What else could Gibraltar possibly be called? It is a huge chunk of rock, extruded from the tip of Spain at La Linea. The seaward end is the biggest, apparently plunging steeply into the sea and topped of course with the famous “Top of the Rock” it is also topped with a colony of apes, who will grab any bags considered to be food worthy, they also bite and spit…. be warned!
The Rock
Gibraltar has been fought over for centuries; it began with Tariq ibn Ziyad who landed here with a 7,000 strong Moorish army in 711 AD. Since 1309 and 1506 it changed from Moorish to Spanish and back many times. It was not until 1704 that the British became involved, it was captured by a Anglo- Dutch fleet, Spain was never able to recapture the stronghold and eventually ceded it to Britain in 1713. That is not to say that is has not been coveted by others, including a certain German called Adolph!
Gibraltar is classed as a UK overseas territory; it is a mini Britain, complete with red telephone boxes, double decker buses, English pounds, cultured British accents and British Bobbies! All dressed up with sunny weather, ocean breezes, palm trees and Spanish laughter. What a blend!
The Union Jack
It is a major tourist destination, the line up to clear the border (yes it still has a border, despite the EU coming into effect in 1993) faded into the horizon….. Tip of the day… park the car in La Linea and walk in! Passport control is a cursory glance and you are there …. Gibraltar! Not officially another new country, however The Travellers Century Club class it as significantly different, so we are adding it to our world score! Yvonne 53 countries visited, Michael 36, the gap is closing fast here.
The Constant Mist
