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Eye in the sky
THERE is nothing like a little game of Eye Spy on a trip to London but on this particular journey we decided to take the game to new heights - literally.
The London Eye has been a feature on the capital's skyline for almost a decade and has already become an iconic landmark.
The idea, creating the world's tallest observation wheel, is, in essence, an incredibly simple one. The result however is truly breathtaking - not just the views but the sheer beauty and enormity of the structure as it towers up from it base on the banks of the River Thames.
The request to take a flight on the London Eye was made by my daughter, eight-year-old Amelia, who I secretly think thought it was a huge fairground ride. Making reservations either by telephone or on the website was incredibly easy and we soon had our time slot arranged.
After a fun, stress-free and easy train journey we arrived at Waterloo, followed the signs and were soon in the ticket office being handed our boarding passes.
We travelled in term time at the beginning of February and waited no more than a few moments for our tickets and only minutes to board the London Eye. The rather large queuing areas made me feel this was not always the case and a Fast Track ticket might be a good idea during busy periods.
It was a cold but clear day. Perfect conditions it turned out as we stepped aboard our capsule and got set for take-off. In actual fact you barely know you are moving and the fearful looks on my younger sons' faces gave way to smiles of delight as we began to rise into the air.
We started by looking to the North and with the use of a handy View 360 guide was able to identify the BT Tower, Charing Cross Station, Somerset House and the dome of the British Museum.
As we rose higher we shifted position and looking East found St Paul's Cathedral, The Old Vic Theatre, Canary Wharf and Swiss RE Headquarters - better known as The Gherkin.
Getting into the swing of it Amelia looked out West and found Buckingham Palace, St James's Park and Nelson's Column while I looked hard toward the horizon and spotted the graceful arc of Wembley Stadium.
Then as we cleared the top of the Eye and began our descent we looked southwards to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Battersea Power Station, Vauxhall Bridge and the M16 headquarters.
Too soon we were coming in to land and I immediately wanted to have a return flight so I could drink it all in again. When the opportunity arises you can be sure this is one flight I will make again.
4:12pm Friday 8th February 2008
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