Wholeheartedly Maltese

Felix Seidel from Germany was in Malta for the Spring semester as a Socrates student doing communications at the University. He writes that "the deep feeling of being Maltese illuminates everything":

They do not like to be classified, although European holidaymakers have made it one of their favourite sports trying to put a stamp on the forehead of around 400,000 islanders. Since the beginning of May 2004 it seems that workers from England, housewives from Germany and students from Sweden would love to figure out whether the Maltese are already acting European or not. It should not be forgotten that trying to define themselves as Europeans overtaxes most foreign visitors. There is obviously just one fitting answer to the question “What is a typical European?” Typical European is in fact a great variety.

This variety can be found and seen in every corner of Malta. Just like the neighbouring island of Sicily to the north, it radiates fascination and a zest for life. A touch of Middle Eastern business activities probably comes from the south, from the opposite North Africa. And of course, the Brits have left an indelible impression of the British way of life: One drives on the left side like in the United Kingdom, but with the hand on the horn like in Italy, takes siesta like in Arabia and Spain and loves the sea like all the conquerors who for millenniums have shown a preference for strategically important rocky islands...