Dust & Echoes in Valletta: A Slightly Broken Trip

okay, so, 312523… seriously, what even is that? it’s just… there. like a random number that decided to follow me around. and 1792790868? don’t even ask. i’m pretty sure it’s a parking ticket from 1987. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s 12.87 degrees and feels like 12.12, humidity’s clinging to me like a damp towel - 73% - and the pressure’s a solid 1002. feels like i’m breathing through a sponge. valletta, malta. it’s… intense.

i landed yesterday, and honestly, my brain is still buffering. it’s like stepping into a postcard that’s been slightly chewed by a seagull. the limestone buildings are this blinding, almost painful white, and the narrow streets just… swallow you. i swear i walked in a circle three times before i realized the main square wasn’t actually that main.

i’m staying in this tiny apartment above a bakery - the smell of anise and something vaguely floral is permanently embedded in the walls. it’s charming, in a ‘slightly terrifying’ kind of way. the landlord, mr. marin, is a silent type, mostly communicates through gestures and pointed looks. he gave me a warning about the pigeons. ‘they’re… territorial,’ he grunted. i’m taking that to mean ‘stay away.’

i spent the morning wandering around the upper barrakka gardens. the view of the grand harbor is insane - all those boats bobbing around, the fortifications looming over everything. it’s beautiful, but also… a little oppressive. like a really, really old fortress. i overheard some tourists arguing about whether the knights of malta were actually cool. someone told me that the Saluting Battery is only fired on Sundays and holidays, which is a massive bummer. i’m trying to capture it all with my camera, but the light is brutal.

i stumbled across this little place called ‘il forno’ - it’s a bakery, obviously, but they also do these incredible pastizzi. cheese and pumpkin. seriously, don’t leave malta without trying them. i’m pretty sure i ate three in one sitting. i’m thinking of starting a blog dedicated solely to food in malta. it’s a thought.

i’m trying to be productive, you know? i’m supposed to be writing, taking photos, documenting… but honestly, i just feel like a slightly malfunctioning robot. i need coffee. strong coffee. i found this place called ‘coffeealchemy’ - it’s ridiculously pretentious, but the espresso is actually pretty good. they have this weird thing where they grind the beans right in front of you. it’s a whole performance.

i’m trying to find some good hiking trails, but everything seems to be either incredibly steep or involves a lot of goats. i checked TripAdvisor for some recommendations - apparently, Dingli Cliffs are worth the trek. i’m also looking for some decent street art. i heard that the area around Strait Street is pretty vibrant, but i haven’t found it yet. i’m also checking out Yelp for local restaurants - i need to find somewhere that serves rabbit. seriously.

if you get bored, slovenia is just a short drive away. it’s a bit of a trek, but i’m feeling adventurous. or maybe just desperately seeking a less intense landscape.

i’m starting to think i should have brought a better map. or maybe just a compass. or a therapist.

someone told me that the Lascaris War Rooms are a must-see, but they’re closed on Mondays. which is today. ugh. i’m also trying to avoid eye contact with the locals. they seem to be judging my travel style. i’m pretty sure i look like a lost tourist. and a slightly exhausted one at that. i’m just going to keep wandering, eating pastizzi, and trying not to get lost. that’s the plan, anyway.

i’m going to check out the Grand Master’s Palace tomorrow. i heard that it’s full of incredible art and history. hopefully, it’ll be less overwhelming than the rest of valletta.

i’m also trying to figure out how to get rid of this persistent feeling that i’m missing something important. maybe it’s just the jet lag. or maybe it’s the sheer weight of all these random numbers.

i’m posting this from a cafe overlooking the harbor. the sun is setting, casting a golden glow over everything. it’s… okay. i guess.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298391-Activities-Valletta_Valletta

https://www.yelp.com/map?fid=69881&cid=63471111

https://www.visitmalta.com/

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