The Colorful Boats of Malta

The Colorful Boats of Malta

One of my favorite sights in Malta are the beautiful and brilliantly colored boats that dot the harbors, bobbing on the waves as the sun glints off their glossy coats of vivid yellow, green, and blue.

I captured a few shots of their cheery features and hope you like them too. 🙂

Luzzu in Malta

Luzzu colors

Maltese fishing boat

Malta fishing boat

Maltese luzzu

Yellow fishing boat

Malta fishing boats

Shutters, Courtyards and Stone Walls in Malta

Shutters, Courtyards and Stone Walls in Malta

It’s always a bit scary reserving rooms in a country you’ve never visited, a house you’ve never seen. But I needn’t have worried when I booked rooms at the Knights in Malta Bed and Breakfast in Naxxar, Malta.

Our host – a kind British man named John – picked us up at the airport and took us home through the hot dusty streets.

From afar Maltese towns look like one long stretch of pale yellow limestone buildings. But once you get down into them, you find the most beautiful sights.

How blissful to step in out of the hot, narrow streets into this oasis of coolness and calm.

Maltese courtyard

We were greeted by our hostess Dee who introduced to their Maltese Terrier, Daisy who accompanied us on our tour.

Lounge room

We started with the lounge then made our way to the breakfast room.

breakfast room

We ascended a flight of tiled stairs and I couldn’t believe it when she opened the door to my room.

Maltese bedroom

The stone walls are a good two feet thick and keep the room beautifully cool in spite of searing temperatures outside. I love it so much – the comfy bed, cheery yellow shutters, and a chair by the window.

shuttered window

And I especially love my view of the courtyard below.

Courtyard

How I wish you were here with me, sitting in the courtyard sipping something cold and delicious, visiting about the days adventures and planning new ones for tomorrow.

xo

Colorful Prague and Hearty Czech Food

Colorful Prague and Hearty Czech Food

My last trip to Europe consisted of grey skies and even greyer cities, so I was unprepared for the colorful display Prague had in store for me when I arrived last week.

Prague flowers

It seemed that around every corner I found vivid vignettes of beauty that took me by surprise. The corner below looks right out of Spain or Mexico, but nope, it was a hidden entrance to a monastery that towered above stunning gardens.

Prague garden

Somehow I think the stone and brick of Prague make the bits of color really stand out. Like the gold toppers on these fellows.

Prague statue

I love these beautiful dogs resting in the courtyard of a massive church, so obedient and docile, watching the passersby as they awaited their master. Dogs are adored in the Czech Republic, and can be seen on trams, buses, and the metro. They are very well trained, however, and certain breeds and sizes must wear muzzles when out in public for even greater protection. Never once did I feel nervous.

dogs in Prague

After much delightful ambling through the market I told you about the other day, we were ravenous!! We wandered down this little street and found the perfect place to rest our bones and fill our bellies.

Prague street

It was a cozy Czech bar with warm orange walls and glossy wood tables. The sort of place you want to linger in. So we did. 🙂

I was craving hearty Czech food, so I ordered a good, strong beer and what turned out to be a massive platter of local fare: two kinds of dumplings, sauerkraut, red cabbage, roast pork, smoked pork, and spicy pork sausage all slathered with gravy. Delicious!! Needless to say I was well-fortified for the remainder of our trekking that day.

Prague food

Do you like to try new foods when you’re traveling, or do you like to stick to recognizable food?

Exploring the Streets of Prague

Exploring the Streets of Prague

Few things make me happier than wandering a city with no destination in mind.

Prague is the perfect place for such aimless meanderings because it doesn’t matter what street you follow or what corner you turn, there is always something to delight and intrigue.

I love the rich colors on so many of the old hotels and buildings. They make me want to don silk evening gowns and wear ropes of pearls while a jazz piano plays in the lobby.

Hotel Europa Prague

It’s so lovely to find gorgeous little gardens among the acres of grey cobbled streets and paved sidewalks.

gardens in Prague

The street cafes look so welcoming with their overflowing flower boxes and cheery red umbrellas. AND they provide perfect opportunities for people-watching.

cafes in Prague

There’s nothing quite like taking public transportation to make you feel part of a city. I have such fun taking trams, buses, and the metro, seeing parts of town I might never otherwise see. It’s also a great way to observe how the locals dress, shop, and interact with each other.

tram in Prague

Perhaps the best part of such wanderings is finding the perfect coffee shop tucked away in a hidden courtyard. We spent a few cozy hours there sipping espresso, sharing Czech Honey Cake and warm apple strudel while we watched passersby, visited and looked at Czech food magazines.

Prague coffee shop

What is your favorite way to explore a city?