Alfred Grech, Mosta
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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Gill Price
Feb 8th 2009, 16:50
After yet another wonderful holiday in Malta, we watched people boarding the train, we usually walk this area and it is beautiful. So we were pleased the not so able bodied could enjoy it too. But I was amazed to see them calling the Mtarfa Station, Notabile, this was at the other side of Mdina and is noted on maps. I suggest the owners read the wonderful book about Malta's railway its route and stations. Suprised the information people have not put them right.
ANITA DEBONO
Dec 4th 2008, 15:25
HOW MUCH I ENJOYED MY AFTERNOON YESTERDAY WHEN I WENT FOR A JOURNEY ON A TRAIN THROUGH RABAT ,ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER WAS SO NICE TO EVERYONE WITH A LOVELY SMILE ON HIS FACE .THE EXPERIENCE ON BOARD THE TRAIN WAS UNIQUE AND SOME OF THE VIEWS ARE BREATHTAKING.
Dr Michael A. Riccioli
Sep 20th 2008, 00:34
@Alfred
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.
Alfred Grech
Sep 19th 2008, 12:22
Michael, earlier you said: "how can one call it a train if there are no railtracks" and then you stated that in French they are called "petit trains". Make up your mind!!!
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.
Dr Michael A. Riccioli
Sep 18th 2008, 22:34
In France they're called *petits trains* which, in English, could be translated as *miniature trains* (term also used for mini trains ≠ mini toy trains).
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 :)
Joseph W. Galea
Sep 18th 2008, 09:33
Clive, you need to go and get yourself a very much needed life.
Martin Galea
Sep 18th 2008, 09:18
Train, is a word coming from the old french word "trahiner", or from the latin "trahere" which means, 'to pull, or draw’. This is taken from the Oxford Dictionary. When something (a number of carriages tied together) is drawn by a means of locomotion (the pulling vehicle can be called a 'locomotive', itself being a means of providing locomotion for the carriages being pulled behind), then it forms a train.
So, I'm afraid that trackless or not, it IS in fact, a train.
apgrech
Sep 18th 2008, 07:53
Terminology:
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
Alfred Grech
Sep 17th 2008, 23:18
The are called Trackless Trains and they are called as such all over the world.
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.
J. P. Aquilina
Sep 17th 2008, 22:02
Fuss & jeaslousy that's what's its called, all of you people continue to be so narrow minded sorry i'm speaking this way though i think you haven't seen such attractions abroad which are so welcome by tourists...why do you think its a rip-off? it's a wonderful tour and the price is so well balanced
Dr Michael A. Riccioli
Sep 17th 2008, 20:42
@Clive Micallef
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 ....
L Galea
Sep 17th 2008, 17:14
Why do we have to denigrate everything that is a Maltese initiative?
L Galea
Sep 17th 2008, 16:44
@Clive Micallef
No need to.
Maybe you can get rich yourself.
Alfred Grech
Sep 17th 2008, 16:39
Clive, it looks like you belong to the "Maltese gemgem" category :))
henry frendo
Sep 17th 2008, 16:31
All in all it's still a gigantic ripoff!!!
Clive Micallef
Sep 17th 2008, 16:27
@L.Galea
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!!
Jasmine Grech
Sep 17th 2008, 14:22
Peprina Train is a trackless train which is equipped with tires that doesn't need a rail system.
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.
L Galea
Sep 17th 2008, 13:39
@Clive Micallef
Do you have any better ideas for attractions?
Clive Micallef
Sep 17th 2008, 12:46
What about puting a rocket cover on wheels, charge 30 Euros per person for a half an hour trip round dingli cliffs on probably the worst roads in all of malta and simulate a Moon landing!!!
M. Fenech
Sep 17th 2008, 12:00
"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." ....
.... 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. :))
Alfred Grech
Sep 17th 2008, 11:41
@ Clive Micallef: So are karozzini, double deckers, and mini bus tours a rip-off? No, they are not. They are means of entertainment and a chance to enjoy sceneries and historical buildings.
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.
Clive Micallef
Sep 17th 2008, 11:25
Once and for all, that is NOT a train!!! It's a car with a train cover. And it's a total ripoff!!