Maltese Citizenship after 7 years - any experience?

Hi All,

I am wondering if anyone has experience applying for and obtaining Maltese citizenship. I have lived here since 2010 with a 1.5 year absense. The citizenship unit told me in order to be eligible to apply i must stay here for 12 months first, and prove that I am staying here. They said in that 12 months I can be away on holidays only for 2 months.
My issue is that I might need to be away more then 2 months.... not a lot but perhaps for 2 more weeks as i need to travel for work occasionally.
Has anyone had any experience applying for and receiving maltese citizenship on the basis of having lived here for a long time? Can you share here how it went? Was the citizenship granted? What documents were you asked to submit? How did you report for any absenses out of Malta?