It's All Good!

20/21 Jun

Andorra is a beautiful little (486 sq kms) country situated between France and Spain and surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains - the highest peak is Coma Pedrosa at 2942 mtrs. It has a population of around 65,000 and it is the only country in the world where the official language is Catalan. The currency used is the euro.

The capital of the Principality is Andorra La Vella situated some 30 kms by a good road from Pas de la Casa, the main point of entry into the country.

Andorra was founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne in 784 and was a feudal possession of a Spanish bishop and a French count. It is now obviously independent and has a parliament of 28 members. Its defence is a co-responsibility of France and Spain. The principal resources are tourism, commerce and cattle.

Winter would be the main attraction with what we are told are some of the best ski fields in Europe. Evidence of the ski resorts are apparent with most of the suitable slopes covered with ski lifts and chalets. Cross country skiing; snowshoe trekking; dog sleigh trips; snow mobile safaris; and skating are other attractions.

As we are seeing it in summertime, the mountain side pastures are green with cattle grazing upon them. Wild flowers and running creeks add to the beauty. Hiking, cycling and horseriding are summer activities. As is development!

The number of new, and under construction, accommodation buildings, hotels, and commercial activities is truly amazing. It seems there has been a massive injection of money to get all this rolling. There is no income tax payable and so-called 'duty free shopping' certainly pulls in the visitors. Commerce is obviously a very important source of income and there are some 2,000 shops which don't even close for lunch!

We left Caunes-Minervois at 0830 hours and 'TomTom' advised the shortest route as 180 kms but the fastest 245 kms. We took the fastest along the Auto-Routes and arrived at 1130 hours. Driving into the mountains takes a little getting used to as the roads, although good, are narrow and tortuous. There are many large trucks and semis to contend with as roads are the lifeline.

Pas de la Casa is the border town and feels like it with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of day trippers for the cheap shopping. An example is Baileys Irish Cream... 2 x 1 ltr bottles plus 1`x 0.5 ltr bottle - 22 Euros!

We stayed overnight at the Mercure Hotel in the capital, Andorra La Vella. This is a prosperous town full of vitality...and construction. Regrettably, the dining room theme was Italian (we had hoped for Spanish) however, the Gaspacho followed by savoury meats, vegetables and olives was a treat. I went for Osso-Bucco as a main while Donna had cooked-as-you-wait ultra thin slices of marinated beef and a plate of vegetables. The cheeses were varied and of the highest quality. We decided on a red from the Rioja region which is in the central north of Spain, above Madrid. It was by 'Marques de Caceres' and was 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha Tinto and Graciano. It was a ruby red colour with a great nose and full and intense over the palate. It had a nice body and rich flavour. We liked it.

Had an interesting conversation with the Maitre D':

"This is a nice wine. What grapes is it made from?"

"Oh, 50!" He said

"No, no. What grape?"

"Grape?" He said with a quizzical look.

"Cabernet Sauvignon?" I asked.

With understanding, he smiled, "We have sometimes 500 people in dining room!"

"Thank you" I said.

The organization within the Dining Room was however, first class.

We did a little (?) shopping with a Sony DSC - H5, 7.2 megapixel camera for me; Cartier sunglasses for Donna (plus she gets my old digital camera) and, we think, three wonderful gifts for three of our grandchildren. We have helped Andorra prosper.

On the way home we decided to be adventurous and leave the Auto-Route and go 'cross-country'. Taking care not to 'zig' when we should 'zag', we covered some beautiful out-of-the-way rural country, a couple of great tunnels, and one town, Fanjeaux, which we will be back to explore.

This has been a great couple of days with particular memories of massive rocky mountains and rugged valleys carved by ancient glaciers. There is fantastic scenery, a good climate, and friendly people. We would have liked to stay for a day or two longer. No doubt a Winter trip would be outstanding.

Early start in the morning for our train trip to Aix-en-Provence and the Cezanne exhibition...it's all good!