This is Erasmus...

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Hey, I know it's been awhile since I've been active on my blog. I blame the horrible internet here at the Residence. I'm going to give one piece of advice to those who may plan to come and stay at the University Residence.....COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN. Honestly, it's the only way to get what you want here, otherwise the manager will ignore whatever issues may arise. For example our internet, it was horrible until a group of six of us went into his office and made a stink about it. The result? Two days later a man was in our flat fixing the problem. Also on this island people are either very helpful or couldn't careless. Any non-European who studies at the University or plans to get a visa has to present an X-Ray proving that they don't have TB. The University sends you to a radiology clinic not far from the campus. The problem is that it is near impossible to find even using GPS. If you can't find it forget about calling and asking for directions. When my friend Cedric & I got lost and called the clinic the response we received was "I don't know the directions, it's too complicated. Other students got here so find it." Helpful, right?

Anyway it's been amazing here. The Erasmus kids (non-Maltese European students) are crazy but in a good way. I have never seen people drink or party so much in my life. You tell them it's a Tuesday night and you have class the next day they ask why you aren't out in Paceville partying. You say you aren't drinking that night they place a drink in your hand. The parties that are planned (usually by the o so organized Patrick) are even more ridiculous by the people. The bar either offer 1euro drinks or have a swimming pool, yes an actual swimming pool, inside of the club.

Now that I covered the fun it's time to address classes. Picking classes at the Uni is a process unlike any other. Online there is sort of a list prior to registration but it lacks the days and times of the classes. Now most schools would add these important details to the course descriptions but not the University of Malta. Oh no, you have to go to every department and find a bulletin board which may or may not have a timetable posted on it. If you are lucky enough to not only find the bulletin board for which ever department you are interested in but have a timetable listed then you get to write down which ever classes you want to take and move on to the next department.

Besides partying and classes I have had a chance to see a more cultural side of Malta. Last Thursday was the Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck. For those of you who are wondering who is St. Paul and why is a shipwreck something to celebrate let me explain. St. Paul while on his way to Rome to be prosecuted for being Christian became shipwrecked on Malta. Like any good Christian back in those days converted the entire island to Christianity. Now that day is celebrated by big band music, throwing torn bits of paper in the air, eating, and following a statue around the city of Valletta. It was an interesting experience to say the least.

That's the short version of my week. Hope everyone is happy & well.

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Photos

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