About 3 years ago in September 2015, while I was walking through the streets of Paris, my cell phone rang and it was a bounty hunter on the line. Thus began, without me knowing it at the time, my Grenadian adventure. Today, after more than two and a half years on this magical island, my Grenadian adventure is about to end and a new one is about to begin. In the following lines, I will try to explain why I decided to make the change and how all of this will affect not only my blog but also my tours of Paris.
So why am I leaving Guernsey and where am I moving to?
As you have read in my articles and seen on my Facebook page, Guernsey It is a magical island, peaceful and with simply lovely people. So why did I decide to leave now? There are several reasons for this:
Career
Although I am quite a Francophile, I did not come to Guernsey as mentioned above because Victor Hugo But because of the career. As you can learn From my LinkedIn profileI work as a marketing, customer portfolio and sales manager in the online gaming sector.
eyecon The company that brought me to Guernsey is a great company and I am very lucky that my colleagues in the office are lovely people. Add to that that, unlike in the country, in Guernsey there is a balance between work and everything that happens outside of it, which has allowed me to invest quite a bit in the blog. I could have certainly stayed in this comfort zone for a few more years, but I decided it was time to move on. Why, you ask?
The reason for this is that I have discovered throughout my life that the best things happen when you step out of your comfort zone, and if you continue in the same position for a long time, you simply degenerate. About a month ago, another company approached me and offered me a senior but very challenging position. When I spoke to the managers at this company, I felt exactly the same feeling that I felt when I interviewed for the position in Guernsey. It was a strong gut feeling that told me that this was the right thing to do. So yes, I am taking a huge risk here and stepping out of my comfort zone, but I have every hope that it will be said that “when you step out, you reach wonderful worlds.”
loneliness
I know that quite a few people who are exposed to the photos from Guernsey and the articles I've published about it are quite jealous of me. However, beyond the sights of paradise and the good food that Guernsey abounds in, there is also quite a bit of loneliness.
The population of Guernsey is around 60,000. The people there are friendly and I also had lovely hosts who invited me to their homes almost every weekend and took me for walks around the island. But that was pretty much the end of my social life. The welcome side effect of this was the amount of free time I had to devote to blogging and promoting it, but it made me feel like a monk sitting in a cell in a monastery copying an old scroll.
And speaking of Nazir, I am currently (2018) 41 years old and feel ready for a relationship, as I wrote in a previous article Francophile Wanted. Guernsey, unfortunately, is a great place for married people (especially if they have children) but for singles, the place is not so suitable. Add to that the fact that I am looking for a Jewish partner and am mainly attracted to Israeli women and you will understand that in the field of relationships, Guernsey can't really give me much. Over the years, I have tried to maintain a number of romantic relationships with women from Israel and it simply didn't work out because of the distance and the difficulty of getting to Guernsey (or my difficulty getting to Israel enough times a year).
Since on the one hand I am interested in a relationship and on the other hand I am not interested in returning to Israel yet, I needed to move to a place where there would be a significant Israeli community and where it would be easy for me to make forays into Israel whenever necessary.
Extraction
As you have probably learned, Guernsey is a wonderful place and the islands around it are even more wonderful. However, in the end there is only one place that I will probably never find and that is Paris. Guernsey, with all its charm and views has not yet become Paris and after more than two years of traveling and tasting I feel exhausted by the Guernsey experience.
Add to all this the annoying fact that there are no direct flights from Guernsey to Paris and back. If you look at the map, you will find that if you fly directly from Guernsey to Paris, it should not take more than half an hour. However, the lack of direct flights creates an absurd situation where if you leave Tel Aviv for Paris and I leave from Guernsey, there is a good chance that you will arrive first…
Welcome to Malta
All of the above reasons made me decide to end my job at my current company and move to work for a new company located on the island. Malta.
For me, Malta is a perfect place for all my needs:
Professional promotion
I can't talk too much about my new role or the company I'm going to work for at this point (if you want to know, you're welcome to follow me on LinkedIn), but I can say that it's a fascinating role and I'm very excited about the challenge it poses. Add to that the fact that Malta is considered one of the largest centers in the world in the field of online gaming, where I work. Hence, this will allow me to expand my professional social network (and on the way to spread Francophilia to many more people 🙂 ).
Israeli and Jewish population
Unlike Guernsey, where I was almost the only Israeli for the past year (there is another former Israeli guy who works in Guernsey as a veterinarian), Malta has a population of Israelis and even a Chabad house. Add to that the fact that a really good friend of mine and her partner live in Malta and you will understand that my social life is probably finally about to improve.
And most importantly, there are direct flights from Malta to Israel that take about two and a half hours, which will allow me to visit the country more frequently and finally try to develop a relationship.
Beauty and history
Malta's landscape may not be as beautiful as Guernsey (let's face it, it's pretty ugly) but the buildings and cathedrals more than make up for it. Add to that the fact that this island has a rich and fascinating history and you'll understand that for me, it's a paradise where I can discover quite a few secrets and beauty.
And I haven't even said anything about the local food to discover, the short distance to Sicily, and most importantly...direct flights to Paris!
And how does all this affect my tours in Paris?
There's nothing I love more than walking with people in Paris and showing them its hidden and magical corners (while endlessly reciting anecdotes about the sex lives of the marquises and marchionesses who lived there).
The problem is that these trips require a huge investment of time in marketing, endless emails, and logistical organization. Since I am moving to a new and demanding role that will require quite a bit of my time and energy, I have decided at this point to freeze the trips and not launch any new tours in Paris in the near future.
This doesn't mean I'll never travel to Paris again with other Francophiles, but I need some time off to think about how I can do this with my current career. Until I find a solution that will allow me to travel with you on the one hand and not have to deal with logistics at all on the other, let me recommend:
- Excellent guides who speak Hebrew and English.
- Great culinary tours (in English) at fair prices.
And finally…
During the month of October 2018, one chapter of my life is about to end and another chapter will begin on another island. What will happen and where will it all lead me? I have no idea how to answer this question, but I have every hope that the adventure in Malta will be just as magical as the one in Guernsey.
And a final question for my loyal readers: Malta is not related to France (except for the fact that its capital is named after a French nobleman). I am very hesitant about writing about it in the blog and I wanted to hear your opinion. Would you like to read about Malta here, read about it in another blog or maybe I should give up the idea and continue writing only about France?
You are welcome to comment on the article and tell me your opinion.
I enjoyed getting to know you in an honest article.
I follow and love the existing site and would be happy to follow the recommendations in Malta.
We haven't been there yet and I hope I can learn from you.
Good luck with the relocation and good luck in the future with your relationship and fulfilling your dreams.
deer,
I've been following you for a few years now. There is a 'brotherhood of bloggers' among us and I wish you an easy and pleasant transition, a challenge at work and, most of all, great love that will fill your life.
Thank you very much Yael 🙂
Hi Zvi, I'm glad to read that you're challenging yourself and that you're opening up new horizons for yourself every time. I wish you success in everything and I hope to see you on your tour in Paris. From my last visit, I realized that when you do things with love, it carries over. The guy we traveled with was cute, but he's not you.
I would love to read and hear from you, Dovi, and I wish you well on your journey.
safe trip.
Thank you very much and warm regards to Dobi 🙂
Whatever, your blog is great, and I'm sending it as a link to all my Israeli friends who are planning to come to Paris. I, who have lived there for more than 20 years, still learn new things every time I visit your blog. Thank you! And good luck.
Thank you very much Karen. That's a very big compliment for me 🙂
All that's left for me to say is good luck wherever you are.
Thank you very much 🙂
Hi, we've been friends on Facebook for a short time. I went through your posts, and also came across your blog.
I regret not having met you and not taking advantage of the tours you organize in Paris.
I will definitely use the tips you give. And I will consider using you on my next trip to Paris/France.
Good luck in Malta.
Thank you very much 🙂
I would love to read about Malta too! The love for France and Paris is unquestionable, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for exploring other wonderful regions… You’re a charming writer and always detail interesting and horizon-broadening anecdotes. Coming to Malta too! Good luck
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck to you, deer!
I think you should leave the Francophile blog to France. Because it's complicated to build something new for Malta.
Maybe you could open a subblog within the existing blog whose topic would be Malta. A subtopic. That would be separate.
Good luck and success to you!
Thank you very much 🙂
Hello Zvi,
Thank you for your investment, for your passion for France and Paris, and I wish you success in Malta.
It would be nice to include Malta in the current blog.
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck! I would really appreciate articles from Malta.
Thank you very much 🙂
A moving, sensitive and human article, in all your articles you can experience, smell, taste almost tangibly. Personally, I would be happy to continue reading your articles, whether it is Malta or Antarctica. I wish you success on the new island, continue to experience and share with us. Happy New Year.
Thank you very much and Happy New Year 🙂
You and I don't know each other.
In contrast, Paris and I know each other very well – and many of the rights to that are reserved for you…
It takes considerable self-awareness and courage to implement such difficult decisions. And it takes a considerable amount of honesty and love of humanity to expose oneself like this to all the residents of the virtual Francophilia district 🙂
I wish you a bright new path and I am sure you will succeed in all your endeavors.
Regarding the blog – I think it’s worth separating. A new path – a new blog.
And besides, the Francophile blog and community are already established, large, and embedded.
The maltophile project is still in its infancy.
Hello Adina.
I was happy to hear that I have some rights in your Francophilia 🙂
deer
Zvi, your words come from the heart, a pleasure to read, good luck in Malta…. Guernsey is charming through your eyes and Paris…..Paris will always remain special to me…
I would love to read about Malta.
I visited Malta and loved it.
Thank you very much, Mali.
Good luck, Zvi!
Good luck. Malta is great in every way. It's nice to make changes. Contact the guide who lives there, Lihi Ziv and she will help you.
Ada East
Thank you very much 🙂
Thank you very much 🙂
First of all, good luck in your new position!
It's a pleasure to read your texts, no matter what the topic.
I would love to read about Malta – an interesting place with a fascinating history.
And above all – good luck finding the one.
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck and much success. I would certainly like to hear your stories. Many wishes for enjoyment and satisfaction from this process.
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck in the next chapter of your life. You are a wonderful writer and your honesty is captivating.
Sarit
Thank you very much 🙂
First of all, good luck on your new journey. I'm sorry you're giving up on Paris. As I wrote to you on Facebook, I was planning to travel there with you. But I definitely intend to read your blog if I actually go there.
As for Malta… um…. I don’t really like it. For me, its only advantage is that it’s easy to get to beautiful Sicily. I would be happy to read more about France in general and Paris in particular. Maybe you should leave this blog for tricolor experiences?
Hi Lior.
Paris will stay and I believe that someday I will also make trips there. When and how is the question…
deer
You're awesome, man. Congratulations on this huge step. Good luck, buddy.
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck, dear friend. I am very happy to hear that the field of relationships is becoming important and that you are coming closer to us.
As for Malta, I believe it is worth another blog… although it is certainly a big investment…
But I believe that this excellent blog should maintain the purity of Frenchness.
Maybe a post about the French in Malta
We will be in touch and good luck again. Your honesty and directness are the key to success.
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck in your new job.
I personally would be very happy if you continued writing about Malta here on the blog. I don't see it as a 'mixing' between the 'sacred' and the 'profane'; on the contrary, both you and we would benefit from it.
You will have to learn about Malta so that your articles will be learned and educated, and at the same time, until you feel like a 'fish in the sea,' you will still have contact with some of those who followed and comforted you from Israel.
Don't cut this connection too soon. You've worked pretty hard and invested quite a bit to make your blog a huge success.
And again, good luck with all the goals you've set for yourself, after all, 'the kid is already 41'... fingers crossed for you.
Hi Anat.
Thank you very much for the lovely response. Let me just be precise: the blog about France will continue at full steam, I'm only freezing the trips, and that too temporarily, until I know what's going on with me and find a way to integrate them into my new life in Malta.
deer
My dear friend Zvi,
First, I wish you much success and enjoyment in your new role, and I hope from the bottom of my heart that you will find your special one who will fill the missing part in your heart. Second, I certainly hope that you will enrich my world with impressions and posts about Malta. You have a special way of describing places and I love reading what you write. As for Paris, I will use the variety of advice you published in the Francophile post.
Good luck friend ♥
Thank you very much Chaya 🙂
Good luck Zvi. I'm sure you'll write about Malta whether we like it or not (why wouldn't we??). It's in your DNA :-). Have fun and be successful in your new job. And Paris will always be waiting for you there.
Thank you very much 🙂
You are a real cutie.
There is no doubt that changes in life are a refreshing thing, it looks like you made the right decision!
“It is not good for a person to be alone…” Absolutely so, I wish you success in your relationship.
I'm glad I was exposed to your blog. We are at home lovers of France and with French roots, I have no doubt.
On this month's trip, and the next one after it, because there will be no doubt 🙂 We will use your material.
Regarding Malta, I would make a decision after feeling and experiencing the place and understanding whether there is enough interest in it...
Good luck, deer.
Hey deer
It's always good to get to know more destinations, so we would definitely love to receive experiences from Malta, especially the kind you know how to convey.
And of course we won't forget the trip to Guernsey and of course the lovely evening with you and your parents.
We wish you success, enjoyment, and satisfaction from your work and new place.
Who knows, maybe we'll meet in Malta too :)
Regards, Tvasa and Yoram Indik
Thank you very much Twasa. It was great fun meeting you in Guernsey and I hope to see you one day in Paris or Malta 🙂
Dear Zvi, I appreciate your blog and articles to date. It's fun to read and get to know Paris and its history from your perspective. I wish you complete success and enjoyment in your new location. Of course, I would be happy to continue reading your blog about Paris and any other place. I wish you success in everything!
Thank you very much 🙂
You are a real cutie!!
It seems like you made the right decision. Change is a refreshing thing.
"It is not good for man to be alone..." So, good luck in finding a suitable relationship.
I'm glad I came across your blog, I have no doubt we'll use it on our upcoming trip (of course, how fun, 19 more days) and also on our trip.
Next (of course it will be…) Still has French roots….-)
Regarding Malta, I would make a decision after getting to know the place, learning about it, and understanding whether you find it interesting and whether the place “does” it for you…
Good luck, deer.
Thank you very much Pnina 🙂
deer
I really enjoy the site and see no problem with you sharing, with the help of your blessed writing talent, everything you have to say about Malta.
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to participate in your tours in Paris, but I hope that despite the freeze, it will happen in the future.
Good luck on your new path and especially in finding a relationship.
Thank you very much 🙂
Dear Zvi, I have been following you and your journey for several years now and I really enjoy the path you are taking, I am sure you will continue to achieve and succeed. I would love to hear about your experiences in Malta, it is always fun to get to know another destination from a different perspective. Good luck!!
Thank you very much 🙂
Chapeau for stepping out of your comfort zone! I'm excited for you about the new beginnings and wish you creativity, satisfaction, success and love! Of course, I'd be happy to continue reading you on any topic you choose to write about.
You are a charming writer and it is very interesting to read you. It is clear that I want you to write about Malta or any other place.
You have a unique way of conveying information that is interesting, intriguing, and enriching.
Good luck and to all the wonderful beginnings that await you,
Thank you very much 🙂
First, I wish you great success. I got to know you a little through the blog, you are talented, charismatic, thorough and eloquent, and I have no doubt that you will succeed.
I follow the blog eagerly, and share my love for Paris with you. It seems to me that Malta is a bit out of the realm… when you get to know it enough and feel like helping the masses of Israelis who come there, but do so to the best of your ability. But in my opinion, it’s a different kind of vacation/trip, different travelers, a different kind of blog… without our infatuation…
Thank you very much for the important feedback.
I really enjoyed the article.
I would very much like to read about Malta and I have no doubt that you will find the connections between Malta and France.
So keep writing and we will keep reading your articles.
Good luck in the new place.
Thank you very much 🙂
First and foremost, we wish you great success.
Your articles are fascinating, inspiring, and we have already implemented some of your insights.
Thank you. Varda and June.
Thank you very much 🙂
I was happy to meet you through Facebook and wish you great success in both your personal and professional life.
Thank you very much 🙂
Dear Zvi,
It's so delightful to read you. I would love to continue reading about Malta and every new place you experience.
I agree with what one of the followers said here about creating a separation between France and other places (you also mentioned Sicily), maybe anonymous Europhiles?
Hi Mika. Thank you very much for the wishes and the idea about the anonymous Europhiles 🙂
Dear Zvi, sending many wishes for great success on your new path.
It's a little sad that you won't be touring Paris right now, but I hope you'll come back to it...
Anyway, I hope you have time for the blog, because I'm much more than happy to read it.
And yes, why not hear a little about Malta? You'll probably discover 'wonderful things' there.
And again - good luck
Orit
Thank you very much 🙂
Dear Zvi, good luck in your new and challenging role. Congratulations on your courage to make a dramatic change. I wish you success in all areas, including your relationship. What is certain is that philanthropy cannot be replaced or changed, so one area of your life remains and I hope it will continue to blossom and enrich so many!
Thank you.
deer,
Good luck in all your new directions in Malta – the only country in the European Union with a Semitic language, as its former foreign minister told me 🙂
I hope to continue reading more tips about Paris on the blog, and maybe someday I'll manage to come with a new group of students and get guidance from you in the City of Lights 🙂
Maya
Thank you very much Maya 🙂
Great article! Good luck with the new job and with the transition (not easy) and of course I would love to read about Malta!
Thank you .
Thank you very much 🙂
First of all – I am in favor of changes, and I am also sure that you will make the most of them. So good luck in all areas: work, relationships, and discovering new territories.
Second – I’ve heard a lot of opinions about Malta, some of them praiseworthy and some less so. I’m sure you’ll find the beauty and interest in this country and present it to us, in a separate blog, in all its glory.
Good luck hahaha
Thank you very much Eti for the advice.
I would love it if you wrote about Malta. I will be there soon.
Good luck and have fun.
And keep writing. When it's convenient and necessary for you, when you have something to tell and you choose to share.
And back to the beginning
Good luck and have fun!
Good luck!
I only discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and yet I feel as if I was born into it. Changes are a wonderful thing. I too have made some in the past year. Not easy, but challenging and important. I am sure you will succeed. As for the separation fence, I have no position. Do whatever you think is right. I will also read you in a Chinese minaret on an ancient field… And now, since you have awakened in me the desire for historical tours (not that it has ever waned), I will go ahead of you on your mission to Normandy, and drive my old Citroen on Tuesday morning, straight towards the beginning of the route, the Pegasus Bridge… Although the weather forecast is a bit inclement, so was the case for the British commandos who landed there in gliders, so what can I complain about?
Goodbye,
דני
Unfortunately, I was exposed to your blog too late, but I can attest that I have read almost everything you have published so far. I am much older than you, but envy consumes me, what wonderful jobs and great experiences you collect along the way. I really enjoyed the articles and the writing. And to your question of whether to write about Malta, then the big answer is yes!!!
Hi Edna, thank you very much. And it's never too late to start my blog.