Inspired by the UK Governments publication of ‘Safe’ Covid destinations for overseas travel, and seeing that Gibraltar is one of the few countries on the green travel list, I thought a virtual reminder of a visit to this minuscule, but vibrant country was appropriate.
Gibraltar is officially a British Overseas Territory. It is located at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, an area of only 2.6 square miles. Surrounded on the landward side by Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean and the Straights of Gibraltar… Africa and Morocco is only 10 miles across the straights.
The famous Rock of Gibraltar dominates the town below. A landmark for sailors over the centuries and marking the gateway to the Mediterranean. The Rock is riddled with tunnels and caves and also home to its famous none human inhabitants the Barbary Apes. A Cable Car links you to, very nearly, the top. The energetic can then walk to the summit and enjoy a surprisingly rich green area, very much a contrast to the very busy town below.
Once back down in the town there is no escaping the hustle and bustle of a busy community. It is a community much influenced by its unique location between cultures and its peoples. It is also fun, despite the busy nature of the town it has a safe secure feeling. Want to delve into Gibraltar’s history, then a visit to the Gibraltar Museum is a must, it will take you on a journey from the earliest man, through the its strategic military importance across many centuries and its multi cultural influences that are many.
But there is no escaping the British influence, from Union Flags, to very British Post Boxes. Spanish influenced architecture with English Georgian and of course 21st century high rise buildings that reflect the commercial aspects of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is multi cultural, but is also rather unique in its National identity. Fiercely British in one respect, but also very determined to defend its right to independently determine its own future as Gibraltar.
Perhaps it is its unique location, naming of the tip of the peninsula as Europa Point that best describes just where Gibraltar is located……. Europa Point it is.
Wherever you plan to travel and explore….
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
15th May
(C) David Oakes 2021
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 
Thank you for the memories David. We lived on Gibraltar for two years, Nov 1973 to 75, and our daughter has dual nationality. I used to lead Rock tours and also was a guide for Lower St Michaels cave.
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I know there is a good deal.more that I could have included…. but thought that OK as an appetiser. Glad it brought back some memories for you. One thing I am pondering…. Knowing Gibraltar is dependant upon a daily commute of workers from Spain across that narrow runway, and as Spain isn’t on the open list, how is Gib going to staff the hospitality venues if there is a surge of visitors. Just pondering 😃
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I’m happy not to be involved in the logistics of that!
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Such an interesting place to visit. I can only wish to go there someday.
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On the list then ?
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