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Dutch Expat Living in Malta - Interview with Bibiche
| Published: | 5 May at 9 AM |
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Filed: Interviews,Malta
Bibiche is a Dutch girl, with a French name, living the Mediterranean dream in Malta. She is a creative writer, freelance translator and is slightly obsessed with fashion. She loves the free life she's living in Malta. Bibiche's expat blog is called B-BICHE (see listing here)
Where are you originally from?
The Netherlands.
In which country and city are you living now?
Malta, Sliema city.
How long have you lived in Malta and how long are you planning to stay?
I moved to Malta in 2011 and have no plans to leave, this rock feels like home.
Why did you move to Malta and what do you do?
Malta is known for its attractive tax, that's why many gaming companies are based here and many retired people from the UK settle in Malta. I migrated in April 2011 because my ex-boyfriend is a poker player and we were ready for an adventure. So living in a relaxed sunny place with low taxes, it couldn't be better right?
Did you bring family with you?
No but they visit often since it's so close.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
My life in Malta compared to the life I lived in the Netherlands is much more relaxed. I think that's why I didn't get in trouble by getting used to the new circumstances. How to get in trouble to adjust to a laid-back country? Time stands still and the most important thing is today. There are not many outside influences, people enjoy simple things in life. They are close with family and religion is really important to them.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
I am an easy-going girl, very open-minded and love people in general because I think every mind has something beautiful and interesting. So, on an island full of expats from all different countries with different cultures I made a cool group of friends. You meet expat people easily. On the beach, at a bar, at work or the gym. Everybody has their network and since we're all foreigner in a strange country you help each other out.
After living here for 3 years I understood what a Maltese friend once said “You know people come and go, it's a gipsy lifestyle”. That makes me enjoy the moments more, because you never know when it ends.
This might be the reason why some people find Maltese people a bit closed. They have had bittersweet experiences after seeing their expat friends leaving the island.
What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
The best things to do in Malta is enjoying the little things. Have a Maltese Ftira (bread), make a BBQ on the rocks, wander around in Valletta, rent a car and explore the island and visit cultural events. Also there is an expat club and online you'll find a lot of events organized for expats. That's ideal to start with when you recently moved to Malta. Besides that, go with the flow!
What do you enjoy most about living in Malta?
I appreciate the little things and not living in a rush anymore.
How does the cost of living in Malta compare to home?
The rent of apartments is cheaper in Malta than in the Netherlands. For 300 euro you have a nice flat with a double bedroom where in the Netherlands you only get a studio, basement look-a-like. Also going out for dinner, lunch, coffees or cocktails at night are cheaper than in the Netherlands. Groceries are more expensive, they don't do many offers like I'm used to in the Netherlands. That makes me go out all the time and enjoy the sunshine more!
What negatives, if any, are there to living in Malta?
As I mentioned in the tips, Malta is a bit oldfashioned and the Mediterranean lifestyle is slow. So when it comes to service in a shop, restaurant, government, or dealing with Maltese business-wise you have to be patient.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Malta, what would it be?
Expect the unexpecting, let go and live in the moment.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Getting my laundry machine fixed, took me 2 weeks of calling and making an appointment before someone came to repair it.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
I feel there is a overkill of rules, procedures and structure in the Netherlands and this is something I'm slightly allergic to. Besides that I would definately miss the weather and being surrounded by the sea.
What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
I started writing when I was six years old and it never stopped. The first little notes were to my mom and dad, later on articles for the school paper and the local sports paper appeared.
After finishing my copywriting course I didn't have an outlet so I created this little space on the internet. On this personal page I started sharing experiences about living abroad to share with my family and friends. So it basically started as diary and place where I could be busy with my other passion: fashion.
After a couple of months I checked my blog with Google Analytics and saw the number of countries who visited my blog. It made me aware it wasn't only family and friends who visited my blog. I received personal messages of expats planning to move to Malta with questions or blogpost request and the same but fashion related.
B-BICHE is a growing personal lifestyle blog where I share my point of view when it comes to fashion and living as an expat in Malta.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Kindly fill out the contactform on my blog and I'm happy to write you back - http://www.b-biche.com/?page_id=2384
Bibiche is a Dutch expat living in Malta. Blog description: I'm Bibiche, a Dutch girl, with a French name, living the Mediterranean dream in Malta.
I share things I wear, like, do and everything else what's
on my mind, in the air and on the streets!
Here's the interview with Bibiche...
Where are you originally from?
The Netherlands.
In which country and city are you living now?
Malta, Sliema city.
How long have you lived in Malta and how long are you planning to stay?
I moved to Malta in 2011 and have no plans to leave, this rock feels like home.
Why did you move to Malta and what do you do?
Malta is known for its attractive tax, that's why many gaming companies are based here and many retired people from the UK settle in Malta. I migrated in April 2011 because my ex-boyfriend is a poker player and we were ready for an adventure. So living in a relaxed sunny place with low taxes, it couldn't be better right?
No but they visit often since it's so close.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
My life in Malta compared to the life I lived in the Netherlands is much more relaxed. I think that's why I didn't get in trouble by getting used to the new circumstances. How to get in trouble to adjust to a laid-back country? Time stands still and the most important thing is today. There are not many outside influences, people enjoy simple things in life. They are close with family and religion is really important to them.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
I am an easy-going girl, very open-minded and love people in general because I think every mind has something beautiful and interesting. So, on an island full of expats from all different countries with different cultures I made a cool group of friends. You meet expat people easily. On the beach, at a bar, at work or the gym. Everybody has their network and since we're all foreigner in a strange country you help each other out.
After living here for 3 years I understood what a Maltese friend once said “You know people come and go, it's a gipsy lifestyle”. That makes me enjoy the moments more, because you never know when it ends.
This might be the reason why some people find Maltese people a bit closed. They have had bittersweet experiences after seeing their expat friends leaving the island.
The best things to do in Malta is enjoying the little things. Have a Maltese Ftira (bread), make a BBQ on the rocks, wander around in Valletta, rent a car and explore the island and visit cultural events. Also there is an expat club and online you'll find a lot of events organized for expats. That's ideal to start with when you recently moved to Malta. Besides that, go with the flow!
What do you enjoy most about living in Malta?
I appreciate the little things and not living in a rush anymore.
How does the cost of living in Malta compare to home?
The rent of apartments is cheaper in Malta than in the Netherlands. For 300 euro you have a nice flat with a double bedroom where in the Netherlands you only get a studio, basement look-a-like. Also going out for dinner, lunch, coffees or cocktails at night are cheaper than in the Netherlands. Groceries are more expensive, they don't do many offers like I'm used to in the Netherlands. That makes me go out all the time and enjoy the sunshine more!
As I mentioned in the tips, Malta is a bit oldfashioned and the Mediterranean lifestyle is slow. So when it comes to service in a shop, restaurant, government, or dealing with Maltese business-wise you have to be patient.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Malta, what would it be?
Expect the unexpecting, let go and live in the moment.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Getting my laundry machine fixed, took me 2 weeks of calling and making an appointment before someone came to repair it.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
I feel there is a overkill of rules, procedures and structure in the Netherlands and this is something I'm slightly allergic to. Besides that I would definately miss the weather and being surrounded by the sea.
- B-RELAX and don't get upset about crazy reckless drivers on the road. There are no rules, so nothing to break. Embrace it and go with the flow! Also, don´t get upset about bad service in shops and restaurant. They get minimum paid, would you run for 4 euro per hour? And don´t get upset about the many rocky beaches. It's adventurous, not that busy and less of a sandy mess!
- B-LAIDBACK and don't get upset when there is a no-show of people who were supposed to fix your car, laundry machine or internet connection. Matter of priorities.
- B-PATIENT and don't get upset in that never-ending queue at the bank, hospital or shopping mall. It's just not organised. Or when that bus is not on time. Wake up. You're living in the Mediteranean, everything goes a bit more slowly. And when the bus driver stops for a pastizzi snack in the middle of the road and lets you wait. Give the man a break, he's hungry.
- B-CREATIVE and don't get upset when you can't find a nice take away meal. Be creative and go to a vegetable stand. Don´t get upset when you get bored because the island is 'too small'. Be creative and set up a beach BBQ and enjoy the simple life. Don´t get upset when your place is freezing cold and there is no central heating. The houses are built of lime stone to keep you cool in summer so be creative and buy a radiator plus onesie.
- B-SMILING and don't get upset when the bus driver is rude. He is grumpy because of crazy drivers and narrow streets; your smile makes his day nicer. When your ice cream melts on your designer jacket. The sun is out there for you, so smile and enjoy! And also when you stick on your leather sofa in summer with your sweaty ass. Switch on the AC and realise how blessed you are with that many sunny days a year. Smile and you'll have a life full of joy and happiness under the Mediterranean sun.
I started writing when I was six years old and it never stopped. The first little notes were to my mom and dad, later on articles for the school paper and the local sports paper appeared.
After finishing my copywriting course I didn't have an outlet so I created this little space on the internet. On this personal page I started sharing experiences about living abroad to share with my family and friends. So it basically started as diary and place where I could be busy with my other passion: fashion.
After a couple of months I checked my blog with Google Analytics and saw the number of countries who visited my blog. It made me aware it wasn't only family and friends who visited my blog. I received personal messages of expats planning to move to Malta with questions or blogpost request and the same but fashion related.
B-BICHE is a growing personal lifestyle blog where I share my point of view when it comes to fashion and living as an expat in Malta.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Kindly fill out the contactform on my blog and I'm happy to write you back - http://www.b-biche.com/?page_id=2384
About the author
Bibiche is a Dutch expat living in Malta. Blog description: I'm Bibiche, a Dutch girl, with a French name, living the Mediterranean dream in Malta.
I share things I wear, like, do and everything else what's
on my mind, in the air and on the streets!
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