10 Things #2

December 2022:

1. Tiny Desk: Stromae. An electrifying performance. More impressive is the fact that they had to recreate the music so that it could be played live. Expected nothing less than amazing from one of my favourite electronic artists of all time.
2. Gross Bixi Pale Ale. My first try of craft beer from San Sebastian. Excellent for easy drinking days. Light and refreshing. Discovered at Pole Pole, Msida Malta.
3. Derek Walcott’s Love After Love. A good poem to turn to after the end of a relationship, focusing on loving the self and becoming whole again.
4. The White Lotus. Cringe comedy. Most of the mischief takes place in a resort. Interesting characters, well-written and layered. Season 2 the superior season.
5. The scoglio pasta from Marrobbio Pizzeria Trattoria, Sliema Malta. Demolished within minutes. Plate polished clean, not a single drop of sauce left.
6. Hainbach. Watched his gig in an actual fort in Malta. Maybe it was the combination of alcohol and lights dimming on and off but it’s the closest thing I’ve experienced to being hypnotised.
7. Solo Vinyl Book Shop, Msida Malta. Possibly the only independent book and record store in all of Malta. Fast becoming one of our favourite places to visit. The owner was also very friendly and helpful.
8. Border Hacker by Levi Vonk. I’ve talked about this book ad nauseam but I am still feeling its profound effects. One of those books I will look back on to say it was responsible for broadening my understanding of America’s ruthless immigration policies. Forever no nations no borders no gods no masters.
9. Maori, Valletta Malta. Tucked under the fort of St Elmo overlooking the sea. Danced to music from the mid to late 90s surrounded by artists, queers, rebels, and punks. Had our best night here the first time we came to Malta.
10. This Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton medley from Miley’s New Year Eve’s Special. The transition from Wrecking Ball to I Will Always Love You is certainly going to send chills down the spine.