15. Take in the view from the top of the Shard

For my birthday this weekend Stuart decided to treat me to a trip to the top of the Shard. This is one of the tasks on my challenge this year as well as something I've been wanting for do for sometime.

Since the building was erected it's taken me a while to decide whether or not I like it. There's no denying that it looks like the eye of Sauron should be on the top and it is extremely imposing, taking over the London skyline. However I have to admit it has grown on me and I kinda like it. It's not like the Gherkin, which I love, but as a piece of architecture it is interesting to look at, and since seeing the view I've decided it's even better to look out from. Our tickets to check out the view were for 7pm. As we approached the Shard the sky was a perfect blue without a cloud in sight.

I have been to one of the bars on the 36 floor for a cocktail once so I wasn't sure how different the view was going to be a few (well 30) floors higher up. Needless to say it is even more spectacular particularly on such a clear day.

If there was one problem with our trip (and this is very much an 'oh cry me a river' complaint) it was that the sun was so bright the view across the Southbank was a little difficult to take in without being blinded! The photos below make it look like it was very misty but it was just the haze from the sun.

After taking these photos we headed up to the next level to be greeted with a very welcome gust of fresh air.

Once up here we decided to pose for some obligatory shots in front of the view.

It was an absolutely beautiful evening and made me realise just how much I love London (I very much have a love/hate relationship with the city). I couldn't quite make out my flat but the Thames snaking through the city is so iconic it was wonderful to be able to really take it all in. I'd definitely recommend a trip to the top of the Shard, tickets are expensive so keep an eye out on Groupon or Time Out Offers for 2 for 1 deals, and definitely do not forget your camera.

I'll leave you with a bonus photo. Stuart decided we should get a photo with me without my glasses on, and once I'd removed them promptly told me to look at the view - which without my glasses was a blur of blue, grey and green!