My New Life in Malta

I meant to watch a film last night. Alas, I got lost in the streets of Paceville and could not find the theatre. I know, I could have asked people where it was, but I kept thinking it was just around the corner and when I finally looked at the time, I was too late for the film. At least I got to see all sorts of new streets with restaurants, bars and tourism offices. Paceville is the night-life area, which is popular with the youngsters on Friday nights. I had only walked through once when I visited last year and it was teeming with partying teenagers, so it was nice to see more quiet streets and people enjoying their meals. I somehow came back to the same point three times, so I am wondering if the streets make a circle there.

Anyway, I headed back home and on the way stopped by the pharmacy where I had booked a flu shot. It turns out they are giving them out already (thanks for letting me know!!) and they could do it on the spot. I love medical care here, it was just so carefree. The pharmacist warmed up the syringe by rubbing his hands around the tube, and absent-mindedly asked me if I had done this before as he jabbed my arm. I did not have to sign any silly forms or read all sorts of warnings. I know that it takes a couple of weeks to start working, but I hope it helps. Since arriving in Malta, I have already had a throat infection and a cold. For someone who is almost never ill, I think I have had my quota for the year.

On the way back to the flat, I stopped by a fruit vendor. Now, this is not my usual fruit vendor, but another one from whom I only bought once before. When it came time to pay, I asked if he had eggs (in Maltese!) and he did not. I did not have small change, and neither did he, so he told me that I could PAY HIM BACK ANOTHER TIME. We are only talking about 10 cents here, but I found the gesture so heartwarming! Here is a man who has seen me once before (if he remembers me at all) and he is telling me I can just bring him a coin another time. It might be a nice way to say that I can forget about it, but I was touched nonetheless.

On the way home, I was happy that there are still souch personal touches in the world. It made me realise that this vendor is a one-man operation with his little van, and not a big corporation. It made me want to go back to him next time… and make sure I bring an extra 10 cents.

As a post-script: later that night I told M that he can get his flu shot Friday or Saturday, and I then did an imitation of the pharmacist. I have managed to imitate the Maltese accent! This is a big deal because any time I try to do an accent in English, it winds up sounding stereotypical Indian. This happens even when I attempt to sound Scottish, Irish, or whatever. So I can now imitate a Maltese English accent… perhaps soon I will be fluent in Maltese as well!