Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York the Empire State Building, and now London has British Airways London Eye - an extraordinary icon for an extraordinary city.

As a symbol of regeneration, British Airways London Eye represents the turning of time, celebrating London’s past and looking forward to its future. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s major cities from a totally new angle.

The Eye was conceived as a wheel, which represents the cycle of life, not only creating a beautiful new landmark but, above all, giving passengers a unique perspective of London. It was constructed piece by piece in six different European countries and parts of it were sailed up the River Thames by barge. It was assembled horizontally on temporary platforms built up from the riverbed. The massive 1,900-ton structure was lifted into place in stages and then firmly anchored by cables. Lastly, the capsules were attached.

The top is 450 feet at the highest point and on a clear day you can see for 25 miles – as far away as Windsor Castle.

The above is the official description. One is able to order a ticket over the phone for a specific time. I chose Friday afternoon at 5:30. They ask you to arrive 30 minutes a head of time. The 4:30 line was very long but I was lucky and when I arrived at 4:45, the last of the 4:30 people were just getting on and they let the 5:30 people start queuing up in a short line.

You are able to have your picture taken in a booth before you get on the Eye. It looks like you are in the capsule. I did not learn about the picture until after finishing the 30-minute ride. I asked if I could have one taken. They put me in the booth by myself so I have a unique picture. It looks like I am at the top of the circle with Big Bend and Parliament behind me.

Actually there were 21 people in the capsule with me on the real ride. There is a bench in the center of the capsule on which at least 12 people can sit at one time. The directions are marked in the capsule so you can walk around and know that you are looking north or east, etc. I also purchased a "guide" book that had some panorama pictures in it so it identified some of the buildings that you were seeing.

Kay Morrow Wright