I have had the pleasure of spending a fantastic week in Malta with a group of 24 people visiting the neolithic temples both on Malta and Gozo.
Our group deeply appreciated being shown around those fabulous sites by a highly competent teacher of the University of Malta.
We have had a great trip, enjoying the very good weather and the delicious food as well as the cultural heritage this country has to offer.
Nonetheless, I would like to mention two things that have been a real disappointment.
The Tarxien temple was, of course, one of the highlights of our tour. I had had the opportunity to visit that site about six years ago, during a previous trip. I must say that I was surprised, not to say shocked, by the new raised pathway recently installed on the site. I work in the heritage field and can absolutely understand the need to protect such a precious place but, compared to the excellent work done at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, it is unworthy of a world heritage site.
The material used looks as if it has been bought at the local DIY shop and the position of the boardwalk, far too high above the original level, spoils the vision of the temple, even hiding a carved threshold.
I do hope this is a temporary installation and that another project is already on its way to replace it.
As for our second disappointment, it happened on our last day (Good Friday).
Our group had booked a harbour cruise with Captain Morgan cruises. We arrived half an hour before departure to find no seats reserved and the top deck already full. Moreover, the lower deck had plastic screens installed all around, which made it impossible to look properly at the scenery (not to mention taking photographs). We asked whether these plastic screens could be rolled up but to no avail.
The fact was that they were secured with plastic straps which could not be removed (though a good knife would have done the job) and were put down because of the bad weather announced!
We just couldn’t believe it: Good Friday was probably the most beautiful day of our week! How can a company catering for tourists treat them that way?
The immediate result is that for the next tours planned by our local agent, another harbour cruise company will be sought.
But let me say again that, apart from those two “anticlimaxes”, the rest of our week has been beyond expectations.