Travel, 50+, Andorra

...a little nugget on the mountains so tempting that it almost got a king once. The self appointed King Boris I failed, the state did not. Tourism continues to provide (~80% of the place's economic backing) and other industries deliver their part as well. So much so that the neighbors have flocked in, in hopes of a better future, making the locals a minority in their own country. While Andorra is not one of the countries that first pop in your touristy head, it is somewhat famous for its ski resorts. I visited during the summer, which is nice for those who like to hike and experience a few events or festivals.

I, as so many others, arrived by bus. You can take a direct bus from Barcelona (city or airport) or Toulouse. It's shorter from Barcelona and their airport is so well connected it enrages the locals to riot from time to time. In principle, you could fly in on a helicopter, but it is not for us plebeians.

As you can see from the image attached, the master of the sky was having a tinkle at the time of arrival. The Pyrenees being mountains, this swiftly changed and I got to see both faces of summer. It appeared to be very popular to walk and jog around, even from town to town. I understand there is a fairly decent bus system, but I never got to try it.

A lot of people, especially from neighboring France and Spain, go to Andorra for shopping. They have nearly nonexistent taxes and it's not in the EU, so you can "game" the system rather hard. While tempted, carrying a 60 inch television would have turned way too many heads at the airport. Instead, I went for the hot and fresh euro coins. Or, so it was supposed to be. I was in on the news that the Andorran euro coins would be issued by March or April and, as the collectors pay somebody's arm and a leg for special coins delivered in special way, I was planning to make bank. However... turns out the delivery of the coins had failed and the availability was half a year after my visit. I was forced to pay the painful 100% of the trip out of my very own holey pockets.

No matter, I got to explore the place in ways I could not have imagined before arrival. It was a very satisfying trip overall, despite the change of plans, and I was provided with a good excuse to come again.

I also got to learn that speaking French in the local La Poste (aka French post) makes the counter serving staff angry. Must have been Spaniards, maybe. Speaking of Spaniards, the place is full of them. Some of them are abuelas who try to get innocent young men drunk in their wine shop for reasons. Were the young man to decline with a friendly smile, this may or may not have an effect such as the abuela moaning and ranting how bad a man is, if he does not even drink wine.

In case you are into kebab, I recommend the place where you will see evidence of faceplants on the window next to the door (the name escapes me). The design of the place is such that the stairs lead to the window and the door slides open from the other side. You'll know the place when you see it. It's at a very central location. Anyway, where was I...?

The judgment:
Andorra is a great place for those who like mountains. On my trip, the air was clean, the food was good, the people were mostly nice, everything worked smoothly and everywhere felt safe. You have a good chance to get proper exercise and, in case you're not so fit, you can still stroll the shopping streets and have a spa day at Les Escaldes (where you can find thermal spas/hot springs that have been used medically at least since the ancient Romans). The place is suitable for children and people of all ages, really. What Andorra does not have is big cities and related action. Comparing to the rest of the Europe, prices are average.

Would I go again? Yes.