We had decided to spend the morning in Ceuta so Dave and I headed off into the town while Marco caught up on some paperwork. We grabbed some chocolate and churros for breakfast , up near the dragon house, and then walked over to the other side, down a quaint alley with steps, onto the beach. We went for a swim as it was quite exciting to swim off the coast of Africa and the water was a very comfortable temperature (compared to Lepe).
We then wandered back to the square, where we bumped into Marco who had finished his jobs and then went for a walk around the old fort.
We had seen some people gathering for the Easter Sunday procession. By the time we got back there there was a familiar sense of expectation and hustle and bustle all around us as the participants (Death Eaters) prepared for the procession. The penitents in their white headdresses came first, followed by some children, then the float of the resurrection and finally the band. It was really stunning and we felt very fortunate to have seen aspects of Semana Santa in both Spain and Africa.
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We set off just after 1pm to head over to Gibraltar. Shortly after we left Marco spotted a pod of dolphins and turned off the engine and moved closer to them so we got a better view.There were quite a few dolphins and two of them swam extremely close to the boat and we could see them clearly under the water. What a buzz! (Dave tried to get sme photos but didn’t have a memory card in his camera!)
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When we got to the marina on the Gibraltar side, Marco refuelled as it was tax-free and incredibly good value at £1.04 a litre. We then sailed around to our mooring on the Spanish site and checked in the office and found our pontoon. We were very pleased that it wasn’t a Mediterranean style pontoon, i.e. only ropes. However it was a pretty short pontoon and the wind was blowing us off it which presents its own problems. We learnt a new piece of vocabulary for this style of pontoon which was ‘fingers flotantes’. This time we had a very nice spot which was very near the toilets and showers and the laundrette (for the laundry adict).
We had an amazing view of El Peñon (The rock) from the boat and sat down for a beer and crisps enjoying the view
Marco and Dave went to the marina bar for a beer while Sue popped to the office because we needed another electrical adapter but the only thing they were able to give her was one which we would have to wire up ourselves, so Marco decided to go to the chandlery the following day to buy one of his own. I then joined them for a quick drink and we then went back to the boat for baked potatoes with chilli.
The sunset was lovely and the rock got lit up at night. We had a wee sherry to finish the evening and then retired to bed.
Considering Easter Ian moveable feast you have been very lucky to have hit all the pageantry, makes for interesting photos
Yes, we have been pretty lucky and also managed to get good viewing positions
Guess what, I have done a long blog and just as I put take care, it all disappeared.
My as sick as a parrot .
Anyway, you are very lucky to have seen several Easter processions.
I find the white regalia and also the black a bit scary, the pointed hats add to that feeling I think.
Another interesting day for you.
Chocolate and churros for breakfast, how heavenly.
Take care, love J. and I Who is in the Chalet!! 🌞🦈