Malta

An island country set in the Meditteranean Sea between Italy and Africa — a surprising fusion of European and Arabic culture.

Blending elements of Italian, African and British influence this far away destination evokes surprise.
It’s unusual and unique, foreign and familiar all at once.

From barren hills and rugged cliffs to the quaint streets of historic villages, Malta is almost entirely composed of limestone. This chalky, beige palette stretches vastly across the land creating a canvas for vibrant accents to allure onlookers. Billowing vines adorn the white-washed streets with bursts of colour, painting the architecture in petals of rich fuscia, tangerine and violet whilst windowsill shutters boldly display their charm through weathered pantone hues. Luxuriant grottos sprawl across the outskirts of the island — a stark and dazzling contrast where the blue Mediterranean meets the shore.

I caught the last of summer here; the sun’s warmth and light cast across the dry, arid land like an amber haze. Washing each day with an almost tangible sense of nostalgia.

Albeit small and isolated, the island is charming and left an impact on me in ways I didn’t expect.
Like a long awaited exhale, Malta was a destination that brought a sense of ease to my travels. With somewhat less to see and do here, it became a chance to reflect and to embrace a slower pace.

Like any unexpected journey, I was gifted with knowledge that I still treasure today. I left with a collection of wisdom, advice and learnings from others like a suitcase full of carefully wrapped souvenirs.

One such quote crosses my mind often;

“Türen sind zum reingehen da”

“open doors are there for getting in”.

Explained to me by a sweet friend, it is a German saying that translates to “doors are there to go in”.
A simple message. One that calls for curiosity and wonder.

On the surface, it literally means to be inquisitive and wander into places that are open, simply to find out what is on the other side. But beyond that, it implores one to be bold and to take advantage of opportunities as they are presented. To not be timid; to be curious. It challenges the ever-instilled notion that we shouldn’t stray from normality or question it and instead, it invites us to seek and find out. To venture somewhere new. To be brave. To experience what could lie ahead, if only we are courageous enough to look.

A simple message. One of my favourites.

One that leads me back to Malta often.

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