Balcony view, St Julian

On the north coast of the main island, NW of Valletta. It reminds me very much of San Diego.

Arrived safely an our late and were picked up by Barbara and David who’ve been here since Tuesday. Very pleasant apartment in the Diamond Resort complex.

Gatwick was a zoo. So crowded, only some people wearing masks. Turmoil at the baggage drop. Supposed to be Zone J where there was indeed an Air Malta desk with no queues and no staff.

People began to congregate only eventually to be told that the Air Malta desk was now in Zone E. Cue mass exodus and melee looking for the desk - no labels. So slow too, it seemed like everything was being written by hand in triplicate with a quill pen.

We were amongst the first in the queue and got through security fairly easily. Airside was a haven of peace and tranquility.

The boarding gate was empty with few people already on the plane. They came in dribs and drabs over the next hour. After that it was plain sailing. Good flight, easy entry, another stamp in the passport. Just like the old days.

Exploring begins tomorrow