Hookah

🛶 Discover one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Blue Grotto excursion, combining dramatic coastal views, a scenic sea-cave boat ride, and free time to explore the area at your own pace. Travel by private bus to the Blue Grotto, admire the famous turtle-shaped cave from the panoramic viewpoint, then enjoy a local boat ride through glowing sea caves where sunlight paints the water in shades of blue and emerald. After the boat tour, enjoy free time by the sea — relax, explore the village, have lunch, or take an optional swim in the Blue Grotto canal. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, sharing the views and the experience. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 10:30, departure at 11:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 16:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from the Blue Grotto – Scenic sea-cave boat ride – Guided walk and full team support – Event coordination and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. Cliffs, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters await you along Malta’s coastline! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

Ready to swap the screen for the tabletop? Whether you’re a "Settlers of Catan" master or you haven't played a board game since "Monopoly," there’s a seat at the table for you! The Vibe: We’re a friendly, international group meeting in the heart of Sliema. It’s all about low-pressure fun, strategic thinking, and meeting new people over a drink. How it Works: • Bring your favorites: Have a game gathering dust at home? Bring it along! • Join a table: No games? No problem. There are always plenty of games to join and people happy to teach you the rules. • The Venue: We meet at the cozy Club Lounge in Sliema. The Essentials: 📍 Location: Club Lounge, Triq Mons. G. Depiro, Sliema 💰 Cost: Free to join! ☕ Support the Venue: We don't charge a fee, so please show some love to our hosts by grabbing a coffee, a beer, or a snack while you play. 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @Malta.Mates

Single? Taken? Just here for the vibes? 🌹✨ This Valentine’s Day, we’re turning the rooftop into the ultimate night out. Join us on February 14th for a Valentine’s Rooftop Party at Marco Polo Rooftop. No pressure. No clichés. Just good music, great international people to meet, and a dance floor under the city lights — with Valentine vibes and decorations setting the mood. Whether you’re coming with friends or flying solo, this is your night. 🕒 WHEN: Saturday 14/02/2026 · from 9PM 📍 WHERE: Marco Polo Hostel Rooftop (St. Julian’s) 🎟️ ENTRANCE: €7.50 (includes a welcome drink — shot or soft drink — plus face painting station) 🎨Valentine Face Paint - choose your colour: 💚 Single 💛 Situationship ❤️ Taken Great beats. Rooftop views. Pure party energy. 🔥 #RooftopParty #ValentinesVibes #NightOutMalta #MarcoPoloHostel #StJulians

🌊 Explore one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Comino & Blue Lagoon excursion, an experience combining scenic cruising, Comino exploration, and free time in the famous crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. Travel by private bus and boat to Comino Island, where turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, sea caves, and Mediterranean landscapes create a truly unforgettable setting. The experience includes a short walk across Comino to discover the island’s landscapes, followed by extended free time at the Blue Lagoon to swim, relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, through shared views, conversations, and the journey itself. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 09:30, departure at 10:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 17:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from Ċirkewwa – Round-trip boat ride to and from Comino – Short guided walk on Comino – Full team support, coordination, and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. LINK A full day of sea, nature, and unforgettable Mediterranean scenery awaits you! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

🎵 Dance, socialize, and celebrate the weekend under the stars at Saturday Rooftop Party, a vibrant international night on one of Malta’s favorite rooftops. Set at the welcoming Marco Polo Rooftop, the night blends relaxed social vibes with an energetic party atmosphere. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s easy to blend in, enjoy the music, and let the night unfold naturally. With two rooftop levels, you can choose your vibe — head upstairs for relaxed conversations and lounge energy, or stay on the main level for music, drinks, and dancing as the party builds throughout the night. 📅 Every Saturday, from 21:00 till late 📍 Marco Polo Rooftop, St Julian’s 🌎 Who joins: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Entry: 6€, including: – A free welcome shot or soft drink – Full access to the rooftop party – Glow-in-the-dark face painting – Until 22:30: friendly team support to help you meet new people, if you like 👉 No booking needed — just show up and enjoy the night. Arriving earlier means easier connections and better drink deals before it gets busy. Bring your best energy — Saturday night is for celebrating ✨ Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

*The Valentine’s Comedy Experiment...* *Speed dates. Blind date game. Stand-up about bad dates.* *This Valentine’s, we’re running a live matchmaking experiment — complete with speed dating, an on-stage blind date disaster, and local comics roasting the whole thing. ⚗️* *What happens:* * *Fill in our 2-minute Google Form before arriving* * *Get speed-dated with someone fun during the show* * *Watch (or join!) a live blind date game* * *Laugh at relationship material from local comics* *Singles, couples, situationships welcome. Low pressure. High chaos. Great laughs.* *📍 Spritz Social Den (Suzie Q), 143 The Strand, Gżira* *🗓 Saturday 14 February* *🕗 Doors 8 PM \| Show 8:30 PM* *🎟 €10* *Matchmaking form:* https://forms.gle/oBYCPLatxdYFjuZ76 *A Two Black Cats Comedy production.*[Tickets](https://www.showshappening.com/Two-Black-Cats-Comedy/the-valentine-s-comedy-experiment)

🛶 Discover one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Blue Grotto excursion, combining dramatic coastal views, a scenic sea-cave boat ride, and free time to explore the area at your own pace. Travel by private bus to the Blue Grotto, admire the famous turtle-shaped cave from the panoramic viewpoint, then enjoy a local boat ride through glowing sea caves where sunlight paints the water in shades of blue and emerald. After the boat tour, enjoy free time by the sea — relax, explore the village, have lunch, or take an optional swim in the Blue Grotto canal. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, sharing the views and the experience. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 10:30, departure at 11:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 16:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from the Blue Grotto – Scenic sea-cave boat ride – Guided walk and full team support – Event coordination and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. Cliffs, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters await you along Malta’s coastline! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

Ready to swap the screen for the tabletop? Whether you’re a "Settlers of Catan" master or you haven't played a board game since "Monopoly," there’s a seat at the table for you! The Vibe: We’re a friendly, international group meeting in the heart of Sliema. It’s all about low-pressure fun, strategic thinking, and meeting new people over a drink. How it Works: • Bring your favorites: Have a game gathering dust at home? Bring it along! • Join a table: No games? No problem. There are always plenty of games to join and people happy to teach you the rules. • The Venue: We meet at the cozy Club Lounge in Sliema. The Essentials: 📍 Location: Club Lounge, Triq Mons. G. Depiro, Sliema 💰 Cost: Free to join! ☕ Support the Venue: We don't charge a fee, so please show some love to our hosts by grabbing a coffee, a beer, or a snack while you play. 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @Malta.Mates

Single? Taken? Just here for the vibes? 🌹✨ This Valentine’s Day, we’re turning the rooftop into the ultimate night out. Join us on February 14th for a Valentine’s Rooftop Party at Marco Polo Rooftop. No pressure. No clichés. Just good music, great international people to meet, and a dance floor under the city lights — with Valentine vibes and decorations setting the mood. Whether you’re coming with friends or flying solo, this is your night. 🕒 WHEN: Saturday 14/02/2026 · from 9PM 📍 WHERE: Marco Polo Hostel Rooftop (St. Julian’s) 🎟️ ENTRANCE: €7.50 (includes a welcome drink — shot or soft drink — plus face painting station) 🎨Valentine Face Paint - choose your colour: 💚 Single 💛 Situationship ❤️ Taken Great beats. Rooftop views. Pure party energy. 🔥 #RooftopParty #ValentinesVibes #NightOutMalta #MarcoPoloHostel #StJulians

🌊 Explore one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Comino & Blue Lagoon excursion, an experience combining scenic cruising, Comino exploration, and free time in the famous crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. Travel by private bus and boat to Comino Island, where turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, sea caves, and Mediterranean landscapes create a truly unforgettable setting. The experience includes a short walk across Comino to discover the island’s landscapes, followed by extended free time at the Blue Lagoon to swim, relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, through shared views, conversations, and the journey itself. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 09:30, departure at 10:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 17:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from Ċirkewwa – Round-trip boat ride to and from Comino – Short guided walk on Comino – Full team support, coordination, and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. LINK A full day of sea, nature, and unforgettable Mediterranean scenery awaits you! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

🎵 Dance, socialize, and celebrate the weekend under the stars at Saturday Rooftop Party, a vibrant international night on one of Malta’s favorite rooftops. Set at the welcoming Marco Polo Rooftop, the night blends relaxed social vibes with an energetic party atmosphere. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s easy to blend in, enjoy the music, and let the night unfold naturally. With two rooftop levels, you can choose your vibe — head upstairs for relaxed conversations and lounge energy, or stay on the main level for music, drinks, and dancing as the party builds throughout the night. 📅 Every Saturday, from 21:00 till late 📍 Marco Polo Rooftop, St Julian’s 🌎 Who joins: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Entry: 6€, including: – A free welcome shot or soft drink – Full access to the rooftop party – Glow-in-the-dark face painting – Until 22:30: friendly team support to help you meet new people, if you like 👉 No booking needed — just show up and enjoy the night. Arriving earlier means easier connections and better drink deals before it gets busy. Bring your best energy — Saturday night is for celebrating ✨ Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

👣 Discover Malta’s natural beauty on our Sunday Hiking Adventure, exploring hidden gems, Mediterranean landscapes, coastal paths, rugged cliffs, and some of the island’s most impressive outdoor areas. Along the way, it’s easy to meet new international people naturally while walking, sharing views, and experiencing the trail together — whether you come alone or with friends. It’s a chance to move, breathe fresh air, connect with nature, and experience a more authentic side of Malta - all while spending your Sunday outdoors. 📅 Every Sunday 🕚 Meet at 10:30, departure at 11:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 16:30, same location 🌎 Who joins: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎯 The hiking destination changes weekly — find the full list of upcoming locations on our website. 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €12.50, including: – Private bus transportation to and from the hiking area – Guided hike and full team support – Event coordination and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking via our website is required. After the hike, those who wish often join for drinks or food together — a relaxed and spontaneous way to unwind and continue the social vibe. See you on the trail! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

*The Valentine’s Comedy Experiment...* *Speed dates. Blind date game. Stand-up about bad dates.* *This Valentine’s, we’re running a live matchmaking experiment — complete with speed dating, an on-stage blind date disaster, and local comics roasting the whole thing. ⚗️* *What happens:* * *Fill in our 2-minute Google Form before arriving* * *Get speed-dated with someone fun during the show* * *Watch (or join!) a live blind date game* * *Laugh at relationship material from local comics* *Singles, couples, situationships welcome. Low pressure. High chaos. Great laughs.* *📍 Spritz Social Den (Suzie Q), 143 The Strand, Gżira* *🗓 Saturday 14 February* *🕗 Doors 8 PM \| Show 8:30 PM* *🎟 €10* *Matchmaking form:* https://forms.gle/oBYCPLatxdYFjuZ76 *A Two Black Cats Comedy production.*[Tickets](https://www.showshappening.com/Two-Black-Cats-Comedy/the-valentine-s-comedy-experiment)

✨ **Wicks & Sips: A Candle-Making Experience** ✨ Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and calm. **Wicks & Sips** offers a beautifully curated candle-making experience designed for every woman who deserves a moment to unwind. 🕯️ **Two Experiences. One Elegant Vibe.** **Creative Experience** Create a custom, single-wick fragrant candle while enjoying light appetizers and cocktail-inspired mocktails in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. **Elevated Experience** *(limited availability)* Step into a more refined experience featuring designer-inspired decorative candle vessels, premium colors and fragrances, and guided instruction to bring your candle vision to life. Enjoy curated appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and cosmopolitan-inspired sips—plus a keepsake takeaway bag to remember the moment. [Purchase Tickets](https://www.thepastry-boutique.com/event-details/wicks-and-sips-a-candle-making-event-1)

**I’m planning future book club meetups and would love your input. Please choose your top three from the list below—your picks will help decide what we read next!** **Book Options** *The Hong Kong Widow* – Kristen Loesch *American Spy* – Lauren Wilkinson *God of the Woods* – Liz Moore *Listen for the Lie* – Amy Tintera *The Swallows* – Lisa Lutz *The Drowning Kind* – Jennifer McMahon *The Eights* – Joanna Miller *The Quiet Librarian* – Allen Eskens Thanks so much for sharing your pick! Please **reply in the comments** with your top three. I can’t wait to see which books rise to the top and to discuss them together at our next meetups.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday February 24 from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends! WE HOPE TO BE COLLECTING SIGNATURES TO OVERTURN SB56. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO JOIN US AND SIGN! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

We will have lunch at Cap City Diner in Gahanna at 12:00 then walk over to the theater afterwards. The Movie Solo Mio starts at 1:20.It will be posted when tickets available to purchase probably the week before then we’ll post our seat number so we can all sit together 😎