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29/03/2023
Walked around Valletta after meeting my host company mentor which was very pleasant and made me feel welcome. I didn't spend long in the city but from the time there I could tell it was a city rich in history, with many statues commemorating important people and events throughout the city. The streets were absolutely packed with people from all over the world.

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I found the meeting we had really exciting and interested and I’ve never been to Malta so I’m really looking forward to it and I found packing and getting ready for holiday was really easy just made a list on what I needed.
I’ve never done something like eramus but I’m really excited to be working aboard with horses and getting that experience.

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I am Michelle Izaguirre,  I’m from Guatemala. I am currently studying Animal Care at BIFE. I am so happy and excited to go to Malta and be part of this Erasmus program. So lucky because this will give me the opportunity to grow as a person and also to improve my vets skills. I am a native Spanish speaker and very good at English and Italian. I love to interact with Animals 🐾

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The thing that I am looking forward to do this Erasmus is to see what it is like to work and live in a different country.

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Today’s meeting really made me feel ‘wow’ this is actually happening!  Huge excitement tinged with slight apprehension when I review my outstanding assignments which I want to have submitted before I go.   The next few weeks in the lead up to our departure will be intense but will be so be worth it.

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Only a week out, excited nervous but looking forward to it overall, hope everyone is in the same boat as myself.

Going to be great… best of luck folks

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Looking forward to Erasmus

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Very excited to see Malta. Can’t wait to start my job I there. I will update my blog , when I arrive there! Thanks to bife for this opportunity!

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Looking forward to seeing what its like to live and work in Malta, thanks to Bife for this opportunity

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Hello everyone, I am Mariia, looking forward to my trip to Malta, I want to learn something new, meet people and travel, thank you for this opportunity to try something new

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Hi, the first meeting was interesting and informative, I really love to travel. From a trip to Malta I expect a lot of pleasant impressions and impressive sights, new experiences in the workplace, new acquaintances, outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, historical sites, learn their culture and of course enjoy their cuisine. I want to get the most out of the trip. I am looking forward to the flight, make a list of things to take with me.

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Getting organized to travel out to Malta on my first Erasmus placement. Busy weekend ahead.

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Hi my name is Aicha and I’m an animal care student. I’m excited and nervous going to Malta but I hope we all will have fun and make new memories along the way.

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I’m really looking forward to Malta as I’ve never been away from home alone before and I’m working on a horse rescue with jade when we get there. It’ll be a very interesting experience and I can’t wait to make new memories and adopt new skills!

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A very busy day, started with breakfast with my roommates then onto our introduction meeting at Easy Job Bridge. We walked here while following google maps. Then on to meet our host companies. I met with Donna from Niumee and she explained my role and gave me a tour of the company so I’m looking forward to tomorrow and in preparation for tomorrow I’m researching the route and navigating between walking and buses something I have never done before on my own.

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As the trip to Malta is almost upon us I'm checking the weather everyday, and looking forward to the sun, sea and exploration of the magical Mediterranean island.
I'm also really looking forward to my work placement where im hoping to implement some of the skills I've learnt this year as well as learning as much as I can over the 3 weeks.
I have been to Malta before, but I can't wait to get a chance to further immerse myself in Maltese culture and way of life. The last time I was in Malta I didn't get to see the Caravaggio painting in St John's cathedral, so I'm especially grateful for another opportunity to see, what is considered to be one of his best pieces of work.

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The first day was very busy. At 10 am we had a meeting with the host company. Then everyone was taken to the places where the internship would take place. We visited many beautiful places. I took a lot of great pictures and videos. We had a delicious dinner at Italian cafe, pasta was very good. And to finish the day, we rode scooters. The first day was a success, the next will be even more intense !

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Up early to embrace our first day in Malta.  The air in our apartment was filled with excitement as we headed out to breakfast prior to our briefing meeting.  I was the first to be dropped off at my host company for introductory meeting. Made to feel very welcome and looking forward to starting with them tomorrow where I will work alongside another Intern.  Favourable first impression of Malta.

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Day 1
It was a interesting day we got to see everyone’s work placement and then we went to Valletta it was a beautiful city and  me and Rebecca scooted back to the apartments I dropped/smashed her bottle of vodka she was sad and locals laughed and then later we walked back up to Valletta.

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Had a good first day in our work placement. Our employer is very nice. Looking forward to going back there on Monday.

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Malta hits different. First day at work, was lovely. Can’t wait for weekends!!

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Spent the day with two marketing students Sara and Alberto from Spain researching products for a new website Niumee are building.
Everyone was very friendly and it was interesting learning about the products and treatments.

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Today is my first day at work, in the office of Easy Job Bridge. In the morning I had a briefing, then I got to know the staff, everyone is very polite, friendly and cheerful. I have a cool and creative assignment,  work is very good, can't wait to see what I will do on Monday!!

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Hi, today was my first day of work, Oisin and I worked together, each had a different task and we liked it, it was a bit boring because the work is easy, we were told that every week there will be different tasks and we are waiting for this, I really liked the day, so  It's my first time working in an office and it's awesome!  Waiting for Monday) And now we have a cool dinner with Larry and we have a very cool time and communicate, I have very good neighbors behind the wa l who are always ready to help and I appreciate it, thank you❤️

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We started our work placement today. Myself and Jade got scooters half way to work then taxied the rest🙃 we then mucked out, washed a horse each and walked them off to dry them. We got home, worked on assignments then got scooters again and went on an hour long adventure and are now sitting on the docks enjoying the night✌️

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Day 1
My double bus journey to work this morning went smoothly compared to others so arrived on time.  Interesting day working on the phone getting details of purchasing mangers for companies my host want to target with their medical devices.  Staff in office were very friendly including a 17 year old German intern who I worked closely with.  Day was rounded off with a beautiful dinner in St Julian’s.

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Sulumeria Gardens Restaurant, St Julian

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Hi, the first meeting was interesting and informative, I really love to travel. From a trip to Malta I expect a lot of pleasant impressions and impressive sights, new experiences in the workplace, new acquaintances, outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, historical sites, learn their culture and of course enjoy their cuisine. I want to get the most out of the trip. I am looking forward to the flight, make a list of things to take with me.

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Advertising Donegal Catch in a Maltese bus shelter ….. honestly

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Today was Freedom day In Malta so I had a day off from the work placement. I went for a walk this morning with Connor and had breakfast out and now I am out having lunch in Pizza Hut.

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Hi All I'm late organising my padlet.. Its great to be in Malta after arriving yesterday..  Still finding my footing but appreciating the opportunity and Loving where we are..

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Today as usual was a day full of experiences, we were swimming in the sea, although the water is not very warm, but the desire to swim was stronger than the cold water. We played bowling and at the end of the day there is a plan to visit a disco club.

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Caravaggio’s Beheading of John the Baptist. 

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What a contrast …… bowling last night with the group and a visit to St John’s Cathedral this morning to see the two Caravaggios, The Beheading of John the Baptist and a painting of St Jerome.  Two very different experiences but both equally enjoyable.

The cathedral built by the Order of St John is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and even if you have no interest in art, the cathedral is worth a visit just to marvel at the wealth of the Order.  €12 student rate was an added bonus - thank you BIFE for the student card.

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30/03/2023
Ended up getting the day off due to my host company mentor being too busy. I spent some time figuring out my commute and exploring the area where I'm working more. At the end of the day we all went out for dinner at a nice pizza place 🍕

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My bowling group

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For our Sunday the girls from the hive travelled to see the lovely fishing village of Marsaxlokk. We enjoyed the markets and a boat trip out. It was a lovely day out site seeing.

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On Saturday, I went to the fish store and bought some seafood: prawns, and a mix of different kinds of fish. Then we went to Balluta bay beach for a swim, the water was really warm and we swam for about an hour. On the way home we went to a cafe, I ordered the traditional Maltese rabbit stew, better known as Stuffat tal-Fenek, considered the national Maltese dish. It was really delicious.

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The first meeting was very exciting but also nerve-wracking, as it has been quite some time since I've travelled outside of Ireland. It was good to know all the details early and I have already started working out my commute and schedule while I'm in Malta. Something I'm looking forward to is trying out all the food after hearing about the different dishes in the meeting.

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The stunning Breakwater bridge.. Beautiful walk from Valletta down and all the way around the cliffs. The locals were very kind and offer some of the history about the invasion in the 1920s.. I would fully recommend it ✨️

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Weather has been amazing since we’ve been here, today is the only let up in the sun, I came down to this harbour, the amount of boats and yachts is really surprising.

For a Sunday the place is unbelievably active, one guy is fishing ,another canoueing, people coming and going from there boats, all before mid day. This island has smashed my expectations and can’t wait to get to know and explore more of it.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Two days in a row, me and Serhii were swimming in Matese beaches! Water was perfect. These weekends were very busy and interesting. We tried many different Maltese dishes, some of them were lovely! Looking forward to Monday. To see what obstacles need to be overcome at my job! See you guys later!

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31/04/2023
Today was Freedom Day in Malta, which is a day off work celebrating Malta's independence from the British army in 1979. We decided to check out a nice beach west of the island called Pretty Bay. Later on in the evening we had bowling organized for us by Easy Job Bridge which was great fun and I even managed to score a few strikes! 🎳

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Day 2-6
so far malta has been great rebecca and I went to work from 3-7 and it was great and the weather has been lovely and we went on to two Irish pubs for food and we went to Valletta and had a ball really enjoying this trip so far and today it was raining and we went out to the smokehouse today

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A view of St Peter’s Pool a local swimming area on the south eastern coast line of Malta 🇲🇹 

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Lovely view from the water around Marsaxlokk Harbour, mars meaning harbour and axlokk meaning south east, so in English it translates as South Eastern Harbour - Marsaxlokk

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Lovely looking cakes at this stall in the market at Marsaxlokk but too expensive to buy at €11 each. 

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Today was a fascinating walk around Valletta, we did not have time to see much because it started raining.

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Horse riding at golden Bay, stunning views and a fantastic experience. Only 30euro for 1hr tour.  Fully enjoyed by all ✨️💖✨️

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Today is the 6th day and every day we have a very busy and interesting one, we swam in the sea, walked around the territory, went bowling, everyone had dinner together and a lot of interesting things, today is the second working day is very interesting and cool, I enjoy every moment

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Very beautiful city, architecture, all in the same style and cool people nearby

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It’s all under the one roof here at Niumee including free underground car parking, sure you could spend the week here 😂💖

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03/04/2023
Had my first day of work at Cobra Installations, which is an electrician and plumbing contractor business. I spent most of the day with Gordon, my supervisor for the day, and David, an employee recently hired from Columbia. I was mostly in the van as he met with clients and I helped him pick up pipes and fittings from warehouses. I also watched Gordon demonstrate a water supply repair, where he replaced the electric pump, which was very interesting. 🚰⚡

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https://padlet.com/22kdempseybife/my-glorious-padlet-kl9di42l1rvtw070/wish/2541277710

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Just home from an incredible first day at the Stunning Amis Spa.. I am really happy in this work placement. From the moment I arrived with Larry and the easy job bridge team, I felt at easy and welcomed. My boss Mandy is such a beautiful soul with an incredible vision for Amis. She was very welcoming and had a lot of time and interest in getting me started. I have learned alot already in one day and I am very excited and keen to return tomorrow. The fabulous team even fit me in for a mini make over.. Grateful beyond words, for everyone who got me here to Malta and everyone here for helping to make this experience even more incredible!
✨️✨️💖✨️✨️

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Well, the first week is over. It was very fast, in Malta every day is very interesting and does not let you exhale even for a second. Yesterday was the first day of work this week. I work for DrinksandMore. My task is to control the deliveries and fill out the paperwork, which includes working with Microsoft. At the moment I like everything, every day I see something new and interesting. See you later!!

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Today is Monday and I went into work and had a good day then when I was finished work I went for a walk down by the see to look at all of the boats.

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Beautiful streets of Valletta!

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Evening tour of the ancient city of Mdina was very atmospheric and exciting, the spirit of the Middle Ages was felt in the air.

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Last night we all went on a tour called Mdina by night. It was a very good tour I enjoyed it.

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So far Malta has been a great experience and im glad I came on the trip last night we did the mdina night tour and it was really interesting to learn about the history of it and I’m looking forward to the rest of this experience

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Yesterday we went to night tour to Mdina, nice historical place with very interesting history. We where there around 20:00. Everyone was a little bit tired after hard working day, but still, everyone was listening very carefully. Looking forward for a Saturday full day tour! After tour we went to small cafe, with Maltese food. The best thing that I tried was pasteze with cheese, never tried something like that before. So far, Malta is very beautiful country with fantastic history. Talk to you later, thanks!!

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Michelle's birthday, after a working day we gathered to wish Michelle a happy birthday, made a surprise and had a good time

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Mdina night tour in a very beautiful city, we heard a lot of interesting information and spent time with the team, ate Maltese pastries - pastizzi

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Today was a great day at work.  I was in a good mood.  When I came home, I decided to cook delicious meat in French.

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Wonderful time out for Michelle's birthday last night. Happy birthday Michelle ✨️🥳✨️

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Took the opportunity to attend a Good Friday Passion Parade in Zebburg as recommended by my Maltese work colleagues.  Caroline, Hugh, Elliott & myself went along & Michelle joined us later.  We had front row seats for a spectacle the like of which none of us had ever seen before.
Life size statues of religious figures associated with the Easter story carried though the town by at least 8 pallbears.  Locals, children & adults dressed in traditional Roman costumes and hooded people walking bare foot pulling crosses were just some of the sights to behold.
A great afternoon’s free entertainment mingling with the locals.

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Life size statues carried through streets of Zebburg

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Life size statues carried through streets of Zebburg

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Today being a day off work and Good Friday I went out with some others to see the procession in Zebbug, it started at 4pm and would finish up around 9pm. The locals dress up and rein-act the passion of Christ with Roman Soldiers, Kings, Queens and they take each statue of our lord out of the church on procession. Their are also bands. It was a eye opening event something the like of I never seen before.

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Today I went to Maltese cliffs, they reminded me Moher Cliffs in Ireland. We walked around 15km, all this time we were seeing beautiful view! Happy Friday wasn’t wasted. Can’t wait tomorrow for the all day tour thru Malta. Thank you, and see you tomorrow!

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Yesterday I was on the Maltese cliffs at sunset, very beautiful, I was happy as a child.

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Today we had our tour of Malta. Edwin our tour guide brought us to all the highlights and gave us all the history of Malta. It was a great day out the high light for me was the boat trip to the blue grotto.

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Yesterday we went on a very nice tour of Malta visiting different towns and places. I enjoyed the day very much.

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Yesterday we went for full day tour around Malta, it was stunning, sometimes I couldn’t even breathe. At one point we got a boat and swam around different caves. It was beautiful, thanks BIFE for this opportunity 🌴🌴🌴

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Yesterday we had a tour where we were in a glass toy factory, we were in a beautiful church, we took a boat ride around the pizzerias and had an insanely cool and interesting day

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Easter Sunday another great day in Malta 🇲🇹 

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Easter Sunday another great day in Malta 🇲🇹 

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We had a lovely trek in sunny bay horse stables, horses lovely and quite, guided trek by the old army barracks, great views of Gozo and paradise beach. So much to see and do on this little island.

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Meet Guinness 🐎 he was an x race horse but very calm and happy to plod along.

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Today my wife and I spent a wonderful romantic evening together, and met the sunset at Tal mixta cave

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28/03/22
My first week in Malta 🇲🇹 is finally done 🎊. It was an amazing week I had in Malta.
The four hour plane ride was so tiring that the moment I entered the apartment I fell asleep 😖.

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Aicha 18th birthday celebration 🎉

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Another beautiful Monday, Even the coffee tastes better in Malta.. making my way to work and feeling very grateful to be here ✨️💖✨️

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29/03/23

There is a beautiful beach 🏝️ near my work place, that I sometimes walk too after my work is done. I also went to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and saw them shoot the canon it was very loud (=´∀｀). Also saw the Titone Foundation in Valletta and it’s sooo much bigger in person I was surprised, I got splashed with water a little while taking a picture close to it 😅. There is so many pretty buildings in Valletta.

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30/03/23

My work placement in the AAA Malta dog sanctuary started on Thursday and I worked till Friday since the sanctuary needed a little more help during the country’s holiday🙃. I learned a lot on how much time it takes to care for dogs/animals in a rescue centre. All the people at my workplace are so nice too （╹◡╹）
Had a dinner with everyone, the pizza and brownie was so good 🫠.

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Friday ∩^ω^∩ (but I still had work in the morning 😴) 

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31/03/23

Went on a walk myself near my accommodation after going to Lidl for a little shopping trip and took some pictures on the way.

The bowling 🎳 was so much fun, I’m sad I didn’t get a high point tho 😥😥.

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01/04/23

Valletta is very beautiful, I walked around with Mariia and Michelle (*'ω'*) the capital city is so breathtaking. Every building I saw I had to take a picture of it 😆

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This Sunday we went to horse riding in Golden bay. Never before, I’ve seen such a beautiful view. My horse 🐴 name was Brandy 🥃. The ride took us around 50 minutes. It was very interesting experience. One day will try it again!🌴🐴

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On Saturday we had an all day trip and it was brilliant to see everywhere and get all the history on Malta again and I’m looking forward to the other trips we have. But on Saturday we had a boat trip and the tour guide was really nice and helpful and in the photo that is the called Mosta dome but is also known as rotunda of Mosta and it was a beautiful church and there was a replicate of the bomb from world war 2 and a video that played with it and after our trip me and Rebecca went to for a walk around and watched the sunrise the next morning and it was beautiful.

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So beautiful sunny day and horseback riding

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Tasty dinner with my friend and very lovely night Malta

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Sunset in Malta

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I’m well into my work placement with Niumee, my 182 bus route has become familiar to me now. I have got to know many Niumee employees through out all departments and of course my marketing student companions from Spain. The operations manager has left me tasks and has been in touch by email while on Easter Holidays.

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Niumee and others all sharing same building. 

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Niumee and others all sharing same building. 

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Niumee occupy the 2nd floor with the BOV  on the 3rd and 4th floor.

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WELCOME TO MALTA!

I feel super excited to be here

In the first three days we did a little bit of everything, walk around Malta, get to know our workplace, meet our roommates, walk through the streets of Valletta and St Julian’s s and be able to socialise and get to know everyone else a little more from BIFE.

On Thursday 30/03 and Friday 31/03, my colleague Aicha and I worked, our first experiences in the centre were wonderful since the dogs accepted us with great affection. I really like working with them, once our cleaning work is finished we always have time to play with them puppies. 🐶🐾

Our roommates Mary and Caroline are very friendly and respectful. I really like talking with them and especially sharing our work experiences during the first few days. 😊

On Thursday night we had pizza for dinner all together, the atmosphere was very pleasant and we had the opportunity to get to know each other better 🍕♥️

On Friday after work we went to the beach since the day was quite sunny, it was fun ☀️🌊 At night we went to play bowling and it was really cool…  🎳😎

City look so beautiful at night time. 🌃

So grateful with BIFE’S opportunity!!

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A beautiful church to visit while on our tour of Malta on Saturday. The stunning architecture along with the 3rd largest unsupported dome in Europe. The dome was hit by a German bomb on the 9th of April 1942 while mass was being said to a packed congregation, the bomb failed to explode and it is said to be a miracle nobody was killed that day. There is a replica bomb on display. The church was all ready for Easter Sunday mass the next day with small bottles of holy water for everyone who attended mass.