Andorra: the country in between

/ Bulldog Travels

I have a very childish and fun little desire of wanting to add countries or states to the list of countries and states I have visited.  If given the opportunity to slip in to a different country or state, even for hours, I will take it.  My only rule is that stopping in an airport doesn’t count unless you leave the airport.

So, when given the opportunity to visit France and Spain I started planning our trip South from France.  The options were to go up and over the Pyrenees or over and around Eastern France in to Spain and Barcelona.  Well, the decision was easy. I love a good mountain pass and driving through Andorra would provide me with the opportunity to get another stamp on the ‘ol passport.

As soon as we passed through passport control we started ascending the Pyrenees.  The mountain range is largely desolate with world class driving roads that left my husband wishing we were together on his motorcycle.  Much of the drive was completely barren and without structure.  In places it was very pretty.  We drove through in the fall and there was little snow to be seen.   I could certainly see why this area would be a wonderful ski destination though.

Once arriving in Andorra la Vella we realized our Mexican Spanish would be no match for the Catalonian spoken there.  Hikers rejoice in this area with many a trail to trek.  Shoppers rejoice in Andorra la Vella with tax exemptions.  Religious museums and sites abound.

Andorra was a nice and simple destination in between previous days spent visiting the Loire Valley in France, Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, Paris, and the following days spent in Barcelona and Taragona.

Visit Andorra.Com

Click here to view my fun post on Mon Saint Michel

Click here to read about my unplanned visit to Juno Beach in Normandy

DSC_6271-2386

DSCN2672-2320

DSCN2680-2328

DSCN2695-2343

DSCN2699-2347

35 thoughts on “Andorra: the country in between”

  2. I love this idea of slipping into an extra region, state, province, or country when you have some extra hours or an overnighter to do so. I just booked a trip to the Philippines and actively looked for an extensive layover for some bonus travel enjoyment; I found an amazing Korean Air roundtrip that will give me 2 overnighters in Seoul, South Korea in which I’ll be hitting the town HARD before jumping back on a jet to Manila and Toronto, respectively. Way to take advantage!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Pingback: #FoodPorn | Food Contribution : Round Up | PhoTrablogger

  9. Have travelled to Andorra for the last 3 years, babysitting our grandson whilst his parents go skiing. So, I have not seen much grass or greenery, only snow and ice. Check out my photos a morereadrovers or thereadrovers blogs on wordpress.

    Not sure if we are returning in 2016 but think I should try a summer visit next time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. I would do the same with you! I love to squeeze in the possibility to stop over in between of the trip. Our favorite “countries in between” is Singapore and Hong Kong – hah, never get tired with these two and we’ve been there couple times already. Great topic!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. I totally relate to the appeal of getting across as many borders as possible, even if only for a few hours. And I have the same rule as you: airport doesn’t count unless you leave the airport and actually explore the city.

    Andorra looks as beautiful as I imagined it. I am glad to hear you had the chance to make the trip. Wouldn’t it be fun to have one passport that we kept always, and that way all our stamps that we ever received would be received in one book. Then, while stuck on long plane flights, we could flip through and say, “Oh! I remember when I got that one…”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      • I know! ha ha. I can imagine some border employee mindlessly stamping a bazillion books, and here we travelers are so excited to get them. (well, at least I am) When Tara got a passport for the very first time, we planned a trip to Canada to break it in. The border official waved us through, but I begged for a stamp. She seemed annoyed, but complied. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        • I have crossed so many borders where they don’t stamp it. It’s always so disappointing. Happens especially when you drive through. I asked one time if they would stamp it and they looked at me like I was crazy and said no! Boo!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

Leave a comment