The island nation of Malta became part of the British Empire in 1800 after the French were driven out in 1799. They gained their independence in 1964 and the last of the British forces and other personnel left the island in 1979. The Maltese people owed a lot to the British for providing infrastructure and political stability. Their legacy can be found all over the island from place names like Pembroke and St Andrews, to building architecture and even old bars with names like “The Pub” and “The British Sailors Club”.
One legacy that has remained, that is very visible and iconic, is the red telephone box. These can be found all over the island and most of them are actually maintained and in working order. They provide a colorful contrast against the limestone buildings, and tourists take delight in photographing each other standing next to them.
I found these two on the sister island of Gozo, one with a door and the other without, and couldn’t help to stop and take my own pictures.
I enjoy these British phone booths!
I’m not sure the last time I saw a phone booth in North America. Maybe at an airport somewhere, but they’ve all but completely disappeared (thanks to near universal ownership of cell phones).