Do you fondue?

As the exam period is ending and the first semester of 2008/9 is drawing to a close, some of my fellow students (who came to Malta as Erasmus students for one semester) are packing and preparing to leave Malta.
Yesterday evening a large group of us went to 'Fra Giuseppe' a restaurant/wine bar close to Balzan church to enjoy a 'last supper' together. We ate various platters of cheese, cold meats, traditional Maltese dips and cheese fondue. This was enjoyed with a side order of cheesy jokes and picture taking: "Say cheese!"...

First Swim of 2009!

My friend Ania and I were revising for our upcoming exams when during one of our breaks Ania suggested that as it was nice and bright outside (a mere 16 degrees!) we should go for a dip in the residence pool...I foolishly agreed! We got our swimsuits and recruited Alex who was reading in a deck chair outside to join us.

The pool is NOT heated and so it was refreshing to say the least but worth it!

Pre-swim team photo

Alex testing the water.

Expat Commandments

Taken from http://www.nomarmiteintunisia.co.uk/

• Though shalt not expect to find things as thou hast them at home for verily thou hast left home to explore different things.
  
• Thou shalt not take anything too seriously, for a care-free mind is essential for a healthy body.
  
• Thou shalt not sit around and mope and feel unwanted or unskilled; there are many people and organisations who would be grateful for your donations of time and energy.
  
• Thou shalt not worry, for he that worrieth hath no pleasure.
  
• When in Rome, thou shalt be prepared to do somewhat as the Romans do.
  
• Thou shalt not judge the people of a country by the one person who has given thee trouble. Remember that thou art a guest in a foreign land, and he who treateth his host with respect shall be honoured.

A Saturday in Gozo

One of the posts at Gigantija with 'May Peace Prevail On Earth' in many different languages.

On Saturday I was invited to join some friends from the European Student's Union (who were visiting Malta) on their day trip to Gozo.


After a smooth ferry crossing we went for some lunch at Marsalforn where I had some delicious swordfish. Our next stop was Gigantija - the megalithic temple at Xaghra which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the gate to the temples was a stall run by Gozo's only certified organic farmer selling Gozitan honey and jams. I bought some honey with thyme in and some carob syrup which is used locally to soothe sore throats.


The weather was bright and dry despite it being January and the surrounding fields were lush and green. We rounded off the day with trek on horseback organised by the stables in Ghajnsielem where the owner kindly showed us his other animals and even allowed us to have a go at milking his sheep!

RMLV - Christmas and New Year's Greeting 2008/9