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Malta

2 Years Locally Abroad in Malta – What Happened?

by Ines May 14, 2019

written by Ines

WOW! Two years have passed since we packed up our life in Havana, and flew off to Europe. Very soon we will celebrate our 2nd anniversary on this island and wow, what a journey it has been. Two years Locally Abroad in Malta and I so many things happened in that time.
Since I want to share more about me and my life, I thought this is an excellent opportunity for a more personal post about why we ended up in Malta, what happened in our two years here.

New Views

Exciting Move to an Unknown Island

The last two years have been a lot for me. I settled in a new country (ok to be fair: nothing I really struggle with). We have faced ups and downs, emotionally and financially. I went from my first full-time office job to a comfortable work in marketing, to a job that was ultimately off and became a freelancer and fully independent from my location. In these two years, we made terrific new friends, visited lots of new places and kind of grew up more. Well, at least we think we did…

I went from extreme highs to extreme lows, lied on the beach countless times, started working 12h+ on many many days, took a class, started a career and am now starting a business. I got sunburned, I thought I will freeze to death in the Mediterranean winter (I know a bit dramatic) and bought a whole new wardrobe.

During the two years, I did lots of new stuff, I went to a 5-star dinner and a rooftop pool-party for example, but I had the best food at BBQs on the beach with friends. I found back to my passion, and I am mixing work in front of my laptop with other activities.

Discovering the beauty of Gozo

Are you ready to get a glimpse on my two years locally abroad? A lot has changed since I first started this blog.

Settling in Malta

It was around February 2017 when we were visiting my family and friends in Germany and were about to head back to Havana when we decided to move to Europe. We were looking into some places until my boyfriend asked out of the blue: ” So what do you think about Malta.

“At the time I connected 2 things with Malta: The one counselor at an English camp (yeah that’s a thing) I went to when I was 13, who was from Malta and that I wanted to go there on a language course once when I was 16 but got sick and had to stay home instead. Now that I know what those look like I can assure my parents, that I would have probably learned more about partying than English.
Anyway, so Malta, a place that has never really been on my radar. But well, I am always open to new experiences. So I started googling, and it really ticked a couple of boxes for me. Work was apparently easy to find (which turned out to be true) and rent looked affordable (turned out to be slightly different).

Traveling as one of the big perks of the move

How we arrived on the rock

So we went back to Cuba, I send out a couple of CVs tried to find a reliable person to take over my tours in Havana and started creating content on a freelance basis. We booked our tickets, cleaned out our apartment and clutters my in-laws’ house with our stuff. Since we did not know if we might move back eventually. Well, now we know, and I had to clean out a lot of clutter the last time we visited. However, I got my dream tattoo a couple of days before we left and we a small goodbye dinner with the family. And then we were off.

We had a week in Nuremberg before we finally touched the island. In that week, I secured my first interview. We arrived on a Friday, and I had the interview the following Monday. So enough time for a little sightseeing and oh yeah I had to buy some work attire. I then learned that you do not really need fancy business clothes in the iGaming industry.

Settling in Malta was reasonably easy for us. I got the job I interviewed for so we had a secure income, then we found a decent apartment and did your papers.

After a bit less than a year, we changed our apartment as we figured out that our landlord was about to sell and did not want to move in the summer. (I will write more about our apartment hunt you can, however, check this for some practical advice).

Anyway, for us settling here was quite easy and I have to say we were fortunate. Malta also turned out to be a good starting point for more journeys and travels all over Europe.

Human relations

The biggest plus about our move here is the people we met. There is a weird bunch of expats in Malta, and that creates a beautiful community of people who are happy to make new friends. Our first contact, the couple and doggo Dama, we stayed with when we arrived became terrific friends, through them we met more friends and through them others.

We also met people randomly who became friends. I met lovely friends at work and can’t really complain. Since I started hosting photo walks in Valletta, I am also meeting a lot of interesting people from all over the world.

And even though is this island is a temporary solution for many people. Including me, but that is another story, friendships last. I love this community here. It is amazing how normal it is to have friends from so many different parts of the world. Everybody seems to fit in somehow. Of course, there are always people one does not, because let’s be honest that is how life works. I met a lot of those as well. Luckily they are not the majority.

Cafes for remote work in Malta coffee and Laptop

Work looks like this now

Emotional Rollercoaster

Not everything has been roses, and even though I am pretty happy here, I am reaching out my feelers to see where to go next. But that is mainly because I am a bit restless. It has been a good two years here, and I learned so much. I started a completely new career, and I love it. Then I went to a class and made a marketing degree while working in the same field and learning on the job before I decided I was ready to give freelancing a try.

All the Emotions in Two Years

I had downs and really high highs, and I still do, struggling with life and work and my personal failures. Those sometimes just seem to be failures for me. I never was an ambitious person. I just started to become one now, and boy it is exhausting! Frequently I get stressed out because these two years passed so fast and it is so good to take a moment like this and let them pass by again, remembering everything I learned and achieved and the obstacles we pushed away. That I am still not super rich and travel as much as I want to. That is ok I realized, I came pretty close to that in a short time. I mentioned that in my post about being a part-time nomad, and I might write one about my dreams.

I started a new career, and I love what I am doing, and I hope that with my new skills I can create even more work I love. Well, I do get frustrated with this place at times and dream about living here in the summer and have a base somewhere in a big city at times, but it has been a great starting point and allowed me to learn so much and evolve a lot. Being so small and dynamic Malta has brought a lot of advantages for me and my career, it was a great environment to learn and grow. Who is to know what is next for us?

So, all in all, it has been a good two years on this island and as this was a more personal post about my journey here. I will add one focused more about living on the island and what you could expect.

There are already posts on how to find a job and an apartment on the island.

I am hoping for many new adventures now and muuuuuch more travel, did I mention that I am restless? There is just so much to see, and I want to live in many different places.

So let’s see where I’ll be locally abroad next!

May 14, 2019

Malta Tips Malta

6 Unique Bars in Valletta for Drinks and Nibbles

by Ines March 21, 2019

written by Ines

Recently, I have been spending so much time in Valletta lately, and I feel that I owe you a couple of tips and insides in this city. I just started hosting photo-walks in Malta’s capital I am back to doing one more thing what I love: discovering hidden gems and showing them to others. During these tours, we do not just take stunning pictures, but I point out my favorite hidden gems to fellow travelers. And now I thought I let you in on some of them. Let’s start with some unique bars in Valletta for a drink and some snacks and a great chat.

The small city has a lot of bars with a unique appeal, and I love stopping by in some of them. Especially now that the sun comes out again and you can sit outside with a drink and just enjoy the city and these cute bars in Valletta. Which one will be your favorite?

Wild Honey – The Place for Beer Lovers and Craft Beer Fanatics

Wild Honey is located in the heart of Valletta and is an oasis for beer lovers. It has a broad selection of craft beers, Belgian beers and many other options from the bottle or of draft beers. It tops that selection with nice decor homey vibes and knowledgeable bartenders. The guys are really lovely and always happy to help with the choice. And they have everything from ordinary ales to beers that taste like candy. Also, they offer a range of platters and nibbles so you won’t stay hungry while drinking yourself through their collection.

Opens at 5pm

My favorite: Delirium from the draft

Address: 127 St.Lucy Street, Valletta

Café society – Culture meets Cocktails.

This bar in Valletta is beautiful, creates great events like movie screenings or live music nights and more. It is quite small, but there is plenty of room outside. Good, that the summer is coming up. They also make great cocktails and especially a fantastic Aperol Spritz. Apart from common drinks, they have their own creations. Now they expanded their menu and also offer nibbles and platters so you won’t stay hungry while enjoying all those fabulous drinks. Café Society is a great spot for everyone.

Opens at 12pm

My favorite: Aperol Spritz

Address: 13, St Johns Street

Loop Bar – Nostalgic Vibes and Maltese Bites

Fancy a trip back to the 50ies? Then you are right at Loop Bar. It is located in the famous Straight street and not just fun because of its original interiors. It is also great for a drink and a Maltese platter with local treats to escape the afternoon sun in Summer. Or just to enjoy a drink and some food at any time of the year. They have a happy hour and great Maltese food and beverages. It is a great place to catch some shade, breathe some nostalgia and have a drink with some traditional bites.

Opens at 12pm

My favorite: Maltese Platter

Address: 60A, Strait St,

Yard 32 Gin & Tapas – Live Music, Tapas and Gin

Yard 32 is THE spot for Gin lovers they offer around 200 gins and 42 tonic waters. They top this up with delicious tapas and live music on three nights a week. In my opinion, it sounds perfect, and I love the atmosphere they create, and I do not even drink Gin Tonic. The decoration of the bar is excellent as well and all in all, it is just one of the best bars in Valletta. They also have a great Aperol Spritz, Beers and non-alcoholic drinks in case you are like me and want to enjoy the place without gin. The Spanish tapas and drinks are amazing too, so you have a great time in one of the best bars in Valletta without having to care about Gin or Tonic.

Opens at 6pm (closed on Monday and Tuesday)

My favorite: Sangria and Tinto de Verano and all the Tapas (Just because I don’t really drink gin)

Address: 32 Strait Street

The Beer Cave – Beer lovers and Live Music

Another bar in Valletta that has the best description in the name. Beer Cave is a bar in an old basement that serves mainly beer. In its past the cellars where a kitchen and used to be part of the home to one of the wealthiest families in Valletta. Here you will find beers from all over the world, although I have to say that Franconia (the region in Germany where I’m from) is highly underrepresented, that and the Franconian beer is a topic for another time. Apart from offering a huge selection of beer the bar also holds live concerts.

Fotocredit: Castille Hotel

Opens at 12pm

My favorite: Pilsner Urquell

Address: Castille Hotel, Castille Square

Rum Runner – The Name Says It All

Somewhat new in the selection of bars in Valletta is Rum Runner a bar focused on … well, you guessed it rum. Living in Cuba told me about rum and how to love it. It is, in fact, the only strong alcohol I drink. So, I was excited that a place started focusing just on rum and the good kind, not the rum you drink as a shot or mix with coke. They also have Platters and other small dished to keep the rum company in your stomach, and even though the decoration is not super impressive the atmosphere is cozy, and the owner is charming. Also, now you can sit outside and enjoy your rum in the sun. They also have great rum-based cocktails like Mojito and their own creations. Pirates would have loved this spot. Their special is the spicy Mojito.

Opens at 3pm

My favorite: Rum 😉

Address: 69, Triq Santa Lucia

Don’t miss put on these spots when you visit Valletta and that is not all as there are so many other places that are worth discovering this is just the first post on a series about Valletta. There will be a lot more about sights, restaurants, and things to do. Have you been yet? What are your favorite bars in Valletta?

March 21, 2019

Malta Moving to Malta Tips Malta

Winters in The Mediterranean – The True Story

by Ines January 20, 2019

written by Ines

Ok, so I am sitting here in my beautiful super close to the sea apartment working and writing this post and well .. mainly freezing my ass off. It has 10 degrees in Malta, and I swear I have experiences worse temperatures and they did not bother me as much. Since we arrived back here about a week ago, I am literally wearing the same sweater and carry around my hot water bottle all around the apartment. He is a cute bear, so he deserves it (see the picture below). So here is the thing: Winters in the Mediterranean can be tricky!

But before you cancel your tickets, let me say that this can change really quickly and it can be super sunny and 17 degrees in a couple of days and I will put all those lovely pictures on my Instagram and tell you how happy I am that I am here. I have seen many faces of this winter. So let me tell you the truth about winters in the Mediterranean and in particular in Malta. I feel everybody just shows you how great of a winter destination the Mediterranean is, but only a few people give you the whole truth. Yes, they can be lovely, but they can be rainy and freezing too.

Winters in the Mediterranean Can Be Freezing.

After moving to Malta, I discovered that all of a sudden we needed so many clothes. And yes, we also had to bring that winter jacket we keep at my parent’s house. So if you plan on visiting Malta or other spots in the Mediterranean during winter, pack a coat and an umbrella. And I have one golden tip for you: Book an accommodation with heating.

Most places do not have a built-in heating system, but there are portable heaters that will help you to fight the cold.

To be fair, there are winter days with 15-20 degrees. But there are also days with 7-12 degrees that feel like 2 because of humidity, wind and no heating inside. Those are the days I struggle with, but I am also freezing super easily. It is worth to be prepared if you think about booking a getaway in the Mediterranean. The weather can be unpredictable sometimes and really sunny days are followed by rainy and windy days, that make you wish you never have to leave the house again. You might want to look for activities for those rainy days and bring a good book. But you should also bring your hiking gear and take some long walks in the countryside because they are gorgeous during the winter.

They are All Green and Sometimes Sunny

Because of all the rain, the winters in Places like Malta turn the nature and make the countryside all green. Those sunny days that are not yet warm are perfect to get to discover some great walks and stunning views.

Gozo in December

In Malta, they are perfect for a visit to Gozo, a walk on the coast or across the country. All the fields are lush green and calm. You might able to catch some trails on which you are being the only one in the area. Those days make it up after the rain, and you really realize why you came here in the first place and why the storm is so important.

Most Touristic Spots are Quieter and cheaper.

A big plus to spend a couple of days away in the Mediterranean or live here during the winter is the quiet-time you could get. In Malta, there is way less activity and fewer tourists. It is a great time to wander around, discover villages and cities and to enjoy the green countryside. During the sunny days, you will still be able to sit outside and to enjoy some sun. The accommodations are way cheaper during the winter, and you might be able to catch a seat in busses that are packed in summer.

If you plan to travel to Malta during the winter, I highly recommend you to spend at least a day in Gozo and enjoy some of those empty spots. Take a walk around Rambla Bay or just enjoy the view from Victoria and you will love those Mediterranean winters.

Because, even though I am struggling so much with them, they are quite short and those springs are just marvelous.

So stay warm and come back in the spring to see what I mean. What is your favorite place to travel to during winter?

January 20, 2019

Malta Tips Malta

Lovely Gardens in Malta for Some Time Off

by Ines October 21, 2018

written by Ines

Living in Malta, especially in the area around Sliema and St Julians makes you wish for some quiet time sometimes. The country is booming, and there is construction work everywhere and that from early in the morning. So sometimes you just have to leave your house for a little quiet time during the day as construction starts early here. Also sometimes you just want to take a glimpse at some flowers and chance the sea view for some landscape architecture. Luckily Malta is full of lovely Gardens. And some of those Gardens in Malta are hidden, but that makes them just more attractive for a visit. So even if you are only here for a holiday or passing through you should have a look at those beautiful oases.

Buskett Gardens – Picnic under Orange Trees

The Buskett Gardens are located between the tourist Hotspots Dingli Cliffs and the silent city Mdina, next to Rabat. They are not very popular among tourist but a welcome change for locals. They are in a valley and located on many hiking routes. There are a big picnic area and a lot of trees, you usually rarely see in Malta. It is a great place to take a break and feel like in a forest somewhere in Italy.

Take a bus to Rabat and buy some tasty Ftira there and then a little walk down to the gardens and stop for a picnic. If you feel like you can continue to the limestone heritage and take a hike until Siggiewi. You can also keep walking and head to the Dingly Cliffs for some stunning views.

San Anton Gardens – The Hidden Gem Among the Gardens in Malta

Now, this is my favorite Garden in Malta, so farm and that’s not just because there is a fountain full of tortoises. St Anton Gardens are beautifully planned and great for a walk on the weekends or only some time away from anything else. They are part of the President’s residence in Attard and open every day from 7 am until 7 pm. The Gardens are divided into several, and there are many details, that are just waiting to be discovered. There is even a Labyrinth for kids and a playground in the Kitchen gardens just right behind the central Gardens.

The Kitchen Garden also comes with an excellent restaurant that offers well priced Maltese food, Pizza and seasonal treats. They also have a big selection of sweets and baked goods. And it is merely bliss to sit outside and enjoy a coffee there.

Also, make sure to stop by the Villa Bologna, that is located just a few steps away from the Gardens. Not only is it a stunning building with a lovely garden and some interesting stories. It is also an atelier for unique handmade pottery unique to Malta and the world. The staff in the shop is really friendly, and they are happy to show you around and explain their crafts and the story of the building.

Ta‘ Qali – Gardens and some Souvenir Shopping

Right in the Middle of the island also not too far away from Mdina and Rabat. There is Ta’Quali a huge park (huge for Malta sizes) with a play area for kids, a barbeque area and the main garden that is bigger than any of the parks I have visited on the island so far. You can actually take longer walks her and enjoy the company of some olive trees and other beautiful plants. There are some interesting architecture pieces there and even some greenhouses.

And on one end of the park, there is the Ta’Qali crafts village for some souvenir shopping or a coffee after a long walk in the park. Close by there are some hot clubs like Uno or the Gianpula village, but I guess that is not really part of the Gardens in Malta.

Hasting Gardens – Enjoy the View.

Of course, I have to list one of the Gardens in Valletta as well. Although I really love the Upper Barakka Gardens and their view on the 3 cities as well, I want to highlight Hasting Gardens here. They have a great view of almost all of the Western part of the island and are not really crowded. It is a great place to take a break, read a book or just to enjoy the view from.

I love the gardens in Malta, and even though they do not make up for the lack of a forest or lake, they are like little human-made oases. But go see for yourself, and you will fall in love with their unique charm and vibes. Grab some Ftira and other things for a picnic and enjoy a day in the Gardens in Malta.

Enjoy!

October 21, 2018

Malta Tips Malta

5 Cafés for Remote Work in Malta

by Ines October 13, 2018

written by Ines

I have just recently started my life as a digital nomad and am getting to know the work in cafés, coworking spaces and from basically anywhere life. I have always loved the flexibility and a great coffee and some café noise with my work. Even when I here in Malta I sometimes choose a nice café over my workstation at home. Since it can be tricky to find the best spot with great internet, taste coffee, and good food. I created a list of my favorite cafés for remote working in Malta

Als,o I am happy about any tips so just feel free to place the suggestions in the comments.

But for now here are 5 amazing café for working on your laptop in Malta.

Costa Coffee Spinola Bay Remote Work Hotspot

I know, I am usually not the biggest of coffee chains either, but hear me out. Costa Coffee has a great location right in Spinola Bay in St. Julians and from your seat in the upper level of the café you can overlook the bay while working. The place is made for remote work and studying and they do not mind if you sit there for a couple of hours. I once made it my office for almost 8 hours. Usually, the internet connection is working great as well. There are other Costas in Marsaxlokk and Valetta but the one in St. Julians is the most comfortable one in my opinion.

Coffees start at around 2€ and the best for quiet working time is around 9 until the afternoon.

You can find Costa here:

Spinola Bay, San Ġiljan

mint cafeé for remote working in Malta outside

Mint – Homemade treats with your remote work

Mint is one of my favorite places in the area. The owners treat it with love and you have fresh and new dishes every day. There are spaces to sit down with your laptop, have a cup of coffee, juice or whatever you crave from the daily options. The only thing here is that the wifi sometimes disconnects and it is not very stable in the outside area of the café. Food-wise it is, however, one of my top choices and they have plenty of vegetarian options as well. They open from 8 am until 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Just be aware that it can get very busy during lunch hours so you might want to come before or after.

A cappuccino is around 2€ here and food stars at around 3€.

You can find Mint here:

30/39 Luzio Junction, Stella Maris Street, Sliema SLM 1741 – Malta

Fellini- Best for Happy Hour work sessions or a break in Valletta

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in Valletta but not all of them are suitable for laptop work. Fellini is a nice spot dedicated to the Italian movie director, that comes with a comfortable space to work from. The staff is friendly and it is a great place to sit down in between exploring and get some work done while sipping an Aperol Spritz or some coffee. They also offer sandwiches and other tasty snacks. The Wifi works well, so you will not have to worry about interruptions. They are open from 9 am until 11 pm and never get super crowded as the place is quite big.

A sandwich is around 5€ and the Aperol Spritz is around 6€.

You can find Fellini here: 120 Archbishop St, Valletta

Inside Fellini

Seaview Café remote work meets stunning views

One of the perks of working remotely is that you can choose your working environment. So why not pick the café with the best view for your remote working in Malta. The Seaview café in Mellieha is perfect for that. You can set up your laptop overlooking the countryside and Mellieha Bay. On a sunny day, you can get a glimpse at Malta’s sister island Gozo as well. The place comfortable and they have a big selection of drinks and food. Also, the wifi is working well most of the time but there might be some interruptions. The place is great at any time of the day no matter if you are looking for drinks, lunch or a cup of coffee. The café opens from 9 am until 11 pm.

You can find the Seaview Café here: Triq Salvinu Vella, Mellieha

Books and Cups – have a read in your breaks (closed)

This small café is a real hidden gem in Gzira. The cozy café also has a nice selection of books and it is not just a quiet spot for remote workers, but a nice place to read a new book. The wifi is quite reliable and the coffee is good. The sign can be missed easily which makes it a great quiet spot for work and reads. They also offer lunch options and some sweet treats.

The cappuccino is about 1,50. The café opens from 9 am until 7 pm during the week and on afternoons on Saturday.

You can find Books and Cups here: Gzira Road in Gzira (just past Manoel Island)

There are still some places I have to try and I will expand this list very soon. Places like Emma’s Kitchen are great spots as well. Enjoy your cup of coffee and wish you a productive workday until then. Enjoy those cafés for remote working in Malta. More are coming soon!

October 13, 2018

Malta Tips Malta

A Weekend Gozo Getaway – The Introduction

by Ines September 11, 2018

written by Ines

When you live in Malta, especially in Sliema and the area of St. Julians and work hard you need a getaway from time to time. What we do is or take the plane and go abroad or catch the ferry and go to Gozo.

It’s just an even tinier island in the north of Malta but sometimes it seems like a whole other world.

Life is even slower, nature is everywhere, and the food is amazing. It is the perfect place to spend a couple of days away from your everyday life.

Even if you visit Malta for the first time, you should not miss out on a timeout on this beautiful island.

Every season has a special touch to it and there are different things to during every season. Winter and Spring are great for hiking, while during Summer the island offers lovely beaches and snorkeling spots.

Gozo can be easily reached through the ferry from the north of Malta Cirkewwa. The boat ride takes around 25 minutes and from the Harbour town Mgarr in Gozo you can easily take the bus or a taxi to your destination. All the bus routes start in Victoria, so the easiest way is to get there from the ferries are the 300 buses. From Victoria you can visit any village on the island by bus.

Gozo consists of several villages and the capital Victoria or Rabat. Other than in Malta the villages are apart one from another and they are more separate. Each one has its particulates and a unique charm.

Xlendi and Marsafron are famous for their delicious fish and seafood. Nadur and Gharb are rural villages full of Farm Houses for rent.

Staying in a lovely converted farmhouse makes the Gozo adventure a unique experience. There are a lot of them all over the island. We stayed in Nadur and Gharb so far and both are great places to let your mind flow and your body rest.

In winter and spring, there is a lot of hiking you can do on the island and I will create a separate post with hiking routes.

In summer Gozo awaits us with amazing beaches and snorkeling locations like the Whiet il Gharsi.

And all year round there is history, arts and crafts and lots of food. Agriculture is still big in Gozo and you try the local treats right from the source. Even the salt from the salt pans is local.

There are many restaurants that are great. If you like fish you should try Xlendi and Marsaforn, two villages that are famous for their seafood. Especially Xlendi is amazing and dinner paired with stunning views, try Moby Dick for great fish and a seat overlooking the bay.

In Victoria, there are many nice places with Gozitanian comfort food like Jubilee or Grapes.

Grapes is located at a lively square and offers tremendous wine and food. It is the perfect place to end a perfect day in Gozo.

Sitting at Grapes in Gozo

This post is just the Gozo introduction. There are many things that can be discovered locally abroad on the island, so there is much more to follow.

Until then treat yourself with some time away in a natural environment. We are enjoying the sun before I will go on to new adventures an everyday life takes me back!

September 11, 2018

People dressed up during Good Friday Procession in Valletta

Malta Stories Malta Tips Malta

Easter in Malta – Colorful Sweets and lots of Religion

by Ines April 1, 2018

written by Ines

Happy Easter Everyone!

We survived another holiday in Malta, and I learned a lot about new traditions and tried some new treats.

As the population of the island is mainly Catholic Easter in Malta is an important holiday is celebrated accordingly.

The celebrations of the Holy Week start a week from Good Friday and finish on Easter Sunday. During the week a variety of ceremonies and processions take place.

The Main ones are of course the Procession on Good Friday and the one on Easter Sunday.

It is a mainly religious feast but also a holiday to spend with family and eat a lot of Maltese Easter sweets.

While Good Friday is a day to be dressed in black and remember the suffering and dead of Jesus Christ, Easter Sunday is a happy occasion and time for a grand celebration with the loved ones.

Colorful Roses and Jesus image for Easter in Malta

Good Friday Processions

During the Holy Week many smaller Processions are held, but on the Friday before Easter one of the biggest takes place. One of the most famous ones and the one we watched starts in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Valletta and takes statues and dressed up people in the hills of the Maltese capital.

But there are other Processions all over the Maltese islands. You can watch them in Żebbuġ, Mosta, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Isla (Senglea), Bormla (Cospicua), Luqa, Naxxar, Paola, Qormi (San Ġorġ parish), Rabat, Żejtun.

They all start at around 5-6pm and feature a band, impressive statues, and interesting costumes.

The procession tells the story of Jesus’ death and his way to the cross. While the band, dressed in black, plays dramatic music. Several people carry the big and heavy statues and show scenes from biblical stories.. Kids carry wooden signs announcing the characters and story to follow. There are the Romans, Jesus’ Apostles like Petrus and other famous figures from the Bible.

The Procession date back to the 16th century following Spanish and Sicilian traditions. Although they changed over the time, their origin goes way back. There is a difference between the specific ceremonies, depending on the city.

People carrying Christ statue during Good Friday Procession

Easter in Malta – Colorful Sweets and lots of Religion

People carrying sign during Good Friday Procession

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is a way happier occasion as people celebrate the rise of Jesus Christ. After the ceremony in the church, local communities celebrate with a small procession during the mid-morning. Of course, this procession is accompanied by a band as well. But this time the tunes are way happier.

Following the Procession, the Risen Christ’s carriers run back to church carrying the statue as a symbol of the triumph. And it good old Maltese manner some communities shoot some fireworks to make it a feast.

Special Food for Easter in Malta

Typical Good Friday Food is the: sfineġ (fried bread dough filled with anchovy), karamelli tal-ħarrub (carob sweets), hot cross buns or qagħaq tal-appostli (bread rings with almonds), they are sold close to the parades.

On Easter, Sunday children and adults receive sugar coated Easter eggs and people eat figolla. It is an almond-filled pastry in the shape of typical easter motives, like hearts, lambs rabbits or fish. They are covered in Icing or chocolate and they are very delicious.

But, they are also very sweet. So while I am in a sugar coma, I hope you enjoy the rest of your Easter no matter if you celebrate or just have some quiet time, like us.

April 1, 2018

Malta

Carnival in Malta

by Ines February 17, 2018

written by Ines

It feels like, every country and every culture has their own carnival tradition, time and relationship to it. In Brazil, for instance, Carnival is so very important, that they have a week of holidays to celebrate it. And other than most people think it takes a yearlong practice and is celebrated differently in every region. So those bare naked ladies are just to find in some parts of the huge country. Even Carnival in Malta might hold some surprises.

In Cuba the carnivals are even set at different times, depending on the region. The famous Parandas in the village Remedios, for example, takes place around Christmas, the carnival in Matanzas around May, the one in Havana in August, and the famous one of Santiago de Cuba in July.

In other parts of the world the traditions, customs and celebrations differ a lot. What I like about the carnivals in Cuba is, that I don’t have to dress up, but that’s just my personal thing. In some parts of Germany, like Cologne, there is a huge tradition of celebrating carnival. People dress up and have a huge party on the streets of the city.

Traditionally those carnival rituals are supposed to scare away the Winter and finally dive into spring and later in the Christian tradition the last day also marks the beginning of the fasting period.

Carnival Ta’Malta

So talking about all these different traditions: this year I learned about the importance and the way of celebrating in Malta.

The carnival started last Saturday and it started with some bad luck because the weather was just not in celebrating mood. The carnival week has an important place in the Maltese calendar, and there is not mess with.

A Little Bit of History

The Maltese il-Karnival ta’ Malta was introduced to the Maltese islands in 1535, so it goes some years back. As in other places around the world, it is held every year leading to Ash Wednesday. The celebration was introduced by Grand Master Piero de Ponte, it mostly took place in Birgu during the early years. The knights used to hold masquerades and balls, that later drove a little out of hand. But the tradition moved to Valletta and survived scandals, bans, and other bumps. Since 1926 it is regulated by the Carnival Committee and mainly held in Valletta and Floriana.

horse costumes carnival Malta

Small Island big Carnival

Even though the main celebrations take place in Valletta and the connected city Floriana, there are many different carnivals over the Maltese islands. Especially the one in Nadur in Gozo is worth mentioning. It features people dressing up in creative themes and preparing costumes as a group. It has a notable darker theme to it but is definitely worth seeing.

However, you should be aware of the fact that prices for accommodations in Gozo are going really high up during that time, as many locals and foreigners head over to Gozo to celebrate carnival there.

There are some villages over Malta organizing their own celebrations and dress up spontaneously.

In Valletta, there are different stages of the celebrations, held from Saturday to Wednesday. Very impressive are the big decorated trucks driving around the streets of the capital and each group is preparing a dance in order to present their float. All of them start glowing when it gets dark and in my opinion, they have a really trippy atmosphere to them.

Some examples:

floats ant carnival in Malta floats streets Valetta carnival in Malta carnival floats valletta plaza st George

Celebrations involve a big party and during the day you can see many people dressed up and enjoying the floats and other carnival activities.

Don’t forget the sweets

Oh yeah, of course, a big point of the celebrations is food. There are some special dishes you can just find during carnival season.

The Carnival candy is an important factor of the tradition, there are the Perlini for example. They are sugar coated, colored almonds. But the star of the Maltese Carnival treats is the Prinjolata.

It is a mix of cookies, cream and a lot of sugar. A lot! There are different forms, one is more like a sponge cake and the other one is a pile of biscuits, vanilla, sugar, whipped cream and candied fruit. The Carnival spacial is delicious though, but I do not recommend trying it when you have heart problems.

It is the perfect dish to kick off fasting season. It looks gorgeous though and feels very decadent, that was the whole point of it by the way. The Prinjolata has a long tradition and is just available during carnival season.

Overall, the carnival celebrations are very beautiful and colorful and I can definitely recommend having a look at them. Some of the traditional costumes remind of other big celebrations like the Carnival in Venice. They are truly incredible.

Why not check it out next year?

February 17, 2018

Malta Tips Malta

What to Do on a Rainy Day in Malta?

by Ines February 10, 2018

written by Ines

Malta has many, many sunny days and there is a lot to do on this tiny island when the sun shines. What happens when it rains? Get some tips on How to spend a rainy day in Malta, without getting depressed.

Sometimes it might seem like there is nothing to do and that you should better stay at home and under your blanket. But don’t worry, there are still things you can discover and do, apart from watching Netflix and drinking hot Chocolate.

There museums, temples, and cities you can still enjoy.

Explore cities and villages

Usually, the rain in Malta is not too bad and after a couple hours, it stops again. So you can still go out and explore places.

Take a trip to Valletta or Mdina and hop into museums, fortresses, and churches when the rain gets worse. In that way, you can enjoy the highlights even though the weather is not the best.

Just keep in mind that transport is a bit of an issue if the rain is too heavy so make sure you bring a lot of patience and an umbrella.

Museums that help you through a rainy day

While you are exploring rainy Malta, why not stop in a museum and get to know a bit of the culture and stay dry in the meantime?

Here some tips:

The war tunnels in Valletta

Did you know there is almost a whole underground city under Valletta? Well, yeah there is and you can discover parts if it.

You can even take a tour through parts of the tunnels and learn about Malta’s war history and many interesting facts.

The tours are held on 10 am and 1 pm every day. They cost about 10€ and start close to the saluting battery under Hasting Gardens in Valletta.

If you cannot make the tours, you can see part of the underground city from the Malta Experience and the Mediterranean Conference Center, close to Fort St. Elmo.

If you are interested in the war history, you can also visit the War Museum in Valletta.

National Archeology Museum

While in Valletta this is a great place to learn more about Mala’s ancient history and the temples that are spread all over the Islands.

The museum is in Valletta at the busy Republic Street and opens every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

You can actually learn all about the different ancients cultures that lived in Malta.

You can also visit their temples like Hagar Qim.

Valletta is not the only place you can visit during the rain also in the north you can go to some interesting museums.

The National Aquarium

You don’t have to go snorkeling to see fish in Malta, you can also see beautiful fish in the aquarium in Buggiba and learn something about the projects done here. Sometimes there are very interesting exhibitions to discover, and the cafeteria has an amazing view. So even if you are not that much into fish you can have a great time there. It opens every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

The tickets cost 13.90 for adults, but there are many ways to get discount vouchers.

While in Buggiba, you might also visit the oldtimer museum and see some very well preserved classic cars. The Malta Classic Car Collection opens during the week from 9am to 6pm and on holidays and Saturdays until 1.30pm.

Of course, there are a lot of other museums to see in Malta, but with these, you might get through a rainy day. If not visit Heritage Malta’s website to get a complete picture of museums and historic sights. Also, more posts regarding this topic will follow.

For those of you who are not that much into museums, why not make a Spa Day and get some Wellness at Hotels. Most of the bigger and better ones have a Spa that sells day tickets as well.

Also, you can hit The Point shopping center in Sliema for a nice shopping day or some window shopping. It is also underground so you will be protected from the rain. And if you are a fan of Casinos, there a couple of them around the Island that are open 24/7.

There is a little bit for everyone to make the best out of that rainy days.

Food wise there is, of course, a lot as well, so why not just sit down at a nice Café and watch the rain come down? Soon more about that…

Enjoy your time in Malta and don’t let the rain change your mood, there are many many sunnier days to come.

February 10, 2018

Malta Moving to Malta

How to find an Apartment in Malta?

by Ines January 17, 2018

written by Ines

Living in Malta has a lot of perks and many things are easy here, like finding a job, friends or making the residency papers. But to find an apartment in Malta might be one of the most difficult tasks when you are relocating to our beautiful rock.

What’s rather difficult though is finding a place to stay. As I mentioned on many occasions Malta is a small rock in the middle of the sea, so there is just a limited amount of space and apartments. There are also a lot of tourist and people moving to the island, what makes the rent expensive. It is not impossible to find a great place though, there are just things you should know about before you start looking for a place to live in Malta.

1. Don’t trust the Websites.

The websites of the real estate agencies are not updated! That’s a valuable lesson we learned in our first couple of days. They show apartments that have been on the market 5 Years ago and the corresponding prices.

Since then apartment prices have been skyrocketed and places are double the price that they have been before.

The agencies keep them there to make you interested but also because they cannot update as fast as they go away or the owner rents it out. The real estate market is a shark tank here which brings me to my next point:

2. 1000 Agents One Apartment

I would like to have a number of how many agents are out there, but it is hard to estimate. I can say though that there are a lot of them and sometimes they are fighting to rent out the same apartment.

Some agencies, like Quicklets, do respect one agent’s clients and apartments other agencies even have competition among the same company. As there is a limited amount of apartments and the owners contact several agents you have to be fast when you see an apartment you like, it can be gone the next our.

Regarding the agents’ fees, you should know that they will get half of the amount of the rent from you and the other half from the owner. Also when you rent an apartment you will have to make a deposit to the owner. There are some owners that rent out directly without involving an agent as well.

If you share an apartment rules can be different and usually you will be in contact directly with the people who will be your flatmates. Like in many situations here in Malta Facebook is the place to search for an apartment. A good agent could really help you to find an apartment in Malta

3. Facebook is the Way to Go

All in all, there are really nice apartments and good agents, you just have to find them and be patient!

As for other important searches in Malta, like the job search, facebook groups are the best way to find updated apartment listings.

In my post about Malta and Facebook, you can find some of those groups but also feel free to ask if you need a recommendation for good agents. Since they are hard to find. I also recommend that if you find a good one keep his or her number safe, you might need it again!

Be prepared for high prizes and make sure you get a confirmation that you paid the rent and your deposit. Because not all of the owners are easy-going in Malta and many people might try to screw you over. But keep your eyes open and be careful you will find the right apartment for you.

January 17, 2018

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