airstrip – Chad Cheverier Photography

After we did the whole Alhambra thing, we had to start on the next part of our adventure. We knew exactly where the bus stop was, so we gathered our things and made our way over. There are no busses straight to Gibraltar, so we had to go to Algeciras across the bay. This bus did not leave for what seemed like 5 hours and then the bus ride was another 5 hours with many stops and roundabouts along the way, this was my least favorite bus ride. Arriving at 10pm was kinda sketchy and with out knowing how to get to Gibraltar was also intimidating. Luckily we found two Brits who spoke english, not as common as you would think near a U.K. territory, who were going there as well. So we all caught the last local bus of the night to the border town La Linea and walked across the border to Gibraltar.

It was now 11pm and we had no clue as to where we were staying except a few suggestions from Fodors Guide to Spain (not reccomended). We wandered down the english style streets and avoided the drunken adolescence as we continued in the general direction of a possible hotel. After asking some bobbies where our budget hotel was, we now had our next lead. This “budget” hotel was the most expensive yet and set us back £81, about 60 dollars each. We caught some Indian takeaway and a pint at a pub before hitting the hay at 1am.

It was a pleasant morning, and the only eggs for breakfast we would have the entire trip, along with deep fried bread. We soon discovered the tram to the top of the rock was down all of March for repairs. A local told us its about a 3 hour hike round trip and that we were young. Indeed we are young and on a budget, no taxi for us, and the scent of adventure struck fire in our eyes. So we hiked the steep paved road into the unknown. This road was very steep and was very beautiful. Gibraltar is almost tropical and I was looking forward to the Apes. There are also caves, natural and man made, and a moorish castle on Gibraltar. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip and some of my favorite photos.

Brian waiting for a bus