1 . Travelling with friends can be an amazing experience where you could make lifelong memories or it could ruin your friendship.
Communicate and respect each other. Everyone has personal preferences when travelling— from getting the bed closest to the bathroom or sitting in the airplane’s window seat. But sometimes things don’t go as you like. In this case, share your requirements directly with your travel companions.
Don’t disappear. When travelling with a group — or even just one other person — you may want some alone time. That’s completely fine, but make sure your friends know where you are and have a way of contacting you.
Get off your phone. Of course, your friends will understand if you need to take a call from a family member, or in the event of a work emergency, but other than that, try to stay off your phone.
| A．Give each other some space. |
| B．Include at least one activity for everyone. |
| C．So it’s important to make sure you and your friend(s) are on the same page. |
| D．At the same time, listen to their concerns and be respectful of them. |
| E．Don’t respond to less important work contact or send messages frequently. |
| F．It’s especially true of travelling in foreign countries or unfamiliar places. |
| G．And remember that consideration and respect go a long way. |
For beach vacations that get you out of town and invite you and your family to dive into culture, consider a trip to Panama City. Here, you will enjoy beaches and city exploring. Book your stay at the Westin Playa Bonita, where you can book a room starting at $222 a night. There are various programs, including beach Olympics, star observation and Spanish lessons.
Jupiter, Florida
This place offers you quality time you can spend with your loved ones. Book your stay at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, with rates for a family of four starting at $207 a night. Here, you can shoot baskets at the basketball courts, take a dip in the pool or teach your children beach yoga.
San Diego, California
The West Coast is a great spot for cheap beach vacations, so tell your family to pack their bags for a visit to San Diego. A cheap $10 Uber ride from the airport will have you pull up at the Kona Kai Resort & Spa. Here, a family of four can stay in a Deluxe Guest Room starting at $159 per night. Your kids can practice cannonballs at the pool after a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Kihei, Hawaii
For west coasters who are growing bored with their background, fly to the islands of Hawaii. Stay at the Aston at the Maui Banyan, with a charge of $179 a night for a family of four. Here, you’ll see some of the best sunsets of your life while your kids play in the Pacific. And if you set about cooking a fancy meal, you’ll enjoy suites that come with a full kitchen.
1. Which of the following charges you least a night?| A．The Westin Playa Bonita. |
| B．The Kona Kai Resort & Spa. |
| C．Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. |
| D．The Aston at the Maui Banyan. |
| A．Observe fantastic stars. |
| B．Visit a world-famous zoo. |
| C．Admire beautiful sunsets. |
| D．Play some beach sports. |
| A．They are all intended for family trips. |
| B．They all offer rooms with a full kitchen. |
| C．They all pick up visitors from the airport. |
| D．They all provide basketball courts on the beach. |
3 . The cost of living in countries like the US, Britain, Australia or France has skyrocketed in recent years. However, if you’re willing to leave your country and explore life in other areas, there are many countries boasting an extremely cheap and low cost of living. Check out the following countries when planning your next move.
Ecuador
Ecuador is similar to the United States in many ways, and as a result has become a popular American getaway. They even use the US Dollar for their currency. In this country, it’s cheaper to eat out every day than cook for yourself on a budget in the US. You can even buy a building for around $ 50, 000 and hire someone to look after it while you’re away.
Mexico
Although the country is known for its poverty ridden streets, there $are many wealthier areas that provide every facility you might need. You can live off a mere $ 700 to $ 800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.
Argentina
Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years. It has great restaurants, a rich history, and many places to explore. Not to mention, it’s not very expensive to live here. A decent sized home can cost around $ 139, 000, which is relatively cheap in relation to homes in the United States.
Vietnam
Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years. There are many million-dollar luxury homes by the beach, but you can find a modest flat or a small home for around $ 25,000 to $ 50,000 if you search in the right areas.
1. In which country is the US Dollar used for its currency?| A．Argentina. | B．Mexico. |
| C．Ecuador. | D．Vietnam. |
| A．About $ 7,000. | B．About $ 8,000. |
| C．About $ 8,800. | D．About $ 12,000. |
| A．They have great restaurants. |
| B．The cost of living is expensive. |
| C．The middle-sized homes cost around $ 139,000. |
| D．Tourists enjoy travelling in the two countries. |
4 . You may have your favorite family spots on Long Island where you frequently take the kids. But there may be unexpected places you haven't explored yet.
Animal Exhibit
Not only will you see fish, reptiles and amphibians here, but you'll also see baby alligators and other rescued animals. Kids can also learn about science and participate in programs and workshops throughout the year. The Animal Exhibit is also a hotspot for science-themed birthday parties.
The Mattituck Strawberry Festival
The Mattituck Strawberry Festival kicks off the summer season with sweet treats and more. Long Island is known for numerous and extremely popular fairs and festivals that take place throughout the year. Other summer festivals include the Sayville SummerFest, St. Rocco's Feast, Brookhaven Fair and more. The fall season offers the largest abundance of fairs and festivals, such as the Pickle Festival, Oyster Festival, Long Island Fall Festival and many Hallo ween-themed festivals in Nassau and Suffolk.
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Does your kid enjoy making things by hand? You may want to take a trip to Home Depot Kids Workshop. Offered on the first Saturday morning of each month, workshops allow little ones to build and craft items, such as a skateboard pencil box that they can decorate and keep.
Chuck E. Cheesed
As soon as you. walk through the doors you're instantly greeted by the sounds of other kids laughing as they play arcade games to win prizes and enjoy an animatronic show. After hours of play, check out their restaurant with kid-friendly options.
1. Who is the text specially targeted at?| A．Children. | B．Tour guides. | C．Parents. | D．Students. |
| A．Spring. | B．Summer | C．Autumn. | D．Winter. |
| A．At Animal Exhibit. | B．At The Mattituck Strawberry Festival. |
| C．At Home Depot Kids Workshop. | D．At Chuck E. Cheese's. |
5 . I had an opportunity to teach at a five-star hotel in Nevis, a small island in the Caribbean Sea. After that, my friend Clayton and I flew into Panama City for a surfing outing at a surfing camp in the bay of Chiriqui, whose tourism is booming. To get there, we had to take my tennis bags on and off several buses and boats. After eight hours of travel we finally arrived. The camp was perfect, and the accommodations were not bad. We had an unbelievable week there!
On our return trip, when we got to the bus station, we learned that our bus had been delayed for 2. 5 hours. The sun was beating down on us.
As we walked over to the shaded area, a couple of kids started throwing rocks at me. I opened a can of tennis balls. They stopped and took an interest in the balls. I had a special racket (球拍) with me. I had the strings cut out and replaced them with a net, which is prefect for hotel teaching. I got them to throw the balls into the net. They seemed to enjoy that. Then an older boy got interested, to whom I gave another racket to hit the ball into the net of the catching racket. I showed him how to position and hold the racket. Soon, their bus arrived, and they were on their way.
But families from across the street came over and wanted their 10-minute tennis lesson，too. The other passengers waiting for the bus each got a lesson. Eventually, restaurant workers next door and the bus terminal clerk invited me to give them a lesson, too. They learnt well and were having a great time. And so was I. In what seemed like no time, our bus arrived. Satisfied with what I did, I changed my shirt, and made it back to Panama City.
1. Which can describe the bay of Chiriqui?| A．It develops depending on tourism. |
| B．It is famous for its tennis camps. |
| C．It offers cheap accommodations. |
| D．It is far away from Panama City. |
| A．To attract children. | B．To catch the rocks. |
| C．To help him to teach. | D．To hit the balls back. |
| A．Waiting for the bus. | B．Learning to play tennis. |
| C．Fighting for the shaded area. | D．Playing games with each other. |
| A．Embarrassed. | B．Confident. | C．Amazed. | D．Proud. |
6 . Ten years ago, I went on a vacation in Italy. After climbing up a hill for a panoramic (全景的) view of the blue sea, white buildings and green olive trees, I paused to catch my breath and then positioned myself to take the best photo of this panorama.
Unfortunately, just as I took out my camera, a woman approached from behind, and planted herself right in front of my view. Like me, this woman was here to stop, sigh and appreciate the view.
Patient as I was, after about 15 minutes, I grew frustrated. Was it too much to ask her to move so I could take just one picture of the landscape? Sure, I could have asked her, but something prevented me from doing so. She seemed so content in her observation. I didn't want to mess with that. Another 15 minutes passed and I grew bored. The woman was still there. I decided to take the photo anyway.
Now when I look at the photo, I think her presence in the photo is what makes the image interesting. The landscape, beautiful on its own, somehow comes to life and breathes because this woman is engaging with it.
This photo, with the unique beauty that unfolded before me and that woman who "ruined" it, now hangs on a wall in my bedroom. What would she think if she knew that her figure is captured and frozen on some strangers bedroom wall? A bedroom, after all, is a very private space, in which some woman I don't even know has been immortalized (使永存). In some ways, she lives in my house.
Perhaps we all live in each other's spaces. Perhaps this is what photos are for: to remind us that we all appreciate beauty, that we all share a common desire for pleasure, for connection, for something that is greater than us. That photo is a reminder, a captured moment, an unspoken conversation between two women, separated only by a thin square of glass.
1. What happened when the author was about to take a photo?| A．Her camera stopped working. | B．A friend approached from behind. |
| C．Someone asked her to leave. | D．A woman blocked her view. |
| A．losing her patience | B．enjoying herself |
| C．waiting for the sunset | D．thinking about her past |
| A．The woman's existence in the photo. | B．The perfect positioning of the camera. |
| C．The rich color of the landscape. | D．The soft sunlight that summer day. |
| A．the need to be close to nature | B．the importance of private space |
| C．the shared passion for beauty | D．the joy of the vacation in Italy |
7 . Win a week in England!
You still don’t know what to do this summer? Well, here’s your chance to win a one-week language course in Kent, England! Free4Fun and ETC (English Travel Connections) are giving away two trips to Rochester. This historic city is less than an hour’s drive from London and close to the sea resort of Herne Bay. It is also the home of one of England’s most famous writers, Charles Dickens. The town of Rochester is in Southeast England. Charles Dickens often wrote about it in his books. His home, Gad’s Hill, is there, too. A popular attraction is Rochester Castle, a large Norman fortress (堡垒). It was built in the 11th century and rebuilt during the 14th century. Other attractions are Rochester Cathedral, which was built during the 13th century, and Dickens Centre. It has got its name in honour of Dickens himself.
The trip to England includes:
* travel by train (via the Eurotunnel) to and from any railway station in Germany
* room and full board with a guest family for one week
* language course in small groups
* two trips to London
* large choice of sports and entertainment
* German-speaking advisors available 24 hours a day
Interested? All you have to do is to answer the following question:
When was Charles Dickens born?
So, take the chance and send your answer by 1 May to:
Free4Fun "Rochester"
Free4Fun, 24 Elphinstone Road, Hastings, 2FQ6VJ
fax: 089 / 85 763-103
e-mail: free4fun@netlight.com
The two winners will be contacted directly before 5 May. They will also be announced in the June issue of Free4Fun. Good luck!
For further information contact:
Phone: (03212) 144 43
Fax: (03212) 144 42
E-mail: info@etc. com
1. Rochester Cathedral was built in the________.| A．1100s | B．1300s | C．1200s | D．1400s |
| A．Enjoying sports and entertainment. | B．Learning the German language. |
| C．Traveling by train with a guest family. | D．Working as a language advisor. |
| A．the June issue of Free4fun | B．free4fun@netlight. com |
| C．info@etc. com | D．ETC |
| A．who know the birth date of Charles Dickens |
| B．who are attracted by Rochester Castle |
| C．who are contacted and announced by Free4Fun and ETC |
| D．who know more about Charles Dickens’ works |
| A．Italians | B．Europeans | C．Americans | D．Germans |
8 . The Best Sillk Road Tour
Silk Road, a business and trade route, originates from the ancient China and connects with the Asian. African and European countries. Our well-designed Silk Road tour package will never let you down.
Departure City: Shanghai
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 12 western buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches with some being a la carte (点菜)style
Tour Highlights:
·Must-see sights in China-Terracotta Warriors, Famen Temple, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Maiji Caves, Jiayuguan Pass and Mutianyu Great Wall
·Trace back to the Silk Road of 2, 000 years ago & learn about the culture and history Marvel at the art treasure-Mogao Caves & enjoy an exciting camel riding in the Gobi Desert We Guarantee 100% No Shopping Stops!
Tour Prices
| Tour Prices with Luxury Hotels | ||
| 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers | 6-9 travelers |
| $3749 | $3299 | $2939 |
| Tour Prices with Standard Hotels | ||
| 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers | 6-9 travelers |
| $3479 | $3029 | $2669 |
·Prices are per person in US Dollars
·Any parts of the tour length, activities or hotels can be tailored to your individual interests Are you ready to follow the footsteps of the ancients to explore this mysterious land now?
1. What will people do on the tour?| A．Appreciate the ancient heritage. | B．Ride on camels all the way. |
| C．Stay a few nights in caves. | D．Do a lot of shopping. |
| A．A Beijing businessman good at golf | B．A Japanese model loving fashion. |
| C．A Yunnan biologist interested in birds. | D．An American student learning history. |
| A．$3479 | B．$3749. |
| C．$7498. | D．$11247. |
9 . Popularly known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” Sanya in South China’s Hainan province is considered as one of the best diving resorts in the South Pacific Ocean.
The followings are the top five places for diving in the city.
Wuzhizhou Island
Regarded as the best place in Hainan province for underwater diving, it is one of the few islands in the world without rocks or pebbles.
The island covers an area of 1.48 square kilometers and is in an irregular butterfly shape. The sea around the island is clear and transparent, providing a visibility of 6 to 27 meters.
Yalong Bay
The underwater world at Yalong Bay is one of the earliest diving bases in Sanya.
It is thought as one of the best scenic spots in China to carry out undersea tourism, with the world's largest and most complete soft coral. Its beautiful blue water has a visibility of 7 to 9 meters.
Xidao Island
Xidao Island, the largest of a series of small islands in Sanya, is shaped like a turtle living in the tropical area.
Located 8 nautical miles off the coast, the island enjoys idyllic surroundings of rocky caves and an interior filled with palm trees. It also boasts crystal clear waters with a wide array of marine life and extensive coral reefs to explore.
Dadonghai Bay
Embraced by hills on three sides, it is a crescent-shaped bay located about 4 km southeast of the downtown area of Sanya.
It is also richly endowed by nature with vernal sunshine, soft breezes as well as fine sand. Though the water here is not as clear as that in Yalong Bay and Wuzhizhou Island, this diving spot is easier to get to.
Fenjiezhou Island
Nicknamed the Sleeping Beauty Island, it is a national 5A scenic area in Lingshui Li autonomous county.
The island boasts extremely clean beaches and rich marine ecological resources. It is the only site in the country that allows visitors to dive with dolphins.
1. Which diving resort looks like a turtle?| A．Wuzhizhou Island | B．Yalong Bay | C．Xidao Island | D．Dadonghai Island |
| A．They are very close to the coast. |
| B．They provided clear waters to dive in. |
| C．They are surrounded by hills and palm trees. |
| D．They have coral reefs and marine life to explore. |
| A．It is the best place in the world for underwater diving. |
| B．It is the most convenient for visitors to get to. |
| C．It is filled with the largest soft coral and clearest water. |
| D．It is the site permitting visitors to dive with dolphins. |
10 . Not all walks need be a forced march. Here are 4 of Britain's gentlest routes, both urban trails and countryside meanderings（曲径）.
The Grand Union Canal, Birmingham
Start Point:The Bordesley Centre
The original Grand Union Canal runs for 137 miles, taking you through an industrial area to discover the hidden world of canals, with narrow boats, wildlife and fishermen. Along the canal, look out for wildflowers and birdlife, and narrow boats negotiating the locks. The walk can be extended along the canal at either end to make it flexible in length.
Warley Woods, Keswick
Start point:Keswick Youth Hostel
Starting in the centre of Keswick, this walk takes you up through Castlehead Wood, the perfect place for a woodland adventure, and to a wonderful viewpoint over Derwentwater and the surrounding mountains. The route then takes you down to the lakeshore and returns across Crow Park to the market square.
Chester-le-Street, County Durham
Start point:Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club
A lovely riverside walk along the banks of the River Wear, through Riverside Park and past Durham county football club. The circular route follows a curve in the river, meaning you'll have beautiful views along the way. Watch the rowers on the river or stop in the park to feed the swans and ducks. This walk is wheelchair-friendly.
Hathersage Flower Meadows（草地），Derbyshire
Start point:Hathersage Railway Station
There are attractive views to be appreciated throughout this scenic walk and two sites of protected meadow offer a real treat to summertime walkers. Fans of the works of great masters, like Charlotte Bronte, will enjoy spotting several places that are closely associated with the authors.
1. What can you do in Warley Woods?| A．Enjoy mountain scenery. |
| B．Walk along the canal. |
| C．Go boating on the lake. |
| D．Do shopping in the park. |
| A．It is attractive to shoppers. |
| B．It is available to the disabled. |
| C．It is friendly to foreign tourists. |
| D．It is popular with football fans. |
| A．The Grand Union Canal. |
| B．Warley Woods. |
| C．Chester-le-Street. |
| D．Hathersage Flower Meadows. |
