Malta, a country of knights and lights

That summer I spent my holidays on Malta, a charming country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea; a country of St Paul's shipwreck, a country which has more banks then villages, a country of knights and lights. Although I went there in order to improve my second language, it proved that mix between study and fun is best for both English and relaxation...

One of the first association on Malta are the Maltese knights, but let's story begin from its beginning. History of Malta is very rich, unbelievable many nationality and countries was involved in it so we're going to pay attention on two main important events.

Most likely around AD 60 a famous Mediterranean traveller St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta, on his voyage from Caesarea to Rome. Paul and other shipwrecked prisoners were received by local people with kindness, and Paul didn't miss out on an opportunity to spread his belief. Influence of this brief stay on island, nowadays, is much more then just names of two islands and a near by bay.

Knights of St John arrived to Malta from Rhodes in 1522 (because of spread Ottoman Empire). At first, knights were not amazed with Malta, but since they hadn't choice they accept new home. Their greatest enemy was Dragut Reis, the Turkish admiral, who attacked Gozo (second Maltese island) in 1551 and carried almost the entire population of 5000 into slavery. Then, 8 year later, knights lost half their galleys in a disastrous fight on the sea. After these events Suleyman saw nice opportunity to capturing Malta as a base for the invasion of Europe from the south.

Knight la Valette inherited the title of Grand Master in 1557. He was disciplinarian and experienced soldier; and except this, it proved that he was a great strategic. He guessed Suleyman's tension and sent urgent request for aid to pope and Europe emperors. But no help came.

In May 1565, when enormous Turkish fleet carrying around 30000 men arrived in front of Malta, la Valette was 70 years old and commanded a force of only 700 knights and 8000 Maltese irregular troops. The Turkish force, led by admiral Piali and Mustafa Pasha, at first attacked fort St Elmo which was defended by only 60 knights and a few hundred men. Fort St Elmo held out for over four weeks, and cost the lives of no less than 8000 Turkish soldiers before it was finally taken; no one of the Christian defenders survived.

Finally, on 7 September the long-promised relief force from Sicily arrived. Tired and demoralised Turkish soldiers were in no mood to fight these fresh forces. That night flag of the Order of St John flew once again over the ruins of St Elmo, and in their churches the knights and the people of Malta gave thanks for the end of siege.

With these well known events in my mind, I arrived to Malta late in the night. Actually, at first I was a little disappointed with my destination. I didn't expect neither untidy streets nor so fast taxis and cars. It seems that no one driver takes care of anything. It seems that in this country cleaners don't exist! It is normal, in Malta, that buses drive with open doors (and windows, of course); and the crown all that, some buses don't have doors at all!

However, Maltese are so proud of their buses they even didn't want change their buses for the newest one. You can buy stuff inspired by 'Maltese buses' on every corner in the town; postcard and books are the most common.

That was my first impression on Malta. However, very soon everything changes. The longer I was there, the more I enjoyed my vacation.

… says one of advertises in town. It seems that I deserved it when I don't listen to warning; I usually forgot a sun crème.

Average temperature in Malta in summer is around 30⁰C. Perhaps it is the reason why nothing is accurate.

For example, bus drivers don't pay attention on amount of money that travellers give them for tickets; bus ticket controller didn't wait when I was looking for my ticket in my bag - he just went ahead. However, I got used to these conditions very soon.

Therefore on Malta there are many celebrations, you can watch fireworks almost every evening, attending some fiesta as well.

In Malta, there is strong Catholic spirit. Everywhere, in buses, of the reception of hotels, in the markets etc. we can see Christianity signs. Malta is probably the most religious country in Europe. When I attended Saturday's Christian's party in Valletta, one of my new Maltese friend told me that 95% of citizens go to church. There is most common that more educated people, like lawyers, teachers ... take one year off and go around through Malta to spread belief. On that party I realized how kind people of Malta are. Every foreign visitor was given his/her own translator, who made me feel like president of country.

I met many people, from younger to group of pensioners, and really enjoyed their company. I would say that people of Malta are like their weather - always shiny.

Except this, I experienced many other wonders. I went to Sicily, to volcano Etna and climbed two 'Crateri silvestri', did swimming, went out in karaoke bar and the best part of my holiday - made new friends from around the Europe. Truly experience of Malta, which I can recommend to everyone!