Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Sailing from Melilla to Cartagena, Spain 

We leave Melilla at 6pm, heading north to Cartagena, which lies in the middle of Spain's Mediterranean coast. My readers may recall that I have been to Cartagena three times previously--the first when I spent 12 days in hospital having a hip replacement in October 2016; the second time when I returned in April 2017 to thank the medical personnel who were so kind and helpful during my ordeal; and the third time in November 2021 on a cruise from Rome to Miami.

So LFLatSea is catching up to the present as it goes back to . . 

Sunday, 21 April 2024

Gibraltar, UK Overseas Territory

We arrive in Gibraltar at 8:00 in the morning. We are happy to see the end of the one day of rainy weather in Tangier. It also rained it Gibraltar yesterday--not surprising since the distance over the Strait of Gibraltar is just about 17 miles.

At 9am we depart on a 3.5 hour tour, "City Under Siege," which takes us to the most important and historic sights on this narrow spit of land. We begin with a short drive around the northernmost part of the colony, getting a first-hand view of the international airport that marks the boundary between Spain and Gibraltar. Later, we will actually see a British Airways jet approaching this strip.

Airport Runway (Middle Left of Photo) Separates Spain, to the North
(Top Half of Photo), from Gibraltar, to the South (Bottom Half)

Our drive brings us to the Gibraltar History Museum, depository for many models, paintings, and photographs that document how Gibraltar has developed from its prehistoric origins to its present status (somewhat confusing since the British were given the area "in perpetuity" by a treaty to end the Spanish War of Succession in 1714. However, the current Spanish government doesn't agree about the terms of this very old treaty). The most interesting parts of the museum are the remains of an old Roman bath house underneath its foundations.

From this northern part of the peninsula we drive to its most southern area, Europa Point, site of the northern side of the ancient Pillars of Hercules, and present site of a lighthouse and a mosque built by the Saudi Royal Family. We can easily see Morocco this morning in the clear, bright air.

The cable car that takes tourists to the upper station of the Rock is the highlight of any visit to Gibraltar. The seven-minute ride offers panoramic views of the populated west side of the peninsula (the east side is sheer rock and has little development), and the Spanish city of Algeciras in the distance. We can, of course, see our cruise ship way down below.

Views from the top are just as spectacular:

Besides the overwhelming views, tourists can also see the famous miniature creatures that live wild on the Rock--the Barbary Apes. When I was here previously, the apes were cavorting and mis-behaving all over the peak, curious about visitors and always seeking extra food. Today there are no apes at all at the top. When we descend to the middle station on the cable car, however, we are lucky to see a small group of the animals enjoying their lunch of various fresh fruits.

The tour proceeds to visit a system of tunnels carved out of solid limestone, commenced in 1782 by the forerunners of the Royal Engineers. Will and I decide to sit out this part of the tour since it involves a long uphill climb, up and down many stairs inside the tunnels and then back down that same earlier climb. We wait about 40 minutes for the tour group to return. The minibus then takes us all into the center of town at Casemate Square. Will continues on the bus back to the ship.

I stay in town for a short walk though the main shopping street, which is like a typical British High Street, complete with Royal Mailbox.

I even purchase two pair of shorts at the local branch of Marks & Spencer. But it is Sunday and the stores are closing early, so I walk the 20-minute trek back to the cruise terminal