We played tourists yesterday, and took a trip on the London Eye.
Originally built as a temporary structure to mark the turn of the millennium, its appeal has endured. It is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
There are times when pictures speak louder than words, and this is one of them. I’ve put pictures in a gallery format so you can pore over each one: these views of London have the same fascination as those ancient London maps. See what you can recognise.
Kate Shrewsday 
You’ve captured the essence of London with these pics, Kate — and reduced my need for a return visit to the Eye!
Saved you a bob or two and an irritating wait in a very long line, Chris!
That’s true! I’m very grateful…
Great pics.
Thanks, Lou
Wow, Kate!!
Wow, as in 1) you’re very brave to go up in (on?) the Eye; and, 2) some of these photos appear almost like chromolithography! What a lovely treat with my breakfast! .
Karen, what a lovely thing to say, thank you so much! London is all lines and angles, a bit like New York. My favourite building? The Gherkin. So much rounder than the Shard.
Such bird’s eye views, Kate, with so many iconic sites and glimpses into a London still growing. Thank you.
Pleasure, Penny. London never stops changing but it does a great job in preserving the old and important.
So cool! Sorry We missed that.
There’s always another time! Well worth the wait….
Images speak louder than words and you have certainly justified that statement, Kate. Amazing pictures, indeed!
Vrushali, thank you! London almost takes itself; such a great subject 🙂
Oh, wow. And we so nearly saw those vistas for ourselves. Too much walking, and too little time.
Walking is such a great way to see it, though, Col: if you go again, it’s worth going up just to get your bearings. Like climbing a tree in Mirkwood.
Great photos, Kate. London has changed so much since I was last there. Shiny high-rises everywhere. And cranes – lots of development going on.
Yes, there is a real feeling of optimism there. It’s a lot more affluent than the rest of England, which finds itself bruised by the recent recession.
I’ll wager that with a pair of binoculars you could see the street and house where I grew up back in the 30’s and 40’s just down the river in Barking.
I must admit I was not game to go up on that giant big wheel thingy when I was in London in 05, they’d have had to drag me on and more importantly carried me off; not sayng I’m a coward but I see no point in being a dead hero.
Lovely picks Thanks Kate 🙂
(I’m going stupid Kate I actually posted this reply/comment on PiedTypes blogs for some reason, and she kindly straightened me out so theres no need now for the straight jacket)
Brian, I have done very similar things on WordPress 😀 I keep a spare straight jacket in the cupboard at all times.
It was hazardous, I’ll admit: but what price aerial views of Barking?
Thanks Kate, next time you go up you might take a long shot of Barking and post it for me; 🙂
Will do, Brian 😀
You do give good images, Kate. I hope I will one day visit your side of the pond while I can still stand fairly upright.
That would be extremely cool, Virginia. If you ever do make it, you know where we are!
Sigh. I love London.
Me too 🙂 Did you see I found The Rose just round the corner from where we had a meal? Amazing what hides beneath London…
Wonderful collection, Kate. The Eye in the Sky:
🙂 Thanks, Nancy. Fab song. I should have taken it up there with me.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been on the Eye now – daytime, night time, sun and even misty rain – each time a wonder and delight. Thank you Kate for some super photos.