August 25, 2013

Life in Gibraltar

Life in Gibraltar was the name of the blog I was writing while we were living in Gib (this is how everyone calls Gibraltar, and how I think of it. So this is how it will be called here). Don't go looking for it, it's hidden, and in Hebrew :) but I was taking a trip down memory lane the other day when I was trying to find the answer to a question about something that happened while we were in Gib. It was so weird looking back at myself, my life, what I wrote about. That, coupled with the fact that Gib is constantly in the news these days (at least in my news it is) because of the whole mess with Spain, made me break my rule of not writing about current affairs, and write about Life in Gibraltar.
I have to just say here, that I don't write about current affairs because I don't belong enough anywhere. I can't write about things in Israel, because I left, and lost my right to have a voice. I can't write about the UK because I didn't grow up here, I didn't go through the process of becoming an adult here, so I think it is rude and uninformed of me to try and say "I know better" or "I know at all", when I clearly don't. Also, I have learned that there is nothing that causes a rift and an argument more swiftly and easily than politics (except maybe for Football), and this is not that kind of blog. And lastly, one of the main things I love about being an expat is that I don't "have to" listen to the news, read the papers, follow current affairs. I can (and do) choose to do all these things, but I no longer have to, like I did when I lived in Israel, and with years of it under my belt, I love the freedom of having a choice.
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
The Rock
But Gibraltar is a different matter. It's not that I can claim too much knowledge of the history of Gib, we only lived there for 2 and a half years, from December 2009 to June 2012, and they were the happiest and hardest years of my life. I can't tell you about its history, or cite economy or politics, I didn't have a right to vote, and to tell you the truth I didn't really know or care about any of these things when I lived there. I can tell you that I support wholeheartedly the Gibraltarians' right to remain British, I think everyone does except the Spanish Government. I can tell you that they are British, that they love being British and that there is no excuse to the way the Spanish government is treating them. But I can't really tell you about the politics behind it any more than the newspapers and the news can.
I can tell you about Gib. About what it was like for me, living in Gib. Not many people know where Gib is. I know that before Hidai started working for his old company I didn't. It is a tiny place located in the South of Spain, and is actually a British Overseas Territory (I think I got it right).
And it is like no other place in the world.
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
This is where Gibraltar is
Gib is hard to explain, and I really hope I will do it justice in my post. I really want to. It deserves it.
When you read anything about Gibraltar you usually read two things - the Rock & apes and the runway. It's understandable I guess, because the Rock is magnificent, the view from above is breathtaking, on a clear day you really feel you can touch two continents. And the apes... Well, I can't say I am a huge fan, especially since one stole a bag full of Yon's toys right from my baggy, but as I did get the bag back (with the toys untouched) I am trying not to hold it against all of them.
And the runway, well it is kind of funny, wonderful, really annoying (depends on how in a hurry you are) to see how they shut down the main road in & out so a plane could land / take off.
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
The ape
But for me, Gibraltar is so much more -
It's the quiet. You get a certain kind of quiet in Gib, that I haven't been able to find anyplace else. It comes together with "manyana". What's the rush? There is no rush. You're in Gib.
It's the work-life balance, that means all dads are in every school / nursery thing there is. Everyone leaves work and attends every sports day, parents meeting, assembly. For the first (and only) time for us, there was no work on the weekends, on nights, on holidays.
It's the distance. Everywhere is measured in walking distance in Gib. Many have a car, we got one after a year and a half, but walking is still what you do most of the times. Because wherever you want to go, it will probably be easier and faster on foot than braving the narrow streets and dead-ends. Especially when you're new.
It's the blue. I love the sea, and have always lived close to it. But never like this. We lived right on the Mediterranean. And when I say "right on" I mean every single cruise ship that entered Gib waved hello at us. There is no green in Gibraltar, except on the Rock, but there is so much blue and it is breathtaking.

Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
This is our old apartment
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
and this is the view
It's the people. We have found in Gib friends that became close friends, that became like family (can't name you people. It's a public space. But you know who you are). But it's more than that. People accepted us not as expats, not as strangers, but as just normal people. When Ron was on the football team they were just two kids that weren't native Gibraltarians - him and another Israeli boy. No one ever made us feel that they were "less", or "different" or uncomfortable. I can't say I know all Gibraltarians, but I can say that out of 30,000 you end up meeting quite a few over the years, and all of them were friendly, warm, helpful, nice. They were just... Gibraltarians.
It's the lack of bureaucracy. It's amazing. On the one hand they will go by the book (especially in regards to closing times) but on the other hand, they will do their best to try and help you with whatever you need and they can. When we were looking at moving to the UK and needed help with understanding the process we just went to the governor's office. You know, as you do. They actually sent someone to sit with us, go over the paperwork and explain everything.
It's Summer Hours. On paper it's supposed to be - start work earlier (or at least at the same time) and finish earlier because, well because it's summer and you want to go to the beach. In reality it means that everyone starts work late, and finish it early. And most of them come to work wearing bathing suits. We've never worked summer hours, and there are times in which you find it a bit annoying, but just the notion itself is enough to put a smile on my face. Summer hours.
It's the weather. They say Gibraltar gets 300 days of sun a year. When we got there in December 2009, it rained for 4 months straight, and you can't ignore the weird climate phenomena that happens because of the Rock - the fog and the wind. But mostly Gib has the perfect weather as far as I'm concerned. Really hot summers, not really cold winters, and nice autumn and spring.
It's the everyone knows everyone, and you can't go anywhere without knowing most of the people on the street, in the place you go to, on the way back. It's a small place Gib, and even us outsiders ended up knowing quite a few people. The locals? They know everything about everyone.
It's the Morrisons, because you have to love the Morrisons. It's the main supermarket in Gib, the biggest and the only one I know that imports everything from the UK. The rumour is it's the most successful Morrisons branch there is. I loved the Morrisons. I loved living across the street and taking the trolly home (and back. Of course we returned it), I loved how every time you entered it it was an adventure - what will they have and what you won't find (like the big milk shortage, when we learned to always have long-life milk at the ready), and then you have aisle rearranging when everything changes place suddenly, and aisle 8, or how I liked to call it - magic land. You never know what they will bring to aisle 8 (it's the seasonal things aisle), and because I still miss it.
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
aisle 8 on Valentines
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar
The Morrisons

It's the language. And the accent, and the mixing of English and Spanish in a way that only Gibraltarians understands. For us foreigners it's always seemed so impressive, the ease and speed in which Gibraltarians use both English and Spanish. They do it on Facebook too.
It's the school. Because we brought them a non English speaking child, in the middle of the year. And they accepted him and made him feel loved and at home from the first day. Because the head-teacher, deputy head, and the Reception teacher went well beyond their call of duty, and gave him & us the peace of mind we could only dream about before we arrived.
It's the tolerance. As small as Gib is, and it is tiny, it is full of expats. Mainly because when you get there you fall in love with it and want to stay (and that is why so many people will start their story with "I was just here for... And I couldn't leave. I love it here"), and because there are a lot of gaming companies there that needs people with different languages and knowledge. And it is amazing how at home everyone feels. How accepted.
It's the safety. Nowhere in the world is as safe and secure as Gib. It is so liberating, and different, and fun living like this. Real Gibraltarians don't lock doors. Or cars. Or bikes.
it's National Day. Where everyone's out on the main street, wearing red and white (usually with a "Gibraltar is British" slogan), drinking tinto-de-verano (summer red wine) from as early as nine a.m, eating calentita (the national food) and talking to everyone. I can't describe how much pride and love goes into National Day, but I can say that I loved being a part of it, even if it was for a short time.
And the fireworks. National Day fireworks are done from the pier in front of our apartment. And they are magnificent. Every year is a show to be remembered. But I have to say the first time I saw the other fireworks I was amazed. In Gibraltar, everyone lights fireworks, from their roof, from the Morrisons parking lot, form their balcony. You always fear someone will burn the whole place down. But no one ever does.

 Orli, Just Breathe - Life in GibraltarOrli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar

I could go on, there are things I didn't put in, but if I have to choose just one thing to describe Gib, it will be that Gib is existing in the present and in the past at the same time. It is as if you are living at the same time in 2013 and the 80's. And it's magnificent. I don't think there is anyplace like it in the world. I loved living in Gib. It has its downsides, like everything and every place, but for me, even though we've only lived there a short while, it will always be home.
Orli, Just Breathe - Life in Gibraltar





43 comments:

  1. Thank you for such a great write up - you have shown to really understand us and be a part of us!
    Anne-Marie

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    1. Thanks Anne-Marie. I am very glad you liked my post so much :)

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  2. I am currently in UK with a sick child and this is such a perfect description of Gib! I bought tears to my eyes, a smile to my lips and I'm now 100% homesick Xxx

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    1. First of all, I hope everything goes well with your Alice, and that you can go back home soon. Good luck, and God bless.
      Second, thank you for taking the time to read my post, and to comment. I am so happy that you loved it, though it wasn't intended to cause tears ;)
      If you want to know a secret, writing it made me homesick too :) xx

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  3. Your blog is doing the rounds on facebook and I am so pleased I read it. Thankyou for seeing the beauty and describing it so well

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    1. Thank you Mandy, I find it amazing that so many people read it! I am very happy you liked my post :)

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  4. thanku so much! you are always welcome to come back:) wish u all the best, godbless x

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    1. Thank you, glad you liked it. I would absolutely come back to visit :)
      God bless to you too :) x

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  5. I fell in love with Gibraltar and it's people the first time I set foot in it.I now live there and find it hard to leave.The Spanish will never succeed by bullying the Gibraltarian people and as someone recently said,all they have done is ensure it remains British for another 300 years.

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    1. Couldn't agree more. I find it hard to stomach what the Spanish government is doing, and that is exactly why I wrote this post.
      I fell in love with Gib the moment we got there, and though we don't live there anymore, it's not because we feel out of love with it and with the people.
      Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post :)

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  6. This blogg is a perfect antidote to all the lies, and malicious rhetoric which we are being bombarded with. It is a refreshing read, which is polite and genuine. You have captured the true spirit of the Gibraltarians. Thank you.

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    1. I am very glad you think that. I am happy I could do my tiny share and help a little. I really wanted to see Gib as I always saw it when I lived there, and as I think of it nowadays.
      Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post. Glad you liked it :)

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  7. Hi Orli, that was a nicely written acutely observed piece I really enjoyed it thanks!

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed reading it!
      Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post :)

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  8. Wonderful description of Gibraltar - It's like village Britain - where everyone is your friend and stops to say hello. It's very precious, a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, but every bit as British. Thank you.

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    1. It is exactly that - a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea.
      And it should be allowed to remain like that.
      Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post :)

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  9. Thank you for being part of Gibraltar,hope will see you back one day

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post :)
      I am sure we will be back some day, if only for a visit :)

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  10. Thanks for your kind comments, as you rightly say we are a BIG family leaving in harmony and peace, where a multitude of different religions live together, play together, friends together without any issues on race, creed or religion.

    Where a Synagogue sides a Mosque, sides a Christian church. Where Hebrews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and other religions walk and congregate together without any issues unlike other places in the world.

    Indeed a safe haven in this dreary world.

    We will welcome you with open arms should you decide to return some day.

    All the best from Gibraltar

    Alan Pereira
    A true Gibraltrian

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    1. Thanks Alan, for taking the time to read and comment on my post :)
      I loved my time in Gib, and especially the feeling of home, of belonging, I got from everyone I met, be that expats or Gibraltarians, be that Jews, Muslims, Christians or anyone else.
      I really don't think there is a similar place anywhere in the world, and I am glad I could contribute my tiny bit in keeping Gib exactly like it is.

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  11. It was great to read your wonderful assessment of life in Gib. Like you Orli, I lived there for a very short time and loved it. I was there in the early 1970s, when the border was closed and have never forgotten it. I am returning for a holiday very soon and will be there for National Day. I am so looking forward it.
    As a British citizen, I wholeheartedly support the people of Gibraltar's wish to remain a British Overseas Territory for as long as they wish it.

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    1. Wow! Returning in time for National Day! How lucky you are! I would love to be in Gib for National Day.
      I hope you have a lovely time (and weather) :)
      Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post. I am very glad you liked it. :)

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  12. Thank you for your wonderfull and true comments of Gibraltar and its people, so glad that u and your family felt at home in gib, yes we do live ( thanks GOD ) in a very nice and peacefull place, hope that u and your family will come back to Gib for a holiday o for good, always welcome, may GOD always bless u and your family.

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    1. Thank you very much for your kind words.
      We will be back in Gib for a holiday for sure. Though I can't say when.
      I am very happy you liked my post. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on it :)

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  13. For some unknown reason my blog deleted some of the comments.
    Nicola commented
    Oh, you make me feel homesick... And we were Expats there too! I remember learning the "See it, buy it" mantra at Morrisons quite quickly, and the craziness of the Christmas weeks when people had two trolleys and were fighting over mince pies. The next year there were hundreds of mince pies and it was Christmas puddings being fought over!
    I loved the fact that I could walk everywhere - pushing a double buggy - especially as I didn't drive. And yes, so friendly. I remember meeting a local for a coffee one day and she spent half the time chatting to all the people who walked passed. It wasn't long until I was doing something similar. Thanks for reminding me again of all the great things about Gib!
    My recent post http://theroadoutside.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. Valerie Rodriguez commented:
    My daughter went to the same school and class as Ron and she still remembers him fondly I am so glad that you remember Gibraltar with so much love! Thanks xxxx

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  15. Yvonne commented -
    Thank you so much for such a beautiful story, i shall share it with all my friends. God Bless.xx

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  16. Vivien mesilio commented:
    Thank you for so many nice words and thoughts about Gibraltar

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  17. Joanna commented:
    Beautiful post, thanks :)

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  18. Belinda Tailor commented:
    What a fantastic write up on Gibraltar Orli you have brought a tear to my eye and made me so proud to be Gibraltarian. You have summed up the emotions and feelings we all share. I was born in Gibraltar and left at a very young age, but made Gibraltar my home again in 1989. It was the ideal place to bring up children and where I felt happy, and safe. What I feel about Gibraltar and its people is that the moment you make friends with them they become an extension of your family. The are a caring, compassionate and proud people.

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  19. Rosemarie Manasco commented:
    Thank you very much you have brought tears to my eyes, cause that is the way I know My Gibraltar but with all the bad publicity and all the ill talk about us from Spain making me sad and done in the dumps. Thank you once again and God Bless You and Your Lovely Family.

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  20. Carla Byrne commented:
    You brought tears to my eyes, Orli! How lovely to hear my homeland described in this way:) You've made my day, thanks. xxx

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  21. Susan Mifsud commented:
    Wow .. thank you, such a beautiful post ... brought tears to my eyes! Hugs xx

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  22. Gill Poyser-Young commented:
    I lived & worked in Gib for 15 years, I had my ups & downs too but would not change a thing I miss all my old friends so much - (Gill formerly Buckingham)

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  23. Rosina Lavagna commented:
    You have summed up Gibraltar in a brilliant way considering you were here for only a couple of years. It makes me proud and happy tht my little hometown has made such a positive impact on you. I have always said that, for any non Gibraltarian visiting or coming to make it their home, you either love it or hate it.....there is no in between. There are loads of other aspects that makes Gibraltar what it is and I think the most important of it all is that in the main we are all charitable people willing to help anyone who is in need whether it is materialistic or academical or spiritual. I thank you for the great way in which you have described my home xxxxx

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  24. Just felt I had to say thank you ever so much for this beautiful post written straight from the heart. I wish I had met you while you were here in Gib. God bless you and your family xxxx

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    1. Thanks Monique :) I guess even in Gib you can't meet everyone ;).
      I am very glad you liked my post! Thanks for your lovely comment, and God bless you too. x

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    2. I have been seeing your post on my wall for a long time but I have never been curious enough to enter till today as I have now seen your blog on Gibraltar and so many positive things you say about us and the feed back you are getting from people who visit us. Thanks to you and everyone who comes to visit us and enjoys us and our culture.

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  25. What a great post!! I've only visited Gib once long time ago but this was the first article I've read giving an inside perspective.

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    1. Thanks Kriss :) Very glad you enjoyed my post!

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  26. Hi,

    Great blog post!

    Thanks for the kind words and keep the posts coming :)

    K

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  27. Hey, I was browsing the internet trying to find out some things about Gibraltar and came across this article. My biggest goal in life right now is to move to another country...Canada is my dream but it's a rather unrealistic dream so far. Why Gibraltar? Except the fact that the place is paradise on earth (island, sea, warm weather, tropical place in other words), I can only speak English and German.

    Anyway, I assume you probably got asked the same question before...what about the "getting a job" part? I would appreciate it if you would give me some tips towards finding something to work...how the entire job thingy works there in general.

    Thanks and have a nice day

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  28. I've been thinking about moving to Gib and this is a fantastic write-up summing up both sides of the coin. I've seen plenty of internet content picking at the failings of Gib, but really nowhere has got everything has it?

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