We love it here! (Gozo)

Julie

In the morning Greg goes to get diesel and discovers that the bay around the corner is a bit calmer. Fewer small boats pass right next to you; only the big ferries come by, but they slow down on arrival and don’t create a disturbing wake. As soon as Greg is back, we lift the anchor and move over. It’s only half a mile away, so within a few minutes we’re dropping the anchor again. With the dinghy we head ashore and leave our little boat between the fishing boats in the harbor. Taking a small detour, we walk to the supermarket. On the way we pass a replica of Bethlehem. Apparently, it’s a popular attraction at Christmas, but now it looks rather deserted. The houses could use a coat of paint, and the outdoor lighting has clearly seen better days. Still, there are animals in the cages—ducks, chickens, turkeys and peacocks—that look surprisingly well cared for. After that we continue on to Għajnsielem and step into Ta’ Dirjanu, a larger supermarket nearby. It’s always fun to see what’s on the shelves in a country new to us. Right away we notice how many British products they sell. Not so surprising, since Malta was under British rule until 1964. It also explains why people drive on the left here. On the way back to the dinghy, we’re surprised to see horses in the water by the harbor. Later I find out that this is a local tradition, not only to cool the animals down, but also because it’s good for their joints and hooves. The next morning I get up at sunrise to take drone shots. Everything goes well until landing. While I’ve already positioned the drone above the solar panel, our landing platform, it suddenly switches to “auto land,” moves two meters backward, and plunges straight into the water. I try to regain control, but in vain. Without hesitation, I dive in after it and bring it up from eight meters deep. Greg immediately takes it apart and rinses the inside with distilled water and alcohol. Then we leave it to dry, though we don’t have much hope it will recover. Not wanting to let this spoil our day, we take the bus to Victoria (Ir-Rabat), the capital of Gozo. What a surprise: narrow streets, charming little shops, and a wonderful restaurant, Roża. Greg orders the rabbit stew, I go for a summery salad with burrata, fruit, and asparagus, and together we share sweet potato fries. Highly recommended! In the afternoon we visit the citadel, an impressive fortress towering high above the city. We wander through the Archaeology Museum, Folklore Museum, Natural History Museum, Cathedral Museum, and the Old Prison. You could easily spend hours here. After a surprisingly lovely day, we take the bus back to our anchorage. Tomorrow, we plan to sail across to the Blue Lagoon. From afar, we can already see dozens of boats. Some tied to the rocks, others anchored, and many circling around in search of a free spot, just like us. At the Blue Lagoon, where we initially wanted to stay, we quickly give up: far too crowded. Not surprising though, the surroundings are breathtaking. Towering cliffs, carved with both small and large caves, rise dramatically above us. We try the other side, past the swimming buoys. And yes, there it is, an open spot waiting for us. We drop anchor just outside the buoys, where the commercial boats are allowed, and secure ourselves with a line to the rocks. It’s hectic here, almost like being in a theme park. Boats of all sizes shuttle people back and forth or stop for a swim. For one night, we can handle it. In fact, it even gives us an unexpected holiday vibe. At first, I wonder why this place is so incredibly popular. But the moment I dive into the water, I understand. Crystal-clear blue, teeming with fish, and perfect for snorkeling. The sunlight dances across the sandy bottom, creating the most beautiful patterns. We snorkel to a small beach and come across a tunnel that people swim through. Too busy for us, but it’s easy to see why this little island, Comino, is overrun with visitors. After our swim, we wave down the ice cream boat and I enjoy a Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough back on board. Strange to say after three years of living at sea, but that day truly felt like a vacation, just joining in with the rest. Right before sunset, we take our dinghy out and explore the countless tunnels and caves nearby. At night, the bay turns surprisingly quiet. Except for one small motorboat, we’re completely alone. And in the morning, before the crowds return, we lift our anchor and set off again.

Boat & Crew

El Burro

Swallow Craft Design Group, Swift 33

Gregory Ramis Ferriol

Owner

Finn

Pet, Male

Nelly

Pet, Female

Julie

Owner