My New Life in Malta

After a long anticipation, the euro will be here in just a few hours. I went for a haircut this morning and handed over my last Lm2 note, leaving just 12 cents jingling in my pocket. I later remembered that we need toothpaste… good thing M still has some liri in his wallet!

Using up my last Maltese liri has been a bit anti-climactic. I announced as I paid, “dawn l-aħħar liri Maltin li għandi!” (“these are the last Maltese liri I have!”) but the hairdresser seemed uninterested. So much for that. I was, however, happy to note that she has decided to round down when converting into euros. Lm2 was converted into €4.60 instead of €4.66. Not bad for a very small business, and a good way to assure her loyal customers like me that we will not get cheated.

The big celebrations around Grand Harbour will be dampened by the torrential rains we have been getting, and all activities will be moved indoors. I wonder if the fireworks and laser show will still go on. In any case, we will find out from the cosy and warm living room of our friend D’s flat, overlooking Valletta from across the water. Tonight’s official festivities will involve the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance being the first to withdraw euros from a Maltese ATM, broadcast live on television.

Starting tomorrow, shopkeepers are supposed to accept both currencies for the month-long transition, but give change only in euros. We will see how that really goes. Pavi supermarket has already put up big signs saying that cashiers will only accept euros, but they will offer a central desk where customers can exchange their liri. It seems like a practical idea to keep the lines running smoothly. I cannot imagine fruit vendors having enough change for everyone wanting to change a €20 or Lm10 note, so it will all be interesting to see.

For now, in my last bloggatta of the year, I want to wish all my readers a happy and healthy 2008. Thank you for reading and making me feel that my writing is appreciated! And if you are one of those that reads but never comments, drop me a line or two. It is always nice to know who is reading my words (and where).

Is-sena t-tajba lil kulħadd!

Happy new year to everyone!