Alfie's place was amazing. First, the area, Birgu, is an open-air museum, with buildings dating back centuries. Alfie's place is very near the town square, with a few small shops and cafes. It is a couple blocks away from St. Lawrence's church (architectural masterpiece) and very near the bay where you can get a ferry into Valetta (10 euros for a week pass). Valetta has public transit running everywhere on the island (45 minutes to Mdina, an hour to Marsaxlock) and is filled with breathtaking architecture, great food etc. While Valetta is a bit of a shopping mall, it is nonetheless an amazing place to visit. Malta is full of amazing places to visit, and Alfie's place provides you in good proximity to reach everything via public transit. Alfie's is additionally near a couple of spectacular restaurants, and my favorite café in the world - Birgu Café - whose owners are lovely people.
On top of all of this, Alfie was an incredible host. He offered to pick us up from the airport at a discount, and was there to drop us off on our return. I had a work emergency - in which I required a replacement power adapter but the stores in Paris were closed and would not be open before our departure, and the stores in Malta would be closed the next day. I asked Alfie if he could do me a gigantic favor and pick up the part for compensation. He did it and refused compensation. His generosity and kindness were simply remarkable. He was a great informational resource about local transportation options and amenities. He was the definition of a good host, and we are hoping to return as soon as possible.
Alfie, thanks for everything. I wish you all the success in the world and greatly appreciate your kindness. We hope to be visiting again.