My last trip to Valletta in Malta was in the days before the Internet and “a nomad online”.
The last time I was in Valetta, Malta was 41 years ago, as a 15 year old. I saved up for a year from my Martin’s the Newsagents paper round money. Once a week I would walk down to the Midland Bank from school (now HSBC) in Wordsley, though the branch is long gone, and pay the money into my account with the old fashioned paying in book
We stayed in St Pauls Bay. I went with my mate Andy Pugh and his parents. They used to run the Red Lion in Wordsley. On the way home from school we’d go into the bar (in the days pubs were shut from 3pm to 7pm) and play pool. We used to put newspapers in the pockets so we could keep playing.
Back then in the 1970’s Malta was a beach, touring churches, ruins sort of holiday. I remember we’d driven to Valletta and I liked it so much, I got a rickety old bus back to Valetta on my own to spend some time there. I’ve always needed my own space and this was no different. Andy’s parents were a bit old fashioned and I remember feeling quite claustrophobic and restricted, so a day trip to Valletta seemed the answer.
In those days there were no mobile phones, no desktops, let alone laptops – how did we survive? The concept of being a digital nomad in Bali, Lisbon, Berlin, Tullum or anywhere else was just a pipe dream. Not even a pipe dream, the concept of the Internet simply didn’t exist.
No cheap flights, no Airbnb, no Uber and generally poor public transport. Compared to today at least.
I’m not sure why I decided to go back in 2019. Probably the cheap flights from Birmingham via Ryanair.
Anyway I’m glad we did. The place has been totally transformed. I took my Osprey 40 backpack (makes me feel like a proper backpacker lol), and Hazel took her blue rucksack that looks bigger than her. Given Ryanair’s new policy, I’m not sure how we got on as Non Priority without the excess baggage charges. They don’t seem that bothered at the moment as long as you have one “small” enough bag.
Summer in Valletta in Malta
When we arrived at the airport we were met with someone from the hotel as we’d arranged a transfer. I like it when they are waiting with your name on the card. Takes me back to when I was a high flying executive visiting the USA 30 times a year in 1994.
If we go again we’d probably get the bus as its €1.50 for 2 hours, as many buses as you like and the service is excellent. We also now know where we are going, I guess. Plus, Google maps on your phone with a VPN obviously makes all the difference.
I find the VPN useful for watching cricket highlights on the BBC website back in the UK. 🙂
We chose a hotel as there was very little of decent quality on Airbnb when I looked. The George Hotel was excellent, but something of a business hotel. The spa and rooftop pool were brilliant though, as were the breakfasts and indeed the restaurant.
What I didn’t realise when I booked was the number of main hotel chains with huge complexes there, with many more being built. For example; Westin, Radisson Blu, Hilton etc. That’s the thing about Malta now, with the EU money piling in, roads and transport are excellent thus everything else follows. The downside at the moment is the building work.
When we arrived we had a walk around St Julian’s which is cute little bay. I would definitely recommend taking a look around there and having a bit of a wander.
Only a brief one today, but not to worry I will be continuing what I got up to in Valletta in Malta next Friday! However, if you can’t wait that long be sure to go and take a look at our last post. Lara was talking about comparison cleanses and how important they can be in business too!
I’ll see you next week! 🙂
(P.S. If you would like to take a FREE look at the Digital Business System that we use, click here!)