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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Malta Homepage

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and north of Libya, and is a popular tourist destination.

Languages spoken here are English, Italian, and Maltese.

Maltese resulted from the fusion of North African Arabic and a Sicilian dialect of Italian and is the only Semitic language officially written in Latin script. 

Malta has a long and fascinating history, having been ruled by various civilizations including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and British.

The turbulent history of this archipelago shows that it played a vital role in the succession of powers for domination of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location compelled the Maltese to be a part of the interplay between emerging Europe and the older cultures of Africa and the Middle East.

While the British were the last to rule Malta, the country became independent from Britain and joined the Commonwealth in 1964, was declared a republic in 1974, and was admitted to the European Union in 2004.

Map of Malta

Stories Rabat, Malta

(Pronounced Ir-rah-BAHT, MAHL-tuh)

 

View from the bedroom in Apartment in Rabat, Malta

Our Apartment in Rabat, Malta

Our instructions were to contact the bakery downstairs upon arrival. After a bit of hip-slamming on the downstairs door, Paula brings us upstairs to show us the apartment. It’s a lovely rental with 2 balconies and 3 windows / doors that open out to the street with wonderful views. We are right in the historic district and the limestone of the city stone is vanilla-colored like the stone in Lecce, Italy.

2 Cisk Lagers at The Grotto Tavern cafe/bar, Rabat, Malta The Grotto Tavern Rabat, Malta

We arrived in Malta after twice visiting Sicily with its oversized personality and bold food flavors. Due to its strategic location, Sicily had been invaded over the centuries by various conquerors. Each of them left some of their identities and culture behind on the peoples - and it showed. Malta, also, has a strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, and it, too, had been invaded by the same peoples. However... From our point of view, not much of the rich or vivid was left behind - and it showed.

One of the sea caves, the Blue Grotto, Malta The Blue Grotto Malta

The Blue Grotto is a nature-made series of sea caverns on the south east coast of Malta. Over thousands of years, the limestone formations here have been eroded by the force of the sea and weather, creating beautiful openings perfect for photographs and boat tours.

Fried rabbit at La Rabtija Restaurant, Malta La Rabtija Restaurant Rabat, Malta

Just down the street from our apartment in Malta is this traditional Maltese Restaurant. Called La Rabtija - the name one gives for a local who lives in Rabat, Malta - this restaurant specializes in traditional food of the island.

colorful box window balconies, Rabat, Malta  

Bright, Colorful Limestone Buildings on the Streets of Rabat, Malta

By the time we reached Rabat, Malta, we had seen plenty of rocks and stones. There were Roman ruins, amphitheaters, The Appian Way, churches, Cathedrals, whole Medieval towns made from limestone, hikes up big stone hills, and strategic harbors where invaders of the entire area of the Mediterranean invaded to lay claim to resources and take slaves. Arriving in Malta - to be honest - we were "stoned and rocked-out".

colorful hammock stretched between the mast and the bow of a sailing vessel Our Sailboat Trip in Malta

Have you ever been on a bad blind date? You know it won't work the moment you meet, and there's this "uh-oh" feeling with no polite way of escaping. That's what it was like with our commissioned sailing trip on this island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

Typical Maltese Kiosk in Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta: A Sun-Kissed Historical Gem

Valletta, the vibrant capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Often hailed as Europe's sunniest city, Valletta offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Outdoor seating at Ta Xbiex Water Polo Club Restaurant, Malta Ta Xbiex Water Polo Club Restaurant Ta Xbiex, Malta (Pronounced TASH-besh, MAHL-tuh)

We had just finished our motoring-should-have-been-sailing trip through the Grand Harbor in Valletta, Malta. This restaurant was recommended to us for the artistic display of delicious food they served, as well as boasting Malta's best view. You had us - let's go!

Mdina: Malta's Silent City

We journeyed to Mdina today, the historic walled city of Malta. Arriving around 9 AM, we were fortunate to capture the morning’s soft shadows without the bustling crowds that typically swoop in upon the town around 11 AM. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Mdina has played a pivotal role in Malta’s history.

 

 

 

 

MALTA VIDEOS

Our Arrival in Rabat, Malta

We take a taxi from the international airport on Malta to our rented apartment. For the 30 minute drive, it is $22Euros. It's our first look at Malta, which is very clean and in good repair. Our friendly taxi driver does a great job. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

The View from our Apartment in Rabat, Malta

We are right in the center of town, and this is the view from one of our three balconies. You can see St. Paul's Cathedral, buildings from the Medieval period, a bar-bistro, and the popular La Rabtija Bar and Restaurant. The road below leads to the center where many shops are located. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

The Day After the Night Before, Rabat, Malta

After a night of the air conditioner in our apartment raining water down upon us, and the fan motor grinding and roaring into the early morning hours, we are a bit dazed the day after. Repair men show up, but forget to do the complete job and must return. Meanwhile, the maid has our mattress out on the balcony, drying. Billy expresses his lack-of-sleep frustration and gives TMI. Take a look. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

Using BOLT on Malta, a Ride Sharing Service like Uber

October 7th We learned from some expats last night at Happy Hour about BOLT. It's a ride sharing service like Uber, but quicker, cheaper and with more drivers available. This was a great tip, and we used it all throughout our stay. This was our first ride, on our way to the Blue Grotto. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

 

 

 

 

At the Blue Grotto on Malta – a Popular Tourist Spot

It took thousands of years for the wind and water to carve out these limestone caves. When the conditions are right, the blue of the water reflects on the walls of the cave. You can hire a boat from the neighboring fishing village for a tour through these caves. Price is $10-$15USD and children are ˝ price.  To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.    

Returning from The Blue Grotto using BOLT, in Malta

We just saw the beautiful limestone caves called The Blue Grotto in Malta. We are using a new ride share service called BOLT – like Uber, but is available 24/7 with more drivers, so their response time is swift. We drive through the arid countryside as Fernando sings a song that his parents really liked, and for which he was named. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.   

The World's Smallest Kitchen – Our Apartment in Malta

Billy shows you the smallest kitchen in the world. Having traveled the world, and having lived in an RV for years, this kitchen is the smallest one we have ever used! It has a 220volt one burner, a mini-fridge, microwave and a single sink. Only about 4 feet wide, the tiny window looks out on St. Paul's Cathedral. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.   

A Walk Down Republic Street, Downtown Valletta, the Capital City of Malta

Billy takes you down the walking street of Republic Street in the capital city of Valletta, Malta. Here you will see lots of people enjoying the shops, restaurants, historical buildings and the Co-Cathedral of St. John. A Renaissance city, Valletta has the urban planning and architecture of that time period. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here

The View of Grand Harbor from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Malta

We are at the Upper Barrakka Gardens with a spectacular view of the Grand Harbor in Malta. You will see the famous 3 cities that border this harbor which played a big role in the Great Siege of 1565. The Knights of St. John and the local Maltese were able to defeat the Ottoman Empire invasion here, which changed the course of Malta forever, and stopped the Muslim invasion of Europe at that time. The body of water you are viewing is called the Sliema Creek which separates Valletta from Sliema. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

Billy's Not Thrilled with Malta – Valletta

For several reasons, Malta did not float our boats. Because Malta had been invaded by countless empires over the centuries – the same as Sicily and southern Italy – we expected a vibrant, bold country with amazing food offerings. Instead, we found a cruise ship stopover, a large tourist destination, with blandish food. It's one of the sunniest countries in Europe and very clean. Residents of rainy European countries come here for the dry, hot weather. To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here. 

Our Bolt Ride across Malta – from Valletta to Rabat

We are finding that BOLT is a great ride share in Europe with fast and friendly service. Affordable too! Our driver today is Herberto, from Colombia and we chat a bit about his life and Malta too. Herberto came to Malta to visit friends, but Covid broke out and he couldn't leave, spending all his money. Then he had to find work to survive. At the end of the video, he recommends The Crystal Palace for the best Pastizzi on the island, and he takes us there! To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

THE Best Tasting Food on Malta! Pastizzi, Crystal Palace, Rabat

We are at the Crystal Palace in Rabat, Malta, where there is a line out the door to order the most delicious snack on Malta. All the taxi drivers mention this little savory stuffed pastry, and so we thought we'd give it a try. They are delicious and affordable, and Crystal Palace stays open (almost) 24/7. Get there before the lunch rush! To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.

Walking to the Crystal Palace Bar for Some Pastizzis, Rabat, Malta

We are in Rabat, Malta, walking up the street to get some delicious Pastizzis for lunch. We were here yesterday and were impressed with the flavor of this old traditional snack. Generally served with milk and tea in a glass, Crystal Palace Bar is open (almost) 24/7 and is a favorite of the locals. The owner sees us taking this video, and he proudly shows you a full tray of his Pastizzis. Get there before the line starts at lunch! To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here

 

 

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

 

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