Dispatch from Malta

plus notes on beach wear and an excellent pair of shoes

The Blue Lagoon off the north coast of Comino Island, Malta

Last week I went to Malta - which was delightful! My trial on returning to the cold, damp of London was being confronted with having to wear proper clothes. Isn’t it awful having to go back when you’ve been happily wafting around in the perfectly pitched dry heat of 25/26 degrees? I attempted to continue in this vein and for the first couple of days lay about the house in a kaftan (somewhere between Norma Desmond and Edina Monsoon) but soon enough, one I had to leave the house, and two, it was a bit chilly. I can’t go back to a sock, though. I am socks off until October now.

I was really pleased with my luggage configuration. Sometimes you conquer the airport and Ryanair allowance. So satisfying.

The bag on top is by July - it holds a lot more than you’d think, slots happily onto a suitcase handle and sits neatly under the seat in front. The wheely is Nere which is a cheapish brand - it’s a bit wonky but does the job. Jacket is Sezane which I’m living in currently. Newspaper, Private Eye.

We stayed in the north of the island, opposite Gozo which we didn’t make it to. This is where the sandy beaches and more resort-y places are. We were in quite a big hotel (the Ramla Bay) which felt a little like a cruise ship. But it was right on the beach with squeal-making views of actual sea which always makes me feel emotional. I adore the sea. Along with numerous swimming pools (salt water - negative points from the 9 year old) it had its own stretch of sand with sunbeds, albeit not that many, and certainly not enough to stop some horrid English woman from berating me when I mistakenly thought one of the four empty beds surrounding her was free. What is the etiquette with sunbeds? Is it not entirely obnoxious to command a fleet of them even when your children are playing in the sea and likely not going to stretch out to catch up on the latest John Grisham? My parents would only ever get two loungers between 5 of us and then we just fought over who would push my Dad off. Anyway, she was a nasty red faced bird who snapped whole heartedly when I pointed out that all the beds were empty. Chastened!

Pros for resort-y hotels are not having to make breakfast, cons are you feel a little institutionalised. But as I have one child they are handy for her to find pals in the pool to play with. The key is to break out often so as to not get stifled and if you can, avoid having dinner in the place. Everything goes very cruise ship after dark.

Clothing wise, I always think summer holidays are very much about pulling out old favourites. I wanted to wear this Faune dress, which I’ve had for at least three summers, everyday. Last year I nearly bought the black version but instead went for the top of it which is nice but a little short on the body so it doesn’t work for that many skirt/trouser options, pour moi. Anyway, it reminded me that I really do want the black dress now too, I think.

Me and the kid in Valletta. Dress is Faune , sandals (so comfortable, have not rubbed once) Ancient Greek Sandals, bag my absolute favourite Souvenir Stand

Yet again I have been pleasantly surprised at just how brilliantly useful

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