French Expats in Malta Reconsider Air Conditioning Aversion in Heatwave
In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Merchant Street, the usually bustling cafes and shops have seen a lull this week. The thermometer has climbed to a scorching 38°C, and the usually lively atmosphere is replaced by a collective sigh of discomfort. The reason? A heatwave that’s got Maltese residents sweating, and French expats in Malta rethinking their aversion to air conditioning.
When ‘Terre de Chaleur’ Meets ‘Isola del Sole’
Malta, with its Mediterranean climate, is no stranger to summer heat. But this week’s heatwave has been particularly intense, even for locals. For French expats, however, it’s been a rude awakening. Known for their love of the outdoors and a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to weather, many French expats in Malta have traditionally shunned air conditioning, preferring to ‘suffer’ in the heat rather than rely on what they see as an unnecessary luxury.
Changing Minds in the Heat of the Moment
But as temperatures soared and the streets of Sliema and St. Julian’s sizzled, even the most die-hard of French expats have been reconsidering their stance. “I’ve always been against air conditioning,” admits Marie-Claire, a French teacher living in Msida. “But this week, I’ve found myself dreaming of a cool classroom. I might just have to cave in and get it installed.”
Marie-Claire is not alone. Local hardware stores have reported a surge in inquiries about air conditioning units, with many French expats finally giving in to the heat. “We’ve seen a significant increase in sales this week,” confirms Tony, a sales representative at a popular hardware store in Birkirkara. “And a lot of our customers are French expats who’ve finally decided to bite the bullet.”
Malta’s Air Conditioning Dilemma
While the heatwave has led to a shift in attitudes among French expats, it also highlights a broader issue in Malta. Despite the island’s high temperatures, air conditioning is not as widespread as in other Mediterranean countries. According to a recent study, only around 40% of Maltese homes have air conditioning, compared to over 90% in countries like Greece and Italy.
This is partly due to the high cost of installation and running, as well as the fact that many older buildings in Malta are not designed to accommodate air conditioning units. But it’s also a reflection of a cultural attitude towards air conditioning, with many Maltese people preferring to open their windows and let the sea breeze in, rather than rely on technology.
However, with climate change leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, this attitude may be changing. As temperatures continue to rise, more and more people in Malta, including French expats, may be forced to reconsider their stance on air conditioning.
