Malta is a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean where a kaleidoscope of nationalities live side by side. Over the past few months, as a student that lives in the Netherlands, I have been able to notice quite a handful of differences between my home and Malta.
Every time you drive into another region, or land at a foreign airport in a country you have never been to, you look around. Taking in the new environment, and you begin to compare your surroundings to the ones where you come from.
Malta is a cauldron of cultural influences. In the buildings in Valletta and in the outlying towns and villages you perhaps come to realise English, French, Middle East or African traits. Chances are that when you order your taxi, you will find yourself talking to an international taxi driver. Students from all over the world take the bus or walk to the university. As an Erasmus student I began to compare customs and attitudes about how one chooses to live here. It starts with driving on the left, that is on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. On both sides of the road as you venture away from the commercial centres you often notice prickly pear plants and honey-coloured limestone buildings. After you arrive at your destination and recover from the rather excessive cab ride, you become aware of a mix of modern high-rise buildings under construction towering over houses dating back hundreds of years.
Figure 1; The side elevation Auberge de Castille overlooking Merchants Street in Valletta. | Kim Verschure
The island’s minute land area may be viewed as a disadvantage, but it can, however, be considered a great advantage. The ability to pick a different beach every day – be it a pebble or a sandy beach. In an hour you are on the other side of the coast and see a whole new vista. Not to mention a pocketful of beautiful sunsets and gorgeous skies.
Figure 2; Sunset at Golden Bay, Kim Verschure
Nothing is too crazy in Malta. Everything seems more relaxed and laid back which leads to the mentality that if it does not work today, it will work tomorrow. The buses and public transport are an engaging story in themselves. And unlike in western European countries, you must be extremely patient because although bus stops do feature timetables, the buses are rarely on time. This fact made me realize that we could also take it a little easier at home and block more time for everything else to unwind. Hurrying and tight schedules are almost non-existent here and as frustrating as it can be, it is also pleasantly relaxing.
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