Monkeys, Cable Cars, A Rock and Gibraltar.

MONKEYS????

What Monkeys?

We are here to see the great island of Gibraltar.  I had read so much about it.  Many weird and wonderful things.  Such as an airport runway that intersects a street.  How weird would that be to be at a stop light and a plane takes off in front of you??

Gibraltar has a population of 30,000.  A British territory, with their own sterling pounds.  We could use UK pounds here, but you can't use Gibraltar pounds outside of this island.

Located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. On the northern border with Andalusia, Spain.

There is one way into the town centre and to the base of the cable cars to whisk you to the top for a bird's eye view of 'The Rock of Gibraltar.'

Up....up....don't look down.

Did I mention it was really windy on the way up.....not good for me.

Almost to the top....5-7 minutes.  I just kept taking pictures and pretending it wasn't really as high as it looked.

From the very top, one side is sheer cliff.  While we were up there, a weird wind, cloud, mist came up the sheer wall and freaked us out.  Almost looked like a tornado or some sort of weather phenomenon.

I video taped it because it was wild for a few minutes.

 This is me getting close and snuggly with the apes.  Formally known as the Barbary Macaques apes.  These semi-wild monkeys are the only native breed left in Europe.

Our friend here was downtown...DOWNTOWN....on the street.  They love plastic bags and food.  He jumped on a ladies back trying to get her plastic bag.

Yikes.

"Debbie...we aren't in Bracebridge anymore."

The extraordinary view of the city of Gibraltar below, the sea, the cable car and the wee monkey on the corner of the deck.

'The Rock' behind us.  I believe the most incredible sight I have ever seen.

The greeters at the top of the cable car stop.  

Safety zone...I mean little souvenir and cafe at the top.

Debbie would have gotten a lot closer.  But I didn't want to bring home a monkey.

The European town below.  One main street with shops, cafes, jewelry stores.  Christmas lights and trees abound.  Carols playing throughout.

Santa hanging out in Gibraltar.

A friend along our travels. 

The tastes of Africa in the shops.  From the island, we can view Africa and Spain.

An English pub stop on the way back to the ship.  I believe it is the holiday home of Chevy Chase....alias....Sparky Griswalds.

Our sunset from the beautiful island of Gibraltar.  Still seas and cool breeze.  Nice.