Welcome to Malta

So, Tuesday morning we loaded up back to the airport and boarded onto AirMalta. I had a window seat, and at first, it didn't look like much down below (just ocean). However, once we crossed Sicilly--the site from the airplane was amazing! Finally we arrived at our 4-month stay: it was Malta time. Things were both different and similar to what I expected. I think it is bigger than I expected--because, when I think of an island, I think of a land-mass that is pretty tiny. It is small, but it still took about 40 minutes to drive to our flats. We are living in the town of Sliema, and going to school in the town of Valetta (about a half-hour/40 min walk-away). While taking the bus to our Flats I didn't know where to look--such a different atmosphere than Rome--than anywhere I've ever been. I don't even know if I can describe it very well. Kind of a cute bustling small town feel--but, somewhat touristy, with lots of different ethnic influences. It's a rocky island and most things are made out of limestone--but, there is some green grass and other kinds of plants like palm trees and pretty pink flowers. The temperature has been AMAZING--much better than -15 (sorry to everyone back home)--although, it does get very cold in the flat at night (very thankful for my slippers). I am living on the upper flat, which is kind of neat because we live close to the walkout roof--this is where we (just like everyone in Malta) will hang our laundry out to dry. I think this roof might become one of my favorite hang-out spots in the flat. Our neighbors were having tea up on their roof the other day. How amazing is that?! There are outdoor markets with freshfruits and vegetables, outdoor seating at most restaurants (there are tons of cute places to eat), and the Mediterranean Sea pretty darn close nearby. It's a pretty sweet deal.

Up till this point we've been here 1 and a half days. Things are somewhat settled in, but it still doesn't feel quite like home--in time, I guess. Everything is still soo new. We visited the University campus today and I realized how much I have missed the college campus scene. It felt so good to be there! I would like to get somewhat involved on campus. People here speak Maltese more often than I thought they would. I thought it was kind of an "in-the-home" language and English was the primary public language--but I've heard most natives talk in Maltese with each other on the street. Although, most Maltese can speak English too the accent gets hard to understand sometimes because it all runs together a little. I think it's definitely been good for me to experience being a minority, as well as living in a more simple lifestyle. As Americans, I think we take many things for granted: communication, lots of hot water, heating, a huge cereal supply in the grocery store...People back home who know me well would be proud. I am sharing a tiny room in flat 13 with one other girl. All of the stuff I brought for these next four months fits inside less than two drawers, about half a closet, and half a nightstand. So, I'm thinking: if I can live with this little stuff for 4 months, why can't I live like this all the time?? It's a little refreshing to live like this. We'll see how sick I am of all my stuff by the time we leave to go home.

We got our school schedule today and met our Maltese program director, Celine. I am very ready to get back to some routine--although, we won't start school until after this weekend. First, we will go to Gozo (tomorrow) to witness their pre-Lent festival. From what I hear, it is a pretty neat event. Besides exploring Sliema, Valetta and the University I guess we had one other bit of excitement today. Well, my first cooking attempt kind of blew-up in my face. Literally--it really did. Don't worry, everything was fine...except for the glass cover on the gas stove that we thought was supposed to be left on top of the burners while they were on. Let's just say the glass (that wasn't supposed to be kept on the burners) got a little warm while we were boiling pasta, and so glass was shattered all over our little kitchen and all over us--luckily without any cuts or scrapes, but it was quite the mess. At least we know: glass that gets too hot shatters. Other than that, things in Malta our going great. It kind of figures, though: first full day of Malta, and we blow-up something...

Don't worry Mom and Dad. We just thought we'd put ourselves in danger straight from the start, so you wouldn't have to worry the rest of the time. It won't happen again.