Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and shares a border with Spain to the North. Spain surrounds tiny Gibraltar but it is an independent British colony, but the motherland is responsible for the military support only.

We felt that since this is such a small area it would best be appreciated on foot. The ship docked at around 7:00 a.m. and we disembarked at 8:00 a.m. starting out toward the cable cars, about a thirty minute walk. We hooked up with a small tour company in a van with six other people and traveled to Gibraltar’s Top Station . It was about 65 degrees and a beautiful clear day, the sweeping view was magnificent. We could see the coast of Morocco in Africa, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. (See picture from the top of the rock)

We then traveled on to the Middle Station to visit the Barbary Apes. We saw tailless monkeys roaming free and climbing all over our van. We were told to keep our possessions close and not to feed or touch these wild animals. As you can see from the picture Jack got a little close. According to lore, Britain will control Gibraltar until the simians leave.

We walked along a wooded path to enter and admire St. Michael’s Cave, a grotto with spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites. Classical concerts are presented in a large natural auditorium.

We then continued on to the Great Siege Tunnels, excavated in 1779-83, and carved out of solid limestone. The French-Spanish tried to capture Gibraltar, but the British-Dutch expeditionary force ordered the troops to dig out “defensive galleries” (caves or tunnels). The maze is one of the most ingenious defense systems ever built. Hewn by sheer muscle, the first tunnel was the work of 18 men who drove 82 feet into the limestone base with sledgehammers and occasional gunpowder (there was no dynamite). Large guns were mounted on the openings. By the time the attack finished the tunnel was 370 feet long and the French and Spanish troops were defeated.

We then walked the Main Street and checked out the many shops buying our souvenir fridge magnets and then back to the ship for lunch. Lunch was followed by the sail away party only this time it was a sale away party. Table were set up for people to bring their “white elephants” or things they had purchased and then had second thoughts. The money that was taken in was for breast cancer cure.