Summary

The article recounts the author's spontaneous decision to book a last-minute flight to Malta with her husband due to poor weather forecasts affecting their work as skydiving instructors.

Abstract

The narrative describes how the author and her husband, both skydiving instructors, faced with unfavorable weather conditions and potential work cancellations, impulsively decided to book a last-minute flight to Malta. They weighed their options, considering visa requirements and flight costs, ultimately choosing Malta for its lack of visa hassles. Despite the rush to pack and leave, the couple embraced the adventure, enjoying gin and tonics in Munich during a flight delay and marveling at unexpected sights like the Alps from the air. Upon arrival, they explored Malta on e-scooters, had their first Maltese beer, and began a new adventure, with more stories from their week in Malta to come.

Opinions

The author initially denied feeling stressed about the last-minute travel plans, instead expressing excitement.
The couple's decision-making process was influenced by practical considerations such as weather, work, and visa requirements.
The author conveyed a sense of wonder and surprise at the sights they encountered during their journey, such as the snow-capped Alps.
Their spontaneity and adaptability are highlighted by their ability to enjoy the journey, despite delays and the last-minute nature of their travel.
The author seems to value experiences and adventure, as evidenced by their willingness to immediately embark on exploring Malta upon arrival.
The couple's choice to dine at a pub despite its kitchen being closed for 17 years shows their carefree attitude and prioritization of the experience over conventional expectations.

TRAVEL WRITING

Hopping on My First-Ever Last-Minute Flight

It was spontaneous, to say the least

“Relax and stop stressing” David was telling me. And I kept on insisting I wasn’t stressed. I simply wanted to pack our bags as the flight we had booked minutes ago was leaving in a few hours.

It was Friday morning. We hadn’t worked since Easter Monday and the weather predictions were awful for the upcoming week. We work as skydiving instructors, so yes, our salary depends on sunshine and blue skies.

We sat at the breakfast table analyzing the weather charts. No, we aren’t the ones making a decision but we were certain our boss would cancel the weekend. The sky above Europe looked gray and wet with no sign of sunshine until the following Tuesday.

This was when our minds started working. With our eyes on the world map, we decided to check last-minute flights to wherever they would take us. With a couple of days off, we’d usually just jump into the car and explore a neighboring country but with the bad weather, this wouldn’t bring us far.

When we got the message at lunchtime that our next working day would be the following week Thursday we had two flights in the inner circle. Turkey or Malta. The two cheapest ones. But as we weren’t certain if David needed a Visa for Turkey or not, the decision was made. We didn’t have time for visas.

Seconds later, the flights were booked and we had the above written conversation. We had only hours left before takeoff. I wasn’t stressing at all. I was excited. I wanted to get our stuff in the bags and head out.

Arriving in Munich we were already in holiday mood sipping on gin&tonics when the boarding got delayed. We couldn’t have cared less that we took off an hour later than planned.

We were going to Malta.

Who would have thought that just this morning? Certainly not us.

Taking off in a rainy and gray Germany. | Photo Credit: Anne Bonfert

And here we are now. Above the clouds. The sun disappeared long ago but I can still get a glimpse of the overcast sky above central Europe.

Minutes later, I’m staring out of the window. What is that? The snow-capped mountains of the Alps. What a sight. I did not expect to see them. What a surprise.

The Alps from above. Unfortunately, it was dark already. | Photo Credit: Anne Bonfert

An hour later, we touch down in Malta. Walking off the plane with nothing but hand luggage, we find ourselves on the next bus leaving the airport.

Our first night in a new country. We check into our room and head to the streets. It’s late, we’re a little hungry and certainly excited about the new adventure.

David wants to try one of those e-scooters. Quickly downloading the app, we have it unlocked just minutes later. After rejecting the first one due to too little battery left, we are now both standing on the scooter, driving on the harbor promenade in Malta.

We’re laughing.

The seaside in Malta. | Photo Credit: Anne Bonfert

My hair is dancing in the wind as I’m holding tightly onto my husband. He has to steer and brake and keep the balance for both of us at the same time.

My job it was to find a place where we can grab a drink and something to eat. I found a pub but they said their kitchen closed 17 years ago. We didn’t care and went in for a drink regardless.

First beer in Malta. | Photo Credit: Anne Bonfert

More about our journey to Malta coming soon. Here’s a short weekly recap.

One Week in Malta

Week 141 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

medium.com

And here are two stories from other Globetrotters' and their experiences in Malta. Read about Ronald Smit and AnnaFromSiberia.

Stranded in Malta’s Grand Harbor

An unexpected adventure with two kids in tow

medium.com

A taste of Malta

Sunny winter days on the edge of Europe

medium.com

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