We arrived at Gibraltar early this morning. Since we had visited this area before, we did not take a tour today. This area came under British rule a little over 300 years ago and was a strategic point during many wars. Today there still is contention as Spain would like to again regain control but it is said that the local inhabitants of Gibraltar wish to remain under British domain. The famous inhabitants of this area are the Barbary apes. They are considered the national animal. Popular belief here is that as long as the apes remain, Gibraltar will be under British rule. Back during WWII in 1942, the population was as low as seven apes, so Winston Churchill ordered that the number be increased by getting more from Morocco and Algeria! The population has steadily increased to this date.
I think that we mentioned that we have been taking bridge lessons. I have included here a picture of the wonderful couple from Australia who are the instructors and some of our fellow classmates for the classes.
We set sail for Lisbon, Portugal this evening and as we sailed out of this area, we could see the African continent on our port side.
April 16, 2008
We arrived in Lisbon, Portugal at 10 a.m. Since one of our table mates was originally from Portugal, he gave us several tips for sites to see and a good restaurant. We also needed time to mail home a couple of packages so our suitcases would not be overflowing. After the post office, we took a city tour with an open bus and saw the old part of the city as well as many of the beautiful wide boulevards and monuments that are abundant in this city.
After this tour, we went to a wonderful restaurant and enjoyed a 3 course Portuguese meal. We enjoyed some local seafood, since the city is known for its love of seafood. We also tried the local port wine for which this area is also well known.
As we left the city, we enjoyed a beautiful journey down the river toward the Atlantic Ocean viewing marvelous architectural structures lining the banks of the river and passed under the longest suspension bridge in Europe. We will be at sea for two days as we make our way to Cobh, Ireland. This long journey is fast coming to an end.
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