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13 January 2008
Today, we headed out just before noon, packing sandwiches and apples, a bottle for the baby, and a stash of dark chocolate and diet Coke (for the grown-ups). We found a nice young gal at the nearby bus stop by the University of Malta, and she helped us to get on the correct direct bus to Birzebuggia. We are finding the bus route maps are extremely useless. It seems they have maps for tourists, and then completely separate bus service for the residents of Malta. At least, that is how it seems, since the bus we got on to go to Birzebuggia is not even listed on the map DeDe paid for at a gift shop down on the harbor yesterday. Birzebuggia was the town we expected to call home
while here. We were told a
few months ago that they were arranging for a house for us there, but
right before we left they informed us that the house arrangement fell
through, and that we were getting a flat in Msida, instead.
We knew that somehow this was not good news.
Now that we have been to Birzebuggia, we have confirmed our
suspicions. DeDe and Dave love to get out for morning runs, but there aren't a lot of easy running routes from the flat in Msida. You're constantly having to cross busy streets, so Dave's only gone once, and DeDe has yet to even try. She's thought about getting on the track, but she prefers to run routes rather than in circles. In Birzebuggia, the running would have been wonderful. There isn't the traffic like here, and there is a promenade along the entire coastline, so there is a beautiful route right along the shore that would have been spectacular and inspiring. The sad thing is that the Pretty Bay which was once upon a time likely extremely pretty, is now dominated by a shipyard. If you aim your camera just right, you can avoid the shipping mess, and imagine what the place once looked like. There is a palace on a cliff across the bay from the beach, on a point that juts out toward the sea, and then a lighthouse nearer to the end of the point. Beautiful! We have to go back and explore over there. Today, we stayed near the downtown area. We spent much of the afternoon just playing on the beach. The kids dug in the sand, waded in the sea, ran along the shore, collected shells, and climbed on the rocky ledges in one area. There is a playground next to the beach, so they also spent time there. Then we took a long hike up the hill with the hope that we'd catch a view of the sea to the south of the island. As we were walking up the road, an older couple was walking down. DeDe asked them if there was a view at the end of the road worth the hike up the long hill. She had a baby in a front carrier pack and her back was starting to feel the weight of our growing boy. Tony and Jane (we introduced ourselves after awhile) shared that yes, there's a view, but it is a long walk, and you have to come back the same way. By this time, Dave, pushing a stroller with Nathan in it, and Ian and Addison jogging along was already a long way ahead, so it was no longer optional. The couple then inquired about us. Were we from England? No. Are we on holiday? No. DeDe, Rachel and Isabelle chatted with them, with David waiting patiently by. DeDe explained how we were realizing how nice it would have been if the Embassy had managed to get us accommodations in B'buggia. And then Tony asked Jane if her brother still has an open apartment to let. They then asked for our phone. DeDe gave them Dave's number at MCAST. They said they would inquire about a place for us with three bedrooms, and they'd call if they find something. We're not sure that moving is even an option as the Embassy and MCAST are responsible for our housing. But we figured it wouldn't hurt to inquire. We're okay where we are, but we're realizing how blessed we are in Stevens Point to have a front yard, backyard, driveway, Green Cirlce trail and Iverson Park all outside our door. The kids simply need places to go, and there aren't real options around here that are terribly appealing. The track is as good as any, but being all gravel, they have to be careful not to fall and skin their knees. It's just not like having snow or grass to play on. We did complete the hike up the hill only to find the entrance to the shipping yard, and a very slim view of the open sea. We took a few pictures and headed back to town. We let the kids play some more on the playground, and then we found a little cafe across the street for dinner. The kids enjoyed hamburgers and cheeseburgers (Swiss cheese) and “chips” (fries). DeDe and Dave took the waitress up on her suggestion, and they had the fish and chips. It was excellent, and it came with a nice salad, too. Something they've been really needing. They have had a terrible time finding any lettuce here. We caught the 7:00 direct return bus back the the University stop. We were home by 8:00. Had a little ice cream and sent the kids to bed. Then we watched the Colts lose in a very good contest against the Chargers. And now Isabelle has passed out on the couch in front of the Dallas-Giants game. She stayed up most of last night to watch her Patriots win, so no wonder she's out cold, now. The day was good. Warm and around 65-70. We're inspired to plan more excursions soon, and we'll not be afraid to just ask the locals which bus to get on. During the week, without Dave around to handle all the kids, our excursions likely will be less distant, but we'll venture out to Sliema, Paceville and Valletta again. Somehow we have to balance giving Isabelle time to do some shopping. at all the great stores. with some educational tours of museums and historical sites. She's been a good sport, so it should work out just fine.
Send us an email about this post! dgibbs at uwsp dot edu or dedegibbs at gmail dot com |
