Today is a more relaxed day. After waking up early—like every day—and having the same breakfast as always, I head down to the bus terminal.

The plan is to be in Balzan by 13:30. But first, I have a mission: completing Malta’s Diamond status on Project-GC. That means finding a geocache in all five regions of the country, and I’m only missing one.

I catch the 212 bus toward Sliema, deep in the fifth region, where I can find a few caches. The weather looks unstable, and the forecast isn’t promising, so my umbrella comes along.

The bus is packed, and I have to stand for 42 minutes, making it hard to enjoy the coastal views as much as I’d like. But eventually, I arrive. Perfect stop—the geocache is just 80 meters away by the water. Logged!

Rocks near the ocean can be slippery, which I proceed to confirm by slipping and landing straight on my ass as my left foot disappears to the side. Well tested.

Geocaching and Exploring

Back up, heading to the next cache. This area looks much nicer than St. Paul’s Bay—cleaner, more residential, but still densely built. No surprise, considering Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.

The second cache is an easy find, finally a container big enough for trackables—of course, mine are all in my hotel room.

The next one is on a small “island” in the middle of the street, hidden in an old British telephone booth.

I spot a shopping center and decide to check it out. Two minutes later, I’m done. Nothing interesting. Dark and boring.

Time for a drink and some fruit before moving on. Just as I log the next cache, the rain starts. Umbrella up, heading to the nearest bus stop. The moment I step onto the bus to Valletta, it starts pouring. Lucky timing.

By the time I arrive at the Valletta terminal, the rain has stopped. I make a quick stop to grab a mystery cache I pre-solved but missed last time. Short break in Valletta for a bathroom stop, then onto the next bus to Balzan. Another cache I had solved at home is waiting to be logged.

Easy find. But on my walk back, the rain returns—this time, much heavier. I take shelter at a bus stop before heading to today’s main event—Antonio’s Barber Shop.

The Barber Experience

I have a 14:00 appointment but arrive early. Better to wait inside than stand in the rain. Luck is on my side—the previous customer is a no-show, so I get in ahead of schedule.

I booked the Master Barber experience—full service. Hair, beard, face. Masks, creams, massage, wash… and a glass of Japanese whisky. He even has a private “Executive Room” for his clients. I feel truly pampered and could easily stay for hours. But after about an hour, everything is done, and it’s time to leave.

The Bus Ride from Hell

Stepping outside, the rain starts again. Best option: take the bus back to St. Paul’s Bay.

The bus stop is crowded. One bus is late, and everyone—including a group of Italian students—is trying to get on.

When it finally arrives, it’s full to the last corner. I somehow squeeze in and stand, packed like a sardine, for 59 minutes. Bad bus luck today. It doesn’t empty until just before the terminal, so no chance of getting a seat.

Ending the Day

Before heading to the hotel, I stop for coffee and cake. A mango cake and a café latte at Michele’s Café & Restaurant—fantastic.

Then back to the hotel around the corner. Relaxing for a bit before dinner—doner kebab, ordered via Bolt. Only took 16 minutes. Easy and satisfying.

A “relaxing” day, but even today, I got plenty of walking in.