South Bank and the
London Eye
With all the good stuff in other parts
of the world or the country for that matter, it's easy
to forget what's on your own doorstep.
The London Eye's been around for a good
while now but this was my first trip up on this giant
ferris wheel. The trip takes about half an hour and
gives you spectacular views of the River Thames and
London.
The whole area around the South Bank is
a good place to visit, take a slow stroll down the river
and admire the views, take in a gallery, do a spot of
being propelled high into the air on giant elastic bands,
visit the London Aquarium, see a film, eat fine food
and much more ...
On this particular occasion we took in
the Oxo Tower (great views of London and the London
Eye from up here). Had a really nice meal in the brasserie.
There's also a (more expensive) restaurant and cocktail
bar - I imagine the views improve even more after a
few drinks.
After the tower, we set off to queue up
for the London Eye. Fortunately it didn't take too long
and within about 20 minutes we were slowly spinning
round with the other people in our "pod" enjoying
the view.
Once back on terra firma we continued
our stroll, tried to identify the buildings on the other
side of the river, and work out the order of all the
bridges along the Thames.
Even though I've spent most of my life
living here, the average tourist probably knows a great
deal more about London's sights than I do. I keep promising
myself I'll hop on one of those tourist buses and get
to know my city a little better.
Ended the day at the National Film Theatre
seeing a film called "Stranger Inside" by
Cheryl Dunye which, like Watermelon Woman - one of her
other films, was fab and thought provoking.
By the time we came out, it was dark and
London had been transformed into twinkling fairy tale
land with all the buildings and bridges lit up.
So, despite all the cars and pollution,
London definitely has it's plus side. A walk by the
river reminded me why I like to call this city "home".
