My solo journey of the heart and World
Instead, I spent my days wandering. I explored the excellent Museum of Byzantine Culture, climbed the White Tower—the city’s iconic landmark and former Ottoman fortification—and wandered through Ano Poli, the Upper Town. This historic district survived the Great Fire of 1917 that destroyed much of Thessaloniki and still retains its winding streets, old stone houses, …
The walk itself was pleasant enough, and by the time I arrived I mostly just needed a shower and some quiet time to feel like myself again. The apartment turned out to be one of my favorite places I stayed throughout my travels. The balcony overlooked a park, which meant there wasn’t another building directly …
The next morning I woke to rain, ruining my plan to visit Valletta’s Sunday market in one last attempt to find local honey for souvenirs for Jodi and my coworker Jayana. Apparently the universe did not want me to see the Blue Lagoon or bring home honey. So instead I lingered over breakfast at the …
My boat tour was cancelled again on Saturday and rescheduled for Sunday, but the forecast looked cold and rainy, and I really wanted the full swimming-and-sunshine Blue Lagoon experience. So I skipped it entirely. I guess I’ll just have to come back to Malta someday. The following day was my last in the apartment before …
Today I headed inland to Mdina and Rabat for a walking tour. I had purchased a seven-day unlimited bus pass, which in theory sounded fantastic. In practice, Malta’s buses operate on what can only be described as “flexible interpretations of time.” Buses were often late, overcrowded, or simply too full to stop. If you absolutely …
Arriving in Malta late at night, I splurged on a expensive Bolt ride from the airport, didn’t want to try my luck with buses at that late hour, plus I didn’t even know if they ran that late, but by midnight I was finally checked into my large apartment in Sliema and ready for bed. …
I leave for Malta and Thessaloniki today—solo. This trip was supposed to look very different. It was meant to be shared with my favorite travel companion, the friend who knows my pace and when I need a coffee versus a nap and with whom I’ve shared so many truly epic trips with. I was really …