Mar 15, 2001 05:29 PM
3592 Views
The rock of Gibraltar, guards the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea.
It has for many years been regarded as a safe guard of peace in the Med.
A British owned (arguably) peninsular, not Island, on the southern tip of Spain.
I think we kind of stole this when the Spanish weren’t looking, opened up a few bars, and claimed it as our own!
But enough of that, what is so magical about Gibraltar?
It has something for everyone, except kids.
The History of this Rock will keep any “buff” enthused for many a day.
The rock of Gibraltar is hollow, and you can have tours of the old fortress and some of the modern military establishments within these walls.
You can see the old cannons guarding Gibraltar almost everywhere you turn.
The architecture is as old as the battles this place has seen, and many archways boldly hang over main roads and alleys.
There is an abundance of old stone steps leading off the main drag, which twist and turn into many a surprise of alleys.
There are more pubs here, reputedly, than anywhere else in the world. I can vouch for most of them, but not all.
I can remember about 20 maybe 30, but that was a good night.
Some of the more character pubs, such as the whole in the Wall, which is literally that! And Taffs bar, The Irish bar, the London bar and the donkeys flip flop, or the Horseshoe as it is really called, or just a few great, cheap little bars to wile away the hours.
Opening time seems to be whenever they feel, as is closing time.
The shopping is nowt if not a vision to make a woman’s knees go weak.
Designer shops at unbelievable prices, cigarettes at £8 for 200,
Whisky from £5 a bottle (that will please Manx!)
Jewellery, gifts, lace and all accessories you could imagine, at prices you dream of. If you’re reading Lizzi, don’t look up https://shopatgibraltar.com as I do not believe there is one yet!
Gibraltar has 2 small beaches, situated on the east side of the rock.
These can be accessed by tunnel under the rock, or a half hour walk around it.
They are small and can get crowded, but they are separated by some small bars, Tapas cafes and restaurants, serving some of the most succulent seafood ever to swim out of the sea.
The most spectacular view from these beaches can be fought out between the water catchment reservoir on the side of the rock, or the vast coastal views of southern Spain, running along to Marbella.
The rock itself can be accessed by hundreds of little stone steps. This is not recommended unless you are super fit and totally unafraid of both heights and Apes, the latter being the worst threat as they tend to sit in the middle of the steps, which are about 3 ft across, and try and bite you as you squeeze past!
Or the more popular way of Cable Car.
I strongly recommend you use this, as the views are unforgettable.
Overall, I find this place has a unique charm and feel, and you are never short of something to do.
If you were, the border to Spain is only a 10-minute walk away.
Enjoy the local drink, it is called a J.C. and consists of Angistura Bitters, Lemon, Gin, and whatever else they feel like!
Goodbye……………Angus
