Gozitans pride themselves on being relaxed and easy going. During my week's stay here in Gozo, I have got to know most of the people who live on Triq dun Luqa quite well. Everyone knows each other or of each other. Sounds and noise from every house is carried over rooftops and through courtyards. The bells of the local church peal throughout the day and street sellers honk their wares as people emerge from their houses to buy fish, bread, fruit and vegetables.
This morning, I awoke at 6 am and went up on to the roof top and watched the day begin for our neighbours. The woman behind us was crocheting in her front courtyard and the man across the road was inspecting his sunflowers and collecting seeds. The next door neighbour is polishing her husband's shoes and collecting yesterday's washing whilst whistling a little tune. I call out to her from above and she and I share some thoughts about life on Gozo compared to Malta. She has just driven her daughter to catch the first ferry to Malta. She tells me that employment in Gozo is not easy to find so many people commute or work in Malta and come home back to Gozo at the weekend. Perhaps things will change when and if a bridge is built between Gozo and Malta. Like all island communities which are secluded and sheltered from external influences, the bridge will open new challenges and opportunities which they will have to face in order to survive the recession that Europe is currently experiencing.
Malta is a member of the European Community and it has also contributed its share of euros to bail out Greece. This little island is not protected from the outside world but for as long as they can they will make sure that their communities and way of life are maintained. It is a cosy, friendly and peaceful place because the sweet air makes one become as laid back as the Gozitans.
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