Gibraltar

Pulling into harbour, the sights and sounds brought me alive. The sounds of the diesel engines, lights and industrial installations reminded me of an aspect of cruising I love; docking. 

It was around 8am when we reached our mooring spot but had enjoyed the coast of Tangier from about 3.20am. We had been warned to turn our phones to airline mode so as not to incur the high prices of a 'local' pick up.

Leaving the sip around 10am (letting one of the tours go and leave us room on the quay), I walked into the duty free area with Shirley and then walked round to were the buses were going from so she could see the route.

I then left her to go back to the ship and I went off for a meander. 

I know Main Street well, as I've been there several times. 

It hasn't changed.

This time I deviated off the normal track a bit trying out different side streets.

Once I'm back I will add photos but the blog seems to rotate photos

It's always interesting what you find; little squares where tended flower beds are surrounded by geraniums, banana trees, birds of paradise plants and cacti. Hotels tucked behind facades of shops, churches or meeting rooms where small, exclusive car parks offer service to the privileged. Quiet seating areas where the loudest noise is that of the birds. 

Hunger moved me on and I went to the Ocean Village, a place we'd know as a marina. Blimey! Money or what!

I found a way onto the promenade by the airport runway and had the pleasure of sitting down to watch the boats go by. I could still see the runway from where I was, tucked behind the blocks of flats just back from there.

It was hard to believe only the other side of that block was a huge building site, building more blocks of flats on this newly created land mass.

I sat and enjoyed the view

So I'm back on board now. It's coming up to 3pm and Shirley is due back shortly from her trip. I've written this, sitting in the sun and the stern on deck 8. I wish I could take a picture but the sun would bleach it out! Bliss.

We pull off at around 5pm.

Next stop Malta.