Beach connoisseurs

Some snippits from the past few days:
We’re quickly getting accustomed to the way of life here… which for us has involved sampling various beaches in the area.

Yesterday after class we hopped on a bus back to the apartments, grabbed some lunch, and ventured off to Mellieha Bay again for some afternoon relaxation. We marked ourselves as classy Americans rather quickly as the guys tossed around the pigskin and shotgunned some Cisk, the Maltese beer, before heading back to Sliema for dinner:

It was also Jennifer’s birthday, so we headed to Spinola Bay, which neighbors Balluta Bay where we stay, for a nice meal on the patio. Or so we thought. The manager of Rafael’s wasn’t a pleasant man, and Kristi made the mistake of taking her time with ordering, he quickly lost patience and moved on. Overall the service wasn’t anything to write home about (yet here I am telling you folks..) but wait staff here in general operate very differently. There’s minimum service at all aside from taking orders and bringing food. The feral cats were friendlier than the manager. Yes, that’s right, cats. EVERYWHERE. They even have a Cats of Malta calendar we spotted in a gift shop our first day here. There were 4 wandering around on the patio where we were eating. I named one fluffy.. although he was anything but. Coaxed him over with Sarah’s leftover chicken, and fed him. He seemed to appreciate it. The consensus seemed to be, however, that bringing him back to the apartment wouldn’t be a good idea. (I miss my Squishy..what can I say..)

Next up was Paceville for a few drinks and some dancing to celebrate Jennifer’s birthday. I was tuckered out and Erwin and I headed home at midnight.

Today after class we went straight to Paradise Bay from Valetta. After an hour and 20 minute bus ride in the sauna tube of death through the heartland of Malta, we arrived. Hiked 1 km up a hill, down another hill, and down some stairs. But it was worth it:

A small, semi-private beach with amazing views, warmer water, and some waves. You can see Gozo in the background.

Speaking of which, there's a school sponsored day trip to Gozo on Saturday. We depart at 7:45 and spend all day there. Sunday I think Kristi and I are going to go to St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valetta for mass, and check out the large market they have on Sunday’s. The mass is said entirely in Latin, and songs are sung in Maltese. We won’t have a clue what’s going on, but it should be a good experience!

Stay tuned for updates from the weekend!
-KB