My last post from Gozo

I spent yesterday in Xlendi for one last time. I planned to sit by the sea all afternoon. The weather didn’t really agree with my intention, turning cloudy and stormy as soon as I arrived. But not knowing when I’d be back to Gozo again, I stuck it out taking up my post at my favorite spot and just watching the clouds roll through over the sea. It was so windy and the waves were so big that the salt was in the air, landing on my cheeks as it whipped around through the bay. It took an hour for the storm clouds to pass but eventually they broke, giving way to sun. Which was, of course, right about the time I needed to go to catch the last bus back to Victoria. Now that it’s winter, the last one comes at 4:30. Groan.

I headed over to Anna’s shop for one last visit. I was there for probably an hour and a half. We talked about a bunch of stuff – the festa, her kids, how she named them, what giving birth was like…the interesting thing is that it’s a Maltese tradition that the godparents choose the middle names of the child so they have 2 middle names. I can’t even imagine what I’d pick for my god daughter Estella if I had been given the choice.

The time seemed to fly on this last visit though Anna, as usual really took her time with her stories. I like how I ask her a question and it takes about 20 minutes for the events to unfold. I guess I do the same sometimes. I asked her what her children’s middle names were and the next thing you know I’m hearing about when they lived in Toronto when Sara was born, where Frank worked, how far away he was from the hospital, how fast her labor was, etc. But I think the details are what help me remember it. When it was time to close the store she pulled out a bag and said there was a small gift in there for me to open when I got back to my flat. She gave me a hug and said goodbye in case I can’t stop tomorrow. I told her thank you for always talking with me and told her how great it was to meet her. I told her I’d send her some postcards of the snow. She laughed. We made sure I had her address and she made sure to point out her email address on the business card, letting me know that if I write her there Sara will get it for her. I told her my dad is the same. When I got back to my apartment I opened my gift and found she’d given me a really nice gift clock in a “vine” theme and a matching photo frame. I think I’ll keep the clock set to Gozo time.

I dashed out again to get a soda at the confectionary across from Maji. The man there recognizes me now, especially after I commented one day on how they are always so busy. So now he greets me with the more familiar “alright?” I still couldn’t really find any pastries I was dying to try – they all just look and taste the same to me. So I asked for 2 of the pastini ta la rusi. He asked me which ones I was talking about and I told him the ones with the pink on them. He said they call them biscuitini ta la rusi. Hmmm…interesting. I had thought about maybe getting a bunch to take home with me but they really aren’t that amazing so why would I bring them home? Too bad I couldn’t really bring home a pastizzi.

I spent the rest of my evening packing. I had a dream last night that the airport said my bags were too big and I couldn't take everything home with me. I really hope that doesn't happen.

Today, Ted arrived around 11 to read the water and heater readings. I think that, despite the fact that he’s normally very particular and would take great joy in “dinging me” for some damages (were he to find any) he was quite easygoing about the check out because, as it turns out, he wants a favor from me. Apparently there’s an American store online that won’t ship to Malta and he’d like me to order something for his son to then ship over to him. As he was in need of a favor he was very good about agreeing to buy the wash tubs and drying rack that I clearly can’t take back with me. He also invited me to his home this evening to meet his wife, have a glass of wine, and see his painting collection. I can’t say I am thrilled to spend my last evening with Ted, but I remembered that if he’s meeting me at 6 I can exit by 8 or 9 and claim I have dinner plans elsewhere. It doesn’t have to be an all night thing. Though, I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing for dinner yet. I had planned to get a pizza from It-Tokk but they too have winter hours and are closing at 4 p.m. today. Maybe I’ll head to Café Jubilee. I just didn’t want to have to buy anymore groceries since I’m cleaning out my fridge tonight.

I saw Grace in the Square this afternoon. She gave me her address and texted Mario so I could get his email address in case I don't see him today. Now that I have less than a day left I feel as if there’s a ton to do. Thankfully I’m already packed but I want to make sure I make the rounds, say goodbye to the people who have helped me, and see all of the things I want to see one last time. I got a sausage roll from the Sphinx on my way to connect and had a nice chat with the girl who works there about how she lived in NY for a year while she was visiting her brother in Queens and how she can’t wait to go back and how envious she was of the snow I told her we got back home. I feel like every day I’ve met someone new here who has been so great about telling me their stories and letting me into their lives in some way or another. I’ll admit, I’m ready to go home as far as creature comforts are concerned. Being able to do laundry sits really high at the top of my list, along with living in an apartment that has heat (who would’ve thunk I’d care about HEAT in Gozo?). But I wish I was going home for a vacation and then returning here. There’s still so much that could be done and so many ways my thesis would benefit from more time. Of course, my advisor says that’s always the problem. We often feel like our work is never done. So I guess I’ll own that there is a lot more I could do. But I will also own that I’m going to “make best” with my work, as many of the Maltese have said to me. Hopefully my best is good enough.

So that’s it for this blog as far as my trip is concerned. I don’t know if I’ll end up using the website when I return. I suppose I could keep updates about how the thesis is coming along the way. We’ll see. I know there are a few blogs I’ve been meaning to add photos too, though I’m not sure how necessary they are after the fact. I can’t deny that writing this blog has been helpful. There were days when I really had no motivation whatsoever and it was only the thought that I would have nothing to say in my blog that got my butt out of my chair and got me moving. So for that, I thank you all. You held me accountable. I also thank you for reading and sharing this adventure with me. I can’t believe it’s already over. I look forward to seeing you all soon.