Algeciras, Gibraltar

Although we technically hit Algeciras yesterday we took a well earned rest day.

And did our washing. How exciting is that?

Our accomodation at the Hotel Mir Octavia is very good, comfortable, quite roomy, well presented in a decor of wood grain and marble and immaculately clean. No complaints whatever. And so ideally located with the bus station neighbouring us on one side and the train station neighbouring us on the other. 50 metres will get us to either.

After a sustaining breakfast (also included) we sauntered over to our bus for the 40 minute ride to La Linea, the Spanish side of the border with Gibraltar. There is the usual formality with showing of passports, we were entering a different country after all, and then we walked right across the middle of the airport runway into British territory. This is a live airport, make no mistake. They close the car and pedestrian access on both sides a few minutes before any aircraft take off or landing, so it is a good idea not to dawdle while making the crossing.

Gibraltar seems to stand kind of like a bubble of Britishness in a foreign land. The prices and signs are all in English and pounds sterling. The streets and place names are unmistakably British too, Trafalgar Cemetery, Nelson's Square, Queen Victoria Quay, etc. It has been a brit hangout since they conquered it in 1704 apparently. They will have to give it back one day surely.

We took a tour to see the Rock. Oh sure, there are roads to the top but it is over 400 metres high. To hell with that idea. There is also a cable car to the top, much faster and easier but comes with a 90 minute plus queue time. To hell with that as well. So we took a tour in an 8 seater minibus with a knowledgable driver (Dennis was just great and loads of fun too) and saw more of the Rock than just the ends of the cable car route. It is about 5 kilometres long after all with lots of interesting bits here and there along the way. It cost 35 euros each all up but what the hey. We did the whole trip in just a bit longer than we would have been waiting in the queue and for not that much more.

The tour stopped for camera opportunities at a couple of lookout balconys with wonderful views over the town and harbour, right across to Algeciras and even Morocco about 28 k across the strait. St Michael's Caves was interesting too. A large natural limestone cave with stalagmites and stalagtites growing from the roof and floor. It was set up as a hospital during WW2 but never actually used as such. Today it has been converted into an atmospheric 400 seat concert hall with coloured lights beaming onto the natural formations adding much to the ambience.

And there are of course the famous monkeys of the Rock of Gibraltar. Sometimes referred to as Barbary apes they are technically macaques. They appear quite contented and docile and have the virtual run of the place. You can see them hanging around the lookouts, strolling along the roads and rummaging about in the souvenir stores. While quite cute and friendly looking it is not a good idea to try to touch them. They are wild animals and will bite. And they are adorably cheeky. We had one leap aboard the minibus, ride along with us comfortably esconsed on the rear view mirror and wouldn't get off till Dennis gave him some food. 

When we finally came down off the Rock after the tour we looked around for some lunch. We quickly settled on some good old "stick to your ribs" traditional British fare. Fish, chips with mushy peas for Jackie, I had steak and kidney pie and a pint. It didn't feel like we were in Spain at all for a while there.

A view of the Rock of Gibraltar, taken from the airport runway.

No, I mean it, from the Gibraltar International Airport runway.

Turn to your right and this is what you see. You are looking down the main runway tarmac.

 Jackie, awaiting the return of the Doctor to his Tardis.

 They like their tomatos clean in Gibraltar apparently.

Typical street scene in Main Street, Gibraltar.

A long pedestrian mall with shops, bars and restaurants.

Gibraltar has a decidedly British flavour. 

Notice the sign on this restaurant awning. Prices are usually given in pounds sterling.

 A view over the town and harbour from about half way up the rock.

St Michael's caves. It was fitted out as a hospital during WW2 but never used as such.

Now it is a 400 seat auditorium for performances and concerts.

  

The coloured lighting constantly changes from reds through blues and purples.

This is the same shot a few seconds later.

The stalactites and lighting and things make for an interesting venue ambience, don't you think?

Here is the money shot. 

The Rock with Africa in the distance.

The view from the other end of the Rock.

That's the runway you have to walk across to get from Spain into Gibraltar.

That guy on the post is a resident Barbary ape, (a macaque if you want to get technical).

  

 The local soccer field is pretty handy to the airport too.

 Some touches of "The Old Country" are quite prominent on Main Street.

As are some of the street names.