These are my thoughts and impressions from my recent trip to Malta to meet the entire team and spend some time together.

Preparation

For this trip, I purchased my ticket among the first ones, and probably got the cheapest option out there, with Wizz Air which offers regular flights from Serbia to Malta. With that said, I was limited to carry-on luggage. That wasn’t a problem since I know how to pack light, but just around a week before the flight, my brother-in-law was in Italy. Knowing that I would be thrilled with a new backpack, he bought me one and sent it to me: a Lavatelli VAC-U-BAG 40x30x20 (a perfect fit for low-cost travel).

So, besides packing everything and vacuuming out the vacuum bags, the trip was eazy peazy. It was around a 2-hour flight, with no time difference and very similar weather 😎

My Impressions of Malta

I have never been to Malta before, but the look and feel of the architecture and narrow streets is very similar to Greece and some parts of Italy, especially in Gozo, with the exception of the extensive use of limestone, which is common here, and the very nice and colorful doors and windows.

My impression is also that these places can get really, I mean really, crowded during the season. If you are considering driving here during that period, there won’t be any rest for you, for sure. So, if you plan to travel to Malta, choose wisely. In my opinion, April and May are good choices, and I am guessing September is too.

And while we are talking about driving, like in all former British colonies, it’s on the left side of the road. It is also important to mention that you will need an outlet adapter because 3-pin plugs are used here.

Yesss, food

The food is delicious here and you can find everything: English breakfast, Maltese sausages, pizza, burgers, steak, octopus, literally everything.

Time Spent Together

Although I had already met part of the team back in Athens, meeting all of them and spending time together was amazing. I think it helps us work better together and be more in sync because you get used to people’s habits, their way of thinking, and the way they joke.

Although we had swimming pools at the villas, most of us didn’t go in. It was warm enough but slightly windy, so that must be it, at least in my case. As for other activities, we went on an E-bike trip. They are very easy to ride, except they weigh a lot. At one point on a steep hill, from a full stop, I somehow lost my balance and fell down. Luckily, it went well. I guess I’ve had these kinds of falls throughout my life, so being experienced in falling from a bike can be beneficial! 😆

Another interesting activity was a treasure hunt, where three teams competed in solving riddles and finding places, statues, and items across one of Victoria’s town districts within a limited amount of time. It required agility, clear thinking, and spotting details, but above all, it was fun.

Having occasional gatherings like this is very important, and the benefits are significant. Since this is a common practice for us, I am incredibly thankful to Robert. Investing the time and putting effort into the organization and logistics behind an event like this deserves immense respect. So, thank you, and thanks to everyone who was there for the great time we spent together. 🙌

Treasure Hunt

Despite the game we were playing in teams, I was on my own treasure hunt. Since this was a non-working gathering and there was plenty of time to look around, I wanted to buy something for my six-year-old son. Although I managed to buy some snacks and magnets, there wasn’t anything unique that he didn’t already have, or that couldn’t be bought in Serbia, which would bring him a big sense of joy.

Finally, I remembered checking the in-flight magazine items when arriving. Since we are both big fans of Lego bricks, and after a quick chat about the idea with my wife, I bought him the Wizz Airplane building blocks on the way back. It was a great choice and a huge success! 😊

And I was always wondering who actually buys those things on planes… so here I am, counting myself among them 🤣