Behold the London Eye

From afar and also close-up, the London Eye is quite spectacular -- and according to the BBC, the Olympic flame will take a spin on this London mega-landmark before it ignites the Olympic torch and officially declares the 2012 Games open for competition.

Erected in 2000, the 443-foot high observation wheel ferries human cargo on a 30-minute ride, which -- on a clear day -- affords a 25-mile panoramic view of its London surroundings. The close-up view above is provided to illustrate the enormity of this attraction. Each of the 32 capsules holds up to 25 people, and here, below, is a view of this London South Bank landmark from the north side of the River Thames.

How's that for romance?
Fans of the U.S. ABC TV series "The Bachelorette" may remember an episode earlier this season where bachelorette Emily and her date shared a romantic evening dining in their own capsule as The Eye revolved. Anyone with the resources can actually book something similar, as the company that manages the eye offers all sorts of exclusive experiences including private capsules, cupid and otherwise. For the rest of us, the price of a single standard ticket is about $30 USD, depending on the currency exchange rate.

A comment about the overcast background is called for here because Sunday (Day 2 of my visit) was actually the only overcast day I remember, and even so, the sun was just about to break through.

Hail Boudicca
Before we leave the north and south banks of The Thames, I would also like to call your attention to work of art that's difficult to miss: Boadicea, also known as "Boudicca." A woman well ahead of her time, she is known historically as a warrior queen who led her tribe against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire.

And here below, Boudicca is juxtaposed against The Eye, though the shot is a bit misleading because you don't really see The Thames, which actually separates the two.

Finally, here's the The Eye as you approach on foot after crossing The Thames.

I didn't manage a turn on The Eye this trip, but no regrets -- because, instead, I enjoyed the British Museum with Steve, the Tate Modern Museum and the London Bridge area with my fellow student and friend Dianne, a West End threatre production of  "War Horse" and, most important graduation.

Next up: Meeting Steve and enjoying a traditional British lunch in a British pub.