The coach made it's way from the port, uphill all the way through the early morning rush hour traffic of people going to work. Malta has some British rule in it's history so they drive on the left. Malta was awarded a medal (the George Cross) for withstanding the heavy bombardment by the Luftwaffe in World War II.
Once high above the port we could see Mdina in the distance as it's on the highest part of the island.
We had a great guide-Antonio- who knew his history and was a very clear speaker (in English which helped as our Maltese is garbage, trust me)
Our guide, Antonio
It's only 8.30 a.m and the many horse and carriage riders wait for tourists to show up so they can do some business.
As there was no longer any danger of Phoenicians pouring boiling oil from the ramparts as we entered it was safe to cross the now-dry moat and enter the city....
Detail from the archway
We are in the streets of Mdina. The main focus of our visit here will be to visit the Cathedral
Some of the streets are very narrow
Luckily, some of the streets were wide enough for cars to pass. There were delivery trucks at this time of the morning, bringing in supplies to bars and restaurants. We had to step to the side to let them pass.
We came to an open square and saw the front of the Cathedral
We walked slowly as Anthony had much to say and we would stop at times to focus on the history of what we were seeing.
I continued to take photos as we walked as there was so much beauty in the streets
A cafe in a sunny courtyard. It wasn't open yet but I would have loved to have come back and enjoy a cold beer.
The Cathedral was due to open at 9 a.m but when we went to the door it was still locked. Anthony knocked at the door and spoke to a man who opened it. It would open today at 9.30 instead.
So with some time to kill we sat in the square talking. After a while I wandered away to take some more photos until it was time to enter the Cathedral.
That's what's coming up next....
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