Most Americans only know Gibraltar’s silhouette as the long lasting Prudential Insurance logo, and know little else. Well, I hope this installment of EarthlyLOCOmotion.com is not too lengthy, but there is quite a bit more to this tiny Country. Gibraltar is a very small (only 7 sq. miles) but amazing place. There are about 30,000 inhabitants here. As the portal to the Mediterranean, the Rock of Gibraltar rises some 1400 ft from the sea. It is not an island as it is linked to the Spanish mainland. Gibraltar is a possession of Britain and in many ways classically British. Most of the inhabitants (whether their descent be Italian, Iberian, Indian, Jewish Morocan or Maltese) – are united in preserving the British connection.
Within the “Rock” there are some 33 miles of tunnels. Some are for auto traffic, while others are for pedestrian use. Some of these were excavated during the various wars fought here. Those have some museum-like exhibits with big guns and related armaments, as well as historical displays.
In a few days time I will be visiting Malaga, Spain so please check it out.
Here is that famous silhouette of the Rock of Gibraltar taken from the sea. Obviously, if you want to play golf your going to have to go elsewhere. There is no room for a course anywhere on the Rock.Seaside community pictured here. Appears to be quite idyllic.The Gibraltar mosque. And no, the swing set in the foreground is not part of the mosque property, as any fun is not permitted.St. Michael’s Cave. Inside the Rock are natural limestone caves. This particular one plays host to many concert performances. Also, these caves were home to some of the last Neanderthal people.These Macaque Monkey appears to be a “take no shit” monkey, and he is. If you roll down the car window and happen to be eating anything he will enter the vehicle and grab whatever you are enjoying. I saw it happen.As well as many people. The stairs were about 12 inches wide and there were about 200 of them. Check out the fangs on these suckers. One good bite and your pretty miserable.
Top of “The Rock,” and obviously not 30 Rock. These monkeys rule this area and as the folklore has it, as long as the monkeys are here, Gibraltar shall remain under British sovereignty. As such, during WWII Churchill order that the furry rascals be fed. I guess everyone bows to some form of superstition now and again. Most of this area is a designated nature preserve.World War II simulated bunker carved into the cliffs.Spain is on the other side of the runway. Besides that, notice the street intersecting the runway. There are traffic lights to stop vehicles when a plane is present. Only about 6 flights take off and land each day.Main pedestrian street lined with many pubs and high-end shops.This english bobby hasn’t much to do except chase these pigeons away. The ramparts in the background which were once used during wartime are now host to yet more shops and pubs. This courtyard is near the Convent which is now home to the governor. The soldier on duty carries out a frequent Changing of the Guard ceremony since he really had nothing else to do.
