One thing about solo traveling that I had to get used to was asking people to take photos for me. Some people will offer after seeing you take a hundred selfies trying to get a good angle. And that’s exactly how it was when I was taking selfies at this beautiful cave called the Blue Grotto in Malta.
This lovely couple then walked up to me and asked if they could take my picture for me. I would add the picture to the blog but on that day it was super windy and a bit gloomy and it wasn’t my favorite. But I did appreciate them offering to take the picture. Like all people that I met abroad while solo traveling they were always so interested in why I was visiting and offering me suggestions for places to visit.
On Time Doesn’t Exist
Another thing I learned while traveling in Malta is that being on time does not exist, especially with the buses, which was one of the only forms of transportation around the island. Even though there is a time schedule listed outside of the bus stop; it took one bus over an hour to pick us up and we just waited. Sometimes when I travelled I made an itinerary for myself of places that I wanted to visit and all that I wanted to do. But, during this trip I learned that there is no need to rush and visit everything on a timely matter, it takes away from the importance of actually experiencing the place that you are visiting and sometimes you miss out on important moments by worrying about the time.
Long Distance Love
The elderly couple that I had met by the Blue Grotto then offered me a ride to one of the bus stops. I know you’re probably thinking why would I just go with some people I barely met not knowing if they could harm me? But, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and pick up on vibes from people that I meet. With this couple I felt no worry and they were so lovely telling me about how they met.
The man was a native from Malta and the woman was originally from the UK. She said how her family would frequent Malta on holiday and that is when she met him. She instantly fell in love but with the long distance it was difficult. Eventually she decided to give up her life in the UK and moved to the Malta where they started a family. Her family had initially disowned her but eventually when they had children they were more open to it. Now they were living out the rest of their lives in Malta. It was so beautiful to hear because I always wondered if many long distance relationships last and here was this friendly couple that I had met that came from opposite ends of Europe and still in love to this day.
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