Ready, set, autumn… bring on the cuddling.
Autumn is probably my favourite season on the islands. It’s not too hot but it’s not raining cats and dogs - the perfect weather to walk down the street without breaking into a sweat or shattering your teeth with the shivers. Here are some giveaway signs that it's autumn in Malta:
The cool(er) breeze
The air is crisp, there’s a slight breeze but the sun’s not scared to shoot a few rays of love our way. It’s perfect weather to sit and eat al fresco at your favourite seaside restobar.
The shorts-and-hoodie look
This is my favourite look: your legs keep cool but your arms are toasty. The shorts and hoodie combo is the perfect match for a 'wave catching experience': sitting on a bench on the Sliema promenade while the waves crash onto the shore, sometimes making it up to the pedestrian area.
Trips to Dingli, Buskett, Rabat and Mdina
Moving away from the sea and into the more rural areas found in the north of the island is totally understandable in autumn. Brisk walks, picnics and even a friendly footy game can do wonders to an autumn lover’s soul.
The return of the duvet
Ahhh, this one’s my favourite! The night the duvet returns to its rightful home (i.e. the bed, and not packed away in storage), is the happiest night of all. The fan or A/C usually still runs for a couple more days but the duvet’s back and it’s not going anywhere for a while.
The kitty cuddle
My cats love a good cuddle, but the summer’s way too hot for them to cosy up by day or night. Once the temperature drops slightly, a gentle paw finds its way onto my shoulder in the dead of night; waking me up slightly at first but easily drifting me off into a sweet dream soon after.
The early setting of the sun
Ok, so this one’s not the happiest of autumn's gifts - for anyone who works 9 to 5, at least. The sun’s moody switch to autumn time aggravates even Little Miss Sunshine; hardly giving busy employees a chance to catch a glimpse of natural light. This one is not OK, sun.
The resurrection of the artichoke
Good old qaqoċċ - one of the cleanest, healthiest and most entertaining of Maltese meals. Do your best to eat as many artichoke dishes as you can before they’re out of season - and do keep them clean and lay off the bread… if you can resist it.
Autumn’s the season winner in my books, the air is cool and everything seems different - not new, but changed. The islands seem to take a well-deserved break after the summer rush; the sun has a special glow that makes everything look magical. How can you resist?