I love travelling. It’s the point of this whole blog after all. But recently, I haven’t really been loving it that much, especially during my final semester, perhaps because of all the stress from the then upcoming final exams (SPOILER ALERT: I passed, woohoo!) and burnout. But not feeling motivated to travel was such a shame for 2 reasons: 1/ because I’m lucky enough to be able to; 2/ because there was already a trip planned. And because I was the one who booked everything and was the “experienced” traveller, despite not feeling like leaving my bed, let alone country, off to Malta I went.
I can’t say it was all terrible. Did I want to make the most out of the trip? Well, in my own way yes. And by “my own way” I mean enjoying the hotel buffet breakfast, because who can say no to that? (I really, really love my hotel breakfast.) Other than that, I was open to experiencing my family on the “wrong” (=left) side of the road on an island where they the speed 40kph can be interpreted as 80kph and where lanes are just a mere suggestion. Additionally, I didn’t mind having about 1-2 activities per day and going to bed at 8:30pm, so yeah, certainly making the most of the 3 days we had there.
The first day was reserved for exploring our area, which was definitely tourist-oriented, as there were many hotels around. Another thing that was around was an Asian supermarket just opposite our accommodation, where in the morning a Japanese-speaking van came to deliver the products. As it was reversing, I could hear “Gochuui kudasai” (Please, be careful), which I certainly didn’t expect to hear in an English/Maltese (and kind of Italian)-speaking country. I might not be describing the situation the way it occurred though… let me redo it:
It’s a beautiful slow morning, my brain is still waking up when all of sudden I hear “Gochuui kudasai”. Not having any idea what it is, other than it sounding somewhat familiar, as my brain is still loading, I run towards the window, which absolutely startles my brother who thinks I’m having a crisis and have had enough of life. Seeing the car, it finally clicks in my brain and I start laughing at my own stupidity and the whole situation and my brother just stares at me, not knowing what in the world is going on and how come he got so lucky to have this moody person as a sister.
So anyway, we did some exploring. Walked from one side of the peninsula to the other, did some grocery shopping (there’s nothing better than checking out the local supermarkets!) and when I got laz…, um, tired, I was left alone reading a book on a beach before walking back to the hotel, to do a thorough investigation of the offered ferry trips. They all seemed the same, the prices differed by a few euros, but if you paid very close attention, you could notice that some went around caves and some didn’t.
One might say it’s an overpriced tourist trap and I can’t argue with that, but despite it all, it was still my favourite day. At around 10:00 we set off for the other islands in Malta, Gozo and Comino. After about an hour on the sea, we got to the Gozo Island, where we were to spend a few hours. Our tour included a brief stop at the beautiful Xlendi cliffs and then a ride to Victoria, the biggest city on the island. I loved the island, so nice, so chill, good vibes only. (Is this a 2016 dictionary?) We did some sightseeing, got a few more steps in and soon we were back on the ferry, en route to the Blue lagoon, which was stunning! There was a possibility to get off the boat and have a look around the island, but I opted for hanging out with fish, which I could watch from the bottom floor of the ferry! (if you know me, you’ll know I can appreciate an aquarium, so seeing a real-life aquarium was super exciting! Even saw some jellyfish!!) When my aquarium session finished, we moved onto the cave and cliff tour, which gave us some breathtaking views (the wind outside the main cabin was also breathtaking, but if you wanted nice pictures, you had to make this sacrifice). And a few hours later, at around 17:00, we got back to the port, just in time for a dinner and my bedtime. A perfect day trip.
Unfortunately, after a high must come a low, and the last day was not greatly enjoyable. I don’t know about you, but personally, I like a relaxed day after what feels like a full packed trip. Which can be quite difficult, when it’s your last day and you have to make it out of the hotel, to the airport and in the meantime, try not to waste the time. So I was not in a good mood. (I would like to officially thank my family members that accompanied me for their patience with me.) I didn’t want to walk, especially in Valletta, such a hilly city! it was so windy and I got something in my eye, so I was just crying and couldn’t see for what felt like an eternity. I didn’t find an aquamarine bracelet that I wanted to buy, even though they had it in Gozo, but I didn’t have time to purchase it. The churches were rather disappointing. Where there some cool places? I guess – my brother is probably better informed, as he actually went around, while I just waited. I just wanted to go home.
Even after a few months, I can still imagine the fatigue and lack of interest in being there, so I suppose I wasn’t just being spoilt, it was a very real feeling. The real question is, would I go back? And I would. I’d like to see more of Gozo, especially the nature it has to offer. But that island would be most definitely my focus, rather than the main one.
Sooo.. anyone up for a trip?
PS: There were lizards everywhere! ♥
