An island of "Talks"

Valletta on approach to the airport.

Since arriving in Malta, my days often begin with a run around the fortress walls of Valletta.  I often stop and snap pictures with my iphone. The iphone is locked so it can’t be used for talking but I love having it in my pocket for quick pics.  I return to the flat without fear that I won’t be able to turn the key now.  On my first run, I could not get the key to turn and needed to find a local to turn the key for me.  Yes, I felt stupid but as I would have had to wait 6 hours for Andrew to return from work, it seemed prudent.  I then get to work on the computer.  I continue to contribute to the new non-profit Blue Legacy addressing issues in the Torch Lake Watershed.  I also struggle writing and posting this blog.  I spend too much time "googling" all things Maltese.  I scan the Lonely Planet guide for outings and walks to take when Andrew returns from the University each day.  He works out in the on campus gym, teaches Wednesday and Thursdays and prepares lectures and research on the other days.  We have taken many walks along the water’s edge in Valletta and the neighboring waterside towns.  With many large inlets or bays surrounding the Valletta peninsula, we have walked many kilometers of developed shoreline. 

Spinola Bay near St. Julian's

Balluta Bay

Dockyard Creek

Kalkara Creek

The Mediterranean Sea off Sliema

Our night life is more active here than in San Diego. We have dined out with University of Malta colleagues including the other Fulbright Scholar from Iowa State. We even went out to dinner with a USD colleague, Simon Croom of the Supply Chain Program.  Simon is British and has a son and grandson living here in Malta.  So, he makes frequent stops here.  We hope to connect with him in May and check on his research into leadership in business and the prevalence of mental health issues. We have also dined with our downstairs flat neighbors who are art historians from Mount Holyoke University.  Through them, we have met Ellen and Jan, who spend 6 months here and 6 months in Provence, France.  We run into Ellen and Jan on the “talk” circuit.  We enjoy hearing about their international adventures.

Andrew has linked up to a variety of Maltese agencies that organize “talks.”  We have attended primarily Malta history talks thus far.  But, Andrew has also connected us to a Gospel Singer concert and a performance by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.  This weekend we are joining an organized hike out to one of the southern most points of the island and an archeological dig in the northern region.  On quiet nights, we watch an episode of House of Cards-the Netflix mini-series centering on a Congressman Francis Underwood played by Kevin Spacey.  For me it is like watching the Sopranos (which we did while in Grenada), I keep trying to find a character I can like.

Sitting On the Fortress Wall at Sunset