3. The London Eye is a Ferris wheel built in 2000 byThe London Eye is a Ferris wheel built in 2000 by
British Airways to celebrate the millennium, proudlyBritish Airways to celebrate the millennium, proudly
occupying a place in central London along the Riveroccupying a place in central London along the River
Thames, across from Big Ben.Thames, across from Big Ben.
The wheel rotates vertically, is 443 feet tall and hasThe wheel rotates vertically, is 443 feet tall and has
32 capsules with windows of high-tech glass, each32 capsules with windows of high-tech glass, each
with space for 32 people.with space for 32 people.
Each capsule is air-conditioned and was designed toEach capsule is air-conditioned and was designed to
rotate in a way in which everyone can appreciate arotate in a way in which everyone can appreciate a
spectacular view of London. The trip is approximatelyspectacular view of London. The trip is approximately
30 minutes long.30 minutes long.
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8. On a clear day you can see all the way to HeathrowOn a clear day you can see all the way to Heathrow
Airport and Windsor Castle.Airport and Windsor Castle.
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15. The wheel does not usually stop to transferThe wheel does not usually stop to transfer
passengers, the rotation is slow enough thatpassengers, the rotation is slow enough that
they can easily get on and off the movingthey can easily get on and off the moving
capsules at ground level. However, it iscapsules at ground level. However, it is
stopped to ensure disabled and elderlystopped to ensure disabled and elderly
passengers have enough time to enter andpassengers have enough time to enter and
leave the capsules safely.leave the capsules safely.
Some people who have vertigo may not enjoy aSome people who have vertigo may not enjoy a
trip on the London Eye, but many passengerstrip on the London Eye, but many passengers
have said that the ship is wide enough so thathave said that the ship is wide enough so that
sitting on the bench in the center of thesitting on the bench in the center of the
capsule eliminates vertigo effects.capsule eliminates vertigo effects.
16.
17.
18. At night, the London landscapes fade intoAt night, the London landscapes fade into
darkness, making visible the Gothic Houses ofdarkness, making visible the Gothic Houses of
Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the TateParliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tate
Modern museum and Tower Bridge on theModern museum and Tower Bridge on the
River Thames.River Thames.
