This Summer is different for me. Up to this year, my Summer holidays started in June, and this start consisted of a minor transition from finishing my last exam, to jumping into bed for a full recharge (post desk-clearing of course. It’s safe to say this is my mother’s favourite start-of-Summer event). This year, I have to move back home to Malta to officially kick-start my Summer. For anyone who’s ever had to relocate, you are fully aware of the stress packing alone causes. Nonetheless, I am thrilled to be heading home in a few weeks. With an eventful couple of months ahead of me, I thought I’d share 7 things that I’ll be doing over Summer break.
1. WRITE MY MASTERS THESIS
For the first time in my 22 years of existence, I have to come to terms with having to do school work during Summer break. Whilst I’m not ecstatic about the idea of writing a full thesis, I’m confident that I’ll manage my way around. I guess I could sip on cocktails, sunbathe and transcribe hours of recordings at the same time, right?
2. WORK
It’s very common for students in Malta to have a job over Summer break. Having finished my Masters course (thesis aside), I am keen on possibly starting a new job in the psychological field. Exciting times ahead!
3. ENJOYING THE ISLAND’S BEACHES
For anyone who has never been to (or know about) Malta, it is a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, located just south of Sicily. This means that beaches are far from scarce back home, and having been parted from the island life for practically a year has me ever more excited for those scorching hot days and cool seas. (Image below: San Blas Bay, Gozo - Malta’s sister island)
(image source: Google)
4. CULTURAL OUTINGS
Beaches are not the only thing Malta is blessed with. With temples older than the pyramids, and old cities revived, Malta offers a vast selection of cultural spots. It’s fair to say that being a tourist in my own country is a hobby I can never tire of. Here are some snippets I took when I visited home last Spring to help justify this.
A typical street in Valletta, Malta’s Capital City
Cliff scenery in Gozo - Malta’s sister island
San Anton Gardens in Attard, Malta
5. GIGS, WINE, SUNSETS
I think by now it is obvious that I missed life back home. Being a fantastic Summer destination, nights in Malta are far from boring. Hand me a bottle of good wine, great company, a jazz gig overlooking Barbara bastions in the country’s capital, and a scenic sunset, and my night is set.
6. RECONNECTING WITH MY KITCHEN
Cooking and baking are definite musts on my Summer bucket list each year. It’s a calming passion which I look forward to getting immersed into again. Granted, I’ve been practically cooking for myself everyday for the past year whilst living in London, but there’s something heartwarming about being back in my home kitchen that I can’t explain in words.
7. WELCOMING A NEW FAMILY MEMBER
This has to be the highlight of my Summer this year. A few weeks ago, my parents decided upon committing to a genuine act of kindness by undergoing what is called Social Contact, whereby every weekend, starting this Summer, my family will welcome into the family and look after a child who is presently in social care. The aim of this is to provide the child with a loving and nourishing environment so that they too can experience the love of family. I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to give back in this profound way, and I look forward to the beautiful moments it will bring!
If, like Denise, you would like to write a Student Lifestyle Post, get in touch with us now
