August 3rd: All over but.. you know

We made it back from Andorra. First of all, I'd like to apologize to the people of Andorra: no pictures I have taken show the grandeur of that country. You'll just have to take my word for it.

All packed and ready to go. But, this afternoon yet another surprise. Celia and Jaume presented me with an oil painting of a Roman bridge in the town (see the photo) by a local artist. First of all, it's totally unnecessary, and I'm stunned at their generosity. Second, it's beautiful, and it will be an eternal reminder of a wonderful time.

Third: the family's surname, Pont, is "bridge" in Catalan.

Hope you got some enjoyment out of reading the blog.

See you soon!

Andorra!

What a day.

Josep, Joan, and I set out for Andorra this morning. All I can say is that, had we stopped to take picture of every picturesque town perched on a hillside or tucked into a valley, we'd still be on the road... and a treacherous road at that. We'd be winding down a a mountainside and then find ourselves winding up the same mountain. At some point, the town we were looking for was posted at 30km away. I think it was really 4 km, but 30 of actual road distance.

Finally, though, we made it into Andorra. My only disappointment is not having been stopped to get my passport stamped. Everything else is as I imagined. The capital, Andorra La Vella, is seriously tucked in a tight valley.. and these are BigBoy mountains. Professional mountains. Don't try this at home mountains.

After checking into our hotel, we went to Caldrea, a thermal spa. Think "indoor pool in steroids." Huge pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, a "light of the woods" relaxation room... you name it.

After that, we did a change, then off to a great dinner, followed by a stroll to a bar. Josep wanted to celebrate our penultimate night with a few drinks. I guess that's allowed now that he's of legal age and is under no threat of being sent home by AFS. For the record... kicked his butt in darts. And he calls himself a party animal. (Okay, Joan won, but he was sober. Serious advantage.)

You know, sometimes the quiet times give you the best surprises.

The nicest surprise was a carry-over from last night. The family's oldest daughter, Laia, is home from med school for the day. If you picture a female version of Josep (in looks) with a 180 degree difference in personality, that would be Laia. Very sweet, very impressive. Not that Josep isn't those, but...

But today was explained to me as a quiet day with nothing special planned. We started off at the local pool, which in a town the size of Avinyo can't be far away.

After that, however, we went to a restaurant near the town of Vic. I've never had a more gourmet outing in my live. When you start with gin and tonic whipped up into a frozen appetizer in dry ice, you know you're in for a treat. Add two appetizers, four main courses (foie gras, a shrimp concoction, fresh tuna, then duck), two desserts, and a seemingly bottomless bottle of wine... what more could you ask? Foie gras, for the record, isn't as disgusting as I imagined; damn, it was delicious. The Catalunyans know how to eat.

The dinner was a multiple celebration: the grandparents' 60th anniversary, the great-aunt's birthday, Jaume & Celia's anniversary, and they threw in my visit.

After hanging at home later (and having Joan try to teach me to play warcraft-style video games.. the world is safe if I run the military, by the way), we went to a festival in a little town near here: Sant Joan d'Olo. Look for it if you dare. All I saw wat the ancient church and one house.(There was an interesting discussion about the distinction between the true "rurals" vs. the "neo-rurals." Never heard that term before!

But grilled food, booze, a quartet of singers... and friends. What could be a better end to the night?

Tomorrow, Josep, Joan, and I head to Andorra, where we'll spend the night. Father of two teens for the evening.

Wish me luck.