Crypt Guell

Our last Barcelona field trip ever was spent visiting the industrial town of Colonia Guell. The city used to be a self-contained industrial commune but has since been modernized. Guadi was commissioned to design the community church which unfortunately was never finished.
Only the crypt was completed which remains to be one of the most beautiful in Barcelona and unique to the world. In typical Gaudi style, everything is inspired by nature in function and aesthetics and right angles are almost nonexistent.

Barcelona's Waterfront

Barcelona's waterfront and the relationship to the sea have been important elements in the city's history and development and a walk around the port area is always fun.
Last weekend Scotty and I visited the top of the Columbus Monument, the Maritime Museum, and Port Vell which is the most recent development that has transformed this part of the harbor.
While Las Ramblas (the most famous and well-visited street in all of Barcelona) traditionally terminated at the Columbus Monument, Port Vell architects extended the Ramblas across the marina and into a large leisure complex where you can find a mall, movie theater etc.
The new construction is itself well-liked and its integration has enlivened the area adjacent to the water where you can find flea markets and a park.
What's impressive about the complex is the subtle interweaving of boat, car, and pedestrian traffic. It's pulled off effortlessly and a pedestrian can take a long leisurely walk completely oblivious to the large amount of traffic that cuts through the area.
Just another example of Barcelona's urban planning greatness.

Valencia

Joe and I decided to hop on a bus down to Valencia for the night for Easter Break. The main attraction there is a huge complex designed by Calatrava called the City of Arts and Sciences. It's the largest landmark in the city and really quite overwhelming. I'm glad I saw it both during the day and at night because now I better understand Mr. Calatrava (who's one of the most sought-after celebrity architects these days).
The Arts and Sciences complex is unique and grand... but also overdone. Judge for yourself.

Morocco

The last Field Trip of the semester took us to the city of Fez in Morocco. Ironically, much of what we saw was wet,cold, and very green (not what I expected from Africa). We had several great tour guides who led us on excursions ranging from walking through the old city to exploring Roman ruins in the countryside. Going to Morocco was wildly different than any other field trip we've done. It was really interesting to experience another culture totally different from western Europe or the U.S. The form of their old city was the other highlight: it can only be characterized as a labyrinth and was completely mesmerizing.