After a madcap weekend of non-stop hustle and bustle, I’m in dire need of a little visual escape.

So I’m taking you with me. 🙂

Today we’re boarding one of the gorgeous brightly colored boats of Malta to putter through a few of the many harbours of this beautiful and historic island.

orange boat in Malta

The sun is blazing hot, but we’re tucked under the shade of a tarp, cooled by deliciously salty breezes billowing in off the sea.

We motor past limestone ruins and wonder what used to be here: shops? a wharf? a factory of some kind? And what happened to it?

ruins of Malta

Eager for closer looks at the magnificent old churches and shuttered homes towering on the cliffs above us, we head out to the railing, basking in sunshine and stunning views.

boating in Malta

Seeing the ramparts and turrets of numerous fortresses makes me wish I had pored over a few Maltese history books before getting on board.

Somehow watching “The Maltese Falcon” was not adequate preparation for such an adventure.

Maltese fortress

Thoroughly roasted by the afternoon sun, we seek refuge under the tarp, willingly forking over 2 Euros for bottles of water from the swarthy boatman.

We settle back in our plastic seats, resting feet that are weary from trekking all over the oven-like streets of Maltese towns.

boating in Malta

The cool breezes pick up as we motor past enormous cruise ships, tankers, and fishing boats lining the harbor and head out into open water.

Happy sigh. I feel better already. 🙂

“Why do we love the sea?
It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.”
– Robert Henri –

Where would you like to escape to after a busy weekend?