Help! Alone in Malta

Old Dec 31st, 2003, 05:27 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Help! Alone in Malta

Hello

I'm a 29 year old American female and about a year ago I was introduced to a Maltese man who was visiting the US, spent several days with him and fell head over heels in love with him. During the past year we have communicated daily via the net and in November we decided that I should come to Malta for a visit. I have never travelled outside of the US and was leary of travelling alone, however, he assured me that my accomodations, etc. would be taken care of and so I purchased a ticket. Very excited, I called him with my itinerary and he said that was great. At last, after hundreds of hours of chatting and emails we will finally see each other again! Beautiful, right??
Well, since then he has called only once to wish me a Happy Christmas but otherwise has made no attempt to communicate with me.
I have no choice but to complete my trip because the 1K fare (that I could barely afford) is non refundable. I am terrified of travelling alone and I am praying that someone out there may have some advice for a woman in my situation as to where to stay, what to do and precautions to take as a lone traveller in Malta.

Thanks!



malteaser is offline  
Old Dec 31st, 2003, 05:48 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi malteaser,

Too bad the relationship has taken a down turn - very weird. Have you tried emailing him since his last message?

Regarding your worry about traveling alone...I wouldn't be afraid. I haven't been to Malta (my first Malta visit will be in April) but I've been doing lots of reading about it. Because of the influence of the English many, many people will speak the language. From everything I've read the Maltese people are friendly and hospitable. Do a search on Malta and you will get information from people who have been there. One of the reasons I'm going to Malta is that everyone I've ever met who has been there has all good things to say about the Island. Pick up a guide book and do some reading about it and put together an itinerary for your visit. When will you be going? If it's at the end of April then I would certainly be willing to meet up with you.

Best of luck - this could turn into the adventure of your life if you look at it that way!
adrienne is offline  
Old Dec 31st, 2003, 05:58 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for your reply. I have emailed and have yet to receive a response. I will be staying for 10 days in mid March. I've been doing alot of reading on the net and have found alot of helpful information and things I would like to see, though the being alone part is what I am struggling with the most. I believe it truly will be an adventure and at the least I will have learned one heck of a lesson : )
malteaser is offline  
Old Dec 31st, 2003, 06:03 AM
  #4  
Degas
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
First thing I'd do is call this fella and see what's really going on.

You need to know what you are getting yourself into with him. Is he married? Has he found a serious girlfriend? Has he lost his job and is ashamed of his current situation?

If he's a total write-off, then fine, chaulk it up to experience and press on with your head held high. It wouldn't be the first time something like this happened to a young woman.

Good luck and keep smiling. Going to Malta should be a fun adventure. Start researching and planning now!
 
Old Dec 31st, 2003, 06:14 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi malteaser,

I understand your concern about traveling alone. One thing you shouldn't do is hide away in your hotel room. If you go to cafes and restaurants alone you'll find people to talk to. Be outgoing and friendly and take the initiative to speak with others first; ask them for recommendations about the things they've done and seen on Malta to break the ice. Try not to be shy. Meeting people and socializing with them will make your trip more memorable.
adrienne is offline  
Old Dec 31st, 2003, 07:17 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hi malteaser,

Do you not have a girlfriend, sister or other close friend that would be willing to go with you on this trip? Maybe even a co-worker? You never know, you might have someone in your life that would love the chance to take a trip to Malta. Best of luck!
ilovetulips is offline  
Old Dec 31st, 2003, 08:02 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You may have read this already, but here is an article from the Washington Post which raves about Malta. Have a wonderful time.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...&notFound=true
palette is offline  
Old Jan 2nd, 2004, 08:44 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First of all, my sympathy on your male friend flaking out on you. My guess is that he is already in a relationship--either married or living with someone--and never expected your visit to Malta to actually materialize. Nonetheless, this could still turn out to be a positive experience for you.

If you have never traveled outside the US, I can understand your reluctance, but please don't be afraid. I am a single female and I have traveled solo all over the world--40 different countries and still counting. Malta is a very easy place to navigate alone because the main island, Malta, is only 17 miles long. English is widely spoken and the Maltese people are some of the friendliest I have ever met.

You can get anywhere on the island in about half an hour by bus from Valletta, which is the capital and also the location of the main bus terminus. If you don't feel comfortable going it entirely alone, sign up for a bus tour or two when you first arrive. You can do this at your hotel or through a local travel agent. This will give you an overview of the island and give you the opportunity to meet other people. Once you do this, you may feel more comfortable about being there and venturing out on your own.

Since you are traveling on your own, I recommend staying in one of the livelier parts of town, such as Sliema or St. Julian's. Valletta is also a good choice during the day, but at night it pretty much completely shuts down. Since you are there for 10 days, be sure to spend some time in Gozo. You might also consider a day trip to Sicily to see Mt. Etna and Taormina. Sicily is only about 60 miles north of Malta. The ferry leaves very early in the morning and takes about 90 minutes to get there.

There are several very good websites about Malta. My favorites are aboutmalta.com, visitmalta.com,and searchmalta.com, which has a message board. For weather, see maltaweather.com. Also, you may want to check out the Malta guidebook by Insight Guide, which has absolutely gorgeous color pictures.

I greatly enjoyed my visit to Malta and hope you have a wonderful time. Good luck!
walkabout is offline  
Old Jan 3rd, 2004, 05:08 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First of all I think you need to go read the post called "a Romantic Thing". Then you could follow the advice and look for a gay man to sit next to on the flight. The gal there will walk you through the plan. You'll forget all about this guy in Malta giving you the brushoff in no time.

As to suggestions in Malta, although I really loved staying in Valetta, I might agree that you'd be better off in one of the busier areas mentioned above -- a lot more "company" and things to do at night. Don't be afraid to sign up for day tours -- good way to see things and not be alone. We even tried going to Gozo on our own and screwed it up, missing most of what there is to do. Or since you have 10 days, you might want to stay a couple nights there as suggested above. We felt we'd have been better off doing a package day tour, than just trying to see it on our own in one day.
Patrick is offline  
Old Jan 3rd, 2004, 08:31 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Malta is famous for its crystal clear waters and excellent diving/snorkelling. If you enjoy that kind of thing, I'd recommend taking a day-long snorkelling /diving trip. Various companies offer these. You go out on an old-fashioned schooner and stop off at various lagoons, where the instructors take groups out to dive/snorkel. They provide lunch and snacks, and the atmosphere is very friendly - an easy way to meet and chat with people. When we did it this summer, there were people of all ages (young and older couples, singles, kids, families...).
We went with Hera Cruises (http://www.herayachtmalta.com/cruises_003.htm).

Also, various companies offer day cruises round Malta, Gozo and Comino with lunch and drinks included, and swimming stops. Captain Morgan Cruises (www.captainmorgan.com.mt) is the biggest operator, I believe. It'd be a good way to have some fun and meet people!
hanl is offline  
Old Jan 3rd, 2004, 07:02 PM
  #11  
Amy
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,822
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First, my sympathies for your situation. I know this must be tough.

I travelled alone in Malta and felt completely safe at all times; I stayed right in Valletta and had no trouble at all in getting around. It's a more historic town and the bus is right there; you may be able to get a pretty good deal on hotels there as it's not the "party" area. I loved Hotel Castille; check their website for deals. And some of my favorite memories are things that only cost busfare, like watching the sunset from Dingli Cliff.

I would also agree that you might like to spend a few nights on Gozo.
Happy travels, and do enjoy Malta!
Amy is offline  
Old Jan 3rd, 2004, 07:20 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Everyone has been so helpful to poor malteaser. But am I the only cynical old broad who doesn't believe a word of it. The two posts above from our forelorn lady are the only 2 she has EVER posted to Fodors. I for one would not tell a sad tale like hers on a web forum like this unless I had been on for a while and had got/given advice or got to know some of the folks.

Malteaser (that screen name also makes one think) if I'm wrong please accept my apologies. But this whole thing feels like a troll . . . . . . . .
janis is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 05:38 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
malteaser, please post your trip details after you return, I know we are all intereted in how it goes...bon voyage !
Wednesday is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 08:16 AM
  #14  
Hal
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, Janis has a good point. If someone really needs some timely help, important questions, but it will maybe they are out of luck. The procedure is that they first post some preliminary things on here and reply to a few other posts. This may not provide them time to actually get around to asking the put them in good stead for the next year.

Also, Janis provides a good warning to potential trolls. After outlining the situation, the only help Malteaser asked for was 1) info about where to stay and 2) precautions to take. Boy if there were ever tip-offs for trolls, these are the ones to look for.

And finally, we must thank Janis and hundreds of others like her on most message boards. The important thing is not to exchange info . . . it is to be the first to raise the warning about a potential troll.

Such meaningful lives that many live.
Hal is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 08:21 AM
  #15  
Hal
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First post got a little mixed up; here is second try.

- - - - - - - - -

Yes, Janis has a good point. If someone really needs some timely help and wants to ask some important questions, they are out of luck. The procedure is that they first post some preliminary things on here and reply to a few other posts. This may not provide them time to actually get around to asking their important questions, but hopefully it will put them in good stead for a few months or years down the road.

Also, Janis provides a good warning to potential trolls. After outlining the situation, the only help Malteaser asked for was 1) info about where to stay and 2) precautions to take. Boy if there were ever tip-offs for trolls, these are the ones to look for.

And finally, we must thank Janis and hundreds of others like her on most message boards. The important thing is not to exchange info . . . it is to be the first to raise the warning about a potential troll.

Such meaningful lives that many live.
Hal is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 09:38 AM
  #16  
Degas
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hal, are you trying to take a cheap shot at Janis in that last paragraph? If so, you are way off base. She has provided tons of superb info on this forum for a very long time.

For all we know, malteaser might be a troll. It is odd how litte feedback she provided during the thread.
 
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 09:51 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Troll or no, the question wasn't too outlandish - I've known others that this sort of thing has happened to. Whether it's true or not, seems the advice given in return might be useful to someone.

Malteaser, you didn't say if you were inexperienced with travel altogether, but your screen name may have raised the question. Malteasers, the brand of candy, are available in Britain and Australia, but not the US (except maybe at little import shops).
Clifton is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 04:52 PM
  #18  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you very much to those who were so kind to provide me with information and some very kind advice. It is helpful for me to know that there are other women who have spent time alone in Malta. The more I read from you all the less scary it seems. I spent alot of time over the weekend researching hotels in Sliema and Gozo and would like to split the 10 days between each area. I've printed information from captainmorgan.com and will check Hera Cruises as well. I would love to take the trip to Sicily, if I am able.
I apologize, Janis, if I appear to be a "troll" or if I have exhibited some behavior that is inappropriate. I was simply frightened, hoping to hear the advice of more experienced travellers. I assmued that was a large part of the reason this group of messages existed.
The name "malteaser", just happened to be the first thing that popped into my mind when I thought of my Maltese friend who helped me to find myself in this situation.
I will definitely keep you all posted if any new developments should arise before my trip and I will most certainly give plenty of details of my stay there when I return.
Thanks so much for all of the friendly advice!!





malteaser is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 05:55 PM
  #19  
Amy
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,822
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi, malteaser~~
Just one more thing, which you may have read in other Malta posts, but I want to be sure you know:
Try to arrange tickets for the Hypogeum before you go; I got mine through Academic Tours. They only allow ten people in per hour, and it was the absolute highlight of my entire trip. I've never seen anything else quite like it.
Have a lovely trip!
Amy is offline  
Old Jan 4th, 2004, 06:35 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Malteaser,
Even though I've never been to Malta I was touched by your post. From what everyone says it sounds like you're in for a wonderful time. I believe that nothing happens by accident and perhaps you were meant to go on this trip. Someday you may look back and be thankful to old "whatwasthatjerksnameagain" because something far better was in store for you. (Okay, I'm a romantic at heart.)
I wish you many blessings and a big happy angel at your side.
mcgeezer is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bokhara
Australia & the Pacific
4
Aug 5th, 2007 01:01 AM
111op
Europe
46
Nov 25th, 2006 03:21 PM
humanone
Europe
8
Oct 20th, 2006 09:05 PM
Heavens
Europe
40
May 17th, 2006 09:44 AM
flags
Europe
124
Feb 15th, 2006 07:01 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -