Today, our footsteps echo in the corridors of Gibraltar, a unique slice of British culture nestled at the crossroads of continents. For us, a walk through heights, history, and the harmonious blend of nature and tradition.
But, like every morning, first things first, we headed out in search of Sacarello’s Café for a coffee and crumpet. I knew this was a Portuguese café so I was not surprised that they had Pastel de Nata. I know that here in Gibraltar it may have been more appropriate to search out a scone. But, really!?!
The breakfast of Champions
Next, because I left my Tilley hat, somewhere in Morocco, Sandy was on a mission to get me a new one. Finally in the bowels of some store on their main strip she found a replacement hat for me, not a Tilley, but still a nice one, and now feel much more completely dressed.
Coming upon another little square
Our true adventure now commenced at the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. We took the cable car to the “top of the rock”, catching glimpses of the Mediterranean's azure expanse at every turn. The Rock, as the locals refer to it, simply oozes with history. So our ascent promised both an historical and scenic voyage. As we reached the summit, the sweeping views became a visual feast—a tapestry of sea and sky, where Europe meets Africa.
A view of Spain
Some fortifications
The legend is that as long as the monkeys remain on Gibraltar so will the British. The British have embraced this legend for centuries, so much so that Churchill, in the throes of World War II, upon learning that the “ape” population was diminishing, secretly had more monkeys brought in from North Africa. The Barbary macaques have a twinkle in their eyes and a flair for the dramatic. These cheeky primates entertained us with one of their favorite antics, grooming little bugs off of each other. In the company of Gibraltar's apes, history feels alive, and the present takes on a mischievous charm.
Not all of the history is in the fortifications of the rock. Our next stop unfolded a poignant chapter in Gibraltar's maritime history—the Trafalgar Cemetery. A peaceful resting place for those who sailed the seas during the Napoleonic wars, it spoke volumes of the naval legacy etched in the Rock's foundation. As we paid our respects, the whispers of the past reverberated in the sea breeze.
If you must be buried, this is a pretty place
As the sun dipped low over the Mediterranean, casting a warm glow on the Rock of Gibraltar, we reflected on a day enriched by heights, history, and the soothing embrace of nature. Gibraltar unfolded as a destination where every moment is a step into the past, a dance with the present, and a promise of future tales. And, my next tale, was that I was not going to leave England without having some fish and chips. And, after that, a drink at “The Queen’s Picture House and Eatery” where we beside enjoying a late evening cocktail, we also spent time with a very pleasant couple on holiday from England, proper, Maggie and Will. Upon hearing that he was an ex-policeman, Sandy excitedly blurted out “You’re a Billy” He said “Yes, I am a Billy (extracted from William) but I think the word you were looking for is Bobby” This is how it is when one travels-with-sandy.
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