Wednesday, 17th September 2008
A train journey through Rabat
The Peprina Train, the latest attraction for locals and tourists alike, takes passengers around Rabat and its nearby villages. Recently, we decided to join our Maltese emigrant friends for a ride on Pepprina.
Although we have been by car to the sites where the train took us, the experience was kind of unique on board a train.
The commentaries were conducted in Maltese and English, giving us an in-depth view of the historical areas and buildings dating back from the Phoenicians to the Mediaeval era as well as the British colonisation period.
The panoramic views from Mtarfa, overlooking Ta' Qali, Mosta and the surrounding areas and of the bays, were breathtaking, so was the majestic Mdina from a different angle. It brought us back memories of yesteryears while passing by the old train station and the centuries-old Għajn tal-Ħasselin. Going through the Greek's Gate was like entering into a very narrow mini tunnel and it was quite interesting.
Our 30 minute-journey ended at the Roman Villa and everyone gave a big round of applause to the train operator and generously expressed how much they enjoyed the ride.
The only set-back is the uneven roads plus a few pot holes here and there including the sleeping policemen we encountered. It would be wise if the local council helps in making this tourist attraction more worthwhile by asphalting the route roads in order to allow for a more pleasant and to fix the bridge close to the old railroad station, which is very visible from the train and which is photographed extensively by tourists.
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Comments
Simple Alfred, lexically speaking there is a difference between *train* and *miniature train* .... what I was trying to say was that what we see in the picture above is certainly not a train .... but a miniature train (adjective+ noun collocation). The term *train* is not the right term to use here. As for your list ... I can see that in all the languages that you have listed (btw prosit for the research) they use collocations and not a single word. That just shows that they all make the lexical difference. So ... to come back to things Maltese ... the Peprina Train should be called the Peprina Miniature Train.
It is referred to "train" in all languages
French: en petit train touristique
Spanish: tren turistico
Italian: treno turistico
German: touristischer Zug
Portuguese: tourist comboio
Greek: τραίνο τουριστών
Russian: туристский поезд
Dutch: toeristen trein
They ALL use the word "train" in their own language.
Conclusion: You and Clive goofed.
Here's once example in Norway: and here's another one in Spain:
The collocation "miniature train" would be a more appropriate term to use. Reactions most welcome :)
So, I'm afraid that trackless or not, it IS in fact, a train.
Trackless train or land train are descriptive terms for the rubber tired road going vehicles to distinguish them from rail mounted trains.
Trackless trains are often used for the transport of tourists instead of other public transport modes. Often, the train ride itself is a tourist attraction, offering sight-seeing along scenic routes as well as a transport service.
Due to cultural terminology differences, trackless train, tram and parking lot tram usages occur in North America, while land train, road train and Dotto train are used in Europe.
For full info (Wikipedia) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trackless_train
Trackless trains exist in Malta, US, Canada, UK, France, Gemany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, and all over the world. They are replicas of old trains like the one we have in Malta and they are called Trains. If you ask someone to look at the photo above and ask him or her what it is, they'll tell you that it's a train even though Michael and Clive don't seem to see it.
I agree ... how can one call it a train if there are no railtracks ...totally absurd ... so if the *thing* on wheels had a *rocket cover* would you call it the Peprina Rocket ....
No need to.
Maybe you can get rich yourself.
mmmmm,,, when i have some more bright ideas I will let you know, you can have the rights and become a millionaire on my ideas.
Some sense of humour please!!
This kind of new concept train travel is very popular in various tourist destinations.
We boarded several trackless trains abroad but comparatively, Peprina Train is more attractive for its nostalgic feature, comfort and well documented commentaries. Besides that, the operating team is very friendly and courteous.
Do you have any better ideas for attractions?
.... I would not fix it ... it is part and parcel of the Malta Brand Experience! I am sure that tourists would complain about not being given the full package .. bumpy roads, pot holes, etc. :))
To me, it is a train even though it's on wheels and it's an interesting way of seeing Rabat, Mdina and Mtarfa and learn about the history of the surroundings. My wife and I enjoyed the ride and so did the many people who were on it with us. The enthusiasm by the young and not so young kids, locals and tourists, was clearly visible.
I hope they'll put more similar services in other parts of the islands.