Love it or loathe it....... (Malta)

Member Name: tigerlily

Product:	Malta
Date:	01/07/00 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely People

Disadvantages: The rubbish on the streets

Before I went to Malta last year everyone I spoke to that had been either loved it or hated it....there didn't seem to be any in-between. As for me it grew on me, my first impressions were 'Oh my god, it's concrete city...' I didn't like the look of it one little bit.

When we arrived at the Bugibba Holiday Complex in (you've guessed it) Bugibba, I could not believe the mess on the streets....it was awful!! They have the bin men around every morning for the homes surrounding the complex and the Maltese people leave their rubbish in plastic bags on the streets most of the day until they are collected. There seems to be dozens of what appear to be stray cats which of course take a liking to the carrier bags and junk just ends up over the pavement, so much so that you sometimes find youself having to walk in the road....which is somewhat akin to playing Russian Roulette. You'll know what I mean if you ever come across a Maltese driver, they are worse than the Italians and that's saying something.

The complex itself was very good, it was immacualte inside, no sign of the rubbish outside. It had 3 swimming pools, clubs for the children, entertainment every evening and the food was excellent. We went half board which included breakfast and evening meal. The rooms were cleaned every day, towels changed etc. So no complaints there.

As I said Malta grew on me, you are probably wondering how so after my first paragraph!! Once you get away from the concrete there are lots of places to visit, and some very beautiful places at that! The chuches are fantastic to look at, although it is rather sickening when you go inside and you cannot believe your eyes with the amount of gold and silver lining the place yet the people are so poor!

They seem to have a different Saints festival every week, so there always seems to be a village somewhere packed with celebrations, massive fireworks etc. all going on until t
he small hours and as the place is so small there are all easy to get to...but stay well away from those fireworks, they are massive. They have had quite a few deaths because of them.

Popeye island is worth a look, especially if you've seen the film. The dolphin show at the Aquarium is absolutely fantastic. It was the first time I'd seen one and it's something I'll never forget...my daughter got to go up and stroke one and I wanted to take one home with me!

We went on a visit to the film studios, it's surprising how many films apart from Popeye have been made in Malta.

The beaches are rocky...great for snorkleing! You can find 3 or 4 sandy beaches a short bus ride (if you're brave enough to take the bus) and they have plenty of amenities on them, snacks, deckchairs, parasols, water sports etc.

There is so much more and I'd be here all day, but I can't finish without mentioning the Maltese people, I love them. They are one of the friendliest people I have ever come across and that is the main reason I changed my mind about Malta......there is something about the place!!!!

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