On Wednesday, June 6th, we moved on to our new home, the Hotel Meridien, at St. Julian's, Balotta Bay, a bay or two north of Valletta, the capital, and its historic Grand Harbor. On the Big Island. Although by no means our first 5 star hotel, we spent the first few hours exploring and gawking, then dining and walking about the neighborhood.
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| Our hotel, the Meridien |
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| Balotta Bay from one of our two balconies |
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| Looking toward Valletta |
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| Living area |
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| Dining area and looking toward the entry hall |
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| Bedroom |
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One of two bathroom suites; I spent the first hour or so muttering "we are not
worthy...we are not worthy," while Vicki, who does the finances, countered
"yes we are, yes we are" |
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| Among many little extras |
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Enjoying an upgrade or two, we made ourselves familiar with the executive
lounge; snacks, hors d'ouvres, and especially... |
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| The DIY bar |
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I used my time well, experimenting, comparing among Campari and sodas,
Aperol Spritzes, Negronis, and other such; Vicki focused on coconut rum
and milk, a tropical version of the Argentinian favorite, gin and milk |
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We ate that evening at a place called Wigi's, down the street, overlooking the
bay and a water polo match |
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My Moroccan lamb; the lamb was good, but somehow
they forgot to add the seasoning; I surmise the largely
British clientele keeps things ultra-bland |
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| Her veal piccata; sort of |
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| Mediterranean fries and ketchup |
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St. Julian's and the next bay north are apparently where the
action is, among younger people, including the natives; we did
our paseo there, enjoying the sights and sounds, etc.; also
checking out a molecular restaurant... |
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| Perhaps a church converted to disco? |
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| An M&S! Disappointingly, no clotted cream, however |
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| Street scene |
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| Hookah bars |
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And, sandwiched in among the casinos, clubs and such, a
marine massage parlor |
