Friday 12 April 2013

Missing 30 St Mary Axe and The Shard

In April 2011, my family and I visited the counties of Surrey and Hampshire, the former of which borders London. I then visited London in June 2012, and, as I wrote about recently, I went to London again in March 2013. On only one of those occasions did I spot the iconic and infamous 30 St Mary Axe ("The Gherkin"), and on none did I see The Shard; furthermore, I never saw 30 St Mary Axe on the two times I was in the city: I glimpsed it for about two seconds when we were on the motorway to Surrey.

Why is this notable? Well, because both buildings help define the London skyline: 30 St Mary Axe because of its unique shape and The Shard because it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the second-tallest in Europe. Despite their highlights, I missed spotting these two prominent towers...and on my recent visit I was actively looking out for them, too, but my view was obscured by other structures. Seriously, I missed them both!

I am an admirer of both towers; I'll have to have another go at spotting them on my next trip to London!

4 comments:

  1. I haven't seen the Shard since it was finished! Jon LOVED following the progress though so I'm sure we'll walk by this trip :)

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    1. I recall you saying that Jon followed the progress of The Shard! Hope you get some pictures. ;)

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  2. Hopefully you can see them again soon! I really want to visit.

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    1. I will try to see them whenever I next go to London. :)

      In the chance that you do one day visit, please let me know. :)

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