Mdina...but so much more

We set off this morning for Mdina...but were distracted by a tiny church on the way.  The church of Santa Maria ta' Duna is not currently operating as a church, but it is being lovingly restored by locals.  We learnt much about its rich history from two men who are responsible for the restoration...Richard Azzopardi and Frank O'Neill.  They are wonderful characters...such an odd couple.

Richard is an enthusiastic Catholic, quite elderly with a passion for history.  He asked me if I was Catholic.  When I answered, "No", he said, "We love you anyway," and he gave me a big hug.  Frank O'Neill, we learned, is a former teacher, as well as a composer, singer, entertainer...and he draws cartoons from a person's signature!  If you stopped to chat to Frank, as we did, as soon as he knew what country you hailed from, he picked up his guitar and played a tune.  For us it was Waltzing Matilda...and for a couple from Virginia it was John Denver's 'Country Roads'!

Frank is a collector...does that give you an inkling of what's coming...?  Well, Frank is selling much of his personal collection of historical prints, photos...and, yes, vinyl records...to raise funds for the church restoration.  The items are laid out in boxes, piles, on tables, and on display boards within the church...and it's a fascinating treasure trove.  Brent and Frank got chatting and before I knew it Frank was performing David Bowie, Donovan and Simon and Garfunkel tunes on his guitar...and sketching a cartoon based on Brent's signature.  Brent bought a small swag of vinyl - he had to dash back home for cash! - and I found a couple of prints of historical Malta that I've got plans for.

I cannot tell you all the stories we heard and all the avenues we travelled in our conversations with them, but it was the most special experience and I will treasure meeting these two gentlemen for ever.

Eventually we headed to Mdina and spent time wandering the tiny streets, enjoying the architecture and the views from the city walls.  The city is residential, as well as the location for some museums and a drawcard for tourists...I can't imagine what it must be like to live there.  We wandered back at dusk tonight when there was only a few people in the streets...it's atmospheric and a little eerie, and perhaps that's what the residents love.

Splurged on lunch today at L-Istazzjon, a bistro in a restored train station - which is quite unique as there are no longer any trains in Malta...so it's a quick street pastizzi for dinner...perfect!