Big Trip, Part IV - Andorra

On Sunday, we made the 6 hour drive from Benitachell, Spain to our hotel in Sant Julia De Lucia in Andorra. I don't remember ever hearing about the country of Andorra before, but I stumbled upon it in researching our trip to Spain. As it is in the Pyrenees (between France and Spain) we decided it would be fun to go there.

I'm guessing the entire country of Andorra is smaller than the state of Rhode Island. From our hotel near the southern border with Spain, it took us about 45 minutes (with stops) to travel north and east to the border with France. It is a rugged country with most cities in the river valley, and some cities/towns higher up in the mountains along with some ski resorts. I wish I'd have had the time to get in some skiing . . .

This first photo is of Catherine, Ian, and Leah at a tiny park in Sant Julia De Lucia. It was about a 10-15 minute walk from our hotel. The mountain just to the camera left was covered in snow, but I couldn't angle myself to capture it.

A simple black and white version of the Andorran Pyrenees. This was just outside of a tunnel leading to the city of Pas de las Casa, and not too far from there the French Border. There is a ski resort very nearby, and loads of folks were taking the opportunity to give it a go.

Later that day, after crossing into France, we were making our way out of the Pyrenee "foothills". We seriously drove nearly continuously downhill for well over an hour and a half with some grades noted at 10% and 20% (check those brakes!). The only non-downhills were in small portions of some villages we passed through. This photo below is of the road we traveled, you can clearly see the twists and turns. It was also the 20% grade; good fun!

We got home literally just in time for Leah's dance recital. We pulled up to the house for Catherine to take Leah upstairs and get changed and then get to the recital place JUST in time to start. Thankfully they were running a little bit late. I snagged this photo at the end of one of Leah's routines. She did so well, and of course was the prettiest little girl there. Not that I'm biased . . .

Part of the after-dance routine is getting "dusted" with "fairy-powder". All the girls love the glitter. And there is also the candy treats. Leah chose Lifesavers, and obviously enjoyed them as seen below.

That concludes our French/Spanish/Andorran adventure! Time to get back to life as normal here in Germany. We are going to miss the sun and gorgeous weather we were having in Spain - but now I'm hoping for some snow!

The posts will slow down a bit as we settle into our normal routine - though we are planning some more weekend trips coming up. So look for some photos from those. Cheers!

Marc