Feb 17, 2002 06:09 AM
2387 Views
(Updated Feb 22, 2002 10:13 AM)
When I am studying in University of Glasgow, I happened to know a Spanish who is doing a exchange program in Glasgow, and of course the cold climate is torturing him as much as us who are brought up in the tropical country. He invited me and a few of my friends to go to his home in Spain to spend the Christmas vocation. His home is located in a small town call La Seu d'Urgell, which is about 20km from Andorra La Vella, the capitol of Andorra. Being new in Glasgow, and no where to spend the 3 weeks holidays, and wanted so much to escape from the cold Scottish winter, we agreed.
We took a flight to Barcelona, and from there his dad picked us all in his van, and we set for a journey of more than 200km to his home at La Seu d'Urgell.
Knowing Andorra is just so near from us, and most of us have not heard of the tiny country, we naturally grow in interest to explore the country. Upon request, my friend agreed to bring us there.
There are no train service to Andorra, and in fact there are no train station in Andorra. The only way to enter the country is by road. Buses is the most common way of public transport. As for us, we took his dad's van for transport.
Visa is not needed to enter Andorra, all we need to do is to carry along our passport for identification purposes, of course only upon request.
The journey is short and fast, I can't remember myself sitted for long, and I am told I am already in the territory of Andorra, and the next moment, I am told that I am in the city of Andorra La Vella, the capitol of Andorra.
Andorra La Vella is situated over 1000m above sea level, so weather is very cold during winter.
We visited the tourist office, and upon getting into the office, we are greeted with a friendly smile. We are shock by their hospitability, and she really make us fell so much welcome into the country. The service provided is world class, friendly and very helpful. Knowing we are new in the country, she readily guide us to around the small city. Though not able to speak proper English, but she is still very eager to help. With the help of my Spanish friend, we are able to understand her.
There are not much to see in Andorra La Vella. The most important tourist spot is the Casa de la Vall. If I don't remember wrongly, it is the Andorra Parliament place. It definitely do not have the grand and majestic look of the major castle or palace in Europe, and it look simple to me. It provide a free guide tour in English, but I have to wait half an hour for it. Since there aren't much to see, it definitely deserves a portion of our time to explore it.
Other than that, there are a lot of shops selling electronics items. According to my friend, items sold in Andorra can on over 30% cheaper than Spain and France. His dad bought most of his family electronic items in Andorra, since they stay so near.
After the shopping, we drove north to the mountainous area, where most of the ski resort is located. The scenery is terrific, and this is the first time all of us actually see snow, and we are so fascinated by the scene in front of us.
We stopped by at the town of Ordino to have our lunch. This peaceful little town is beautiful. Most of the building are still build in stones, and I wonder how old all the buildings are. People are all very friendly, even though I can't speak Spanish. The Museu d'Areny I Plandolit, which is a old 17th Century Andorra design house, is the main attraction in this small little town. As told, it once belong to one of the most illustrious families in Andorra. There is a fees charged for entering the house, I can't remember the figure, but it is cheap.
Andorra is not a place where you will expect to see a lot of big grand castle, palace or even cathedral. The scenery is more appealing to most tourist. Skiing is considered cheap as compare to the slopes in France and Switzerland, the nearest option for the Spanish. Most people, even the French will come down to Andorra for the cheaper source of winter thrill.
This is a very good place for a weekend getaway. If you like skiing, there are lots of options around, and they are cheap. If you are into shopping, it is also a wonderland for shopper.
Don't miss Andorra if you happened to be near the border.
