Cirwekka Diving

Brig has been looking into diving since the day we arrived, and he finally got the chance to plan an excursion when we were snorkeling at Golden Bay on Saturday. Other members of the group wanted to dive with Brig, but as none of us are certified we decided to snorkel at the dive site instead. When we awoke Monday morning it was pouring rain and many of us were considering staying home, but we all decided to go anyway. The dive school led us to a dive site in northwest Malta called Cirkewwa. Upon arrival our decisions were rewarded with flat clear water, no rain, and a little sunshine as well. With almost perfect conditions we jumped in the water and immediately saw groups of fish and a few jellyfish. During our lunch break many of us saw dolphins playing in the distance, and Christina found a colony of hermit crabs.

Chris's Day

This Saturday was Chris's last day in Malta before he left to rejoin his family in San Luis Obispo. Chris really wanted to visit a place on Malta that he had not been before during this, and his previous visits. So, looking through our guidebook, he stumbled upon Golden Bay.

Golden Bay is a small inlet with a sandy beach, small waves, and a great place to go snorkeling. Despite the looming clouds, snorkeling took place by some, while half of us, me included, decided to lay out on the beach enjoying the sunshine while it was still around. Zoe and Tyler dug a big hole - which Tyler decided to sit in. Later, Tyler and Andy went exploring - ending up on the top of large overhanging cliff to the right of the beach, while Joe, Zoe, and I fell asleep, napping in the sun.

After the snorkelers got back, we all went on a short hike up to the top of the overhanging cliff on the left side of the beach where an old abandoned watch tower stood. We then hiked up the hill further to some more abandoned buildings.

After watching the clock closely we headed back down to the bus stop to catch the last bus out of the area at 5:05 pm - and as usual, it was Mr. Toad's wild ride the whole 30 minute ride back to Sliema.

Everyone was happy and tired getting back to the apartment - a very needed restful day, full of exploring and good times.

Underwater Roboticists Unplugged

Snorkeling Day 1

On Chris's last day we decided to be a bit more adventurous than usual. Chris really wanted to go swimming in the Mediterranean and what a better way to enjoy the beautiful weather than laying out on the beach and snorkeling for a few hours. The scenery was picturesque with clear shallow water surrounded by a bright blue sky. The best part of snorkeling was not the wildlife in the water (as there was about 2 fish that I saw) but spending a good length of time enjoying our surroundings both above and below the water. A good chunk of the time we spent in the water was laying on our backs while floating in the water, enjoying each others company, and taking everything in. It was truly a unique experience.

Exploring the Mediterranean

Postcard worthy view of the beautiful underwater landscape

Putting on the flippers!

Laying back and enjoying the view

Up-close and personal looking up at the bright blue sky

Acrobatics underwater

Enjoying the warm, clear waters of the Mediterranean.

The saying,"A picture is worth a thousand words" couldn't be more true in this picture.