Monthly Archives: September 2015

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Feeling Lucky in Malta

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Once in a while the present can hit you right in the chest and you recognize instantly how amazing this very moment is. This week in Malta has been exactly like that.

On Land

The country of Malta is actually three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. I skip over the main island of Malta and head straight to Gozo, the smaller and more laidback option. Gozo is known for being the location of many films and TV shows: Parts of Troy, Game of Thrones, and Brad and Angelina’s new movie By The Sea were all filmed here. There’s a very distinctive landscape with rocky limestone cliffs, which are reflected in the scenery under the water as well. It’s evident the cities here were built long ago because the streets are impossibly small and difficult to navigate. Vehicles constantly have to pull over to allow oncoming traffic to pass and I’m still in awe that busses can fit around even the tiniest street corners. Not to mention all the roads look the same and curve in confusing directions. One night I spend a full hour walking in circles trying to navigate the 1km from the town square back to the guesthouse. Quite an adventure!

Though the island is small, the busses run so infrequently that I learn it’s actually better to walk the 2.5km to the dive shop in the morning than to try to navigate the bus schedule.

View of my daily morning commute — not too bad!

Marsalforn, where my dive shop is located

Actually one of the larger sized roads in Gozo

 

Yes, this is a two-way street and yes, busses drive through here

 



Under Water

There’s lots to explore on the island, but my sole intention is diving so I spend five of the six days here underwater – exactly where I’m happiest! It’s my first time diving in Europe and it’s very different than anywhere else I’ve been so far. Continue reading →

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Tunisia: Hamdallah!

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Two weeks in Tunisia to kick off these travels. It’s my first time in an Arab country, though Tunisia is referred to as “Arab-lite” since it’s less extreme and strict than other Arab countries. The Tounsi language is a mix of Arab and French so I can understand a small bit, but much of it is a mystery of sounds. It’s also an adjustment being back in such a conservative society with so much male-female segregation and sexual repression. I have to once again be extremely mindful about how to dress and deal with incessant yells and honks walking down the street (usually a mix of “Nihao!” and “Konichiwa!” hollered at me for no good reason).

But before all else I have to get on Tunisian time, which can involve sleeping until 1pm and sitting down to dinner at 1am. Everything is at a leisurely pace, which suits me perfectly coming off of so many months of nonstop work and activity. I meet some great people, swim in lovely beaches, and visit the beautiful northern tip of the country. But many days I do absolutely nothing except relax, meditate, cook, and read.

There’s an interesting energy here as the country is going through transition and political instability. You can feel it in the attitudes of the young people; in the intense road rage of the taxi drivers; in the beaches full of people at 11am on a Thursday morning (nobody has to work??). I’m thankful to have experienced a sliver of Tunisia, but I’m also looking forward to moving on and hopefully seeing the Tunisian people find more peace and stability in the near future. Continue reading →