Gibraltar is a British Crown Colony. It is located on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula where the Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Gibraltar's location has given rise to numerous myths and legends through the years. According to Greek legend, the Rock of Gibraltar and the Atlas Mountains across the strait on the North African coast were known as the Pillars of Hercules. They marked the edge of the then known world and it was believed that any ship that sailed through this gateway would meet with death and oblivion. Another long held belief was that large subterranean tunnels connected Gibraltar to Africa. Due to its strategic location, Gibraltar has historically been an important base for the British Armed Forces. Having been governed by the Moors, the Spanish, and now the British, Gibraltar shows a real commingling of these three cultures.
We've arrived!
Europa Point and its lighthouse mark the scenic southernmost point of Gibraltar.
The cable car provides breathtaking views of both Europe and Africa on its ascent to the Top of the Rock.
The Barbary Apes draw many visitors to the Rock. In actuality they are not apes but a tail-less species of monkeys called Barbary Macaques. They are the only free-living monkeys in Europe today. Legend says that British rule will last as long as the apes remain in residence. So they are catered to..... and there are LOTS AND LOTS of them! The animals are very used to visitors, but we were warned that they may bite if annoyed.... and that they've been known to take off with handbags and cameras!
This little fellow leaped right onto the hood of this moving car!!
And here is the view from the top. (There's our ship! I wonder how we get to it!!)
Gibraltar is a British Crown Colony. It is located on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula where the Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Gibraltar's location has given rise to numerous myths and legends through the years. According to Greek legend, the Rock of Gibraltar and the Atlas Mountains across the strait on the North African coast were known as the Pillars of Hercules. They marked the edge of the then known world and it was believed that any ship that sailed through this gateway would meet with death and oblivion. Another long held belief was that large subterranean tunnels connected Gibraltar to Africa. Due to its strategic location, Gibraltar has historically been an important base for the British Armed Forces. Having been governed by the Moors, the Spanish, and now the British, Gibraltar shows a real commingling of these three cultures.
We've arrived!
Europa Point and its lighthouse mark the scenic southernmost point of Gibraltar.
The cable car provides breathtaking views of both Europe and Africa on its ascent to the Top of the Rock.
The Barbary Apes draw many visitors to the Rock. In actuality they are not apes but a tail-less species of monkeys called Barbary Macaques. They are the only free-living monkeys in Europe today. Legend says that British rule will last as long as the apes remain in residence. So they are catered to..... and there are LOTS AND LOTS of them! The animals are very used to visitors, but we were warned that they may bite if annoyed.... and that they've been known to take off with handbags and cameras!
This little fellow leaped right onto the hood of this moving car!!
And here is the view from the top. (There's our ship! I wonder how we get to it!!)
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