Julie's M&A

M&A - no, not Mergers & Acquisitions!

Our first stops after joining the tour when it left Barcellona were the serrated mountain and abbey/ church at Montserrat which was quite spectular and then on to the principality of Andorra.

I'm afraid I found the joining up with a tour a bit of a "curbing of the free spirit" that we have had since we have started our travels.  There is nothing wrong with the Insight Tour as such but I think I am a bit over being in an organised group.

Montserrat 

You can see how Gaudi was influenced in his archectiture and work by the varied and interesting shapes of the mountains of Montserrat that were covered in fog on our arrival but bathed in sunshine shortly afterwards. There were people everywhere including groups of climbers with all their gear ready to climb the mountain further. We didn't have time to go further up by the funicular; it would have been fun to do so.

See the funicular (white line) - almost perpendicular. It would have been quite a ride to go on but alas not enough time. The summit is a very popular spot for climbers and walkers.

Outside the church with its spectacular high golden altar, I bought and light a candle for family (Jonathan, Emma, Michael and Mum, Dad and ( as Mum used to say when calling for one of us) Paul, Julie, Jenny, Eddy, Kathy, Linda, Michele - whichever one you are..... I also thought about my very special friends who have been with me over the years.

Andorra

Andorra as any self respecting former tax specialist knows, is a tax haven.  In theory, therefore personal shopping should be reasonably fruitful.  You can tell we are great at finding fantastic bargains because in this tax free environment we went to an equivalent of Woolies  and  bought 2 large bottles of water (heavy water I called it), red wine €5.50, dry biscuits (to go with cheese I bought from a stall at Montserrat) and 2 pairs black socks for me! Can't live without those tax free socks!

Andorra is a principality between France and Spain, not a member of EU, but uses € as a de facto currency. The place is divided into 7 parishes and in front of the old town entrance, are 7 figures to represent the 7 parishes ( We'd call them councils or regions).  They look out of place really in the very small old town and  would be more appropriate in the new area where all the " not at all interesting" shops are for mainly people who stay in Andorra  for the snow season. 

One of the seven male figures. J was amused when guide said they light up at night. 

Church in the old town of Andorra (Trust me, I will generally find a church or two)

I'm sure our friend George would like this old bike.

Our hotel seemed nice but we were served the most dreadful food; all the tour group complained. Horrible, horrible place.