“Kharmen” is an typical Maltese house, built from "Limestone" as mostly all houses built in the past. Ryan and his mother came to welcome us and gave us a short tour around the house.
They brought wine, bread and cheese – perfect for the first evening !
The stones have a typical smell - open windows and door - let the wind around.. otherwise the stones smell a little humid. But this is normal for a house built from this stones. (Maltese people told us that such house needs a whole summer to dry - and two rainy days to get wet).
The kitchen is fully equipped to prepare breakfast or small meals. A second fridge is located on the roof top - so there is no need to step down to get a cold beer - cheers!
Talking about stairs – there are a lot of steps in the house! Exactly 67 from living room to the top, so honestly this is really no place for people with knee or hip problems. All others will feel fitter in a few days!
There is a smart TV in the small living room - perfect for Netflix/ pay TV. The kitchen and the adjacent bathroom are two steps up from the living room, “few” steps higher is the first sleeping room with window looking to the small street – maltese live included!
One stair higher is the second sleeping room (in progress at the moment), after the next stairs you finally reach the roof top. Washing machine and fridge and a second toilet are on the same level.
The roof top has a wonderful view of Valetta overlooking the harbour including arrivals/ exits of cruise ships…perfect for a warm evening and a glass of wine as mentioned.
And: Do not rent a car! There is no parking space around. If you want to buy a lot water and food if you start your stay- drive with the bus to the Chain-Market and call a Taxi for the way back (€ 15,00 only). Walking distance to Chain market about 2 km. A photo of the street sign might be helpful to explain ot the driver..
A small shop to fulfill your needs is also nearby – maybe 400 meters to walk. They offer some bread, eggs, wine and cheese and such things… it is just a little shop – but not bad!
If you want clean up the trash or empty bottles – store the plastic bag on the other side of the street. The service drives every day – also on Sunday!
The bus traffic is absolutely OK! If you want go to Valetta take a water taxi or the ferry. It is € 2,00 per person/ way - no need to rent a car and park maybe far away.. it is up to you!
We had ten wonderful days in Malta, but the best thing was the breakfast and the "evening wine" on the roof top! Vittoriosa is the best place to experience Malta. Just a few minutes to walk down to the little Center with good restaurants. That is great to start a tour around - and come back in the end to a place that is quiet and not so crowdy (only few tourists).
If you have questions –ask Ryan! He is very helpful and has always good tips for every occasion.
Thanks to Ryan for renting the house to us! If we plan another trip – we will surely come back to “Kharmen”!