Got back a few days ago from a short trip to Malta with my wife. We stayed at the Victoria Hotel and we are so glad we did. It is a very nice Hotel indeed and complete value for money.

We hired a small car and were so glad the Hotel had its own underground car park-- a big plus.

A lovely bar to relax in in the evenings. Wonderfully comfortable chesterfield armchairs.

Sliema has really come up in the world since my last visit 35 yrs ago! How wonderful it was to walk along the lovely new promenade towards St Juliens. St Georges bay used to be a place for Military families to gather on the beach in the afternoon. It does look so nice now BUT I somehow prered it as it used to be-- more character then.

St Pauls Bay was a big disappointment for me. I had such fond memories of that place. I learnt to water-ski in that Bay. there used to be a great little cafe/restaurant that ran a water sports school but it has since closed and is now called Oros. Closed when I was there. A lot of development happening in St Pauls Bay and, in my opinion, looks very soleless indeed. Such a pity. A lot of really old colonial houses and buldings have been demolished. Why? I am sure they will regret doing that.

Another old haunt for me used to be Paradise Bay. A big restaurant built there but was closed when we visited. Looked OK there though.

We got lost in valletta amongst all the narrow streets etc. they were preparing for a fiesta and closed off the main road and diverted us. Quite an experience that. We may have crossed 'The Gut' but cannot remember!

Marsaxlokk was a highlight for us. Has grown a bit since last visit but has lost none of its charm. A real treat.

I cannot close without mentioning the roads. Obviously much better now with so many new roads but why oh why do they put the signs in the worst possible places! Driving at night for us was a complete no no. It was so dangerous.

All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our short trip. It was my wifes first time and she is eager to return.