Orange Blossoms

It’s that special time in Spring when the orange trees adorn themselves with blossoms. The air is heavy with their fragrance and with the droning sound of the bees as they move from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollinating the buds. It is a magical time, with nature’s perfume pervading the orchards and thousands of petals adorning the ground, like confetti after a wedding. This beauty is short-lived though, as soon the small fruit  start to form, growing bigger and stronger, until the late autumn days are with us once again and it is time for a new harvest of oranges.

 

Note

It is thought that oranges originated in south-east Asia and were widely grown in the Mediterranean during the Arab conquest of the region in the ninth and tenth centuries.

Adorned With Flowers

Most days Mdina just perches on its hill and dreams, safe behind its high walls, austere and aloof as a cloistered nun.

But once a year at this time, the rhythmic beating of drums wakes the city from its slumber

 

and its streets fill up with knights

and falconers,

noblemen and ladies,

peasants

and slaves.

Scenes from the past are re-enacted

and the beautiful buildings and streets are decked with flowers. It is a veritable feast for the eyes heralding the beginning of Spring – splashes of colour contrasting beautifully with the golden limestone walls.

For the city is adorned with garlands and bouquets of the most gorgeous blooms. Lanterns, fountains, stairs, balconies and door knockers serve as backdrops for human artistry and Nature’s beauty.

 

 

As always, the city lays its spell on me … I am lost in the wonder of its charms. For on this occasion its aloofness is put aside and it seems almost coquettish, flirting with my senses, throwing open its windows and doors and allowing the briefest of glimpses into its most secret soul.

 

 

                              

 

I hope you enjoyed that brief look at the festival of flowers and pageantry known as Medieval Mdina.

Reflections in the Water

Reflections of some yachts at the Birgu Waterfront Yacht Marina. In the background, the spires of the town of Isla. The illusion of ‘seeing double’ had me transfixed. More Weekend Reflections at Newton Area Photo.