Tubs’ Travels

Amongst other things, Gibraltar is well known as a tax haven, military base, Pillar of Hercules, and home to Europe’s only indigenous monkeys, the Gibraltar Barbary Macaques.

As we were staying in nearby Estapona, we had to give ‘Little Britain’ a visit for a day’s shopping.

The town centre bustled with shoppers, and men dressed up in military uniforms from times gone by.

Gibraltar Garb

Whilst Mrs K and friends were busy doing their duty to keep the British economy from the wolves (read: spending as much as possible in the local shops and supermarkets), I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to hack up to the top of ‘The Rock’.

I walked up with Roberto, a Lithuanian truck driver who was on a few forced rest days before he could head back to see his family and children by Christmas.

Unfortunately, the weather was a tad crap, and the further we climbed, the thicker the clouds and rain became, so that by the top, visibility was barely 10 meters. Shame.

View from O'Harra's Battery

On the way we met with a monkey who took no hesitation in ripping a bag from my compatriot’s hand. The monkey tore the bag open and proceeded to gobble any grub he could find within. Well, who dares wins, I guess.

Monkey Business

Travel Tip: Booze and cigarettes are amongst the cheapest in all of Europe. Roberto bought Vodka for his father here, as it was cheaper that Lithuania!

Travel Tip: If you have access to Sterling, use this to pay for things, rather than Euros. Local businesses seemed to charge extortionate exchange rates if you wanted to pay with Euros. There are plenty of UK bank cash machines if you come without Sterling.

Overall, Gibraltar seemed like a hard working place, where the pace is as fast as any big town back in the UK. I recon that perhaps Gib isn’t great for an extended leisurely stay, but worth a stop if you are in the region and feeling homesick.

Have you any tips about Gibraltar? Please leave your comments J