MONKEY BUSINESS

It's been almost two weeks since arriving on Gibraltar.  The original plan only called for a a few days here, but we looked into having a solar panel carrier  mounted to the rear of the boat; the price was right so the installation will be completed by the 15th and then it's on to the Costa del Sol and Ibiza.

Playing tourist, last week we hopped on the regular town bus and ventured to the other side of the island where the development is scarce and restricted to a few small holiday  townhouse units at the bottom of the impressive high cliffs.

Our next stop was “Europa Point” the most southerly point of the “Rock” with its famous Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque reported to have been built at a cost of 5 million pounds is not only a place of worship, but also contains a school, library and lecture hall.

Looking south from the Trinity lighthouse across the strait we see Africa, the Rif Mountains of Morocco.   The weather was sunny, however a very blustery wind sweeps across this point most of the time, so lingering would have felt uncomfortable and the bus would have left without us.

This past Saturday we set out again; boarded the cable-car and headed up, up, up.  It’s a six minute ride to the top where the vistas are grand in all directions.  Looking east, the Mediterranean beckons with its tantalizing climate and cosy anchorages.  Across the Bay of Gibraltar we see the many tankers coming and going along side several warships carrying helicopters.  

Of course not to be forgotten the apes.  Gibraltar is home to the only wild monkeys in Europe.  The Barbary Apes are  a species of tailless monkeys that live in groups of families.  Walking freely among 
them is both awesome and surreal.  Although it's strictly forbidden to feed them even the smallest treat, tour guides seem to be exempt.  They feed them nuts so their paying customers can get the photo opportunity of a lifetime, an ape on their head or shoulder.  I saw a lot of scared faces.  Watching them was exciting, but if there's one thing I don't need, it's a monkey on my head.












After so much excitement it was time for some rest and relaxation.  We voted for going back to the marina for a little food and drink.  It seems a substantial  order of British fish and chips with mashed peas was the way to go.