1 . The world’s craziest festivals

Crazy festivals all over the world are out there just waiting to be celebrated. Join Cornelia Kumfert on a trip to the most unusual events taking place around the globe.

Burning Man Festival

Every year in Nevada (US) there is artwork and cunosities galore to marvel at when the Black Rock Desert changes into a mammoth art exhibition.

In August and September, some 70,00 people come here to celetrate the Burning Man Festival.

San Diego Comic Con

Surely superheroes don’t queue? Well, at San Diego’s Comic Convention they do. Each July hey open their dos to fans of Superman and other comic figures. More than 100,000 annual visitors have paid homage to their mythical heroes.

Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo

At the Crying Baby Festival in Tokyo (Japan), sumo wrestlers do what they can to bring babies to tears.

Sadists run riot? Certainly not! It’s a 400-year-old tradition based on a Japanese proverb, which says that crying babies grow fastest and parents believe the event brings good health to their children.

Palio Contest, Siena

Fame and honour await the winner of the Palio contest in Siena (Italy).

In July and August, ten inhabitants of different districts of the city jockey for first place in a spectacular horse race.

The trophy goes to the contestant whose horse crosses the finishing line first—whether he’s still in the saddle or not.

1. Which of the festivals offers a view of art?

A．Burning Man Festival.	B．Palio Contest, Siena.
C．Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo.	D．San Diego Comic Con.

2. How was the festival in Tokyo founded?

A．On the basis of a proverb.	B．Based on a phrase.
C．According to a story.	D．At the request of the public.

3. What can tourists see in Siena of Italy between July and August?

A．A burning man show.	B．A comedy play.
C．A horse race.	D．A baby-crying show.

2 . If you’re planning to visit Japan, it is a good idea to understand some basic customs.

DON’T WALK AND CHEW GUM.

Americans are always in such a hurry that we grab lunch at the drive with one hand while holding onto the steering wheel with the other.

The Japanese don’t walk around while eating or drinking. This seems strange in a culture that like vending machines (自动售卖机). In fact, the Japanese will often get a snack or soda out of a vending machine and then stand there, next to the vending machine, until they’ve finished it.

SURGICAL MASKS

Seeing photos of people in Japan wearing surgical masks, you might wonder if surgical masks are just a fashion. Meanwhile, in America, we cough into the open air, and sneak out of restrooms without washing up.

In Japan, it’s not nice to share germs (细菌). If you’re sick and you must leave your home, you put a surgical mask because that’s polite. Surgical masks are also worn out of caution — if you travel in a packed train during flu season, it’s a good idea to do so.

THE MISUSE OF SOY SAUCE

You’re probably used to eating white rice with soy sauce (酱汁) all over it in American Asian restaurants, but don’t do it in Japan. Soy sauce in Japan is not meant for drowning out the subtle flavor of white rice.

About YOUR SHOES

Wearing shoe in the house is just not something people do in Japan. You should remove your shoes immediately after entering a Japanese home and also when entering most historic buildings.

1. The author is telling American tourists in Japan to ________.

A．drink while walking	B．eat while driving
C．eat food quickly	D．drink near the vending machine

2. The Japanese consider wearing a surgical mask as ________.

A．a fashion	B．a danger
C．good manners	D．a good idea

3. When you are visiting a Japanese home, you are advised to ___________.

A．get a snack	B．remove your shoes
C．put soy sauce over the rice	D．wear a mask