The exchange has come to an end now, I am writing this at the Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Waiting for my connecting flight – almost three hours to go.

The last night home before my flight to Malta I remember being scared. Thinking ”Oh my god oh my god I can’t do this.” But I did, and I am beyond happy that I did. Granted not everything was a total succes, but what’s life without its up and downs?

To save you from a boring (too long) post, I’ll gather my biggest successes and failures from the past four weeks to two lists:

Four weeks felt at the same time like an eternity and like only a couple of days. Saw some amazing places (and not so amazing places), met old friends and new friends. Did a lot in a short amount of time and also spent four days at home sick watching netflix. Sticked to my habits with food and gym, and also enjoyed a little (or a lot) of chocolate and wines.

And it was an experience I’l cherish for the rest of my life.

On tuesday, 19th of March I went to Valletta again. This time with a local friend whom I met last year during a different exchange. We took a ferry tour to the three cities and back, saw the views from Barakka Gardens, and ate some amazing gelato from Amorino’s!

It was nice to walk around with a local, and hear about the history of Malta and especially Valetta. We spend a lot of time talking and comparing our cultures, from politics to food, traffic and architecture.

Comparing also led us to think about the size difference between Malta and Finland. For me Finland feels small sometimes, compared to the rest of the world. But the distance here from shore to shore (vertically) is approximately 15km. One sixth of the distance from my house to my parents house!

Today had a welcome meeting in the Easy Job Bridge office and met Lara, an internship coordinator. She took me to Beauty Rituals to meet Graziella, the owner. After those quick meetings I had the rest of the day off to explore!

I had the biggest smile on my face when I walked down to the shore, ”the end of Valletta”. The view was so beautiful I couldn’t believe I am actually here. So today my mood has been great. I’m not even really nervous, just excited. The wheather was also a lot nicer today, about +17 and sunny. I had lunch, walked around, and enjoyed the sun for a while in the park.

Today I learned to appreciate the architecture of Malta more. Down in Valletta the narrow long streets, with amazing views thanks to the hight differences, and the cutest little shops and restaurants made me smile. Feeling so fortunate to be here, and experience the culture. Even came accross several musicians (and they we’re amazing!)

At first I was a bit confused about the siesta, because from my internet research I got a picture that it’s really important to maltese people. But in reality only a handful of the shops close at 13:00 and open again at 16:00. Especially in tourist areas like Valletta most of them stay open during siesta.

A local clothing store was giving out free hangers! So I got to put my clothes neatly in to the closet yay. I also found Holland&Barrets and bought some soy milk, chia seeds and stuff I can’t get from local stores. The fresh fruit and vegetables I bough from a little farmers market.

Now I’m back in my apartment in San Gwann, going to make dinner and probably go for a walk. Tomorrow I start working at Beauty Rituals.

-Riikka