Life Update: May
Hello Friend,
This Month Jennie and I have been in Malta… all month (lucky buggers)! This is my fifth time in Malta, it’s literally my second home nowadays. I think this trip to Malta has been my favourite out of all five, maybe because I have had the opportunity to stay here for such an extended period of time.
I’m not going to lie, I’m gutted that my time has come to an end. It’s been the quickest month in my life! I already can’t wait to come back and see my Maltese Nana! Will I live here in the future? Who knows what the future will entail.
So, what have been the best parts of the trip this time around?
Highlights of the Month
Gozo Trip
Gozo is a tiny island located 25km North West of mainland Malta. No trip to Malta is complete without a trip to Gozo. Gozo is without a doubt one the most laid back, peaceful and tranquil parts of Malta. This trip, we stayed in the quiet town of Marsalforn within the Northern region of the island. During our visit we hiked along the Northern Coast and paid a visit to the famous Salt Pans, Wied Il-Gharsi and Wied Il-Miehla, which were all new places to me.
Coastal Walks
This time around, we have done more walking than in previous visits to Malta. Spring time is without a doubt the best time to go on some great walks because in the summer time it’s far too warm and uncomfortable to do so. My favourite walk of the trip was from Buskett Gardens (where Jennie has many fond childhood memories) to Dingli Cliffs, which are located on the West coast of the country.
Yacht Trip with Uncle Phil
Uncle Phil invited us onto his Yacht for the day, and what a memorable trip it was. Captain Phil sailed us to the more remote and ‘untouristy’ bays in Gozo and the tiny island of Comino. Greeted with crystal clear waters and a moderately warm sea of 17 Celsius, I braved a swim. Perfect weather, bottomless food and drink, and great company.
What I’ve Been Reading
Atomic Habits — James Clear
Atomic Habits is probably the most comprehensive and practical guide on how to long lasting good habits and break the bad ones. Developing a habit isn’t about taking dramatic measures, it’s about getting 1 percent better every single day. The book is inspiring in how just little tiny changes can lead to life changing results. It’s changed the way I think of progress. It’s the only habits book you’ll ever need to read.
Meditations — Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of personal writings by former Roman Emperor and the most powerful man in the world, Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor between AD 161 to 180. Marcus shares his ideas on Stoic Philosophy and his thoughts on living a good life based on his own experience.
Even though it was written so long ago, Meditations is one of the most influential books ever written, so don’t let the age put you off! I promise you’ll benefit from reading it in some way or another. I would go as far as saying it’s probably THE BEST book I’ve ever read.
P.S. My favourite translation so far is from Gregory Hays
Richer, Wiser, Happier — William Green
In Richer, Wiser, Happier, William Green draws on 25 years worth of interviews with some of the worlds greatest ever investors. As you’ll discover when you read it, there talents extend way beyond there financial capabilities. The book is jam packed with wisdom, regarding how to live a more fruitful and meaningful life, along with lessons on how to become a much more assured and complete investor. It’s made me realise and understand how many silly mistakes I have made in my short time as a stock market investor and has changed my outlook on what some of the best investors are really like.
It’s unlike any other investing book I’ve ever read. If you have any interest regarding investing at all, it’s an absolute must read. I promise you wont be disappointed!
Stillness Is The Key — Ryan Holiday
In Stillness Is The Key, Ryan Holiday shows us the importance of being able to think clearly, find happiness, conquer our impulses and avoid distractions. The book is packed with wisdom from some of histories greatest athletes, philopsophers, artists and leaders. It highlights the need for Stillness and how we can achieve it to live a more content and successful life. Another excellent book by one of my favourite authors.
What I’ve Learnt
Malta never had an ice age, it had a ‘rain age’ instead, causing floods and rivers, ultimately forming the valleys in Malta.
Malta is the fattest nation in Europe!
Human bites are much more infectious than dog bites! After a human bite infection occurs up to 25% of cases, but only 10% after dog bites.
Goals Update
Figure out how to work and make money remotely:
Not exactly going very well… so far.
Read a book a week:
Still going strong with this one.
Learn how to play chess properly:
My chess skills have plateaued a lot recently! But at least I know how to play nowadays, albeit not very well!
Run Half a Marathon:
I haven’t exactly done so much running this month. I’ll definetly be getting back into running more frequently next month.
Future Plans
I don’t think we will be travelling too far a field for a little while now, but as you all know, a lot can change very quickly in the life of Jennie and Tom. Any major updates regarding travel, life etc, I’ll be sure to keep you all informed.
See you next time,
Yours Sincerely,
Tom
