Saturday, March 29, 2008

Malta "The George Cross Island" February 2006

2006 was my trip to Malta. The George Cross Island. Why do they call Malta the George Cross island? I will explain my reasons for going to visit the Maltese Islands, and you will have your answer. I have always enjoyed the study of history, and World War 2 history. My cultural background is Jewish or ancient Israeli, as I like to refer to it as. So I have always been interested why Mr. Adolph Hitler wanted to rule the entire world. And also why he was so determined to exterminate all the Jewish people in the world. That is certainly a scary thought to me. That means if Adolph Hitler would have been successful. My parents would have died for sure. And I would have never been born. There would have no trips. No life and no blog. That is a scary thought! In 2005 I picked up a book on a man named George Beurling. Who was George Beurling? I will give you the answer. George Beurling was a Canadian flightier pilot. Who proved during the siege of Malta in 1942, that he was the greatest fighter pilot during World War 2. George Beurling was an eccentric, a rebel, and a gifted flyer. Who was determined to be the best. And he was the best! George was born with tremendous eyesight. He could see farther and more accurate then any normal person. He felt at home in the air. Normal life was a complete bore to him. Flying and fighting was the only life he craved. During the battle of Malta in 1942. The soldiers and Maltese people were faced with the brutally hot summer in Malta. That can get up to 38 C. or 110 F. There are very little tress on Malta. So there is very little shade. Also food and all necessary supplies to continue life were in very short supply. Also fuel and ammunition were also short. It was a bad scene in Malta during World War 2. Yet the defenders never gave up. Malta was never invaded by the Nazi’s. After 1942 and because of the great job by the commonwealth armed forces, and the civilian population. The war started to turn against the Nazi’s. There defeat by Malta. Eventually lead to there complete defeat. This trip was dedicated to George F. Beurling, to all the commonwealth troops who served on Malta, and the Maltese people. They were all great heroes, and should never be forgotten! This trip was 3 weeks in duration. The first week was spent with my great friend Peter V/D W. in the Netherlands. I had an excellent time. The highlights of this week. Was the day we spent in Amsterdam, the day we spent in Maastricht, and the day we spent in The Hague. Eating in restaurants is a very good experience, in Holland. The food is always good quality and quantity. The pubs in the Netherlands are a real pleasure. You always feel great when you stop by with a good friend. Relax and enjoy a quality beer or a cappuccino and a pastry. Also a big deal for me was riding a bike in The Netherlands for the first time. Bike riding is a way of life in Holland. Almost all of the Dutch people do it. It was great to feel like one of them. If you are a bike rider. Get to The Netherlands. You have the time of your life! Also I have to mention the homemade dinner. Peter’s sister Margaret made for me. I don’t remember the Dutch name. However it is casserole made with sausage and potatoes. It was a meal to remember! It is no secret that I enjoy to eat! It is one of the great pleasures of life that everyone should take very seriously. I do! You can enjoy it everyday. You can’t get into trouble for doing it. And it helps to prolong your journey through life. The next 2 weeks were spent on Malta (The George Cross Island). "To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.", (sgd) George R.I. This important medal was awarded on April 15, 1942, to the Maltese people. I had a wonderful time being there. When I arrived. The airbus I was on did a circuit of the island. We flew right over Grand Harbor. It was an exciting moment for me. I had arrived in a special place in history. Where the battle for freedom was fought and won. If you enjoy history and archeology. Then Malta is the place for you. You will not be disappointed. Also Malta is a very good holiday destination in its own right. St. Paul’s Bay is a place of great beauty. There are some very nice beaches. Maltese food is also very good. You have to try Rabbit when you are there. It is the national dish. Also the pastries served on Malta are of superb quality and variety. Beware of them. You can get addicted to them. I did. Lucky for me. I did stay active while I was there. That is the key for not putting on any unwanted pounds. The highlights for me on my 2 weeks in Malta. Living in Valletta, visiting Medina, and St. Paul’s Bay, hiking the western side of the island and the air force museum at Takali. I would like to say another world about George Beurling. About his accomplishments. About how special a man he was. He destroyed 27 Nazi aircraft during his tour in Malta is 1942. And there were many more that were never credited but probable. He was the only allied airman. To be the leading ace. Of any major theatre of the war. He accomplished all this even though he contracted a form of stomach virus known as (The Mata Dog). He spent many days so sick. He was unable to walk, let alone fly his Spitfire. By the end of his tour. Which ended on October 16th, 1942. He had gone from 210 pounds to 165 pounds. And on his final sortie. He destroyed 3 enemy aircraft before he was finally shot down and badly wounded. He survived World War 2. He was honored by the Maltese. They called him “The Falcon of Malta”
The fountain at the Bus Terminal. Velletta
the Silent City Sliema
Grand Harbour
Fort St. Angelo

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