Today we were in Gibraltar. The Rock of today is a bizarre anomaly of Moorish, Spanish, and especially British influences. There are double-decker buses, "bobbies" in helmets, and red mailboxes. Millions of pounds have been spent in developing its tourist potential, and a steady flow of expat Brits comes here from Spain to shop at Morrisons supermarket and other stores. This tiny British colony—nicknamed "Gib" or simply "the Rock"—whose impressive silhouette dominates the strait between Spain and Morocco, was one of the two Pillars of Hercules in ancient times, marking the western limits of the known world and commanding the narrow pathway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
It was really hazy this morning and we could not even see the Rock but luckily it cleared up a bit later. We drove up the Rock of Gibraltar and we visited St. Michael's Cave which is a series or network of caves made of limestone, which are found on the Rock of Gibraltar. St Michaels Cave is located on what is called the Upper Rock, inside the Upper Rock Nature Reserve of Gibraltar and sites at a height of well over 300 metres above sea level. It was really beautiful.
Next we stopped at Ape's Den and as the name implies the place is home to the famous monkeys who live here. One of Gibraltar’s most iconic attractions, the Barbary Macaque, normally only seen in North Africa are a main feature of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Their presence in Gibraltar is said to date from the early days of the British Garrison.
Many legends surround the Macaques such as, should they ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar. This was taken to heart by Winston Churchill during WWII, who on hearing of the diminishing numbers had further mating pairs imported from Morocco.
Today, in addition to Ape’s Den, there are other packs living wild on the slopes of the Rock making it the only location in Europe that one can find such animals roaming free.
I was lucky to get one to take a peanut out my hand!
Great views from here! Was a great day overall. Tomorrow we are at sea so catch up here on Wednesday!
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