So after Marbella, we were off to Gibraltar. I wish I could say I was excited to go to Gibraltar, because that would mean I had ever heard of it before. But, I had not. Although I went to private school, they still taught American Geography. Probably how I ended up living in Moscow. I thought it was somewhere in Colorado. I knew nothing about Gibraltar, and although I wish I could say it was some hidden gem, it was not. All there really was to see was the big rock, which was as it sounds, a big rock. A bunch of wild monkeys, who live on the rock, and according to all of the signs around, pick pocket anyone who steps foot on the rock.
I have never been comfortable around wild animals, but monkeys? Forget it. Those bastards are crazy strong. I am from Florida, home state of where the lady got her entire face ripped off by a "domesticated" monkey. A wild monkey? Pffftttttt.
I have mad respect for this girl, she learned young. Don't underestimate the power of a good side eyes look:
I trust this monkey, not at all. |
I have mad respect for this girl, she learned young. Don't underestimate the power of a good side eyes look:
The rock IS worth seeing if you are in the area. Pro-Tip: If you are doing the rock, bring a change of shoes. I am constantly doing whatever I can to avoid looking like a typical American tourist while vacationing in Europe, and as a result I will not wear sneakers, no matter how practical or comfortable they would be for the 10+ hours a day of walking on unpredictable terrain I may have planned or unplanned. I wish I could give you good advice on a comfortable walking shoe on par with a sneaker that does not leave you looking like you should also invest in a fanny pack, but sadly, I do not. My Toms wedges are super comfortable, but as a wedge, not great for cobble stones (and you do walk around feeling the need to alert people that you are NOT a Hipster).
Another thing about Gibraltar? Despite being a British colony, Gibraltar does NOT stamp your passport upon entry. Even if you ask. Twice. The entire town is tax free, which leaves it resembling a giant airport duty free shop, so if you are into that sort of thing, Gibraltar is the place to load up.
Keeping a safe distance |