At Sea via Strait of Gibraltar - April 23, 2012

We awoke early this morning cruising briskly into the narrows approaching the Strait of Gibraltar, with Algeria on the port side and Spain on the starboard.  The wind is near hurricane force (68 mph – “whole gale”!) as the ship enters the Strait and as the famous Rock of Gibraltar comes in to view.  Gibraltar is a British crown colony near the southern tip of Spain and is only 1 and 7/8 square miles.  The rock is one of the ‘Pillars of Hercules.’  .  I can’t help but think of Prudential Insurance and the 1960’s Wild Kingdom TV show that showed the Rock at the beginning because “The Pru” sponsored the show.  The rock looks a lot more interesting than it did on TV.

Sierra Nevada Mts. in Spain

Gibraltar in sight

Gibraltar

TV Shows where we are loccated

The other side - Africa

Tangiers in the distance

At its narrowest point the Strait of Gibraltar is only 8.5 miles wide.    Opposite the Rock is the northern point of Morocco; Tangiers is near the northwest end of the Strait, right as we enter the Atlantic.

Today, April 23^rd, is St. George’s Day.  This is a day to honor St. George, a Christian martyr of around 300 CE.  In Britain it is customary to fly the St. George’s Cross flag in some way, at pubs in particular.  Also it is customary for the hymn “Jerusalem” to be sung in cathedrals, churches and chapels on the Sunday closest to the date.  It is also customary to wear a red rose in one’s lapel.  We wondered about that last night as there were several people with them in their lapel.  We did not know of this holiday and now we do. Okay, that’s enough geography and history for the day.

The lecture today by Eamonn Gearon was about “The Egyptian Revolution, the Why and What’s Next?”   Excellent overview, and his book called ‘Sahara’ is a very educational read. 

The entertainment director on the ship conducted an interview with Sir David Frost and there was also a book signing following the interview.  David Frost is still as witty and interesting, and still has the same great comedic timing, as ever.

This evening, there is a gathering of the group who went on the Angkor Wat trip to Cambodia.  Some of these travelers will be ending their world cruise in Southampton.  A good chance to say our goodbyes.  Tomorrow, Lisbon.