We took a bus tour to the Rock of Gibraltar. Being history-challenged, I did not know that Gibraltar is British. The customs officials, first Spanish, then British, come through the bus checking passports at the border.
Driving up steep, narrow, winding roads, sometimes without railings, we reached the top of the Rock, and there are Barbary Macaque monkeys (called tailless apes) there. Who knew? Also there is St. Michael's cave, with beautiful limestone stalagmites and stalactites.
The monkeys are very friendly and used to tourists, however we had a monkey incident. Upon leaving the cave and heading back to the bus we were carrying chips and a sandwich to eat on the way back. First, a very large monkey grabbed the chips out of my hand and grabbed onto my backpack strap. I had to struggle with him to retain my backpack and the bag broke open and chips flew everywhere. David laughed at me, but seconds later another monkey grabbed the sack with the sandwich right out of his hands. When we woke up this morning we didn't know we'd be buying a salami sandwich and potato chips for the monkeys' lunch. Apparently this happens quite often, as there are roaming security guards that will prod the monkeys with a small shock if they get out of hand. Sure, these monkeys look innocent and adorable, but beware, and hide your food.
Barbary Macaque Monkey
Monkey
Monkeys
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Airport where cars and buses cross runway and traffic stops when planes take off or land
North Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar viewed from Gibraltar
Arabian Mosque
Lighthouse on the Strait of Gibraltar
Moorish Castle built in 711
Rock of Gibraltar
