next year, it does sound like the perfect photo opportunity and it’s lovely to engage in local culture more. I think I just read today that one of the carnivals might be postponed due to the weather, although some people said that defeats the purpose. If it does get ‘redone’ in May though I’ll definitely be there :) xx
That’s us Maltese… can’t agree on anything! :) xx
Ah, we’ve missed out on our annual visit to Malta in February this time as my parents have come to Cyprus to see us here instead. (My dad was sick in November so they couldn’t come to Cyprus then as normal). It’s good to see your photos.
Our carnival is much later this year because Greek Orthodox Easter doesn’t fall until the early part of May….