Saturday, 31 January 2026

Day 19 Sea day, trip to the Canary Islands, 31st January 2026

Mom's birthday which we are missing on this sea days, while mom and Carlos have breakfast at Bruce's with Jacqueline and Adriaan in celebration of her birthday.
Phoned mom to wish her and carried on to breakfast, yoga and a HIIT session. Now completing the blog and relaxing.

Friday, 30 January 2026

Day 18 Gibraltar, The rock of Gibraltar, trip to the Canary Islands, 30th January 2026

We walked all the way to see the rock of Gibraltar which took us to the opposite side of the island.
The harbour.
The rock.
The skull pub
We walked back through the only way into the old town.
We have breakfast at the Lord Nelson.
Have to say it was an awesome breakfast. Seven different things. Bacon, sausage, beans, black pudding, egg, potatoes, toast.
Many steps in the island which we take to try to go to the nature reserve. We get there and its 22 pound each and five hours walk sooo since the captain has to get out of port by 15:00, we don't have enough time. Instead we walked to the lighthouse at the point of the island where we can see Spain and the other side Morocco.
A aircraft crash that took place in the second world war.
I think its an airport at the top of the rock. 
Moorish fortress 
Lots of passages made up of steps.
Mosque
Huge gun
Carlos store
The old town.

Gibraltar’s history spans over 2,900 years, evolving from a mythical place of worship into one of the world's most strategic military fortresses. 

Gibraltar was one of the last known habitats for Neanderthals, with remains in Gorham's Cave dating back 24,000–28,000 years.

Known as Mons Calpe, the Rock was considered by the Greeks and Romans as one of the two Pillars of Hercules marking the edge of the known world.

Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans used the Rock as a navigational landmark and religious shrine, though they did not establish permanent settlements. 

The Islamic Berber commander Tariq ibn Ziyad landed here in 711 AD, initiating the Muslim conquest of Iberia. The name "Gibraltar" is derived from Jebel Tariq ("Mount of Tariq").

Control shifted between the Moors and the Kingdom of Castile throughout the Middle Ages. Spain permanently reclaimed the Rock in 1462 during the Reconquista when Queen Isabella I annexed it to the Spanish Crown in 1501, emphasizing its role as the "key" to the Mediterranean. 

During the War of the Spanish Succession, an Anglo-Dutch fleet under Admiral Sir George Rooke captured the Rock.

Spain formally ceded Gibraltar to Great Britain "for ever" to end the war.

The Great Siege (1779–1783): The longest siege in British military history, where British forces repelled a four-year Spanish and French attempt to retake the territory.

World Wars: Gibraltar was a critical naval base for the Royal Navy in both World Wars. During WWII, the civilian population was evacuated to turn the Rock into an impregnable fortress.
 
Spanish dictator Francisco Franco closed the land border for 13 years after Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain British in a 1967 referendum.

Residents again rejected shared sovereignty with Spain in a 2002 referendum by 99%.

Post-Brexit Status: While the UK left the EU, a 2025 preliminary agreement aims to include Gibraltar in the Schengen Area to maintain an open border with Spain while preserving British sovereignty. 

Thursday, 29 January 2026

Day 17 Cadiz, Spain, Catedral de Cadiz - Museum , trip to the Canary Islands, 29th January 2026

Author: Anonymous (Flemish school)
Style: Baroque
Chronology: 1650-1690
Technique: Oil painting
Seene: The death of Abel (Genesis 1:4, 8). The fratricide is executed with a jawbone that Cain holds in his hand; behind the two figures, which are very naturalistic, we can see a landscape background in chiaroscuro that heightens the drama of the painting.

Many other paintings that show the Virgin Mary.
A very disturbing picture of children being crucified.


Day 17 Cadiz, Spain, Catedral de Cadiz - tower climb, trip to the Canary Islands, 29th January 2026

We climbed the tower just outside the Cathedral, a circular path that goes all the way up to the top.
Just before the top there are a few steps.
Fantastic views of Cadiz historical buildings, a birds eye view.

Day 17 Cadiz, Spain, Catedral de Cadiz , trip to the Canary Islands, 29th January 2026

The Catedral de Cádiz (Catedral Nueva), a stunning blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, was constructed between 1722 and 1838 to replace the aging Santa Cruz Cathedral. Financed by the city's 18th-century trade boom with the Americas, it is nicknamed the "Cathedral of the Americas". Designed initially by Vicente Acero, the project underwent several architect changes, resulting in a 116-year build that shifted in style from Baroque to neoclassical, featuring a distinctive golden-tiled dome. 
Due to the booming wealth from trade with the New World, the older 13th-century Cathedral (Catedral Vieja/Santa Cruz) was considered too small, leading to the construction of a new, grander, and more modern building.
Construction Timeline (1722–1838): Initiated in 1722 under architect Vicente Acero (who also worked on Granada Cathedral), the project faced funding issues and changes in design direction, passing through various architects like Gaspar Cayón and Torcuato Cayón before its completion in 1838.
Architectural Evolution: The cathedral's design transitioned over its long construction, beginning with a primarily Baroque style and finishing with neoclassical elements. The facade, characterized by its towers, was modified during the construction.
Significant Features: The cathedral is famous for its bright yellow dome made of gilded tiles, visible from the sea. Inside, it boasts a grand main altar, a choir, and a crypt where famous figures like composer Manuel de Falla and writer José María Pemán are buried.
The Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja): The original cathedral, built in 1262 by Alfonso X, was partially destroyed in 1596 and rebuilt, serving as the main church until the new one was consecrated in 1838. 
The Catedral de Cádiz stands today as a major, iconic landmark representing the city's historical wealth and maritime importance. 

Day 17 Cadiz, Spain, Castillo de Santa Catalina, trip to the Canary Islands, 29th January 2026

Castillo de Santa Catalina in Cádiz, Spain is a 17th-century star-shaped fortress built between 1598 and 1621 to protect the city from Anglo-Dutch forces following the 1596 sack of Cádiz. Designed by military engineer Cristóbal de Rojas, the fort served as a crucial defensive stronghold and later as a military prison for political prisoners before becoming a public cultural center in the 1990s.
Construction & Design: Following the 1596 Anglo-Dutch attack, King Philip II commissioned the fortress. Construction began in 1598, led by Cristóbal de Rojas, and was completed in 1621. Its design features a star-shaped plan with bastions designed to protect the La Caleta beach area.
Military Role: It acted as a primary defense for the city, particularly guarding the northern front. A chapel was added to the complex in 1693.
Military Prison: In 1769, Charles III transformed the fortress into a military prison for prominent figures, including Latin American independence advocates and, in the 20th century, individuals involved in the 1981 Spanish coup attempt.
Modern Era: The Spanish Ministry of Defence ended its use as a prison in 1991. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985.
Current Use: The castle now functions as a venue for art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural activities, and is open to the public 365 days a year. 
Time for lunch, a jamon roll with coffee.