We Moved to Malta

We came to Malta for a week this summer which I mentioned on here, but what I hadn't shared was that the purpose of that visit was to see if we wanted to move here.  We liked the country when we visited and acknowledged that it would be the best thing for Ed's business so we agreed to come and live in Malta for two years.  

Things then moved very quickly and we ended up with 3 weeks to pack up our lives, say goodbye to our friends and move across Europe.  We flew with 14 suitcases and arrived in Luqa airport just three days before the start of the school term here.

It has been a busy six weeks since we first arrived, we have found a house to live in and signed a contract, we have settled four children into school and now started Rex at nursery too and we are adjusting to a new pace of life here.  There are things I love about this country and things I already don't but we came into this agreement with open eyes and having spoken to lots of other expats living out here about the reality of this life.  

Malta is a very small country so I am trying to explore it slowly, taking my time exploring the villages and coastline. There is so much beauty here and I am loving the fact it is now November and I am still wearing t-shirts and shorts every day.

I am excited for this new adventure, missing my friends and family and slowly getting used to a new way of life.  Here are a few photos from our first couple of weeks in Malta.

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A Week in Malta

Ed's business often takes him to Malta and this summer we got to accompany him on a week there.  We stayed in a residential area called Naxxar as it meant we could have more space than if we stayed in a busier town.  It was our first time in a villa and it won't be our last based on the week we had.

Malta is a very small country (smaller than the Isle of Wight) and heavily populated on one side, with lots of internet based companies residing there.  The weather is incredible though, with 300 days of sunshine per year and it fluctuated around 34 degree during the day on our visit, and around 28 degrees at night.  Having our own pool meant we could always cool off.

We wanted to see as much of the island as we could during our trip, so we spent time in the capital Valetta which is beautiful, the business area of Sliema, the more party area of St Julians, the ancient city of Mdina as well as Naxxar where we stayed and a trip to the blue lagoon off the coast of Comino island.  The location means there is a mix of Italian and Arabic influence in the architecture and language making it a really unique place.

I have shared more on Instagram of our trip, but I wanted to put a few of my favourite photos on here to look back at.

Our Villa

Our Villa had such a great outdoor space with a pool table, table football and table tennis as well as a pool big enough to really swim in.  It was spacious indoors too and a great location for exploring the island.

Mdina

The ancient capital of Mdina doesn't have a lot for families but is definitely worth a visit.  The small walled city is in the middle of the island and has some really interesting buildings.

Naxxar

We really liked Naxxar as a residential area.  There was a 5 a side pitch next to the kids playground which was a big hit with my boys and it was a good base for seeing more of the island.

Splash and Fun Water Park

A day at the water park is a given with five children and this one had plenty of slides, a lazy river and a huge pool with wave machine.  Unfortunately the way the water was treated didn't agree with Archie's skin.  As Malta has no natural water sources, they use salt water from the sea and treat it with something (we aren't sure what).  The rest of the gang had a great time and Archie chilled on a sun bed with ice creams and snacks.

Blue Lagoon

Whilst Ed was working I took the children on a speed boat to the Blue Lagoon.  It was very crowded and I would definitely do this on a trip next time that went to a quieter area as the ferry stop was so busy.  The water was crystal clear though and we had little fishes swimming around us, and they sold cocktails in fresh pineapples which is always a winner!

St Julians

We went to St Julians for lunch and had delicious food at Two Buoys on the river front.  In the evenings this is the party capital but during the day it is lovely (and busy) with some great places to eat and shop.

It was our first visit to Malta as a family and I feel like we got a great overview of the country.  It was sunny, chilled and beautiful with so much great Italian food, brilliant transport and lovely people.

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