Onwards to Malta

We had an early start today for our drive back to Catania airport. We were all sorry to leave the B&B Le Saline so soon, and also to have to miss out on one of Stefano's excellent breakfasts! But he had given us vouchers to get breakfast at a café attached to the petrol station just down the road, where we sat outside with our very good coffees, pastries and fresh orange juice. Jim then filled the car with petrol and drove us back to the airport where we dropped off the car.

We made our way to departures where bag drop and security went smoothly. We had time in the departure lounge for another coffee, then boarded on time and actually took off five minutes early! There were good views of Catania as we climbed, though Mount Etna beyond the city was mostly hidden by cloud.

The short 30 minute flight passed very quickly. Our arrival was easy too, travelling Schengen to Schengen with no need for passport control. There was a short wait for our bags, then we were meeting our driver Francis for the transfer to our hotel, the Palazzo Violetta. As we drove, I noted a slightly North African feel to the place, and lots of construction!

We were too early to get our rooms so we sat in the pool area with cold drinks and peanuts, all they could provide by way of a lunch. We’d assumed from the way the receptionist asked, ‘Can I offer you a drink’, that these were welcome drinks such as you get in many hotels, but no, he brought us the bill!

At 2.00 we were shown to the rooms. The others had lovely large ones overlooking the pool so I was a bit disappointed to be shown my rather smaller one with a view of an internal courtyard. But it was comfortable enough, with a smart modern bathroom.

I unpacked most of my things (I’d been living out of my suitcase in Sicily) and rested a bit while catching up on emails. I then decided to brave the rather chilly water in the pool, as did Colin and Jim, and we had a short hut pleasant swim.

I didn’t stay long by the pool however as I wanted to wash my hair. Unfortunately I discovered that there was something wrong with my shower, it kept fluctuating between icy cold and scalding hot without me touching the tap! When I complained they said they would get a technician to sort it that evening. Spoiler, they didn’t!

At six I went down the bar where a happy hour was promised. We'd made plans to meet up with several other VTers there. But there was no barman and no one came when we pressed the buzzer. Eventually I went to ask at reception, to be told that he was also the barman and we should have pressed the buzzer! Anyway, he came down and we all had a nice chat over drinks.

I then went with seven of the others to Klay, a restaurant about ten minutes walk away on the seafront in Balluta Bay. One couple had enjoyed a meal there yesterday, but today’s visit was less successful as although the food was quite good (I enjoyed my pesto gnocchi), the service was very slow.

Back at the hotel I learned they hadn’t managed to fix my shower, as it needed a spare part, and as the hotel was full they couldn’t offer me a change of room. I had to be satisfied with an assurance that they would sort it tomorrow. Spoiler, they didn’t!