It seems like a long time ago now, but at the start of June I finished my exams and the school decided to get rid of me for a few days, by sending me to the centre of the EC Universe, the beautiful Island of Malta. I had never been before, here are some collected thoughts:
10 things I learnt about Malta
- It’s a rock. I didn’t see one tree the whole time I was there…
- Everyone said the Maltese were crazy drivers, but I drove around for an afternoon and I survived. I think the Parisians are worse…
- There is a piece of history around every corner. Valletta is like another world, Medina is an ancient paradise, you can feel the centuries under your feet.
- Don’t drive in Valetta! I could have spent hours wandering through the beautiful, old, dusty streets, instead I walked around for 30 minutes and then spent 1 hour trying to drive OUT of the city.
- The Maltese are wonderful people, great at talking, friendly and welcoming, they really made me feel at home.
- I didn’t learn one word of Maltese while I was there. Partly because everybody speaks English, but also because it’s a very difficult language, a mix of Arabic and Italian.
- The food was fantastic. Fresh fish, huge salads and pasta dishes, a real variety of tastes and flavours, and I didn’t try any of it. Four out of my five meals were Pizza. I love Pizza. I think if I lived in Malta I would become a Pizza.
- Air Conditioning is terrible for the environment and bad for the health, but also absolutely necessary. I needed a shower 10 minutes after I left the hotel.
- Malta is a really small island. Everyone knows everyone, people notice if you get a haircut, and it can get quite claustrophobic. Like Huddersfield.
- The post boxes are very interesting. When you have to post a letter, you have two choices: Local or Foreign. That sums it up, really…
Overall I would recommend a visit, for Malta is a beautiful island, full of intrigue, history, amazing weather, and amazing people. Just remember your sun cream. And don’t eat too much Pizza…
Rich