When the Ferry Went Rogue: The Gozitan Commuter Uprising!

A Calm Morning Turned Ferry Fiasco

It was a day like any other in sunny Gozo – the birds were chirping, the fishers were casting their nets, and Samwel was shuffling up to the Mgarr terminal with his beloved bicycle for the daily commute to Malta. Little did he know that his two-wheeled companion would set off a series of uproarious events.

The ferry, christened ‘Il-Pastizz’ after the nation’s unofficially official snack, had a little-known quirk: if precisely 47 bicycles boarded simultaneously, the vessel would rebel against its captain and set its own course. Guess how many wheelie enthusiasts showed up that day? Eżatt, ħbieb – forty-seven.

Samwel’s Surprise and the Two-Wheeled Mutiny

As ‘Il-Pastizz’ veered sharply towards Comino, Samwel exclaimed, “Mela! Uwejja, what’s happening?” The bicyclists, enjoying their free-wheeling revolt, started singing a remixed version of the Maltese national anthem where the lyrics paid homage to the island’s beloved ħobż biż-żejt. A blend of confused laughter and seasickness ensued as the passengers realized they wouldn’t make it to work on time. Or at all.

Marthese, Social Media Savvy and the Viral Voyage

Meanwhile on board, Marthese, an Insta-famous Gozitan influencer known for turning even the mundane into trending topics, immediately launched a live feed documenting the maritime misadventure. #FerryFiasco became Valetta’s hottest hashtag before you could say “għaġin tal-forn.”

“Had I known I’d become a pirate today, I would’ve packed my eye-patch! #FerryFiasco #GozoAdventures,” Marthese broadcasted, capturing the ferry’s off-course escapades and her dramatic reenactments with a selfie stick.

The Unexpected Detour to Historical Havens

As the ferry engaged in its unplanned tour, the accidental voyagers witnessed sights they normally only saw on postcards. Sailing past the legendary ramparts of Mdina, the group had a full-blown medieval reenactment on deck, with makeshift swords from baguettes and helmets forged from kitchen pots. The ferry then came to an almost mystical pause in the Blue Lagoon, where “pirate” wannabes cooled off with a dip.

Interactive Interview with Captain Karmnu

“I’ve seen mackerel storms and calamari squalls, but a bicycle insurrection? That’s one for the sea tales,” mused Captain Karmnu, stroking his beard that hadn’t seen a razor since Santa Marija feast day.

Emerging Heroes and Samwel’s Serenade

Amidst the waves of laughter and the chorus of ‘O Sole Mio’ rendered in a strong Maltese accent, Samwel made it known that he serenaded not only to entertain but also to soothe the spirits of the sea. Miraculously, it worked! The ferry’s compass spun with delight, realigning to a course for Mgarr as the cyclists rung their bells in harmony.

A Turn for the Tasty: Docking with Delight

Returning to dry land, the passengers emerged with rumbling stomachs, greeted by the wafting aroma of pastizzi. A spontaneous feast was thrown by the local bakers, who had whipped up an abundant supply of flaky pastries, assuming their compatriots had been lost at sea and deserved a heroic return.

This tale fermented into local legend – ‘The Day Il-Pastizz Went Off-Piste’ – teaching all Gozitans that life might ferry you in odd directions, but a sense of humor (and a good pastizz) can steer you back home. After that fateful trip, the bicycle boarding limit was strictly enforced, though whispers amongst the waves speak of ‘Samwel the Soother,’ waiting for his next oceanic encore.

Comments From Monitored Social Media Feeds

• “Saw the whole thing from Ċirkewwa – my morning cappuccino went cold, but it was worth the show. TVM imissu jaraw!” – Tista’Tixraq from Naxxar
• “Ai, if this happened every day, who’d ever be grumpy on a Monday morning? #FerryFiasco” – DinjaTajba from Sliema
• “Never heard the national anthem belted out with more gusto or mismatched lyrics. Made my day!” – GħannejGalant from Birkirkara

The Times of Mela reminds you to count your bicycles before embarking, lest you spark a ferried rebellion. Till next time, take it easy, or as the locals say, ‘Irdaxxax!’