Day 7- Gibraltar – UK.
An imposing piece of rock – dominates the strait between Spain and Morocco. Gibralter itself is only 6 sq kms and inhabited by 30,000 people. Diverse ethnicity. The UK seized Gibraltar in war of Spanish succession in 1704 and was granted in perpetuity in 1713 (Treaty of Utrecht). Two referendums have confirmed residents want to stay with UK. Spanish keen to have back – daily delays at the border as people cross into Gibraltar as a protest. 7 ½ hours two days ago and 1 ½ hours yesterday. That did not affect us as we were not crossing the border.
The road to cross between Gibraltar and Spain crosses the airport runway so closes when a plane is landing/taking off. Watched this from The Rock. Great tour of The Rock – cable car to the top and met the famous Barbary Apes up close. Cinnamon coloured tail-less monkeys- quite fearless and known to snatch and run. Well cared for, immunized and protected. Estimate 300-400 in number. Bit misty up top but some good views. Can see 3 countries at once on a good day. We could not see Africa on this visit.
Also explored the Great Siege tunnels (50 kms worth in total) in The Rock – impressive tunnelling for 1779-1782 with only a hammer and metal bar, then expanded in WW1 and WW2. Lots of openings where guns were pointed out at the Spanish invaders. Quick look at Gibraltar Museum and the Moorish Bathouse. Also went out to Europa point – southernmost point of Europe. Squinted at Africa across the strait. Reckon there were between 20-30 boats anchored in Gibraltar Bay – impressive sight. Rosia Bay is beach area – where HMS Victory was towed after Battle of Trafalgar including bodies on board!
Enjoyed looking around Casement Square in early afternoon before pool time back on board. Sailed early evening through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Atlantic and more noticeable swell gently rocking the ship through the night run down to Cassablanca, Morroco. Yum dinner tonight in Grand Dining Room- got some new ideas.
Comments
Comment by M&G on 2013-09-27 15:58:06 -0700
Good to see some pics of you – was beginning to think you were doing it all by virtual reality – are you sure Mark is with you? Good running commentary – all very interesting – now I wont have to go!
Comment by Bev Miller on 2013-10-09 04:52:07 -0700
Hello Gill and Mark,
Your blog is fantastic … I won’t have to worry about doing a photobook at all … just look at your blog instead. I am very impressed with your commentary. In due course I’ll read a lot of your entries.
That’s it for now … til I see this all works. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
Best wishes for the rest of your trip,
Bev Miller
