29 Jun 2019
After considerable searching and reading up on the experiences of fellow travellers, it was imminiently clear that the best best way to experience the beauty of this small, yet beautiful nation was to look for a private car that would offer the flexibility to see more of Andorra, than the typical tours to the capital city allowed.
And I got realy lucky, chancing upon Atif-ji, who is your translator, guide, transporter and most importantly the allround good human being you want to call friend! Right fro our early communcation, I observed his focus on figuring out what we want to do (local sights & tastes + nature) and complemented it with his well-informed suggestions.
So, it wasn't a wonder when we (my wife, and 2 kids - 10 & 7) met Atif-ji near our Barcelona hostel, there was an air of familiarity about and we hit it off with conversations that took us back to our home countries and right thru the historic and cultural past of Catalonian region.
It was the holy month for followers of Islam and that meant Atif-ji was observing his fast thru the day, a gruelling effort given the 3-3.5hr drive each way between Barcelona & Andorra. But this did not deter him at all. He knew exactly, where everything of note was and the right amount of information to accompany it. Never overbearing or intrusive, always mindful of our comforts first, it felt like Atif-ji was more a family friend who was taking us around to share the beauty of a country he had his heart set on!
Enroute from Barcelona to Andorra, we stopped at the medieval Baga village, where we were treated to Coffee and Hot Chocolate, more kindness! The landscape gave way to the majesty of the Pyrennes and soon we were at the capital, where after giving us time for lunch and a quick stroll about, Atif-ji showed us the highlights of the capital, before heading off to exploring the beautiful surrounding areas which included a nature trail in the Val 'd Incles & other areas on note in the Canillo region like the Sant Joan de Caselles Church & the unique Roc del quer. Stunning views, secured in all exclusitivity thanks to our friend's immaculate planning.
We exchanged more stories of home - we were divided by religion and by political boundaries, but united in our love for travel. To be honest, this experience with Atif-ji has motivated us to go visit Pakistan! Thank you my firend for your warmth, kindness and for sharing so much in so little a time about Barcelona and Andorra. God Bless!