After lunch our local guides took us for a short walking tour of the center of Valetta and told us about the long history of the islands.
Malta, like Sicily, has been in the center of the "world." People, tribes, religions have been coming and vanishing for centuries. For most of us, Malta takes our mind to the Knights of the Cross. The last nation to rule Malta before its independence was Britain. During World War II, Malta was an important base for the allies, especially for the invasion of Italy.
At about 5 o'clock it was time to embark the Caledonian Star, and we met the staff and crew with whom we will explore the eastern part of the Mediterranean.
The photo shows us sailing through the Messina Strait in the early morning. The Strait of Messina separates Sicily from the Italian peninsula and at the same time joins the Tyrrenian Sea to the Ionian Sea in the south. At its narrowest point, the strait has a width of about two nautical miles. It takes its name from the city of Messina which lies on the Sicilian side, while directly across lies the toe of Italy and the city of Reggio Calabria. Both cities retain the ancient names which they were given by the Greeks when these colonies were founded in the 8th century BC.
Because of the great danger the strait's currents presented to sailors of small craft, this was thought to be the place where Scylla and Charybdis, the female sea monsters, lurked and where Odysseus, the Homeric hero, faced the most menacing ifficulties of his ten year voyage. Before lunch, our historian gave us a good overview of the different civilizations and nations we are going to encounter on this voyage.
The afternoon was spent at Lipari Island, north of Sicily. Zodiacs took us ashore, and with our coaches we were able to get an overview of this rarely visited part of Italy.
At 6 o'clock we sailed for Stromboli. On the way, we were invited to join the Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner. Captain Joergen Cardestig presented his officers and crew, and an excellent dinner followed.
Still the day was not to end! After dinner we joined at the fore deck to enjoy the eruptions of Stromboli! This is one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. Spectacular to see in the night! A busy day. Goodnight -- we need a good sleep after this long day.
