Day 1.

The trip originally included a visit to Libya, but 2 weeks before I was due to go, the Libyan government suspended visa's for tourists after militamen loyal to General Khalifa Haftar attacked parliament and set off the latest bout of instability. I quickly made alternative plans to visit Rome instead for my first trip to Italy.


The early morning sun at DXB Terminal 3 as I arrived at 6am for the start of the trip.


Breakfast in economy. The flight from Dubai to Cyprus took ~30 minutes longer than scheduled and flew via Cairo and avoided Israeli, North Sinai & Syrian airspace.


The EK777 after arrival at Larnaca airport. About half the passengers stayed aboard for the subsequent flight to Malta.


After catching the shuttle bus and checking into my hotel, I went out to explore Nicosia.


I then headed up Ledra St. to the crossing to the Turkish side of Nicosia (Lefkoşa). Apparently the Cypriots are not too keen on TRNC stamps in your passport so the TRNC visa is stamped onto a separate piece of paper.


Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral). Originally built in 1228, it was converted into a mosque in 1570 during the Ottoman era.


Afternoon tea.


A statue of Ataturk at Kyrenia gate.


Catching a ride on a dolmuş/shared taxi for the 25 minute ride to Girne/Kyrenia.


At Kyrenia Castle overlooking the main port.


Kyrenia is the most popular destination in Northern Cyprus, and is surrounded by the hills of the Beşparmak Mountains.


Apple pie and cappacino for 10 lira.


After exploring Kyrenia for a bit I then caught the dolmuş back to Nicosia, and bought a 'Koka-kola' with my last remaining lira.


After relaxing at my hotel for a while, I walked along Ledra St for dinner and had some bacon-wrapped chicken kebabs, greek salad & fries for a very reasonable 8 euro's.


Some more of the local cuisine on offer.


Day 2.

I got up early the next morning and went for a run around the old city walls of Nicosia. Fascinating with all the barbed wire and UN guard posts that keep the city divided into two, almost seems like from a different era. Unfortunately lots of 'no photography' signs though. After breakfast I visited the Agios Ioannis Church, built in 1662.


The Liberty Monument, to commemorate the release of Cyprus EOKA independence fighters from prison by the British in 1959.


A bust of Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus, outside St. John's Cathedral.


Departing Larnaca airport after my short stay in Cyprus. US VP Joe Biden was visiting Cyprus at the same time, and two USAF C-17's and two 757's (Air Force Two) can be seen on the apron.


Flying over the Cyprus Troodos Mountains.


And over Xemxija bay on the approach to Malta airport. Malta is a relatively small country, and you can see the entire extent of the main island as you fly in.


After catching a bus from the airport, I checked into my hotel apartment in Gzira. Very spacious, decent view and great value for $60 a night including breakfast. Valletta, the capital, is just over the water on the top right.


I then went for a walk along the waterfront and grabbed some strawberry gelato.


The capital, Valleta from across the water in Sliema.


Summer.


Business.


High Street.


Laugh.


Sundae.


Pizza di pollo for dinner looking out over the Mediterranean.


Day 3.

Up early the next morning to catch the ferry over to Valetta.


Valletta was a very picturesque and beautiful city.


In Blue.


Character.


The very ornate interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral.


Back at Malta airport for the Alitalia flight to Rome.


Red orange juice & snack for the short flight.


At Fiumicino Airport with the weather looking quite overcast.


After catching the airport train into central Rome, I jumped on the metro to Barberini station to get to my hotel.


Hotel King for my 3 nights in Rome.


After checking in I did a bit of exploring. The crowds at the popular Fontana di Trevi.


Red.


Altare della Patria.


Square.


Polizia.


Puff.


Daughter.


Panino on the Spanish Steps for dinner.