Maltese Class
Tonight, I tried out a Maltese class for adults. First I got on a bus to Valletta, where all of the buses wind up, and then figured out the connecting line for Mosta. I have gained a lot of confidence in getting around by myself, and I am pretty proud of the fact that I was able to get there on time without having ever been there before.
I was invited to the class by Jessica, a fellow blogger (and reader of this blog) whose blog I enjoy reading. It was our first time meeting in person, but since we have read about each other’s life in Malta it felt like I already knew her! We met up in front of the Mosta Dome, which is the third largest dome in the world. Of all the places in Malta, would you believe that I had not yet visited this major site? So we popped in for a minute and, what can I say, it was literally breathtaking. I definitely have to go and visit it properly.
The class was fun. There were about ten people there and it was a lively atmosphere. A couple of them I had read about on Jess’ blog, so it was like watching characters from a book spring to life. One has to be very dedicated to learn Maltese because, as I keep writing about, most foreigners here will be spoken to in English. So I admire everyone in this class, and in fact I could feel their enthusiasm. I think I am at a more advanced level than the class, but it is still a great opportunity for me to practice. And tonight they were doing the past tense, with which I still have a lot of trouble, so that was perfect!
The class is held at a secondary school, so it reminded me a bit both of my teacher days and of my own student days. Something that was funny to me was that the last time I was ever in a classroom, students did not have mobile phones, so it was a bit odd to see people sending text messages during the lesson! Also, some students were finishing up their homework before the class started. We might grow up, but we never change!
Afterwards, I got a lift home from another student, and we chatted a bit about how we each wound up on this rock. The topic, of course, then went on to how one can live in Malta for years and never learn the language.
I look forward to the next class, and a grazzi ħafna to Jess for inviting me and for convincing the teacher to let me join halfway through the year!
