I walked past the Auberge to the Upper Barracca Gardens, avoiding, as far as possible, the crocodiles of tourists from the two MSC liners currently tied up in the harbour. Grand Harbour holds such a fascination for me and the best view is definitely from this place. On such a perfect day the 27C temperature was quite bearable, even for me. The breeze fooled me though, and the sun burnt my nose.
Tall arches casting surprisingly adequate shadows
The tall arches cast enough shadow on some of the bench seats and, from time to time, it was rather nice to ‘take the shade’.
The harbour is unusual in that it’s not only busy but beautiful, too. There’s always something going on. Two tugs motor across the harbour at a fine rate of knots and several of the island’s old kaijiks, now motorised, take tourists for cruises on the incredibly blue waters of the harbour.
With the approach of noon, announcements are made that the noon salute is imminent, and onlookers crowd the balcony overlooking the battery to watch this event. A soldier marches smartly out from beneath to prepare one of the cannons and, after much poking and loading of charges, on the strike of twelve, fires the cannon, which envelopes itself and its immediate surrounds in thick smoke. A very impressive spectacle and one not easy to photograph without flinching!
Preparing the cannon…
Ready…. steady…
Fire!