It wasn't that long ago - well, not if you're my age - that the Royal Navy still commanded the Mediterranean and Malta was a British colony. I like Malta and I like coming into the Grand Harbour from the sea, even if there isn't a single British warship in sight.
And I particularly like any place that has a 'Cat Cafe' for local strays.
Nice ladies maintain food supplies.
Here's a satisfied customer.
The British connection attracts thousands of holiday makers.
Still, it is sometimes overdone. As at the magnificent Saluting Battery, a public park, where Vera Lynn and 'The White Cliffs of Dover' were emanating from the loudspeakers and not a Messerschmidt in sight.
This is 'Malta, George Cross', which the island won for its heroic role in the war, and they're not going to let you forget it.
Nearby, the Gunpost Snack Bar, built in an old defensive emplacement, advertises Spitfire Beer. 'Enemy in sight.' 'Roger. Take that, you blighter!' RATA-TAT-TAT! 'Oops! Sorry, it's a German tourist!'
Parts of Valetta are delightfully dated.
Although the Useful Bazaar seems to have ceased being useful.
It's the buses, many from the 1950s, that really burn up the SD cards.
This one has an old Automobile Association badge from the UK.
Despite independence, in Malta the Empire lives on.
