My first Maltese days I've been living in Malta for two days and slowly I'm beginning to get an opinion on this place. Things are different here. Period. Forget the sleepy atmosphere of an Italian Northern village and the abundant offer of our sales shops. Here you have to get by with what they have to offer. Except for well-known chain stores, which still anyway represent the minority of businesses, the norm is seeing small and absolutely not "pretentious" family-run businesses. Those relocating to Malta from more developed countries may be surprised by this aspect and, like me, they could have the impression to have taken a jump into the past. And in some ways, this is actually the case. Malta is one of a kind and chances are that if don't love it you hate it. But even if it is difficult, I'm trying to refrain from being too judgmental and I keep telling myself that before criticizing I must dive deeply into this new environment. Cities and streets are packed with cars, there's no chance to go around by bike since there aren't bicycle lines at all and roads are just too dangerous. This is probably an aspect I'll never get used to, being a keen cyclist. Bicycling makes me feel free. Free to go anywhere whenever I want without being reliant on cars or public transport. I'll try to take it as an experiment and stay positive. Today I signed the lease for an apartment in Msida, a small town not far from where I'm staying right now. I'm quite nervous because I'm gonna live with three Maltese girls who I don't know at all. They seemed very kind and easy going though. I'm really looking forward to knowing them better, that will be a unique occasion to get a closer look at a foreign culture. The apartment is just 2 minutes walk from the sea and is located in a very lively area. There is a nice tiny harbor with lovely colorful boats anchored and just in front of it there is the small St.Joseph's baroque parish. I have a good feeling about this area, I'm sure I'll get used to living here easily.