“An extraordinary guy can never have an ordinary day” – Noel Gallagher. During Christmas 2024 I finally hit the 230 mark of recognised countries I have backpacked through, the latest piece of that wacaday jigsaw fell on unassuming Central African Republic. Of those 230, some of those countries I have only been to once. But…
Read MoreArrival into Catalonia after four epic days in the tiny country of Andorra was by bus and yet another magical journey on this here sphere. While based in Andorra, I decided to stay in the town of Escaldes Engordany, which houses southern Europe’s largest spa! Yes and Andorra was a tad special too. I had…
Read MoreAndorra comes as a real surprise for the casual backpacker. I expected not a lot from it, after arriving on the only road border with Catalonia and Spain and I left in awe of the place, loving the spot, so much to see and do and no small fish at all. I based myself in the…
Read MoreWhat? Are you serious? You went all the way whackpacking in Andorra to eat sausages and beans? Yes and what’s wrong with that!? My first proper meal back in Europe on my first proper trip back for 6 years and I hunted down restaurants and bars in Escaldes Engordany for some “authentic Andorran food”. Sausages…
Read MoreI was recently feeling some travel burnout, perhaps a sign of years as a backpacker taking their toll, perhaps me getting older or maybe just the speed I was moving through Central America. It called for some chill out time. Then I arrived back in Europa – to Andorra and was inspired once again. I…
Read MoreWhile this might seem like a sweeping and super fast compilation, then yes folks, that’s exactly what it is! I’m not claiming to be any kind of Andorran Bar expert but if you’re on a short trip to undermined Andorra then I hope you’ll enjoy these five cool bars, like I did. I’ve chosen bars…
Read MoreAs a long term traveller who works on the move and aims to help others travel, there’s always a part of me thinking “where can I stay in Andorra that will help my readers budget in this country?” and so a quick online check revealed the best budget hotel yet still pure luxury (standard in…
Read MoreAs well as being a proud Catalan city, Barcelona (officially part of Spain) also sits near the border of two other countries, Andorra and France and both are only a 3 hour trip from Barcelona. As I had been to France and Spain before a few times, I decided to head to Andorra while I…
Read MoreIt’s a long time since I wrote anything about Belarus (even though I once wrote a chapter for a book on my trip there). And as it’s yet to feature on my Friday’s Featured Food series, I thought it was time to recollect that day I tried Belarussian Porridge in the drab city of Bobruisk.…
Read MoreManic Street Preachers first came into my ears about 20 years ago, in 1992 when on a chance radio listen, I was enthused by their hit single “Suicide Is Painless” (Theme From M.A.S.H.). At the time I didn’t realise it was a cover version, nor knew anything about this band. As the 90s progressed I…
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