An unexpected twist on our romantic Valentine's getaway… to Malta. Read on in today's story column.
c’est le monde à l’envers
: the world's gone crazy (or: it's an upside-down world)
Audio File: click the following links to hear today's word and definition Download MP3 or Wav
L'expression "c'est le monde à l'envers" c'est quand les choses sont dans le contraire de ce qu’on attend.
(from Wikipedia) The expression c'est le monde à l'envers means that things are different than expected.
Mas la Monaque - Rent this beautifully restored 17-century farmhouse. Click here for more pictures.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
One of the pluses of living near Marseilles is the city's proximity to so many lively destinations. My husband is the travel bug in our family and he can't help but be tempted by the discount air carriers and their latest offres. When Jean-Marc noticed a round-trip ticket to Malta for only 70 euros–he quickly located a room at 60 euros per night and a car at 100 euros for 3 days…. and so found the perfect Valentines surprise for his chérie!
In the blink of an eye we had touched down at Malta international airport on La Fête des Amoureux. I didn't realize we would be arriving after midnight, but then there were a lot of things I was unprepared for–like the fact that the Maltese drive on the opposite side of the road!!
Jean-Marc and I were standing in the dimly lit rental car lot when this disturbing detail revealed itself to us:
"The key doesn't work!" my valentine said, trying in vain to locate the lock.
"Here. Give that to me," I said, reaching for la clé. It was four hours past my bed time and I was anxious to get out of this dark and vacant car lot and get to our hotel. Grabbing the key, I began to thumb-punch it, trying to automatically unlock the car. Meantime, Jean-Marc had walked around to the other side, looking for a keyhole.
"Ha! The driving wheel is on the right!" Jean-Marc announced, more amused than concerned.
Well that's odd, I thought. Why would they give us a car like that?
"You need to go back to the rental desk and get another version," I told my husband, trying to decide if I should go with him or wait alone in this spooky car park.
"Chérie, there won't be another 'version.' Visiblement, the Maltese drive like the English–on the left side of the road!"
Reality hit me like an arrow in the gut. Cupid's aim was waaaay off, and with it all the kissy-kissy-goo-goo feelings my husband had bargained for along with this bargain vacation! But bargaining with our lives was NOT sexy.
"We can't drive like this!" I stamped my foot.
"Well, we don't have the choice!" Jean-Marc's tone was firm. The amusement my husband experienced a moment ago had waned. Sensing I was going to dig my feet in, Jean-Marc told me to get in the car. "Everything's going to be okay. I'll drive!"
My heart seized up as Jean-Marc grinded the gears into first. He was completely disoriented and we hadn't even left the parking lot. Oh God, we were doomed! My mind began jumping to its colorful conclusions and I could queerly appreciate the romantic ending our couple had come to… as we RIP'd together on the Mediterranean island of Malta. It sure beat a collision on the 1-10 in Apache Junction or Phoenix!
"Good thing the accelerator and the brakes aren't reversed!" Jean-Marc chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. But his joke only caused me more distress. At this point that wasn't so hard to imagine!
"Stay on the left! ON THE LEFT!" I screeched as we entered the first roundabout. Just as expected, I watched my husband's reflexes kick in. He had wanted to go right! Yes, however slightly, he had edged over to right! No matter how he denied it. I saw it with my own bulging eyes!
Jean-Marc tried distraction. "Look for the signs to Mellieha," he said. But all I could see were cars racing past us in the roundabout. How strange to see cars going clockwise! The trick would be to fight our reflexes–and remember to do everything opposite! But it was so easy to get confused–especially in a foreign land, after 1 a.m. in the morning!
I couldn't help but evacuate the stress at every frightening turn–ever struggling to remember whether to first look left or right for oncoming traffic. I found it helpful to remember the giant lettering written across the streets of London. "LOOK LEFT". The avertissements are designed to prevent visitors (from countries that drive on the right) from being crushed by oncoming vehicles!
"Left! Stay left!" My orders were punctuated by a series of short breaths, the kind the nurses demanded when I went through labor for each of my children.
Worried I might hyperventilate, Jean-Marc put me to work. "Here! Read these notes!" he ordered, handing over the map to our hotel.
"Keep your eyes on the road," I scolded. "If you need to reach for a paper–ask me. I'll do it!"
"We should be there in twenty minutes. Don't worry!" Jean-Marc said, trying to calmer le jeu, or ease tensions.
Worrisome now were the directions. The names of the Maltese roads were obviously foreign–with a lot of tricks–or "Triqs" thrown in.
Triq, it seemed, was the name for street–the word being mention over and over again.
"Read me the name of the street," Jean-Marc said, swerving to avoid a car that had just entered our roundabout from the left. Whoa!
"I can't (puff! puff! puff!)." How could I read him the name of the streets, when I could hardly breathe?
What's more, the streets had funny foreign characters (an "H" was double barred through the center). It wasn't pronunciation that concerned me, it was the way all the lines began to run together: I could not keep my eyes on both the directions and the road at the same time.
Jean-Marc tried in vain to remind me that HE was the driver and I could keep my eyes on the directions (and off the road) but this was an impossibility. The only way to feel safe was by exercising the small amount of control still in my power: by keeping an extra set of eyes on the road we would reduce our chances of collision!
Jean-Marc gave up and reached for his Smartphone.
"You mean you had a GPS this whole time and didn't want to use it!!!" I guessed connection fees went contrary to our budget vacation!
Speaking of contrary, we were now back on track even if that track was still reversed. Now with the GPS, I could concentrate on hyperventilating and all the intermittant screeching. "I can't help it!" I said to Jean-Marc, who–guided by my OHMYGOD gurglings–managed to veer away once again from oncoming traffic. (Adding to stress were all those SPEED KILLS signs, which dotted the road before many a hairpin turn. That's when an additional threat came to mind: we were driving in party hour traffic, after midnight! Hopefully the Maltese would remember which side of the road they usually drove on!)
All the shrieks and heavy breathing didn't make my driver's job any easier, but, little did he know, Jean-Marc was quickly racking up romantic points. For as much as I fault him for his impatience, my husband can swiftly shift into calm mode when the tables (or roads) are turned and I'm the one flipping out. I deeply appreciated his soft and encouraging words during our harried drive (and the few times he snapped he was quickly forgiven!).
Jean-Marc even managed, here and there, to maintain his sense of humor. Arriving to our hotel, he pulled the keys out of the ignition and, handed them to me, he chuckled. "Demain, c'est toi qui conduis!"
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French Vocabulary
une offre = special deal
chéri, chérie = darling
la fête des amoureux = Valentine's Day
la clé = key
visiblement = evidently
un avertissement = warning
calmer le jeu = calm things down
demain c'est toi qui conduit! = tomorrow you're the driver!
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone. Click here for photos.
Paris Metro Apron – a fun and whimsical tablier to wear
In Mdina, the old capital of Malta, the English influence can be missed… In 1964 Malta achieved its independance from the UK.
My favorite visit while on the island: the Argotti Botanical Gardens. Visits are by appointment only, but we were lucky to wander in and pay for our visitor pass (3 euros per person). We spoke to the curator who told us about all the Somalian students, currently working on site. "They are all exiled." I looked at the teenage boys, many of whom had lost their families. "They have only two choices back home: go to war or be killed," the curator explained. Cheers to Argotti Botanical Garden for creating this insertion program where they are teaching refugees skills to carry with them to their next destination (Matla beind a temporary landing for many of the unfortunates).
Other gardens on Malta: the San Anton Botanical gardens, where the president lives at the palace. See the impressive kitchen garden and the exotic birds.
Malta is a plant lovers paradise! Whether tumbling from balconies or carpeting the vineyards, flowers are blooming everywhere in February! I loved the roadside fennel with its giant round pom-pom flowers (so different from our Provence fenouil), and Jean-Marc helped me collect pocketfuls of snapdragon seeds! Some say the name "Malta" comes from the Greek "meli" (honey). And some call Malta "the land of honey."
Remember those tricks or "Triqs" I talked about in today's story. Here's a road sign.
Guess who we took with us on our romantic getaway? Mr. Sacks, bien sûr! Jean-Marc's ancient sacoche sat with us at outdoor cafes, on rocky piers, and sandy beaches. Here are more things we all enjoyed:
Mellieha Bay – where we found lounge chairs to rent (3 euros for the day) and ordered a hot lunch for under 10.
Golden Bay – beautiful hike down to the water (the path is flanked by purple and yellow wildflowers this time of year). Have a coffee at the bar overlooking the Mediterranean.
St. Paul's Bay – colorful fishing boats and a stroll along the boardwalk
Spinola Bay – St. Julians. Go to Gululu's — a restaurant for traditional Maltese food. I loved the octopus stew with capers, olives, raisin, walnuts and vegetables.
Also loved the restaurant Two and a half Lemons, in the Vittoriosa Marina–for the fresh tuna and for our wonderful waiter. Sitting outside, facing the boats, the sounds of the clanking masts is relaxing.
The island of Gozo is something we didn't get to see. It's going on our bucket list for next time! Have you ever been to Malta? Will you share some "must see" places there? Click here to comment.
Further Reading
Jed Christensen's article "Five Fine Days on Italy's Toe" includes an excellent and historical review of Malta.
I missed the chance to photograph all the beautiful stone walls, restanques, and cabanons on Malta. Thankfully Janet recorded some at her blog Malta Meanderings.
Googling "botanical gardens malta", I found Jess's blog–and great photos of San Anton Gardens (which I then visited).
The Kappillan of Malta – this book came highly recommended from one of our readers (Thanks, FM).
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I’m an American and have been living in Malta for almost two years now. Driving here is still a challenge as the Maltese are crazy drivers–but the nicest people. I’m very impressed that you managed to find Mellieha in the wee hours of the morning.
Malta is a great place to visit–it has many hidden treasures. Be sure to visit Gozo next time as it has a character all its own. The Kempinski hotel there is quite nice as is Ramla Bay–the best beach in Malta. The other city that is my favorite is Mdina. For history buffs, visiting the ancient hypogeum is a must, but tickets must be purchased a month or two in advance. A good site for historical information is HeritageMalta.org. There are several ancient temples on the island that were built before the pyramids.
Malta is definitely worth a visit–the best time being in the spring (March-May).
I’m an American and have been living in Malta for almost two years now. Driving here is still a challenge as the Maltese are crazy drivers–but the nicest people. I’m very impressed that you managed to find Mellieha in the wee hours of the morning.
Malta is a great place to visit–it has many hidden treasures. Be sure to visit Gozo next time as it has a character all its own. The Kempinski hotel there is quite nice as is Ramla Bay–the best beach in Malta. The other city that is my favorite is Mdina. For history buffs, visiting the ancient hypogeum is a must, but tickets must be purchased a month or two in advance. A good site for historical information is HeritageMalta.org. There are several ancient temples on the island that were built before the pyramids.
Malta is definitely worth a visit–the best time being in the spring (March-May).
Loved the story — what a fun filled, exciting Valentines! I also love the photos. We were stationed in England for 5 years. When I first started driving —- it was sooooo difficult. It was always: LEFT, LEFT! After about 6 months we were totally adjusted. We used to drive up the Scottish coast, and drove in Ireland.
The difficult part was coming home each summer — we had to really adjust. Great memories, so much fun.
Thanks & stay well!
Loved the story — what a fun filled, exciting Valentines! I also love the photos. We were stationed in England for 5 years. When I first started driving —- it was sooooo difficult. It was always: LEFT, LEFT! After about 6 months we were totally adjusted. We used to drive up the Scottish coast, and drove in Ireland.
The difficult part was coming home each summer — we had to really adjust. Great memories, so much fun.
Thanks & stay well!
Though it sounds like you gained some grey hairs, it made for an enjoyable story- I’m still laughing. I would love to go to Malta- I lived on a Greek island with many proud Maltese Greeks. Can’t wait to read the further adventures!
Though it sounds like you gained some grey hairs, it made for an enjoyable story- I’m still laughing. I would love to go to Malta- I lived on a Greek island with many proud Maltese Greeks. Can’t wait to read the further adventures!
Glad you had a surprising and beautiful Valentine. It reminded me so much of my husband and I vacationing in Gaudeloupe. To be sure, it is part of France and we didn’t have to adjust to driving on the “other side.” The roads are well paved, but narrow and often steep hills and curves add to the excitement, and I knew if we got hopelessly lost my minimal French wasn’t going to save us (well, i could get us “un café, s’il vous plait” , but that’s about all) I shrieked a lot. You have such a talented way of making us smile with your story.
Glad you had a surprising and beautiful Valentine. It reminded me so much of my husband and I vacationing in Gaudeloupe. To be sure, it is part of France and we didn’t have to adjust to driving on the “other side.” The roads are well paved, but narrow and often steep hills and curves add to the excitement, and I knew if we got hopelessly lost my minimal French wasn’t going to save us (well, i could get us “un café, s’il vous plait” , but that’s about all) I shrieked a lot. You have such a talented way of making us smile with your story.
Dear Kristin,
Thank you for all the years that we have received your letters. My nephew is now in Nice, and I wondered about the cost of things in the region, so I am especially thankful for the detailed price of tickets to malta, the hotel etc. How many euros is the basic monthly salary for the lowest level civil servant in Nice?
Dear Kristin,
Thank you for all the years that we have received your letters. My nephew is now in Nice, and I wondered about the cost of things in the region, so I am especially thankful for the detailed price of tickets to malta, the hotel etc. How many euros is the basic monthly salary for the lowest level civil servant in Nice?
I don’t wish to appear rude but, surely what was foreign were the visitors and not the local signs and language!
I am lucky enough to be able to visit the land of my birth, England, a couple of times a year with the advantage of having learned to drive there many years ago. Just remember, the penalty for driving on the incorrect side, not the wrong side (see above), is a lot of pain and possibly death. Works for me.
Best wishes from a very rainy Vancouver, BC
I don’t wish to appear rude but, surely what was foreign were the visitors and not the local signs and language!
I am lucky enough to be able to visit the land of my birth, England, a couple of times a year with the advantage of having learned to drive there many years ago. Just remember, the penalty for driving on the incorrect side, not the wrong side (see above), is a lot of pain and possibly death. Works for me.
Best wishes from a very rainy Vancouver, BC
Happy Anniversary! The pictures are truly beautiful and I had to laugh at the car episode.
By the way, I’ve been to Apache Junction! Even saw a rattlesnake on the suffleboard court there.
Many more happy anniversaries.
Happy Anniversary! The pictures are truly beautiful and I had to laugh at the car episode.
By the way, I’ve been to Apache Junction! Even saw a rattlesnake on the suffleboard court there.
Many more happy anniversaries.
Enjoyed your story very much! Like others, it reminded me of driving in England – my husband says ‘never again,’ well at least until the next time! Travel is so marvelous while it’s happening and it’s like the gift that just keeps giving in all the wonderful tales that can be told after returning home. Makes for some wonderful memories. I think it was especially nice of Jean-Marc to arrange everything and glad you ended up having a beautiful time (and returned home safely!)
Enjoyed your story very much! Like others, it reminded me of driving in England – my husband says ‘never again,’ well at least until the next time! Travel is so marvelous while it’s happening and it’s like the gift that just keeps giving in all the wonderful tales that can be told after returning home. Makes for some wonderful memories. I think it was especially nice of Jean-Marc to arrange everything and glad you ended up having a beautiful time (and returned home safely!)
Kristin,
I was extra glad to see this story on Malta since I have also been looking at the budget airfare, thinking about a side trip from France when we visit later this year. The photos show a beautiful location. It’s rather funny that you are also talking about driving under scary conditions this week. My story “Le blah-blah on Narrow Roads” on http://www.AFrenchOpportunity.com was posted Sunday, and you can imagine from your trip what it involves!!! I’m wondering where you stayed. Could you share that info if it was a nice place?
Thank you for a great story!
Kristin,
I was extra glad to see this story on Malta since I have also been looking at the budget airfare, thinking about a side trip from France when we visit later this year. The photos show a beautiful location. It’s rather funny that you are also talking about driving under scary conditions this week. My story “Le blah-blah on Narrow Roads” on http://www.AFrenchOpportunity.com was posted Sunday, and you can imagine from your trip what it involves!!! I’m wondering where you stayed. Could you share that info if it was a nice place?
Thank you for a great story!
I would have been stressed too. You are so funny, Kristin. I really enjoyed your story.
Il conduit, tu conduis (avec un S)
I would have been stressed too. You are so funny, Kristin. I really enjoyed your story.
Il conduit, tu conduis (avec un S)
LOL, K! I just pictured Lucy and Ricky in The Long, Long Trailer…!!!
LOL, K! I just pictured Lucy and Ricky in The Long, Long Trailer…!!!
Just wondering … wouldn’t it be “c’est toi qui conduis” ?? Would you verify with Jean-Marc, SVP ? inquiring minds would like to know (grammatical minds, that is !). Beautiful pics and letter, as always.
Just wondering … wouldn’t it be “c’est toi qui conduis” ?? Would you verify with Jean-Marc, SVP ? inquiring minds would like to know (grammatical minds, that is !). Beautiful pics and letter, as always.
Our dear Kristi,
Once again you’ve gifted us with not only a beautifully written post,but with one that filled us with smiles and enjoyment,too!
Your descriptions are wonderful(so are the pictures!)Thank you for taking us along with you on this lovely getaway!
Love,
Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Once again you’ve gifted us with not only a beautifully written post,but with one that filled us with smiles and enjoyment,too!
Your descriptions are wonderful(so are the pictures!)Thank you for taking us along with you on this lovely getaway!
Love,
Natalia XO
This is one of your best. Thanks for these postings. To add to everyone’s experience on le monde en l’enverse, went to Ireland with a friend planning on sharing the driving, imagine our shock when we went to rent the car and were told that since I was over 75 they could not allow me to drive. So off we went. I was co-pilot for the three weeks. As we exited the rental lot into a narrow street I heard Bop,bop,bop,bop……… I shrieked “you are hitting the mirrors of every car, the middle,the middle” . Now we laugh about it but at the time my heart was in my mouth. I still love to travel,anywhere,any time.
This is one of your best. Thanks for these postings. To add to everyone’s experience on le monde en l’enverse, went to Ireland with a friend planning on sharing the driving, imagine our shock when we went to rent the car and were told that since I was over 75 they could not allow me to drive. So off we went. I was co-pilot for the three weeks. As we exited the rental lot into a narrow street I heard Bop,bop,bop,bop……… I shrieked “you are hitting the mirrors of every car, the middle,the middle” . Now we laugh about it but at the time my heart was in my mouth. I still love to travel,anywhere,any time.
Hello Kristin,
A friend of mine (Vicki Ford) forwarded your blog and I REALLY enjoyed hearing about your adventures in Malta. A few years ago I took a Mediterranean cruise with a friend and was blown away by the beauty in the city of Valletta. I think most people probably know the city for its political prison, the Château d’If (make famous by the Count of Monte Cristo), but I fell in love with the colors of the place. It had an overall peace about it that words cannot describe. I guess I was feeling rather edgy after coming from an unexpected stop in Tunisia just after all the political turmoil. In any case, you asked about places to visit in Malta and I simply must recommend a little silver and goldsmith boutique I happened into while wandering about the streets with my friend. The gentleman who owns it makes everything by hand and I’ve never seen such workmanship. The prices are EXTREMELY reasonable. The name is Ardnael Filigree and the address is as follows: 77, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta (Telephone: 246192). Should I ever go on a cruise again, I hope we get to stop in Malta!!! Oh, and for those looking for a nice cruise, I highly recommend the Italian line MSC for a Mediterranean cruise. The food was amazing!!!
Hello Kristin,
A friend of mine (Vicki Ford) forwarded your blog and I REALLY enjoyed hearing about your adventures in Malta. A few years ago I took a Mediterranean cruise with a friend and was blown away by the beauty in the city of Valletta. I think most people probably know the city for its political prison, the Château d’If (make famous by the Count of Monte Cristo), but I fell in love with the colors of the place. It had an overall peace about it that words cannot describe. I guess I was feeling rather edgy after coming from an unexpected stop in Tunisia just after all the political turmoil. In any case, you asked about places to visit in Malta and I simply must recommend a little silver and goldsmith boutique I happened into while wandering about the streets with my friend. The gentleman who owns it makes everything by hand and I’ve never seen such workmanship. The prices are EXTREMELY reasonable. The name is Ardnael Filigree and the address is as follows: 77, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta (Telephone: 246192). Should I ever go on a cruise again, I hope we get to stop in Malta!!! Oh, and for those looking for a nice cruise, I highly recommend the Italian line MSC for a Mediterranean cruise. The food was amazing!!!
It’s among my many travel dreams to visit Malta…and Cyprus… Sigh.. At least I spent a week on Easter Island; a place I never dreamt I would be able to visit. It was the silver lining of a very dark cloud in out family’s history. Small islands are so exciting!
Thanks to you Kristin and to the many interesting/funny commentators today, especially Precious!
Tautology alert: 1 am IS in the morning!
PS: Apache really sounds exotic from where I’m reading! (Australia)
It’s among my many travel dreams to visit Malta…and Cyprus… Sigh.. At least I spent a week on Easter Island; a place I never dreamt I would be able to visit. It was the silver lining of a very dark cloud in out family’s history. Small islands are so exciting!
Thanks to you Kristin and to the many interesting/funny commentators today, especially Precious!
Tautology alert: 1 am IS in the morning!
PS: Apache really sounds exotic from where I’m reading! (Australia)
So enjoyable to read of your experience locating the car,not being able immediately to realise about driving on the left and so on.Being Australians,we had a similar experience a few years back on arrival at Toulouse Airport late at night.After my husband not hitting it off with the rather unfriendly French receptionist,then not even,at first finding the rental car park as reconstruction was going on.The first roundabout(in the carpark) was terrifying in the dark and rain.Your account,Kristi brought it all back to me.Do hope the weekend turned out well for you.
So enjoyable to read of your experience locating the car,not being able immediately to realise about driving on the left and so on.Being Australians,we had a similar experience a few years back on arrival at Toulouse Airport late at night.After my husband not hitting it off with the rather unfriendly French receptionist,then not even,at first finding the rental car park as reconstruction was going on.The first roundabout(in the carpark) was terrifying in the dark and rain.Your account,Kristi brought it all back to me.Do hope the weekend turned out well for you.
I sympathise! It’s what we Australians have to contend with every time we go to Europe. Makes life very interesting at times, especially at roundabouts!
I sympathise! It’s what we Australians have to contend with every time we go to Europe. Makes life very interesting at times, especially at roundabouts!
Thank you for sharing your driving stories. It sparked a few more memories of our trajet–or drive–from the airport to the hotel. Im updating the blog, now, and will try to add the additional notes!
Thanks Millie and those of you who corrected my French grammar (and English spelling!). Im fixing the post now. Much appreciated!
Thank you for sharing your driving stories. It sparked a few more memories of our trajet–or drive–from the airport to the hotel. Im updating the blog, now, and will try to add the additional notes!
Thanks Millie and those of you who corrected my French grammar (and English spelling!). Im fixing the post now. Much appreciated!
P.S. JacqBrisbane – tautology — great term. Thanks! (Tautology: the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g.,they arrived one after the other in succession).
P.S. JacqBrisbane – tautology — great term. Thanks! (Tautology: the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g.,they arrived one after the other in succession).
Chateau d’If is on the island of If a few kilometers from the port of Marseilles. Not on Malta.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_d%27If
A movie version of The Count of Monte Cristo filmed on Malta about 12 years ago, but the movies always mess with actual geography. (film in Chicago for a movie set in New York City, film in Toronto for a film set in Chicago, etc.)
The Brits left their mark on Malta both in language and driving on the left. It sounds like a lovely trip, and such a nice way to enjoy Valentine’s.
Chateau d’If is on the island of If a few kilometers from the port of Marseilles. Not on Malta.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_d%27If
A movie version of The Count of Monte Cristo filmed on Malta about 12 years ago, but the movies always mess with actual geography. (film in Chicago for a movie set in New York City, film in Toronto for a film set in Chicago, etc.)
The Brits left their mark on Malta both in language and driving on the left. It sounds like a lovely trip, and such a nice way to enjoy Valentine’s.
As expats living in France we have this problem everytime we take the car back to the UK . Right hand side all the way to the Channel & then at the docks in England a quick adjustment (one hopes !)
Also I have to become the lookout for overtaking as our car being French has a left hand steering wheel . I find this to be some what unnerving !! And I feel vunerable on motorways when huge lorries pass us ,going the same way !
Ah! well , ‘Vive la difference !)
As expats living in France we have this problem everytime we take the car back to the UK . Right hand side all the way to the Channel & then at the docks in England a quick adjustment (one hopes !)
Also I have to become the lookout for overtaking as our car being French has a left hand steering wheel . I find this to be some what unnerving !! And I feel vunerable on motorways when huge lorries pass us ,going the same way !
Ah! well , ‘Vive la difference !)
FM – thanks for the book recommendation. Will add it to the post. And I loved the note explaining the erratic way the Maltese drive: because they enjoy the driving in the shade. So funny and relatable, now that we have experienced this!
FM – thanks for the book recommendation. Will add it to the post. And I loved the note explaining the erratic way the Maltese drive: because they enjoy the driving in the shade. So funny and relatable, now that we have experienced this!
Darling Kristi,
One of your funniest stories…but then of course in real life you are funny like this story everyday.
XOXO
MOM
Darling Kristi,
One of your funniest stories…but then of course in real life you are funny like this story everyday.
XOXO
MOM
I’ve never driven on the opposite side of the road and can’t imagine attempting it at 1am!! I am an avid fan of the Amazing Race (a horrible American “reality” show) where contestants often have to hop in and drive on the opposite side of the road at crazy hours, on little sleep. Not my cup of tea
How long was the flight?
I’ve never driven on the opposite side of the road and can’t imagine attempting it at 1am!! I am an avid fan of the Amazing Race (a horrible American “reality” show) where contestants often have to hop in and drive on the opposite side of the road at crazy hours, on little sleep. Not my cup of tea
How long was the flight?