Last month, we decided to take a little weekend trip to the Pyrenees. We used the occasion to visit the Principality of Andorra for a couple days, then head home and stop for a visit at the medieval French town of Caracassonne.
A little history about Andorra. It’s a principality, but unlike Monaco, there is no ruling prince in Andorra. It is a task jointly managed by the President of the French Republic and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain. Interestingly, that makes the French President the only elected monarch who is not elected by popular vote of those he rules.
When I mentioned Andorra to some of my French friends, their common question was “what are you going to buy?” Andorra gained wealth as a tax haven and tourism was spurred by tax-free (and consequently less expensive) goods. Although we ended up buying a couple little things, we didn’t particularly care for the commercialism that was ubiquitous in the capital city where we stayed, Andorra la Vella. Nonetheless, the tasty food and beautiful mountain vistas made up for a lack of commercial appeal.
Andorra
This is the view from the balcony of our room.
Of course, we wanted to go for a hike and experience the natural beauty for ourselves.
Alexander was having fun in the backpack.
He loved checking out the mountains and enjoying the fresh air. He even managed a little nap on the hike back.
I stopped and used my neutral density filters to try and capture the freshly melted snow and numerous waterfalls.
X was having a good time.
OK, he could use a little lip moisturizer. The mountain air was rather dry.
Anna and X were in the light at the end of the tunnel. Well, now reality matches my psyche.
Here is the mountain trail and tunnel we went through, plus a good use of photovoltaic cells.
More water falls with lots of soft moss covering the stones.
In order to capture these images, I had to scramble up a steep, icy slope, then stuck the tripod and my shoes (fortunately, with gore-tex) in the middle to the stream to try and capture the image. It doesn’t make the picture any better, but the effort certainly makes me appreciate the images more!
You can see how the snow was still adding to the water supply.
Looking downstream (and also where I climbed up).
Here is a view of the capital city, Andorra la Vella. It has a population of around 25,000, with the total population of the country about 85,000 people. This tiny country hosts over 10,000,000 visitors each year. Fortunately for us, we didn’t see nearly that many in the mountains.
Carcassonne
Once we finally made it out of the mountains (it was a long and very windy road), we were greeted by the magnificent medieval town of Carcassonne. The walled city is also the setting of the very popular eponymous board game (which we purchased after we got home).
The cité was first built around 100BCE by the Romans, but then often upgraded though the centuries. Unfortunately, it fell into severe disrepair and was scheduled for demolition in the mid-19th century. However, because of apparent public outcry, an architect (Violett Le-Duc) was called in to execute a massive restoration. Although it’s an awe-inspiring work, it’s not likely how it looked in antiquity. For example, the tall pointed roofs on the towers were a nice touch, but probably originally flat or low angled.
Looks like a nice place for a lunch. Or maybe a small lecture for 4 students.
One if the restored towers, up close.
The workshop.
Alexander was having fun here as well. It seems he likes traveling … a very good thing for his parents.
The impressive stained glass in the church. Notice the bottom. A blond Jesus… yeah…
Typical little restaurant in the cité.
Well, that covers our little weekend outing.
Until the next adventure … a few images from my trip to Paris, followed by the cruise from last week.
Until then.
–Jim