1 . For many foreigners, finding new friends can ease the often overwhelming task of adjusting to a new life abroad. The following countries can definitely feel more welcoming than others.

Uganda

This East African country received the highest marks for friendliness. According to the InterNations report, 57% of foreigners in Uganda gave ‘general friendliness’ the best possible rating (the global average was 26%). Not only that, not a single respondent ranked this factor negatively. Uganda isn’t without its problems, however, including the occasional power failure, and pollution from old cars.

Costa Rica

The Central American country ranks high across all factors when it comes to how easily foreigners fit in. Almost nine out of 10 foreigners (89%) are pleased with the general friendliness of the population, and eight out of 10 (79%) feel at home, according to the survey.

“If you make an effort to understand and eagerly accept the Costa Rican culture, you are very much welcomed with open arms and considered a friend.”

Colombia

This South American hotspot feels like home fast, according to many foreigners.

“The Colombian people are eager to show their country in a positive light and are very receptive and hospitable towards newcomers,” said Anne. Colombia is one of the countries in the world with the lowest percentage of foreign-born residents.

Oman

As one of the sunniest countries in the world, Oman also has friendly residents who reflect the warm climate. A welcoming culture rooted in faith also leads to an openness with newcomers.

While the cost of living in Oman is growing more expensive, it was recently ranked by Mercer as one of the more affordable places to live in the Middle East.

1. Which of the four countries has its environmental disadvantage?

A．Uganda.

B．Costa Rica.

C．Colombia.

D．Oman.

2. How can you be regarded as a friend while in Costa Rica?

A．By speaking highly of the locals’ friendliness.

B．By showing your country in a positive light.

C．By opening your arms when you meet the locals.

D．By talking with the locals in their language.

3. What is unique to Colombia compared with the other three countries?

A．The general friendliness of the local people.

B．The high living expenses of the local people.

C．The low percentage of foreign-born residents.

D．The good education of foreign-born residents.

2 . Discover all the great Sydney attractions. You’ll find many memorable things to do and fascinating museums to visit in Sydney, Australia.

Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is well-known as the nation’s first museum. The AM has been transformed and visitors can now enjoy transformed spaces and updated facilities. Free general admission includes entry to all permanent exhibitions and Prehistoric Playground, which is open daily on Level 2 and features a variety of activities for children of all ages including a fossil lab and interactive dinosaur design station.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore five levels of art at one of Australia's most popular art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour, just 10 minutes’ walk from the city.

See an extensive collection of Australian art，including one of the largest galleries of aboriginal (土著的) art in the country, alongside Asian treasures and leading local and international contemporary art.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia - MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia.

Located at Circular Quay, the MCA is housed in the former Maritime Services building, a fine example of late Art Deco architecture.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Located at the waterfront of Darling Harbour, the Maritime Museum is an indoor/outdoor attraction and great entertainment for the whole family. The museum has one of the largest and most diverse in-water fleets (舰队) in the world. The museum hosts six permanent galleries, an ever-changing program of temporary exhibitions, and a 3D cinema, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

1. What is Australian Museum famous for?

A．The lowest price.	B．Contemporary art.
C．Outdoor attractions.	D．The longest history.

2. Where should you go if you want to appreciate treasures from Asia?

A．Australian Museum.

B．Art Gallery of New South Wales.

C．Australian National Maritime Museum.

D．Museum of Contemporary Art Australia — MCA.

3. Which of the following can be seen in Australian National Maritime Museum?

A．A 3D cinema.	B．A design station.
C．Local contemporary art.	D．Late Art Deco architecture.

3 . Looking for some fun Boston tours for teens that you’ll also enjoy? Here are some tours for you. Most of these tours actually deliver a lot of information about Boston’s history and the city’s culture along with the entertainment.

Whale Watching Tour

There’s the thrill of cruising away from Boston on a high-speed ship to whale-feeding grounds 30 miles east of Boston. Once you’re there, the real fun begins as whales, dolphins and other marine life appear right in front of you! Your teenagers will love this, and you will too!

Codzilla Tour

Speed, 360 degree turns, and loud 80’s rock music make it easy to see why this tour ranks high with teens. The crew’s (船员) jokes about pirates add to the fun. You’ll enjoy the tour through Boston Harbor. Plus, on a hot summer day, it’s a perfect way to relax.

Movie Mile Walking Tour

It is guided by local actors. You’ll see and visit many places you’ve seen on the screen, but even better, the guides will let you in on the filming secrets of movies and shows such as Blown Away, Good Will Hunting and Cheers. Your teens will love hearing about techniques behind the special effects and high-speed chases.

Chocolate Walking Tour

Let’s get to the point of why teens and adults love this walking tour through Beacon Hill and the North End: chocolate tastings! You’ll also love the attractive tour through Boston’s most charming historic neighborhoods led by a chocolate expert. Naturally, you’ll also hear a bit about Boston’s history: for example, did you know that chocolate shops were an important part of Colonial Boston? Just like in modern Boston!

1. What can you do when taking the Whale Watching Tour?

A．Enjoy rock music.	B．See a variety of sea creatures.
C．Feed some food to whales.	D．Learn something about pirates.

2. Which of the following tours may a movie fan choose?

A．Movie Mile Walking Tour.	B．Whale Watching Tour.
C．Chocolate Walking Tour.	D．Codzilla Tour.

3. Why do people like walking through Beacon Hill and the North End?

A．They can visit places on the screen.	B．They can go to chocolate shops.
C．They can meet a chocolate expert.	D．They can taste chocolate.

4 . Xi'an enjoys a reputations as a “Living History Museum” due to its rich, diverse collection of historical and cultural treasures. Apart from the Terracotta Warriors, there are also some other attractions in the city. Here are some of them.

Ancient City Wall

Xi'an City Wall was built in the 14th century in the Ming Dynasty as a military defense system. Now it is one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. The wall is now a landmark, dividing the city into inner and outer areas.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda （塔）

Situated in an ancient temple, the pagoda built with layers of bricks was built in the Tang Dynasty. It is traditional Chinese architecture. One of the main functions of the pagoda was to store Buddhist scriptures（经文） and figurines brought to China from India by the famous monk and traveler Xuan Zang, who stayed here for 19 years translating Buddhist scriptures.

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum, built in 1991，is home to over 370,000 precious relics unearthed in Shaanxi over the years, The museum consists of three main sections. Its collections range from bronze ware（器血）to pottery ware, gold and silver ware and mural paintings from the Tang Dynasty tombs.

The Muslim Quarter

One of the highlights is its local snacks when you tour Xian. The best food destination is the Muslim Quarter，which has a history of several hundred years. Consisting of a number of food streets, the area has become a famous attraction in the city for its rich and authentic Muslim cultural atmosphere.

1. In which place can you know more about Buddhism?

A．Ancient City Wall.

B．Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

C．Shaanxi History Museum.

D．The Muslim Quarter.

2. What can you do when you visit the Muslim Quarter?

A．Great some bronze wares.

B．Eat diverse delicious snacks.

C．Visit some watchtowers.

D．Translate Buddhist scriptures.

3. What do you know from the text?

A．The Shaanxi History Museum has exhibits made of gold.

B．Xuan Zang died in the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

C．The Xi'an City Wallis the oldest Chinese city wall.

D．The Muslim Quarter has a history of 100 years.

5 . There are a few tips old people should keep in mind while travelling during the long weekend. Consider these tips to keep your travelling stress-free.

1.Plan ahead.

Get to know your destination ahead of time. Find out the weather for the weekend and choose some fun places to go with loved ones.    1    If you need a wheelchair or other devices, inform the place you’re staying ahead of time. 

2.    2    

Let your doctor know about your travel plans. They may want to discuss medications or dietary changes and offer their sound medical advice.

3.Consider your medications.

The old should always think about any medicine they take daily. Bring enough medicine to last you the entire weekend.    3     That way, if there are travel delays, you’ll be prepared. Don’t leave your medications exposed in your room while you’re away. Always place them in a safe spot out of harm’s reach. 

4.Avoid showing flashy items.

Keep your jewelry at home while you’re travelling, or tuck it in a hidden spot. If you’re staying in a hotel, use the room safe to hold valuables such as wallets while you’re gone.    4    If you’re on the first floor, always keep windows locked to avoid break-ins. 

5.Travel comfortably.

Old people should always aim to travel comfortably.    5    Even the smallest of heels can throw off your balance and possibly cause you to fall. Use luggage with wheels for easy mobility.

A．Talk to your doctor.

B．Take your doctor with you.

C．Pack flat shoes with good support.

D．Avoid placing the “clean my room” sign on the door.

E．You also can pack the necessary items like an umbrella.

F．Pack your medications in your carry-on if you’re flying.

G．Talk with friends about the best means of travelling around.

6 . Make the most of the pleasant weather and enjoy the best walk of the year with friends and family. Use your 2 for 1 Entry in some of our favorite landscape gardens for a memorable day out.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Find beauty and quietness at the UK's only complete surviving Rococo Garden. Discover fanciful garden flowers, woodland walks, and beautifully framed (镶框) views across the valley. Dogs on short leads are permitted and the shop offers a range of seasonal and local produce.

Book at rococogarden.org.uk.

Open: closed 1-25 March, open 26-31 March, 10 am-4 pm, last entry 2:30 pm.

Nymans Garden

Walk down Spring Walk packed with seasonal flowers and pleasant smells, and enjoy the hedge (树篱) topped with frost. Routes include those with plenty of level paths to follow around the garden. Dogs are welcome every day from 1:30 pm, with a festive treat provided.

Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/ nymans.

Open: daily except 24-25 March, 10 am-4 pm.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

Even in early spring, there are typically over 200 varieties of plants to be seen flowering as you explore the 27 acres. Enjoy access to the coastal path and routes accessible for wheelchairs, and then warm up with coffee milk in the cafe afterwards.

Book at botanic.co.uk.

Open: daily except 25 March, 9 am-4 pm.

Gibside Garden

Enjoy walking paths at this Georgian landscape garden, featuring plenty of wildlife. Follow the winding river and turning valley for fantastic views. up with hot chocolate and delicious biscuits in the second-hand bookshop.

Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside.

Open: daily except 24 and 25 March, 10 am-4 pm.

1. What do Painswick Rococo Garden and Nymans Garden have in common?

A．Valley views.

B．Frosty flowers.

C．Seasonal produce.

D．Pet permission.

2. Which garden favors people with walking disability?

A．Painswick Rococo Garden.	B．Nymans Garden.
C．Ventnor Botanic Garden.	D．Gibside Garden.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a research paper.	B．In a travel brochure.
C．In a science magazine.	D．In a geography textbook.

7 . Travel allows us to experience the world. But as we travel, we are also leaving our footprint on every place we visit. This is why culturally immersive (沉浸) travel is so important. Because the wrong kind of travel negatively affects the world. One of the reasons we started this blog was to help others travel better and feel comfortable getting off the beaten path, interacting with locals, and take you “Beyond the traditional Bucketlist”, if you will.

People who only get 2-weeks off per year are often just looking for an easy destination with a beach to relax on. This isn’t travel. This is a vacation. But “Immersive Travel” or “Cultural Travel” is an entirely new type of trip. It is about experiencing and preserving the various traditions around the world. It’s about being open to new experiences and willing to step into another’s shoes. Cultural travel is jumping in with both feet and leaving your idea about what your trip should be behind you. It’s eating local dishes and sleeping in guesthouses. It’s building genuine connections with locals. It’s learning about the history of a country and leaving your trip with a greater understanding of the place you came to see and the people who live there.

Often times in today’s age, “travelers” will visit a country just to snap some photos of the famous sights to post on Instagram or to drink the night away, or even just to relax on a tropical beach. But that kind of vacation can be harmful to the very communities you’re traveling to.

Beyond supporting the local communities and the preservation of local customs and traditions, you’ll also experience some personal benefits through cultural travels. There’s simply no way to travel this way with a closed mind. You’ll get to know different cultures intimately and understand them a lot better. You’ll also become less judgmental of others the more you travel.

1. What’s the author’s purpose in writing the first paragraph?

A．To stress the negative influence of travel.

B．To describe the importance of cultural travel.

C．To recommend a totally different type of travel.

D．To convey his unique feelings about cultural travel.

2. According to the author, today's travelers tend to_________.

A．establish close connections with the locals during the travel

B．choose a tourist attraction for adventure and exploration

C．show more interest in the history of a travel destination

D．post the photos taken in the journey on the social media

3. What can be inferred about the culturally immersive travel?

A．It is focused on studying local people's lifestyle.

B．Its travelers should be open-minded and understanding.

C．It is a specific way to make judgments of other cultures.

D．Its major concern is preserving local traditions and customs.

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.	B．A blog post.
C．A historic magazine.	D．An encyclopedia website.

8 . If you have lived in New York City for many years, like I have, the skyline becomes part of you and your daily life.

When I was invited to visit the recently completed Summit One Vanderbilt, New York’s fourth-highest tower, I wasn’t expecting much. I felt like I’d seen it all and I thought that this observation deck (观测台) would be another space for a view of the city, but nothing else.

Let me tell you something: I have never seen one like this before. It sits on top of a building on 42nd street and Vanderbilt, right next to Grand Central Station. Once you have ascended to the top floor, you step into air, which makes you feel like being at l,000 feet above ground level with its mirrored floors. Once you make your way throughout the space, you feel like New York is part of a body, and your sense of space is challenged by the reflections of the light. The reflections create endless possibilities for photos and videos, and the light changes throughout the day. I took out my camera and began to take photos, feeling a connection with the city that no other observatory has been able to give me.

Summit is something unique, an art work with architecture. It will be an observatory that will change with the city. I personally can’t wait to take photos at sunset, or when winter arrives.

1. How did the author feel when invited to visit Summit One Vanderbilt?

A．Curious.

B．Happy.

C．Amazed.

D．Uninterested.

2. What does the underlined word “ascended” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Risen.

B．Turned.

C．Referred.

D．Adapted.

3. What can be learned about Summit One Vanderbilt?

A．It is the only tower in New York.

B．It lies far from Grand Central Station.

C．It provides a good place for taking photos.

D．It is exactly 1, 000 feet high from the ground.

4. What’s the purpose of the text?

A．To stress a point.

B．To introduce a site.

C．To raise awareness.

D．To promote tourism.

9 . Many holidays are centered around surrounding yourself with family members and gathering in large groups, so it can be tough to enjoy your holidays all by yourself. However, spending a holiday alone can actually be more enjoyable and you might even find that you like it more.     1    

Limit your technology use. If you’re spending your holidays alone, it might be attractive to stay completely connected to your social media and email.     2     So, try turning off your phone and computer to focus on yourself throughout the day instead of others.

    3     Holidays offer you a good chance to award yourself for your hard work. Whether you go out to your favorite restaurant or cook at home, allow yourself to enjoy a big meal. After that, plan an outing to the movies, a museum or a park to relax. Also, giving yourself a gift is a great idea.

Volunteer somewhere. If you live near a shelter, reach out to see if they need help during the holidays. If you already volunteer somewhere, ask if you can come in on your day off.     4     If you volunteer somewhere and you enjoy the experience, consider volunteering more often.

Dive into a creative project.     5     You can draw, paint or make paper cuttings—anything that makes you feel accomplished. If you need to get holiday gifts for people, you could use your crafting skills to make some for them.

A．Treat yourself.

B．Get a creative technology-related gift.

C．However, a real break means limiting your technology use.

D．There are many reasons why you should spend holidays alone.

E．If you have a creative outlet, dive in and make something special.

F．Giving back is what holidays are about and it probably makes you feel good.

G．Here are a few things you can do on your own to make your holidays special.

10 . London is considered as one of the greatest cities on Earth. From historical sites to the modern-day metropolis, it can seem an infinite feast of activities and possibilities. For the budget-minded traveler, London might not appear to be the most wallet-friendly destination.     1     There is a wide selection of free things to do in London, as long as you know where to look.

One of the most surprisingly free things to do in London is visit top museums and art galleries.    2    For those who prefer museums with an archeological feel, the British Museum charges no admission, and contains such cultural treasures as the Rosetta Stone. Many other museums are also free to visit, although some offer access to special traveling exhibits for a fee.

London has a long history of influencing the musical world, and the wise traveler knows that concerts are some of the best free things to do here in various seasons. Particularly in the summer, free concerts are available along the banks of the Thames River, and frequently advertised in entertainment guides.    3    Covent Garden, a theater and shopping district, is famous for its free performances, and even auditions musicians before allowing them to perform.

    4     For instance, Charles Dickens's fans may take a stroll through Camden Town, following in the footsteps of Bob Cratchit. For those desperate for a glimpse into the world of Harry Potter, go to King's Cross Station, where you can see for yourself if Platform Nine-and-three-quarters really exists…

While London is full of exciting opportunities for the luxury traveler, it doesn't exclude those on a budget. The free things to do in London will often help travelers escape from the tourist attractions and catch a look at local life.     5    

A．However, this is not the case.

B．Literary lovers will find many free things to do in London.

C．That's because London is among the world's priciest cities.

D．The National Gallery is free to visitors favoring world-class paintings.

E．Even in winter, certain areas are usually crowed with musicians and performers.

F．Nobody can refuse such charming music with the beautiful sceneries along the river.

G．Combining them with some well-chosen costly additions will give you a balanced look at the beautiful city.