Malta 2018- week twenty

Monday

So this week didn’t begin as I hoped, as once again I’ve gotten ill. Its so frustrating as I know I will be back to university so today was spent wrapped up in bed applying for jobs and trying to work my second semester CV. The most interesting theatre modules fall upon technique times (which I can’t miss) and then my back ups fall too late in the evening in Valletta where I’d have no transport (and am not relying on busses). As for dance modules, the ones available to meet the 30 credits are modules I have studied back at Edge Hill and would prefer to spend my time here learning something new. I know I am sounding fussy, but I have figured with an extra afternoon off I can start Spanish dance classes.

Tuesday

Frustrated by staying in yesterday, we were determined to go to the gardens we had been planning for a while. Although they weren’t half as green as I thought I loved it there. Once walking through narrow streets that seemed to be going to nowhere, we found the entrance and was greeted by a cafe. It was so sweet, overlooking some horses, whilst being tasty and cheap. We got two hot drinks, two biscuits and a donut for €6 AND spirits are only €2 including DISARONNO. Happy days.

The gardens aren’t the biggest, but there is a mini outside gym (like the ones scattered around the parks), a small array of deer, birds, donkeys and Shetland ponies. I was a massive kid chasing a donkey or goat to pet me. We played noughts and crosses on the lawn and sat by a duck pond. It is somewhere I can’t wait to go back to, to sit and spend the day in the sun and see the flowers in bloom.

Wednesday

Going out yesterday, definitely didn’t help with feeling under the weather but it was so nice being out we went for another mini walk of the area.

Lee has a meeting in st Julian’s tomorrow so we will be going on another cute walk.

I have an interview in a cafe in Zebbug on Friday.

Today hasn’t been anymore exciting than Monday except it had more snacks.

Thursday

Starting walking was tough, but once 15 minutes in I began feeling better and hopeful for my stamina returning to university on Monday.

We arrived in a new place in st Julian’s, which was so much busier than I thought with tour busses driving through a lot for off peak season. I think when my parents come over later this month, we will consider a bus as its quicker and more convenient than the public transport. [I’m excited for what will be a busy birthday week, getting to do more tourist-y things I have been saving up- such as marsaxlokk markets and horse riding on valentines day with Lee].

After the meeting, we headed home to rest up for tomorrow. I’m not nervous for the interview but more travelling alone in Malta knowing that unlike being in Greece, if I get lost or late Lee will be worrying and following my holiday luck this will happen and my phone will die.

Friday

Long story short- I have a job.

Long story- I got VERY lost (for a good reason) on the way home and was VERY late home after ending up crying in a random pharmacy in Valletta. So... I got to the interview fine, and in doing so my phone died. No worries right I know the way back. Walking back through the farm-like land portion of my walk a pack of about 20 stray dogs were on the path I needed so I tried to re-orientate and take another route. Nope I was very lost when I found a main road, not knowing what town I was in or the time. Somehow I was back in the town where my interview was (the other side) and no idea or money on how to get home. Thankfully a lovely lady in a lighting shop lent me €2 to get a bus, and the only one I found was to Valletta. I figured there I would find a charger and be able to work out how to get back. [I couldn’t get a cab booked as i wasn’t sure if Lee was in who had my card in his wallet]. I get off at Valletta and walk into pharmacy and whilst trying to explain my short burst into tears. We tried to message Lee on Facebook, but with no answer I figured after 3 hours wandering around that he should be back and I’ll get a cab and work paying out when home. I never expected such kindness from total strangers today and I learnt how reliant I am on my phone ( not for messaging but with payments, banking and maps). When I got home (after bad directions as my road name was on my phone) Lee was in so I managed to withdraw cash and pay the taxi man.

We rewarded me getting home with 1.5 litres of wine and a good meal, followed by brownies and cakes.

At least I am now working, and start Friday. I will be getting the bus there and back from now on!!!

Saturday

Lees gigging tonight, so after a relaxed morning we walked back to sliema. It was strangely comforting being in an area where we knew and first arrived- it is still so beautiful and now a nice treat. After the performance, we got chatting with some locals before a greasy takeout. As you can guess its been a chill week, with not too much to write about unless you want written scripts of each orange is the new black series. I have got through 3 seasons this week.