So what's likely to get you a little frustrated or annoyed while in Malta? In Maltese we have a proverb that says, "Bniedem avzat nofsu armat" which means "a person who is forewarned is half armed already." Here's pre-empting the most likely complaints.

1. The weather is either hot or cold

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Ask any local and they'll agree there's no mid-season in Malta. It's either sweltering hot (so you're unable to move from your AC), or as cold in your house as it is outside (so you're unable to move away from your heater). But we all love Malta's weather anyway. As long as the sun is shining, and it shines most days, it gives that vitamin D boost so everyone is happy.

2. Lack of green

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It doesn't rain much in Malta. Those 300 days of sunshine scorch the earth's surface and by late spring, everything turns brown. In general, Malta's green is made up of shrubbery anyway - the Arabs had ripped out all the trees to build their ships while their cotton plantations allowed the soil to erode. Well, there's the amazing blue sea to make up for the lack of trees and green, so quit complaining.

3. It’s densely populated

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Another reason there's not much green is because people take up a lot of the space. Having said that, population density is constrained to certain areas of the island, with others still offering opportunities for solitude. The plus side of many people in a small space is that you get to grow your network very quickly and easily.

4. The traffic on the roads

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It's a tiny country and nothing's too far away, but everyone owns a car (or more - the Maltese are car mad). And that's a lot of people with many, many cars. The traffic situation in Malta is actually a thing local people talk and worry about. The government is scratching its head for solutions. Sorry, but you're just going to have to grin and bear it with this one for the time being.

5. Irresponsible driving

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Previously, we blamed the weather, and now, we blame the traffic. Maltese drivers don't drive in the shade nor do they get frustrated by traffic, they just don't see the point of traffic rules or indicators. They simply use their car on the roads and tolerate other drivers using the same. After a while of driving in Malta, you become very intuitive regarding what other drivers are thinking. Driving in Malta allows you to hone into your sixth sense.

6. Buses rarely run on schedule

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Taking the bus is hardly an easier experience. Many bus stops don't offer shelter from the elements, which is awful when it's very hot or very cold. To add insult to injury, buses don't run on time. But maybe it's just that Mediterranean thing. You'll eventually get to your destination, just allow plenty of time and take the opportunity to relax, slow down and enjoy the ride.

7. General disregard for time

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It's not just the buses that are late. As a general rule, the Maltese leave the house at the time when their appointment is due. It's a cultural thing that we have certainly not inherited from the British. You adapt to the absolute lack of punctuality after a while, and even learn to enjoy the certain element of freedom it offers.

8. The cranes and construction works

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Speaking of time and the lack of nature, construction works are happening all the time, particularly in certain parts of the country. Local people are just as frustrated by this particular situation. Let's close both eyes and pretend it's all happening in the name of progress.

9. The rental prices

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Because, if the truth be told, despite its bad side, everybody wants to live in Malta, and there aren't enough places to live! The rental boom has caused rental prices to soar and flat-sharing is a must. If you're considering moving to Malta, just remember that it's expensive to rent only because Malta's in such high demand!

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Just think how good it must be to live in Malta if none of the above is an actual deterrent.