1 . Beyond its amazing landscapes, Banff National Park also boasts a rich cultural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to a collection of museums of Banff, providing essential information to make your visit a truly immersive experience.
● Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Location: 111 Bear St, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Cost: $12 CAD ($10 USD) for adults, $10 CAD ($8 USD) for students, and free for children under 12 years old and are valid for 90 days from purchase.
The museum showcases the art, culture, and history of the Canadian Rockies region. It features a diverse collection of artworks, historical photographs, and artifacts that highlight the natural beauty and human stories of the area.
● Canada House Gallery
Location: 201 Bear St, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
It is a well-known art gallery that showcases contemporary and traditional Canadian artwork. The gallery features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artistic mediums created by Canadian artists. Visitors can explore the gallery and appreciate the talent and creativity of Canadian art.
● The Banff Park Museum
Location: 91 Banff Ave, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Cost: $4.90 CAD ($4 USD) for adults, $4.40 CAD ($3.50 USD) for adults 65and over, and free for youth under 17 years old.
The museum is a historic site featuring a collection of over 5,000 specimens (标本) of wildlife, including birds, mammals, insects, and plants. The museum building itself is a charming log cabin, dating back to 1903.
1. How much would a couple pay if they want to explore the Whyte Museum with a senior high student and an 8-year-old son?| A．$22 CAD. | B．$22 CAD. | C．$34 CAD. | D．$18 CAD. |
| A．At Canada House Gallery. | B．At the Whyte Museum. |
| C．At the Banff Park Museum. | D．At the Canadian Rockies region. |
| A．Travel. | B．Business. | C．Science. | D．Entertainment. |
1. Why doesn’t Jay move?
| A．He is short of money. |
| B．He likes where he lives now. |
| C．His wife does not want to move. |
| A．Save money as much as he can. |
| B．Make a decision within two days. |
| C．Buy a house in a special way. |
| A．Jay’s son. | B．Molly’s aunt. | C．Jay’s aunt. |
3 . Four Hotels That Will Make Your Life Easier
Marriott Detroit Airport
It’s such an ideal option for business travelers in a hurry. Here is the basic idea: You download the iPhone or Android app. The night before, you can “check-in” virtually. When you arrive you get a message that the room is ready and your key, which is already tied to your reservation, is waiting for you at the desk.
Yotel New York
The self-service kiosks (一体机) at this high-tech New York hotel are open 24x7 and work just like the ones you’d see at an airport. There are just five-steps to register and obtain your room card. There’s even a luggage robot. You tap in the number of bags you’re carrying, then wait for a robot arm to swing down and store your luggage in a locker.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Business travelers like the fast kiosk check-in works. Like the Yotel, the kiosk asks you to put in your credit card. The whole process takes about three minutes. When travelers leave, they can be equally impressed with the fast check-out. You never have to wait in line.
Radisson LaCrosse
The Radisson is trying to make the kiosk process even faster, you use a mobile app to register and then receive a password by email or text. When you get to the kiosk, you can scan the password to get your key without any other steps required. It’s incredibly fast.
1. Which hotel has the self-service luggage locker?| A．Marriott Detroit Airport. | B．Yotel New York. |
| C．Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. | D．Radisson LaCrosse. |
| A．They provide key-free service. |
| B．They both have the fastest check-in process. |
| C．Travelers need to check in with a credit card. |
| D．Travelers can check in with their mobile phones. |
| A．To assess the service of the hotels. | B．To criticize the service of the hotels. |
| C．To recommend hotels with fast service. | D．To help customers check in and check out. |
1. What color is the house?
| A．Green. | B．Brown. | C．Red. |
| A．635 Franklin Street. | B．635 Fulton Street. | C．807 Franklin Street. |
| A．To improve it. | B．To rebuild it. | C．To save it. |
5 . The pandemic-caused lockdown(封锁) threw up many trends, but one that shows no sign of dwindling(减少) is “cottagecore”.
So, what is cottagecore all about? Cottagecore is a social media trend seen as a romanticized explanation of countryside living, where cottage-dwellers can make homemade jam and live off the land.
Naomi Stuart, who documents her countryside dream on her cottagecore Instagram page, says, “Since lockdown, the trend has become far more popular with people who look for rural properties when they work from home. Gorgeous images on social media of living in the countryside have sold the dream that life out in the sticks is less stressful. And it is. I share my cottage life as I hope it will give people a little insight into what living in a small village surrounded by the countryside is like. Peace and quiet, the sounds of nature, no road noise, cows and sheep in the nearby fields, horse riders and dog walkers going by. For me, it is the perfect de-stress cure for everyday stresses and strains that we all have.”
With COVID-19 grounding most of the world, “home” has taken on a new meaning. And as we make sense of our new normal, the focus is being placed firmly on living a simple and slower life.
Cottagecore is a concept that anyone can embrace. Look at decorating your home in a traditional, old-fashioned style and take up skills such as drying flowers, spending time growing vegetables and enjoying time in the evening by candlelight with loved ones. The interpretation of cottagecore spans a variety of ideas, from slow fashion to home decor(装饰), home cooked meals, and gardening.
1. What do the underlined words “in the sticks” in paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．In the forests. | B．In the country areas. |
| C．In the unfurnished houses. | D．In the abandoned buildings. |
| A．It tends to decline during the lockdown. |
| B．It is a way to keep away from COVID-19. |
| C．It shows the good of living in the countryside. |
| D．It is interpreted as an old-fashioned way of life. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Skeptical. | C．Opposed. | D．Unconcerned. |
| A．Cottagecore— a trend of a peaceful life |
| B．Cottagecore—a way to deal with Covid-19 |
| C．Cottagecore—a new lifestyle hard to adopt |
| D．Cottagecore— a necessary experience for the young |
6 . The best restaurants for outdoor dining in Greater Boston
Beehive Restaurant (541 Tremont St., Boston)
If you want to have fun while you enjoy your meal, head to Beehive, where you get specialized brunch, cocktails, and live music with your patio(露台) dining.
“Great food and service, fun atmosphere in and out.”
—Esta E., Back Bay
Brighton Bodega (328 Washington St., Brighton) and Devlin’s Bistro & Bar (332 Washington St., Brighton)
Although these are two separate eateries, they share a patio space in Brighton. Visit Brighton Bodega for its Asian-inspired small plates and Devlin’s for the drinks menu. While you’re there, you may get to experience some live jazz.
“These sister restaurants share a lovely patio area with a good atmosphere and excellent food! I love the constantly changing and always creative Brighton Bodega menu, and the steady favorites menu of Devlin’s.”
—Wendy, Cambridge
Chart House (60 Long Wharf, Boston)
Chart House has served hungry customers in the Boston area for more than 60 years and continues to do so with its patio dining experience and “perfect views”.
“It is not in a too-crowded area. It’s not amidst cars and too many passers-by, so you can hear the water and the silence once in a while. There is parking at the back so I can drive in, dine, and drive out.”
—Lissa W., Uxbridge
Frenchie Wine Bistro (560 Tremont St., Boston)
Outdoor dining is becoming more popular in Boston, but there’s something about it that feels very European. especially at this South End spot. Sit out on the patio for its modern French menu and wide selection of wines.
“It’s just the best. Great views, food and drink, and THE BEST people watching!”
—Chris H., Boston
1. What do Beehive Restaurant and Brighton Bodega have in common?| A．Both share one patio. | B．Both have great views. |
| C．Both provide live music. | D．Both are in the same street. |
| A．Chart House. | B．Devlin’s Bistro &Bar. |
| C．Beehive Restaurant. | D．Frenchie Wine Bistro. |
| A．It is in the south of America. |
| B．It has a European flavor. |
| C．It changes its menu frequently. |
| D．It allows customers to drive in. |
7 . Four of the Coolest Plant Shops in the State of California
Plants have given us comfort during the coronavirus pandemic, so it should come as no surprise that garden stores are more popular than ever. Here is a look at a few of our favorites.
All Time Plants
Location: 1322 Coronado Ave. Ste B, Long Beach, California 90804
All Time Plants is inside the coffee and bottle house. The storefront is now a hybrid coffee house-plant store-home store where visitors can shop for plants and home goods while enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or beer.
EnCactusar
Location: 3577 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park, California 90065
The COVID-19 pandemic gave artists Jackie and Julio the opportunity to turn their hobby into their own garden center, a small business at their Boyle Heights home. It is a kind of place where staff members will carry your plants out to your car for you while offering care tips. Open Saturdays and Sundays only.
Flyplant
Location: 1801 E 7th St, Los Angeles, California 90021
Flyplant was founded at the height of the pandemic, by Filipina with a passion for helping plant growing. Their shop offers customers plant and pot pairings, plant-themed costumes and gardening tools. Recently, they have added hands-on workshops, where guests can learn how to plant and care for their houseplants.
Folia Collective
Location: 5052 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, California 90041
Every plant at Folia Collective, from roses to ferns (蕨类植物), comes with a care card written by owner Danae Horst, a famous author in the field of home growing. Staff will ask you questions to help you pick the perfect plant and offer tips. Horst has houseplant gifts and, before the pandemic, hosted book signings and occasional cutting exchanges.
1. What can you do in All Time Plants?| A．Host book signings. | B．Drink some coffee or beer. |
| C．Attend classes to look after plants. | D．Borrow gardening tools. |
| A．All Time Plants. | B．EnCactusar. | C．Flyplant. | D．Folia Collective. |
| A．They were founded during the pandemic. | B．They are open on weekends. |
| C．They are from the same state. | D．They carry plants to your car. |
8 . Rome can be pricey for travelers, which is why many choose to stay in a hostel (旅社). The hostels in Rome offer a bed in a dorm room for around $25 a night, and for that, you’ll often get to stay in a central location (位置) with security and comfort.
Yellow HostelIf I had to make just one recommendation for where to stay in Rome, it would be Yellow Hostel. It’s one of the best-rated hostels in the city, and for good reason. It’s affordable, and it’s got a fun atmosphere without being too noisy. As an added bonus, it’s close to the main train station.
Hostel Alessandro PalaceIf you love social hostels, this is the best hostel for you in Rome. Hostel Alessandro Palace is fun. Staff members hold plenty of bar events for guests like free shots, bar crawls and karaoke. There’s also an area on the rooftop for hanging out with other travelers during the summer.
Youth Station HostelIf you’re looking for cleanliness and a modern hostel, look no further than Youth Station. It offers beautiful furnishings and beds. There are plenty of other benefits, too; it doesn’t charge city tax; it has both air conditioning and a heater for the rooms; it also has free Wi-Fi in every room.
Hotel and Hostel Des ArtistesHotel and Hostel Des Artistes is located just a 10-minute walk from the central city station and it’s close to all of the city’s main attractions. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing you with a map of the city when you arrive, and offering advice if you require some. However, you need to pay 2 euros a day for Wi-Fi.
1. What is probably the major concern of travelers who choose to stay in a hostel?| A．Comfort. | B．Security. |
| C．Price. | D．Location. |
| A．Yellow Hostel. | B．Hostel Alessandro Palace. |
| C．Youth Station Hostel. | D．Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes. |
| A．It gets noisy at night. | B．Its staff is too talkative. |
| C．It charges for Wi-Fi. | D．It’s inconveniently located. |
