Diary of a Solo Cruiser: Part 2 – Ripped at the Rock (Gibraltar)

Ever had a wardrobe malfunction on your travels? In Diary of a Solo Cruiser: Part 2, a rip midway through the Gibraltar trip causes unplanned drama that is one for the books. Catch up on Part 1 where the scene is set for sail away. Be sure to subscribe and follow the series if you would like to receive the latest updates from WoW by email.

You know those t-shirts emblazoned with messages like, “My friend went to [X], and all I got was this lousy t-shirt”? Mine would say, “I went to Gibraltar and all I did was rip my dress and see the inside of a public toilet”.

Yup.

A flippin’ wardrobe malfunction ripped through my day in Gibraltar. My dress split open with the speed of a wildfire, causing me to “flash” some unsuspecting people. They looked down. I looked down. And then we all froze in simultaneous horror that would have been comical if it wasn’t panic-inducing. At least I was wearing a fancy set of underwear, so, y’know…thank God for small mercies.

Recommended for you

• Diary of a Solo Cruiser: Part 1 – Setting Sail
• Diary of a Solo Cruiser: Part 3 – “Casablanca Is Not Worth It”
• Solo Travel and Driving in Kefalonia, Greece

Diary of a Solo Cruiser: Part 2 – How it all started in Gibraltar…

The day began less dramatically.

After sailing from Liverpool and spending days at sea, I finally woke up to a view of Gibraltar outside my window. I sprang out of bed to get ready, happy to put the queasy misadventures of the previous days behind me. I checked out of Black Watch for a day primed with possibilities.

Morning had dawned beautifully in Gibraltar on this late November day, bestowing Mediterranean warmth and blues skies on buildings rammed closely together. It was good to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I kept my itinerary simple on this visit, aiming for a leisurely wander around town and the beaches of Gibraltar.

Where is Gibraltar?

Often referred to as “The Rock” or “Gib”, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory attached to Spain. Caught strategically between Africa and Europe, Gibraltar’s Spanish, North African and English influences make for a distinctive fusion of history and culture.

As a visitor from the UK, Gibraltar piqued my curiosity. I observed pieces of resolute “Britishness” in pubs, fish and chip joints, afternoon tea spots and familiar high street brands like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.

Gibraltar felt oddly familiar; like a British seaside town had been plonked out of place and garnished with unseasonably warm Mediterranean bonhomie. Notwithstanding, I knew it had unique attractions to offer visitors.

You can take the girl outta Ghana, but you can’t take Ghana outta the girl

Many of my fellow Ghanaians will agree the only “Rock of Gibraltar” we claim is central defender, John Mensah, nicknamed so for his build and prowess on the football field.

Seeing the actual Rock of Gibraltar, towering majestically with cliffs on either side of it, was a feast of nature. The Rock stands at 426 metres (1,400 feet) high. Its Upper Rock area has a nature reserve and over 200 barbary macaques, as well as caves and a maze of tunnels.

Europa Point in Gibraltar 

My first port of call in Gibraltar was Europa Point, one of the southernmost points in Europe. This is also where the Atlantic Ocean connects with the Mediterranean Sea. On a clear day, you can admire views of the North African coast located some 12 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar. I practically “waved” to Morocco, which was the next port in the Diary of a Solo Cruiser.

Europa Point has features including the Trinity Lighthouse, a gleaming white mosque for Gibraltar’s Muslim community and children’s play area. Being an off-peak time of travel, it was blessedly quiet with only a few scattered visitors about. Handy stone benches looking out to sea invite you to sit down and bask in the expansive scenery. And that’s exactly what I did, watching cargo ships sail in and out of view across the shimmering sea.

WoW Tip: Take the Bus 2 from the town centre in the direction of Europa Point to get to Gibraltar’s southernmost point.

To find out more about getting around Gibraltar, click here.

Ripped at The Rock

Back in the city centre, I nipped quickly to the loo, dreaming of a relaxing time on the beach next. I was standing in Casemates Square, deciding on my first beach, when I had the unmistakable feeling of…caged things spilling out. I looked down and gasped, rooted to the spot in unbelief. The zip of my dress had snapped – and not in a remotely seductive way.

How does the Government of Gibraltar feel about an unplanned striptease in the city centre, I wondered wildly, looking down in shock at my dress.

I unfroze and ran all the way back to the toilet, my mind screaming no, no, no the whole time. My fingers worked frantically, trying to bring a semblance of decency back to the situation. I had to sort a temporary fix so I could get out and buy a replacement outfit from the shops. But what if I couldn’t? What would I do then? No. It didn’t bear thinking about. Focus, focus, focus, I told myself.

Shopping in Gibraltar

Did you know Gibraltar is great for duty-free shopping? It is! I hadn’t planned to experience the shopping side of Gibraltar, but it seemed the wardrobe gods were having the last laugh on that one.

With one more urgent tug, I gave the zip a final yank, and it grudgingly snagged back in place. However, the zip steadily unravelled with every careful step towards the shops. By the time I was desperately considering the first option I clapped eyes on (a full sequinned mini dress, no less), the zip had undone itself back up to the crotch area – and climbing.

All things that go wrong are often what make a holiday special.

A. A. Gill

Luckily, I was carrying a big handbag. I shoved it to my front, trying to look normal. Nothing to see here…I just have a handbag over my exposed crotch and thighs – what’s wrong with that?! When I emerged some time later, I was wearing a playsuit that was a few sizes too big, but held together by a belt. Thank God for belts, amen? Amen. After Operation Ripped Dress, I was ready for the beach.

Beaches in Gibraltar

I retreated to Catalan Bay, a quaint fishing village originally inhabited by descendants of Genoese fishermen. Little Genoa, as the area is known, makes for a serene escape from the main sights of Gibraltar. A wander through its quiet alleys reveals rows of brightly painted houses overlooking the Mediterranean.

Further on, Eastern Beach is dominated by the north face of the Rock. Eastern Beach extends towards the runway of Gibraltar’s airport, so you’re bound to see planes sooner rather than later.

The Last Word

Eventually, a creeping chill in the air had me deciding it was time to say bye to Eastern Beach and head back to Black Watch. I stopped by a beach-going mum and daughter to ask for directions to the nearest bus stop.

“You have to walk round these buildings, then turn right. There’s a bus stop right there.”

“Thank you,” I said gratefully.

“I like your outfit, by the way,” said the mum. “It really suits you.”
I burst into laughter. “You’ll never believe the story of how it ended up on me…”

That’s the thing with travelling. Sometimes, the unplanned rips make the trips.

Has a wardrobe malfunction ever happened to you in a public place?

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That’s all for Diary of a Solo Cruiser: Part 2. Tune in next to find out why the following port of call, Casablanca, was a particular highlight of this solo travel experience. Pop your email below to keep updated on WoW news.