We arrived in the port of Aqaba as the sun tinged the surrounding dusty hills in orange. I found it very atmospheric.
There wasn’t a great deal to see in the town. The mosques dominate. There are a few sculptures and the interesting Harbour control building. That’s it.
We headed off into the desert to once again set eyes on the wonderful beauty of Petra.
We walked back down from the rock and through the town, stopping for a coffee and cake at one of the cafes.
This is a view over the airport towards Spain.
A scupture monument to the evacuation.
Signs of the previous history of the garrison.
An interesting toilet!
Everywhere were the signs of war.
Found this guy just hanging around.
A bit of a mixture of Spanish and British architecture.
A plane landing at the airport.
After the Bristish took the pennisular in 1782 there was quite extensive trenchwork and tunnelling to defend the rock. For some reason the Spanish, just because it had always been part of Spain and was attached to Spain, thought that the British had not right to it. How strange? The British thought that, as they made up the rules and had captured it, they were entitled to it. That was the rule of victory. Everything we stuck a flag in was ours. That was how it worked. Besides, it was strategically important and we were determined to hold on to it.
There are now 34 miles of tunnels (a greater distance than roads). These tunnels had a number of purposes. Some had openings for cannon to be able to fire on Spanish positions. Some were for storage, water reservoirs, transport or shelter (including hospitals). Basically the rock was turned into an underground fortress that could house a garrison of 1600 soldiers.
They were very effective and saw off Spanish attacks and a few sieges.
It was interesting to have have a wander through them.
It is quite staggering to me, from my travels around the world, to see how much time, energy and resources have been spent building fortresses, castles, walls and fortifications. We are such a violent species. Wouldn’t it be nice if all those resources had been put into improving things for the people.
Are we becoming better?
I can dream
The Barbary apes aren’t apes at all – they are tailless monkeys, Barbary macaques, who originated in the Atlas mountains of Morocco and were probably brought to Gibraltar by the Muslims when they invaded Europe.
I do adore monkeys. I always wanted a pet one but it isn’t very ethical.
These particular monkeys are doing very well. They first prospered because of the myth that the rock would always be British while the apes were there – so the British fed and nurtured them. Now they are a major tourist attraction and get fed and pampered.
Technically they are wild – though because they get fed and looked after, they have no fear of people and are dependent on humans.
They seemed to be enjoying themselves posing for photos.
These Barbary Macaques are the only wild monkeys left in Europe (apart from my grandchildren).
We went up high on the rock with great views over the bay and towards Spain and across the straits to Africa. Then we went into the caves.
Gibraltar is a mass of caves. They have been hollowed out by water dissolving the limestone rock.
St Michael’s caves are a big complex. The main one is a big cavern in which they hold concerts. A fabulous setting.
The concert setting.
The caves are a mass of stalagmites and stalactites all lit up in bright colours (as seems the current trend to attract tourists). It is quite a spectacle.
We slid into the harbour at Gibraltar on a beautiful sunny day. Behind us, Africa loomed. We weaved through the many ships moored in the bay.
Ahead the sun was rising to the side of the rock.
A super-sleek modern yacht slid past us – seeming to effortlessly glide with no noticeable means of propulsion.
It looked incredibly luxurious and modern. There was much speculation regarding its purpose. It looked futuristic.
They think they’re worth it.
They think they’re worth it
But they’re not.
They think themselves better
That they’re the big shot.
Arrogantly scheming
To cheat and con.
They think they’re right
But they’re so wrong
Bribes and corruption,
Tools of the trade.
Creaming from the top
They think they’ve got it made.
With their ill-gotten gains,
Their stocks and shares.
But if there’s any justice
They’ll get theirs.
Opher – 8.8.2020
This was partly inspired by that annoying advert where those irritating, arrogant women declare ‘because you’re worth it’.
Equality is something to strive for. Arrogance and privilege is not.
The other inspiration is that even more arrogant bunch of wealthy billionaires who believe they can buy anything they want – including politicians. They bribe, use corruption, threats and intrigue to get their own way.
These are the people causing the environmental damage, running the world into the ground for profit.
These are the tax avoiders, party donors, lobbyists and double dealers, who have no regard for people or nature.
I despise them.
Hornsea is a seaside town not far from us. I normally go there every week for my writing group but that is cancelled because of Covid. We are making use of the fine weather to explore. Although I go there regularly, there is much of the town that I’ve never seen.
It used to be grand but now it is down market. It declined when Beeching cut the railway link leaving it rather isolated.
We started on the Mainstreet. There are many fine houses from all the different incarnations of the town.
Then headed off down the back streets.
This is in the park – an extensive park with lots of facilities – but this is part of the moat for the great Manor House that no longer exists.
We then had a walk along the prom. Sandy beaches with few people and lots of social distancing – warm sun and cold North Sea.
This is the facade of the old railway station.
Through the memorial gardens dedicated to all those killed in the wars of the last hundred-odd years – so many young men needlessly slaughtered.
I wonder if they’ll put up memorials for the Covid victims in years to come?
Past the main church with its impressive spire.
On to the mere – a large lake with reed banks and boating. A great place for nature.
We made our way back from the temple complex of Kek Lok Si into George Town.
We had a walk around to look at the busy streets, the old colonial buildings, people and everything that gave Penang its flavour. As evening set in we made our way back to the boat.
We’d had a great day and packed a lot in. We would like to have stayed for longer but it was time to go.
