And then there was rain...

It continues to amaze me how much of a difference waking up to bright morning skies makes to how I start my day. 

The weather has cooled down recently (but then it is almost November!) although I'd still consider it to be 't-shirt weather' and better than most British summers. As any trip into Sliema or Qawra with tourists in shorts and strappy tops reminds me - the climate is consistently warmer than northern Europe. 

The weather forecasts had been predicting rain for a while but none came until last Wednesday evening as I was leaving University, the heavens opened - It rained 

...and rained 

...and rained. 

The road resembled a river and the few pedestrians out and about (including myself) were struggling to dodge getting soaked by passing cars. The place just isn't built for dealing with rain but then again there are only 6 weeks of 'winter'.

The rain didn't last longer than a couple of hours but as one of my friends explained: "We're Mediterranean, we don't do things by halves - including weather!". 

Manoel Theatre

Last night I was invited to the beautiful Manoel Theatre - Malta's national theatre and the oldest working theatre in the Commonwealth. The show was a comedy sketch show called More Four Play. The cast of four comics both wrote and performed the variety show. Sketches were in English and Maltese and had the audience in stitches from beginning to end. See the review from the Times of Malta here.

Birgufest

On Friday night Birgu welcomed the world's biggest risotto pan to serve a huge risotto in aid of Dar Tal-Providenza - a care home for disabled people.  

The pan was previously used in Manchester in 1998. The risotto took 20 chickens, 20kg of beef, luganiga sausages, 20kg of cheese, 300kg of rice, 60kg of vegetables and 120 litres of white wine. Nine chefs from the Institute of Tourism Studies stirred the risotto constantly with long wooden oars and were supervised by an Italian Head Chef who had worked with the pan at other events. Portions were sold for a very reasonable 3Euro each and by 10pm the pan was empty and our stomachs were full!   

Malta Vs Hungary - Forza Malta!

I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the match at the National Stadium Ta'Qali. 

We were sitting in the North Stand with a large number of children and young people from local youth teams all wearing their different kits. The atmosphere was great although if I go again I'd like to sit in the opposite stand - the South Stand which was filled with Maltese supporters from the 'South End Core' boasting flags, drums and lyric sheets for songs! 

According to the Times of Malta the attendance was 4797. 

It surprised me to learn that only 3 of the Maltese national team are professionals. Both teams played well although Hungary managed

 to score the winning goal to leave the final score Malta 0 - 1 Hungary.

Unlike Old Trafford there were no meat pies at half time - instead the kiosks sold popcorn (salted) and ftiras - Maltese bread with tuna, tomato and capers. 

Notte Bianca -Lejl Imdawwal

Last night was Notte Bianca also known as Lejl Imdawwal (Lit Night).

See what the Times of Malta said about the event here.

Valletta is normally quite peaceful in the evenings and not many places are open, this all changed last night - there was an arts and culture packed programme which spread across the city attended by thousands of people and lasting all night.

Rotaractor Alison...

Rotaract Lapel Pin 

(Photo courtesy of Rotaract Richmond www.richmondrotaract.com) 

With Club President Etienne Fenech. 

The members have all been extremely welcoming and I was delighted to be asked if I would like to become a member of Rotaract Malta La Valette.

I was officially 'pinned' and presented with a shiny Rotaract lapel pin to wear at the club's meeting last Thursday.

Pens and the PM

Freshers' week is in full swing with many different University clubs and societies seeking to persuade students to join. 

As a result I think I now have enough free pens to last me until graduation!

University of Malta 'Gateway' and welcome banner.

Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi visits the campus.

Bird's Eye View:

Taking off from Malta International Airport.

A Short Trip Home

I have just arrived back in Malta after spending 6 days back in the UK seeing family and friends and picking up some winter clothes.

Whilst I was home I also travelled to Bristol to do some interpreting at Bristol University's Centre for Deaf Studies' 30th anniversary celebrations.