Sabbatikos

Years ago, while working in Amsterdam, I struck up a friendship with a work colleague. We kept in touch as life took us in different directions, and in 2014, she and her soon-to-be husband made their way to Seattle to visit Tawny and me. We opened our home, played tour guide around the city, and gave them the keys to our beach cabin on the wild Washington coast, a perfect pit stop on their epic, months-long road trip across the United States.

Fast forward eleven years, and it was time to take them up on the open invitation they made to us for a reciprocal visit, wherever they happened to land. For a while, that was Spain, then Portugal, but eventually, they settled in Malta. So, we pulled the trigger on our vacation plans, starting our adventure with the captivating history and rugged rocky shores of Malta. We reunited with Nicky and Hass and immersed ourselves in the magic of their incredible new life and the beautiful restoration of their 400+ year old home in the town of Naxxar.

We arrived late in the evening, and Nicky was there to greet us at the airport, ready to whisk us away to her home. The moment we stepped inside, we were amazed! Although still under construction, the space was nothing short of incredible as an innovative and inspired take on a traditional Maltese dwelling.

The next morning, while Nicky had to work for a few hours, Hass took us into Naxxar for a leisurely lunch and a short walking tour, giving us a taste of the town’s charm.

When Nicky returned from work, we took a Bolt to San Anton Palace and Gardens, the filming location for several iconic scenes from Season 1 of Game of Thrones. We love Game of Thrones. Notably, it appeared in Episode 3 (“Lord Snow”), Episode 8 (“The Pointy End”), and Episode 10 (“Fire and Blood”). One of the most memorable moments filmed here is when Joffrey forces Sansa to look at her father Ned’s severed head displayed on a spike. We also walked around the nearby neighborhood of incredible homes.

That evening, we ventured into the charming town of Rabat for a truly unforgettable multi-course dinner at The Golden Fork, a favorite spot of Nicky and Hass. This Michelin Plated restaurant exceeded all expectations, delivering a bold and imaginative culinary experience that kept our taste buds guessing with every bite. Each dish was a delightful surprise, bursting with creativity and flavor, leaving us constantly oohing, aahing, and debating which was the most sensational. Chef Letizia Vella made us feel like welcome guests and old friends into her home as she graciously shared her passion for food through every exquisite morsel. It was an extraordinary dining experience that we’ll never forget.

Our first day in Malta was nothing short of magical. We reunited with Nicky and Hass, explored their home (beautifully being restored), and enjoyed a leisurely tour of Naxxar with Hass. Wandering the historic San Anton Palace and Gardens, we relived iconic Game of Thrones moments before ending the evening with an unforgettable dinner at The Golden Fork. Chef Letizia Vella’s culinary creativity paired perfectly with wine, laughter, and stories of reconnection with old friends. It was the perfect start to our Maltese adventure. Tomorrow our daughter Clara and her boyfriend Ian would join us and we’d explore more of Malta.