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Going to miss Malta so much I had such an amazing time and would come back in a heartbeat, I love placement with the kids they were all so cute and I really appreciate the experience

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We had another tour around malta and we got to have another boat ride around some of the coasts we visited two different fishing villages which were so pretty and we talked to some locals about their experiences living their, at the end of the trip we went for food beside the harbour.
On Sunday we explored the point shopping centre and got smoothies before we did some shopping after we went for a walk along the harbour and got lunch in an Italian restaurant.

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Home sweet home
Arrived home on Sunday the 26th of Feb to my family.
Over all I enjoyed most of my experience, I settled well in a different country, I adjusted to the work environment, and my colleagues in simblija nursing home, I made some friends that I'm grateful for. I just to the time difference which wasn't much thank God. And the food most of it was lovely some of it I didn't like.
It was great they use the euro no difference in the rate, and their in the euro zone too. The weather was great for most of it apart from the unusual storm they had at the beginning of our trip, the rest was lovely.
The carnival was a brilliant experience the colours the people the music and the vibe I danced amongst some of the floats and felt great, I'm grateful I was picked to take part in this experience to be honest I didn't think I would last the 3 weeks, but I did, done that, been there, got the tshirt.

Over and Out

Melissa

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So I’m now home , Malta was an incredible place the experience was a different story. I had an amazing time ♥️ . I loved every minute, the tours were amazing. Looking forward to getting back to my normal routine and finishing up college . Couldn’t be more thankful for the experience and the opportunity to work with amazing  people📸 

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So I’m now home , Malta was an incredible place the experience was a different story. I had an amazing time ♥️ . I loved every minute, the tours were amazing. Looking forward to getting back to my normal routine and finishing up college . Couldn’t be more thankful for the experience and the opportunity to work with amazing  people📸 

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We visited Mdina and got a tour of the streets we got told about the history of Mdina  and we met a monk on the streets who told us more about the history. After the tour we got traditional Maltese streat food which was so good.

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We visited gozo island which was such an amazing experience we went on a boat tour around the cliffs, we got to eat some traditional foods and explore the island getting a tour of some popular tourist locations. On Sunday we went shopping and went for dinner in an Italian restruant the weather was so nice out and we got to see some really beautiful architecture.

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We had our first day and got introduced to all of the children I am in the room with 2-3 year olds and had an amazing time playing with all of them and meeting the staff.

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We went to easy job bridge for our introduction and got shown to our placements to meet our managers. After we explored Valletta, we looked at some of the beautiful architecture and did some shopping

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Our flight was slightly delayed but we still landed near enough to the same time we were supposed to be there, we arrived at the apartment and ordered food in for our first dinner

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Today was our last day at placement and I just about managed not to cry. Myself and Tia have had such a good experience while completing our placement at Dawra Durella Childcare Centre.

All the staff were so friendly and kind towards us, and they were sad to see us leave. 🥹 Some of the kids had become my absolute besties and I will miss them forevermore. It is so, so wild to think that these kids that I got to know and love during the past three weeks will soon grow up to become strangers that I most probably will never see again. 😭 Having said that, it’s a small world, so we never know. As this was our last day with the staff and children at Dawra Durella, we bought them a Thank You card and some flowers as a symbol of our gratitude for being so warm and welcoming towards us over the three weeks.

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Trying to find some presents in Saint Julian’s. 🐣🐣

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Our very last activity of the Erasmus trip was a historical tour of Valletta by night. Our lovely tour guide Ernest accompanied us for the final time, showing us around the various monuments, all the while telling us about how they came to be of significance within Malta. I really enjoyed the tour (except the 6million steps we had to walk up at one point🫠😂).

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I took this photograph at Saint Julian’s Bay, and to say the least I think this was my most favourite place in all of Malta. San Julian’s is where all the nightlife and young people seemed to gather on the weekends. There was such a buzz about this place, like something from the movies, and it’s definitely something I’ll miss! 🫶🏽🐣

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Dear diary,
first day back in Ireland and I must say I’m strangely really missing Malta right now.
On a more positive note, I had an interview for a care home today and I think it went really well. They already started my garda vetting and talked about a start date so I’m very excited.

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Overall I really enjoyed my expierance working in active learning as it was absolutely amazing and eye opening into a different countries way of working. I really enjoyed working with the children and seeing there sweat faces when I would walk in. I personally will miss this experience as I believe it helped me develop my language skill as the kids are learning English and may not understand everything I said. I’m very grateful to all the staff who helped guide me threw my learning experience.

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Goodbye malta I had an amazing experience working here and exploring this beautiful country I hope one day I'll come back again.

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So today is the day we fly home , so I took decided il l clean the apartment and I found these 😂😭 only l living with girls would you find eye lashes on a cup 😭#livingwithgirls#lastdayinmalta👩‍⚕️♥️😂🇲🇹

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So today is the day we fly home , so I took decided il l clean the apartment and I found these 😂😭 only l living with girls would you find eye lashes on a cup 😭#livingwithgirls#lastdayinmalta👩‍⚕️♥️😂🇲🇹

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18 / 02 / 03
After we went down to the water and got on a boat to go around the caves. It was so beautiful. The water was bright blue inside the caves even though they had no light. If we were allowed swim I would have gotten in even though I’m scared of the water. The boat was a little rocky but still amazing. I had a great day.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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18 / 02 / 23
Today we went to the blue grotto. It was so amazing. We went on the cliff top to look down at it first and we found a man doing a falcon hold. I had done it before with a hawk so I held the owl. It was so amazing the owl was so pretty. The owls name Nina. She was just walking around and at first I thought she was a dog. It was an amazing experience and I’m so happy I did it.

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Today we went to the blue grotto and marsaxlokk. We started off our day meeting our tour guide. We went to the church that got bombed and it was amazing the painting and the size of the church was shocking it was so peaceful and pretty. We walked threw the church and was shown the replica of the bomb that went threw the church and did not explode it was huge.

Next we headed to a glass making factory and a Jewellery making place I was shocked on how the objects were made and how delicate you have to be to make them.

Before heading to the blue grotto we went to Dingli cliffs witch was beautiful I could not believe how night up we were .

Next we headed to the blue grotto . It was beautiful . The sea was glistening blue and the sun was gleaming . I believed this not ride was much better as we had really nice weather . We went into loads of caves and saw some jelly fish . Before going on the boat we looked at the groto from one of the mountains and there was a man letting us hold a owl 🦉. My worst fear is birds so I was not to happy with the owl flying around us . But I did hold the owl to try and face my fear but god was I scared . Still have my fear of birds but I’m very proud of myself for doing it.

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Today was our last day at placement but I’m thinking about returning on Saturday because I really enjoyed it at Simblija, and will miss the staff and the residents, but at the same time I can’t wait to go home on Sunday.

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All of us enjoying our last boat ride at the blue grotto

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Paris getting in the way of my photography skills

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Yesterday was our last tour with Ernest on the Malta by night tour, it was so nice to take photos of Malta all lit up at night

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Last night was our last tour in Malta with our tour guide Ernest we got to see Malta at night!

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Today Alana fell asleep on the couch for her daily nap and Blake and I thought we’d document the moment for her when she woke up.

Yesterday in placement Melissa, Alana and I got the opportunity to do observations on the patients and took turns so we all got a go and documented the results in the chart for the nurse Joyce who was so lovely and delighted to teach us!

The day before we also got this opportunity from the nurse Carlos who also showed us how to check someone’s blood sugar levels and we got to teach a resident Irish and he thought the 3 of us some Maltese

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Yesterday in placement I was teamed up with Antoinette, a really hard working woman from Italy, and a fast worker too. We helped 7 patient's get up would normally do about 5.
Joyce the nurse that was on today let me Paris and Alanah go and do the obs on the patients by ourselves. I couldn't believe it but I did blood pressure pulse and oxygen level and temperature I also had to write it on the chart for her. So we took it in turns and did it I was so happy to finally do something like that. We finished off the night with a tour with our guide Ernest he was lovely and full of information I got some beautiful pictures too.

Tomorrow is the last day in placement!

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Last night was our last night malta by night was so nice and the views were a amazing 😻 📸♥️

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I’ve really enjoyed my time in placement. Our last day is tomorrow and I will miss it so much. The staff and children are such a pleasure to work with, Cara and I have also received a reference from our manager Erika. I’ve gained so much experience in this work placement very happy to have had the opportunity.

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Pancake Tuesday in Malta. Thanks to Klaudia the girls and I enjoyed our Tuesday with plates full of pancakes 🥞

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just a cut lil pic of Dawra Durella 🫶🏽

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Pancake Tuesday with the girls 👧

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Today we went to Mdina during the night. We learned about all the amazing history of this place. I could not believe how big the fortifications were and that people actually lived inside this once called castle . At the end of this tour we stopped at a traditional restaurant which served a puff pastry filled with cheese or chicken . Ernest our tour guide told us they are called pitzizi, they were delicious.

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Sometimes getting up for placement is hard because I’m so tired but seeing the sky so pretty makes the early mornings worth it ♥️📸

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Difficulties in being here is the lack of sleep you get, I'm they type of person that can't function on less then 8 hours a night here your lucky to get 4/5 hours of broken sleep. Due to being rudely awoken every night!
I'm enjoying my work placement patients and staff are lovely, but I feel I'm always tired in there.
I've posted a selfie just to show the black bags around my right eye as it looks like a black eye.

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Pancake Tuesday 🥞 ☕️ 🫖
Always smiling no matter what 🫶🏽🥹

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Today was the Valetta/ ghost tour . We met up with our tour guide Ernest who we love as he is so enthusiastic about everything. We were shown around Valletta and told about the thrilling stories behind there history. I really enjoyed this as I found the city beautiful at night and so peaceful. 👻

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Yesterday in placement, I was asked to go get a patient showered, dressed, make bed tidy up by myself, I did it with out any problems what's so ever. I was really happy as the patient was very patient with me and guided me through the way she likes to be washed and dressed.
I got chatting to Carlos he was the nurse on charge, and he was asking me about my course etc, I said to him can I shadow you doing the rounds, no problem he said and he showed me how to use the blood pressure machine that they use. I was delighted I did 3 patients but the last one was very difficult for me as she wouldn't allow it and was hitting out. I told Carlos the other 2 girls Paris and Alanah would love to do it too and they did. To end the day a little bit of vitamin d and a smoothie it was lovely.

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Today we went to Gozo. I could not believe how beautiful the island was. Everytime we went to our different destinations I was in awe just so amazed by everything.

We started off the day getting the ferry bright and early . The weather was nice and warm thank god as we had a storm the night before so was praying for some sun. When we arrived on the island we were driven to our first destination which was the caves. While driving on the bus we drove past so many beautiful churches and greenery that went on for miles.

The boat ride was incredible we got to go into these cave and drive around in them . It was amazing to witness something so beautiful. The water was not as clear as I expected as it was not that hot outside.

The next places we stoped at were these beautiful cathedrals and fortifications. In malta there are 365 churches.  I was shocked when he told us this as the island is so little . We entered the churches and I was just wowed by all the beautiful art pieces . When we went to the fortifications I could not believe how big it was . I felt like a little pea compared to it . There was so much history at this place and I was standing in it .

Overall I really enjoyed this day as I found it so amazing exploring the island of Gozo . I found learning about the history very interesting and informative and just overall brilliant . I can’t wait to see what nexts week trip will be like and what we have in store.

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Today was our first day of placement I was working with the kids that are going into primary school and Jess was working with the one too two year olds. I enjoyed my first day so much I got to learn how they teach over hear, get to know all the staff and kids and understand there routine. I’m so excited to see how much I learn.

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still can’t get over this boat ride 😍

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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today is the first day of the last week we have in malta !
the time has just flew by i can’t believe it’s been 2 weeks already. i am loving the whole experience of malta and being able to tour the country and visit all the important places.  placement has been great the staff is super kind and welcoming and the children are just great and so cute 🥰
id love to stay here just a little longer ❤️

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trip to saint julians for some presents to bring back home 🎁

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mdina by night tour was such a great experience. it was beautiful and the views from the castle were fantastic. ! you could see all of malta from the point we stood at

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All of us enjoying the boat ride at the Blue Grotto.

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Mine and Cara’s selfie with Jessie

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The water is so clear here we could all see to bottom of the seabed and Deirdre saw a jellyfish!

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Me, Katie and Jess on the boat during our blue grotto boat tour

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I made a new friend called Nina today

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Me Cara and Rebecca getting our picture taken at the highest point of Malta

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Mdenia in the distant

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Me with Michael’s sunglasses after I managed to collect mass cards like Pokémon for my nanny

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A trip to the mosta dome, famous for the the world war 2 bomb that was dropped on to it on the 9th of April 1942, and miraculously it didn't explode over 200 people where in the church that day. A replica of the bomb is in the back of the church.
I purchased some holy water and prayer beads there.

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The architecture in the castle is incredible

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We went to Gozo island and we got to experience going on a boat tour viewing the caves. We also got to see a castle and try some local food

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Yesterday we went to the silent city and to the church we’re a bomb was dropped in to the church but didn’t blow up ⛪️🔥💥📸

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Yesterday was a full tour day to the blue grotto and marshalokk, the blue grotto was stunning as you can see by the colours in the sea, it was crystal clear.
The fishing village was beautiful, the fishermen where busy going about there day, the Hussle and brussel of the market with their handmade goods. What got me was the colours on the fishing boats they really stand out and look so vibrant.
To finish off the day some food was had in St. Julian's with good company.

Home for some much needed sleep!

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Yesterday was a great day it was our last Saturday tour as we go home next week 😭📸, we went to the blue grotto with the group and the weather was unbelievable. The views were incredible well worth it 🇲🇹♥️⛴️

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Blake and I checking out the views.

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Check out the water !!

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Once again the architecture 😍

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The water in Malta is crystal clear. I could see all the way down to the bottom !

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While at the Blue Grotto we had the opportunity to hold this owl called Nina. This is something I’ve never done before I thought it was a very fun activity and some of the girls even got over their fear of birds. 🦉

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Visited the Blue Grotto in Mosta today absolutely stunning. We took part in so many activities today and made the day really worthwhile.

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15 / 02 / 23

I went to the carnival with my family as they are over for a few days and staying in Valletta. It was so amazing to see. The costumes were huge and you can really see how important it is to them as they must have spent a lot of time on the costumes and the show pieces. There were people of all ages taking part in it. The music, the costumes, the people everything was so bright and happy.

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17 / 02 / 23

Today in placement all the kids and teachers dressed up to celebrate the weekend carnival that’s taking place in Valletta. I wore bright clothing as I didn’t have a costume. All the kids looked so cute. I was asked if I would make some balloons for the children. I had so much fun as it made me feel like I was back home at my job.

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Headed up to Valetta this evening, and so glad I did the carnival started this evening and what a colourful event it was.
I felt like I was in Rio de Janeiro, the colours, the atmosphere, the music it was amazing I even had a dance with some of the characters and enjoyed it!

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Carnival night in Malta 🇲🇹, it’s like St Patrick’s day but Malta style 👯‍♀️📸🇲🇹 was great fun

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Fit check ☑️🤪

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(*Photo was consented*) 🫶🏽😊

All the kids and staff at daycare dressed up today for Malta’s traditional festival ‘Carnival’.
Carnival is one of the most oldest, historical festivals in Malta; dating back to the Knights, Ottoman invasion and St.John’s occupancy in Malta. Once a year in Mid-February, Malta’s traditional Carnivals are held around Valletta and Nadur on Gozo Island.

I had so much fun today helping the kids dress up and take photographs of the different groups in the play areas. The daycare centre had prepared some traditional snacks and lunches for the children to try, and this was also interesting to see as someone who has grown up with an entirely different culture and customs.