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.
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| Avenue Meritxell - mountains form its backdrop |
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| La Cortinada - Church of St Marti |
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| La Cortinada-Mola L'sierradora |
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| Ordino - view of the valleys |
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| Calle Major - Ordino's main street |
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| One of the many hotels in this beautiful little village |
Calle Major - lined with hotels and restaurants
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| Ordino Town with the Casamanya Mountain forming a stunning backdrop |
1 comment:
Hi! I envy you! You've been to Andorra! I guess its an enchanting place.
Nice contents by the way. And hey, I recently started a blog and its about different places in the world and I happen to have an Andorra post. Care to exchange links?
I actually added you in my bloglist. Hope you add me too or atleast approve my linkback post. Thanks so much!
Here is mine:
http://iamproudofmycountrybecause.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-am-proud-of-andora.html
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