Spain is Changing it's Travel Policies with Gibraltar

Spain says it is considering retaliatory measures towards the British Territory of Gibraltar that could include a 50 Euro border crossing fee. Spain is upset because Gibraltar is buidling an

artificial reef that is causing damage to fishing grounds. The proceeds of the fee would be used to help Spanish fishermen who have lost out because of the damage to the fishing grounds. Tax investigations into thousands of Gibraltarians who own property in Spain could also be launched. Spain is also considering closing airspace to planes heading to Gibraltar airport as well as changing rules to increase tax revenue from online gaming companies based on "the Rock". 

The Spanish ambassador was summoned to the British Foreign Office last week to explain why people crossing the border were having to wait up to seven hours in sweltering heat. Britain has held sovereignty over Gibraltar for three centuries and its 2.6 square miles is home to 30,000 people, with an economy dominated by off-shore banking, internet gambling operations and tourism. Ownership of the territory has long been a point of contention between Spain and Britain. The latest tensions began 10 days ago after Gibraltarian boats began dumping blocks of concrete into the sea near the territory.

Possibly the World's Messiest Festival

The Spanish town of Buñol, located in the Valencia region will host its annual celebration of the tomato on August 31.

The festival takes place on the last Wednesday in August. Some 40,000 people come from round the world to take part in the festival. More than 100 tons of tomatoes are used in the battle. The festival lasts a week but the major day is the Tomato Fight day.

At 11 am a water rocket is shot off and trucks release tons of tomatoes onto the street. The hurling of tomatoes begins. Participants are instructed to crush the tomatoes in their hands before launching them through the air to reduce the impact of a successful hit. Everyone and everything is stained red as participants wade through a tide of tomato pulp.

An hour later, another water rocket is shot off signaling the end of the tomato throwing. The tomato mush is hosed off the streets, leaving the cobblestones bleached and disinfected thanks to the acids of the tomatoes. Participants also get a rinse.

The festival dates back to 1944 when a street fight broke out during one of the parades celebrating the town's patron saints. During the street fight, tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall were used as ammunition and the tradition began.

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