first of all, i now have a phone here! i can receive international texts and calls, so if you are bored or just miss me, hit me up. here is the number: +35679676758 (yes, 8 numbers)
i had orientation on friday and saw the university, which is beautiful but confusing. i am going to get soooo lost there. hopefully people will be nice enough to give directions and not laugh at the little american girl with her map out. classes are done so differently here. i do not register until 2 weeks into the semester, and you do not know when the classes are being offered until you go to school on the first day and check timetables at each faculty (which is like a department - sociology, history, etc.). some classes may meet the first week, some not. it's all very laid back and fluid, which i am NOT used to at an american university.
after orientation some girls and i took a bus to valetta, the capital of malta. the buses here will need a blog post of their own. i took a little clip of part of the ride.
here are some pictures from valetta:
valetta is one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen. i was standing out on this cliff, and it reminded me "this is WHY i'm here". i want to bring everyone i love to this place so they can see and experience it too. malta really is a combination of so many different worlds. there is a lot of old europe in it, but there is a definite influence of northern africa and the middle east in the country too. (i found out th movie "munich" was shot here too - as if anyone saw it.) and the club area *more on this later* reminds me of modern london or tokyo. it is like epcot center in disneyworld everyday!there will be more pics on facebook. the internet here is really, really slow, so it takes a very long time to load these things. i am not sure if the videos on this blog will work at all, so i may have to use youtube (thanks for the tip dirrrty girls). also, i don't think i'll be able to video chat or skype! i am so sad about this. i will pretend it is not true until i know for sure.
we walked around exploring the city and the water. i fear i will never know this country as much as i would like; there is too much to see and do! i can't wait for more.
after some delicious mango gelati, we returned back to our residence to get ready for a welcome party for international students at "bar native" in Paceville. i had heard that the maltese like their bars and clubs, but this part of the country is CRAZY. bars don't have a closing time, and most people don't leave until like 5 or 6 in the morning. we had so much fun. they played some really incredible 90s american music, and we danced for hours. don't worry mom, i was very safe. there are a few pictures from the night, and also a video that must be dedicated to brigid and mark.
unfortunately, i slept far too late today, which is a shame because it was an absolutely beautiful day in malta. we walked around near the residence area in the afternoon and i couldn't stop taking pictures. the houses here are incredible. they look like a movie set. each little front of a house has unique, colorful doors and balconies. i'm obsessed with their door handles and knockers. i will take more pictures close up for ya'll. (i'm hanging out with this girl from lousiana, jodi, and i am now adopting this phrase i've decided; deal with it.) we went to a little cafe and got coffees and desserts, which there are pictures of. i also found a post office, so i know how to send mail now!
i've already met some really amazing people, both other exchange students and people from malta who have promised to show us around and take us out. i keep fogetting i have to start school...oh well, it is all part of the experience. i move into my dorm on monday too - which i am so excited about. there is a picture of the farm house i have been staying at with my two roommates.
and lastly, this place is absolutely swarming with cats. the only animals i have seen since being here are my arch nemesis (the chickens) and all these cats. they are so cute, but i worry about all of them having enough food and water. cats, cats everywhere and not a drop to drink. i should probably stop petting them though, just in case...
anyway my friends, i miss you all very much. so many of the people here are from europe and it is easy for them to go home for a bit, or have friends and family come visit frequently. unfortunately, i live in the reality of an american recession. but if something changes, and ya'll win the lottery get over here as fast as you can. (i can't wait for my sisters to see this place!)
ok you guys, these pictures are taking forever...i'm sorry there is only one, but i can't wait anymore! and none of the vidz worked either! aaaaah. i will come back and load them on a little later, hopefully the internet will not be so busy. i love and miss you all ~ hope everything is well at home!
Sahha! (Goodbye!)
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