Valletta-nominated as the cultural capital of Europe 2018

and you can see why, with it's  incredibly rich history and medieval  buildings-- in some ways a bit like Dubrovnic or Old Nice. The Maltese have two defining historical events-- defeat of the Ottoman Empire by the knights of St John,  in the 1600's and their brave resistance of the devastating bombing of Malta by Germany in WWII, which earned the nation the St George medal.Also importaant in this deeply Catholic country is the missionary journey of St Paul who was shipwrecked here and a church commemorates this with more spectacular ornateness, even if the welcome sign is a bit ordinary.

Maltese is a mixture of Italian and Arabic and many Italians come here, but fortunately not many drive--as there are very few car horns to be heard and the Maltese are a quiet, patient people and even the policewomen like to be photographed. However, the women dress well, as do Italians. There are cranes and new buildings going up everywhere.

The ancientchurches are ornate to an unbelievable degree; breathtaking.

Public buses, or ferries,  are the best transport, very plentiful and very cheap but always crowded.

Water is from desalination only and supply  has always been a problem.There are street performers - a very accomplished oboeist gave a wistful rendition of Skyfall and a 'frozen' man looks, from his posture as if he has a prostate problem.