Visiting the UK

[mooseming]

Hi

my 16 year old American half sister is coming to visit next week,
she's never been to England and I'm wondering what is a must see or
do? We have about 5 days and will be in London and Oxford.

First off, whether she likes it or not, I'm going to take her to
Christ Church college, Oxford, where they filmed the staircase and
hall for the HP movies! After that, well I'm spoilt for choice. Of
course I asked my sister but she doesn't seem to have any preferences
(or at least she won't express them!!).

I figured at least some of you must have been tourists here at some
time or another and maybe you could tell me what she really 'should' see!

Also I'm not sure what to do about alcohol???? Her parents don't drink
at all although they have said its OK if she does, a little!!! They
want to prepare her for other cultures and experiences in a safe way,
which I agree with, but I'm feeling its a *big* responsibility. From
my own experiences at college every year we'd get a new intake of
American students and the first thing they would do is head for the
college bar and get very drunk! I'd like my sister not to feel she had
to do that!!! My own background is that from around the age of 12 we'd
be able to try wine, beer etc to see if we liked it, a couple of
mouthfuls at most. Then from around 14 we could drink beer, cider,
watered wine when supervised at social occasions. By sixteen most of
my circle of friends were drinking in pubs (although the legal age is
18), I think this is perhaps not where my sister should start! So any
suggestions as to what would be appropriate???

Many thanks

Jo

ps I wonder if she can make grits? ;-)