Day 18 - Andorra La Vela Day 2

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We woke up in plenty of time for breakfast before catching the first bus down to Andorra La Vela at 9:40. Breakfast was the usual coffee, juice, cereal, toast and spreads, and some fruit. Although the driver was a bit reckless, the ride down was nearly as scary as the ride up had been yesterday. We spent most of the morning shopping for gifts to bring to Manoli's brothers and nephew. For lunch, we almost ate at the same place in the Pyrenees store, but changed our minds when we saw the buffet style layout in another store called Escale. Although most of the restaurants and cafes we'd seen wanted what seemed like ridiculous prices (from 9 Euros and up for a single plate!), this store also had food at much more reasonable prices. We all got salad and cold cut plates (the ladies small size at 3.50 Euros and me the larger plate for 5 Euros), piling on tortilla chunks, artichoke, cod salad (I had that, believe it or not!), potato salad, etc., etc. I also grabbed an almond and lemon mousse. Everything was pretty good, with some things better than others. They also offered hot foods and combination plates at 7 Euros or so. When we finished lunch, we decided we really needed to see more of Andorra than its stores and restaurants, so we trekked back up the streets to visit the old center of government called Casa de la Vall. Unfortunately, they now only give tours and were all booked for the near future. It was cool to look at, especially with the brand new modern government building right next door.

We had decided to take the last bus back to the hostal at 7:30pm, and since it was only 3:30 or so, we headed back downtown to find the bus stop that would take us up to the town of Ordino, even further up than we were. After a pleasant trip for only 2 Euros each, we reached the large town of Ordino. We strolled around a bit, then found a decent bar/cafe to whet our whistles. Since Manoli and Alexis both were concerned about missing the last bus and having to walk up to the hostal again (Alexis said I'd have to pay for a taxi!), we caught the next bus back to Andorra La Vela. Dinner was going to be whatever we could find in the supermarket near the bus stop, so, arriving early, we took our time shopping. We ended up with two kinds of deli meat, a small loaf of bread, two cheese spreads (Gouda and Goat Cheese), and a tray of cantalope. I also got an 8-pack of Coke to put in the fridge at the hostal to drink tonight, but was surprised to discover that it wasn't 55 cents for an 8-pack (I should have known better), but 55 cents a can. Oh well, live and learn. Still cheaper than the machine in the hostal. When we left the store, it wasn't even quite 6:30, so we had to sit and wait for the 7:30 bus. We took the bus up this time and then ate dinner while we watched TV. Yes, the hostal has satellite TV with both Spanish and French channels.

Tomorrow we will be picked up here at the hostal for our return trip to Barcelona, where we stay one more night before flying to Sevilla to spend time with Manoli's family in Chipiona.

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