March 15, 2019 – Gibraltar

March 15, 2019 – Gibraltar
We docked on the opposite side of the rock from the “Prudential” side. We had a very funny local guide, Karen, who grew up in England but has lived on Gibraltar most of her adult life.
A few facts about “The Rock”. It is just under 3 sq. Miles in area. The Rock is 1400 ft high. There are 27 miles of roads. In WWII tunnels were dug in the rock to house cannons as well as soldiers and the high command. There is 34 miles of tunnels inside the rock.
We took a bus through the town and then headed up to St. Michael’s Cave. There are over 150 caves in the rock but this is the most visited. In WWII it was set up to be used as a hospital. Today, besides being a tourist attraction, it is used for concerts and plays. They have colored lights shining on the formations.
Our next stop was supposed to be the WWII tunnels. The guides got a call that there had been a power outage in the tunnels so we couldn’t go. We headed down to where the macaques monkeys hang out.
Then we went to the other end of the rock where the light house is. They have found coastal caves here where there is art by the Neanderthals. Only qualified scientists are allowed in while they work to identify all that they have found.
Final stop was downtown. We were given time to wander before returning to the ship for lunch. Sail away was at 2pm.
Tomorrow we get to Seville. I keep thinking about Alfalfa singing The Barber of Seville on the Little Rascals.