Early riser

I wake about 5am. usually, come round a bit and then get up. This morning the sun was a big red and orange ball in the sky, everything was quiet and peaceful and it looks like being a lovely day.
After a light breakfast I come here to my PC to read my mail, the first job of my day. I look forward to mail from friends far and near, hearing of all their 'doings' and travels. The photos they send take me armchair travelling all over as I can no longer travel.

I used to spend a lot of time in Malta. I have a Maltese cousin and her family there so have spent Easters, Christmas and lots of other times with them. I've explored all the sights of the island just like a tourist would, but tourists don't usually go into Maltese homes or Convents to meet their nun friends or have a monk come to supper.

One occasion sticks in my memory.We were invited to tea at one of their friend's. Their home was like a palace inside, huge, cool with a grand staircase in the hall. Compared to that I live in a cupboard!
We sat around a gigantic table with all the family. Mother, father, grandparents, and old aunts. The older generation spoke no English, only their native Maltese. I have never seen so many fancy cakes and mouthwatering goodies outside a delicatessen that were spread there. I was told they were all made by the old aunts. They were a wealthy family, they owned a Shoe shop in Valetta and all the older ladies were draped in enough gold to open a jeweller's store! But so friendly and welcoming. A wonderful experience.