Kelly's Hi

I MET Sean Kelly today at SportActive here in Mallorca. Pretty damn awesome chatting to legend of your favourite hobby. Already learnt loads about cycling from Martin, Fiona and the crew. Really looking forward to getting out on those roads.

Shard's a glass above the rest

IT felt more like looking down on Lilliput than London as I gazed in awe from the top of The Shard.
The big train set below was, in fact,  part of the busy commuter network while previous highest points of the London Eye and Monument resembled a hamster's wheel and a toothpick. As for the  people at ground level, they were mere dots. Western Europe's tallest building really is a glass above the rest.
You could only get higher views than this if you were craning your neck from the window of a passing plane on a clear day.
I was born on one of the highest points in the capital  so, naturally, I couldn't resist the opportunity to explore when the public area opened.
But unlike Dr Who I opted to take the lift rather than scale the outside on a Triumph motorbike. First off, you pose for the obligatory virtual photo which superimposes you outside. You are then zoomed up to the restaurant level in a kaleidoscope lift before switching to a second chute. There are two viewing levels three floors apart.

Heavens above...looking up to the very top of The Shard

The lower stage at Level 68 is totally enclosed while at the open top Level 72 you can stare up to the summit of the 308m structure and the heavens beyond.
I used to think that the London Eye, at a mere 135m, was amazing views but this is incredible. The viewing area is at 244m and you can see for 64km.
Even the bathroom has a window - a loo with a fantastic view.
On a good day, you can see Windsor Castle to the west of London in Berkshire. It's great fun picking out your favourite landmarks. 
And, yes, just to the left of the Dome, I can just about see The Valley home of my beloved Charlton Athletic  but couldn't find the goals..cue football gag.
You can also scour around the metropolis with the hi-tech telescopes that display tags for the landmarks and allow you to zoom in and click on information. There are lots of them and they are free to use - so you normally don't have to queue and scramble around for change.

Long way down...how London looks from the top of The Shard

Talking of avoiding queues, I got my entry tickets through online ticketing site www.365tickets.co.uk. Prices were the same as on the door but I was able to print off the tickets at home so didn't have to worry about collection.
At the upper level, you get a sense of the elements outside. I decided to chance my arm and, seeing more steps tried to go even higher but a guide intervened stating: "Sorry sir, that is for maintenance area only."  I wondered what needed to be maintained up here. "Window cleaners. Some use the cradle, others attach themselves to ropes," came the reply.
Heights don't really bother me but my stomach churned as I looked straight down at pavement level and imagined what it must be like to be dangling on a cord out there with just a cloth, sponge and wiper in your hand.
French Spiderman Alain Robert, who has scaled the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building, would love to add The Shard to his repertoire of 132 daring climbs, but he has been banned. What would he cling to with all that glass?
Back on the ground at my hotel, I was closely inspecting  glass of a different variety as I sipped on a champagne mojito at the 5-star Plaza on the River.
The softly-lit bar area has a calming Sixties feel to it as you relax over a drink or two. Up in my suite, I was admiring the views of London again - this time from my balcony overlooking the Thames.  To my right stood the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge and, beyond, the London Eye - this time a lot bigger and a huge coloured ring at night. 

London night light...the capital from my balcony at  the Plaza on the River

To my left lie the swanky areas of Chelsea and Kensington. The hotel is in a great location on the Albert Embankment with Vauxhall Tube station just a few minutes walk away. The great thing about the suites is that you are effectively renting a luxury flat. They come with up to three  bedrooms - so you can have a holiday home for the family with the world's most exciting city on your doorstep.
If you want to chill out indoors,  there are TVs in the lounge and bedroom, a DVD player and free wi-fi. There is also a fitness suite and in-room spa treatments while downstairs you can dine at the Chino Latino brasserie - a Pan-Asian restaurant.
And for couples seeking a romantic getaway, you can order the intimacy kit for £15 (€18).  I was staying there alone so didn't want to raise eyebrows by ordering one.
But, if I find out what's inside, I'll let you know.

ANDREW GUY WALLER
honesttravelguy.com

GETTING THERE:
Fly Aer Lingus or Ryanair to all London airports from Ireland

Tickets to the Shard start at £29.95 (€35.50) per adult and £23.95 (€28.50) for children aged over 3 years old (under 3s go free). Visit  www.365tickets.co.uk  which matches the door price and allows you to print-off your ticket and bypass the ticket collection.

Plaza on the River – Club and Residence. Suites start at £179 (€212) inc VAT but excluding breakfast.   Romantic breaks from £399 (€473) including three-course meal, breakfast in bed and two spa treatments. Visit www.PlazaOnTheRiver.co.uk

Totally chilled...softly-lit bar area is perfect for intimate and relaxing drink

Bedroom with a view...you can wake up to stunning views of the Thames and the buzzing capital city