Opened in 2000, and known then as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark of modern Britain. The London Eye website states that its wheel design was "used as a metaphor for the end of the 20th century and time turning into the new millennium." Apparently, distances of 25 miles (40Km) can be seen on a clear day.
An Anticipated Experience
The day in question that this writer excitedly anticipated the round, slow journey on this feat of design and engineering was rather still and slightly overcast, and took place at the end of February. Whilst still on the "ground," the majesty of the Houses of Parliament across the River Thames visually announced its architectural glory. The wheel had not revolved far into the sky when Buckingham Palace and its gardens were revealed to the Millennium Traveller, who had had no idea of the vastness of green space surrounding the Queen's London residence. What other ancient sights would present themselves during this slow-paced, technological revolution? The words of William Wordsworth were brought to mind in his poem, "Upon Westminster Bridge," which describes a city-scape of the 19th century, that still echoes in the 21st century's provincial perspective of the "town" of London.
...Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky,