Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Day 48 Gibraltar

Day 48 Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is a symbol of durability and permanence. Since 1964 Gibraltar has had self-government and is a member of the Commonwealth since. Its location is strategically a military strong point in controlling the passage between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Paul and I sat on our balcony, enjoying our breakfast as the ship docked. Fortunately the morning sun's rays had been diffused by the sea haze around the Rock, making our breakfast most comfortable. Our view overlooked the Rock. Very special. Pinch.

We had decided not to join any tours here and instead took a leisurely walk into Gibraltar's main street. The shops are all duty free and goods are reasonably priced. We had to convert some of our AUD to the Gibraltar pound at one of the many money exchanges in town. At the end of the Main Street is an area where you can negotiate with a taxi driver to take you up to the top of the Rock for Euro 25 each person. Friends did this and thought it was great value.

We did a little shopping and posted some post cards, all the while sharing the area with 3, 500 other passengers from the cruise ship, Excellence of the Seas which had berthed alongside the DP. I have never seen so many pushers, strollers and goffers in one place! The Excellence of the Seas which had started from Southampton left Gibraltar for Italy, just before we sailed. We have now left the Mediterranean Sea and are sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.

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