Corridor, Charles de Gaulle Airport – Roissy-en-France, France

Perhaps one airport doesn’t look very different from another. We took off from Chicago O’Hare, and eight hours later, we landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport north of Paris. However, being a fan of architecture, I like to make observations, especially with my camera. I took some pictures on the plane, including some mundane images of the food — I’m sure you won’t be interested in that. My wife and I upgraded to Premium Economy, adding some niceties on the flight.

Premium Economy is the business class from decades ago. Nothing fancy but with a slightly wider seat that reclines some more with a bonus footrest — the food is somewhat better, too, with free alcohol. On the other hand, the current business class now is first-class with its individual semi-private pods. There were no longer any first-class seats on our plane.

I was ready with my camera and started shooting soon as I got off the plane.

I’ve been to Charles de Gaulle before, over forty years ago. I don’t remember too many details other than it looked modern, and my younger sister promptly threw up in the terminal upon getting off the plane — my first European trip with my mom and sister.

The airport opened in 1974, so our first visit was to a new and modern six-year-old facility. Some forty years later, it looked dated and confusing — though the curves of the structure added visual interest elevating it above a utilitarian boxy building. I speak no French, which probably added to the confusion.

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