Gibraltar was 2.3 square miles in area, and this huge limestone rock, 1398 feet in height, occupied most of the narrow peninsula. Because of its strategic location, the Rock was full of much history. The first Neanderthal Skull in 1848 was found in Gibraltar. In ancient Greek legend, the Rock was one of the �Pillars of Hercules�. In 711, the Muslim leader, Tarik ibn Zayid, crossed from Africa to the Rock beginning the Moorish conquest of Spain. His name for the Rock, �Djebel-Tarik� (meaning Tarik�s mountain) gave rise to the word Gibraltar. During the 300 years of British possession, the Rock became an impregnable fortress.
We spent 6 nights at Marina Bay. From the marina it was only a short walk into town. When the cruise ships were in, the main street was jammed with tourists. From our berth we enjoyed a spectacular view of the Rock, and each night the north face of the Rock near us was lit up with white lights. To be in Gibraltar was like enjoying a little bit of Great Britain. English was spoken, the pound was the currency, English foods were stocked on the grocery shelves, and there was a little bit of English pageantry. Unlike in Britain, cars drove on the right hand side of the road. |
