3 . You should see the photo. I'm sitting in red dirt, wearing an ugly purple T-shirt. My hair is wet with sweat. Flies buzz around my head. I'm on a school trip with 20 parents and 20 kids.

It was an odd choice for a holiday. I like sitting by the pool with a cola, not flies and frogs. I like being alone and quiet, not a busload of kids. I like freshly washed sheets, not dry-looking blankets.

But here's the thing about that photo: I am smiling!

The trip sounded good when I signed up. Guides would take us into the heart of the place, and I would see a new part of Australia, learn about local culture and bond with my youngest daughter. I would also bond with 40 strangers.

In Darwin, we got onto a bus. The kids were loud and I hated making small talk. But later, when I looked out at the vast, empty land, I was surprised at and moved by its beauty. At a national park, we enjoyed a natural swimming hole. Kids and parents had a great time. Then we got to the outback. The cabin(小屋) I shared with my daughter was a brick cell, full of geckos and crickets, but too dark to see them. On our last night, a water pipe broke. We awoke to a mess. Usually, I would have complained and asked for a refund, but it just seemed normal to be dirty It didn't matter. Indeed, it was impossible to say clean. We were hiking in red dirt with temperatures of 35 degree. Sill, I felt a kind of energy I hadn't experienced in years.

I love that photo of me in the dirt. I look messy, but also happy. Sometimes, it's another way of traveling .There is beautiful scenery .There is dirt. There is always someone to talk to, someone to laugh with.

4 . In Singapore, art is more than what meets the eye. Galleries and museums here are not just places to be inspired, but also homes to distinctive souvenirs. Take home well­-designed pieces that reflect your personality.

Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI)

41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236. ＋65 6336 3663.

Mon.－Fri. 10 am－7 pm; Sat. 9 am－6 pm

STPI is a space for experimentation of print and paper. Walk through the gallery and join other art lovers in developing an appreciation of print and paper art practice. STPI allows you to own a piece of the work produced by artists at the gallery workshops.

Red Dot Design Museum (RDDM)

11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940. ＋65 6514 0111.

Mon.－Thur. 10 am－8 pm; Fri.－Sun. 10 am－11 pm

From lighting to parasol (阳伞), the Red Dot Design Museum presents award­winning products and design concepts from over 30 countries. Head to the Design Museum Shop, there are many interesting design objects and collections sourced from all over the world.

National Gallery Singapore (NGS)

1 St. Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957. ＋65 6271 7000.

Mon.－Thur., Sat.－Sun. 10 am－7 pm; Fri. 10 am－9 pm

NGS occupies two major landmarks — the former Supreme Court and City Hall — and features over 8,000 artworks, which is the largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art and culture. It is also a home to a host of international exhibitions that have inspired the world and will be remembered for years to come.

Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM)

23­B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. ＋65 6337 3888.

Daily 10 am－7 pm

Fascinated by stamps? SPM features postage stamps dating all the way back from the 1830s. Enjoy this vibrant museum's in­depth presentation of local and international postal history. Send Singapore­inspired postcards or collect miniature postboxes from Singapore and around the world. Charming souvenirs at the museum store will make creative decorations for your home or office.

Every year, a great much holidaymakers go abroad for sightseeing and relaxation.While they are enjoying themselves, some of them behave rudely, which cause a big problem. How to be a civilized tourist has become a heating topic. In my opinion, it is necessary to watch our manner. First, we must respect and follow locally customs. Besides, we'd better talk loudly in public places to avoid disturb others. Also, be aware that queue jumping is unacceptable in many countries. More importantly, we should bear at mind that we are representing our country while abroad, but we need to be cautious about how we act. Only in this way can we enjoy our trips abroad and have beautiful memories as well as.

The Most Beautiful Cherry Valley

Taihu lake is located in the south of the Yangze River Delta. Among the numerous lakes on the north of the Yangze River, Taihu Lake is the largest. Here, there is a lake island famous for    1    (it)cherry blossoms. Yuantouzhu is a peninsula (半岛) extending into Taihu Lake. It is named after a giant stone     2    comes out of the lake and looks for all the world like a turtle with its head     3     (hold) high.There are more than 30,000 cherry trees and more than 100     4    (variety) planted in Yuantouzhu.    5    mid-March to mid-April every year, it is the best time    6     (enjoy)the beautiful cherry blossoms. Pink cloud of cherry blossoms cover the tree, complemented by the rippling water and flurries of falling cherry flowers. The history of cherry planting in Yuantouzhu can    7     (trace) back to the 1930s. The cherry blossoms on either side of Changchun Bridge were planted at that time. In March 1988, more than 400 Japanese friends came to Yuantouzhu and planted 1,500 cherry trees with the citizens of Wuxi. Since then, more than 10,000 Japanese friends    8     (return)to plant yet more cherry trees.

Yuantouzhu therefore became     9    cherry viewing resort in China, attracting     10     (count) tourists to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms here every year.

I’d like to share my travel experience with you. During this summer holiday, my parents and me went on a trip to the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, that is also the political, economic and cultural centre of the region.

We first visit the Potala Palace originally built in the 7^th century. But then, we appreciated a rich collection of cultural treasures in Tibet Museum where we learned some useful historical knowledges about Tibet. During those days, we were all surprising by the natural scenery there, which made us to feel peaceful and quiet. I strong suggest that you travel to Tibet with me next time and I’m sure you will have wonderful time.

Looking forward to meet you soon.

Yours,

Wang Tao

8 . My father was born in a small town in the US. He wasn't sure what he wanted from ______， but something told him to ______ and begin a new adventure.

He began that adventure traveling to cities in the US before going on to Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. He took my mother and us three daughters with him and went wherever the road ______ him.

It's easy to feel _____ when you're on the road. We made lots of new friends on our trip — most of them are mechanics, since we often ______ hours in repair shops. But that was a way much _____ than sitting by the roadside while waiting for the engine to ______ when it was 40 ℃ outside.

Getting along well sometimes seemed ______. There were always a lot of _____， especially among us back seat passengers about who had to ______ in the middle. But even if it was hard, we learned a lot about ______. When we were traveling in the Philippines, we drove to Quezon City one day. It should have been an hour's drive but was nearly three thanks to bad roads and ______ traffic. “Did you put our suitcases in the car?” my father asked my mother as we arrived there. From the back seat, we saw her ______ turn toward my father. “No, ” she said. “I thought you did.” That was how a seven hour car trip turned into a 16hour one, which was mostly spent in ______.

On occasions like that, we had to learn to let go of our anger because we were ______ in a rolling box with the same people for the rest of the ______. Even if I sometimes felt like opening the car door and ______ one of my sisters out, I kept my feelings to myself.

This is why road trips were like ______ universities to us. We ______ our PhDs (博士学位) in how to get along with other people just by traveling in our old car.

If we were ______ given a second chance at life, we would do it all over again. Only this time would I put the suitcases in the car myself.

9 . Lima, the capital of Peru, has countless museums that tourists can’t afford to miss. Now start packing up and prepare for your perfect Peruvian history exploration at these wonderful museums.

◆Larco Museum

Stepping inside, visitors get to learn the 5,000-year history of Peru through an unbelievable collection of objects. The best thing about the museum is that it keeps the door to the storeroom open to visitors so that they can admire its collection closely.

◆Gold Museum of Peru

If you like shiny objects or precious metals, then plan a trip to the Gold Museum of Peru. In ancient times, the Peruvian people were celebrated for their skills in metals. And the museum is aimed at preserving this heritage.

◆Lima Art Museum

Art experts are much pleased as the city is also home to the Lima Art Museum. Its permanent exhibit of over 1,200 pieces is merely a small part of its amazing collection of more than 17,000 artifacts. The highlight of the museum is its collection of Carlos Baca-Flor’s masterpieces, which is considered to be the most complete set in the world.

◆Museum of Italian Art

The only museum dedicated to European art in Peru, the Museum of Italian Art is a storehouse of classical and contemporary paintings and sculptures belonging to the 20th century. The property is easily accessible by a short walk from the Lima Art Museum.

◆Museum of Natural History

Last but certainly not least is the Museum of Natural History. Giving a glimpse into the rich biodiversity in Peru, the museum has on display the skeletons of a sperm whale and fossils of several mammals.

10 . Tour operators have seasonal deals on holidays to Canada, Australia and other countries in a new year.

Austravel

Holidaymakers can save up to 30% on a trip to Australia with the Austravel sale, which runs for about a month. It also includes a fortnight-long trip to Perth and a west coast self-drive trip from £ 795pp including flights in May or July.

●austravel.com

Canadian Affair

The leading UK tour operator to Canada will be offering savings of up to £ 140pp during its winter sale. This includes a three-night city break to Toronto, including return flights, for just £ 399, if you book before 24 December. Other deals continue until 31 December.

●canadianaffair.com

Thomson and First Choice

Some deals are being launched this week by Thomson and First Choice, with early booking offers including free places for kids, lower deposits and up to £ 300 off per couple on a lot of destinations.

●thomson.co.uk, firstchoice.co.uk

Eurocamp

The camping company is offering thousands of Easter and May half-term holidays for under £ 350, such as an Easter break at La Baume on the French Riviera for just £ 25 a night, based on a stay in a two-bedroom holiday home. Early bookers can save up to 25% and secure a holiday with a deposit of just £ 99.

●eurocamp.co.uk

Kuoni

Running from Christmas Eve, the Kuoni sale includes a wide range of offers. These offers include ten nights full board in the Maldives from £ 1,599 and seven nights in Phuket, Thailand from £ 999 per person --- both including flights and transfers(换乘).

●kuoni.co.uk