Hotel Fenix Escaldes-Engordany

Today was my last full day in Andorra. There wasn't a huge amount to do. It wasn't snowing, but the wind was so fierce that it seemed like a sand storm made out of snow. I had a great time watching a group of cows grazing in snow up to their stomachs. Other than that I had a walk around town and spent about an hour at a ...

... only thing in sight, a bus in a gravel lot. It then struck me why there were only 2 buses that left from the &#8220;station&#8221; per day, there are only 2 trains per day. So, half relieved and half amused, I loaded my things onto the bus, paid the short stout Spaniard my fare and saddled up for the ride to Canillo.<br><br> At first I could only laugh to myself as I got on the bus watching the tiny but wide driver bounce back and forth to blaring salsa ...

... village et quand on est arrivé, il avait le marché du matin. On a acheter du vin à environ 1 euro le litre (vin de pays) et du bon fromage bleu pour le déjeuner.<br><br>On avait pas le droit de prendre des photos dans la grotte pour pas faire de la pollution lumineuse (il y avait déja des ptites pousses de plante pres des lanternes...ils veulent pas en rajouté non plus). Aussi il faut pas déranger les chauve souris...pauve cocottes...<br>

... What it does mean, we're not quite sure of yet. Still dealing with the shock and going over a few different options. All while kicking myself for not realizing this sooner. Only one thing is for certain - I'm not going to let this spoil our trip, and we're going to have to get cycling! (o.k., two things). <br>

... like honey. Great tasting, but not jelly. Second attempt I added more sugar as I read that that was the problem, but it started to turn to rock candy in the jars. Argh! Too much sugar, not enough sugar. Where is the balance? I don&#8217;t really want to try a 3rd attempt at this point. At least not without a more detailed recipe and maybe a little pectin&#8230;<br><br>Chain Gang<br><br>Classic getting ready for winter activity is chopping ...

... and make 2.5kg of minced pork while I pureed the liver to make pate. Fat was rendered down to a beautiful smooth lard, and sausage meat was seasoned. It was a shame that we had no sausage skins to stuff, but the meat is still great to use in patties, balls or loaves. <br> <br>For a special treat for working through all the meat, Justin saved a special piece for Brian and I: the brain. Fried up with sage and butter and ...

... of apprehension before starting. Like attempting to figure out which way was up on the harness. Or when Donna wanted me to tie my security knot (walking me through of course). Then there&#8217;s the whole &#8216;where to start?&#8217; when staring straight up at this seemingly flat face of rock. <br><br> Watching others you wonder &#8216;how on earth?&#8217;, but then it&#8217;s your turn and you preserve, slowly going up and up with each little ...

... called &#8216;Patou&#8217; are raised with a herd (Pyrenees mountain dogs). As a result they will guard and defend their animals from any predator they may face - including humans. If you happen to wander in range they will bark furiously and give you many warnings to get away. If you don&#8217;t heed the warnings - you&#8217;re at your own risk with a fierce dog that comes up to your ...

... with cathedral ceilings, arched entryways, dangling chandeliers, and stone sculptures filling in the corners. Walking through this grandeur with tips of toes and hushed whispers watching as the scenery continually changes. One moment there&#8217;s a wide expanse to the right, then it opens all around, then it&#8216;s a tight passageway with new sights only coming into view just as you arrive there. Catching glimpses from different flashlights ...

... regularity were the fly agaric, or classic &#8216;magic mushroom;. Not exactly what I wanted to cook up for lunch!<br><br>This mushroom has a long history. The classic &#8216;toadstool&#8217; look with a red top and white dots it&#8217;s very easy to spot. I remember it from Smurfs and Super Mario Brothers. <br><br>A Viking tribe called the Berserker&#8217;s would use these mushrooms before going into battle - for themselves as well as their ...