When you stand in the starlight under the Milky Way, the night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen, which is under threat due to the constant march of human progress and consequent light pollution. Below are some of my favorite dark sky destinations around the world.
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best places in the country to view the night sky. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island, the Dark Sky Reserve was certified in 2012 to continue protecting the dark skies in the area.
Stargazing (天体观察) enthusiasts should plan a visit to Mt John Observatory, tours of which must be booked in advance.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Most visitors go to Ireland’s western Wild Atlantic Way to explore beyond hot spots like Dublin and Cork, but the route is also fast becoming a great region for stargazing, thanks to the efforts of local communities along the Way.
If planning a trip, keep in mind that Ireland does have wet months where overcast skies are more likely to affect your stargazing prospects.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is also sometimes called “The Valley of the Moon”, though you’re more likely to compare it to Mars if you visit it. Famous for its otherworldly landscapes in movies like Prometheus, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and The Martian, Wadi Rum’s towering red rock formations are extremely interesting to explore by day, and offer protection from any distant light pollution once the sun sets.
Stargazing in Wadi Rum is a breathtaking experience and reminds us how our ancestors have experienced the night sky for thousands of years.
1. What might be a disadvantage of stargazing in Ireland?| A．Conservation efforts. | B．Heavy tourism. |
| C．Customer service. | D．Local climate. |
| A．Unusual landscapes. | B．Ancestors’ experiences. |
| C．Its geographical location. | D．Its local film studios. |
| A．To compare things. | B．To inform readers. |
| C．To warn readers. | D．To announce something. |
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【推荐1】The Land of Smiles is a great place for a family holiday. Besides the Thais’ natural love for kids, Thailand’s weather and lots of acitivities make it a perfect destination. Here is the list of the best family-friendly places to visit in Thailand.
Phuket
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. From beautiful beaches to horseback riding, Phuket has them all. Many of the island’s resorts（度假胜地） offer children’s clubs and fantastic services, enabling mum and dad to get a well-earned break, too. Phuket is easily reached from most parts of Thailand and has direct flights from many other countries.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s mountainous cultural center, is a fantastic place to travel with the whole family. Chiang Mai has a calm and relaxed atmosphere and is small enough to easily gain your direction. Here, you will find plenty of fun and exciting activities for all ages, including museums, local markets, cooking schools and much more.
Krabi
The beach lovers’ destination Krabi is the perfect place to relax. Not only are some of the country’s best beaches in Krabi, but it is also a fantastic place to pick up a snorkel（呼吸管）and mask and get close to Thailand’s beautiful underwater world. In the surrounding area, there is rock climbing in some of the world’s best climbing spots for older kids.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui has long been one of Thailand’s most popular family holiday destinations. Many resorts have kids’ programs on offer, and you will find plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. For something a little different, take your tribe to make new furry friends by volunteering at the animal rescue center for the day.
1. What is special in Phuket?| A．It offers some volunteer work. | B．It has convenient transportation. |
| C．It gives a view of underwater. | D．It is the cultural center of Thailand. |
| A．Diving. | B．Climbing mountains. | C．Visiting museums. | D．Making friends. |
| A．Phuket. | B．Chiang Mai. | C．Krabi. | D．Koh Samui. |
【推荐2】The California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) is in Old Sacramento. It was completed at a cost of $16.1 million, and the museum opened in May 1981. It houses 21 old locomotives (火车头) and cars. Here, visitors can learn a lot about railroad history in California and the West in America.
Hours & Tickets
The museum is open from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. daily (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Tickets are sold until 4:30 p. m. $12 adults; $6 students; children aged 5 and under are free.
Parking
A small number of parking spaces are on the streets of Old Sacramento. However, these spaces are not for guests visiting longer than 90 minutes. All-day parking is in large public garages at both ends of Old Sacramento.
Food Service
The Silver Palace Restaurant serves good food at the right prices. It is just one block southwest of the main entrance to the museum.
1. What can we learn about CSRM?| A．It has a history of 154 years. | B．It has some old locomotives. |
| C．It is open for 8 hours every day. | D．It cost up to $ 15 million to build it. |
| A．$12 | B．$24 | C．$30 | D．$36 |
| A．In the underground parking garages of the museum. |
| B．Anywhere along the streets of Old Sacramento. |
| C．On the parking spaces in front of the museum. |
| D．Somewhere at both ends of Old Sacramento. |
| A．is worth visiting | B．is far from the museum |
| C．is famous for its expensive food | D．is the best one in Old Sacramento |
| A．book review | B．research paper | C．travel magazine | D．newspaper report |
【推荐3】The Ragged School Museum
In a nutshellIn 1877 Dr Thomas Barnardo opened the Copperfield Road Free School, the largest of three ragged schools (charitable institutions that offered the poorest children a free education) in a row of three storehouses in East London. Now an underfunded, independent museum (opened in 1990), a small exhibition offers an insight into how tough life was in east London in the late 1800s, but the highlight is one of the original classrooms where visitors can attend a lesson led by an actor in Victorian costume. The museum is in the second phase of applying far a lottery grant (彩票福利基金), which will allow it to make vital repairs to the largest of the three storehouses, though the aim is to keep the authentic (真正的) atmosphere of the building.
Getting thereEasiest by car. The train station is a 30-minute walk away and trains are infrequent. A limited bus service from Liskeard drops you 20 minutes away. Parking is free right outside the gates.
Opening hours10am—6pm Monday—Saturday. Last entry: 5:30pm. Outside these times the museum runs a schools programme, with 16,000 school children coming through the doors each year.
Value for money?A little pricey, but the ticket is valid for a year. Entry is £18 adult, £ 13 child, family tickets £37. 60 (1+3 children) or £49. 60 (2+3).
Verdict (评价)8/10. Lots of ideas, interactive activities and friendly, knowledgeable staff. This is an authentic slice of East End history that strives (努力) to inspire children through its work.
1. What does the Ragged School Museum offer to visitors?| A．An option to keep its buildings in shape. |
| B．A platform to raise money for its major repair. |
| C．An insight into the British theatre in the 1800s. |
| D．A chance to step back in time for a Victorian lesson. |
| A．£37. 60. | B．£49. 60. | C．£57. | D．£75. |
| A．It charges parking fees. | B．It is beneficial to children. |
| C．It is only accessible by car. | D．It has varied opening hours. |
【推荐1】SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Captain Goodfellow
Do your children enjoy interesting stories, funny games, and exciting dances? Captain Goodfellow will be ready to teach all these things to children of all ages at the City Theatre on Saturday morning at 10:00. Free.
Walking Tour of the Town
Forget your worries on Saturday morning. Take a beautiful walk and learn about the local history. Meet at the front entrance of City Hall at 9:30. Wear comfortable shoes!
Films at the Museum
Two European films will be shown on Saturday afternoon at the Museum Theater. See Broken Window at 1:30. The Workers will be at 3:45. For further information call 4987898.
International Picnic
Are you tired of eating the same food every day? Come to Central Park on Saturday and enjoy food from all over the world. Delicious but not expensive. Noon to 5:00 p. m.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
It’s October and tonight is your last chance to see the Redbirds this year. Get your tickets at the gate. It might be cold, don’t forget your sweaters and jackets.
Do You Want to Enjoy “The Zoo”?
“The Zoo”, a popular rock group from Australia, will give their first U. S. concert tomorrow night at 8 at Rose Hall, City College.
1. You can probably eat Chinese, Italian, and Arab food at ________.| A．the front entrance of City Hall | B．the Ballgame |
| C．the City Theatre | D．the Central Park |
| A．City College | B．Museum Theater |
| C．City Theater | D．Central Park |
| A．tickets | B．stories |
| C．sweaters and jackets | D．comfortable shoes |
| A．a park with lots of animals |
| B．a U. S. concert |
| C．a music group |
| D．an American music group |
Join the Great Wall Marathon Autumn 2024 Welcome to the Great Wall of China Marathon! Autumn is the most beautiful season of a year in Beijing. For the runners who do not like to run the Great Wall of China Marathon in May at the temperature of around 25°C, autumn is a perfect choice with the temperature of around 10°C． | |
Ticket: $150Included in the fee: the light breakfast and light lunch the T-shirt the number cloth the transportation the mobile toilets and drinks service along the way |
Over age of 13 and under age of 70. Parking We have buses for all runners to the Great Wall, and runners should not worry about parking. |
Registration (报名) closes on 15 October. You can, within 24 hours after your registration, get all your money back if you change your mind. | |
Beijing, China 
27 Oct 2024 (Sun) 
Marathon, Half marathon, 10 km, 5 km
Age Limit| A．In May. | B．In October. | C．In April. | D．In November. |
| A．you should spend 70 dollars |
| B．you can register at any time before the competition. |
| C．you can have something to drink while running |
| D．you have to drive to the Great Wall on your own. |
| A．http://healthyfood.com | B．https://worldmarathons.com |
| C．https://freemovieswatch.net | D．http://travelzoo.com/cn |
【推荐3】Famous food festivals around the world
Food festivals are held all across the world every year, and people from different parts come to these festivals in large numbers to satisfy their taste buds（味蕾）.
Galway International Oyster(牡蛎) and Seafood Festival
Galway, Ireland
September 26 to September 29, 2020
This is the world’s longest running oyster festival, first appeared in 1954. Apart from the excellent seafood that is served, the festival also features some exciting events such as oyster eating contest, live music, tasting parties, etc.
International Mango(芒果) Festival
New Delhi, India
June 30 to July 2, 2020
This festival is a celebration of everything about mangoes. It features the different kinds of mangoes and the various food items that are made from them. The festival also holds a number of special events such as mango-eating competitions, mango-tasting events, quiz competitions, and plenty of traditional and folk performances.
Garlic (大蒜) Festival
The Isle of Wight, England
August 17 to August 18, 2020
This is one of the largest events that the Isle of Wight hosts each year, and it shows recipes made from garlic. Some foods made out of garlic and garlic beer are available(可得到的) there. The festival also features live music and a country fair.
The Crave Sydney International Food Festival
Sydney, Australia
October 1 to October 31, 2020
This festival attracts a number of famous international chefs each year as visitors to experience the best of Australian food. From fine dining at famous restaurants to street food to cooking classes, this event has a lot in store for a visitor.
1. If you are only free at the beginning of July you can go to ______.| A．Garlic Festival. |
| B．International Mango Festival. |
| C．The Crave Sydney International Food Festival. |
| D．Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. |
| A．Galway | B．Sydney |
| C．New Delhi | D．the Isle of Wight |
| A．Garlic Festival. |
| B．International Mango Festival. |
| C．The Crave Sydney International Food Festival. |
| D．Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. |
