October 23, 2016
But we had a great day ashore. We went to the top of the Rock, went through St. Michael’s Caverns, toured the 18th century siege tunnels, saw the entrance to the World War II tunnels, and saw the monkeys who live on the Rock (we actually saw Mercedes, the oldest living monkey on Gibralter – she is 32). The weather was beautiful and we could see down to the ship and across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Got some great pictures that I’ll post later.
Part of the tour was to be a cable car ride to the top of the Rock, but it was too windy, the cars were swinging from side to side, and although our guide tried twice, they would not open the ride. So we went up by bus.
For an extra, the driver, Kenneth, and out guide, Ricardo, took us on a circumnavigation of the Rock. Each side is different, and each side is amazing.
Back on board I did my first talk – “Alexander Selkirk: The Real Robinson Crusoe.” The advertisement got out late, but there were still 20 folks who went late to supper so they could hear the Enrichment Speaker – me. And if you have cruised on Carnival before you know that the members of the crew have a badge which features the “whale’s tail” and the crew member’s name, duty, and home port. Ryan, the Entertainment Manager gave me one! Cool! I’ve already had folk stop me and I’ve been able to – hopefully – drum up business.
Because my talk went from 530-630, we missed our 600 seating for supper and went to My Time afterwards. We had a charming table for two and an enjoyable meal. After that was the evening show – a comedy magician (very good). For his final act, he blew up a balloon with a leaf blower and then climbed inside of it. We thought it would burst it and disappear, but he burst and was still there. It really was cool.
The captain came on during my talk and said we were going to get some rough weather, and he was right. So far it’s not bad, but it could get worse, says the Captain. So we bought some Ginger Ale and retired to 2296.
Oh, before I forget it, we turned our clocks back one hour tonight, so Monday will only be 5 hours in front of you, and I think we do it again Tuesday, but I’ll let you know.
Well, it’s time for a few hands of cards, and my cabin mate’s knee is hurting too bad to get out of bed and type. She will dictate to me (what else is new) and I will transcribe her every wish.
TTFN!
Here’s Bonnie – sort of.
When the alarm went off at 7 this morning, I leapt out of bed, put on my jogging pants and Wheel of Forturn t-shirt, shoes and socks, and hurried up to the Shore Excursion Desk that opened at 7 a.m. I was the 4th person in line. I went up to pick up our new tickets to go on the 10 o’clock tour. We had to change them because David’s talk was late and we had earlier booked the 2 o’clock tour. And besides, it was raining at 2.
We got to see the landing strip of the airport for Gibraltar. It is the width of the island. There is a road that crosses it from the Rock into Spain. When a plane is landing, gates come down and the road – Winston Churchill Road – is closed. Ricardo said it is the 5th most dangerous airport in the world. If a plane is coming south, they are not allowed to fly over Spain because of the ongoing political turmoil, so they fly out around, do a u-turn and come back.
The homes are apartments – looking a lot like the flats in Russia – cost between 600,000 and a million pounds. But if you are Gibraltarian, the government gives you a break, cutting the purchase price in half.
Ricardo, our guide, lives in Spain and comes across the border every morning to come to work. A few years ago there was political turmoil, and it took him 4 hours to cross because Spain was mad at Gibraltar. He told us that the Spaniards come over and buy cigarettes and smuggle them back.
We had Beef Wellington for supper and Molten Chocolate Cake.
Good night.
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