Take the bus to the nearer Lidl in San Gwann. Theory, at least. Actually end up in Mosta, which we recognise from years back as the place with the enormous church dome modelled on the pantheon. Decide to save it for better appreciation on another day. On return bus actually spot Lidl at an impossible angle to see while travelling in the opposite direction. So milk, oranges, apples, aubergine, lettuce, cheese, honey, peanuts, mushrooms, coffee, pesto, oatcakes, courgettes, muesli, wine. The basics.
The bus network pretty well covers the island and in a country that is 17 miles by 9 there's nothing that's more than a day trip. Actually Sicily is a day trip, but a pretty long day - up at five and home about midnight, so we're wavering. Spent six weeks in Malta eleven years ago, so no compelling need to revisit everything. Significant changes this time. Many new highrises of no particular aesthetic merit and many of the older buildings in dire need of repair. Charm still there but at risk.