Message #6562

[dhill757]

HERE ARE PICTURES OF GIBRALTAR

This small, but strategically placed country is fiercely owned by England. They refuse to give it up, and it is a major thorn in English/Spanish relations. It has a huge network of tunnels and caves which have been used for defense througout history - protecting whatever nation occupied it at the time. (Usually England.) The caves were readied for a hospital during the World War in the 1940s, but thankfully never used. Part of the "hospital" space is now used as an underground theater (St. Michael's Caves) for operas, plays, concerts, etc. The Seige Tunnels are open for touring and are quite interesting. There is a related museum which we had to skip, but I think it is worth a visit. There are Moorish Baths here, and many other historical sites. The old town is very unique with its "streets" of walkways w/stairs. Many of the ancient fortress walls have survived, incorporated into the town buildings. Get a guide book and go and visit for a day. It's a great experience! Here's Gibraltar's Tourism Site.

NOTE: money is the Gibraltar pound. English pounds can be used, too. Spanish pesetas are accepted, but at a worse exchange rate. All shops are duty free on all items except liquor, tobacco, perfume. The town was packed when we visited - not with tourists - with Christmas shoppers from Spain and other nearby countries! If you want to picnic on one of the beaches, hit the Safeway (follow signs) next to the McDonald's (can't escape them anywhere in Europe). It's huge and an adventure in its own right!



Almost ready to cross from Spain to the Rock of Gibraltar. You can see it in the background. It was once known as one of the "Pillars of Hercules" and believed that to sail beyond it into the Atlantic was to invite certain death. That old "falling off the edge of the earth myth."



The harbor between Gib (as the locals refer to it) and Spain. The airstrip was built right out into the water and you have to drive across it to get onto the Rock.


The girls' favorite day - they got to pet these Barbary Apes. There are signs posted which warn against feeding them, as they might bite. We didn't see the signs until after we had already touched them .... They were quite friendly and liked to have their ears scratched. They were a little rude, as one peed on the car, and another "mooned" us! They ate bread, but really loved chocolate chip cookies.



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