Cheering on England from sunny Malta after being whisked away for my birthday weekend
My wonderful partner has whisked us away to sunny Malta - and we're about to head to a bar to cheer on England vs Switzerland
Hello, Happy Saturday!
I’m writing this from sunny Malta - 30c and not a cloud in the stunning blue sky - after being whisked away by my wonderful partner Faye for my birthday weekend.
Life is good.
We’ve been drinking beers and cocktails around a rooftop pool overlooking stunning Valletta - the evocative capital city of this beguiling island, not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage site - and we’re gearing up to head to a bar on the promenade to cheer on England vs Switzerland.
Hello from sunny Malta. CREDIT:
Our ‘surprise’ destination had been a complete surprise to me on Friday.
All I knew was that we were heading to a place I’d ‘never been before,’ and to pack my passport.
Even on the train to Gatwick Airport I was still in the dark.
Faye, bless her, had even wrapped clues for me.
The first one was a Malt Loaf. Ripping off the wrapping on the train, I was completely clueless. ‘A Malt Loaf,’ I asked incredulously.
I imagined a weekend in Snape Maltings in Suffolk.
But as much as a visit to deepest Suffolk feels like a trip back to the 1950s, last time I checked you still don’t need to pack a passport to go to Ipswich.
The next present was handed to me. Even the woman opposite us on the train was becoming intrigued after hearing our conversation.
I tore at the colourful wrapping. It was a bag of chocolate. A bag of Maltesers.
‘The Maltings in St Albans?’ I said ponderously, adding, '“I’ve got absolutely no idea.
“Maltesers. Malt. MALTA!!!!!’” I shouted loudly, disturbing the carriage.
‘Yes,” Faye said wearily. “Not Snape Maltings. Or the Maltings in St Albans.”
Honestly. I don’t know how she puts up with me.
Not least if England somehow beat Switzerland and I get accreditation for the semi-finals in Dortmund on Wednesday...
DAILY LIST:
I) Choosing which cocktail to have next
II) avoid peaking too early and be absolutely hanging come kick-off
The view from out hotel room overlooking Maltese capital Valletta and World Unesco city. CREDIT: