Spain

A rather abstract view over Mar Menor in Murcia, Spain. The faint hills are those of the Parque Regional Calblanque in south-eastern Murcia, near Cartagena.

This rural Spanish scene is near the San Javier airport in Murcia on the appropriately named Costa Calida (Warm Coast) - this is taken during Christmas in 20 degrees Centigrade. The plowed field is ready for spring planting.

The unique architecture of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is unmistakable. Weird corners, flowing shapes and shining metal make this one of the most memorable buildings in the world.

This is quite an abstract detail view of the abstract building. Street lights cast colorful lights and shadows on the shiny metal facade.

Tree roots in the center of Cartagena, a historic port city.

This almost Martian view taken in oppressive summer heat is on the hills outside of Jumilla, famous for its wines.

Kitesurfers congregate on this pristine beach south of Santa Pola in Valencia every summer. Getting a good shot of the surfers is not so easy, as they go fast.

A captive Saker Falcon (falco cherrug) and handler &ndash thanks to Pieter from Spanish Nature for identification! Taken at the Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park) in Granada. We were recommended to check out a "flight show," and what a show it was! Several raptors at arms length. Unfortunately my Spanish wasn't enough to understand the handlers' explanations.

This is easily one of my all-time favorite photographs I've taken. I like the stark contrast between the beauty and the beast - yet they both exhibit a similar intense demeanor. Although the falcon was hooded so it wouldn't get too stressed with all the people around him, it was alert and ready to go the second the hood was removed.

Magnificent beast!

This gorgeous Iberian beauty gave a beautiful dance performance at a restaurant in Mil Palmeras, north of Mar Menor.

A young male flamenco artist performing with his... hat.

Another shot from the flamenco performance at a restaurant in Mil Palmeras, north of Mar Menor.