People and Places: Andorra

I first visited Andorra way back in the early 1980s and had the good fortune to make a return visit in the year 2004, following my presentation at the IAVE International Conference held that year in Barcelona.

With an area of not more than 181 square miles, it is one of the smallest countries in Europe and remains to this day, a principality.  Since 988, Andorra has been in the ownership of the Bishop of Urgell who is based in Seu D'Urgell, a nearby Catalonian town.  Today, Andorra is co-owned by the President of the French Republic.

Avenue Meritxell - mountains form its backdrop

Avenue Meritxell - major street in Andorra de Vella

The people of Andorra have the 2nd highest human life expectancy in the world — 82 years.  If you have been there, it is easy to understand why.  Other than Andorra de Vella - its capital - the country is mostly countryside.  Once you are out of the capital, you'll see miles after miles of rugged mountains and verdant valleys.  This, of course, is its summer scene. During the winter months, most of its mountain slopes are covered with heavy snow, making Andorra a popular ski destination.

The Town Hall in Andorra la Vella

Being a mountain state, space is something that it definitely does not have.  Imagine a permanent population of 24,000 people and a vast number of camera-wielding tourists, crammed into the small capital city of Andorra La Vella.  What its citizens have learnt is to practise patience and acceptance.  There is no point complaining or pressing on one's car horn, when caught in the traffic jam along narrow and over-crowded Avenue Meritxell - the capital's main thoroughfare.  The people of Andorra have learnt to take life easy in spite of the inconveniences.

Outside of La Vella are numerous interesting little villages that are worth visiting.  During my last trip, I took time to explore La Cortinada and Ordino.  I need not say much about these places.  The photos say it all!

La Cortinada - Church of St Marti

La Cortinada-Mola L'sierradora

Ordino - view of the valleys

Calle Major - Ordino's main street

One of the many hotels in this beautiful little village

Calle Major - lined with hotels and restaurants

Ordino Town with the Casamanya Mountain forming a stunning backdrop

Food for Thought: Welcoming 2010 with a Big Bang

Every year ends on a very climactic note with birthday and Christmas celebrations and in like manner, we usher the new year.  Without any exception, 2010 was welcomed amidst great revelry, flowing freely with good wine and sumptuous food, starting on 31 Dec, continuing on to last weekend.

This season, we had some of the best Ozzie wines from Margaret River, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and other parts of Australia, courtesy of David Paik - wine connoisseur and importer. (Log on to www.nbswines.com to read more about David's products.)

A small gathering of close friends (David, Cyndi and Laura) sat around my antique kopi tiam table in our breakfast alcove, on New Year's Eve, reminiscing 2009 and celebrating life.  The Korean long-stemmed strawberries and selection of cheeses (including one of my favourites - Camembert) were perfect accompaniment to the white Southern Fleurieu Pinot Grigio (Vintage 2008) from the De Lisio Wines vineyards.  When we ran out of white, a very good red Shiraz (2004), also from the De Lisio Wines vineyards, was served.

New Year's Day was spent with family at my new ground floor flat.  16 handpicked guests, mainly siblings and their offsprings, were treated to a home-cooked meal.

Elder brother Harry with niece, Joy and her husband, Scott

From L to R - Sister Dorothy, Goddaughter Laura, Cousin Grace and Sister-in-law, Mary

The menu was lovingly put together by darling wife and I.  It included Rosemary & Salted Lemon Chicken with root vegetables; Beef Stewed in Brandy and Spice; Hami Melon Salad dressed with Kiwifruit Vinegar topped with feta cheese and black Greek olives; Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Garlic & Bacon; Char-grilled Vegetable Ravioli in Home-made Pesto sauce; Penne tossed in extra virgin olive oil, Italian herbs & Parmesan cheese; and mixed grilled seasonal vegetables. For dessert, Laura prepared her wickedly delicious Tiramisu.

Rosemary  and Salted Lemon Chicken with root vegetables

Beef stewed in brandy and spice

Hami melon salad 

Char-grilled vegetable ravioli with home-made pesto sauce

Penne with Italian herbs and cheese

Grilled vegetables - corn, pumpkin, red pepper, sweet potatoes

Last weekend, David cooked for us the best Korean food I have ever eaten anywhere in the world.  His home-made bim bim bap and spicy salmon soup were simply out of this world.  I, who have stayed clear of Korean food for so many years, am fully converted!  Thank you, David (and Cyndi).

I can't help thinking 2010 would be a very good year for us all.