The Rock

Monday, April 11, 2011

Gibraltar

Monday morning we drove to the small British colony of Gibraltar.  Gibraltar is approximately 4 miles square. In order to enter Gibraltar by foot or by car you get an opportunity that most people don't get - you get to cross an active airport runway/landing strip.  

Runway & Highway

Gibraltar

The first stop on our whirlwind tour of Gibraltar was a 100 ton gun which was used for protection in the late 1800's.  

100 Ton Gun

Gibraltar

From there we ventured up the rock of Gibraltar to St. Michaels cave.  While St. Michaels cave was originally used as a hospital it currently is being used as a concert hall.  As we were leaving the caves and heading toward our car we saw the infamous tailless monkeys of Gibraltar.  Legend has it that the British will retain control of Gibraltar as long as the monkeys remain on the rock.  Does that remind anyone of certain crows at the Tower of London?  

Saint Michaels Cave

Gibraltar

We then took a leisurely stroll through some of the siege tunnels built in the rock of Gibraltar itself.  The windows in the bunkers gave a wonderful view of the entire (and rather small) country. 

View from The Siege Tunnels

Gibraltar

 Making our way back down the rock we stopped by a Moorish castle dating from 711 A.D where we came in contact with more of the special monkeys. 

Tailless Monkey
Gibraltar

Our meal for the day was at The Theater Royale, a small pub run by a british fellow and a south African lady who met up in London.  The rock burger is the house specialty which Dan indulged in featuring a fried egg and bacon on top of a rather large burger.

Alex, Jenny, & Dan

Gibraltar