PlaneToTable

One of the things that draw me to a new place is the opportunity to see its natural beauty, especially if its rare or one of a kind. I was lucky enough to see the the Azure Window in Malta before it was no more, and it was the experience of a lifetime.

If you haven’t heard of the Azure Window, it was a natural arch on the coast of Gozo in Malta, created by the erosion of two limestone cliffs. At 28 meters tall and 30 meters wide, it was one of the largest natural arches in the world. Tourists flocked from around the globe to take in stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea crashing against the base of the window. The scene was so picturesque that the site was featured in several movies and TV shows, most notably Game of Thrones. I remember leaping from the couch with glee upon seeing it on the show. It brought back one of my fondest travel memories.

In March 2017 the Azure window unfortunately collapsed due to erosion. I can imagine that this dealt a serious blow to the Maltese economy as both locals and tourists alike, including myself, had grown to love the natural wonder. I had hopes of bringing my child to see it someday, but that’s no longer possible. The collapse serves a reminder of how delicate and impermanent life is. You’ve got to get out and see the world while you can because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Despite its demise, the Azure Window remains a symbol of Malta’s cultural heritage. The government has set up a center near the location where tourists can learn more about the geology and history of the Azure Window and the surrounding area.

I feel blessed to have been able to witness its beauty in person. If you missed it, don’t worry too much because there are plenty of other once in a lifetime things to do in Malta. I’ll be blogging about them shortly.