This is the time of the year when a lot of Northern Europeans head southwards towards the sun, and even though I am a bear, and that many of my cousins like cooler climes with snow-capped mountains, I couldnˇ¦t turn down an invitation by an auburn-haired Irishwoman to accompany her on a short holiday to Malta.
Malta is a place I've only ever visited briefly and I know it has a fascinating multi-faceted history. My Irish friend has a passionate interest in all things historical, so in order not to disappoint her I decided to indulge some R and R (reading and research) before my departure.
Of course, when I get there, I shall hope to indulge in the other form of R and R (Rest and Relaxation). I am quite an expert on that.