35. That Tiny Country Called Andorra

When picking up our rental car in Spain, in the midst off all the contract talk, the lady said "The rental car is not allowed in France but it is in Andorra!" We looked at each other with that look of 'where the hell is that but let's go!' We learned it's a tiny country between France and Spain, only 181 sq. miles, 77.5 k people and known for skiing in its Pyrenees mountains. In Spain the morning before leaving, a couple told us it'd be a waste of time- luckily we didn't listen. We only stayed there one night, 2 days, but it was the most beautiful stop on our whole trip. And p.s. we of course broke the rule and took the car to France- lo siento rental car company!

Below are my favorite memories between the pictures:

~The night in Andorra we asked where there was an open restaurant in the town of the hotel. Our front desk lady said there was nothing open in that town but to drive up the mountain and we would find something. We discovered this quaint town 5 minutes away with cobblestone streets, silence, crisp air and stone buildings. We ate in a tiny restaurant with a ski-lodge atmosphere.

~Our morning hike- I don't have words to describe its whole beauty. We found a trail that wound along the mountain next to fields, frequently crossing over a river. We were like little kids that morning, in total bliss, what seemed as our own nature world.

~Ivan explaining "Imagine THIS with snow....!" ...what seemed like every minute. As a girl who grew up in the deep woods of NH with 6+ months snow each year, I prefer palm trees and 85 degree weather. I loved seeing the joy in his eyes of something I previously disliked. I hope someday we return on a snowboarding trip.

~On the hike, looking at these houses so far in the mountains picturing the lives of the people who lived there. I always do this wherever I am- but this seemed intriguing because of the small country, small town and harsh climate.

~The day we arrived in Andorra, it was day 2 of attempting to quit coffee- for at least the 5th time. For my body and brain, I feel so much better without it- but with traveling, work, jet lag etc. I get sucked back into drinking it. This time was for real though, but like every time, I got the worse withdrawals, just from breaking the routine of 1 cup a day. When we arrived, my head was pounding, body achy and zero energy. Ivan completely understood, tucked me into bed for a 2 hour nap. When I woke up he carried me into the bathroom and had run me a hot tub with spa music on. This made me feel completely loved, protected and comforted.

~Ivan swimming on our hike- it was like getting to see him as a 6 year old because he was so happy. I swear the water was a degree above ice and I thought he was totally crazy- but loved cheering him on. I'm pretty brave but when it comes to cold don't count me in ;)

~The woman at the front desk of our hotel. The room cost about $25 since its was out of season and only had a few guests. The lady at first was grouchy and had that worn down, drinks too much, smokes too much kind of look. She eventually warmed up to us and my respect for her grew. She spoke French, English, Spanish, Italian and the native Andorra language, Catalan. It was a reminder to me that work does not define you nor your intelligence.

~Andorra has such a mix of people using French and Spanish. Running down the mountain on the road, Ivan and I kept daring each other to say "Hi!" in French to the strangers walking up the mountain. Out of about 10 'hi's' I think we did about one as 'bonjour' and 9 'hola'- each time us both laughing so hard because of us both being shy to speak in French. This was comforting- as usually he is confident in Spanish and me in English while the other isn't- so I loved both trying a new language together- even if just bonjour once.

~Remember me saying the rental car company saying France is not allowed because all insurance would be voided? We of course went anyways ; ) We drove into beautiful France, on winding roads, through the mountains with cows grazing. This was our 8th country together and it was all smiles as we cruised. But then...

...When we got back to Andorra, we filled the gas tank up before driving to France- let me clarify, Ivan filled the gas tank up ;) We then tried to decide if to drive through Spain or France - luckily we decided the Spain route. About 3 minutes after the gas station, a clunking noise starts...then black exhaust. We stopped and it was confirmed the wrong gas- diesel- was put into the car. We called the car company- they said our car insurance covered everything except the engine. We lucked out and found a car station that was open and could fix it in 2 hours for $100...

...When we returned the car, they had recorded the call and started questioning us. Ivan thought quickly and got us out of it with no extra charges. We then ran down the street to another car company to try to pick up our next rental we booked online, leaving our bags at the 1st rental company. Arriving at company #2, we realized they had ripped us off, losing that money, sprinting back to company #1 with 5 minutes to spare before they closed. We got a car there, then drove to our airbnb at 10. After 6 attempts to contact the host, he never showed, losing more money for a total that day of car repairs, wrong gas, car rental, now the Airbnb...

...At midnight, famished, we found a cheap, amazing Greek place after checking into our previous hostel. To date, that was the hardest, craziest travel day, paired with my absolute favorite morning. I believe it is days like that either can brake parters or make them a million times stronger together. Thank you Ivan for making it the second one, you are forever my partner in crime.

P.S. Lessons learned - #1 We were able to submit a claim with Airbnb for the lost night and they happily refunded us. #2 Most U.S. credit cards offer car insurance included in your plan that covers everything- mine included which I realized later. Always use this compared to the car rental insurance. #3 Always check what gas the car needs in foreign countries ;)