London Eye

Photograph taken on: 27 November 2003. (Larger image)

London Eye that sits on the bank of the Thames near the Houses of Parliament. Owned and operated by British Airways, the ride is called a "flight", which always sounds strange to me. This world's largest Ferris wheel resembles those for the ordinary bicycles; it was constructed horizontally on the river surface and lifted up by wires to where it is now. The arms that hold the hub from one side of the wheel may be of interest. Unlike typical other Ferris wheels, in which carriages are suspended, the capsules of London Eye are grabbed by the circular bearings, which enable 360-degree view of the city when they get to the top.