We had initially found a flat that ticked most of the boxes in our dream location, Sliema's Triq it-Torri (Tower Road) directly facing the sea. But dreams do not reflect reality. Positively we were living centrally in the area we knew well from holidays and we were overlooking the sea. But the negatives began to nag away - such as being on the ground floor meant we actually had little view of the sea, our front balcony was of little use being almost on the pavement (so too public and good for using as a bin by passers by), and parking was impossible. Then we acquired Rupert the hound. And the flat quickly became impractical for him so a move beckoned.
So we now live in the village of Swieqi just inland from the sea and a 10 minute walk takes us either to the sandy St Georges bay - picture to the right or via Spinola Bay to the northern end of Sliema's long picturesque promenade. At the end of our road is what used to be St Andrews Barracks when the British forces were based here. At that time Swieqi was mostly fields.
So we are still close to the sea and to the places we like to go to eat and drink. We have more space for less money and we have our own roof which is so important to us in all but December to February
During the first few months we recorded how we discovered things we needed to know and do and the process of learning to live here and enjoy it You may find some of it amusing or even useful
One day we will update it and may even add the story
of our experience of trying to start a business here
There were things we initially missed or expected to but over time we found
solutions to, some we ceased to miss and a couple that we still miss
As we have friends who visit, we also felt it would be useful to offer information about Malta from our personal perspective and the tool bar at the bottom of this page leads you to information about Malta from our personal perspective
WHAT TO VISIT covers the historic sites, the not to be missed postcard views, and the beaches that we think give you a good flavour of Malta
FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS and FAVOURITE BARS are just that
BEERS IN MALTA is Ted's attempt to share with you a summary of where to find (and it is not easy!) more interesting brews than cold fizzy lager!
THE WEATHER gives our impression by month of the weather here in "Sunny Malta"
