FESTIVAL OF MILK

We've had a few great days now since last I updated the blog.  Sunday was a fab day, beginning with Church service.  We could feel the increasing heat of the sun as we waited for our 9:00 a.m. van to pick us up.  We were dressed for both cool and heat and the sun felt so good on bare arms. 

Cousin Charles and Marlene have their family in for a meal each Sunday.  All their 3 children, spouses and 6 grandchildren in typical Maltese fashion all speaking, yelling, crying at the same time.  Things usually quiet down once eating actually begins, but not here...It was a lovely hot dinner of  a home cooked meal and homemade canola. 

left turn and you're in the town square

Small items used WWWII

After all was cleared, we went on to Gharghur (gar as in Garfield and gur as in 'the guru') to take in the Festival of Milk.  Yes, of Milk.  There were cows, goats and sheep on display as well as the different cheeses produced from their milk.  The kids with us certainly enjoyed hearing the cows mooing and the goats - bleating?  As well, the usual grandstand, with little dancers and soloists and karaoke.  Very entertaining.  Lots of food displays of traditional Maltese cookies, cakes, candies all out in the sun.  Didn't purchase any, by the way.  The sun was blazing and felt wonderful on our backs, not so sure about the baked goods.  We walked around viewing the jewellery stands, plants, vegetable wagons and various other displays.  One such was by the Military displaying old WWII items.  We heard the siren, spun by hand, and you sensed the impending danger as the sound echoed through the street. An Eerie sound.



sitting on the 'dock of the bay'

 

Monday was a bright sunny day, a good wash day breeze was up so laundry was done early in the day and then down to the bank, picked up fresh items and a stop at the bay just to enjoy the outdoors before heading back for a toasted Western sandwich for lunch which had mushrooms picked just hours before.  Now that's fresh!  
 



DRESSINGS

Clothes in, Mike snoozed, I painted, started the tomato sauce simmering and then off for a late afternoon walk down the sea front.    Dinner was a simple dish of ravioli and fresh baked ftira (f tea rah) a crunchy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, a  small square substantial  Maltese bread.  Just a small slice each.  The rest will be used for the typical Maltese working man's lunch - hobz biz-zejt (hops biz zate as in gate) - not sure the spelling is correct, but it translates bread with oil (olive).  I'm sure I've mentioned this before, bread spread with tomatoes or tomato paste, canned tuna (in oil) capers, sliced olives, onion, sweet peppers, lettuce and all poured over with olive oil.  Salt and pepper and you're good to go.  Messy, but stick to your ribs sandwich. 

     June 1st. nd 2nd. Mike and I are registered to take part in a 2 day archeology dig at the Roman Baths in the northern part of the island.  Something we've both always talked about doing somewhere, anywhere.  We are in the far south, which means public transport will be a bit dicey as we need to be north by 7:30 a.m.  I'm hoping we can arrange for a one way car ride there.  Coming back by bus will be no problem.  I'm really hoping we can do this.  I'll let you know how that works out.

                Today, we thought we would take in the last of the Fireworks competition being held the month of April.  Today is the final display over the Grand Harbour and can be viewed from  Florianna, where Charles and Marlene live. Well, best get a move on.  We need to get to the capital city to replace our expired BOV bank debit cards. We left Canada before we received the new ones!  They expired the end of March and we left mid April. Q. When do you think the cards left Malta by snail mail?  A. In Maltese fashion, my guess is, mid April. LOL

Keep well, and know you are loved.

local time:  09:10