The year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.

I arrived to what I knew is the secret gem hidden in Europe, the country of Malta. I just didn't expect it to be the island paradise get away from everything I worried about at home. Instant thoughts: BRING FRIENDS HERE! It has it all, island, history, culture, food, sun all wrapped in a mix of Italian/Arabic/Mediterranean wrapping.

Claire! Surprised me at the airport when I tried to look for her. She has a Nissan convertible red car+her being blond= BARBIE!

It was a quiet drive into her place where I met her mom; it was the mirror effect of when she came to my place. Then I was shown my room... A PENTHOUSE! They rent out flats... Ok only being there an hour and for sure I HAVE TO BRING FRIENDS BACK!

The backdrop to walking around in Sliema, Italy beats Germany (ah no Laura, Germany is out!). Dozens of cars honking in the streets, flags a mass and hundreds of people! It kind of reminded me of being home during a Habs win (not during the 2011-2012 season :/).
Italy beats Germany.

We walked along the rockfront beach and event spotted some girls in thong black bikinis skinny dipping; only in Malta! (well not really).

The nightclub area, Parceville is full of people from all over, no cover or lineups or pretentious dress code. Just go an have a good time! Clubs close at 4-5 am. I found a t-shirt: I was in Malta b****! Perfect for a photo shoot or Ibiza!

We had Pastizzi snack since she was starving (organized a huge delegation event during the day). I came across whom I was pretty sure was Michelle D and her friend Megan (from the past) in Malta of all places.

We decided to settle at a shisha place and catch up. Tried to figure out the nationality of our server. Some dudes who looked 15 dropped the shisha twice, amateurs. People watched.

My first impression, we haven't missed a beat since we stay in touch often enough. She's just all grown up. Yes glittery things. Took a little getting used to since the last time I saw her she was 19 in Montreal. We caught with past friends, former friends, told her the story of those past girls and so on. She was just tired from the event she organized that day. It was really good to catch up.

2:30 am we walked the way back and the scene was beautiful historical Valetta as backdrop against a deep black sky against the moonlight.

I've only been here a few hours and I'm in love with this country! This will be fun. ;)