The Rock of Gibraltar. Come upon it while driving around the southern, Mediterranean coast of Spain, find checkpoints and be reminded that this is a British area, since the 1715 Treaty of Utrecht.
Rock of Gibraltar, traditional viewWhy does it remain British? Even if those on Gibraltar over 300 years may want to be realigned with Spain, just over the causeway; or remain British, is there a future to an independent, autonomous Gibraltar?
Gibraltar offers not only political conundrums, conundra, but also tailless apes that come close, very close, looking for food. Do not feed. That disrupts their social organization, say all the signs. We did not feed. They came close to us, nonetheless.
Dan Widing spots the ape, Gibraltar.
Dan Widing, with care, on Gibraltar, with tailless ape
Self-contained, these fellows are accustomed to people. Still, do not pet. Do not feed
Enjoy the view across the water to Spain (a causeway connects) and and below to the speedy yacht. This is very high up. Arrive by tram car suspended and from far below.
Gibraltar. Ape, enough of socializing, leaves. Note: the no tail. . .
This place reflects the changing interests of people in places tossed by history from one demographic-cultural association to another. Others include Trieste, Hebrides, Orkney,and war boundary changes most anywhere. Give special consideration in human rights. When do old treaties, wars, isolations, incorporations, lose their relevance.
The British used to say that they would remain in Gibraltar so long as there are tailless apes there. So the apes are well cared for. The problem is tourists -- feeding them, disrupting their social structure, digestive systems, autonomy by making some dependent.
Gibraltar, Mosque at Europa Point