Are you welcoming or dreading autumn and winter? There are two sides to every coin...
In true Maltese style, we always find things to love and hate about everything. It’s an irony that as long as we have something to complain about, we’re happy. So, come autumn, some people will find relief of their summer complaints… only to open the door to a few autumn complaints. Here’s what to expect.
1. The weather
Pro: Thank god the heat is over
Yes, those 35 degrees Celsius plus temperatures will now be a thing of the past… until next summer. We’ll soon be complaining about the cold, wind and rain, but for now, we enjoy a little bit of respite from the hot hot sun.
Con: Darn the wind and rain
Yes, the wind blows hard in autumn. And when it rains, it crashes down like there’s no tomorrow, flooding the islands to the point of sending off the ‘rain water alarms’ in some villages. And the storms come with a fair bit of destruction. But at least, it’s not too hot!
2. The population
Pro: Thankfully, the crowds of tourists have gone home
You can finally get on the bus, find a spot on the beach and party at a nightclub without fighting through the crowds. The population of Malta doubles in summer - alright, that’s an exaggeration but it sure feels like it. It will be nice enjoying what the island has to offer with greater calm.
Con: Malta is boring without the cosmopolitan vibes
Where have all the people gone? Next thing you know, you miss the diverse faces that decorate your favourite haunt. There’s something attractive about mingling with an eclectic mix of Europeans, Asians, Americans and what have you on a simple night out. You’ll just have to make do with the Maltese and the expats for a few months.
3. Social life
Pro: We can finally relax and get cosy
So with the departure of the fine weather and the tourists, the island goes into some kind of slumber. After all, after five months of summer vibes when we’re out partying every night, we need some rest. This is a time to enjoy home comforts, self-care and the company of good friends.
Con: There’s nothing to do!
There is nothing to do, nowhere to go and no-one to talk to. Alright, another exaggeration, but it sure feels like that when the summer venues have closed down and open-air parties are off until the next season. When you’re spoilt for choice throughout summer, the usual nightclub and restaurant can feel uninspiring.
4. Your wardrobe
Pro: You can get creative
Now this may sound odd, but it deserves a mention. It’s also nice, come autumn in Malta, to actually put clothes on. Beyond the lightest frock in your wardrobe and a slick of sweat, you can finally combine layers, express yourself and demonstrate some style.
Con: You can’t flaunt it as much
Hmm, it may feel like there’s not much point putting on nice clothes when there is not much social activity going on. But who’s to say you can’t do it to go shopping for groceries or sip tea on your friend’s sofa? We might add that it feels even better to look good and feel great just for your own satisfaction, so perhaps this is not much of a con, actually.
Of course, each season has much to enjoy and with each turn of a season comes a natural new chapter of life. Welcome autumn with its winds of change, a time to retreat and reconnect with the self without all the summer distractions. After all, without such gestation throughout autumn and winter, there can be no bud to flower come spring!