After nineteen hours and twenty minutes in port, we're moving.
In a section on Morocco, an 1888 guide for passengers on British ships states:
"Rough and wild looking as the Moors appear, they are generally civil and well behaved towards the foreigner". (Orient Line Guide W. J. Loftie)
The terminal workers below are the only 'Moors' I've seen and, having had no dealings with them, I can't say how civil and well behaved they are. But friends who've visited Morocco seem to have had a pleasant enough time.
At its narrowest, the Strait of Gibraltar is eight miles wide. Emerging from the terminal, we can just see the Rock. Perhaps you can spot the outline above the Evergreen ship.
Nine months ago, I was on Gibraltar and now peer through binoculars trying to spot Europa Point, O'Hara's Battery and the old water catchment. See the posting below from November, 2010.
As a ship's engine fires up for departure, soot sprinkles the decks. This means cleaning from top to bottom. I took these pictures from the passenger lounge.
September 11. Wonder what's happening in the States? Will try to get the BBC tonight.
Chief Mate: "Why worry about the news? What can you do? If an astroid's going to destroy the earth, I'll let you know!"
