Bon dia, fellow wanderers! It’s me, your favorite globetrotting gnome Oliver, reporting from the tiny but tremendously captivating country of Andorra. I’ve just ambled my way from Andorra la Vella to Les Escaldes, a delightful 1.5km journey that’s added a few more gnome-footprints to my path.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Oliver, you grumpy gnome, what could you possibly find interesting in such a short stroll?” Well, let me tell you, it’s not always about the distance. Sometimes, it’s about the journey, the people and the culture.

As I sauntered along the streets of Andorra, I spotted an interesting phenomenon: people casually conversing in Catalan, the official language of Andorra, a language of warmth, full of expression, and rich in history. Now, being a globe-trotting gnome fluent in multiple languages (and grumpiness), I couldn’t help but join in. I said, “Bon dia, com estàs?” – that’s “Good day, how are you?” for all you non-Catalan speakers.

But here’s the thing that really tickled my gnome-beard: even though we were in the heart of Andorra, I could hear a smattering of other languages. French, Spanish, Portuguese, all harmoniously co-existing, proving that borders may define countries, but they can’t confine culture and language.

This reminds me of a local saying: “Qui no té, desitja; qui té, s’espanta.” It translates to “Those who have not, desire; those who have, are frightened.” A philosophical musing that perfectly describes our constant longing for the unknown and unfamiliar, don’t you think?

After adding this 1.5km to my journey, I’ve now traveled a total of 1381.9 kilometers in 52 days, with recent stops at La Seu d’Urgell, Ax-les-Thermes, Andorra la Vella, and now Les Escaldes. The world is wide, and a gnome’s journey never ends!

So, until the next town, remember: “Qui no arrisca, no pisca.” or “He who doesn’t risk, doesn’t gain.” Keep wandering, keep exploring!

Adéu, until we meet again!

When I trotted my tiny clay feet on the cobblestone streets of Les Escaldes, I was walking on history. This city, with its sulfurous hot springs, warmed the hearts of Romans. It’s said “Aigua calenta,” or hot water, gave the city its name. Quite a steamy tale, wouldn’t you say?

Two things struck me about this city, or as they say in Andorran, “dues coses em van impressionar sobre aquesta ciutat”. First, the Caldea Spa, a modern cathedral to relaxation, rising like a crystal mountain from the city’s core. The Romans would’ve traded all their sandals for a dip in there!

Second, the vibrant art scene. I visited the Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre (CAEE), named after Andorran composer, Joan Vilanova. A quote from him caught my eye, “La música és el reflex de l’ànima” – “Music is the reflection of the soul”. As a gnome, I can’t help but feel that’s true for all culture. This city, with its warm waters and soulful art, is a mirror to the heart of Andorra itself.