I realize its been a while since I updated my travel Website. However, during my travels through Europe, I suffered a major technical difficulty. And, while I did try to resolve it, I was unsuccessful, even after trying in three different countries. So I gave up and decided to just travel and enjoy. Now I am back, free of technical difficulties and eager to re-live some of the happier moments of my summer in Europe.
I begin with an unassuming trip to Gibraltar (a common wealth of the United Kingdom along the Mediterranean Sea). After spending weeks in rural Spain, where if you ask anyone if they can speak English, the answer is always, “Yes, a little” (said in Spanish). But the only words they can actually speak a little of in English are typically: yes, no, and okay. I was truly drained speaking my basic Spanish. I wanted to hear English again. So I decided to cross the boarder in southern Spain to Gibraltar. After all, Gibraltar is part of the United Kingdom, so its supposed to be an English speaking country, right?
Shop owners, restauranteurs, and random people on the streets mostly spoke Spanish. But who can blame them since the country itself is mostly surrounded by Spain? English was basically visible only on the street and shop signs. And of course, on the money.
The best thing about Gibraltar is that its a tax-free state. A lot of Spanish nationals cross the boarder to buy gasoline (petroleum), alcohol, and tobacco; all of which are dirt cheap in Gibraltar since there are no taxes imposed on these items.
But if you shop for other things in the town center, I strongly feel its just not worth it. For one thing, the money used in Gibraltar is in pounds, which is higher than the euro. Secondly, the quality and selection of items are not very good. Ultimately, I’d sooner go to Spain for better and cheaper items and I’d also be paying in euros (cheaper than the pounds). Even with the taxes, Spanish shopping is far better.
So without English and shopping to keep me occupied, the only thing left to do in this 3 square miles (7 square kilometers) country is The Rock. Its hard to miss it as it is the most prominent feature in Gibraltar; a Jurassic limestone outcrop that sticks out 1,398 feet (426 meters) from sea level. And there no better way to explore this than by climbing up the Mediterranean Steps.
Though the views and surprises you find along the way up are well worth it. If you take it slow, take lots of rests, bring lots of water, and some snacks, then I think you’ll be okay. For me, I even brought an umbrella. Of course, I always bring my umbrella everywhere in Europe. And no, its not for the rain, but rather for the sun. I know it may look weird, but I think I was the only one on this rock when I went up who wasn’t fashioning a sunburn. Enough said.
To get up to the bottom of the steps, you must take the number two bus from the main part of town. Tell the bus driver, if (s)he can speak English, that you want to stop at the “Upper Rock.” Once you get off at this bus stop, you’ll see the sign headed to “Upper Rock” which is along a residential neighborhood. Follow it up the hill for about fifteen-twenty minutes. On the way up, you’ll see another sign with admission fees to the rock. The current price for foot traffic at the time of this posting was at 50 pence. When you reach the guard shack you’ll need to pay (in either euros or pounds, but no credit/debit cards accepted). Then you’ll have to continue to climb even more steep hills. At this point, you’ll have lots of options as to where you can go. This walk beings with a climb at the bus stop and continues until you reach the steps, which is another climb. Its very difficult, especially for those not prepared. And the blazing heat of the sun only adds to the difficulty, particularly in the summer. Don’t forget to take lots of rest and bring lots of water. Ultimately, the steps will be near, the Ape’s Den.
Near the foot of the steps, you’ll have many opportunities to interact with the rock’s primary residents – “the macaque apes.” They’re mostly lazy. And they don’t like to be touched. One even attempted to push me as I got too close to his family. But it was a weakling and I barely even felt it. Though I knew enough not to antagonize them as I didn’t want to use my traveler’s insurance on an ape bite. But they don’t mind you taking photos of them, like these:
Gibraltar is not known as a tourist destination. There really isn’t much to do here and I found the people are not as pleasant as they are in Spain. But if you want to spend time at a place where they combine Spanish, English, and Arabic culture into one, then this is your place. Don’t forget to bring your energy and climb the Mediterranean Steps. On top of the Rock, you can see three countries (Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco), two continents (Europe and Africa), separated by one (Mediterranean) sea. A truly unique and beautiful place.On the Mediterranean Steps
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RT @sichree23: On the Rock of Gibraltar http://t.co/uCAWXWYOb2 via @sichree23 #beautiful #wildlife
Love the modeling monkeys. When we went to Indonesia the monkeys practically own the temples. Just make sure you don’t have anything shiny or that resembles food cuz they’ll come after you :-p Haven’t been to Gibraltar yet but it’s on the list now. Thanks for sharing!
Dan @ A Cruising Couple recently posted..From Tutus to Toilets: A Look into Taipei’s Theme Restaurants
The apes were kind of annoying. But sometimes they can be cute, particularly on photos. They’re everywhere, especially once you reach the Ape’s Den area. And from there you’ll kinda wish you had their lives – sitting around, doing nothing all day, and enjoy the wonderful view from up high. Thankfully they didn’t come near me, except one that tried to push me (but he failed, miserably).
I hope you guys make it up here one day.
Like Abby, I’m a sucker for monkeys too!
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They’re fun! But also a little mean. I guess that’s true for all wild animals.
Colorful Footsteps | On the Mediterranean Steps http://t.co/T0xRbkrT
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Some great photos here, especially the monkey! Thanks for sharing.
emma@greenglobaltravel recently posted..PANAMA Photos- Glamping, Fishing, Dolphins & Rainbows
You’re welcome! Glad you liked them. The apes are great photo subjects.
The baby ape is sooo cute! I am such a sucker for monkeys and such though. I can’t believe you got so close! What gorgeous scenery.
Abby recently posted..Coming Soon to Vegas: Zarkana
I can’t believe I got that close either. It was just lucky that they are so lazy that they lounge around anywhere there is shade. Its a nice life with a gorgeous view.
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I’m sure you would’ve loved it up here.
Those apes are adorable! You got some great photos. There are many times I wish I had an umbrella for the sun, but I never remember it!
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I rarely forget the umbrella myself. Its been a lifesaver for me in very HOT temperatures. Crazy as that sounds.
Hello,
Great publish thank you for share information it was so interesting ^___^
I’m so glad you found it interesting!
On the Mediterranean Steps #apes #Gibraltar #photography http://t.co/soLgN6al via @sichree23
On the Mediterranean Steps #apes #Gibraltar #photography http://t.co/Lfe2o1Wm via @sichree23
Haven’t been there yet, but those are some great photos of those apes
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Yeah, the apes do create good shots. The added views puts it over the top. But you do have to make an effort and climb the rock for both the views and the apes.
Sometimes it’s great to disconnect whether by accident or by design.
I’ve not been to Gibraltar and had no idea it was part of the commonwealth — and I’m from a commonwealth country! I also wouldn’t have picked it as a tourist destination but now I see I should. Very informative post, Sherry!
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Disconnecting drove me nuts, actually! I always need to be connected. I think that’s just who I am. But I survived which proved to myself that I can live without technology. Though, I much rather not.
Yeah, its worth a day trip over while you are visiting the south of Spain. At the very least its a change in scene. And the apes are fun (though mean).
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My brief encounter with Gibraltar involves my father inadvertently driving our car down a couple of stairs that looked like a road, so I didn’t get the chance to properly check it out. I’m surprised that they don’t make more of an effort with their tax-free status; I didn’t even think of the shopping but I would have assumed it would be good. The apes are amazing!
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Wow! That’s one encounter I would never forget, if it were me in that car. Thankfully, you survived. Although, to be fair to your father, the roads here are so narrow that stairways can be mistaken for them very easily. I do think they get a lot of shoppers for the alcohol and tobacco stuff. There’s always a line at all the stores that sells them; especially the ones near the border. I guess most people don’t care to go further in after they’ve bought their necessities.
What a beautiful post! Thanks for opening my eyes to another part of the world I may not have visited. A tax free state, who knew? And those apes are adorable!
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Aren’t they adorable in the photos? Especially the baby. But once you stick you finger at them … watch out! I think you’ll really love the feeling of being so high and seeing so many things at once. This part of the world has some very unique places and fun activities. I hope you can visit in the near future.
Sometimes, to just travel and enjoy – and forget about the tech world for a bit – is the best decision
I was in Gibraltar many years ago, on a rainy October day, and didn’t really get a very good impression. Feel I owe it to that quirky British outpost to give it one more chance, though. Some summer day…
Yeah, I think the weather has a lot to do with whether or not you have fun here. Sadly, its one of the only things to do here. To be fair, I was floored by the view and the experience was a pleasant surprise. Indeed, go back on a summer day.
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I’m not a fan of hikes, and definitely not hard hikes that go up hill. But looking at these photos, I think it might just be well worth the effort. Of course that view of the three countries against the blue Mediterranean sea is surreal! I’m thinking about coming here the next time I’m at the south of Spain.
Before I stated traveling a lot, I was never a fan of hikes either. They’re hard to pack for, bugs and thorny things abound, and you can’t control the elements. But the more I traveled, the more I began to realize that hiking is a big part of the travel. That I can’t truly see beautiful places without making the effort. Now-a-days, I’m all about the hikes. This one, although very difficult, did have equal rewards at the top.
Any destination with cute monkeys and I am straight there. Went to Gibraltar years ago but only for the day and memories are very hazy.
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Well, they’re cute in the photos, but actually they’re quite mean in person. But so long as they photograph well. They look so innocent in print.
Sounds like you had a blast and it should become a major tourist destination after the description you gave. Bravo !
Well then, I should be compensated, right?
I’m always in favor of spreading the word when its worth the visit. And I think the vistas and wildlife this rock offers are definitely worth it.
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Wow Sherry, I was about to going to Gibraltar last year when I visited Andalusia, and then couldn’t make it. Now that I see your post I feel it was such a pity I didn’t go! Lovely photos, it looks enchanting
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What a pity, indeed. Its worth a trip up the rock, if nothing else, for the photos! You should go back when you return to Europe.
And what was also fun when I went here a few years ago was exploring the bunkers and cave. I also somewhat enjoyed playing with the apes. But I found them to be very scary. They’re small, yes. But they can be aggressive, especially the mamas. Best part of my experience here was actually the climb – it was a totally great workout and I felt it on for days after. Why pay for the expensive cable cart ride when you can get a better view, better experience, and better workout on foot? I will have to remember to make a stop here again when I visit southern Spain.
I’m really surprised, knowing you, that you actually crossed the boarder to Gibraltar. Well, it was a great idea and I’m glad you did it. The hike is certainly worth it, but it is VERY hard. I am not going play that down. Truthfully, I almost gave up in the middle; I ran out of water, (which is very expensive to buy on the Rock and you have to climb up the stores to get them), plus the sun was soooo hot, and I thought I’ve seen everything I needed to anyway I didn’t want to bother going further up. But thankfully, I made it to where I wanted to be – after several hours, that is. When you go back to southern Spain, let me know and I’ll come with you.
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On the Mediterranean Steps #apes #Gibraltar #photography http://t.co/7HMYbOfT via @sichree23