It's a kind of magic! What attracts locals and expats back to Malta after time away?
Many people arrive in Malta on a visit and end up coming back to stay. Or they never leave at all. Locals try to make a life somewhere else and end up returning to the rock. But what is it that makes the Maltese Islands so captivating? Why do people 'get stuck' here and cannot seem to stay away?
Ulysses was certainly not unique in experiencing an inability to leave these islands, although he's probably unique in attributing it to being a prisoner of the love of a beautiful nymph like Calypso. Let's explore the other reasons why Malta has a certain kind of magic.
The emotional ties
There's a strong community feeling in Malta. It's one of the few places in the world where having 350 friends in common with someone on Facebook is not rare at all. It's small enough that you keep bumping into the same people again and again. They would usually have the same interests and frequent the same places, allowing you to grow your real-life social network very fast.
Circles overlap and before you know it, you'll have more friends and family here than you could have in most other places. And, the local Mediterranean life is so warm and tactile that you quickly learn to enjoy good long hugs and the feeling of leaning on your friends...quite literally. It's affectionate. It's human. It's hard to do without it once you know it.
The good life
Most people are in Malta to work or to play. They quickly discover how very easy it is to have a good measure of both. Getting a job in Malta is easy and there's plenty of avenues to enjoy yourself. Plus, how many places in the world give you the opportunity to watch sunrise over the horizon, go to the gym before work, take a swim afterwards, pass by home for a shower, all before heading out for dinner or beer with friends? Phew!
Everything in Malta is within easy reach. No wonder locals are addicted to having their own mode of transport - they want to have it all and they know they don't have to wait. Instant gratification is within reach, be it for relaxation, nature, entertainment, nightlife or culture. It's a good quality of life for a good cost of living, what more could you ask for?
A magical place
The ancient Maltese built their temples to align with the stars and the sun, offering the ability to witness extraordinary phenomena with each equinox and solstice, even, today, after 5,000 years. Mystery can also be found in the depths of the crystal clear sea, which inspires wonder and excitement as you relish all the activities it has to offer.
And, did you know that the island itself has a large concentration of the mineral known as honey calcite, reputed to heal emotions, give courage and increase feelings of self-worth as well as boosting learning and leadership skills, helping to overcome obstacles? It's all rather mystical, really.
That about sums it up nicely. But who needs to 'know the reasons' when you already get that it feels so, sooo good?!