ANDORRA, Jul 23, 2004/ FW/ --- The Principality of Andorra is a tiny country, 179 square miles. It is a rare jewel tucked high and away in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. The mountains are reach as 2947 meters (approx. 9823 feet).

Access to this country is not easy; there is one road to Barcelona, Spain and another to Toulouse, France. It is a good 3 to 3/12 hours in and out by car if there is no traffic. The only other way out is by footpath if you are one of the adventurous souls who love hiking.

The mountains have a rugged beauty with a base of dark rust brown soil and stones. The forest trees majestically and magically grow from this iron filled ground. Rushing rivers and streams abound. To many it is Shangri-La. Not the mysterious country in the Himalayas written about by James Hilton, and made into the film, Lost Horizon of Shangri-La, 1937 by Frank Capra, but a beautiful country that is truly a hidden gem.

Shopping ‘til You Drop

Shopping ‘til you drop is a favorite past time of many people who visit Andorra. At the edges of the country and in downtown Andorra La Vella the duty free stores are never ending. Perfume stores are multiple with as many jewelry boutiques, along side electronic stores filled with every camera and gadget imaginable. Some people come to stock up on alcohol and cigarettes. There is also the stop at the super gas stations to fill the gas tank at a better price than down the mountain.

The two main department stores are Pyrenees Grans Magazem and Escale. Both allow the shopper conveniences including grocery shopping and buying pastries and bread at the same time you are shopping for fashion items and electronics. It is one stop shopping if you aren’t inclined to boutique hopping. You can even take a break to dine. Escale has a buffet lunch or you can have a casual café con leche or cortado for a short shopping break. If you are feeling on the wild side you can have six oysters and a glass of house white wine for six Euros. The Pyrenees has formal sit down dining or If one is in a more casual mood you might choose to sit at the indoor courtyard and have a selection of tapas in Catalonian style; squid, octopus, peppers, potato salad with tuna and such.

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Pyrenees Mountains

Waterfall

Rushing Stream

Perfume Store