Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaelogical Park
"Mom, we have to go this way. I remember seeing that near the bus station." Hmmm...it's not the way we went the other day, but l was curious enough to follow him. We made one more turn and then down a large staircase which did indeed empty into the main square before the bus station. I squeezed his hand and told him he was becoming a pro traveler. He admitted that he was unsure for a minute there, but that is what traveling is all about. You can always get your map out and re-orient yourself.
We took the #74 bus about 45 minutes to the south west coast of Malta. As we rode past Hagar Qim and its stop, my hand hit the stop button, I jolted up and took care with my steps as I made my way to talk to the bus driver. He told me he would drop me off at Panorama stop and return on the other side of the road in 5-10 minutes to take us the other direction.
Blue Grotto in all its glory lay before us and my face lit up as I realized the happy mistake. I had been him-hawing on whether or not to visit here after Hagar Qim, not realizing just how close it actually was. Fierce and I went down to the lookout point where he Baku battled and I took pictures. It's beautiful!
The bus brought us to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaelogical Park. The museum has a 4D short film that submerses you with blowing wind, sounds and sights about the history of the temples.
Afterwards, you head outside to the actual dig site where one man's find of a little figuring led to an entire temple which they date back to 3,600 BC. The monoliths are in such good condition. One stone is 20 tons! It is not like other ruins where the stones are sort of thrown about in a house like pattern. These, you can walk through and imagine moving in after adding a roof and a few of the missing doors. It was so special to walk where the ancients walked and worshiped.
On our way back up the hill, Fierce noticed a nature trail, so we went exploring along the coast. We found several snails and wildflowers. It's about an hour trek, but you see old stone buildings, and of course, at any point, you can stop and breathe in the sea air as you look out over the Mediteranian. The rocky, detour brings you to the museum entrance.
We asked if there was a cafe or restaurant nearby and they said it was about a 20 min walk to the little fishing village just down the road. Oh to be a local. I won't say it was difficult to find, but I definitely asked for directions at a few points. But you know, when that little village came into view and the first building we saw had a restaurant, it warmed my whole being. We had a nice big meal and headed back up the hill and path to the Blue Grotto bus stop again. Yup! We got to see it twice! This time, we had a longer time to enjoy it as the bus wasn't expected for a half hour. It was lovely and soon the bus came and soon we were in our hotel for the night. I have really enjoyed our time here in Malta.
