Jule's Hikoi: Gibraltar

It's another place from my long time bucket list after reading so many stories where it features. Sometimes as a sanctuary, most times as a place of mystery and action. I'm not sure what I expected really. A place with a rich history and I wasn't disappointed. A place with fresh seafood. I may well have been very disappointed by what was on offer so close to the sea. It was probably down to the places we went rather than a lack of fresh fish!

As a British overseas territory, Gibraltar is very British with many reminders of the old country in the small bars, retail shops and signs. There was a mix of people, many Spanish and other European, either living in Gib or just across the border in La Linea de la Concepcion. It's cheaper to live there according to some folks we spoke with. The border crossing is not as easy as it was pre Brexit with posts to check us in and out with a stamp. Yes, a passport stamp! My passport is beginning to look like it used to.

The flight in had my face pressed to the window looking out over Africa and Spain while approaching a runway with a road running through the middle. The traffic does get stopped thankfully! The photo below shows the rock on our approach. Once again BA came to the party with great service and flight crew. The airport was small too making the immigration process quick and easy.

The Rock Hotel was a treat with a lovely big room and an amazing view over the harbor from the balcony. The people were lovely too, and the food and wine. The pool was closed of course, and the weather was certainly not inviting this hot house flower to take a dip. The main highlight was exploring the rather large rock towering above the hotel. The cable car was the best way up and the paths were designed for wandering with amazing views over the Straits to Africa and Spain, especially over the seaward side sheer drop.

The first day was a trip up the hill by cable car, steep and directly to the top. Description defies me, the view from the top was outstanding - see the picture below. We wandered over to the other side, about 10 paces away, and had to do a sudden stop as the drop was sheer and there was no barrier. Got the heart going, luckily I'm not afraid of heights. The sky bridge over the cliff side a little further on tested my head for heights too.

We chose to wander rather than get a taxi or do a tour. A good idea when we saw the crowds disembarking from the mini vans and not really getting time to just be in the place. The van crowd did supply some monkey business as the Barbary apes mobbed the vans and people looking for food. They ignored us so I was able to get close enough for some good shots. The plaques also had the key points and history of the places we wandered.

The map and guide showed a place called St Michaels Cavern and Cabin, the later with souvenirs, beers and food. Folks who travel with me know I'm a bit fascinated with Archangel Michael and tend to visit where ever he's mentioned. I didn't hold great hopes for this attraction but I was footsore and in need of a loo and food break. Cold beers all round then a descent into the cave system.

Wow! It was an amazing spot and showed the geological make up of this place with a vast cavern system complete with stalagmites and stalactites and hidden spots with a variety of minerals. We sat quietly in the semi dark enjoying the ambiance then the light show started illuminating different formations and showing why it's called St Michaels Cavern. It was amazing and a highlight of the hill wander. Hoping this is not a spoiler, a pic of this is below. A stalactite broke and fell in recent times and the cross section showed its history and mineral make up. We ended up spending a lot of time in the cavern, enjoying the space and peace.

Although the Rock is quite small, we managed a lot of walking on the first day. It's certainly not a one day wander and we returned on our last day to explore the castle and the caves and tunnels used in WW2 at the other end of the park. Thankfully I packed my trainers this time as the tracks were challenging in places, especially as we headed down to towards town, both hurting and in need of food and a sit down.