The rock was partially covered by clouds this morning as the ship maneuvered in next to the quay just before 0700. Given that most of the rest of the sky was clear, the pollution of the city might have something to do with the dirty brown color captured by my camera.

Not sure actually where we are docked in relation to the city and the central bus station but I think I will find out in a few minutes right about the time that I find WiFi, which, unfortunately is also after I had the realization that this is UK territory. Pounds sterling I have in my wallet but a UK connector? Not at all, the ones from my time in Camberley are nestled comfortably in George’s desk drawer where they are not doing me one whit of good.

As a result, I may just spend more time on the iPad as its battery lasts a lot longer.

noon update

In the first group off the ship, I headed straight for the cable car station. Remember last time I was here? It was a Tuesday and they were down for maintenance. This time I arrived to find that they don’t open till 0930. About to depart the area, several tour buses pulled up. I jumped into the crowd stopping at the window to buy my ticket (return) and managed to be on the third car headed up the hill.

The view was spectacular – on the way up you could see Africa. From the top I could see the Atlantic, the Med, Spain and the apes.

Ah, yes, the Barbary Apes – a version of macaques. Not stupid, they go after anything that looks like food (including plastic bags because those carry food) and are known to bite.

Not being interested in monkey bites, I stayed reasonably away from them. After climbing around on what was left of the fortress, I traveled down again by cable car and walked through the city.

After stopping at the Gibraltar Museum (two pounds entrance no photos allowed) I spent a futile hour attempting to find wifi. Finally on the way back to the ship I stopped at an Indian restaurant where, for the price of a cheese nan – I am on line.

Photos in the future!

(from here it is back to the ship – on board time is 1530)

and leaving