Gibraltar
Posted at 9:47 AM, Sep. 13, 2005
Saturday 10th (today) again a clear hot day and for the first time we have a marina berth but in the Med style – pick up bow lines that are anchored off, fenders on each side and then stern in to the quay.
Once we had completed the housekeeping (lots of washing of clothes at the marina facility ashore) we went for a walk on Mainstreet – one of about three major roads in the town and the place was humming big-time. Everyone was dressed in red and white (mostly white on bottom and red on top) and the streets were packed with people of all ages. A great atmosphere and clearly a very nationalistic approach as many signs and tee-shirts referring to retention of British rule. Apparently the last time a referendum was held here only 44 people voted against a continuation of British rule.
The town is small and the streets very much reflect that it has a huge military history, with many garrisons, walled streets and narrow cobbled lanes. The culture and attitudes here make you think that this really is the last outpost of the British Empire.
Pam and I took the gondolier ride to the top - spectacular views, huge history and lots of apes (while called apes they look like monkey’s). There are 52 k’s of tunnels in the rock which means more k’s of tunnel than there are roads.
Jason in the meantime grabbed a bike and cycled to Spain, found a bike shop bought a new tube and a repair kit. To cross the border involves actually crossing the airstrip - watch out for planes!!
After a drink at the bar at the head of the pier it was then back to the boat for a BBQ. About 2315 hrs the place erupted as a huge fireworks display got going off the harbour breakwater about200 metres from us so we did have the box seats. Great show, all thought it was the longest seen and very impressive as the backdrop of the Rock the echoes were amazing. An early start tomorrow as we continue eastwards into the Med.
Cheers
Keith