Thursday 21st March 2013 +1.0hrs GMT: Valetta Malta ­ I Mourn the Loss of the Old Buses

I have been to Valetta on two previous occasions so had not planned to do a great deal but several things have changed since Malta became a member of the EU some 4 year’s ago.  Gone are the old buses (See photo) that had added some much character and fun to the city – the drivers crossing themselves before setting off from each stop in the hope that when they stirred the gearbox they would find a gear!!  These faithful old machines had been replaced by modern ‘bendy-buses’ run by Arriva so none of the bright colours of the old buses and coaches.

Another change has been the introduction of two Hop-on Hop-off double decker services.  The competition was cutthroat between two rival companies but who could refuse two days for 10 Euros for North and South Island route each of 3 hours duration and covering all the islands major attractions!  No wonder at the port gates the taxi drivers were eager and desperate – but not quite so nasty as in Egypt – to find customers for the city or a tour of the island but at 20 Euros to the city about a mile they had few takers.