July 25, Monday- Gozo, Malta
Oosterdam departed the island of Malta early this morning and sailed the short distance to Gozo, another of the islands of Malta.
Like Valletta, Victoria, the principal city on Gozo is high above the sea. We planned to take the city bus to get there. We arrived at the bus station just as the city bus left. We joined the queue that was forming. After a 25 minute wait the next bus arrived. At the same time a mob of people who had arrived by ferry pushed ahead and started boarding. Not accustomed to the free for all that was evolving we lost our place, the bus was filled and we were left out. What a waste of time.
Discouraged, very hot and a bit angry we started back to Oosterdam. As we passed the Hop On Hop Off bus we decided to take the 3 hour tour around the island. It would give us a 1 hour cushion before all aboard.
The bus left shortly after we boarded. We headed uphill to central Victoria. The steep climb confirmed for us that exploring by foot from the port was out of the question. I were happy to be on the bus.
The streets are very narrow and we were required to wait many times for oncoming vehicles to pass before we could proceed. We left Victoria and started the trek across the island. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I hope they tell you how rugged Gozo is.
We enjoyed the ride and marveled at the churches and castles we could see from near and far. The few towns we drove through were just as congested as Victoria. Interestingly the bus route took us through central Victoria 3 times before returning to the port.
The ride was very hot and rough at times but it was an eye opener. Much of the newer housing is owned by American ex-patriots. These people have found the culture and pace of life attractive. So much so that they now live here.
We returned to Oosterdam with time to spare as planned. We think kindly of all we saw with admiration for the hearty souls who make this home.
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