Greetings from Gozo Island in Malta! As some of you might know, I will be spending the next few weeks here working on research papers with local academics from the University of Malta.
Because this is a work-related trip, I was unable to transit through the Middle East ie. work travel rules do not permit travel through DFAT Level 3 or Level 4 countries, which is essentially the whole of the Middle East currently. So, I had to go the ‘long way’ around. But my travel started well, boarding the aptly named ‘Ray of Sunshine’ Scoot 787 for the first leg to Singapore. It was then Air China’s turn to Shanghai, connecting to Milan (Italy). And finally, KM Malta Airlines from Milan into Malta itself. I did manage to get a great deal on business class return with Air China, which was only $200 more than what Singapore Airlines wanted for economy return – so a no brainer in that respect. I will be finishing my European time in Venice (ie. I’ll be chaperoning around some Coffs Harbour friends who are visiting Europe and Italy for the first time), so departing out of Milan works really well for me.
It is quite hot and blustery here on Gozo. If you look on a map of the Mediterranean you will see that Malta is comprised of three islands – Malta the main island, Gozo where I am, and Comino (where no one lives). Life is much slower on Gozo than it is on the bustling main island, which is why I chose to spend the next few weeks living here as opposed to Malta.
I’m looking forward to getting out early every day and exploring a new part of the coast, before getting back to my apartment or the local campus to work on my papers. I was down at the beautiful Xlendi Bay early this morning, about a 3.5km walk from home. I think I’ll be heading down there a few times a week to go for a pre-work swim – the water looks amazing!
More posts from this adventure to come!
Xlendi Bay, Gozo
