Mellieha, Malta

Wednesday - 15 of us met at Edinburgh Airport at 7am, checked in and boarded a Jet2 plane to Malta. Flight time 31/2 hours. From the airport we drove 50mins north to the Pergola hotel in Mellieha. The hotel is built on a steep incline on many levels, access up and down via many lifts and stairs. What fun we had finding our way around the hotel. Showers, dinner, a short talk from Arthur telling us what he would be looking at in the book of James. Then when we got to our bedrooms it was early to bed.

Thursday - Sunny with a chill in the air. In the morning we walked down into Mellieha. Good views and inside visits to the Catholic Parish Church and the Sanctuary Church below it. A short walk from the churches was a lovely view of the local sandy bay looking over to the small Comino island. In the afternoon some of the group walked around the steep streets in Mellieha while others went back to the hotel.

Friday - After a good breakfast we all boarded a mini-bus which took us via a ferry to the island of Gozo. Gozo is smaller, greener and quieter than its big sister, Malta. Our first stop was to Xewkija. First visit was to the Rotunda Church, its Mosta Dome can be seen almost everywhere in Gozo . A number of us climbed up circular stairs to see the spectacular views from the dome walkway. Short drive to the Xaghra Circle, to visit an underground burial chamber of archaeological importance, ongoing excavation works have advanced understanding of prehistoric burial rites. Onward to the Citadel, a tiny walled city built on a hill again with great views over the island. Stopped here for lunch before a short visit to the Ta’ Pinu Church on the way to the ferry. Back to our hotel, worship time, Arthur’s talk and dinner time together.

Saturday - After breakfast and a morning thought from Anne we walked into Mellieha. We made a visit to the “Mellieha Shelters”, used in World War Two. Malta was bombed between 1940 and 1942 the most heavily in the first half of 1942. The bombing was so heavy the population was forced to live in shelters. In the shelters we visited, families had to dig out space in the rock to live in. In the afternoon we took a bus to Sliema, though feeling a bit chilly we walked along the seashore and had coffee and cake in Starbucks.

The highlight of the day was waiting for and coming back on the bus at going home time for Maltese workers. The bus was so crowded we thought we had broken the Guinness Book of Records for the most number of people on a single decker bus. Believe it or not some of the group enjoyed the trip? Back to our hotel, worship time, Arthur’s talk and dinner time again.

Sunday - A day to do what we wanted to do. Walking, swimming, reading a few more pages of a good book, sharing coffee and cake together, sharing and laughing with each other. Then because we didn’t find a suitable English speaking Church, in the evening Alan led us through the last week of Jesus’s life. From the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey, to his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven.

Through Bible readings read by many in our holiday group, songs and prayers from Alan. At the end of our dinner together a cake was brought to the table a 50th Wedding Anniversary cake to celebrate Arthur and Anne’s special occasion. By the way the cake was very tasty.

Monday - A Minibus picked us up and drove us to Medina and Rabat and dropped us off. We entered into Medina, a walled area through the Greek’s Gate. To walk along streets with churches, notably St.Paul’s Cathedral, museums, a monastery, St Peter’s Monastery, several homes still owned by ancient Maltese families. Several of us looked through the 19th century world of Baron Giuseppe De Piro Gourgion.

A Nobleman’s home and museum. Lots of restaurants and cafes in Medina where we had lunch. After leaving Medina we walked into Rabat. Visiting St.Paul’s Catacombs. Used for shelter from persecution by early Christians and in the Second World War from bombing. Back to the bus, hotel, worship and bible teaching and a good meal together and a good night’s rest.

Tuesday - A Minibus picked us up and dropped us off in the centre of Valletta, capital of Malta. Flanked on each side by natural harbours. This fortress city, is contained behind a massive ring of impenetrable walls. Though it rained during our visit to Valletta some of us went into the magnificent St.John’s Co-Cathedral, while others ducked into other churches or shops. At 12 noon we watched and heard a Cannon being fired. This a 500 year old tradition serving as a time marker, tourist attraction and historic tribute. All too soon we are on the Minibus and dropped off at our hotel in Mellieha. There is some case packing required before tomorrow.

Wednesday - Early breakfast, cases packed and another Minibus takes us to the Airport. We have had a great holiday full of fun and laughter, making new friends, renewing friendships with others, Enjoying, Anne’s thought for the day, Arthur’s thought provoking teachings from the book of James, Alan leading worship and Adah and Anne making sure every one was alright. Back in Edinburgh, back home with good memories of a great holiday in Malta.

Alan Campbell. 11/4/2026