Today was a light day to catch up after our week away. Kim and I went to the market at 7am to load up on fruits and veggies, then school work for the boys, lots of laundry, and groceries late in the afternoon while Kim and Connie did some shopping in Mellieha.
In the early afternoon we ventured off to Cirkewwa (pronounced chur-kowa) and Paradise Bay. Cirkewwa is a region in the northwest corner of Malta and Paradise Bay is a small but beautiful rocky beach in Cirkewwa. The beach has aqua coloured water, and is very picturesque as the rocky surroundings add to the mood. We will be back with bathing suits in hand.
While, technically, Cirkewwa is a region, when I think of Cirkewwa I think of a family “cottage” my Mom’s family owns. The cottage itself is not much, just a simple two room cement structure. But it’s the memories I have dating back 50 years, to when I was here as a 10 year old, that are important. It was interesting being here 50 years later with my own 10 and 13 year old boys.
I can picture my parents and aunts/uncles sitting in front of the cottage, and us kids picking some sort of fruit from the garden area in front…I think there were grapes but I’m not certain.
The “bathroom” was the key feature for me to see again. These small stone huts are everywhere on the island. While it’s no longer in use, and while I don’t actually recall using it as a kid, I was curious to see it again.
And here it is, mostly covered in brush. It’s about 12 feet in diameter, with an old rickety wooden door.
I’ve come this far, so I needed to open the door. I brushed away the debris in front with my foot, moved a rock holding it shut, and slowly opened it…giant cobwebs stretching between the inner wall and the door. Kim’s family complains about their bathroom at the Temagami cottage, but they have nothin’ on this place!
Here are a few more pics at the cottage
The cottage is in very close proximity to Paradise Bay. You park in the same parking lot, just walk in the opposite direction. This pic gives perspective…the cottage is at the very far left, the beach at the far right.
Sean closed out the day trying to catch tomorrow’s dinner.
Love the socks Sean!
Love the smile Michael!!
Looks like a lovely spot.
Interesting! Is the cottage used at all? Obviously the outhouse isn’t. Lol.
Many memories there. Last time, we found late season grapes hidden and forgotten in a vine. Sweetest grapes any of us ever had. Hot with the summer heat.
Nice red socks on Sean