Feb – May 2018

Malta Placement

February 2018 - May 2019 Read more

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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 43
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 10:15 AM
⛅ 8 °C
Altitude: 62 m
Malta Malta International Airport 35.85411, 14.4832835°51’15” N 14°28’60” E
Day 43 Goodbye from Caris
April 4, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
A final run with Caris on the sea front then back to Leeds to finish her dissertation. What a delightful activity packed few days - I am going to miss you and I still don't like goodbyes 😢 xx
Emma Harvey-RobinsonAww it looks like you’ve had an amazing time so far! The weather looks gorgeous on some of the pics 😍 glad to see you’re still running too 😉 big hugs - over half way and you can always FaceTime when she’s back xxx
4/7/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 44
Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 10:43 AM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.8616, 14.5596735°51’42” N 14°33’35” E
Week 6: The big clean!
April 5, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
Short but crazy week cleaning the multi sensory rooms. Grace and I were left in charge with only half the information and little or no resources to complete the task as required by our educator! Good job we are both resourceful and enjoy problem solving! Lovely to get to know some of the volunteers and maintenance guys. Emer from Ireland who is considering OT as a career, quiet Guillaume and friendly Arno from France. Patrick who has worked for many years at Inspire and Sem who called himself Jack -because my name is Gill! They all helped make an impossible task achievable even if it couldn't be done as per the instructions! Hoping week 7 will be more Occupational therapy focused?Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 46
Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 10:01 AM
☀️ 6 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.8626, 14.558835°51’45” N 14°33’32” E
Day 46: Feeling like a local!
April 7, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C
Got my hair and eyes done today and enjoyed the sunshine!
Sem who we met yesterday took us to his son's cafe Jacob's Brew - pay it forward. Such an inspirational story. After contracting meningitis at aged 15 Jacob was left with extensive brain damage and physical disability. After 5 years of therapy he is now fully independent and occupationally engaged. The cafe operate a system whereby paying customers are given a token offering free tea/coffee to pass on to another family going through trauma and in need of support.Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 47
Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 7:55 PM
🌙 10 °C
Altitude: 102 m
Malta Ta’ Ħaġrat 35.91949, 14.3663935°55’10” N 14°21’59” E
Day 47: Festa Frawli
April 8, 2018 in Malta ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
Today we were not impressed with the buses!
It seemed like the whole of Malta was heading to Mgarr for the Strawberry festival so many buses were full and did not stop.
However 3 hours later we arrived in the north of the island for the annual celebration of the spring strawberry harvest. Yes I know I don't really like strawberries but these are Mgarr strawberries which are delicious!
So Grace and I indulged in strawberry treats - smoothies, milkshakes, cheesecake, mille feuille, profiteroles..Oh and two punnets and some muffins to bring home. Grace nearly bought a rabbit too!Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 48
Monday, April 9, 2018
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.86241, 14.5569935°51’45” N 14°33’25” E
Week 7: Assessments and interventions
April 9, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Had two very therapeutics sessions with clients this week. One using intensive interaction which resulted in direct eye contact and a smile! I am told by Bill Wong no less that this is s huge step - feeling very accomplished 😀 The second was planning and delivering a graded activity to increase participation working on gross motor skills of balance and coordination. Used the large aerobics balls to sit on while playing catch with a small ball. This stimulated alertness, enabling completion of an obstacle course. Massive achievement for 2 very passive clients.
Sorting out the toys for sensory play as part of the service improvements. Not a vast selection avaliable but the cupboard is now organised.
Very productive week which ended with constructive supervision covering the last 3 weeks. Lost a client in the ball pool too can you spot him?
Had to have a celebratory pint (or two...) for Caris submitting her dissertation, which I really enjoyed proof reading xxRead more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 54
Sunday, April 15, 2018
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Malta Il-Bajja ta’ San Tumas 35.85038, 14.5645635°51’1” N 14°33’52” E
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Day 54: Swimming!
April 15, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Lots of work to do this weekend on learning outcomes so appreciated a very cold windy day on Saturday making it very unpleasant to go out. Still managed a run and a visit to church for some spiritual and occupational balance. Lovely to have a netflix night with Grace although we spent most of the time sharing pictures and stories about our families 😊 which I think helped Grace who is feeling a little homesick.
Sunday was very warm and pleasant so after morning coffee headed to St Thomas' beach. Although the sea was some what rough I took the plunge and went swimming 🤤 It was quite invigorating! Think this may have given Grace the courage to try it next time!Read more
Traveler Very brave Gill. Xx
4/16/18Reply
Traveler 😎 X looking good!
4/18/18Reply
Emma Harvey-RobinsonAww loving the pics and the Occupational balance!
4/26/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 55
Monday, April 16, 2018
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.86176, 14.5597135°51’42” N 14°33’35” E
Week 8: Sensory profiles and more.
April 16, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Okay I admit it I am aching all over - too much romping around softplay rooms I think! A massage has been booked...
Suddenly I have a lot of work to do - assessments to write up, sensory profiles to score and interpret, SOAP notes to do, reflections to think about, sensory strategies to research, reflections to complete, praxis skills to research a VIVA to prepare and jobs to apply for. Where does the time go!
A busy week ended with another bone shaking bus ride to the airport this time to meet my biggest sister Lynne 😀
There are lots of feral cats in Malta that will actually sleep anywhere!Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 60
Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 5:43 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 45 m
Malta Il-Palazz ta’ Sant’Anton 35.8962, 14.4471235°53’46” N 14°26’50” E
Day 60: Mumbles in Mosta
April 21, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Bumpy bus ride to Mosta to see the domed church which survived (by divine intervention they say) being bombed during WW2 despite taking a direct hit that did not detonate. Magnificent ceiling where if you look closely can just make out where the bomb entered.
Found our way to San Anton Palace and gardens for some flora and fauna - which were mainly cats and terrapins. Very colourful and scented flowers though.
Lovely meal in the Melita Garden restaurant to end the day before the bumpy bus ride back.Read more
TravelerSuch a lovely day together xx
4/21/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 61
Sunday, April 22, 2018
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Malta Kalanka tal- Qali 35.83293, 14.5623535°49’59” N 14°33’44” E
Day 61: Bites Bruises and Blisters
April 22, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Took a 7.6km walk to St Peter's Pool to enjoy the sunshine, dramatic cliffs and a picnic! Picked up a few mosquito bites and a blister on the way - darn it 😯
Ended the weekend with Lynne in Tal Familja Resturant (appropriately named) eating traditional Maltese dishes. Definately the best meal I have had so far 😊Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 63
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 11:27 AM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.8624, 14.5569835°51’45” N 14°33’25” E
Week 9: Placement passing by so quickly!
April 24, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Oh my it is week 9 already! Although I am ready for home there is still so much to do and learn. I do not feel at all prepared for my VIVA 😣 Placement is going by quickly! Having to indulge in a few iced beers and lattes to keep working on learning outcomes in the sunshine!
When working at the Bulebel site I pass a catering company displaying wedding cakes not too dissimilar to the size I used to do... got me wonder if only things had been different... but then I wouldn't be here in Malta completing a degree..strange where life takes you 😀Read more
Emma Harvey-RobinsonYes it’s gone so fast!! I’m sure you’ve learned more than you think. Not to worry about the VIVA, plenty of time for rehearsal....after a catch up 😄💬🤓🍷
4/26/18Reply
TravelerYou'll be fine Gilly. I'm sure you'll get all the info you'll need. Xx
4/27/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 66
Friday, April 27, 2018
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Malta Qrajten Point 35.83917, 14.5442835°50’21” N 14°32’39” E
Malta firework festival
April 27, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Well my day started off with a sports massage.OMG so painful but in a good way! Turns out I have damaged my hamstring in my right leg and have several knots across my shoulders. Half an hour just not long enough so booked another appt.
Then had my hair done as I am fed up of my frizzy hairstyle!
Lovely to spend the evening with Grace and her sister Kirsty browsing the stalls and watching the fireworks in Marsaxlokk. All was well until time to go home when we discovered none of special service buses were going in our direction!
Our choice was a 2hr bus trip or 50min walk or a really expensive 15min taxi ride. We choose the latter after managing to negotiate a cheaper ride after the taxi drivers nearly came to blows about it!Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 67
Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.86372, 14.5615335°51’49” N 14°33’42” E
Reflecting on / in alcohol
April 28, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Why do I find reflections so difficult??
Gave up at 5.00pm and decided to go buy some vegetables. Bumped into Mary with her lively Irish accent in the irish bar Lemon & Lime. Mary works at Inspire. I got back at 11pm with no vegetables. Great to have a drinky buddy for an evening 😁 needless to say there are no photos.Read more
TravelerDid you really expect to find vegetables in the bar? Ha ha
5/8/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 68
Sunday, April 29, 2018
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 49 m
Malta Pjazza Regina 35.89853, 14.5133335°53’55” N 14°30’48” E
Delightful treats
April 29, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Charming day out to Caffe Cordina Valletta with Grace and Kirsty who are like peas in a pod!
Managed to succeed in my mission for a wedding gift, 🤗 just hope the colours compliment the outfits! 🤔
Watched a peaceful protest in honour of a journalist killed by a car bomb which they don't believe has been investigated thoroughly.Read more
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 70
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Malta Ir-Ramla tal Mixquqa 35.93387, 14.3444635°56’2” N 14°20’40” E
Reluctant Beach day
May 1, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Another public holiday allowing Grace and I a day away from the ball pool!
Headed all the way up to the north of the island to check out Golden Bay. Not my favourite kind of beach but at least we had a sun lounger and an all important brolly for some shade for me! I am struggling at the moment as really ready for home. Missing my girls and very depleted in oxytocin (lack of hugs!). Managed to russle up enthusiasm to have another swim though in the beautifully clear sea. Still waiting for Grace to dip in her toe - next time she says!
The bus journey took 2 hours each way so we were glad to return to our favourite bar for a hot chocolate at the end of the day.Read more
Emma Harvey-RobinsonOhh that looks lovely and hot! Hahaha since your reflecting in/on alcohol sticking to the hot chocolates as opposed to cold beers? 😉😘 xx P.s. I’ll be sure to help reinstate oxytocin levels promptly on arrival back to the UK ☺️ not long x
5/1/18Reply
TravelerHang in there Gill - less than 2 weeks now. Sending big hugs 😤😘
5/2/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 73
Friday, May 4, 2018
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.86169, 14.5596435°51’42” N 14°33’35” E
Week 10 Frustrated
May 4, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Having to remind myself of the mission statement of Inspire to help me remain focused on what I am here to achieve!
It's been a frustrating 10 weeks with lots of things planned that never materialise. It seems there is always a reason why things cannot be done instead of looking at and actually doing what can be done with the resources and time avaliable.
It made me sad to wander around the gardens of Inspire that were once beautiful and accessible to all. They are now neglected and abandoned. The horses and planting area too need some TLC. Funding of course is an issue but I don't think that's the only reason especially when there is a team of willing volunteers and students who are desperate for a project but instead just have to wait.....
Week ended with a meeting with the CEO and CSO who bamboozled me with all the reasons why things can't be done. And there lies the problem. I now feel as disillusioned as the rest of the staff. I am so ready for home!Read more
Emma Harvey-RobinsonI’m sure you’ve still had a positive impact on the place - just with your presence ☺️ almost home time, and I can’t wait to see you!! xxx
5/7/18Reply
TravelerCan't 'like' this post as it's so sad that so much is left undone. I think it's a cultural thing - look at the building sites around the whole island. Tomorrow tomorrow. ....
5/8/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 74
Saturday, May 5, 2018
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 102 m
Malta Villa Rundle 36.04247, 14.2407736°2’33” N 14°14’27” E
Non stop whistle stop tour
May 5, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Of Gozo, Comino Island and Blue Lagoon.
40min bus ride to Valletta. 20min ferry to Sliema. 90min Cruise to Gozo. 30min bus tour round Gozo, with 90mins to sightsee and shop. 30min cruise to Comino island. 75min to walk and swim round Blue lagoon, before the 3hr return journey - Not the most relaxing of days!
Note to self- check out the 'cruise' ship prior to buying a ticket. We were with Supreme cruises - there was nothing supreme about it!!
Gozo is pretty in places but I had a dodgy pattizzi which isn't pleasant when you are on a boat. The blue lagoon is definitely blue and very clear but the beach area is smaller then my lounge and full of people and catering vans selling over inflated cocktails and thin burgers.
We swam in the sea - yes Grace too - as at least you could get away from the crowds!Read more
TravelerThe sea is amazing shame about the crowds and burger vans xx
5/8/18Reply
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Malta Placement Gillian Michael
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Day 82
Sunday, May 13, 2018
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Malta Wied il-Għajn 35.86165, 14.559635°51’42” N 14°33’35” E
Week 11: And so it ends....
May 13, 2018 in Malta ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Or is it just the begining?
82 days in Malta and our placement ends. So glad to have spent it with Grace - my Malta OT buddy.🤗
A week of mixed emotions final documents, hand overs and goodbyes. I can't believe it's over, yet I am so ready for home. Did a final visit to coffee circus for some avocado lime and coconut ice cream - delicious . Check out how much the cacti has grown in 3 months!
Feeling of great accomplishment to end with a distinction for both of us.👩🏼‍🎓👩‍🎓Read more
TravelerWell done Gill. You deserve the distinction. Hope to see you soon xx
5/15/18Reply
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Trip end
May 14, 2018