Never Say You'll Never Go Back

They say you should never go back! Never return to somewhere you've loved - you're bound to be disappointed! Well that may very well be true of a lot of places I've been (and I've been to a lot of places) but it certainly wasn't true on my recent return to Malta!

It has been nearly 50 years since I last set foot on Maltese soil... 50 years - do you believe that! Has Malta changed - I certainly hope so! It's even better than I remember it!

I've had the privilege to visit over 50 countries in my 70 years - many spectacular in both climate and attractions. I have never however found anywhere that compares with Malta for sheer variety of things to do or places to see! To start with there are over 22 unbelievably beautiful timeshare' resorts - many of which are mixed use (Resort and Hotel combined). Yet despite the glamour and modernization my favorite is still the palacious ambiance of the Hotel Phoenicia in Floriania! Unfortunately as yet NOT timeshare.

Hotel Phoenicia - Valletta Malta.

For many of us "old timers" who visited Malta in those remarkable years following World War ll, and in the early 50's, Malta's famous “Strait Street” known affectionately to us all as the “GUT”, housed Malta's infamous red light district. This amazing narrow street stretching as it did from one end of Valletta to the other was alive every night with the sounds of endless parties emanating from small bars and nightclubs. Today, alas there is nothing left but shuttered remnants of a long lost past. Slowly however becoming home to many trendy establishments like - would you believe - Marks and Spencer's!

Strait Street, Malta

Malta's infamous Strait Street.

Forgive me, I digress.

For anyone of you out there who have yet to visit this historic masterpiece, go directly to your exchange directory and check out the over 22 resorts that call Malta their home. Having traveled the world in pursuit of material for my radio and television programs I can assure you that there is no where, and I repeat NO WHERE that offers the amazing assortment of History, spectacle and sheer majesty that is on display - ancient temples and historic remains that out date the Pyramids and Stonehenge.

Cospicua - Passage to the Past - Malta.

Wander from the timeless magic of the ancient capitol of Medina with its renovated Dungeons, to the bustling nightlife of a modern Casino or the crowded discos and restaurants of St. Julian's.

Oh, by the way - from the middle of September Malta for me will once more become home! I'll see you there!

Peter J. Shield ARP

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Contact Peter at pshield@onvol.net

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