I've Got To Get This Monkey Off My Back
Hi all. Yankee Girl here. I usually leave the posting to Yankee, but I just had to tell this story myself. And it's a good one. Trust me.
The story begins with Pettigirl (see Pettifogger's blog) venturing across the pond for a visit. While here, she and I took a trip to Marbella, Spain. As you may recall, Yankee and I holidayed (is that a real word?) in Marbella in September. Great place. Needless to say, it didn't take any arm twisting to get me to go back. During our trip, Pettigirl and I drove over to Gibraltar to check out the Apes Den up on the rock.
After a treacherous drive up the rock, we arrived at the Apes den. Before we even got out of the car an ape jumped up on it. That was the first indication it was going to be an eventful day.
Here's a picture of me next to one of the monkeys we encountered on the way up the rock.
And another of me looking a little nervous as a monkey walks by. It was amazing how they didn't seem to be phased by all of the tourists.
Here I am checking out the monkeys eating. Again, none of them seem to be phased by my presence.
This next part would be much more entertaining if I were able to download video here. I may be able to figure out a way to put them on a website and add the link, but until I do the still shots will have to suffice.
Yeah, that's right. I've got a monkey on my back! The little sucker just jumped right on me from behind. Pettigirl barely had the words "there's one behind you" out went he lunged. Unbelievable. And of course, never having had a monkey jump on me before, I didn't exactly know what to do or how to get it down. I didn't want to touch it or aggravate it in any way. It eventually jumped down, but before it did I managed to draw quite a crowd. Seriously, there were complete strangers taping me, people calling out to their friends to come over and look.... On the video there is a guy asking me how he got on there. Not that I heard a word he said at the time. Too bad. I could have said something smart like "Well, I leaned down and then my friend over here picked him up and threw him right up on my back." or "By golly, that special perfume with monkey pheromones really did the trick!".
The Holy Grail of Shopping
We had to go to London last week to take care of some things. It just so happened that where we had to go was right next to Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge is home to some of the finest shopping in London, including Harrods. It has to be the biggest store I have ever seen. 
You could literally survive in this place for weeks at a time. If they don't have it you probably don't need it. To the left you can see Yankee Girl standing in front of the entrance. She likes to think that the green traffic arrow pointing in the direction of the store is an omen. Sort of like some some sign that she is meant to go in and shop. Since we were pressed for time, we managed to escape with only a minor hit to the bank account, but I have a feeling that won't be my last trip.
Since we were there, we felt obliged to go and see the Dodi and Diana memorial. I can now say I have seen it, and therefore certainly don't need to go back. It was just a little weird and creepy for us.
As a side note, for you ER fans, YG swears she saw Thandie Newton going into the Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge. Unfortunately I missed it.
Beware of Otter Clause
Don't try this at home, or anywhere else for that matter. This could possibly be the worst beer on Earth, because it is certainly the worst I have ever had, and I've tried a few. I've not met many beers that I couldn't at least drink, but not this one. After two drinks of this stuff, it went straight down the sink. It took two because I didn't think anything could possibly be that bad, so I had to give it another chance. I was wrong and regretted taking the second drink.
It claims to have a "distinctive Christmas flavour." I'd agree, if Christmas is supposed to taste like dirty wet socks drying over a campfire.
It sucks that it was so bad, because I was looking forward to the challenge laid out on the label.
"Drink a bottle, Christmas Otter
Christmas Otter, drink a bottle
Bottle Drinker, Christmas Otter
Otter Christmas, bottle drinker"
How many bottles can you drink and still say it?
For those looking for a little Christmas cheer in a bottle that doesn't suck, I can recommend the following.
Christmas Pudding Ale
John Young's Christmas Ale
Both of these are from Young's Brewery in London
Happy Early Festivus
I know it is a little early for Festivus greetings, but I thought those that celebrate (or at least appreciate) the holiday might enjoy this.
As I was logging on to our blog the other day, I noticed a blog dedicated to Festivus. There you can find links to all types of articles and information about the holiday, and you can even order a Festivus Pole.
For those who aren't fans of Seinfeld, and therefore have no idea what I am talking about, you can find out about the holiday know as Festivus here.
This site is also good for those people who would like to send out Festivus Cards, or get more accessories for the holiday.
