Elisa's Daily Scoop Facts about Andorra Happy 3-Day weekend!! I'll be talking more about Memorial Day and the iconic travel destinations that honor our war heroes later this weekend. From the weather report, it's supposed to be a nice, sunny weekend - well, most of it anyway! We've got a bunch on our schedule, all centered around horses!! Today, me and the girlies will be heading to Dover Saddlery for some horse tack shopping. Grandma is going to be joining us so I'm sure my kiddos will be getting even more than they planned for! We'll be heading back to the barn tomorrow for a full day of riding. You may remember, my little Kelsey was sick last week, fighting a cold, so we skipped riding. So, with the 3-day weekend, we'll be squeezing in an extra day at Dream Come True Farm this weekend. Both kids will be doing a one-on-one lesson, probably Sunday. I'd hate to get caught in the Memorial Day traffic on Monday. And that's my day - will take some pics later today so I can report back to you tomorrow for "Shopping Saturday" on what goodies we purchased!!  Now, as you are aware, Tanya's European trip includes traveling through one of the smallest countries in the world - Andorra. She spent her first day there yesterday, and I'm hopeful that she will be able to report about her adventures and finds today. I received a text in the middle of the night that she is having quite a time of it with internet and wifi service, so I'm crossing my fingers for the best that she will come through with her Scoop today. In any event, we'll be sure to catch you up with all the details when she "re-caps" her trip, the highlights and the links to each day. For now, I'd like to feature a bit about Andorra for you: 16 Fun Facts About Andorra  1. Andorra is a tiny, independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. 2. The country is also called the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra. 3. Andorra is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe, having an area of 181 square miles and a population of approximately 85,000. 4. The official language is Catalan, although Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also commonly spoken. 5. Created under a charter in A.D. 988, the present Principality was formed in A.D. 1278. 6. It is known as a principality as it is a monarchy headed by two Co-Princes – the Spanish/Roman Catholic Bishop of Urgell and the President of France. 7. Its capital, Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe, at an elevation of 3,356 feet above sea level.  Sant Joan de Caselles Church, in Canillo, Andorra (c)plantware.com 8. The country welcomes an estimated 10.2 million visitors annually. 9. The euro is the official currency, although it is not a member of the European Union. 10. In 1993, it became a member of the United Nations. 11. Tradition holds that Charles the Great (Charlemagne) granted a charter to the Andorran people in return for fighting against the Moors. 12. One of the main sources of income in Andorra is tourism from ski resorts which total over 109 miles of ski ground. 13. Skiing brings in over 7 million visitors and an estimated $340 million euros per year. 14. Known for its tax-haven status, it encourages duty-free shopping. The capital Andorra la Vella has fashion boutiques and jewelers on Meritxell Avenue, and several shopping centers. 15. Andorra is located just three hours' drive from Barcelona to the south and Toulouse to the north, making it an ideal day trip. 16. In the little village of Canillo is the chapel of Sant Joan de Caselles, considered one of the country's finest Romanesque chapels, dating from the 11th century and contains many interesting features, most notably its fine interior decorated with excellent frescoes, as well as a retablo, St. John and the Apocalypse, dating from 1525. I cannot wait to hear Tanya's first-hand account of her visit!!! Ok - off to take my walk while the sun is shining!! -E xoxo | Tanya's Daily Scoop |
