Valletta, Malta

 
Malta became a British colony in 1815, serving as a critical way station for ships. It played an important role in the Allied war effort during World War II, and was subsequently awarded the George Cross (from Britain) for its bravery in the face of the German siege. In the photos, you'll see letters sent from the US and Britain commending the Maltese people for their bravery.

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Valletta, Malta

 It has been inhabited since approximately 5900 BC. Its location in the center of the Mediterranean has historically given it great strategic importance as a naval base. 

A succession of powers having contested and ruled the islands, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French and British. Most of these foreign influences have left some sort of mark on the country's ancient culture.

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Valletta, Malta

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. An archipelago is a stretch of water having many islands.

 In the Republic of Malta, only the three largest islands are inhabited.

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Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

 Siracusa was part of a Greek colony in the eight century BC. Before the colony settled in what we know as Siracusa today.

Europe's oldest ritual baths can be found in the Jewish quarter.

And of course, Silvia had a surprise for us again. Coffee, canneloni, and a wonderful chocolate cookie.

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