Sarah Jordan: Mdina and Rabat, Malta

It’s a nice easy walk to the bus station from our apartment. Unlike yesterday there is no line at the bus information desk so after getting instructions on where the bus leaves from we wander over to the bus stop and join the “line”.

After what seems like forever, google was clearly mistaken when it said buses leave every 15-20 minutes, a bus finally pulls up. It’s like a mad dash to get on! Thankfully we manage to get a seat. Aah the a/c is on full steam - needed after standing in the hot sun waiting for the bus to arrive.

Mdina and Rabat are two small towns next to each out. Mdina is a hilltop walled town, while Rabat is a more normal street town with (often coloured) wooden balconies which has a more local feel.

On arrival into Mdina/Rabat bus stop we manage to find Crystal Palace without even trying! It’s supposedly renowned as one of Malta’s best pastizzerija shops. There’s next to no line - the opposite of what the guide book informs us. We order a cheese and pea pastizzerija and sit outside to enjoy it. Given I tried a pea one yesterday I can say this one is nicer.

We notice a group of tourists walking towards us so assume where they have come from is Mdina. Off we go.

On passing through one of the main gates we hear horse hooves and within seconds see a horse and carriage. We’ll stick to our feet thank you!!

Its peaceful wandering around the cobblestone alleyways – at times we are the only ones around which is lovely.

The peace and quietness ends when we wander around one corner, obviously we have hit the “main streets”. There are lots of groups of loud tourists, time to go the opposite way.

St Paul’s Cathedral, founded in the 12^th century, gives us a break from the heat and crowds. We had read when we visited St John’s Co-Cathedral (in Valletta) that they echo each other. The marble tombstones covering the floor have me staring down.