The capital city, Andorra la Vella, has the highest altitude of any capital city in Europe. It does not belong to the European Union, although the Euro is the currency used.
The roads to Andorra must be very well trodden, as over ten million visitors annually troop into the tiny , but thriving economy, contributing about 80% of GDP. Skiing, the mountains and a Duty Free status seem to form the main attractions.
What I found most interesting was the political history...it is a duumvirate, ruled by two persons, co-princes, one being the Bishop of Urgell in Spain, and the other is the President of France. It makes the President, while in office, in the capacity as Prince of Andorra, an elected reigning monarch, even though not elected by the citizens of Andorra...Historically, Andorra has remained outside much of the political actions of the rest of Europe, until being brought into a more contemporary political position during 1993, following a reform referendum.
Many of the plants I researched for this week were endemic to the alpine area, with few listed as specifically Andorran, one, Narcissus x andorranus was listed but I could not find an image for this plant. Instead, Narcissus poeticus is listed in several places as the floral emblem, so I used that flower instead, maybe it is the same, I cannot tell with the research available to me.
We had a spell of wild weather last week, severe winds, storms and heavy rain have taken a toll with flooding, power outages, lightning strikes and road blockages, but at least the drought is over...though looking outside today one would not credit it...it is another perfect blue sunny day...hopefully it will help warm and dry those who suffered with the deluge. The waterhole which Tim uses to water his veggie garden is once again flooded, so we will be able to get some crops in after all. It was too empty to use the pump, before the rain.
Chris made a batch of Max's Biscuits on Saturday...a family favourite recipe son James acquired from a chef he worked with many years ago..Chris has given up waiting for me to produce treats, as none of us need the extra kilojoules in our diet and having a jar of these on the bench can be just too tempting... |
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