my first layover
Malta was BEAUTIFUL!
My first layover couldn't have gotten any better. Well, it could have not rained on the first day, so it was like a day gone. But who cares, we all had fun anyway. It was the first time for almost everyone in Malta. Imagine those flying for four years, already an sfs or a captain, but never gotten a Malta in their roster. How much more for a one-week flyer and already got Malta as their first layover.
Lucky me!
To start the day right, economy was just half full. From Dubai to Larnaca and Larnaca to Malta, the passengers were all very pleasant, so working was a breeze. The crew was very nice as well, and I got to sit in the cockpit once more and see the landing on Malta. Unfortunately for us, it was raining when we got there so it was almost a day lost. So rain means sleep for me and since I wasn't able to get any before the flight, I really needed one badly. I was actually awake for 24 hours straight. I still have not gotten used to the different body clocks of a cabin crew.
Oh, did I mention that the view from my hotel balcony was simply breathtaking?
For dinner, most of us met up and decided to eat in a place near our hotel. I forgot the name where I should have, because the food was DELICIOUS! Definitely with the capital letters! I ordered to have salmon, fresh from Malta waters and they cooked it so right, that the fish just melts in your mouth. It was so divine, that I finished dinner, not eating just my meal but 3 more slices of vegetarian pizza. And to think I'm a carnivore. :)
After dinner we had drinks in a nearby club, but the three of us girls, Meena, me and Siripak decided to call it an early night. We all wanted to have the energy for sightseeing the next day! Besides that, we were all crossing our fingers for it to be a sunny day the next day.
My way back to the hotel
True enough, it was a beautiful day, we all woke each other up. Then headed to the nearest bus station in our hotel to go to Mdina.
On the way to Mdina. From back: Tamer, Michael (Captain), Siripak (Thai), Anna (Greek), Wendi (Seychelles), Me and Meena (Indian)
Mdina from below
A little history lesson (courtesy of Wikipedia), Mdina is the old capital of Malta and known as the "Silent City". They have narrow streets and it was actually fascinating people living in those little houses. If I want to retire someday, Mdina is definitely in my list for places to stay. :)
May kalesa din sila! People actually live in those houses! :)
In Mdina we lost the captain, Wendi and Anna. We didn't mind at all, since it would have been a lot easier organizing just a small group. After Mdina, we decided to go to Valletta to do more sightseeing. As for Meena, she decided to go back to the hotel and explore the near beaches. :)
Flowers!
Valletta is known as "The City". It is the capital city of Malta. The sights to see in there are the churches. Unfortunately, it only opens in the morning and we already arrived in the afternoon. We took more pictures, then decided to go window shopping. Wow! The clothes cost a lot! A blouse, that looks like it was made from China, cost around 45 Lyras (One Lyra is equal to 10 Dirhams. 1 Dirham is equal to 13 Pesos. Do the math!). Anyways, I got to buy myself a little souvenir.I've been thinking, besides the fridge magnets I'm going to collect, I should get a little something that will remind me of the country. Mdina is known for its art in glass blowing. Remember Sweet Home Alabama? That was the business of the husband of Reese Witherspoon.
Valletta!
Siripak, Me and Tamer, taking a break from all the walking!
On our way back to the hotel, we decided to go down a few blocks away from it and took a walk along the beach. The view was gorgeous! :) I am beginning to love my job every single day.
But of course, there are down sides as well. I just came from a turnaround from Tehran, and going to be standby for yet another turnaround. I just can't wait for my next layover. Till then... :)
More pictures here.