Travel-Stained Life » Andorra http://travelstainedlife.com The Story of a Midwest Couple Traveling Round the World Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:51:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Things We Learned and Liked-Andorra http://travelstainedlife.com/2010/05/22/learned-and-liked-andorra/ http://travelstainedlife.com/2010/05/22/learned-and-liked-andorra/#comments Sat, 22 May 2010 19:01:17 +0000 Deenaree http://travelstainedlife.com/?p=1831 Continue reading →]]> Things we learned:

Currency: Euro (1 Euro=$1.5 USD)

If you are planning to head to Andorra from Barcelona, go to the Andorra Tourist Office in Barcelona.  The people working there are very friendly and will load you with colorful, descriptive packets/pamphlets along with bus schedules and other useful pieces of information.  You might even be lucky enough to walk out with a large, FREE, reusable shopping bag that has the Andorra logo.

Andorra is a tiny country that sits between Spain and France.  Because it is located in the mountains, it is well known for it’s skiing culture.  In fact, the area we stayed in seemed reminiscent of a ski-town in Colorado.  If you are not a skier, this may not be the place for you.

Although it is not a member of the European Union, our passports did not get checked or stamped upon entering/exiting this country.

It’s official language is Catalan.

People from surrounding countries shop in Andorra because everything is duty-free.

Taking a tour of the Casa de la Vall (parliamentary building) gives you a history and understanding of the government of the country.  Here are a few things we learned…

  • In order to tour the building, you must have a guide.  Fortunately, this service is free.
  • Of the approximately 80,000 residents, only 32,000 of them are Andorran citizens.  Andorran citizens are the only ones allowed to vote.
  • The Andorran flag contains emblems representative of both France and Spain because the government consists of the the French president and the Bishop of Catalonia
  • Many languages are spoken in Andorra including Portuguese, French, and Spanish

Deenaree´s list…

  • Food: Not here long enough to enjoy
  • Experience: Touring the parliamentary building and learning about this country
  • Something to remember: It’s cheaper to buy sugar and other items here than in other European countries.

Ben´s list…

  • Food: Not here long enough to enjoy
  • Experience: Planning on next move on our impromptu trip through Europe
  • Something to remember: Visit during a time when we can enjoy the hiking trails and not get rained on
]]> http://travelstainedlife.com/2010/05/22/learned-and-liked-andorra/feed/ 0