1 . Family Vacations in Hawaii

Whether your interests are history, native cultures, hiking, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun, Hawaii has abundant choices to keep you and your family entertained.

Waikiki Beach

This famous two-mile stretch of sand is home to scores of family-friendly beach hotels and all kinds of action-packed excitement. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for warm ocean water and golden beaches. Kids will enjoy walking along the beach, stopping for shaved ice or an ice cream and taking a dip in a safe area of the ocean.

Oahu’s North Shore

Some of the tallest ocean waves in the world are found at Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore coastline during the winter months. These crashing walls of water are born for surfing and offer one of the best free shows on the islands. The North Shore is home to world-class surf contests, attracting the world’s top surfers.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Nothing appeals to the whole family like Hawaiian past coming alive. Besides, the colorful costumes, lively songs, and traditional dances in the Pacific region are presented here. You’ll see customs of Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii all represented in Polynesian Cultural Center’s re-created island villages, which is decorated with palm trees and tropical gardens.

Waimea Canyon (峡谷) State Park

More than 3,500 feet deep, this landmark on Hawaii’s island of Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Unlike Grand Canyon, plentiful rain keeps Waimea Canyon and its surrounding area thick with vegetation (植被), and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of vivid rainbows. It offers a great canyon view and a covered picnic area.

1. What makes Oahu’s North Shore known to the world?

A．Its best free cultural shows.	B．Its family-friendly beach hotels.
C．Having the tallest coastline.	D．Being a perfect place for surfing.

2. Which place is most likely to attract those who are interested in history?

A．Waikiki Beach.	B．Oahu’s North Shore.
C．Polynesian Cultural Center.	D．Waimea Canyon State Park.

3. What is special about Waimea Canyon compared to Grand Canyon?

A．It has a covered picnic area.	B．It has a depth of over 3,500 feet.
C．It’s rich in plants and rainfall.	D．It owns a unique kind of vegetation.

2 . Some people travel because they want to go to warm places for winter vacations or because they want to visit art museums in Europe. But other people travel simply because they have a passion for it.

Luisa Yu, a 79-year-old woman, fell in love with travel as a young girl in the province of Leyte in the Philippines when she watched movies. “I saw the beautiful scenery, the rivers and the mountains, and that fascinated me,” Yu said. “That’s why I always thought someday I would go to these places and travel.”

At 23, as an exchange student studying medical technologies in the US, Yu decided that she wanted to visit all of the countries in the world, but visa restrictions (限制) didn’t allow her to travel outside of the country.

It took Yu 15years to get her admission allowing her to travel internationally and there were times when she worked three jobs to save money to travel. She eventually took a part-time job as a travel agent, which gave her many more opportunities to travel to new places around the globe.

For the past 50 years, Yu has been visiting countries across the world, even some that are very difficult to get into. She has tried dog meat when she visited the DPRK, explored the beaches of Somalia, and even skydived in Dubai when she was 73. “Everyone said, ‘Don’t go to Somalia, that’s dangerous,’” Yu said. “If I want to go somewhere, nobody can stop me. I want to do everything.”

Yu achieved her goal to visit all of the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, in November 2023. To date, there have only been around 400 people who have set out to achieve this amazing cause.

Yu’s advice to people who love to travel is to just do it. “Don’t wait for anybody. If I keep on waiting, it will never happen, because the opportunity sometimes comes only once,” she said.

1. What inspired Luisa Yu’s passion for travel?

A．The wonderful settings of the movies.	B．The desire to take a winter vacation abroad.
C．The dream of visiting art museums in Europe.	D．The studying opportunities while taking trips.

2. What can we learn about Luisa Yu from paragraphs 4 and 5?

A．She searched for fortune through travel.	B．She longed to be a travel agent.
C．She shot to fame by accident.	D．She was fond of challenges.

3. Which of the following can best describe Luisa Yu?

A．Tough-minded and devoted.	B．Considerate and gifted.
C．Humorous and knowledgeable.	D．Responsible and powerful.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Meet Luisa Yu: One of 400 People Recognized by UN

B．Follow Luisa Yu’s Example: Seeking Adventure on Traveling

C．79-Year-Old Woman Has Traveled to 193 Countries Around the World

D．Travel Agent Surprises the World with the Longest of Travel Experience

3 . It’s time to put your worries aside and pack your bags for some of the top most relaxing places for holidays for 2024.

Kos

Relaxing holidays in Kos are all about blending soft sand beaches, sparkling water, lush green interiors, and history hunting. The coast is perfect for long leisurely walks on the beach, sunbathing in the Greek sunshine, and wallowing in the warm water. History buffs are in for a treat with some of the best historic architecture in Greece. Kos is home to abundant Roman ruins and a 15th-century castle that is ideal for an afternoon of exploring.

Lanzarote

The vast untouched landscape has made Lanzarote one of the most popular holiday destinations because it is truly somewhere you can relax in peace, with nothing but soft sandy beaches and the ideal water for first-time ocean swimmers. Family holidays to Lanzarote are as accommodating as parents could wish for, offering a host of fantastic family-friendly fun for all ages.

Corfu

As the greenest of the Greek islands, you’re in for a treat with over two million olive trees, rolling green hills, and pine forests that blanket the island in emerald beauty. Finding the perfect mix of history hunting, nature exploration, and relaxation is all within reach on a luxury Corfu holiday. The old towns, harbours, and traditional hostels will have you relax and enjoy the best of the Greek islands in no time.

Rovinj

For a cultural holiday filled with exquisite architecture, national parks with untouched natural wonders, and long stretches of coastline, look no further than holidays in Rovinj. Located in the north of Croatia, Rovinj offers some of the best opportunities to explore the unique and moving culture. The town is home to narrow cobbled streets overlooking the ocean, with shops, galleries, and restaurants dotted throughout, bringing you the best of Croatia.

1. What can visitors do at Kos?

A．Visit art galleries.	B．Enjoy family-friendly fun.
C．Walk in national parks.	D．Admire historic architecture.

2. Which of the following is most suitable for parents with children?

A．Kos.	B．Lanzarote.
C．Corfu.	D．Rovinj.

3. What do the four destinations have in common?

A．They all have sea view.

B．They all have old castles.

C．They all belong to the same country.

D．They all have untouched landscape.

5 . Located at the western end of the Himalayas and the northern tip of Pakistan, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the world’s most inaccessible natural places. It also has “an extraordinarily rich cultural landscape”, says Sam Dalrymple in Condé Nast Traveller, having often resisted conquest (征服) by neighbouring empires, while absorbing their influence over the thousands of years along with the other benefits of Silk Road trade. Known to ancient Chinese geographers as the Xizang of the Apricots, it is a splendid land of snow leopards and brown bears. It is dotted with old palaces and ancient temples. It has often been closed to outsiders in recent decades, but it is now open to visitors once more.

Many locals claim that their inclusive and open society of this region inspired the lost city of Shangri-La in James Hilton’s popular 1933 novel Lost Horizon. The district of Hunza, for instance, is the best in education in Pakistan, with a relatively high level of women’s empowerment. Indeed an all-female team of woodworkers and designers helped restore the Serena Altit Fort Residence, a 1, 000-year-old building that is one of three beautiful palace hotels that belong to the Serena group in Gilgit-Baltistan. It overlooks the old walled city of Karimabad, Hunza’s capital, in a beautiful valley where the fresh air is combined with the flavor of jasmine blossom (茉莉花) and most new houses are still built in the traditional, wooden-framed style.

Driving southwards past the city of Gilgit, you entered into the Indus Gorge and the green valleys give way to an “dry moonscape”. To the east lies Baltistan, a rough region where there are few smooth roads and an ancient language of Tibetan is spoken and yak (牦牛) meat is widely served. It is here that Serena’s other two palace hotels are to be found, in Khaplu and Shigar, not far from K2, the world’s second-highest peak.

1. Which aspect of Gilgit-Baltistan is unmentioned in Paragraph 1?

A．History.

B．Location.

C．Industry.

D．Landscape.

2. Why is Lost Horizon mentioned in Paragraph 2?

A．To promote the book.	B．To prove an old legend.
C．To offer more background.	D．To express a sense of pride.

3. What does the last paragraph tell us about the Indus Gorge?

A．It seldom rains.	B．It is green everywhere.
C．It features smooth roads.	D．It is to the north of Gilgit.

4. In which section of the Internet can this text be found?

A．Sports.

B．Travel.

C．Science.

D．History.

6 . From Milan to Riyadh, these culture-packed cities offer creative experiences, whether through interesting street arts, innovative exhibitions or award-winning architectures.

Milan

Milan’s fashion heritage dates back to its days as an important trading center, when rich businessmen would bring luxurious clothes to the city and improve their bartering (以物易物) skills in its streets. The area’s fashion-forward reputation was later strengthened by design masters such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, all of whom grew their brands here.

Shanghai

Shanghai has a long history in the fields of art and architecture, and has long attracted creative professionals both domestically and internationally. But today, the integration of traditional temples into the surrounding modern metropolis (大都市) continues to attract tourists. Begin with a wander through the streets of the original Old City, taking in the 600-year-old City God Temple and the nine-bend Jiu Qu Qiao. Then, make for the Shanghai Museum, where more than a million artifacts — including ancient sculptures, china and calligraphy — are on display.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s architecture has been awarded many honors over the years, including UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023. Today, many of the city’s most popular tour routes centre on these eye-catching aspects. The harbour-front Copenhagen Opera House presents a neo-futuristic style while the Black Diamond Royal Library and the Bicycle Bridge dot the skyline with their distinctive designs.

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s largest city Riyadh has actively positioned itself as a global destination for creative travellers and to this end, it has established the Riyadh Art initiative. The first public art project of its kind in the country, Riyadh Art aims to transform the city into a “gallery without walls” through public art installations, festivals and workshops.

1. What is Milan famous for?

A．Its festivals.

B．Its fashion products.

C．Its architecture.

D．Its modern art.

2. Where will you go if you want to visit the Bicycle Bridge?

A．Copenhagen.

B．Shanghai.

C．Milan.

D．Riyadh.

3. What do we know about Riyadh?

A．It is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city.	B．It has a lot of galleries without walls.
C．It aims to attract creative visitors.	D．It plans to set up the Riyadh Art initiative.

9 . Margate is a small seaside town in Kent known for its traditional countryside scenery, beautiful beaches, lively parks, and a popular weekend destination for Londoners, Here ae some places for visitors in Margate to stay.

No. 42 by Guest House

It is a handsome Victorian building overlooking Main Sands beach. There is a rooftop bar with far-reaching views along the coast, a ground-floor spa and a light filled restaurant serving dishes that make good use of local produce. The 18 bedrooms celebrate the local area, too. Rooms come with beach towels for when it’s sunny, and umbrellas for when it’s not. From £149.

Margate House

In a perfectly rebuilt Victorian house, this newly opened place is filled with interesting objects, from 1970s Italian dining chairs to Polish posters. Guests are encouraged to make themselves completely at home, whether relaxing with a drink from the honesty bar or having breakfast in bed. From £137.

Fort Road Hotel

When it opened in 2022, this hotel brought a little mid-century modernism to Margate. The 14 rooms feature (以……为特征) Danish lighting and plenty of wood. Be sure to watch the sunset from the rooftop-end have a seasonally focused meal in the restaurant. From £136.

The Albion Rooms

The style at The Albion Rooms is best described as “Gothic rock ‘n’ roll” (哥特摇滚): some leopard print (豹纹)here, a skull decoration there, plus heavy fabrics and dark walls in the bedrooms. It’s a happy place, with guests likely to end up chatting in the bar, perhaps guessing the name of the band recording in the hotel’s music studio. From £115.

1. What do No. 42 by GuestHouse and Margate House have in common?

A．They are both Victorian buildings.	B．Both of them provide home-like services.
C．They both use local produce to make food.	D．Their rooms are both in honor of local areas.

2. Where can you watch the sunset?

A．In No. 42 by Guest House.	B．In Margate House.
C．In Fort Road Hotel.	D．In the Albion Rooms.

3. What can we know about The Albion Rooms?

A．It raises live animals.	B．It has the cheapest room.
C．It serves the finest dishes.	D．It helps guests record music.

10 . Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles (纺织品) from the Parpia Collection

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) members at the Family level and above are invited to reserve tickets for an art-making activity led by a teaching artist. This edition is inspired by the exhibition—Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection Learn the special dyeing (染色) process and bring home a naturally dyed headdress of your own as a reminder.

Introduction

This exhibition, open from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, takes place in the classroom close to the Hirsch Library on the lower level of the Beck Building.

In order to reflect India’s countless regional traditions, the Parpia Collection shows the extraordinary beauty and technical diversity of Indian textiles. Ranging from folk textiles to valuable court textiles, the objects go through the 14th century to the early 20th century. The collection shows the wonders of textile arts from India throughout history with examples of hand-painted and hand-block-printed cotton and other traditional cloth crafts.

Tickets

Choose your one-hour time when you book your tickets. Activities are specially recommended for children aged 4 to 12, with adult supervision.

Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection is organized by MFAH. Special exhibition programming is made possible by a fund. If you are a current museum member, please sign in to access your tickets. If you are not a member, join today.

1. What will people gain by participating in the exhibition?

A．A souvenir.	B．A ticket.
C．A collection of Indian textiles.	D．A work of the teaching artist.

2. What do we know about the exhibition?

A．It is open on weekdays.	B．It shows worldwide textile arts.
C．It takes place in the Hirsch Library.	D．It covers objects of several centuries.

3. What do people need to have to get the tickets?

A．The proof of age.	B．The student ID card.
C．The museum membership.	D．The artist’s signature.