Goodbye and farewell to the lira

On the stroke of midnight, Malta waved goodbye to its currency. Out of a sense of nostalgia, some will store a few coins for safekeeping. But most seem to be taking the changeover in their stride.

Frida Ebejer, 64, from Paola
Change will always have an impact on your feelings, but I'm not too attached to the lira. Overall, I'm excited and looking forward to using our new currency. The only problem is getting used to the prices of everyday food items.

Shaun Ellul, 19, from Qrendi
I've been thinking a lot about letting go of our lira. It's a bit hard not to cling to your own currency. However, the advantage of the euro is that we can use it anywhere in the eurozone, which is great. I have set aside some coins - the Lm1, the 50c, 1c and 2c, plus a Lm2 and Lm5 note. Who knows, maybe one day I'll sell them on eBay.

Rachel Cassar, 18, from Gzira
I'm still a bit confused. I'm not sad to wave goodbye to the lira and won't keep any coins. I'm glad that Malta is adopting the euro because it will make travelling easier. Plus, change is always good.

Victor Dimech, 63, from Valletta
There's nothing to worry about. I've settled everything with the bank and I'm ready to welcome the euro. I'm not a collector and I've never been attached to these things. This is my third changeover. When you're young it's easier, but I'm fine with the change.

Caroline Azzopardi, 36, from Pietà
I'm not feeling wistful about losing our own currency, though I may keep a few coins for safekeeping. I'm not worried about the changeover; I'm ready now, come what may.

Joseph Ellul, 35, from Zebbug
I'm a bit nostalgic. It would have been nice to retain the lira, but I've now accepted the change, even though I feel the euro is being introduced too soon. I've set aside a few coins - I've been collecting coins for a while now.

Daphne Busuttil, 8, from Birzebbuga
I will keep the lira coin - it's nice. I don't mind losing our currency. The euro changeover doesn't make a difference to my life.

Mattia Aquilina, 10, from Ta' L-Ibrag
I have saved Lm97 and was planning to reach Lm100, but now my plans have changed. I'll go to the bank so it will convert my savings. I'm a bit sad to say goodbye to the lira, but the euro is better.