I went to Malta in Spring this year, for sunshine, warmth, rest, and relaxation following an illness. Fit and able friends had been there and loved it. What could go wrong? Apart from things like losing a mobile phone, and a hotel which was being refurbished, this is not a place for the unfit or disabled. Remember to take walking shoes – the pavements are so rough and uneven that you will hurt your feet in sandals. A walking stick is a good idea too, even if you don’t normally need one in your own home town. Don’t consider a walking frame (walker, Zimmer frame) – you will only manage to use it indoors or on the main streets in heavily tourist populated places, such as Valletta and Sliema. Read your tourist leaflets and brochures, think how lovely it all looks, then add a heavy dose of salt, and remember those photos were taken by professional photographers at the best time of day with professional editing software to make things look even better. The harbour cruise was worthwhile, but it wasn’t on the cruiser shown on the pamphlet – that was just a very utilitarian boat fitted with rows of plastic seats. There is a lot more I could tell you, but if you are fit, able, a good walker, and on a budget, go to Malta. Travel by bus, €1.50 to and from anywhere within that bus route, No obvious limit to the number of passengers so don’t travel at rush hours. A good way to see the area at a very cheap price. The Aquarium is well worth a visit and you can spend a day there for a very reasonable price, with lots of seats around inside and out, and the bus stops outside.
