Wandering around Valletta

Arriving in the morning meant that we could explore the city in the afternoon, and what a beautiful place it is.

It's a city of impressive high buildings...

...often on narrow and steep streets.

We liked the Madonna & Child alongside the Guinness sign!

Built on a peninsula ('presqu'île' in French = amost an island)...

...this system of fortifications would keep out most enemies!

I'm afraid I can't remember who this imposing character was, looking very Shakespearian though

The Auberge de Castille where the Prime Minister has his offices

Our apartment in Valletta

It's not bad when you can take a holiday within a holiday, and so it was that we set off for Leeds-Bradford Airport very early one morning for a flight to Valletta on the Isle of Malta.

There's a long story to tell about our arrival but perhaps for another day!

This is the block of houses where our AirBnb was situated...

...and if you look carefully you might spot Tine.

Ah, there she is!

The apartment was on two levels...

...really two long corridors one above the other.

The view from the little balcony was stunning, with Manoel Island opposite 

Same view by day...

...and by night...

...or even out to sea.

Our area, inside the fortifications and really near to the bustling centre with all its bars & bistros

Alongside the apartment a plaque commemorated the link between the Maltese and the British and Allied submarines

'It's grim up north'

The final post of our last UK visit is a compilation of photos taken on our daily walks, hence the change in weather conditions!

Mr Heron, patiently waiting for his lunch at Milner Field pool

The weir on the River Aire at Salts Mill...

...and a couple of reflective shots on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal just alongside.

Our regular walk down to Saltaire alongside the Shipley Glen Tramway, lights up ready for Christmas...

...and skeleton in the tree for Hallowe'en!

One day we walked to Baildon village across the moors above the caravan park...

...to enjoy afternoon tea, courtesy of Nadine for my birthday a few weeks before.

Another favourite walk is along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towards Bingley...

...with its irresistible autumnal views...

...and the promise of a pint or two of my favourite ales at the Brown Cow!

It's grim up north? An expression born in the late 50s/early 60s, an era of gritty dramas set in northern industrial towns, nowadays often used by southerners (and sarcastic northerners: moi?!) but obviously not always true.

Bonne Année/Happy New Year

Wishing all my faithful readers a very Happy New Year. Keep coming back for more!

Our Christmas table last week...

...only five of us, but a good time was had by all...

...especially when it came to present opening!

Sacha's in competition with Papy here!

Tine's Pear & Hazelnut Pavlova, except she forgot to put the hazelnuts on (fab anyway)! 

To bring you up-to-date, here are a few photos from New Year's Eve morning

First two: le Rêve, foundations starting to be excavated and filled.

The new restaurant opposite the Pavillon will have the best view in town...

...the terrace completed last week.

Hard to recognise perhaps but these are the old tennis courts...

...all ready for building the new residential estate. That's the town swimming pool far right.

Big waves are forecast tonight, with a fairly big tide, hopefully not as devastating as in 2010.

A different view of chez nous from the main road

And finally, to repeat myself: Happy New Year!