As August 2018 begins, I wanted to talk about the weather in Malta this summer. It seemed like summer took forever to get going this year, but now it’s here, it’s here in force! Summer in Malta always has show stopping temperatures, sitting between southern Italy and northern Africa, it’s really no surprise and whether you live here or will be holidaying in Malta in August 2018, you need to be prepared.

Temperature in Malta August 2018

Daytime

August 2018 began with daytime temperatures in the early to mid 30s, ranging from around 32 – 35°C and it’s not likely to cool down for the rest of the month. The recorded actual temperatures are already hot but the humidity is intense and the real feel each day has been around 38 – 40°C so expect more of the same. 

The recorded average for this time of year is a little lower, around the 29°C mark so it’s an especially hot August 2018 in Malta!

The evenings in Malta will be a little cooler than the summer day temperatures, but expect to sweat! There will be little relief from the days heat. Ranging from 25 – 27°C outside, you’ll probably experience temperatures of the high 30s inside; until you get that AC cranked up. Because of the humidity, there is so little air and you’ll only find a cool breeze on very lucky days, very close to the sea. 

UV Index August 2018

This part is so important. It’s hot, so it’s obvious that we need to be careful. Stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day (11:00 – 15:00) wherever possible, especially with animals and children. Make sure to drink plenty of water and if you are outside, get on the highest factor sunblock you can find. In Malta this August so far each day has a recorded UV index of the absolute maximum: 10 and this will be the same story for the rest of the month. 

However well you normally tan, however immune you think you are from sunburn, the sun will be doing an incredible amount of damage this month so use your brain, stay safe and protect yourselves. 

Summer Storms

When the weather gets this hot and the air gets this thick, I begin praying for thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are not uncommon in Malta in summer, especially around August, but they aren’t a daily, or even weekly occurrence. Expect one or two usually in August, but enjoy them! The lightening shows in Malta are absolutely insane, especially if the storm hits out at sea. The rainfall is likely to be heavy so I wouldn’t recommend going out during a storm, but I also love running to the sea, standing a safe distance from the waves and enjoying the show. You’ll be treated to blinding flashes of pink, purple and blue and thunder that’ll wake the heaviest of sleepers. 

These storms are impressive, sometimes frightening but usually over pretty soon and once they have dissipated they leave a few hours of fresh air in their wake, breaking the humidity for a short period. 

7 Day Weather Forecast Malta August 2018

The 7 day weather forecast warns of heavy thunderstorms on Sunday 5th August 2018. After this we’ll experience a hot but cloudy week. Temperatures are set to sit around the early 30s, 32 – 34°C so bearable, before cranking up again the week after. 

But no fear, especially if you’re here on holiday. Don’t let the phrase ‘partly cloudy’ in a Malta weather forecast dampen your spirits. More often than not it refers to a single, fluffy white cloud amidst a sea of blue skies so it’s not likely to get in the way of your beach going plans. However if the sky does cloud over, don’t get too comfortable. It may look a little gloomy but those 9 and 10 UV index rays are as dangerous as ever, so don’t let your sunblock routine slip. 

The post Malta Weather August 2018 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Every summer this issue rears it’s ugly heads and it makes me mad to the point of almost crying when I walk around Valletta and see people hopping into the horse and carts in Malta. In Malta, summer temperatures regularly breach 30 – 35ºC and often have a ‘real feel’ of more like 38 – 45ºC. 

I know when you’re wandering around that it can feel too hot and the idea of jumping into a shaded carriage with a horse doing all the work sounds lovely. But get a clue! If it’s hot for you, how hot do you think it is for a 800 – 1000kg horse, lugging a cart, a fat f*ck of a driver and you and your friends around uneven, cobbled roads?

There are so many more things to do in Malta than torture these beautiful animals. 

Horse Collapses and Dies in Malta 2018

In the past two weeks, two horses collapsing have made the news, one of which died on the spot. Now I am no vet but I can tell you that healthy, happy horses do not just drop down onto the floor, unconscious or dead.

I am a relatively well travelled person, I see horse and carts being offered without so much uproar in many countries. In Krakow they have beautiful white horses, adorned in formal dress-wear pulling elaborately decorated cards, directed by gentlemen in top hats. But they also have the load shared between 2 – 4 horses, they don’t operate in the heat that we do in Malta and the horses look clean and healthy. 

Karozzin: Just a Maltese Tradition?

The horse and carts in Malta, or ‘karozzins’ are not a quaint national tradition. Speak to almost any Maltese person and they’ll be as disgusted as I am in this tourist attraction. We don’t want them and we especially don’t want them in such inhospitable conditions as the height of summer. 

Here in Malta, tourists are forcing these poor, clearly unhappy and unhealthy horses to drag them around in heat that is unbearable to most of us. It’s an absolute disgrace and if you’re reading this and you have taken one of the horse and carts in Malta, I really do hope you feel ashamed. You are allowing these horses to be mistreated. You’re encouraging it.

Be Part of the Change

A recent poll in the Times of Malta, indicated that an absolutely enormous 80% of participants wanted the horse and carriages in Malta to stop operating during summer, with a healthy portion wanting them stopped all year round. 

Join over 23,000 other people in signing this petition to put a stop to this ‘tradition’ and if you really want to make a statement, make sure to join the protest in Valletta tomorrow (Saturday 11th August).

Keeping fit and healthy is good for horses so I don’t think it’s neccessarily imperative that they are stopped entirely but the industry needs a total overhaul and to be properly regulated. They need to stop running during the hottest seasons, reasonable working hours, reasonable carriage loads, better and more regular health checkups and to have some kind of governing body making sure they are being taken care of. 

Horses that are covered in marks and scars, visibly underweight and unkempt, foaming at the mouth and visible distressed have a right to be protected from the animals (us humans) who are forcing them into that state. 

The post Horse and Carriage Rides in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

I’ve suffered with curly hair all my life and I say suffered because that’s always how it felt to me. Growing up it was so unruly that it used to be a huge source of anxiety and low self esteem for me. As I’ve grown up, I’ve grown to love my curls and even though taming and straightening is easier than ever, I choose to let the curls run loose 90% of the time. 

Protect Your Hair in Summer in Malta

Summer in Malta is great for hair in that it naturally lightens, adding some really pretty soft highlights. It makes my hair grow faster than ever, which I love. The sun and the sea can be drying though, so it’s important to protect your hair, whatever your hair type, with hats and UV protecting hair treatments. 

Surviving Maltese Summer with Curly Hair

Even with my love of the curls, summer in Malta is still a struggle. It’s too hot to be messing around with hair dryers (whether straight or curly) or straighteners so the only option is to wash and leave my curly hair to dry, but the humidity means I never know how my mop is going to turn out.

But oh gosh, that humidity. More often than not my curly hair dries into a halo of frizz around my face and somehow manages to be big and hot but flat to my scalp at the same time. I tried leave in conditioners, salt sprays, going au natural, heavy oils, light oils and nothing worked… until now. 

Perfect Curly Hair Product for Summer in Malta

I was browsing some of my favourite online stores when I found this anti-humidity curl gel oil from Bumble and Bumble. Yes, ‘gel oil’ sounds a little scary but this stuff arrived and it’s already become my summer haircare saviour in Malta!

Working to control and moisturise tight curls, the hybrid utilises a curl-enhancing HydraSculpt Blend and a cocktail of hydrating Brazilian Oils and humectants to expertly ‘limber-up’ corkscrew curls, unfurling and elongating to create soft, glossy ringlets. Hair feels soft and nourished and is protected from frizz.

It has a light perfume, which is super pretty but you can’t smell it once it’s worked into your hair. This is good for me as I’m not very tolerant to highly scented products. The pot is a whopping 190ml so even though it’s £25 (but free delivery, yay!) it’s decent value for money as this is going to last forever. I just dip my finger in, get a small amount and run it through the mid lengths to ends of my hair, then run my almost clean hands through the roots to smooth them without weighing them down with too much product. 

My curls dry light and bouncy, and smoothed as if injected with a nutritious oil, but without being greasy or flat. The frizz around my face is totally calmed as this perfect curly hair product keeps that heat and humidity at bay. 

The post Summers in Malta with Curly Hair appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

I’ve always loved taking photos but have never upgraded from my smartphone or an old Nikon point and shoot, so recently I decided it was time to up my game. I got myself a pretty new mirrorless camera and started an online course to figure out how to use it. 

As part of my photography journey Arvid and I decided to take a night time stroll to get some pictures of the lights and buzz at the Luna Park. Got there and it was gone! But luckily, we live on the tiniest little island where you are never more than a few minutes from the sea and the sea at night is simply stunning. 

Sliema at Nights

I bemoan how built up Malta has become but when the sun goes down and the lights go on, the sea lights up in a truly magical way. It’s a stark contrast from the glittering daytime water, as it becomes still, and alight with reds, golds, purples and blues. 

Sliema is especially beautiful as the harbour cuts into the island and is effectively protected from the open sea, making it as still as glass when the weather is good. You can see every church, every window and the bright white moon reflected in the midnight blue water.

The endless bright lights crammed into every spare spot on the island may drown out any chance of seeing the stars, but they are still beautiful in their own way. Valletta is, of course, is lovely in the day, but resplendent at night and the boats, yachts and clouds add a certain mystique and moodiness.

Malta Photography

As I learn more things and start to get to grips with my new camera I’m hoping to share more and better pictures here, on Instagram and on my Facebook page, so if you’re a fan of Malta and enjoy seeing the best sides of this island, make sure you don’t miss them!

The post Sliema Nightscape August 2018 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

I can’t really believe that September 2018 is upon us already. The month of my birthday (yay!) and the month when my countdown to Christmas really begins! This summer seemed like it started a little late but the current weather in Malta suggests that it’ll be here for a while longer to make up for it!

Average Malta Temperature in September

The average temperature in Malta in September is 28°C during the day and 20°C during the evenings. August was around 5°C hotter than the usual average and September 2018 weather in Malta is set to follow the same trend. With temperatures still hitting the early 30s and humidity of way over 60% you’re looking at another hot month.

September Weather

In general, one can expect a few days of rain in September. We had some unexpected showers in August so either we’ll end up dry as a bone this month or else we’ll get our 3 damp days and it’ll be the wettest summer for a while! Summer showers in Malta are nothing much to worry about. Expect a sudden shower, out of nowhere. It’ll be torrential but it’ll be over before you even find somewhere to run for cover. Give the streets 20 mins to drain (as they tend to flood) and it’ll be back to 30+°C and sunny again. 

September 2018 Day Temperature 

The daytime temperatures in Malta for September 2018 are set to fall slightly from that hot, hot August. It will sit slightly more comfortably around the 28 – 31°C mark, however, humidity is still set to be high so don’t expect too much relief during the day just yet. 

September 2018 Evening Temperature

The good news is that the evening temperatures in Malta in 2018 have already started to fall and are now much more enjoyable. It’s still warm and still a little sticky but with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the low 20s, around 23 – 25°C, making it much more bearable. In September, if you’re not uber sensitive to the heat, you’ll probably be able to sleep with just a fan on, rather than the AC, especially towards the end of the month. 

The post Malta Weather September 2018 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Malta is a teeny tiny little island, one of the smallest countries in the world in fact. And because it is so small there isn’t a huge amount of things to do, especially when the weather is bad. Usually in Summer if you’re bored you can pop to the beach or jump on a boat trip and be happy but when it’s grey and cold or raining it can be much harder to keep entertained.

Things to do in Malta when it’s Raining 2018

Cold in Malta is one thing, but finding things to do when it’s raining in Malta can be a lot harder. People often complain that Malta is boring and there is nothing to do when the sun isn’t out, but I’ve been here for 8 years and always managed to find enough to keep me occupied, even when the weather in Malta is bad. Check out this list and keep busy during the next storm in Malta!

• Spa weekends at Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa or Fortina Hotel & Spa
• National Museum of Archaeology
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• Buy a Kindle, curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and read
• Take a long lunch somewhere cosy or enjoy some daytime cocktails
• Order a takeaway and binge on Netflix
• Go trampolining!
• Do some online shopping (it’s what I’d do!)

Things to do in Malta when it’s Cold 2018

There is so much to do in Malta that is hard to enjoy in the summer heat. Below you will find my list of activities that are perfect things to do in Malta in winter when it’s too cold for the beach. Most of these activities are best enjoyed when it’s cold in Malta as during the summer it will be too hot to appreciate.

• Tour one of the many cathedrals in Malta
• Visit some of the oldest temples in the world
• Hike around the lush greenery and nature in Malta!
• Take some city tours, best enjoyed when it’s not too hot
• Housework: work up a sweat and scrub your place from top to bottom
• Explore prehistoric caves and cart tracks of Clapham Junction
• Wrap up warm and enjoy the fish market at Marsaxlokk
• Pop on a jumper and find hidden treasures in the flea market in Birgu.

Tips to Keep Busy in Malta when You’re Bored

My main tip for ‘things to do in Malta when the weather sucks’ is to just do whatever you were going to do anyway. When it rains in Malta, it’s rarely for long and usually results in a beautifully clear, blue sky once it’s over. If it looks like rain, just take a waterproof coat, don your wellies and go for that walk, visit that historical site, explore Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk. Don’t let a bit of rain stop you.

Be prepared- if you live in Malta, sometimes you are going to be bored. Get used to it. Unless you’re in a position to jump on a plane out of here whenever you want, there will be days when the weather sucks, there’s nothing you want to do and you feel you could cry with boredom. But here are a few things you can do to try and ease the tedium.

Spa Weekends in Malta

If the weather sucks, why not treat yourself to either a weekend at a hotel and spa or purchase a day spa pass to keep toastie in a pore cleansing steam room or dry, warming sauna. Enjoy indoor pools and warmth, of different varieties in a number of different rooms. If you really want to clear your mind and forget about the crappy weather, book in for a massage or treatment of some kind too.

Cathedrals

Malta is full of them and most of them you can visit, wander around, take a tour and learn the history behind the building, the incredible decor and the people who have used it. The Mosta Dome or St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for example- you have a personal audio tour, can take pictures (not with flash) and you will be amazed at the stunning, intricate and elaborate interior.

Temples

Again, so many to see. Megalithic, Tarxien, Ggantija to name a few. Check out Heritage Malta and get on the bus and take a look at the oldest buildings in the entire world.

Museums

This is a country with a rich, brutal and interesting history. Check out the National Museum of Archaeology, National Museum of Fine Arts to keep busy and learn a thing or two.

Go Outside, Even If The Weather is Bad in Malta

Greenery

There is plenty of greenery in Malta that you can enjoy and who cares if it’s a bit grey or drizzling. If anything, it’s likely to be much lusher this time of year.

Cities in Malta

The usual suspects like Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk are all worth a visit, and it doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t shining. Whether it’s full on raining or just a bit grey and windy, you can still enjoy the beautiful traditional streets and buildings. Don’t let the bad weather create a bad mood, get outside, get moving and enjoy the cool air!

When All Else Fails, Curl Up At Home

If you really don’t fancy going out in the cold, wind or rain then just stay in- a great suggestion from James on facebook. Snuggle up on the sofa with a thick blanket and a cup of tea, put on a film and order yourself a takeaway- it doesn’t have to be junk food, click the link and check out my list of takeaway services on the island.

The post Things to do in Malta: When the Weather’s Bad 2018 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Around a month ago, Malta’s largest milk producer, Benna, announced a critical milk shortage on the island. During the hot summer months, cows naturally produce less milk but due to rising population and record breaking tourism this year, supply could not meet demand. 

The expectation was that this would only last a couple of weeks, however, a month later, the dairy shelves in most corner shops and supermarkets are bare. As a ritualistic tea drinker, this should be catastrophic, but I’ve found a way to survive the shortage. 

The Cow’s Milk Shortage: All Hail Nut Milks!

Switch to nut milks! Now, I know you don’t want to hear it. But I’m not a fanatical vegan, I’m not going to try and shame you with animal abuse stories (worth bearing in mind though) and I’m not even going to remind you how disgusting it is that humans actually drink animal milk (OK, I will; no other creature on earth drinks milk from another species, and most don’t even drink milk past infancy). Instead I will just honestly let you know that nut milks really aren’t that bad. 

Milk Alternatives for Tea

When it comes to coffee, I prefer the taste of almond milk. True, it doesn’t foam in the same way as cows milk, so cappuccinos look a little sorry, but sprinkle on some chocolate powder and in my opinion it’s even more delicious than the animal alternative.

Milk Alternatives for Coffee

When it comes to tea, I much prefer oat milk. Oat milk doesn’t really have any taste of it’s own so doesn’t sweeten the tea (I love sugar in my coffee, but NOT in my tea). In fact, it’s quite watery so your tea will be full flavoured and satisfying. 

Availability of Milk Alternatives in Malta

Something I’ve noticed over the last few years is the sheer volume of milk alternatives in Malta. Whether you want to switch for moral reasons, digestive reasons (yup, my stomach hates dairy) or just for the current milk shortage, you’ll never be short of other options. No matter how small the supermarket you’ll find a reasonable selection, even the little family run shops on each street are fully stocked with soy milks, almond milks, oat milks, coconuts milks and so much more. 

The post Surviving the Milk Shortage in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

October is always an unpredictable weather month in Malta and so far, even though we’re only 4 days in, it has not disappointed. The temperature has already dropped considerably from September and is now sitting around 23 – 25°C. It’s getting to the point where it’s still super warm and humid outside, but inside is becoming chilly, especially at night. 

Average Malta Temperature in October

The average high temperature for Malta in October is 25°C, the daily mean is more like 21°C and the average low is 18°C. How this really translates is that during the day, it’s warm; wear your shorts and sandals and during the night, outside it’ll be quite mild; a thin jumper will do. Inside is a different story. It’s time for the winter PJs to come out which, for me, means a vest top, some comfy flannel trousers and thermal socks. 

October Storms in Malta

But there is something else you need to watch out for, apart from the rather mild, but chillier than September, temperatures, and that’s STORMS. In October in Malta, you are going to need a rain coat and a sturdy pair of wellington boots. There will be rain. It wont be often and it wont be for long, but it will be heavy and the streets will flood. 

For the most part, the rain will be heavy for a short period of time, maybe 10 – 20 minutes. During that time, any low land will be completely flooded, sewers will burst and there will be absolute chaos. It’ll remain grey and drizzly for maybe an hour, then the sky will clear up and it’ll be back to summer before you know it. 

Very occasionally you may get a whole grey day but the rain never lasts, it always comes in short, sharp bursts, but don’t underestimate how much havoc a short shower can cause. 

October Weather: Summer or Fall

October is impossible to categorise. There will be days and days where the weather is full on summer type weather; too hot, too sticky and the sun pounding down. Then there will be the days where the torrential downpour leaves you stuck at the office, unable to leave. There will be nights where you’ll pop the AC on, and nights where you snuggle up and wish you’d got your winter duvet out already. 

Things to Do in Malta in Winter

Now the weather is starting to change, it’s important to keep busy in new ways. Lots of people struggle with things to do in Malta once the summer is over, so I have compiled a list of things to do in Malta when the weather is bad; whether it’s just a bit chilly or full on storming. 

Winter is Coming

Now winter is on it’s way, you’ll need to know the truth about winter in Malta. Most expat websites, blogs and forums will delight you with tales of how short and mild the winters are, but they are not without their issues. For one, you WILL need a pair of wellies. For another, it may be 20+ degrees outside, but expect to be frozen at home if you don’t have a good set of thermals. 

The post Malta Weather October 2018 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Malta is a teeny tiny little island, one of the smallest countries in the world in fact. And because it is so small there isn’t a huge amount of things to do, especially when the weather is bad. Usually in Summer if you’re bored you can pop to the beach or jump on a boat trip and be happy but when it’s grey and cold or raining it can be much harder to keep entertained.

Things to do in Malta when it’s Raining 2018

Cold in Malta is one thing, but finding things to do when it’s raining in Malta can be a lot harder. People often complain that Malta is boring and there is nothing to do when the sun isn’t out, but I’ve been here for 8 years and always managed to find enough to keep me occupied, even when the weather in Malta is bad. Check out this list and keep busy during the next storm in Malta!

• Spa weekends at Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa or Fortina Hotel & Spa
• National Museum of Archaeology
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• Buy a Kindle, curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and read
• Take a long lunch somewhere cosy or enjoy some daytime cocktails
• Order a takeaway and binge on Netflix
• Go trampolining!
• Do some online shopping (it’s what I’d do!)

Things to do in Malta when it’s Cold 2018

There is so much to do in Malta that is hard to enjoy in the summer heat. Below you will find my list of activities that are perfect things to do in Malta in winter when it’s too cold for the beach. Most of these activities are best enjoyed when it’s cold in Malta as during the summer it will be too hot to appreciate.

• Tour one of the many cathedrals in Malta
• Visit some of the oldest temples in the world
• Hike around the lush greenery and nature in Malta!
• Take some city tours, best enjoyed when it’s not too hot
• Housework: work up a sweat and scrub your place from top to bottom
• Explore prehistoric caves and cart tracks of Clapham Junction
• Wrap up warm and enjoy the fish market at Marsaxlokk
• Pop on a jumper and find hidden treasures in the flea market in Birgu.

Tips to Keep Busy in Malta when You’re Bored

My main tip for ‘things to do in Malta when the weather sucks’ is to just do whatever you were going to do anyway. When it rains in Malta, it’s rarely for long and usually results in a beautifully clear, blue sky once it’s over. If it looks like rain, just take a waterproof coat, don your wellies and go for that walk, visit that historical site, explore Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk. Don’t let a bit of rain stop you.

Be prepared- if you live in Malta, sometimes you are going to be bored. Get used to it. Unless you’re in a position to jump on a plane out of here whenever you want, there will be days when the weather sucks, there’s nothing you want to do and you feel you could cry with boredom. But here are a few things you can do to try and ease the tedium.

Spa Weekends in Malta

If the weather sucks, why not treat yourself to either a weekend at a hotel and spa or purchase a day spa pass to keep toastie in a pore cleansing steam room or dry, warming sauna. Enjoy indoor pools and warmth, of different varieties in a number of different rooms. If you really want to clear your mind and forget about the crappy weather, book in for a massage or treatment of some kind too.

Cathedrals

Malta is full of them and most of them you can visit, wander around, take a tour and learn the history behind the building, the incredible decor and the people who have used it. The Mosta Dome or St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for example- you have a personal audio tour, can take pictures (not with flash) and you will be amazed at the stunning, intricate and elaborate interior.

Temples

Again, so many to see. Megalithic, Tarxien, Ggantija to name a few. Check out Heritage Malta and get on the bus and take a look at the oldest buildings in the entire world.

Museums

This is a country with a rich, brutal and interesting history. Check out the National Museum of Archaeology, National Museum of Fine Arts to keep busy and learn a thing or two.

Go Outside, Even If The Weather is Bad in Malta

Greenery

There is plenty of greenery in Malta that you can enjoy and who cares if it’s a bit grey or drizzling. If anything, it’s likely to be much lusher this time of year.

Cities in Malta

The usual suspects like Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk are all worth a visit, and it doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t shining. Whether it’s full on raining or just a bit grey and windy, you can still enjoy the beautiful traditional streets and buildings. Don’t let the bad weather create a bad mood, get outside, get moving and enjoy the cool air!

When All Else Fails, Curl Up At Home

If you really don’t fancy going out in the cold, wind or rain then just stay in- a great suggestion from James on facebook. Snuggle up on the sofa with a thick blanket and a cup of tea, put on a film and order yourself a takeaway- it doesn’t have to be junk food, click the link and check out my list of takeaway services on the island.

The post Things to do in Malta: When the Weather’s Bad 2018 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Finding inspiration for Christmas gifts is hard enough, but in Malta, where options are limited, it’s even harder. To help you out, I’ve put together my list of the top 5 local gift ideas in Malta. All 5 of these are located in Malta, and in case they’re still a bit far for you to get to, all of them have online stores too!

Local Gift Guide Malta 2018

1. Stephanie Borg Budget: €2 – €20
   
2. My Melts Budget: €1 – €2 each
3. MVintage Budget: €20 – €50
4. Soap Cafe Budget: €2 – €50
   
5. Souvenirs That Don’t Suck Budget: €5 – €50
6. Tettiera Budget: €2 – €40

Stephanie Borg

Here you’ll find beautifully designed mugs, magnets, notepads, prints and pillows, all with a Maltese edge. It may be a traditional Maltese tile print, or maybe some sketches of Malta doors. Something for every Malta lover!

MyMelts Malta

Perfect for candle lovers. These eco soy wax melts are better for the environment than scented candles and have a much more permeating scent than any candle I’ve ever used. I love the Christmassy scents but there is something for everyone and at just €1 – €2 each you can really go mad with these stocking fillers and get a melt from every scent range. 

MVintage

This place catches my eye whenever I walk past their little stand in Tigne Point. Everything is so shiny! They specialise in gems and charms that really catch the light. You can customise too, so find your friends birthstone, or get a stone with some meaning (maybe Love, Dedication, Luck, Ambition and more) and match it with the chain length and colour that you know your loved ones will adore. 

Soap Cafe Gift Ideas in Malta

Everyone likes to wash and most of us care about what we put on our skin. These products are all natural, and mostly locally sourced, locally made by hand. They smell amazing, can be used to treat a number of issues and are great for you. 

Souvenirs That Don’t Suck

I love this place as it’s perfect for loved ones or people (like work colleagues) who you don’t know so well. It’s also a great gift idea for men. They can be hard to buy for but here you’ll find something for everyone. Very Malta focused, with plenty of puns, you’ll find notepads, magnets, badges, patches, tshirts, hoodies and a lot more, featuring prominent places in Malta, funny phrases and really simple, but well thought out designs. 

Tettiera

A local loose leaf tea company, Tettiera really is the perfect gift idea in Malta. Especially in winter time, around Christmas, everyone loves a hot drink and these gorgeously packaged teas will make the perfect present. Grab something on a budget with their Eco Tea Sacks; a single teabag for just €1.74, available in lots of different flavours, beautifully boxed. Find various green teas, black teas, herbal infusions, oolong and white teas, rooibos, chai and more! For bigger budgets, grab a whole packet of their favourite tea, or a pretty little teapot or fun tea accessories. 

The post Local Gift Ideas in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Opening a bank account as an expat in Malta has changed a lot over the last few years and from speaking to people I meet who moved here recently, it sounds as if it is becoming harder and harder to get yourself set up.

For the most part, I’d recommend not opening a bank account in Malta and instead just using Revolut. Some companies may not be willing to transfer wages there, but most will be able to. You can have a free account, opened up in minutes, with a proper IBAN and account number. The app is amazing, a thousand times better than any banking app in Malta and the service is top notch. If you require more features, they also have a few paid options for faster service, lower fees and additional benefits. Here you can read all about using Revolut in Malta.

Some things to know about banking in general in Malta;

Cash Machines

There is a serious lack of ATM cash machines. In general you only really find them on the outside of banks, meaning they’re mainly in busy, popular areas. You’re not guaranteed to have a cash point within walking distance, so try to be organised about always having enough cash on you as Malta is still way behind when it comes to card payments in general. Often, a place wont accept cards (but of course wont tell you until it comes to paying, even in a restaurant), they usually have a minimum card spend between €10 – €20 and they still don’t allow you to insert your own card; you have to hand it over whilst they mess about with it. Oh and contactless? Haha. No.

Using the Banks

Actually going in to your bank and seeing a cashier or personal banker is an absolute nightmare. They only open part-time, usually between 08:00 and 13:00 and rarely have enough cashiers to deal with the scrum. In general, I find the banks so busy they’re almost unusable. On many occasions I’ve spent over an hour waiting in line and still not had a chance to see a cashier and ended up having to leave as I just didn’t have time. This can be very frustrating, so avoid going into the bank unless absolutely necessary.

Choosing Banks

A bank is a hugely personal thing and not everyone will have the same experiences. I personally use BOV and would recommend them, mainly for a lack of better options. HSBC is the next biggest on the sland, and a popular choice. Other options include Banif and APS, both of which I’ve been unsure about in the past, but which these days seem to be the better banks for foreigners. Read on and make up your own mind on opening a bank account in Malta.

Opening A Bank Account in Malta

This is the Mediterranean, with all the good and bad that goes along with it. Everything here is slow, so don’t expect opening a bank account to be any different. I had to provide references for some colleagues and you wouldn’t believe how long the banks took to process them. After claiming they never received it in the post, and refusing to accept a scanned copy via email I went and physically handed iintoto the right person who still claimed she never got it. But this kind of thing is pretty common in Malta, as long as you do all you can, it’s a pretty simple process.

1. Your ID– they will accept either a Maltese ID card or a passport. If you have a Maltese ID card, always use this as it makes the reference process easier. You have to have one to live here anyway, so I’d recommend just waiting to open the account until your ID card is sorted.
2. A general reference– if you have an ID card then the reference can be from a bank, your employer, a lawyer and so on. The easiest way is your employer, on company headed paper they simply have to complete a form that BOV will be happy to send you via email. It asks for things like name, address and salary (not sure why this is necessary). If you don’t have an ID card then you’ll need a reference from your bank, which you cannot provide- BOV will contact your bank directly. Due to the slowness with banks in general, on both sides, this can take a while.

Cashlink vs Visa Debit

However, when you eventually do get your account and card, chances are it’ll be a cashlink and not a visa card. I have no idea why BOV is so strict on giving Visa debit card to foreigners as this isn’t a credit card! It’s just a card you need to access your own money. The cashlinks don’t have a chip and can’t be used outside of Malta. After approx one year of using your account, you can then apply for a debit Visa card so you can pay for things abroad.

Banks in Malta

BOV in Malta (Bank of Valletta)

This is the bank I currently use and the bank I would recommend if you’re opening a bank account in Malta. They’re not perfect, but I’ve had fewer problems with them than with other banks on the island. Most gaming companies on the island will use BOV, so if you work in gaming especially they’re ideal as you’ll get your wages faster and it’s probably the most used bank on the island.

Their mobile app is bordering on useless, so I actually use a company called Revolut for most of my spending. BOV I have my wages paid into and keep my savings in. The app is very slow to update, often not showing purchases for 5+ days after the transactions and on the mobile app you can only see around 30 of the last transactions. If often crashes (but keeps you logged in, so if you try and get back into it, you get an error that you’re already logged in) and generally can’t be used between 17:00 – 19:00 each evening. With BOV it does cost if you withdraw cash from an ATM in Malta that is not a BOV ATM. At the last try, it cos me €3.50, which is absolutely atrocious in my opinion.

HSBC in Malta

When opening a bank account in Malta, you should consider that HSBC in Malta are hugely anti-gaming. They’re an international brand so really should be more open minded and accepting. But, if you own a gaming company then you cannot have a HSBC account and if they find out your account is being used as a gaming companies corporate account they will shut you down.

As a normal customer this doesn’t really affect you- even if you work for a gaming company you wont have any problems, it’s more on a corporate level they don’t like it. However, you cannot process payments to gaming websites if you have a HSBC credit card. They keep threatening to do the same for debit cards, but as of yet, you’re still able to deposit into online gaming sites with your HSBC debit card.

If you have a HSBC account already, in another country then it’s fairly simply to transfer over your details. In the past I know this has been a troublesome and drawn out process but from more recent reports, it’s clearly been streamlined and is a simple case of letting your bank know you want to transfer to Malta and they’ll do the rest.

Banif Bank in Malta

I banked with Banif almost 10 years ago and had a lot of problems with them. They were very slow to process my wages each month, often taking 5+ days to show the funds in my account. A few times they even ‘lost’ the transfer and continually blamed BOV (who sent them the funds) but each time it turned out to be a Banif issue.

At Banif you do not need a reference letter in order to open a simple bank account, however, they also won’t give you a reference which makes things hard if you want to switch accounts later on.

APS Bank in Malta

APS is a ‘church bank’, which immediately makes me quite wary. I don’t know anyone who uses them and I’ve never used them myself. When I first moved here I did try to open an account with them, but I was in there for 30 minutes and the woman couldn’t figure out how to do it.

However, when it comes to getting a loan as a foreigner in Malta, APS is one of your best bets. BOV do not want to lend money to foreigners, no matter how long you’ve lived here or how much you earn, but APS are, surprisingly, much more open minded and actually have some of the best terms on the island.

The post Guide to Opening a Bank Account in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

First of all, let me clarify: Christmas, to me, is nothing to do with religion. Christmas is a feeling. It’s a time when everything is a little bit sugar coated, slightly more rose tinted. It’s a time to look back at the year, as it comes to a close, to remember the good bits and learn from the bad bits. A time to be giving and a time to be thankful. 

Christmas, and the excitement around it, is one of those things that divides people. There are those who, like me, obsess over it and want to decorate by mid-November. As soon as Halloween is done, my playlists switch to festive tunes and I want to immerse everyone around me in the joyful spirit.

There are those who despise people like me and look down on us bumbling idiots. They grudgingly put a tree up, to please someone else, a week before Christmas and scowl or audibly tut when the Christmas music starts.

Then, there are those who believe ‘live and let live’ and smile serenely on as the rest of us go slightly mad.

I had a happy childhood. I see now that that was mostly thanks to being too young to understand some of the things going on around me, but regardless, they were good years. But at Christmas, everything was better.

The house was clean! We had more visitors so pretences had to be kept. I got to see the grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles that we didn’t see enough during the year, because everyone feels they have to make more effort at Christmas. For the most part, I tuned out the arguments.

Not only was the house clean more often than not, there would be one morning where my brother and I would come down the stairs to find the house had been decorated over night, as if by magic! Those classic sparkly decorations hanging from the ceiling, the stamp of a 90s Christmas. A tree (always fake, due to the dogs, and needles and… I don’t know why really) would go up, with my brother and I taking it in turns to be lifted up by Dad to pop the star, or the fairy on top. Snow globes would adorn the mantle pieces, stockings would be hung from our bedroom doorknobs and (what seemed to me) 100s of cards sellotaped to every wall. 

At Christmas, there was always plenty of food, and good food at that. More treats than we could eat, constant roast chickens, beef, vegetables, then the big day with turkey and all the trimmings. Whatever else I could say, my parents always worked hard, so the gifts from Father Christmas helped make this a magical period for us. 

Oh, and the music. I always knew good times were coming when I could smell furniture polish and music would be playing from the stereo. This would happen on the odd weekend throughout the year, if we had guests visiting, but at Christmas it became a daily routine. Chris Rea growling out “Driving Home for Christmas”, Wham! and their “Last Christmas”, Band Aid educating me that Christmas wasn’t this lovely for everyone else around the world and I should be thankful for this month of merriment. I loved every second of the Christmas period, and walked around with a happy, warm glow.

Then, one Christmas day, my Dad left.

We woke up early, excited as ever. Even though I was 18, my younger brother and I still ran into our parents’ room and opened the gifts in our stockings on their bed. Once that was done we decided to go and visit our Aunt, Uncle and two cousins who lived nearby, to exchange gifts. Dad said he wasn’t feeling well so didn’t want to join. We headed over, had a lovely time. My Aunty Michelle, who was terminally ill with Pompe disease, was in great spirits so the drive home an hour or so later was a happy one.

We turned onto our road and instantly realised Dad’s bright red, unmissable Jeep was gone. I wasn’t sure what that meant at the time but I felt the air stiffen as Mum froze. She knew. And I knew it wasn’t good. We pulled into the drive. It felt like no one was even breathing. Walked in the front door and saw the hurriedly scribbled note.

I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore. 

That was it. Nothing else seemed to be gone, except the TV from the kitchen but somehow, it was like the place had been gutted. I was gutted. Life was hard for many years after that Christmas day. It was a long time until we heard from our Dad, or so I remember it. There was a lot of bitterness, a lot of hate, a lot of sacrificing the life I had dreamed of in order to help take care of a mother who was utterly, entirely, and devastatingly broken. 

Christmas became my least favourite time of year for a long time. I didn’t want to see the decorations, hear the music, and remember that note. Remember the constant money worries. The permanent impending doom of losing the house, of Mum not making it home one night.

The house didn’t get tidied any more.

But as I got older and learned about forgiveness I realised that I couldn’t continue to let one person ruin something that had once meant so much to me. So now, finally, 13 years later, I enjoy Christmas again, and with gusto. It took time, but these days I hardly feel the pain in my chest. Now, the music, the scent of cinnamon and the ambient fairy lighting all help to soothe me and I can once again feel that extra bit happier at Christmas, no matter how good or bad life is. I again manage to feel thankful for the year that has passed, and every year before it, and all the experiences that made me into Rhi, 2018 edition. 

Christmas reminds me of the good times gone past and reminds me of the times I barely survived and ultimately reminds me how lucky I am and how incredible life is. 

So, next time you want to be a grinch-like asshole and mock someone for loving Christmas and putting their decorations up before November is even half way gone, stop. Be miserable, I’d never take that away from you, but don’t infect the rest of us with it. Let us enjoy what we enjoy because maybe, just maybe, loving it is the only thing that makes it bearable for us

The post Why I Love Christmas appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Corporate Gifts for Clients or Employees

I call Swanky Hampers the perfect corporate Christmas gift in Malta but really I find beautifully made hampers a great gift for anyone. Not only employees, clients or suppliers, but also friends and family. When they are packaged as prettily as these and full of such a great selection of tasty treats, I really think anyone would be happy to receive a Swanky Hamper this Christmas. 

Affordable to High-End Gift Hampers in Malta

There are a number of hamper gift services in Malta, but Swanky Hampers is by far my favourite. It sits exactly between being a super impressive gift, whilst still being reasonably priced. You can find hampers ranging from €28, and going up to €200 for the biggest box. Perfect Christmas gift for key clients, top employees and your most cherished friends and family members. 

Tasty, Organic Treats

Each box is filled with a selection of food and drink. You’ll find sweet treats like chocolates and biscuits, top of the range olive oil and balsamic vinegar, pasta, tea bags, champagne, mince pies, Christmas puddings and the list goes on. All of the food found in the Swanky Hampers is 100% organic so it’s good for you and good for the world. Find high end brands like Tea Pigs, Roots & Wings for jams and puddings, Green & Blacks chocolates, Mr Organics, Moet & Chandon and many many more. 

The gift boxes come in various themes, suited to all tastes and preferences. Some, come with a mix of everything from tea to wine to sweets, cakes and oils. Then there are the Tea Hampers, focused around my favourite ritual of the day; tea time! Enjoy flavoured tea bags, loose teas, ceramic tea pots, mugs and strainers so your special someone can really treat themselves. 

Personalised Gifts in Malta

The hampers come sturdily packed in cardboard boxes, wrapped in a length of silky ribbon. You can choose colour combinations to match your company branding, a nice extra touch that we like to add for our client hampers each year. I have clients who now, every November start looking forward to the hint of red which means a Swanky Hamper from me and my team has just been delivered. 

Christmas Hampers with Great Products

I find with most hampers that they tend to look like a great gift, but the contents end up letting the overall effect down. Some €2 spaghetti, a harsh red wine. That’s not the case with Swanky Hampers. Apart from the amazing feedback I get from my clients each year when they receive theirs, I was lucky enough to get to try a hamper myself. My favourite items from the hamper were the Mr Organic Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, Zonin Rose Prosecco and the Organic milk, dark and white chocolate coated Torroncini but pretty much everything was great. The tea flavour wasn’t to my taste but the best thing about a hamper Christmas gift in Malta is that you have plenty of other items to choose from. 

Swanky Hampers Service

The customer service from Swanky Hampers is a refreshing change for Malta. Malta is an island where customer service is not a priority but I love dealing with the Swanky Hampers team each Christmas time. The order service is quick and simple, they are friendly and responsive and orders are delivered to the clients quickly and efficiently. 

Order your Christmas Hamper in Malta Today!

Time is running out now for Christmas deliveries so if you’re looking for some client gifts in Malta, something flashy to treat your employees to, or just aren’t sure what to get the Mother-in-Law, check out the Swanky Boutique today and rest assured that whoever you send this wonderful Christmas gift to in Malta, will absolutely love it. 

The post Swanky Hampers: The Perfect Corporate Christmas Gift appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Just in time for Christmas a whole host of online stores, all of which deliver to Malta, are offering big and small discounts on perfect gift ideas. Many online stores deliver to Malta for free these days, so check out these huge online sales of menswear, womenswear, home furnishings, electrical items and much, much more!

15% off almost all beauty at FeelUnique

Click here to grab this promo code that entitles you to 15% off almost everything on FeelUnique, only until 16th December! They hold all the best budget and high end brands and give free online delivery to Malta. 

50% off clothing, beauty, homeware at The Hut

Check out The Hut ASAP. This online department store delivers to Malta and has a huge sale, offering up to 50% off. You’ll find discounts from 10 – 50% on everything from men’s and women’s clothing to homeware, beauty, sports and clothes and toys for the kids as well. Even better, The Hut offers delivery for just £0.99 to Malta on large orders so whilst you’re checking out discounted gifts, why not treat yourself to some new kitchenware, skincare or electrical goodies?

30% off Christmas Decorations

One of my absolute favourite stores in the UK, John Lewis, has up to 30% off Christmas decorations online and they deliver to Malta! They may not arrive in time for Christmas, but I love a good bargain so I think I’ll stock up on some sale decorations in time for next year. I found the selection of Christmas decorations in Malta very sad and sorry this year so prepping for next year online sounds like a good plan to me.

More Online Shopping Ideas in Malta

Here you can find a full list of online stores that deliver to Malta, many of which will be offering great discounts both in the lead up to, and the weeks following, Christmas. 

You can also check out my ultimate gift guide for 2018 showcasing the best online stores and the best local stores in Malta for wonderful gifts this Christmas. 

The post Online Shopping Sales in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Banking is one of my biggest pet peeves in Malta. The banking system is an absolute mess. Being a foreigner (the big F word in Malta) puts you at an instant disadvantage, but even things like the online banking, customer service and the mobile apps are miles behind other developed countries. But I have found a quick and easy solution to bank problems in Malta and you can too, by trying Revolut in Malta.

Bank Problems in Malta

APS doesn’t even have a mobile app, BOV does but it’s incredibly limited. Internet banking is almost unusable. BOVs goes down for a while every day around 5PM, so you cannot access your accounts. It takes 5-7 working days to update transactions. Customer service is slow and unhelpful. They don’t have any authority or permissions to do anything. If you lose a card, good luck getting a new one within 3 weeks. If you’re abroad and you have issues, just good luck! If you’re a foreigner and you want a visa debit card, HAHA. Need to pop into the bank? Don’t even bother. They open on part time hours and never have enough staff so you’ll be waiting for at least an hour, often longer.

In short, bank problems in Malta are something you have to work around. Something to try and survive. So when my boyfriend told me about Revolut, I was super excited. There are a number of different companies doing a similar thing but Revolut has exploded recently as they just do everything that little bit better. There are a bunch of reasons to use Revolut and they have so many features and services but I’ll talk through the bits that I love.

What Bank Problems Does Revolut Solve?

Revolut is an online banking service authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, and as of late 2018 they were actually approved for a full banking license meaning in the near future they’ll be able to offer a lot more services including overdrafts and loans.

You simply download the mobile app, set up an account and receive your debit Mastercard within, generally 3 business days. Revolt reached Unicorn status in 2018, just 3 years after launching, making them one of the fastest ever companies in Europe to get there. Their app is what banking has always needed and best of all.. their service is free. 

Revolut solves a lot of banking problems that you’re likely to experience in Malta. The biggest being:

• instant balance updates
• transparent mobile app
• free cash withdrawals
• great exchange rates
• spending analytics
• help with saving
• great budgeting tools

How I use Revolut in Malta 2019

I get paid into my BOV account. As my company uses BOV, it makes the salary transfer process as easy as possible. I transfer anything I want to save into my BOV savings account. I then upload around €200 – €500, instantly into Revolut. I just click ‘Top Up’ insert my card details (which it’ll remember for next time) and the cash appears instantly in Revolut.

This act of transferring an amount already helps me keep a closer eye on how much I’m spending. Then each transaction sends a notification to my mobile so nothing ever goes unnoticed. I often check the Analytics to see where I’m spending my money each month, so I know exactly where I can cut back or improve. Then throughout the month, I top up as needed.

Free Revolut Account Malta

Some of my favourite features include:

• CONTACTLESS (not that anywhere in Malta knows what this is yet, but it’s fun when travelling!)
• app updates instantly with all transactions (none of this ‘book balance’ vs ‘available balance’ and waiting 5 days to see what transactions are pending)
• it sends notifications to your phone when money goes in or out
• super handy analytics feature which helps you visualise how/where/what you are spending
• you can freeze and unfreeze cards at a tap of a button (really handy if you think a card is lost, but then find it again!)
• €200 free cash withdrawals per month (in Malta if you have a BOV card but withdraw at an HSBC ATM for example, you’ll be charged €4)
• industry best exchange rates
• request money from friends
• instantly send money to friends
• split bill

I love how user-friendly and informative the app is. I really like that I can see all transactions as soon as they have been made and analytics helps me understand how I’m spending my money, thus helping me manage it much better. If I need to borrow cash from a friend (so many places in Malta still don’t accept cards!) I can Revolut it to them and it’ll appear instantly in their Revolut account. If a friend owes me money, I can request it, sending them a reminder and allowing them to pay right away. If a group of us are having lunch, or dinner, one of us can pay then ‘split bill’ enter our phone numbers and request our share from each of us.

Benefits of Revolut Premium in Malta

Revolut is a free service but extra paid Premium services or Metal services are also available. Premium gets you even more amazing features like:

• comprehensive travel insurance
• 2x standard limit on free ATM withdrawals
• free global card delivery within 3 days (especially great if you lose your card when travelling!)
• 24/7 support
• discounted device insurance
• cryptocurrency exchange
• free unlimited FX
• Vaults
• spare change round up
• wider choice of card designs (I am OBSESSED with the pink one!)

Benefits of Revolut Metal in Malta

Then Metal has some added benefits such as:

• very cool black card made of actual metal
• cashback on every purchase
• concierge service
• with more options to come

As someone who travels a lot both for work and for pleasure, the monthly fee is already worth it just to make sure I am always insured. I checked over the policy and it’s as fully covered as you could hope from any plan. I also sleep a lot more soundly knowing I can get a new card delivered to me, almost anywhere in the world, within just 3 days.

Save Better with Revolut Malta

To save into your vault you can set a recurring payment, daily, weekly or monthly. Or you can use one of my favourite things ever; spare change roundup. This will round up every transaction you make to the nearest € and pop those extra pennies into your vault. Over a month this can be a really nice little change savings pot. And if you want to accelerate those savings you can, by choosing to multiply the roundup by x2, x3, x4, x5 or x10. So if, for example, you spend €1.50. Automatically the roundup will round up the transaction to €2 and put the extra €0.50 into your vault. If you have the accelerator on x3, it’ll actually put €1.50 into your vault.

Should I use Revolut in Malta?

YES!

In short, Revolut makes banking in Malta totally stress-free. Their app is perfect for keeping track of my spending. I save without realising by having spare change roundup and the x5 accelerator. Cash withdrawals are free, so I don’t have to panic about not being able to find the right cash point (we have hardly any in Malta and a €4 charge to withdraw from the ‘wrong’ ATM is hard to swallow!) and being able to transfer cash to my friends instantly and split bills in just a few taps of the app has really taken some of the little, but common stresses out of life.

The post Revolut Solves Banking Problems in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Yesterday I reminded my Facebook friends of the dark secret that Malta holds… everyone will promise you short, mild winters, but what they don’t mention is that you’ll still end up being freezing! We had a giggle and shared top tips on keeping warm inside.

Flooding in Malta 2019

But today, something a bit more serious; flooding in Malta. Considering this happens every single year, I am not sure why better infrastructure hasn’t been built to deal with it. There are whole towns, like Birkirkara, sitting in valleys, that dangerously flood the moment anything from a short shower, to a torrential downpour begins. Then there are low lying towns, like Gzira, where the sea is so close, yet not close enough to build any kind of proper drainage.

It’s true, winter’s in Malta are some of the best in Europe, but the country is not well equipped to deal with the kind of rain it experiences every single year. Showers will be short, no long, drizzly days like in the UK, but whilst they are short, they are heavy. The kind of rain that hurts as it pummels you, the kind of rain that drowns out the sound of the TV, the kind of rain that, in just 15 minutes, can flood entire towns.

Flood Warnings in Malta

If you get caught in one of these showers, don’t try to brave it by carrying on. If you’re walking or in a car; stop. Especially if you are in a flood prone area, you’ll soon be up to your knees (or your engine) in sewage filled rain water. Your clothes will be ruined. Your car will be destroyed.

Tips for Flooding in Malta

If you’re likely to be out and about on foot:

• a light weigh rainproof coat (anything too thick will have you sweating)
• a pair of knee-high wellington boots (none of these ankle length ones)
• don’t bother with the umbrella (the wind in Malta makes them mostly more of a hazard as they flip inside out and get blown from your hands).

If you’re in a car and can see the street in front of you is flooded STOP. Better to cause a temporary hold up as you all wait for the rain to stop and the water to drain, rather than a long term jam because your engine has flooded and your car has stopped. Or worse, you’ve lost control and drifted into another car, a building or a person.

It sounds like common sense but I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve thrown on a thick, fleecy raincoat and ended up soaked anyway, but from sweat rather than the rain. Or the times I look out of my office window and see cars and even busses trying to drive through the flooded streets and ended up stranded. During these short showers, any flood prone areas become total chaos. So just wait. Take that time to grab a cup of tea and relax, read a book, call your Mum to catch up. It’s not often we get given a surprise amount of time, so stay safe and enjoy it.

If you see it’s raining and about to flood, call your friend, your work, your appointment, tell them you’ll be a bit late and wait for the water to drain. Before you know it, the streets will be clear (except for those drivers who are now waiting for their engines to dry out!) and the sun will be shining and you can get back to your busy day.

The post Flooding in Malta 2019 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

Between the beautiful little villages of Marsaxlokk and Marsacala is a delightfully green patch of land called Delimara. This area consists of hills, coastal lines and the national treasure that is St Peter’s Pool. You’ll find vast, open spaces, a kind of peace that you don’t usually find on this crowded island and air fresher than anywhere else in Malta.

This area is hilly, it’s rocky, it’s green and it’s surrounded by the deep, blue, Mediterranean sea. If you’re looking for hiking trails in Malta, this is a must see. The area is one of the most stunning on the island and whilst, no, Malta isn’t full of forests and greenery, it’s as lush a place as the island has. Whether you want a short, easy hike, or something more challenging, this area has paths for everyone.

We began our ramble near the lighthouse, so were instantly submersed in an alien landscape, filled with bushes, brambles and the historic salt pans. I don’t know what it is about these man carved formations, but they just invoke this feeling of magic within me. I love them.

As you walk around this area, you’ll need to be careful of ‘private property’ which is not actually private at all. A huge amount of people over the years have appropriated public land for themselves, building illegal structures which were ignored (or even deliberately offered) by the government and have now become a permanent fixture. These illegal dwellings generally encroach on public pathways and, as you can imagine, the kind of people who will illegally claim land as their own are not the kind of people you generally want to be associating with. If you ‘trespass’ on ‘their’ land you are likely to be screamed at, chased by people or dogs (whom they beat and neglect, specifically to make them aggressive), threatened and even possibly shot at. So watch the ‘private’ signs and don’t try to be a hero.

These hikes are best to attempt outside of summer. Pick those sunny, but chilly days where the exertion will keep you warm, without being uncomfortable. The sunshine really is the best lighting and the colours you’ll experience will show you another side to Malta, a side that so many people I speak to seem to go years without ever noticing.

Hiking is the kind of thing to do in Malta that can be totally personalised. As I mentioned, you can take it easy, or go expert. You can have a peaceful, relaxing day alone, enjoying the smell of nature, the salty air, the sound of birds (outside of hunting season anyway) or go with friends, take a picnic, laugh, fly your drones and enjoy.

Anytime you are craving a bit of really fresh air, or are missing the sights, sounds and smells of nature, or want to test out a new camera, or maybe spend some quality time with friends, family and loved ones, I’d recommend heading to Delimara and walking, hiking or rambling to your hearts content.

The post Hiking in Delimara appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

David & Danya moved to Malta from Ireland in 2011 and spent almost 5 years here, during which time David created the ‘How To Malta’ blog. Now they live in Andalusia, and David’s latest blog about expat life in Spain and travel is HowToTraveller. I used to read David’s Malta blog back in the day and was curious when he stopped writing. It’s great to see he is back online again and I’d recommend anyone who loves to travel, or is considering Spain as their next stop (be it for vacation or for living) to go and check out his new blog!

Malta Memories!

It is just over three years since Danya and I packed our enormous collection of bags and left Malta for the final time. The final time until the next time, that is. We travelled from Malta to the Czech Republic for a six-month stay, and then on to the South of Spain where we currently reside. Time lends perspective, or so they say, and it has given me a chance to reflect on the five years or so that we spent on that sunny island in the centre of the Med. Of course, not everything was sunshine and roses all the time, and so I feel qualified to give a balanced overview of our time in Malta; the good and the bad.

Speaking of which, let’s get the negatives of living in Malta out of the way. My overall impression of Malta was a positive one so we will finish the post with those. But if there is a true paradise on Earth I’ve not found it yet, and so some gripes are only to be expected…

Cons of Living in Malta

For at least half of our time in Malta we were living on the Northern part of the island in picturesque St Paul’s Bay. It’s a lovely spot, but it did mean that I had to endure a bus commute down to my offices in Msida. Here we come to not one, but two of my pet-peeves: traffic and public transport. Given there are no trains on the island, public transport means ‘buses’ and these are of course impacted by the narrow and overcrowded roads which service the country. Pot-holes all over the place, buses too large for the streets, way too many cars on the roads and people stopping in the middle of the traffic to pop out and go to the shops. That daily commute used to drive me nuts, especially as those times when I would see my precious evening slipping away as I stood on a sweltering and stationary bus!

Another negative factor was that we struggled to make many Maltese friends during our stay. I guess the language and cultural differences were too much of an impediment, in our case at least, but of course everyone’s experience is different. Speaking of culture, there is a sort of ‘mañana, mañana’ attitude at play in Malta which can be a pain at times. (Of course, I’ve moved to Southern Spain, so hardly a big change there!) That attitude can be infuriating though, especially when trying to deal with government officials as we had to when trying to get Danya’s visa sorted out. You need the patience of a Saint sometimes… And those chilling Maltese winters which the houses just are not designed for! But okay, that’s enough of the griping, because the good certainly outweighs the bad.

Best Bits About Life in Malta

Now, let’s talk about the best parts of living in Malta. For a country the size of Malta, the amount of history packed into this tiny island is difficult to believe. From pre-historic times to Malta gaining its independence saw periods when the country was controlled by civilisations such as the Romans, Phoenicians, Arabs, French and British to name but a few. You can visit the fabulous cathedral of the Knights of St John in Valletta, where priceless works by Caravaggio are on display. Or venture underground to the Neolithic Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni in Paola for an atmospheric glimpse back through the millennia. It seems like if you dug a hole in a random field in Malta it wouldn’t take long before the blade of your spade was coming in contact with a random archaeological treasure.

Of course, the climate is a major plus point if you are a sun-lover. You won’t have to wait too long for the sun to appear, as you can expect sunshine at least 300 days out of every year. Some of the beaches in the North of the island are particularly beautiful, although no matter where you are, I’ve never swum in nicer water in Europe than the seas around Malta. Crystal clear and warm enough to swim comfortably for around half the year, with colourful fish darting around even when you are close to the shore. Just watch out for those sea urchins, as I had a couple of painful run-ins with those guys!

Considering Malta is a tiny island which has been subject to a bewildering number of invasions over the centuries, it is remarkable just how much of a national identity it has managed to retain. Even the current economic invasion by (mostly) Northern Europeans attracted by opportunities in the online gaming and financial fields has not dented the unique local charms of Malta. From the pastizzi and ftira sold at the ubiquitous pastizzerias to the chaotic local festas and the verbal ticks of Maltese English (‘Mela!’) you couldn’t imagine you were anywhere else in the world. And on the good days, there’s nowhere else you would rather be!

The post Reflections on Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

The questions I get asked most by people who are looking to move to Malta are job related questions. Generally people want to know:

• what jobs are there in Malta?
• can I get a job in iGaming?
• how much do iGaming jobs pay?

What Jobs are there in Malta?

In Malta there are jobs in all industries but iGaming, finance and tourism are probably the most prevalent with iGaming and IT probably being the best paid.

You’ll find a lot of service or tourism-focused jobs such as restaurant staff, hotel staff and bar staff but for the most part, especially for entry-level roles, they will be quite low paid, sometimes as low as the minimum wage (€4.50 per hour).

Can I get a job in iGaming?

This question really varies case to case. You can’t just guarantee to turn up here and get a job in iGaming. Like any industry it depends on your background and experience.

There are ‘entry-level’ positions that might not require previous iGaming experience, such as Customer Service roles but then it depends on what languages you speak. Some languages are more sought after than others and some companies are more serious than others about the quality of the language skills.

If you have employment history then you may have some skills that can be translated into gaming. Things like account management, finance positions and HR. If not, you can start in a customer service role and work your way up. The good part of a customer service role is that you deal with all aspects of the business and face all kinds of questions so you’ll soon learn a little bit about everything and can then see where your skills and passion lie.

Average Salary in Malta

As I mentioned, the minimum wage is very low for Europe but jobs in iGaming tend to be a lot better paid. Salary will depend on a lot of factors, like anywhere, such as your experience, your talent and passion and the company you end up choosing.

An awesome source of averages is Pentasia’s 2018 iGaming Business Salary report that covers most sectors of iGaming, at most levels, across Malta and the UK. The figures for Team Lead and Department Head positions look a little high from my personal experience (boo!) in certain areas, so don’t expect all companies to offer these kinds of salaries, but it at least gives you a benchmark and something reasonable to aim for.

Sales and Account Management Salaries in Malta

According to the report, you can potentially achieve the following average yearly salaries:

• Account Manager / Sales Executive: €23.3k
• Team Lead: €46.3k
• Head/Manager: €83.3k

Customer Service Salaries in Malta

• Agent: €17.4k
• Team Lead: €38.2k
• Head/Manager: €60.3k

Design + Tech Salaries in Malta

• Designer: €26.7k
• Team Lead: €48.4k
• Head/Manager: €88.4k

Best Paid Positions in Malta

According to the survey, the best paid starting positions are those in:

1. Analytics + Data (€28k)
2. Product (€27.6k)
3. Design + Tech (€26.7k)

The best paid Team Leader positions are those in the same fields:

1. Product (€50.1k)
2. Design + Tech (€48.4k)
3. Analytics + Data (€48.4k)

The best Department Head or Manager positions are those in:

1. Finance + Operations (€98.6k)
2. Legal + Compliance (€88.8k)
3. Design + Tech (€88.4k)
4. Marketing (€86.2k)

This indicates to me that, as expected, to get the big bucks, you really need to dive into roles that require work. Analytics + Data, Design + Tech: these roles require proper qualifications, skill and a passion for the small details. To make it far in Legal + Compliance, and Finance + Operations, where the real top level money is, then be prepared for years of studying and working your way up.

More than Just the Money

But don’t make your decisions based solely on money. Think about yourself and your life and what makes you happy. If you love people you can still make great money as an account manager. If you love the chase, you can make a great salary (and bonus!) in sales. If you want every day to be different, never dull, always changing, then head into customer support.

In the end, you’ll be spending 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at work, at least. So make it something you love, somewhere you’re happy, with people you enjoy being around.

The post Average iGaming Salaries in Malta appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.

I’m sure most of you have figured out by now that Malta is being battered by one of the worst storms in a number of years. Latest reports state that winds are between Gale Force 9 and Gale Force 11, making going outside incredibly risky, effectively taking your life into your hands.

Official advice is to cancel all your plans and stay inside today. Because such strong winds are dangerous enough in themselves, but add on the added danger from the angry, billowing sea, plus furniture and buildings flying around and falling and you are taking a pointless risk by heading on outside.

Flood Risks in Malta

The storm has now closed in on the island and is covering most of it. You really should be careful in weather like this in Malta, not only due to the obvious dangers from constant lightening and hail, but we all know that the drainage systems in Malta still cannot cope with such rainfall (despite dealing with it every year!) and the pavements and roads are flooding.

The road by us is no longer a road, but a river, with the drains overflowing with water pouring out at a crazy speed. The wind is picking up and is sure to only get stronger so until the worst has passed, I’d recommend everyone cancels their plans, lights a few candles and watches the light show from their balconies.

People Die Taking Storm Photos in Malta

We have similar storms each year in Malta, usually more around the October/November time but we were lucky in 2018, and they’ve come a bit later instead. But even in less dangerous storms, always people get harmed and even killed, most often by heading out into the storm deliberately to film or take pictures.

The sea and the waves are even stronger and more ferocious than they look (and they look terrifying) so it’s perfectly possible for a human being to be swept up in the swell as it hits the pavement and severely hurt, or pulled out and drowned.

Malta Marathon Cancelled

It’s no surprise then, that at around 8PM last night, the Malta marathon was officially cancelled. I was reading comments on Facebook and a lot of people have flown in, from all over the world, especially to run the marathon. Many of them complaining it got cancelled or demanding it just be run later in the afternoon. I sincerely hope these people don’t go out and try to run the marathon independently as a few suggested.

It was cancelled for their safety. I’m sorry people have spent their money flying over to take part but is it really worth risking your life, or even just serious injury?

Stay safe during this storm in Malta!

Tips to stay safe if you MUST go out for an unavoidable emergency:

1. Don’t bother with an umbrella. They’ll prove more of a hazard than a help and the wind will render them useless at keeping you dry. Grab a coat with a hood!
2. Wear wellies- the rain is actually more dangerous than the lightening in Malta. The streets and roads are likely to flood (sometimes excreting raw sewage!) so to make walking as easy and safe as possible, wear waterproof wellingtons!
3. Don’t go near the sea- even on the pavement. The waves will be bigger, the windier it is and I’m always seeing people walking along the street getting soaked from huge waves crashing against the rocks. Also every single year someone gets washed away to sea and dies because they’re standing too close to the water during a storm. It’s really not worth the risk!
4. Don’t walk under balconies or near construction sites- things are prone to collapsing and being blown over. In the past skulls have been fractured and cars completely crushed. Don’t be the next tragic headline.

The post Storm Warning: STAY INSIDE Feb 2019 appeared first on Malta: Moving On, Up & Away.