Andorra

Axel has a crazy goal of visiting over 100 countries in his lifetime. We have hit approximately 60 right now. What this means is if we go on a vacation anywhere he must research the neighboring countries and how far they are to reach. That is exactly what brought us to the small, underrated country of Andorra.
I must admit that when Axel told me he was determined to make the trek to Andorra, I rolled my eyes. I wasn't sure Andorra would have anything interesting to offer other than another tick on the country list. The best I was hoping for was a scenic ride through the Spanish countryside. Oh, and maybe a sheep herder or two.
The drive did not disappoint. There were jagged landscapes and vibrant fall colors everywhere. What delighted me the most were the small, abandoned villages nestled on the side of the mountains. My mind wandered as I thought about the last person to leave the village. What happened? What were they thinking? Did they ever imagine their home would crumble and never be inhabited again? Where did they go, and why? I've read too many Ken Follett novels.

Andorra was a pleasant surprise. It was quite the shopping paradise. Andorra's free port draws both Spain and France along with its winter and summer resorts. It is the Park City of Europe. We shopped, and shopped, and shopped, and shopped. I was astonished at how many clothing stores there were. Looking for shirts and shoes was a cinch but I had to search high and low for a household souvenir. I finally found something. It compliments my living room chair. You must visit to see it. It is awesome.

Our lunch was tapas. All of our dishes contained pork products. I know I talk a lot about pork, but you would too if you could barely utter the word p-i-g in the country you are living. Who knew the savory meat could taste sooooooo good?

The Andorrans have the second highest life expectancy in the world. They also have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. Pretty impressive for a country that barely spots the map.

Truthfully, Andorra was the highlight of our trip. I think it was mainly because we have been so deprived of mountains, cold weather, and color. It also helps to keep your expectations really, really low.

The Spanish Guitar

When Axel and I were first married I used to play Andres Segovia's Spanish guitar CD over and over and over and over and over again. The sound of the classical guitar would sooth my newly married nerves. Ever since, I have had a deep love for the Spanish guitar. Therefore, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to go to a Spanish guitar concert in the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia.

She made serious love to that guitar. Her passion was admirable.

The performance was somewhat like a rock concert for Axel and me. Whenever she would play a familiar tune we would both whisper to each other, 'Oh, remember this song? I love this one.' Then we would throw our hands up with the peace sign and rock back and forth. Okay, that didn't really happen, but it was tempting.

Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi's (1852- 1926) work, in many ways, represents the city of Barcelona. All over the city you will see his architectural masterpieces. You can't miss them. His style is unlike any other structures ever made. He has a very unique sculptural style.

Casa Mila

La Sagrada Familia

To me, the most impressive work of Gaudi is the Sagrada Familia. It sits within Barcelona as a true landmark of unique beauty and majesty. The cathedral was purposely never completed by Gaudi and still remains a work in progress. It is not expected to be completed until 2026. The Pope visited only days before we arrived. It looks quite like a melted alter candle with splatters of color here and there. It is definitely a one of a kind.

Lizards and crocodiles climbing on the side of the cathedral. Gaudi loved his reptiles.

The Passion facade

The Park Guell

Built in 1900 to 1914 Gaudi designed this park for an unsuccessful housing site. Even though the housing never materialized, the park is a wonder in itself. It is hard not to feel like you are in a fairytale with all the brilliant colors and jagged edges. Truly surreal.

Casa Batllo

After visiting Barcelona I am now a huge fan of Gaudi's work. His designs are inspirational and down right funky. LOVE IT.

Streets of Barcelona

The Barcelona streets are full of life and vibrancy. You would never guess there was an economic crisis going on in Spain. Every corner has a shop and people are making purchases. Although it was tempting to shop all day, it was far more fun to just walk the streets and people watch.

When the shops are closed, you can see all the graffiti on the metal doors. To me, the graffiti was almost more interesting than the windows. Since the Spanish strictly honor the siesta (I swore that most shops were open for a whopping 4 hours a day), we had plenty of opportunities to experiment with our camera.

Axel's idea, imagine that?

Arch d'triumph, which rivals the French version in beauty. Plus, my new coat looks awesome in this picture. Yeah, it was my Spanish souvenir. It's my fav.

La Rambla- Not only is it a happening place to be, the people there are super freak-eh.

Placa d'Espanya

One of the quickest and sneakiest photos we took, and yet, my favorite.

La Boqueria Market was the most beautiful and the most expensive market I have ever seen. Plus, the pork, oh yes, the pork was incredibly tasty. I believe we visited this counter 3 times during our stay in Barcelona. If it was possible, Axel would have walked away with one of those Iberian ham legs and stuffed it in our luggage. Since that would have put us in jail, we ate so much proscuitto with cheese I believe I am still digesting it.

Mushroom selection

Castell Barcelona

Barcelona at its best

Poble Espanyol

So much more to come.

I truly need a high speed internet connection. Downloading photos like this is an entire day affair. Pfft.