In Ghar Dalam cave

It was back on the bus this morning, but a shorter journey in a different direction. South this time, to Pretty Bay. A stunning beach of golden sands and azure water, buildings of arches and balconies, and palm tree reflections shimmering in the sea. Even the huge gantries of the massive cargo port across the water with its container ships loading and unloading couldn't detract from it. If anything it added to the ambiance somehow, this is a place that works for it's living, it seems to say, and doesn't care at all what you think. 
The sunshine was hot. It was lovely. 
We spent a couple of hours there, had lunch in one of the beach cafes then caught the bus to Ghar Dalam. 
Here there is a deep cave which goes back a long way into the hill. Part of it can be visited. Most of it has been excavated and a little museum next door shows off many of the bones found there. Hippo and elephant and bear, and so on. Miniaturised Maltese species, long since died out. 
People lived there 7,000 years ago, and in the deepest part a rare woodlouse still lives. It's found nowhere else and is protected. 
Fred didnt like it much in here and they waited outside while I wandered about and took some pictures. 
Outside is a nature reserve and at last we hear birdsong, lots of it, and see birds other than sparrows and pigeons. There are beehives in the valley, and huge thickets of wild prickly pear. 
Afterwards we went back into Valletta for a wander before taking the water taxi home. 
Another brillliant day. We are all loving it here and not much looking forward to going home.