When the Gozo Ferry Ran Away to Sicily

The Curious Case of the Homesick Vapur

It was a typical sunny afternoon in Malta, and the Gozo Channel was bustling with activity as locals and tourists alike queued for the next ferry. Little did they know, the MV Ta’ Pinu had grown tired of its daily back-and-forth treks between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr. It had developed an overwhelming desire to spread its hulls and sail the Mediterranean. Mela, Gozitans were in for a surprise!

The Unusual Departure

Marlon, the boat captain who loved his ħobż biż-żejt so much that he named his dog after it, was the first to notice the vessel’s odd behavior. As he munched on his sandwich filled with tuna, kunserva, and capers, he cocked his head, and with an “Uwejja,” he announced, “This ferry’s steering is wonkier than a one-legged flamingo dancing the cha-cha!”

“We were all set for Gozo, but the GPS is showing Sicily. I haven’t had my second pastizz yet, so I know I’m not seeing things,” grumbled Marlon.

The Great Gozitan Chase

News spread faster than the smell of a ftira in a packed bus. The whole of Gozo was in an uproar, like when the festa fireworks don’t go off. With Maġistra Zammit leading the charge, determined to bring back the adventurous ferry for the sake of the sacred timetable.

A Twist of Fait

In the meantime, the MV Ta’ Pinu, halfway to Syracuse, got a call on the radio. It was Marlon’s wife, Katrina, also known as the Maltese Mermaid, renowned for her ability to communicate with all seafaring vessels.

“Ta’ Pinu, għażiż, what are you up to? The rabbits for today’s stuffat are getting cold!” she said, knowing the ferry’s deep love for a good Maltese rabbit stew.

The Ferry’s Sentiments

Moved by the thought of cold rabbit stew, the MV Ta’ Pinu had a change of heart. It envisioned returning to a hero’s welcome in Mġarr, with everyone cheering and a full festa band playing in the port. Besides, it had just remembered it left its phone charger in Gozo.

The Return of the MV Ta’ Pinu

As dusk settled over Malta, a dot appeared on the horizon. The prodigal ferry was returning! The island of Gozo was lit up brighter than the Valletta skyline on Notte Bianca, and the village of Xlendi prepared the most lavish ftira festival in history.

The Festive Feast and a Ferry Tale Ending

Upon docking, even the ferry seemed to have a tear in its mast. It was greeted with a feast of lampuki pie, timpana, and enough qagħaq tal-għasel to sweeten the lips of every man, woman, and child on the island.

As the celebrations roared, old Uncle Ċensu, always ready with a tall tale, took a swig of his bajtra liqueur and winked. “Kollox possibli f’dawn il-gżejjer,” he chuckled, as the ferry, now content, honked in agreement, ready to tackle its regular schedule in the morning—or maybe take another jaunt to Sicily, if the wind was right.

And that, my friends, is the story of when the Gozo ferry took itself on a little holiday – reminding us all that even seafaring vessels need a day off now and then.

Mela, who’s up for a ferry ride tomorrow? Perhaps we’ll get more than the scenic route we bargained for!