Saaremaa is the largest island in the Estonian Archipelago. It is connected to the smaller island of Muhu by a 1.5 mile causeway. The islands’ milder climate and strategic location are two of the reasons that these islands have been seized and fought over by so many powers. If you have been reading some of the history posts on this website, you will no doubt know that this is common as regards islands. History There have been inhabitants on Saaremaa…
This month we remain in Europe, exploring the quiet and serenity of the Estonian islands. The islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi and hundreds of smaller islands are located in the eastern Baltic Sea off the west coast of Estonia. Wide expanses of juniper forest, windmills, lighthouses and quaint farmhouses characterize these islands. An idyllic escape from the stresses of our modern world, crime and pollution are virtually nonexistent. Instead, fresh, pine-scented air, ocean breezes, rural unspoiled landscapes and friendly…
The cuisine of Malta shows heavy influence from Sicilian and English cuisine, as well as Spanish, French, North African and Arabic cuisines. Malta’s strategic location and history have contributed to the forming of a multi-faceted and delicious array of interesting dishes. It was as a reaction to a hunting ban by the Knights of St. John, that rabbit became so popular, and likewise, the predominance of pork in the cuisine was a reaction to the non Christian powers that ruled…
With 7,000 years of history, the most perfect climate and highest number of sunny days in Europe, English as one of the official languages and incredible cities, towns, beaches and nightlife, it is no wonder that Malta is a popular tourist destination. UNESCO’s world heritage website calls the capital city Valletta – the smallest in Europe, by the way – “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. Valletta Lets do a quick tour and start with Valletta….