The Call of the Sea

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon as I found myself in the bustling town of Sliema, ready to embark on the Hera Cruise. The air was thick with anticipation, a feeling I knew all too well from my days in the Arctic, waiting for the ice to shift and reveal its secrets. But today, the only ice I would encounter was in the form of chilled drinks aboard a luxurious Turkish Gulet, promising a day of exploration around Malta’s stunning coastline.

The journey began with a slight hiccup, a reminder of the unpredictability of travel. The taxi ride from Zebbug, expected to be a swift thirty minutes, stretched into an hour and a quarter due to Malta’s infamous traffic. Yet, the crew of the Hera Cruise, understanding and accommodating, held the boat for us. As we finally set sail, the gentle breeze and the promise of adventure washed away any lingering frustration.

A Dance with the Elements

As the Gulet glided along the coastline, I was reminded of the vast, untouched landscapes of the polar regions. Here, the cliffs were not ice but stone, and the waters were a crystalline blue rather than a frigid white. The recorded commentary provided insights into the various villages and attractions we passed, each with its own story etched into the Maltese landscape.

The first stop at Fomm il-Rih offered a chance to swim, but the allure of the sea was tempered by the presence of numerous other boats, their passengers indulging in the revelry of a booze cruise. Instead, I chose to explore the island of Comino on foot, seeking solitude and reflection amidst its untouched beauty. The island’s raw, natural charm was reminiscent of the Arctic’s desolate yet captivating allure.

Back on the boat, the atmosphere was relaxed, with the gentle sway of the sea providing a soothing backdrop to the day. The free-flowing wine and beer, though not of the finest vintage, added a convivial touch to the journey. As we sailed past the majestic Dingli Cliffs, the strains of “Stairway to Heaven” played softly, a fitting soundtrack to the awe-inspiring scenery.

The Gentle Return

The return journey to Sliema was a time for reflection, much like the long treks back to base camp after a day of Arctic exploration. The sea, though occasionally rough, was a gentle giant, rocking the boat with a rhythm that was both comforting and exhilarating. The risk of spilling a cup of wine was a small price to pay for the experience of being at one with the elements.

As we docked back in Sliema, the day felt like a well-spent adventure, a reminder of the beauty that lies beyond the familiar. The Hera Cruise had offered a glimpse into a world where nature and history intertwined, much like the icy landscapes I had come to know so well. It was a day that stood in stark contrast to the mass tourism experiences often found in such destinations, offering instead a journey of discovery and wonder.

In the end, the Hera Cruise was more than just a day at sea; it was a testament to the enduring allure of exploration, a call to venture beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.