31st May 2009

We’re in Gibraltar this morning, our last port of call, and it’s still hot. Dave S took a minibus and cable car to visit the apes on the Rock (maybe more of that later), Harold spent the morning in the shade, and Dave C. on his balcony in the sun. Julie and I decided to go shopping, despite the fact that it’s Sunday and most of the shops would be closed. We could have bought any number of ape-based souvenirs, embroidered tablecloths, snowstorms, fridge magnets, or tea towels, as the local souvenir shops can all see when a large cruise ship is in the dock, and immediately display their ‘Special 50% discount for Aurora’ (or whichever ship is in town) notices in their windows. Booze and perfume was also available, though we thought the prices on the latter were just as expensive as at home.

Dave C has been suffering from hay fever (!!! At sea??? ) for most of the cruise, and Nurse Smith’s supplies of Piriton had been exhausted, so Julie and I valiantly traipsed all over town to find the Sunday duty pharmacy – at Morrisons supermarket – where we treated him to a 60 pack, and a copy of the Sunday Times which cost £3.75.

The captain’s just announced that we should keep a look-out for whales as we pass through the Straits of Gibraltar in an hour’s time, so cameras are at the ready.

Janet