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This blog is dedicated to Malta - my island home. My aim is not to bore you with history but to share my thoughts and a few facts together with a photo or two. For a more in -depth background of the island please go here. The purpose of this blog is not to point out the short-comings of the island. There are plenty that do that already. My wish is to show you the beauty of an island at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of history; a place where fact and fiction are sometimes fused to create unique myths and legends; a country that has been conquered so many times that our culture is a mish mesh of the lands that surround us and of lands far away. I confess that my greatest desire is to make you fall in love with this tiny enchanting island.

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Thursday 20 December 2012

Snapshots of … Strait Street

Valletta on a Sunday (33)

Strait Street, the narrowest street in Valletta, flanked on either side by tall buildings, a street with a shady reputation. In former times it was the favourite haunt of soldiers, sailors and candlestick makers who sought a night of fun and games with the bar maids and dancers of the many establishments that thrived in this street.

Valletta on a Sunday (22)

The British nicknamed it ‘The Gut’, which is a good indication of its shady character. Drunken fights, prostitution, dance halls and bordellos were a common sight along this infamous street. It was once a noisy, bustling place. Today, the only sounds you will hear are the echoes of your own footsteps and, perhaps, the sigh of a disappointed ghost or two because the place is just a shadow of its former self, decaying slowly, and yet, frozen in time.

Valletta on a Sunday (23)

Valletta on a Sunday (24)Valletta on a Sunday (25)Valletta on a Sunday (26)Valletta on a Sunday (32)Valletta on a Sunday (35)Valletta on a Sunday (37)Valletta on a Sunday (38)Valletta on a Sunday (40)

Rehabilitation of some buildings has started in the last couple of years and a number of restaurants and bistros have opened for business in what is still one of the most famous streets in Valletta.

Location: Strait Street (Strada Stretta), Valletta

November 2012

10 comments:

  1. How beautiful - your photos beautifully illustrate this special street

    Happy Christmas

    Helen x

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  2. It is the perfect street for restaurants and theatres, I hope they manage to restore it and that it becomes alive again (though maybe in a muted way!!!)

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  3. I always enjoy seeing the historic buildings and signs you share. It must be wonderful to live among that great history!

    ~Lindy

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  4. The ever-charming Valetta reaches out again. This just went on "my list." The narrow street and particularly #84 are fabulous.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  5. Beautiful photos as always, Loree! You really know how to capture the charm of a city.
    I, too, wish the years wouldn't flash by in a flutter. It's hard to keep up at times.
    Wishing you a wonderful 2013! xoxo, B

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  9. Hi Loree...Wow..fantastic shots..always exciting visiting here..beautiful!

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  10. Great photos! I remember reading about The Gut in a book I bought when I was in Malta, The Information Officer. I really enjoyed the story set in Malta during WW2. It got me started reading more about Malta & its history.

    Must have a wander down that way next time we are in Malta. Hope it's not too long coming!

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