...Not to be missed

As shameful as it sounds, I'll be the first to admit that it has taken me this long to ride the enormous Ferris wheel permanently etched into the London skyline. I have never really been scared of heights - but the idea of spending 30 minutes suspended in the air did not sound like my idea of fun... boy was I mistaken? Read on...

I collected my tickets from the ticket office and was surprised to see that I had been granted the privilege of both the London Eye River Cruise and the London Eye flight itself; so not only would I be hitting the friendly skies, but I would be testing out my sea man's legs at the same time.

The London Eye experience began with the River Cruise, where from £12.00 for adults and £6.00 for children aged between 4 and 15 years old, you can set off on a guided tour along the infamous river Thames, getting a slice of history from the tour guide, whilst taking in the beauty of the city.

Initially I was a little worried as the rain had been indecisive as to whether it wanted to put in an appearance or not, but we took our seats on the top deck of the ship all the same (best seats in the house). Just as I was about to settle back and enjoy the tour, I was given the idea of trying to drive the sucker myself (or was it more of a dare, I wonder?).

Not one to back down from a challenge, I mustered up the courage and approached Captain Sid with my idea. Believing I would be laughed out of the cabin, it came as a total surprise, when instead I was told to "Go on then" ...and of course I did, cruising down the Thames whilst trying to keep the correct distance between myself and the other ships, this was in fact the highlight of my summer!

Moving steadily on to The London Eye which has called London 'home' since 1999 and from it's opening has had a steady stream of visitors lined up at the base of the eye, video cameras and other recording devises at the ready, come rain, sleet or snow. It is so easy to see the appeal of the London Eye, it can easily boast to have some of the best views in London. A bit of advice would be to pay £27 for fast track tickets so that you can jump straight onto the Eye without having to wait.

The London Eye is a must for both Londoners and tourists ride it to experience a special rendezvous with the city, I guarantee you'll fall in love.

www.londoneye.com