8 Times Loyalty In Malta Is (Very Handsomely) Rewarded
Good things come to those who are loyal, and Malta takes that to a whole new level. Here are eight types of loyal people who get some of the best perks in the world as a reward:
1. Super nanna perks
For many people out there, this is one of life’s very first lessons in loyalty. Making sure you visit nanna and calling her every now and then lands you a slightly larger present than your cousins, the largest piece of timpana whenever you drop by, and an extra coin or two slipped into your pocket when your parents aren’t looking.
2. The bluest and reddest of them all
Prove your unshakeable allegiance to your political party and get rewarded in the best way possible…by standing right behind the big man himself whenever there’s a mass meeting or a public appearance. As eternal of a show of loyalty as they get in Malta.
3. Regular free food is the best
What starts off as bars and restaurants remembering their loyal customers’ order every time quickly escalates into free food, a drink on the house, and perhaps even a secret menu item or two.
“Ara sieħbi! Trid nagħmillek burger bil-prawns xbin?!”
4. Holy perks
How do you think they choose who gets to read or be in charge of the church offertory? It’s only the loyalest of the bunch that get this honourable perk, and let’s face it; we’ve all wanted to run around a church shaking a cane basketful of coins at one point or another.
5. The amazing ‘pay me later’ perk
Nothing screams reward more than dashing off to your local corner-store, and getting the wink and a subtle “tinkwetax, ħallasni wara”. Other family members also end up getting the same perk, so it’s even more amazing when you practically get stuff for free because your mother will be paying later.
6. Getting to meet your favourite celeb
This one is extra special in Malta. Every artist in the world has super fans, but if you’re very loyal to your Maltese musical hero, it’s only a matter of time until you actually get to meet them. Thank God for small countries and infinite connections.
7. Literally carrying your reward on your shoulders
There’s a difference between going to your festa every year, and carrying the actual statue. And you only get that extra reward if you happen to be ultra loyal.
8. Real friends give you everything
The be-all and end-all of loyalty perks.
We manage to bum so many drinks, lifts and even a privileged role at weddings, and it’s all thanks to our undying loyalty to our brothers from another mother and sisters from another mister.