Opened in 2003, the Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminals were designed by architect Paul Andreu who has a special passion for airports. He has worked on more than 40 such airport projects worldwide. He also designed the French section of the English Channel tunnel.

There are no internal roof supports, passengers can therefore move easily through the terminals. Many people praised the futuristic structures, calling them both beautiful and practical. Unfortunately a year later (in 2004), part of terminal 2E collapsed, killing four people.

This is terminal 2F, taken during our transit to Madrid. Terminal 2E, with an elliptical concrete roof, is much more impressive (see inset). Tunnel technology was used in its construction.

Terminal 2F, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France (Sunday 24 Jul 2011 @ 8:11am).

ISO100 | f/8 | 1/30 sec | 17-40mm @ 17mm | AWB | raw

Tags:   Charles de Gaulle Airport Paris France Europe L Plater Canon 5D Mk II Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM Photoshop CS5 Paul Andreu Terminal 2E

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Aerial view through the clouds of the city of Paris on board an Air France Airbus A340.
I cheated by stowing camera bag under the seat when plane took off.

Somewhere above Paris, France (Sunday 24 Jul 2011 @ 11:58am).

Tags:   Paris Air France Airbus A340 L Plater Canon 5D Mk II Sigma F2.8 24-70mm IF EX DG HSM Photoshop CS5

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The 17th century Plaza Mayor is actually rectangular in shape. It measures 120 m by 90 m and is surrounded by residential buildings with a total of 237 balconies facing the plaza.

Public executions and trials took place here during the Spanish Inquisition that lasted centuries.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain (Sunday 24 Jul 2011 @ 3:14pm).

ISO100 | f/8 | 1/320 sec | 17-40mm @ 17mm | Daylight WB | raw | CPL | 5 x portrait stitch using PTGui

Tags:   Plaza Mayor Madrid Spain L Plater Canon 5D Mk II Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM Photoshop CS5 PTGui panorama panoramic stitch España

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Plenty of action going on at this popular tourist destination.
Buskers adorn the square while the sun seems reluctant to set.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain (Sunday 7 Aug 2011 @ 8:11pm).

ISO320 | f/7.1 | 1/100 sec | 24-70mm @ 37mm x 1.6 | AWB | raw

Tags:   Plaza Mayor Madrid Spain L Plater Canon 60D Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM Canon EF70-200mm f/4L USM Photoshop CS5 King Philips III Jean Boulogne Pietro Tacca Casa de la Panadería Carlos Franco Canon 5D Mk II Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM España

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Calle de Toledo (Toledo Street) leads to one of the entrances of Plaza Mayor (behind camera).
The street is lined with outdoor restaurants. In the distance are the twin towers of Catedral de San Isidro.

Calle de Toledo, Madrid, Spain (Sunday 7 Aug 2011 @ 10:27pm).

ISO800 | f/8 | 1/25 sec | 24-70mm @ 26mm x 1.6 | AWB | raw

Tags:   Plaza Mayor Madrid Spain Catedral de San Isidro Canon 60D Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM Photoshop CS5 Calle de Toldeo España

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