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12 • April 2016 • COAST • www.coast-magazine.com WHAT TO DO London’s offerings are over- whelming and the city is geo- graphically giant. Before you go, get a feel for the different areas. When you find things you want to do, cluster them based on loca- tion so you spend as little time as possible getting to and fro. TAKE FIVE: HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON Visit a pub. Drink local beer, eat fish and chips. Chips are fries. Crisps are chips. Get it? And the crisps (American chips, not British fries) come in flavors like “onion and cheese” and “shrimp.” Other funny cuisine kernels: rocket is arugula, abourgine is eggplant. Beer is served warmer than here, and you can order “a half” instead of a pint. The other staple is wine, typically offered in a small, medium or large por- tion. Pretty much no one drinks liquor. When you walk in, expect the bartender to ask, “You OK?” This is the Brit version of “How can I help you?” The correct response: “Yeah, good.” Then order. Meander among museums. London has excellent museums, from mega-monumental like the Victoria and Albert, the British Museum and Tate Modern, to more obscure stop-offs. Nearly all the muse- ums are free, excellent for a traveler on a budget. Most of the major museums have Tubes within a couple block, plus on-site cafes. In one day, I saw paintings by Rafael, the Rosetta Stone, and an army of mummies. Take high tea. High tea is all about the food, and the food is awe- some. I had tea at the Orangery, a Kensington Palace garden pavilion built by Queen Anne in 1704. The three-tiered China platter of pretty little finger food included a mini cucumber and mint sandwich, a small coronation chicken wrap, two fresh biscuits with sweet butter and strawberry jam, and an assortment of pastries. Delish! Get your royal on. London has its share of gorgeous royal resi- dences with magnificently preserved quarters of some of the coun- try’s most storied monarchs, plus special exhibits like Fashion Rules at Kensington Palace, showcasing dresses worn by Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. But the best was Hampton Court. A small journey from the city center, this sprawling palace – with imposing brick courtyards, tip- pling fountains, and an imposing great hall once presided over by Henry VIII himself – is completely worth the trip. Go to church. Take your pick. London is full of gorgeous churches and cathedrals. These monoliths are sites of historical happenings – like London’s oldest church, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower, founded in 675 AD, where folks watched the city burn during 1666’s Great Fire. (If you go, don’t miss the crypt, where there is a charming museum.) The granddaddy of all of London’s churchly destinations is Westminster Abbey. The site of coronations for hundreds of years, it also houses tombs of generations of rulers, poets, statesmen and musicians. Unlike the free museums, you’ll pay to access palaces and some churches, like Westminster. Save a few pounds by doing this online beforehand. KATIE PESZNECKER Westminster Abbey is a must-see in London. Rustic Wilderness Lodge on Resurection Bay Hostel or Cabins • Kayak Rentals 907-224-8662 P.O.Box 672 Seward, AK KAYAKERS COVE