Barcelona

Barcelona will always make me think of architecture: beautiful, outrageous architecture.  To understand the root of our word gaudy you only have to visit Gaudi's beautiful and, yes, crazy buildings and the park he created.  The cathedral, Sagrada Familia, is still under construction and reminds me of drip castles on the beach.  Not only is the design incredible but the size and scope of the building is mind boggling.

Gaudi's influence is everywhere in the city.  We had so much fun visiting an apartment building he designed and built just before the first world war.  At the time, the neighbors sued to have it torn down. The roof patio of the high rise looks like something from Star Wars.  These are the chimneys and vents.

The attic, where clothes lines were run is an incredible display of engineering acumen.

My favorite Gaudi creation is Park Guell.  It was a planned housing community in the hills overlooking Barcelona.  Gaudi designed and built all the common areas but World War One came along and killed the project.  Only one lot was sold, to Gaudi's attorney.  The family still lives in the home in the middle of this fantasy land park over looking Barcelona and the Mediterranean.

Barcelona was the last stop on our wonderful celebration of National Geographics 125 year anniversary.  There were a lot of last minute exchanging of addresses and sharing pictures.  We were joined in Barcelona by John Fahey, Chairman and CEO of National Geographic.  John and his wife were very nice but it is difficult to join a group that has bonded during a trip encompassing ten countries scattered from the middle east, Oceania, Asia, Africa and the roof of the world.  Our final dinner together was an absolute blast with many toast and too many jabs and jokes to recall.