One minute Spanish, and next British.... ahhh Europe

Tarifa, Spain - as we turned left

Our time in La Linea,  just on the out skirts of Gibraltor were fab (very British, eh!)  When we left Barbate in Spain,  we sailed (motored) past Tarifa into the Straits of Gibraltor; with Spain on one side and Africa on the other.   Yes, how awesome is that,  look right and there is Africa (yes Africa) and look left and wow, there is Spain.   We were all so pumped and excited.  Our arrival in La Linea was also fantastic,  as it was a milestone for us, leaving the Atlantic and entering the Med.   I still get a little flutter in my tummy at the thought, but also,  the history. Gibraltor, Spain, the Straits... Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, Spanish; 1300 years of history and peoples sailing and living in this area....fantastic.

Salsa lessons with Branko

 La Linea, as Branko has mentioned was great,  really enjoyed our time in the marina and the town.  Branko teaching Yoshi how to Salsa dance,  on the dock,  as funny as it sounds it was just as funny to watch.  The marina provided, views of the rock and fantastic sunsets over the hills of Algeciras, at no extra cost.

But, my blog is  about Gibraltor.  

Gibraltor town, look way up to see us.

It was decided that we (Yoshi, Fumi, Branko and I) would scale the rock,  to the top,  by foot.    What views.  What sights.  What apes. (hey how many people can say that..apes that is.)  First we walked through the main town of Gibraltor,  and then began the climb.

 We were told " just follow the stone stairs", which we did.   Up, up, and up until we got to the fort, where we had to pay some money to continue our ascent.   We passed by the gardeners home and caves and tunnels used in the World Wars and "discussions" with Spain... until we reached the Barbary apes.  

Barbary Ape, no tails

The town of Gibraltor looks after the Apes,  by feeding them and building areas for them to live.   They are a curious bunch but not aggressive - seems they have been living with people both visiting and staring at them all their lives.   Still,  I was a little apprehensive when they came near.  Branko on the other hand had no problem.

Bay of Gibraltor 

We climbed steep stone steps(that Branko found) until we finally reached the top;  Fumi (who is much shorter than all of us) decided that she would lead the pack up the stairs,  otherwise she felt she would be left behind.  I, for one was happy with this arrangement,  due to her taking a few breaks now and again.   Fantastic views from this height,  both of the Med and Gibraltor Bay.

Top of Gibraltor

We walked along the top for a bit,  and discovered the cable car - funny,  but  its quite expensive to travel UP but free to travel DOWN.   We took advantage and rode the car to the bottom.

 But,  before we left the top,  Branko and two apes, had a moment.    How you ask?   The cable car area seems to attract a few apes (Barbary ones) and Branko was in the right place.   A large, older guy who looked a little shabby sat beside Branko allowing him (Branko) to scratch and pet him...a younger ape (quite nimble) jumped into the action and took over,  checking the old guys (the ape, not Branko) hair for bugs.  Branko, just stayed where he was and waited.   The younger ape suddenly jumped up and sat on Branko's head.   There was a hat between the ape and Branko's head...but still he just sat there.  What a picture,  but alas we were too slow and the ape left as quickly as he came.

Gibraltor tourism website.

Mom with her baby

http://www.gibraltar.gi/tourism/?category=1&item=2
The Apes are a species of tailless monkeys called Barbary Macaques. These Macaques can be found in Morocco and Algeria, with those in Gibraltar being the only free-living monkeys in Europe today.

La Linea is a 15 minute walk to Gibraltor.  Customs and Immigration are easy and before you know it you have crossed the border.   Before you reach the main town, everyone must either drive or walk across the airport tarmac -

Yes, those are people crossing the tarmac

seriously,  the tarmac for the airport runs across the main road into Gibraltor.   Its like you are waiting for a train to pass,  but its a plane, or two.  Yes,  obviously I found that exciting...is my brain shrinking?  Don't answer that :-)

Mag

Kite surfing, La Linea playa