At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Malta and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.A British Couple Singleton In Malta
http://movingonupaway.com/
British expat Rhi and her boyfriend moved to the Mediterranean island in 2010 and her blog chronicles their experience of starting a new life in Malta; getting jobs, making new friends and turning their house into a home. Six years later, Rhi and her boyfriend have broken up but she’s still in Malta. Alongside personal posts, her site is a wealth of information for anyone looking to make the move. Check out her quick guides to finding work (particularly in the iGaming industry) renting, opening a bank account and navigating healthcare. She even covers shops that deliver to Malta and has an extensive ‘to do’ list if you need sightseeing inspiration.
Expat Family Life
http://capersandolives.blogspot.co.uk/
American Juniper is married to a Maltese man, and they have four children. This “boisterous family of six” previously lived in the UK, and recently spent a year in Reykjavik Iceland, where the kids attended local schools. Among other topics Juniper shares her experiences with the education system and how the moves in general impact her family. Posting “small whispered observations and inspirations,” Juniper’s sweet insights into daily life sometimes take the form of poetry and sometimes she shares indulgent recipes. Always they are words that are clearly from the heart. Her photos are lovely, too.
The Polish Piano Player
https://jazzulka.wordpress.com/
Julia – aka Jazzulka – and her boyfriend stumbled upon Malta while working on cruise ships. Learn about the various concerts and engagements that she works in her main profession: playing piano. Julia is also a music teacher and she recounts the ups and downs of a musician’s life. If you’re considering learning Maltese, her posts on learning the language along with Italian will be of interest. Julia also blogs about her holidays elsewhere in Europe and her visits home. She shares lots of photos (and some frank assessments) of some of Malta’s popular tourist spots, driving experiences and plenty more.
Mediterranean Food Blog
http://theredbistro.com/
Head family chef Liz Ayling is a food & lifestyle blogger and photographer, who moved to Malta in the early nineties. The Red Bistro is her “photo diary of cultural and culinary Mediterranean life.” You will find a wonderful collection of recipes, each introduced with related life – and cooking – reflections, and some handy insights into local produce and where to find it. Liz’s index of Maltese dishes include the essential Stuffat tal-Fenek – rabbit stew, and be sure to check out the cinnamon ice cream – delish! Liz tries to cook with in-season and local ingredients, and her photos are simply mouth-watering.
Fashion And Fun In The Sun
http://www.b-biche.com/
If you’re after a style and celeb fix for Malta, look no further than Bibiche. Dutch girl, French name, this mum declares she’s living the Mediterranean dream. Primarily a fashionable photo diary with Malta as her backdrop, Bibiche also posts about events such as Maltese Fashion Week and reports from the press pack for Isle of MTV. Alongside her frequent personal ‘fashion shoots’ which show off Maltese streets and popular seaside spots, Bibiche shares posts about everyday life as a mum; always while wearing a killer outfit, of course!
Malta How-Tos
http://www.howtomalta.com/
David and Daniela have actually just left Malta, though like many, they feel they may be back one day. The couple spent four years on the island and created their blog as a first-hand guide for visitors and new arrivals. You’ll find it an excellent resource, whether you’re soon to be moving and looking for information on getting that essential ID card and renting an apartment, or if you’re simply planning a trip. The blog has some great relocation advice but also lots of tourist tips – and lists some sight-seeing traps to avoid. History summaries and reviews of bars, beaches and breakfasts make this a blog that will be worth checking out for a long time to come.
Life After Malta
http://www.an-american-in-malta.com/
American Ilene is no longer in Malta, and while you won’t find her writing about the country in new posts, her five years’ worth of archives are well worth looking through. Absorb her reflections on the culture, follow her frustrations to obtain a work permit and read some great practical advice, such as preparing your friends and family for your impending move. She also recounts her experiences seeing various health professionals in Malta, and blogs about the process of relocating back to the USA. Occasionally Ilene will post a new reader question about Malta on her blog, and crowd source answers from those still living there.
We’re always on the lookout for more sites to feature – if you run a blog about living in Malta, leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!