Monday, February 09, 2009

Valletta day 11

Big day out to an underground temple!
We booked a few days ago to visit the Temple at Hal-Saflieni known as the Hypogeum. This is a World Heritage site and much protected, so much so that only groups of 10 are allowed in at once, and only 60-80 a day.
First of all we had the bus adventure first, carefully looking up and finding a no. 11 which was listed as going there. Waited at the bus terminus for ages, no no. 11, seems to have vanished and been replaced by a 115. Anyway the driver said he knew where to drop us off, wrong temple, never mind ask a lot of people and a quick walk got us to the door with seconds to spare - you are not allowed in late!
We saw the obligatory film, and then eased our way through an audio tour down three levels underground. Slightly strange, everything that might have been there had been cleaned out, so now only the underground caverns are left, which are very impressive, but needed a few artifacts - and bones to bring them to life.
Cameras were confiscated before the start, so no photos, but it was well work a visit.
We went out to see the fireworks over the grand harbour tonight, but no sign of them. Large firecrackers around 6.30 and again just now (10 local) but all we found was yet another brass band outside the church of St Paul.
And tomorrow is the actual feast day when it goes on all day.
I hear more fireworks now! But I'm not going out to see.

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