Malta, most rude...
A woman who complained on travel website Fodor's about Malta having the rudest people was contradicted by all 10 commenters who replied.
The contributor, who did not give her name, wrote that she is currently in Malta. For the last decade, she said, she had spent a substantial portion of her time travelling much of the world.
"My most vivid memory of Malta will be the overt rudeness of people wherever I've gone. This has been particularly true of men of a certain age - taxi and bus drivers without exception, a man on a bus who berated me because I wanted to sit in the empty seat next to him, a man in the street today who arrived at a corner as I did and knocked me aside. Such things have happened to me every day with such regularity that I've come to expect it and have not been disappointed."
She said the women tend to be surly rather than overtly rude. However one in the cafe' adjacent to her hotel interrupted her to shout at her when she guessed wrong what she was about to ask her.
"There have, of course, been exceptions but the balance has been so heavily toward rude that the occasions of kindness have been memorable. The staff in two of the four places I've stayed have been exceptionally kind. Younger people in places of business have also tended to be more helpful. But sadly it doesn't make up for the daily abuse.
"I've wondered what the reason for the behaviour might be. Maybe tourist fatigue. But it's off season, there are few tourists and I've never noticed this sort of behaviour in other heavily tourist areas. Maybe it's me, but if so then why have I not noticed before? Is there a cultural prejudice against women? But again, I've never experienced this in any other places. In some countries, China for instance, people seem to be less aware of others in public but it's never felt as overt as it does here."
People who commented about the article took a different view.
"All the Maltese I know are exceptionally gracious. Odd are you wearing anything surprisingly odd. Perhaps you could ask in your hotel?" one of them said.
Another commented: "Have you through that "tourist fatigue" might better fit your situation rather than the Maltese you've encountered? Four months on the road is a long time when travelling alone."
Another said "Perhaps it's the stress of the season for I spent 12 days on Malta and found the people very welcoming. Except for the bus drivers who are notorious both for rudeness and their terrible driving skills.
"Sorry you're having a bad time of it. Jump ship and get yourself to Sicily!"
In another comment, a visitor said: "I have been seven times to Malta, and the kindness of the Maltese people was always a good reason to return to this beautiful country. The staff at the hotels where i stayed was professionally trained and extremely friendly, so were people at Cafes and restaurants......"
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/a-vote-for-malta-most-rude.cfm
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108 Comments
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richard reece
Dec 18th 2012, 11:53
I agree Malta is most rude, when i was working downunder i used to work with a couple of Maltese & believe me they were the roughest, most Blasphemers and rudest lot i had ever had the misfortune to work with, i am not saying that the poms are any better, but yes the Maltere are rude i found that out when on holidays in Gozo/Malta, unless they see the colour of our money then their eyes light up.
JJ Debono
Dec 18th 2012, 16:02
Yeah probably light up with envy, or perhaps a sign to spend spend and spend and then say tara till the next time.
Igota Schlong
Dec 17th 2012, 21:32
I have learnt one thing in life, if I upset people, because I think everyone is nasty to, it becomes a vicious circle, people could use their defence mechanism and shun me off. This is a self fulfilling prophecy. In normal circumstances, even the most evil, could answer you back with niceties, once they received some. I would say to this person, look within, rudeness could be inherent.
Alexandra MalliaBorg
Dec 18th 2012, 19:07
Thats more like it JJ. spend and then show them the door.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Dec 17th 2012, 17:01
Are "Rude", "Bad-mannered" and "Arrogant" synonymous? I mean do we only have one fault or three?
David Borg
Dec 17th 2012, 14:47
As a frequent tourist to Malta, my impression would be this;
Rude:- Yes it certainly exists. In particular, drivers, and people in a queue. Every Maltese has to get in front of the tourist.
Friendly:- most definitely
Individually there are many who are polite, and many who are rude. However as a nation, I would say the Maltese are probably one of the friendliest in the world.
S Aculain
Dec 17th 2012, 13:41
Unfortunately, as a foreigner who spent last year living in Malta, I too experienced some of what Madam Perdu experienced - especially with the bus drivers. However, I will treasure the time I spent in Malta and look forward to returning.
Madam Perdu
Dec 17th 2012, 10:48
This has been an interesting experience for me. I thank the thoughtful people who have actually read my entire original post and whose comments reflect the knowledge that I didn't say everyone in Malta is rude. Whether you agreed with me or said I was wrong is less important to me. I knew that many would disagree, rightfully, but nontheless these comments were informed. Again, thanks.
Mr mario aquilina
Dec 17th 2012, 15:49
Madam your spot on.
It starts from birth. Our children are hardly ever tought to say please and thank you. Listen to the kids asking the parents or grandparents - 'tini' or 'aghtini'. It is hardly ever followed by 'Jekk joghgbok' or 'Grazzi'. We grow up without good foundations.
In other places like UK, one of the first words that a baby learns is Ta for thank you.
Mrs Maria Rosaria Brincat
Dec 18th 2012, 11:30
Mr Mario Aquilina do you know that the Uk is the worst place in Europe to bring up your children? Please and thank you are nice things to say but surely not everything.
keith perry
Dec 17th 2012, 09:41
I have to say the Maltese i have come into contact with have been helpful and pleasant and ive been impressed by their civility, not widespread in the Med as some say
likewise all maltese are not as a race all the above - bus drivers (old style and some new) dont score very high on the nice side and you can witness the other side of the coin right here, just look at any hunting item replies!
Robert Agius
Dec 17th 2012, 09:16
Understanding a culture in 8 day. I care not were she is from but judging a nation based on an 8 DAY trip is downright stupid and proof of the persons own arrogance and low level of intellect. Travelling for about a decade hasn't thought her much apparently.
Joe Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 09:16
Well personally, someone who I have regular contact with the tourist especially when I receive complaints, they have never mentioned anything about rudeness. This specific story have been an exception for this lady and I doubt that she has nothing to do with this unambigous behaviour from all the Maltese stakeholders mentioned above.
Vic Phillips
Dec 17th 2012, 08:38
Guess she just got out of bed the wrong side one morning and decided to blab her mouth off abusing the Maltese people. I found this infuriaing and speaking as a British national who's seen a fair bit of this world during his life it's most unfortunate to read such nonscense about a nation who are exactly the opposite to the accusations she makes.
Vic Phillips
Peter Pace
Dec 17th 2012, 08:37
Malta needs a good education in Customer care and Driving skills & etiquette. Taking matters into their own hands in client situations often can make it much worse. In case of the bad and offensive driving by incompetent show-offs on the road - sure some people can make small mistakes while driving, but these people are potentially future killers and dangerous to innocent drivers and pedestrians.
Christian Falzon
Dec 17th 2012, 06:05
We are popular for our kindness how dare she says this comments about us???
Phil Zammit
Dec 17th 2012, 04:17
Your country and community are an exact replica of your perception and behaviour.
If you're demanding, rude and inhospitable, your community is demanding, rude and inhospitable.
If you're patient, friendly and hospitable, your community is patient, friendly and hospitable.
Always start at the mirror!!!
Nick Camilleri
Dec 17th 2012, 03:27
I agree with every word Louis Saliba said yesterday.
" The problem with some foreigners is that they come here with the attitude of "when in Rome, don't do as the Romans do, but make the Romans do it your way". For these people, the "if you don't like, go back home" attitude is the only answer. And perhaps you should note that if Malta has problems, so have all other countries, including yours.
Rupert Grech
Dec 17th 2012, 01:51
I have just spent six months in Malta and I'm seriously considering moving permanently, due in large extent, to the positive nature of Maltese society including the friendliness and politeness of Maltese people. My first reaction is that perhaps this woman needs to consider why people are treating her this way and if she is somehow contributing to it.
Pippo de Marco
Dec 16th 2012, 23:23
It's funny how happy, polite people seem to attract other happy, polite people ... And vice versa, of course.
Joe Bugelli
Dec 16th 2012, 22:36
I am a Maltese who emigrated fifty years ago, been back to Malta many times. We've always had a good experiences with local people, but, like anywhere else in the world, there are always exceptions. As Shakespeare wrote, "the evil that men do live after them, the good is oft interred with their bones". It behooves all to remember that we never have a second chance to make a good first impression.
Francis Grech
Dec 16th 2012, 22:12
Only one thing I have to say to all you lot that don't like the way some Maltese treat very demanding tourist is a very simple answer all you have to do is a quick left hand turn back from where you come from no body send for you you can always try Moscow at -30c temperature. Sahha.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Dec 17th 2012, 02:55
Sir, your attitude [and tact] is exactly what the lady is complaining about. You have just proved that she has a point.
Malta has been building a stable year-round tourism industry for the last 50 years but is constantly undermined by pretentious attitudes like yours.
Moscow -30? What happens when Libya opens up and our tourists flock to its milesand-miles of sandy beaches Leptis Magna?
lee murphy
Dec 16th 2012, 21:29
i dont speak maltese and iv been around the world literally... im not saying maltese people are the best but for me you'd struggle to find nicer.... must admit tho that the old bus drivers always used to give me a hard time or 90 percent of them at least..... other than that there Fantastic in every way
John Neville Ebejer
Dec 16th 2012, 21:11
Well commenting in this generic manner on a people whilst remaining anonymous is paramount of being rude if you ask me.
Angelo Polidano
Dec 16th 2012, 21:07
We should take the comment as a wake up call instead of trying to justify our rudeness if we want to improve ourselves. By comparing ourselves with other nations whom we think that they are more rude than us does not make us good.
Oscar Mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 20:54
In my view, to utter such a general condemnation, so forcefully, and in the case of an entire nation, is the height of rudeness!
If my French serves me right, Perdu means: LOST! I agree!
Angelo Polidano
Dec 16th 2012, 20:41
We should take the comment as a wake up call instead of trying to justify our rudeness if we want to improve ourselves. By comparing ourselves with other nations whom we think that they are more rude than us does not make us good.
Bronwyn Cini
Dec 16th 2012, 19:55
I can see both sides. I have encountered many beautiful loving friendly people in Malta. I have also encountered some stuck up and extremely rude people as well. The only solution is if you don't like it say something and maybe it will educate the undeducated.
Iris Baitrman
Dec 16th 2012, 19:51
I do agree to an extent the Maltese are generally a> Rude Lot <, but then again a minority are really poilte and very educated speak perfect English &know how to treat customers, but unfortunily the latter are few & far between, most just do not like to be criticized & have a tendency to fight back with vengence, i too have travelled the world,& yes i do agree Malta is top of the list for Rudenes
Charles Grixti
Dec 17th 2012, 06:59
Although I am Maltese myself, I have to agree that the Maltese have certainly become very surly and humourless since I knew them last. Could it be the daily grind, coupled with traffic and human congestion on such a tiny island and the general rot they see around their environment is finally taking its toll?
M Schranz
Dec 16th 2012, 19:02
There are helpful people wherever one goes, as well as unhelpful ones. Polite ones, as well as rude ones. She may have been unlucky, or she may have a very particular definition of rude/polite. Or again, she may not realise that when she thinks Maltese are shouting at each other, they're really talking in a loud voice. Surely one review from one individual doesn't warrant so much attention.
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 16th 2012, 18:46
She is right.....We are rude!!! And so are thefgermans, and the french and the italians......!! But yes we are rude, even among ourselves.
Gustav Svensson
Dec 16th 2012, 17:46
I guess she is right. I love the if you don't like it go home attitude...Malta seems handicapped to do something about it's problems..roads, service, pollution, environment, MEPA, low wages etc.i
Louis Saliba
Dec 16th 2012, 21:00
The problem with some foreigners is that they come here with the attitude of "when in Rome, don't do as the Romans do, but make the Romans do it your way". For these people, the "if you don't like, go back home" attitude is the only answer. And perhaps you should note that if Malta has problems, so have other countries, including yours.
Nick Camilleri
Dec 17th 2012, 03:39
Nick Camilleri
Just convince us that no problems exist in your country. Complaining about low wages for instance, maybe you are right, but WHY stay here with such low wages and then complain. Obviously our answer to you is if you are not happy, go and get a better life where you came from. Nothing wrong with that. We only wish you well.
Mr Stephen Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 17:25
I think that we better not generalize because not everyone in Malta is rude as no everyone in any other country is rude. There are rude people in Malta but there are also polite and educated people as well. One should never generalize.
Karl Consiglio
Dec 16th 2012, 17:04
Whats the problem? Indeed we are rude.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 16th 2012, 17:31
Most of our politicians tend to disagree with glee!
Alfred A Falzon
Joseph Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 18:42
Speak for yourself pls., hundreds of tourists ask me for directions and like most Maltese I have always gone out of my way to help.
R. Cilia
Dec 16th 2012, 16:57
I do understand this lady when she said the Maltese are rude. A few weeks ago I was on a bus when a group of about ten youngters got on the same bus and they were so rude that everyone was complaining about them through the whole journey.Unfortunately the driver did not say a word let alone chastise them! Having said that. there are those who are polite too!
Robert Agius
Dec 16th 2012, 18:16
That's the problem mate. Always expecting others to do things for us. Next time, give them a piece of your mind and don't wait for the driver to do that.
M Schranz
Dec 16th 2012, 18:59
When I lived in Italy, the tram I regularly used to ride passed outside a high school and therefore, loads of teenagers rode that line. Believe me, saying they weren't pleasant is an understatement. But I surely wouldn't extrapolate that all Italians are rude because of that!
Philip Pryce
Dec 16th 2012, 16:36
The only blatant rudeness I encounter is on the roads. Mostly I think it is just ignorance of the rules, but a little bit of courteousy costs nothing!
Philip Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 19:58
I agree, we can do with some more courteousy on our roads.
Ruth Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 16:25
i have been reading the comments where this woman has written hers.. i cannot believe what i have read from a 23yr old male who dubbs himself as xMaltese. If you are reading this Mr xMaltese, do not call yourself maltese anymore. You sound like you have had some problems(like some disillusion) and hating Malta because of it. Do not make sweeping statements. It is unbelievable!!!
Wil Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 16:19
To those that criticize the Maltese for being rude, have you never travelled to other countries? Sure some Maltese are rude but this is not different from any country in the World especially were tourists are concerned. The Maltese may be rude among themselves but most are not rude to tourists.
If you don't like it don't come but don't expect anything different anywhere else!
Peter Murray
Dec 16th 2012, 18:22
So because other coutries are rude, or more so,thats an acceptable mitigating factor then is it?Also the attitude of "dont come if you dont like it" is most reprehensible and solves nothing!
Steve Schembri
Dec 16th 2012, 21:42
Well the way some tourists behave and even the foreigners who choose to live Malta they kind of invite us to be rude to them considering that in most cases they look down on us and yes do excuse me, but I have the right to moan about Malta but no, I do not permit a foreigner to throw dirt to us. Once a heard an Italian lady saying that they should invent a war to bombard us..stay calm?? No way!
Wil Farrugia
Dec 16th 2012, 22:11
am not saying that it is acceptable to be rude rather that it is not fair that we get the blame for an obvious international problem. As for your other point, you're right it solves nothing but solving such a problem is close to impossible.
P Bonnici
Dec 17th 2012, 14:51
In my experience other countries that excel in rudeness are: Tunisia, China, Russia.
David Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 16:10
I can see it from both sides. Being half Maltese, I come to Malta at every opportunity. As a tourist, the only obvious act of rudeness I see every day while in Malta is people (women in particular) trying to queue jump. When I'm with my Maltese relatives, I see rudeness amongst Maltese everywhere. Whether it be shops, restaurants, in the street etc. As a tourist on my own, I see none of this.
Mario Borg
Dec 16th 2012, 16:01
This person never probably never visted Italy or most of southern Europe. In Europe service is always lacking, no matter how much you pay.
john grima
Dec 16th 2012, 16:00
Once being in Bugibba with my friend we were strolling along the promenade and came across the truck with vegs and fruits. My friend wanted to buy a melon. The guy selling fruits thought we both were tourists, weighted it and said to her - 'Madame, 10 eur please'. When I said to him I knew how much melon cost in Malta, then he said he made a mistake and said 2 eur.
John Briffa
Dec 16th 2012, 15:47
I disagree with this woman that Maltese are rude. Did she ask herself how she represents herself to foriegners (us) ? They say when you're in Rome you do like the Romans do !. I've been visiting Malta for 45 years, I had some rude brushes here and there but all in all I give Malta 4 stars out of 5.Two things I tend to stay away from is politics and religion.I serve both in the right time.
stephen mifsud
Dec 16th 2012, 15:45
we are a SMALL OVER populated island so the interraction with people is high not like say in England were u will find less people interracting due to the weather and society in general being not as social as in Malta ... Malta is a very social country due to its temperate weather and way of life and this makes us a very social population and highly interactive one so yes rude could happen ,,,
Mr R.E. Saliba
Dec 16th 2012, 15:27
Yesterday in Valletta, a complete stranger generously shared his slices of bread with my 3 yr old, to feed the pigeons. Later, my son dropped his new train near the Triton fountain - took us 30s to notice but by then someone had walked away with it.
Malta is unique, a Mediterranean island of extremes that you either love or hate.
Someone on the Fodors website accurately compared it to Marmite.
Pierre John Agius
Dec 16th 2012, 15:14
Indeed very true. As a nation we lack style, refinement and courtesy. And what is worse we do nothing about it - nine if our leaders have ever considered doing anything. On te cintrary ..... Blissful ignirance
Peter Agius
Dec 16th 2012, 23:34
Pierre, can you please proof read your comment before you submit.
Joseph Grech Attard
Dec 16th 2012, 14:44
More than rude, we are snobs and practically most of us are jack of all trades. If we were as big as Sicily we would try to conquer the world and tell all nations what they should do. But, then, we also do not see the beam in our eyes! Racism is also very high. And then we boast of being Catholic and venerate so many saints! Otherwise all is well!
Elvin Muscat
Dec 16th 2012, 14:31
Well she picked on the worst types anywhere in the world, taxi drivers face rude people thousands of times, and it rubs off on them, so do bus drivers, and most Government workers. Our exception are hunters, people walking through Republic street and drunken "festa" people. I agree, you need to be 6 foot something with a tattoo and a bad attitude to get your way in Malta. Otherwise get used to it
Joseph Bugeja
Dec 16th 2012, 14:20
Isn't rude somehow derived from the word arrogance?
NO WONDER!!!
It's catching!
Peter Murray
Dec 16th 2012, 14:07
in general I find Maltese are kinder to strangers then their own-providing, of course, that those strangers dont happen to be black-skinned or Arabs!It is debatable as to whether or not the Maltese are rude and getting ruder but there is one irrefutable and inarguable claim,I would suggest,in that the majiority of us are the most xenophobic and rascist.
Christian Sciberras
Dec 16th 2012, 13:53
Correct me if I'm wrong, but calling tourists "mother f...s" is plain rude, even if uttered in Maltese.
Did I mention that that is the Maltese way of welcoming tourists? I've lived most of my life here, I know what I'm talking about....
Conrad Edwards
Dec 16th 2012, 13:51
I am an anglo maltese living in the Netherlands and if this lady thinks that the malltese are rude; she should come and live or spend a longer period of time in central europe (Germany or the Benelux), I am sure will experience rudeness in its highest form
Mark Seychell
Dec 16th 2012, 13:25
I travel quite frequently and I have to admit that Malta does not have the friendliest people in Europe as we proclaim so often. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
phyllis butler
Dec 16th 2012, 13:22
In the last decade she spent a substantial portion of her time travelling much of the world, why didn't she use her round-the-world ticket and left the island as soon as she started encountering such terrible :) people. With all the jet-lag involved is she sure that she was in Malta or did she have a 'be very negative' sign on?
P Bonnici
Dec 16th 2012, 12:57
I lived abroad most of my life, I find people in Libya more friendly than the Maltese and they are very courteous and polite, yet the Maltese criticise Libyans.
Yes, the Maltese are rude, no ifs and buts.
Mr R.E. Saliba
Dec 16th 2012, 15:10
It's rude to generalise P Bonnici.
Joe Scerri
Dec 16th 2012, 12:54
The Maltese may not be rude to tourists in general but they are extremely rude amongst themselves. Just read the comments under every news item, we just put politics in everything and insult each other for having differing opinions be they in politics, religion, football or the kazin tal-banda. Just watch xarabank , it says it all.
R ferriggi
Dec 16th 2012, 12:54
why are we being so hypocritical?!?!
we KNOW that we are a rude nation!!
and yes,,,, taxi men, shop owners and people in retail outlets and restaurants are the worst of us.
in fact,,, manners have goe literally down the drain. the youngsters are obscenely rude now as well.
well,,, the branches from the tree are coming out yes??
A A Camilleri
Dec 16th 2012, 12:46
i totally agree with this person, i never forget the time when i was sat near an english lady on plane back to malta, she was saying how nice the maltese people are, i said when you are on holiday you are spending money and giving tips, try and live next door to one, her reply was ..i never thought like that.
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:41
Another valid point (not sure if it refers to the lady in question) is the demanding and superior attitude adopted by many tourists including British. I have witnessed many incidents where (particularly English) tourists have tested the patience and civility of hotel staff and others to the limits and probably deserved a little reality check of rudeness! The days of the colonies have long gone!
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:35
The lady does have a valid point and whilst it is wrong to stereotype all Maltese there is indeed an air of rudeness running through certain sections of Maltese society and this has worsened over the past 30 years. Presumably the "rude Maltese" are also the same ones that constantly whinge and complain about "foreigners" at every opportunity! Most Maltese are welcoming and pleasant.
Michael Spiteri
Dec 16th 2012, 12:30
You want to know what rude is? Go to Kehl in Germany and politely ask if you could communicate in english. This was one of the mildest answers I got: Ja, ja – english – mosquitoes, blitz!
Go to France and declare that you cannot speak french - the most common answer by the locals: Mais je parle très bien français.
So there you have it. So much for a One Europe.
John Briffa
Dec 16th 2012, 23:38
I've gone to Germany numerous times, I've also taken a coach tour visiting 12 different cities and towns includes Hamburg and Berlin but never encountered a problem or insult. Some young people tried hard to converstae in english to accomodate me and on the other hand I tried a few poor German words of mine to make a point.When you're in foriegn country keep in mind to respect their culture.Danke
A M Bonello
Dec 16th 2012, 12:04
I went to a recently (this week) opened new foreign owned supermarket chain and the cashier was really really rude.No smiles,no please,no thank you.
C Cassar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:36
Probably because she was trained by her Maltese boss.
J B
Dec 16th 2012, 16:23
c. cassar, how true, got a good laugh too , thanks!
I was under the impression that the maltese people would be very friendly, at least the ones that i have met in the states were, i'm very disappointed most are not considerate at all here and have found that many of the shop owners or workers are the worst. Too bad since they depend so much on tourism.
Carmelo Aquilina
Dec 16th 2012, 11:54
Maltese people are rude - and getting ruder
Deo Catania
Dec 16th 2012, 11:45
She's simply right. I notice what happens around, lots of savages out there. Yes there are nice and kind people too but that does not mean there are no savages.
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:54
Deo, I don't think that she has had the misfortune to meet the "savages" that are out there. If she had I think that her description of their conduct may have far exceeded "rude".
Philip Mizzi
Dec 16th 2012, 11:21
I feel sorry for this lady's negative experience on the island. It seems that she experienced more than 'her share' of having the misfortune to meet the worst part of our society.
Having said that I wonder if this anonymous kind lady ever travelled to London. Using the escalators for the first time in an underground station can have you 'coldly run over' by uncaring and stupid commuters!
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 16th 2012, 12:32
The rule is stand on the right in London escalators, otherwise you get 'run over'. I hate going to London as everyone seems to be in tearing hurry.
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:56
Yes, or tried to make an early purchase at one of the January sale promotions and survived without being trampled in the stampede!
Eric Soames
Dec 16th 2012, 15:40
Mr Tony Gatt: Not in a hurry enough for a New Yorker. My experience on trips there is that people amble along, nobody seems anxious to get to where they're going. The tourists often stop as soon as they get off the escalator, requiring a prod with a briefcase.
Alexander Montebello
Dec 16th 2012, 11:20
As a people, we're loud and expressive. "Good morning - have a great day" said in Maltese could be misinterpret as anger to a foreigner.
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 16th 2012, 12:33
My Irish wife is always asking why Maltese have to speak as if they are having a 'barney' !
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:43
Eh? so also could "sod off and get lost" but surely the facial expression and body language would confirm the sentiment?
A. Falzon
Dec 16th 2012, 11:12
Thank you J. Cundy and Jo Woodall, maybe this 'lady' has something on her face that all Maltese don't like. Weird if one may say. No she is not British maybe from central Europe who expect all Maltese to speak there language and not the international language, English. I went through that many times.
Alex Falzon
John Turner
Dec 16th 2012, 11:00
I live in the UK and have visited Malta twice so far and will be visiting many more times. I love Malta but have neither found the Maltese particularly friendly nor unfriendly. To stereotype in this way, positively or negatively is nonsense. I met some people I found rude, others polite but most I didn't have a view on.
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:44
Just like people the world over!
Peter Murray
Dec 16th 2012, 10:53
Whilst I dont agree with this lady's comments obviously ,what are her motives for onpassing such?Whatever the reasons we mostly do not take kindly to criticism of any sort whether or not it is constructive or perhaps justified and attack such simply because foreigner has the" temerity "pass such comments.
Mr Marko Porenta
Dec 16th 2012, 10:52
I've been 5 times already in Malta and I have never had such bad experiences. I found out that people are very generous and kindly. They help you if you ask them. I really love Malta and Maltese people. This lady should come here to Slovenia then she could complain...
John Cundy
Dec 16th 2012, 10:24
One of the reasons I am finally coming to live permanently on Malta, after living and working there previously and having visited many times since, is because of the friendliness of the people I have met and observed.
I also love the passion of the people. Their passion often breaks through in discussions and should not be mistaken for aggression or rudeness.
Jo Woodall
Dec 16th 2012, 10:56
Absolutely agree.
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:47
Yes very valid and true, genuine interest and passion in the subject being discussed should not be mistaken for "rudeness".
Jo Woodall
Dec 16th 2012, 10:22
It's partly because of the kindness of the Maltese that we live here!
Jeffrey Mallia
Dec 16th 2012, 11:01
Yes we are very kind.......but we are very very rude.
A M Bonello
Dec 16th 2012, 12:06
Yes true the kindness coming from the bus drivers,taxi drivers,traffic wardens and even arrogant politicians!
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:51
@ A M Bonello: I have met many pleasant and kind bus drivers (mainly in the old regime), some pleasant taxi drivers, although they are a rare breed, and ,thankfully, never had the misfortune to cross swords with a traffic warden as I haven't yet plucked up the courage to drive when in Malta! As for politicians in general they seem to be more childish than rude or arrogant!
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 16th 2012, 10:19
In my experience over the last 20 years the one thing I have noticed is that tourists get a better deal. By that I mean the Maltese are far more brusque to other Maltese than to toursts.
There is one thing where she is right though- queueing. If she's English, the surest way to annoy an English person is to try and push your way to the head of a queue.
V. Cauchi
Dec 16th 2012, 10:17
Very symptomatic of Malta, indeed. It must be our over-population, endogamic marriages (marrying within our own tribe), Phoenician DNA (a very large percentage of us have these genes). Yet it may be our permanent state of nausea, turning us bitter and nippy in warm humid conditions. There must be an academic reason for it and can form the basis of many well researched theses from various aspects.
Elaine Compagno
Dec 16th 2012, 09:57
"Is there a cultural prejudice against women? " .. to anyone who has lived in a proper civilised country, this is obviously the case here. Those who disagree with me will do so because they know no better.
Dear anonymous, you hit the nail on the head. A deep hidden prejudice not just against women but also against anything 'foreign' or 'different'. It's part of social psychology, I am told. ;)
John Dee
Dec 16th 2012, 11:43
Spot on Elaine - we have even had one landlord who completely ignored my wife if any financial dealings were involved, even though she was the one who paid him!
The answer is probably to choose your friends well, and the majority of Maltese are friendly, helpful and a pleasure to know.
Victor Pulis
Dec 16th 2012, 09:53
''Maybe it's me,'' That's right. Maybe it's you!
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 16th 2012, 12:40
As the Scottish poet Robert Burns said "Would some power the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as others see us". A very appsoite saying.
James Dewar
Dec 16th 2012, 12:52
Well at least she acknowledges the possibility Victor! Hasn't quite convinced herself though and maybe looking for direction!
Please choose the reason of your report below: