Preview of Elaqid's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elaqid/2/1240429440/tpod.html This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Valletta, Malta Entry Title: "Military History of Malta (partial)" Entry: "Today was my first day in Malta and lots to do & see. I did not get up early because I stayed up chatting last night too late but that's okay. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel (included) I set off to discover the city of Valletta. I took the bus and after 20 minutes or so I was dropped off at the entrance of the old city of Valletta just outside the rampart walls. I grabbed a map and off I went to start exploring. My first stop was to be the Upper Barrakka Gardens. There I found some well dressed soldiers who informed me that in a few minutes there would be the firing of the noon-day canon. My timing was perfect! They also informed me I could purchase a combination tour at a discount for the Saluting Battery (noon-day gun firing), the Malta at War museum, and Fort Rinella and its Armstrong 100 ton gun. Well, how could I resist!!! The visit to the "Malta at war museum" was very interesting with its facts and history but it really came alive thanks to our guide. Although, he was very young (21 years old), he had a passion for his country's rich history and a knowledge that if we forget the past we are sure to repeat it. He also mentioned that he forgave everyone but would not forget to avoid such repeats. His family had fought for Malta for nearly 400 years. Incredible. It was a day well, spent, full of military activities and history as it relates to Malta, its people and war. Very interesting and I highly recommend all three during your visit to Valletta. The whole deal included transportation to all 3 sights and return to Valletta. A great value (€22). Once I returned to Valletta, I decided to follow my initial plan and walk around the old town looking at the architecture. It is truly fascinating that many buildings seem to have been there forever and it is even more so now that I have seen how much destruction was inflicted on the island by the Germans and Italians during WWII. I also found that the design is not at all of the style I was expecting. Although there is influence of the classical period on the Churches, etc. the most predominant feature I found was the Moorish influence. The Knights of Malta spent their lives fighting the "infidel" yet took a lot from them. I like it. Since we are talking about the influences on the Knights, the Maltese language has also been extremely influenced by the Arab world they were trying to "change" many centuries ago. I can hear Arabic, Italian, French and a little English in the spoken language. It is truly mesmerizing. I love it here. The weather was not great and complete sunshine as I had hoped but all in all it was a good decent day." Read and see more at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/elaqid/2/1240429440/tpod.html Photos from this trip: 1. "Tunnels" 2. "Lighting system" 3. "The Fort's courtyard" 4. "Dry moat at Fort Rinella" 5. "ton Gun of Ft. Rinella" 6. "Firing of a Howitzer Gun at Ft. Rinella" 7. "Water pump in Ft. Rinella passageway" 8. "Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens" 9. "St. John's Co-Cathedral" 10. "Baroque stone work in Valletta" 11. "Grand Marshall Palace" 12. "Streets of Valletta" 13. "Rotunda Church" 14. "Baptismal font at Anglican Church" 15. "Maltese windows" 16. "Neptune fountain" 17. "Valletta skyline" See this TripWow and more at http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00ca-4f1a-8a15?ytv4=1

• published: 14 Feb 2011
• views: 584