Malta, 2016

 Malta, 2016

Although we came on a weekend with some torrential rain and not quite the tropical beach vacation some people seek, Malta was very charming and quite beautiful.  

 The architecture of the old town and capital, Valletta was so unique and picturesque!

Amazing views of the sea along with giant waves crashing!

Some nice Christmas and night views.  They had Christmas music blasting in some areas.  A lot of Canadian representation with Michael Buble and Celine Dion playing.

We also took the ferry to the sister island, Gozo.

Dwarja Bay and Azure Window in Gozo Island

Broken sand dollars everywhere.

Bye Malta, it was a short but sweet visit.  Next time I see you, I hope the sun is shining!

Sofia, Rila Monastery & Plovdiv, Bulgaria 2016

Sofia, Rila Monastery & Plovdiv, Bulgaria 2016

Sofia - The capital of Bulgaria.  Full of interesting history, roman ruins, ancient churches, buildings from the communist era and old traditions.

This church is said to be one of the oldest buildings in the world.

Underground warm spring water

Changing of the guard

Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral 

Now a museum, used to be a spa/bath house for all the locals.

A Russian Orthodox Church

Rila Monastery  - About two hours away, hidden in the mountains and breathtakingly beautiful!

When we first got there, we hiked (don't recommend hiking on ice) up the mountain to see where a monk lived for 12 years in solitude.  Since then they have built a small chapel for him.

Plovdiv - The oldest continually occupied city in the world.

Ancient Roman theatre

Preserved Mansions owned by rich merchants in the 1800's

Life in Madrid - November 2016

Went out for a drink the night before the election results. 

Museo Cerralbo - The house of a famous artist who was the Marquise of Cerralbo.

Cafe con Leche

Italian night with special guest, Lindsey!