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

Jack and the Beanstalk... the GIANT of all performances!

Tonight I had the pleasure of watching the Masquerade production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta with my friend Steph and her family.

We sat in a box with a perfect view of the stage and (given the intimacy of the theatre) other members of the audience!

The quality of the show was superb: the costumes were stunning and plentiful, the songs were current and well known (so we could sing along if we wanted), the actors were professional and there was a sufficient amount of audience participation.

The cultural references were interesting to see and I learnt a couple of new Maltese words...

I can't wait for their production of Aladdin next year!

Mosta Dome

Mosta Dome, also known as the Mosta Rotunda or St Marija Assunta is the 3rd largest unsupported dome in the world. On 9th April 1942 during WW2 a bomb pierced the roof whist the people were inside celebrating mass but the bomb did not explode.

Il-Milied Ħieni/Merry Christmas!

Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum

We managed to book tickets to go to the Hypogeum near Paola.

The Hypogeum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world. It was discovered in 1902 when workers cutting cisterns for a new housing development cut though its roof.

Only 80 people are allowed in each day (10 on each tour) to preserve the temple and to avoid CO2 damage it is therefore best to book a month in advance to ensure a place.