A country within a country… kinda

Gibraltar is not Spanish despite being a peninsula off the southern coast of Spain. What it is happens to be far more confusing. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory under rule of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a nation in Europe consisting of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. So. Those four countries that make up a country own the territory of Gibraltar. Gibraltar has its own government BUT the United Kingdom (4 countries within a country) is responsible for Gibraltar’s foreign affairs and defense. So in short, a country made up of four countries owns a territory attached to Spain. Now that we have that fun fact down, let’s continue to more interesting things.

Into another world

While I suppose we could have flown or boated into Gibraltar, we drove to the border, parked and walked across. As you are technically leaving the EU (hmmm…BREXIT) by leaving Spain and going into a UK territory (apparently), you need to bring a passport. Though my EU friends could enter with their EU documents. The Spanish side checked us out thoroughly. Once on to the UK side, the customs agent did not even look at my passport. Or me. Just waved us through. Oddest passport control ever.

To really enter Gibraltar, you’ll walk across their airport’s landing strip. It’s rather amusing to watch a plane take off or land and then be given the green light to cross.

Once across the strip, the ratio of English speaking individuals quadruples and the currency changes to British pounds. Though, like everyone else, credit cards are happily accepted.

What to do?

While I’m certain there are other things to do in Gibraltar, the only attraction we came for was the Rock of Gibraltar. Granted, to access tram you will walk through town quite a bit. They have built on all buildable (not vertical) land available. Actually, they are “widening” their buildable land by dumping vast amounts of fill into the sea. Turns out Spain is a tad irritated with that and it’s a sore spot in their relations. Not that Gibraltar cares. The UK deals with foreign affairs and relations.

Walking through town along the main strip, aptly named Main Street, there are a plethora of shops and restaurants. Along the way there are quite a few Rock of Gibraltar shaped “rocks” painted with black and white scenes. They are pretty interesting.

Rock of Gibraltar

Heading to the Gibraltar Cable Car, we got in line, tickets in hand, wrist bands in place. There are multiple options for tickets. But if you want to see things, it’ll cost you. £46.50 per person for a one way tram ride up the mountain and entrance into the nature reserve. Round trip and the reserve will cost you £49 per person. Not an inexpensive venture. In the tram building there is a rather iffy free restroom.

The gondola ride up the rock is quite pretty and makes short work of a rather steep hill. Upon exiting the gondola, there’s a complex offering a restaurant, shop and observation decks. Definitely hit up the decks, the views are lovely on a clear day.

Monkey business

Walking along the one way road is an adventure. You’ll be passed by taxis squeezing by. And monkeys. Specifically, Barbary Macaques. Watch out for the monkeys. I saw one rip open a guys backpack and steal his jacket from within. All in a split second as the guy walked by. Now, the monkey was most certainly looking for a meal and not a new coat. The guy got his coat back without much chaos ensuing. Apparently the monkeys are expert thieves. With big teeth. Ever seen monkey teeth? More like fangs. I’d hand over my purse if need be. Here demon monkey, take my purse. Just keep those teeth to yourself.

Doug LOVES monkey. He was so thrilled to see all the monkeys. They were all over the place. On top of cars. Sitting on the walls. In the tree’s. On the road. Old monkeys. Baby monkeys. Loads of monkeys. I do not love monkeys. I find them a little repulsive. Something that was exemplified on this visit. One very “excited” male monkey made quick work of his excitement. It’s one of those instances where you’re like, oh look a monkey. And then it quickly turned into, eh, is that monkey…. Yep. Look away. Say something to Doug. He looks. And saw the result in said monkeys paw…. SO. GROSS. So yeah. Still not a real fan of monkeys.

The Rock

The Rock of Gibraltar has been used as a strategic military point for centuries. It overlooks the 8 mile wide entrance into the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountains of Africa can be seen on a clear day. Whoever has control of the rock could see ships coming and going and in essence, control the Sea.

Consequently, there’s a lot more to see than deranged monkeys. There are old military battery’s, tunnels, cannons and all sorts of fortress essentials to visit. If you like that sort of thing, it’s rather fascinating.

Being primarily made of limestone, it’s no real surprise there are caves in Gibraltar. There are around 200 caves recorded on the rock, with two primary caves you are allowed to visit. We did not visit Gotham’s cave, which supposedly has evidence of Neanderthal occupation. However, we did enter St. Michaels Cave. While they make a big deal about the cave it is a rather small cave system. That being said, they have done a remarkable job with lighting and the cave itself is rather smashing. Within, there is a formation that has the appearance of an angel, thus St Michaels name I would presume. It is the main feature of the cave. The lighting plays around with varying colors, illuminating the formations within.

At the end of the cave they have built a concert hall. There’s a free light show that’s interesting to watch. I can’t imagine hearing a concert within a cave. Not sure I’d love it if my seat was being dripped on. But it would certainly be a unique experience. Drips and all.

Heading down the rock is pretty easy. Go downhill if walking. We wanted to hit up the Windsor Suspension Bridge on the way down but sadly, it was closed. A sign noting that might have been appreciated as it was a smidge out of the way.

Lunch

Hunger essentially brought us off the rock for a very late lunch. Our party of four was flat out hungry. Into town we went, beelining it for Grand Casemates Square where there’s a bunch of British restaurants. We all wanted fish and chips. The British certainly make some dang good fish and chips. We were not disappointed. Though, I could not finish mine. That was a large fish on my plate and I can only eat so much fried food.

On the road again

After lunch it was time to head out. Back across the landing strip to the car park. Hop in the car and off we went. With full bellies and the contentment that comes from having explored an amazing place with excellent company.