Yesterday we had to move to a different hotel. We have extended our stay in Malta - for 2 reasons. Malta really is that nice. Plus we found a good airfare to Tallinn which only leaves on a certain day, so we'll have to spend extra time in Malta - what a shame. Fourth floor room overlooking the harbour, life is good. 

Coming to an end to our stay in Malta, we've opted for a day trip down to a fishing port on the SE coast of the island, Marsaxlokk. The town is the site for the main fish market of Malta. Unfortunately, the market is on a Sunday so we won't see it (and smell it) in full swing. Julie is giving me a very satisfied look - fishy smells play havoc with her olfactory senses.

One of the most striking aspects of the town is colour. Both on land and water. All the fishing boats, large and small are painted in blue yellow and red (official Maltese colours perhaps?). Doors and window frames on buildings are also painted in bright colours. Gives the whole place a festive feel. Lots of restaurants line the street along the harbour. A few tourist buses are parked down the end disgorging a host of tourists. Strangely though, only a few restaurants seem to be doing a brisk trade - special deals been struck perhaps?

A number of market stalls are set up along the harbour wall selling all sorts of goods - from Maltese pastries, hand painted ceramics, colourful textiles and handmade jewellery. 

Marsaxlokk is a town which relies on two industries - fishing and tourism. There appears to be a symbiotic relationship between the two. Tourists come here because it IS a fishing port, and fishing can exist because tourists come to see it. 

Once again, as in other places we have visited, it doesn't take much to imagine what it would be like with thousands of visitors hitting the town - chaos.