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Art and culture
Искусство и культура
The Oxford Advancer Learner`s Dictionary of Current English by Hornby gives us the following definition of the notion "art". ""Art" is the creation or expression of what is beautiful, especially in visual form. Drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, music, ballet belong to the fine art". Really when something is extremely beautiful or has great cultural value, we say: "It's art". Art has always been occupation for the few, but has been admired by many. I really enjoy everything that is beautiful. I like painting, sculpture. I am fond of music and theatre.
The twentieth century has given the world cinema. For a long time there have been disputes whether the cinema is an art or just an entertainment. Nowadays the cinema is considered one of the main contemporary arts. Not so long ago people went to cinemas frequently, but now we prefer to stay at home and watch video films and TV. Maybe cinemas are no longer as popular as they used to be but films will always be one of the best entertainments for people all over the world. Speaking about art one should not forget about music, especially classic music. Outstanding Russian composers make all the world admire their music. It's almost impossible to find a man who does not know Pyotr Ilyich Tchaicovsky, Michail Glinka, Nicholai Rimsky-Korsakov - the famous composers of 19th century, and Sergei Rachmaninov, Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitriy Shostakovich. The most famous ballets "Swan Lake", "The Sleeping Beauty", "The Nutcracker" and not less famous operas "The Queen of Spades", "Eugine Onegin" are still excellently staged and performed not only in Russian but in many greatest theatres in the world. Russia is famous for its architecture. The real jewel of architecture is the Moscow Kremlin with its cathedrals, towers and red brick walls. There are also a lot of museums and galleries in Moscow. The most famous gallery of Moscow is Tretyakov gallery, it reflects the whole history of Russian Art. It has a rich collection of early Russian painting including famous icon. The world famous "The Trinity" by Andrey Rublev is exhibited in the gallery. St.Petersburg has great number of real masterpieces of architecture of different styles and is definitely worth visiting and being admired. Russia is rich also in young talents, new Russian culture is forming. We can hear new voices in music and poetry, new canvases of modern artists, great actors and film directors. All of them will make their contribution into Russian Culture and Art.
This topic was written by Sfinx from Nizhnevartovsk...
British Holidays
Праздники в Англии
There are a number of holidays, which are celebrated in Great Britain every year.
One of them is, of course, New Year's Day on the first of January. It is not so popular in England as in our country, but it is rather popular in Scotland. On that day people usually visit their friends and there is a lot of dancing and eating. In Scotland people bring a piece of coal for good luck in the New Year.
The next holiday of the year is St. Valentine's Day. It is on the 14th of February. People buy or make Valentine cards and send them to the people they love.
In March there is Mother's Day. All the children, little or adult ones, come to their mothers on that day to express their love and gratitude.
In April there is Easter. At Easter children eat chocolate Easter eggs. Sometimes parents hide them in the ho-use or in the garden and children have to look for them.
In June there is Father's Day. On Father's Day children give or send their fathers and grandfathers cards and presents.
On the 31st of October there is a Halloween. They say ghosts and witches come out on Halloween. People make lanterns out of pumpkins. Some people have Halloween parties and dress as witches and ghosts.
The 25th of December is Christmas Day. It is one of the people's favourite holidays. People put Christmas trees in their houses and decorate them. There are beautiful Christmas decorations in the streets. On Christmas Eve everybody puts the presents under the Christmas tree. People say that at night Father Christmas puts presents into the stockings which children usually hang on their beds. The traditional Christmas meal is roast turkey and Christmas pudding.
Customs and Traditions in Britain
Обычаи и традиции в Британии
There are many customs and traditions in England. And I would like to tell you some of them. First tradition is called "Wrong side of the bed" When people are bad tempered we say that they must have got out of bed on the wrong side. Originally, it was meant quiet literally. People believe that the way they rose in the morning affected their behavior throughout the day. The wrong side of the bed was the left side. The left always having been linked with evil. Second custom is called "Blowing out the candles" The custom of having candles on birthday cakes goes back to the ancient Greeks. Worshippers of Artemis, goddess of the moon and hunting, used to place honey cakes on the altars of her temples on her birthday. The cakes were round like the full moon and lit with tapers. This custom was next recorded in the middle ages when German peasants lit tapers on birthday cakes, the number lit indicating the person's age, plus an extra one to represent the light of life.
From earliest days burning tapers had been endowed with mystical significance and it was believed that when blown out they had the power to grant a secret wish and ensure a happy year ahead. And the last tradition I would like to tell you is called "The 5th of November" On the 5th of November in almost every town and village in England you will see fire burning, fireworks, cracking and lighting up the sky. You will see too small groups of children pulling round in a home made cart, a figure that looks something like a man but consists of an old suit of clothes, stuffed with straw. The children will sing:" Remember, remember the 5th of November; Gun powder, treason and plot". And they will ask passers-by for "a penny for the Guy" But the children with "the Guy" are not likely to know who or what day they are celebrating. They have done this more or less every 5th of November since 1605. At that time James the First was on the throne. He was hated with many people especially the Roman Catholics against whom many sever laws had been passed. A number of Catholics chief of whom was Robert Catesby determined to kill the King and his ministers by blowing up the house of Parliament with gunpowder. To help them in this they got Guy Fawker, a soldier of fortune, who would do the actual work. The day fixed for attempt was the 5th of November, the day on which the Parliament was to open. But one of the conspirators had several friends in the parliament and he didn't want them to die. So he wrote a letter to Lord Monteagle begging him to make some excuse to be absent from parliament if he valued his life. Lord Monteagle took the letter hurrily to the King. Guards were sent at once to examine the cellars of the house of Parliament. And there they found Guy Fawker about to fire a trail of gunpowder. He was tortured and hanged, Catesby was killed, resisting arrest in his own house. In memory of that day bonfires are still lighted, fireworks shoot across the November sky and figures of Guy Fawker are burnt in the streets.
Great Britain
Великобритания
The United Kingdom of G.B. and Northern Irelands is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles consists of two large islands, G.B. and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. Their total area is over 244,000 square kilometers.
The UK is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. GB consists of England, Scotland and Wales and doesn't include Northern Ireland. The capital of the UK is London.
The British Isles are separated from European continent by the North Sea and the English Channel. The western coast of GB is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.
The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called the Highlands, while the south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called the Lowlands.
There are a lot of rivers in GB, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one.
The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters if Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. The weather in GB is very changeable. A fine morning can change into a wet afternoon and evening and the wrong side out. The English people say: "Other countries have a climate; in England we have weather." The English also say that they have three variants of weather: when it rains in the morning, when it rains in the afternoon or t\when it rains all day long.
The weather is the favorite conversational topic in GB. After they greet each other they start talking the weather.
The best time of the year in GB is spring (of course, it rains in spring too). The two worst months in Britain are January and February. They are cold, damp and unpleasant. The best place in the world then is at home by the big fire. Summer months are rather cold and there can be a lot of rainy days. So most people who look forward to summer holidays, plan to go abroad for the summer.
The most unpleasant aspect of English weather is fog and smog. This is extremely bad in big cities especially in London. The fog spreads everywhere so cars move along slowly and people can't see each other. They try not to be run over by a car but still accidents are frequent in the fog.
Great Britain
Великобритания
Learning English naturally leads to learning facts about the country it is spoken in, or better to say, it was born in. I am greatly interested in everything connected with Great Britain. So here are some basic facts about this country.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. The total area of the islands is over 224’000 square kilometers.
The UK is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast respectively. Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and doesn’t include Northern Ireland. But in everyday speech “Great Britain” is used to mean the UK.
The capital of the UK is London. It stands on the River Thames. The British Isles are separated from the European Continent by the North Sea and the English Channel. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called the Highlands; while the south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called the Lowlands. The north and the west of England are mountainous, but all the rest-east, center and southeast - is a vast plain. Mountains are not very high. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain (1343 meters over the sea level).
There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one.
The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influenced the climate of the British Isles. It is mild all over the year round.
The UK is a highly developed industrial country. It’s known as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of machinery, electronics, textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding. The main industrial centers and at the same time the largest cities of the country are London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. In law, the Head of the state is the Queen or the King. In practice, the monarch reigns but doesn’t rule. Elected Government with the Prime Minister at the head rules the country. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Common. It makes the Laws of the UK. There are three main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal Parties.
Two characteristic of the British Constitution confuse most foreigners: there is no written constitution; it is not contained in any single document. There are two kinds of rules by which GB is governed: Rules of Law and Rules of Custom. The Rules of Law are those set out in such historical declarations as Magna Charta (1215)? The Bill of Rights of 1689 and the Act of Settlement of 1701. Many principles of the British Constitution by which Britain is governed are principles of Common Law. There are principles, which are not established by any law passed by Parliament but established in the courts.
I can’t but say some words about Britons. Crowded together on their “tight little island”, cut off from the rest Europe by the Sea, and secure from invasion, the British developed their own character and way of life. They came to respect privacy and to value old traditions. They developed a dry wit, a love for personal freedom and a high degree of self-criticism. They have produced some of the world’s greatest writers, scientists, explorers, artists and political figures. The undying genius of William Shakespeare, in my opinion, determined the development of the whole world’s literature, influenced the minds of many generations, became their moral compass.
Some of the British national traits are resulting from the British way of life. The British are known as a people self-assured, absolutely confident in their national sense of superiority. Deep down the British still fell pretty satisfied with themselves.
The British display a very wide toleration of individual differences among themselves, and even among others. This trait comes out most clearly as willingness to tolerate; sometimes it seems a willingness to encourage individual eccentricities.
As a very sportive nation, the British invented and still do some original sports and games. Two of them obtained world-wild popularity; I mean football, or soccer, and boxing.
The history of the UK is the story of how a small island country became the world’s most powerful nation and then declined. Though it is no longer the world’s power, the UK is still a leading industrial and trading nation. The UK of today is in a state of change and is seeking its new role in the world.
The history of the UK is in its museums. There are about 2000 museums and galleries in Britain, which include the chief national collections, and a great variety of independently or privately, owned institutions. But some of the most comprehensive collections of objects of artistic, archaeological, scientific, historical and general interest are contained in the national museums and galleries in London. Among them are the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the Natural History Museum, Madame Tussaud’s, the Tower of London and many other treasure institutions. There are also national museums and art galleries in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most cities and towns have museums and other treasures devoted to arts, archeology and natural history.
One of my greatest dreams is to visit Great Britain one day. Of course, I’d like to go to London first, it’s a must, I think. But there are so many places in this country that are worth visiting. Liverpool - the home city of the Beatles, Manchester - famous for its football club, Stratford-on-Avon - the birthplace of W. Shakespeare; Lock Ness - the lake where a monster is supposed to live. And I’d like to visit the Lake District. It’s a beautiful region of lakes and mountains in the country of Cumbria, in northwest of England. The region contains 15 lakes. Its beauty attracted many poets, writers and artists.
Sport
Спорт
The British are known to be great sport lovers. When they are neither playing, nor watching games, they like to talk about them. Many of games we play now have come from Britain.
One of the most British games is cricket. Summer isn’t summer without cricket. But the game, which attracts the greatest attention, is football, or soccer. There are plenty of professional or amateur clubs all over Britain. Next to football, the chief spectator in British life is horse-racing. A lot of people are interested in racing & risk money on the horse-races. A great number of people play & watch tennis. Indeed in one form or another sport is an essential part of daily life in Britain.
Many sports are popular in Russia. They are: hockey, soccer, weightlifting, track & field, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, figure-skating, swimming, judo & shooting.
The Russians are not only sports fans. They take an active part in all sports activities. It’s been a tradition in this country to divide sport into professional & amateur. There are different sporting societies & clubs in Russia.
There are many stadiums & public sports facilities in Russia. Numerous national & international matches & competitions are regularly held in Russia. They attract a large number of fans. Most of important games are televised. Thousands of fans go to the stadiums to support their favorite team & thousands more prefer to watch games on TV. But watching sports events & going in for sports are two different things.
There is no need to speak about the importance of sports & games. They must become a part of your daily life. Sport helps people to stay in good shape, helps them to be fit, healthy. Some people go in for sports for pleasure for relaxation.
So sport attracts a lot of people. Some of them are members of sporting clubs. They go in different athletic events, do aerobics, go in for body-building, swimming. You may choose any kind to your liking & to your health.
As for me, I go to the swimming pool, because it’s good for my health.
Theatre
Театр
During the past hundred years, the radio, the cinema, TV and now Internet have made great changes in the entertainment with which people fill their free time. More than a hundred years ago people knew how to entertain themselves much better than they do now. When a group of people gathered together, they talked, played cards or other games, read aloud to each other, or went out shooting, or walking together. Summer picnics were also a great hit those days. Most of people could sing or play a musical instrument, so at a party the guests entertained each other. Conversation was an art, amusing conversation could keep people happy for hours.
As for games, such as football, tennis, people used to play them more often than they do now. Most of them didn’t play very well, but they could amuse themselves and their friends. Nowadays we are entertained by professionals. There appeared even such phenomena as show industry and professional sport. With the help of electronic Mass Media they are ruling in modern society. I’m not an exclusion and also pay my tribute to them. So choosing among theatre, cinema and TV, I’ll certainly choose Theatre.
Theatre is the ancient but ever - youthful parent of all entertainment in dramatic form. It has existed on and off for two-and-a-half thousand years because there is something special to itself that it offers us. But what is it that is special about the theatre? A famous playwright Priestly compares theatre with the restaurant. In a very good restaurant we have a dinner that is specially cooked for us; in a canteen we are merely served with standard portions of a standard meal. And this is the difference between the living Theatre and the mass entertainment of films, radio and television. In the theatre the play is specially cooked for us.
The production never takes its final shape, until it has an audience. The actors are not playing to microphones and cameras but to warmly responsive fellow-creatures. And they are never giving exactly the same performance. If the audience tends to be heavy, unresponsive – the company slightly sharpens and heightens its performance to bring the audience to life, and vice versa, if the audience is too enthusiastic. One more thing, when we see a play we form part of an audience. This is important, because we behave differently when we are part of audience. If the play is funny, we laugh a great deal more that we should if we were by ourselves. If it is pathetic we are more deeply moved just because a lot of other people are being moved too. We have to share the feelings of a great many other people to enjoy a play properly, and this in itself is a good thing, particularly this days when too many people usually living in large cities feel cut off, and separate.
To enjoy the theatre we have to join it. Today theatre is at some kind of crisis. The houses are alarmingly empty. Many other forms of entertainment have superseded theatre. There are many who do not care whether theatre lives or dies. This is causing anxiety. The main reason for that is that our cultural level is painfully low. Now we can see the degradation of people’s spiritual and cultural standards as a whole, the erosion of values and ideals. And culture is the health of a nation, a way of improving its genetic fund. It’s impossible to survive without culture. Theatre is the means of the disseminating culture. School is responsible for awakening a child’s interest to theatre, it’ necessary to instil into people, into their consciousness the love to the theatre. I do believe that the situation will change to the better. Theatre will never die. For some people it died long ago, - for people who are poorly developed emotionally, they simply do not understand the Theatre, as they do not understand painting, serious music. But theatre is eternal. The atmosphere in theatre is solemn. It’s the magical place where man meets his image, where people are taught to appreciate the beauty, to hate the evil, ugliness, where feelings are stirred, where our souls and mind are elevated. It is the enduring home of dramatic experience, which is surely one of the most searching, rewarding, enchanting of our many different kinds of experience.
There are two theatres in Grodno. The Puppet theatre and Drama Theatre. The Grodno Drama Theatre was found in 1947 and opened its doors on 20th October 1947. The first play at the stage of this theatre was the play of Obstrovsky “Truth is good, but happiness is better”. In 1984 the Grodno Drama Theatre moved into a new building, which is well known, to every citizen of our town. It is of modern architecture and you can easy got lost there. Especially in the main entrance. There are two halls in the theatre. A large hall and the small one. The large hall can seat about 700 people. The smoker contains about 200 of audience. At the first nights of early performances audience usually celebrate actors with a stormy applods and gives flowers to the actors. I think that this theatre will survive throw years and will be one of the best theatres not only in Belarus but in Europe as well. I would like my dream come true.
There is an actor in the history of theatre and cinema whose name is well known for everybody. It is Andrey Mironov. He got to be known thanks to his numerous film roles. I believe, everybody remembers his brilliant performances in “Twelve Chairs”, “A Diamond Arm”, “Adventures of Italians in Russia” and many other unforgettable comedies. He is one of the most brilliant comic actors of our days. His artistic palette is unbelievably rich. Though his humour is often sad, sometimes sarcastic, it left nobody indifferent. Spectators began to smile from the first minute Andrey appeared in the screen. The name of Mironov in the caption of a film was a guarantee of good entertainment a promise of high skill and good taste less known was Mironov a dramatic actor. He was a bright star in the constellation of popular dramatic actors who played in the Moscow Theatre of Comedy in those days. His repertoire in the theatre was richer and wore various than in films where directors exploited his gift of a comic only. His Figaro in “The Barber of Seville” is the best simple of his talent, his ability to create both comic and tragic characters. His sense of display, an ability to identify with a role, artistic imagination, intellectual and spiritual strength his exquisite sense of humour made Andrey Mironov a favourite of millions of spectators.
Theatre unites actors and spectators, moves our feelings, establishes close contacts between people, creates the atmosphere for thinking. Theatre makes it possible to establish close contacts between actor and spectators, to create intellectual atmosphere, to distinguish between the good and the bad, to understand and enjoy the beauty.
Theatre, Music and Cinema
Театр, музыка и кино
Theatre is a place where you can see a play staged. It is also one of entertainments.
A theatre consists of two parts: the stage and the hall. They are separated by a curtain and the orchestra. Actors and actresses perform on the stage and public the hall, the pit, the dress-circles, the boxes and the gallery.
If we made up our mind to go to the theatre we should go to the box-office to buy tickets. Seats can be reserved beforehand.
There is a theatre in our town. On the stage of this theatre you can see such plays as “Meetings in Vienna”, “Silva”, “The Princess of Circus” and others. The theatre is very popular in the South of Russia. In spring the actor of this theatre played on the stages of Moscow. There are many talented actors in the theatre and some of them are known all over the region. They are Molchanova, Zaiseva, Smirnov, Aliev and others. I have seen the play “Mister X” and I liked it very much.
But we are to admit that theatre is not so popular now as it used to be. There are many people who prefer to seat comfortably in front of the TV and enjoy themselves without leaving their homes.
Usually we see films either in the cinema or on TV. But from time to time I go to the cinema. My favorite film is “Romeo and Juliet”. The Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, produced a masterpiece in this adaptation. The costumes are brilliant, the actors are wonderful, the music by is perfect, and the lines are delivered beautifully. The movie starred Leonard Whiting (a British actor, who played Romeo) and Olivia Hussey (Juliet). They were young when they filmed the Classic, 17 and 15 years, respectably. This movie is one of the most realistic interpretations of William Shakespeare's Tragedy.
It is difficult to live without music. We hear music everywhere: in the streets, at home, over the radio, on TV, in the parks & in concert halls.
We can’t live without music. We like to listen to music, we play musical instruments.
Music reflects people’s mood & emotions. As for me I enjoy several musical styles: pop, rock, rap, electronic and others. But I dislike metal, hard rock, country and blues.
Travelling
Путешествие
Millions of people all over the world spend their holidays travelling. They travel to see other countries and continents, modem cities and the ruins of ancient towns, they travel to enjoy picturesque places, or just for a change of scene. It's always interesting to discover new things, different ways of life, to meet different people, to try different food, to listen to different musical rhythms.
Those who live in the country like to go to a big city and spend their time visiting museums and art galleries, looking at shop windows and dining at exotic restaurants. City-dwellers usually like a quiet holiday by the sea or in the mountains, with nothing to do but walk and bathe and laze in the sun.
Most travellers and holiday-makers take a camera with them and take pictures of everything that interests them - the sights of a city, old churches and castles, views of mountains, lakes, valleys, plains, waterfalls, forests; different kinds of trees, flowers and plants, animals and birds.
Later, perhaps years later, they will be reminded by the photos of the happy time they have had.
People travel by train, by plane, by boat and by car.
All means of travel have their advantages and disadvantages. And people choose one according to their plans and destinations.
If we are fond of travelling, we see and learn a lot of things that we can never see or learn at home, though we may read about them in books and newspapers, and see pictures of them on TV. The best way to study geography is to travel, and the best way to get to know and understand people is to meet them in their own homes.
Travelling
Путешествие
Have you ever asked yourself "What do I imagine when I hear travelling?"
The word "travelling" do not arouse lots of thoughts and memories to pay to in me. My experience in travelling is rather poor. Maybe I think so because most of my travel routes I have done hundreds of times during the year but in general I do not travel a lot.
What I imagine when I hear travelling? Do I imagine a highway, a road, or a narrow forest path? Do I imagine myself packing the luggage and in my usual way having forgotten something to take? Do I imagine scenery changing in one moment while riding a car or a train or, maybe, the peace of the nature during the walk? Do I imagine a holiday, rest or hardships and my stamina test? Do I imagine myself alone or with family, friends, in a noisy company?
These are the questions I’m asking myself when I hear “travelling”. In my opinion travelling is careful preparation, when you are making yourself to take nothing more but you need. I long way to the aim that leads through the towns, forests and fields to have its end in a small pretty place you have chosen for a rest or a work. Travelling is a route through towns going sightseeing, through the forests admiring nature’s treasures, riding a van and loosing it all sleeping all the way. Happy you are the travel begins but happier you feel when you are again at home. Travel is a rest after which you’ll rest through next year, preparing to new adventures.
I wish I would have a chance to travel around the world. Such a travelling may be the greatest event in person’s life. Firstly I’ll visit France and its capital Paris.
France isn’t very far from Belarus, so I’ll chose travel by train. Here there are some reasons for it: you can enjoy splendid scenery and picturesque places, communicate with the companions, so you won’t feel alone during the trip. And nowadays due to the technical progress trains become faster and faster and are comfortable enough to be a good travel service.
France is well known as a country of artists, fashion, perfumes and love. Paris is a particular city of France; it’s the capital of France, European fashion, art, city of unique people. Among its places worth sightseeing are Eiffel tower the cathedral of the Notre Dame, well known due to “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” written by Hugo, Louver. Louver is a great masterpiece in itself but more masterpieces it contains. Louver is the museum of world’s art, which is visited by each traveller. French Kitchen is also famous and, I think, nobody will deny to dine at a small restaurant when essence of love is dissolved in peaceful evening air.
The next point of my travelling will be the capital of the USA Washington.
I’ll chose travel by sea among all ways of crossing Atlantic Ocean. Sea voyage have something romantic in it, moreover I never travelled by ship so it’ll be a new experience for me. Ship is rather slow way of travelling but do I have to hurry somewhere all the time?
Washington, D. C. is one of the most famous capitals of the world. It’s known for its state buildings, the White House, US capitol, the Supreme Court building are among them, for plenty of memorials and museums dedicated to American heroes of the past. Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington memorials are great examples of warm feelings of Americans towards their heroes.
From Washington I’ll fly to Tokyo, Japan.
Planes consider being the fastest and the most comfortable way of travelling as the most expensive one also. I can’t deny that there are facts of air catastrophes but indeed air travelling is the safest of all ways of covering distances.
Japan had interested many Europeans since they discovered it, because of its special traditions and customs that survive in everyday life up to nowadays. Japan require from a visitor peculiar attention it itself because it’s easy to lose your head when enter the quite kingdom of nature after noisy and fast-moving town. Like in Tokyo that is one of the biggest industrial and economical centres of the world and contain such masterpieces of the past as the Imperial palace, that is open for visitors only on the 2nd of January, so maybe I’ll have to arrange my plans accordingly, the Asakura Kannon temple, Meiji shrine with its gateway and many other.
I think that my travel will last to long if I visit more places in one time and the next travel point will be my home. I think that Paris, Washington, Tokyo are enough as for the first trip.
But the reality isn’t so bright. My last travel…
British Cuisine - Английская кухня
British Cuisine
Some people criticize English food. They say it's unimaginable, boring, tasteless, it's chips with everything and totally overcooked vegetables. The basic ingredients, when fresh, are so full of flavour that British haven't had to invent sauces to disguise their natural taste. What can compare with fresh pees or new potatoes just boiled and served with butter? Why drown spring lamb in wine or cream and spices, when with just one or two herbs it is absolutely delicious?
If you ask foreigners to name some typically English dishes, they will probably say "Fish and chips" then stop. It is disappointing, but true that, there is no tradition in England of eating in restaurants, because the food doesn't lend itself to such preparation. English cooking is found at home. So it is difficult to a good English restaurant with a reasonable prices.
In most cities in Britain you'll find Indian, Chinese, French and Italian restaurants. In London you'll also find Indonesian, Mexican, Greek... Cynics will say that this is because English have no "cuisine" themselves, but this is not quite the true.
Английская кухня
Некоторые критикуют английскую еду. Они говорят, что она невозможна, безвкусна, что это - чипсы ко всем блюдам и ужасно переваренные овощи. Основные ингредиенты, если они свежие, так вкусны, что англичанам не нужно было изобретать соусов, чтобы испортить их натуральный вкус. Что может сравниться с зеленым горошком или молодым картофелем, только что сваренным и заправленный сливочным маслом? Зачем вымачивать молодую баранину в вине или сливках со специями, если всего с несколькими травами она очень вкусна?
Если вы попросите иностранца назвать типично английские блюда, он, скорее всего, скажет "Рыба с чипсами" и. потом остановится. Как ни обидно, но это правда, что в Англии не принято есть в ресторанах, так как сами блюда не подходят для такого приготовления. Английская кухня основана дома. Поэтому трудно найти хороший английский ресторан с разумными ценами.
В большинстве английских городов вы найдете индийские, китайские, французские и итальянские рестораны. В Лондоне вы также найдете индонезийские, мексиканские, греческие... Циник скажет: это потому, что у англичан нет своей собственной кухни, но это не совсем так.
Questions:
1. What do foreigners say when they criticize English food?
2. Do English people use a lot of sauces?
3. From a foreigner's point of view, what typically English dishes?
4. Do all English eat in restaurants?
5. What kind of restaurants can you find in Britain?
6. Is it the true that English have no cuisine?
Vocabulary:
to criticize - критиковать
tasteless - безвкусный
overcooked - переваренный
ingredient - ингредиент, составная часть
to invent - изобретать
sauces - соус
to disguise - скрыть
spice - специя, пряность
herb – трава
delicious - очень вкусный
disappointing - обидно
to lend - одалживать
cuisine – кухня
Climate in Great Britain - Климат в Великобритании
Climate in Great Britain
The British Isles which are surrounded by the ocean have an insular climate.
There are 3 things that chiefly determine the climate of the United Kingdom: the position of the islands in the temperate belt; the fact that the prevailing winds blow from the west and south-west and the warm current — the Gulf Stream that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the western shores of England. All these features make the climate more moderate, without striking difference between seasons. It is not very cold in winter and never very hot in summer.
So, the British ports are ice-free and its rivers are not frozen throughout the year. The weather on the British Isles has a bad reputation. It is very changeable and fickle. The British say that there is a climate in other countries, but we have just weather. If you don't like the weather in England, just wait a few minutes.
It rains very often in all seasons in Great Britain. Autumn and winter are the wettest. The sky is usually grey and cold winds blow. On the average, Britain has more than 200 rainy days a year. The English say that they have 3 variants of weather: when it rains in the morning, when it rains in the afternoon, and when it rains all day long. Sometimes it rains so heavily, that they say «It's raining cats and dogs».
Britain is known all over the world for its fogs. Sometimes fogs are so thick that it's impossible to see anything within a few meters. The winter fogs of London are, indeed, awful; they surpass all imagination. In a dense fog all traffic is stopped, no vehicle can move from fear of dreadful accidents. So, we may say that the British climate has three main features: it is mild, humid and very changeable.
Климат в Великобритании
Британские острова, окруженные океаном, имеют островной климат.
В основном климат Великобритании определяют три фактора: расположение островов в умеренном поясе; факт того, что господствующие ветры дуют с запада и юго-запада; теплое течение Гольфстрим, которое течет из Мексиканского залива вдоль западного побережья Англии. Все это в совокупности, делает климат более умеренным, без большой разницы температур между сезонами. Здесь не очень холодно зимой и никогда не бывает жарко летом.
Так что Британские порты не сковываются льдом зимой, а реки не замерзают в течение года. Погода на Британских островах имеет плохую репутацию. Она очень изменчива и непостоянна. Британцы говорят, что в других странах есть климат, а у нас — погода. Если вам не нравится погода в Англии, подождите несколько минут.
В Великобритании дождь идет очень часто и в любое время года. Самые влажные сезоны — осень и 'зима. Небо обычно серого цвета, дуют холодные ветры. В среднем по Англии более 200 дождливых дней в году. Англичане говорят, что у них три погоды: когда идет дождь утром, когда идет дождь днем и когда идет дождь целый день. Иногда идет настолько сильный дождь, что они говорят «дождь льет как из ведра».
Англия известна во всем мире своими туманами. Иногда туманы настолько густы, что невозможно что-либо рассмотреть в нескольких метрах от себя. Зимние туманы Лондона, действительно, ужасны; они превосходят любое воображение. В очень сильном тумане останавливается весь транспорт, из-за страха попасть в ужасную аварию, любая машина вынуждена стоять. Так что мы можем сказать, что британский климат имеет три основных особенности: он умеренный, влажный и очень непостоянный.
Questions:
1. Does the Gulf Stream flow from the Gulf of Mexico along the western shores of England?
2. What kind of climate does Great Britain have?
3. Why does the United Kingdom have an insular climate?
4. What are three main features that determine the climate of Great Britain?
5. Why are the English ports ice-free?
6. Are the English rivers frozen during winter?
7. Is it very hot in Britain in summer?
8. What reputation does the weather of the United Kingdom have?
9. Does it rain very often?
10, What happens when there is a heavy fog in Great Britain?
Vocabulary:
to surround — окружать
insular climate — островной климат
to determine — определять
temperate belt — умеренный пояс
prevailing winds — господствующие ветры
the Gulf Stream — течение Гольфстрим
to flow — течь, протекать
shores — побережье
moderate — умеренный
striking difference — зд. большая разница
throughout — по всей, повсюду, везде, в течение всего
fickle — непостоянный
wet — сырой, мокрый
to blow — зд. - дуть
It's raining cats and dogs — дождь льет как из ведра
fog — туман
awful — ужасный, пугающий
dense — плотный, густой
vehicle.— транспортное средство, автомобиль
dreadful — ужасный, страшный
English Meals - Английская еда
English Meals
The English proverb says: every cook praises his own broth. One can not say English cookery is bad, but there is not a lot of variety in it in comparison with European cuisine. The English are very particular about their meals. The usual meals in England are breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner.
Breakfast time is between seven and nine a.m. A traditional English breakfast is a very big meal. It consists of juice, porridge, a rasher or two of bacon and eggs, toast, butter, jam or marmalade, tea or coffee. Marmalade is made from oranges and jam is made from other fruit. Many people like to begin with porridge with milk or cream and sugar, but no good Scotsman ever puts sugar on it, because Scotland is the home of porridge. For a change you can have sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, cold ham or perhaps fish.
But nowadays in spite of the fact that the English strictly keep to their meals many people just have cereal with milk and sugar or toast with jam or honey.
The two substantial meals of the day are lunch and dinner. Lunch is usually taken at one o'clock. For many people lunch is a quick meal. Office workers usually go to a cafe at this time. They take fish, poultry or cold meat (beef, mutton, veal and ham), boiled or fried potatoes and all sorts of salad. They may have a mutton chop or steak and chips, followed by biscuits and a cup of coffee. Some people like a glass of light beer with lunch. Pubs also serve good, cheap food. School children can have a hot meal at school. Some of them just bring a snack from home.
Tea is very popular among the English; it may almost be called their national drink. Tea is welcome in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. The English like it strong and fresh made. The English put one tea-spoonful of tea for each person. Tea means two things. It is a drink and a meal. Some people have afternoon tea, so called «high tea» with sandwiches, tomatoes and salad, a tin of apricots, pears or pineapples and cakes, and, of course a cup of tea. That is what they call good tea. It is a substantial meal.
Cream teas are also popular. Many visitors, who come to Britain, find English instant coffee disgusting. Dinner time is generally between six and eight p.m. The evening meal is the biggest and the main meal of the day. Very often the whole family eats together. They begin with soup, followed by fish, roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables, fruit and coffee.
On Sundays many families have a traditional lunch consisting of roast chicken, lamb or beef with salads, vegetables and gravy.
The British enjoy tasting delicious food from other countries, for example, French, Italian, Indian and Chinese food. Modern people are so busy that they do not have a lot of time for cooking themselves. So, the British buy the food at the restaurant and bring it home already prepared to eat. So we can conclude that take-away meals are rather popular among the population. Eating has become rather international in Britain lately.
Английская еда
Английская пословица гласит: каждый повар хвалит свой собственный бульон (каждый кулик хвалит свое болото). Нельзя сказать, что английская кухня плохая, но в ней, по сравнению с европейской кухней, нет большого разнообразия. Англичане очень специфичны в своей пище. Обыкновенный английский прием пищи — это завтрак, второй завтрак (ланч), чай и обед.
Время завтрака — между семью и девятью утра. Традиционный английский завтрак — очень плотное блюдо. Он состоит из сока, овсянки, ломтика или двух бекона, яиц, тоста, масла, джема или мармелада, чая или кофе. Мармелад делается из апельсинов, джем — из других фруктов. Многие люди любят начать с овсянки с молоком или сливками и сахаром, но настоящий шотландец никогда не кладет сахар в овсянку. Шотландия — это родина овсянки. Для
разнообразия, вы можете взять колбасу, помидоры, грибы, холодную ветчину и, возможно, рыбу.
Но в настоящее время, несмотря на то что англичане очень консервативны относительно своей пищи, многие люди едят только злаки с молоком и сахаром или тост с джемом или медом. Два самых больших блюда — это второй завтрак и обед. Второй завтрак обычно проходит в час дня. Для большинства людей — это время, чтобы просто «Перекусить». Офисные работники в это время, как правило, идут в кафе. Они берут рыбу, домашнюю птицу или холодное мясо (говядину, баранину, телятину и ветчину), жареный или тушеный картофель и разного рода салаты. Они могут кушать отбивную из баранины или бифштекс и чипсы, после которых следуют бисквиты и чашечка кофе. Некоторые люди во время завтрака любят выпить стаканчик легкого пива. В пабах также подают хорошие, недорогие блюда. Школьники могут есть горячую пищу в школе. Некоторые из них приносят еду из дома.
Англичане очень любят чай, его можно назвать почти их национальным напитком. Чай приветствуется утром, днем и вечером. Англичане любят крепкий и свежеприготовленный чай. Англичанин кладет одну ложку заварки чая на каждого человека. Чай означает две вещи. Это и напиток, и пища. Некоторые пьют чай днем, так называемый «ранний ужин с чаем», с бутербродами, помидорами и салатом, консервированными компотами из абрикосов, груш или ананасов, пирожными и, конечно же, чашкой чая. Именно это они и называют хорошим чаем. Это сытная пища
Чай со сливками также популярен. Многие люди, приехавшие в Великобританию находят английский быстрорастворимый кофе отвратительным. Обычно время обеда — между шестью и восемью пополудни. Вечерний прием пищи — самый большой и самый главный. Очень часто вся семья обедает вместе. Они начинают с супа, после чего идет рыба, жареный цыпленок, картофель и овощи, фрукты и кофе.
По воскресеньям многие семьи собираются на традиционный завтрак, который состоит из жареного цыпленка, ягненка или говядины с салатом, овощей и соуса.
Британцы любят попробовать восхитительную кухню других стран, например, французскую, итальянскую, индийскую и китайскую. Современные люди настолько заняты, что не могут позволить себе готовить пищу самостоятельно. Так что британцы покупают пищу в ресторане и приносят ее домой уже в готовом виде. Отсюда можно заключить, что такой вид «еды на вынос» довольно популярен среди населения. В последнее время еда стала вполне интернациональной в Великобритании.
Questions:
1. What are the usual meals in England?
2. What time do they have breakfast?
3. What is a traditional English breakfast?
4. What are the two substantial meals of the day?
5. When is lunch usually taken?
6. What does lunch include?
7. Is tea popular among the English?
8. When do they usually have dinner?
9. Do the British enjoy tasting delicious food from other countries?
Vocabulary:
proverb — пословица, поговорка
Every cook praises his own broth — поел, каждый повар хвалит свой собственный бульон; аналое, каждый кулик хвалит свое болото
cookery — кулинария; стряпня
variety — многообразие, разнообразие
cuisine — кухня, стол (питание; поваренное искусство)
particular — редкий, особенный; особый, специфический
lunch — обед (обычно в полдень в середине рабочего дня), ланч
porridge — (овсяная) каша
rasher — тонкий ломтик бекона/ветчины (для поджаривания)
sausage — колбасу; сосиска; колбасный фарш
mushroom — гриб
in spite of — несмотря на
strictly — бдительно, внимательно, неусыпно
cereal — обыкн.мн, злак; крупа, крупяной продукт (полученные из зерновых культур)
honey — мед
substantial — питательный (о пище); существенный, большой
poultry — домашняя птица
beef — говядина
mutton — баранина
veal — телятина
ham — ветчина, окорок
boiled — кипяченый, вареный
fried — жареный
chop — небольшой кусок мяса, отбивная (котлета)
steak — бифштекс, кусок мяса/рыбы (для жаренья)
cheap — дешевый, недорогой
snack — легкая закуска
tea-spoonful — целая чайная ложка
tin — жестяная консервная банка; жестянка
apricot — абрикос
pear — груша
pineapple — ананас
instant coffee — растворимый кофе
disgusting — отвратительный, плохой, противный
roast — жаркое; жареный
lamb — мясо молодого барашка
gravy — подливка (из сока жаркого), соус
delicious — восхитительный, прелестный; очень вкусный
to conclude — сделать вывод, подвести итог
British Traditions and Customs - Британские традиции и обычаи
British Traditions and Customs
British nation is considered to be the most conservative in Europe. It is not a secret that every nation and every country has its own customs and traditions. In Great Britain people attach greater importance to traditions and customs than in other European countries. Englishmen are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. The best examples are their queen, money system, their weights and measures.
There are many customs and some of them are very old. There is, for example, the Marble Championship, where the British Champion is crowned; he wins a silver cup known among folk dancers as Morris Dancing. Morris Dancing is an event where people, worn in beautiful clothes with ribbons and bells, dance with handkerchiefs or big sticks in their hands, while traditional music- sounds.
Another example is the Boat Race, which takes place on the river Thames, often on Easter Sunday. A boat with a team from Oxford University and one with a team from Cambridge University hold a race.
British people think that the Grand National horse race is the most exciting horse race in the world. It takes place near Liverpool every year. Sometimes it happens the same day as the Boat Race takes place, sometimes a week later. Amateur riders as well as professional jockeys can participate. It is a very famous event.
There are many celebrations in May, especially in the countryside.
Halloween is a day on which many children dress up in unusual costumes. In fact, this holiday has a Celtic origin. The day was originally called All Halloween's Eve, because it happens on October 31, the eve of all Saint's Day. The name was later shortened to Halloween. The Celts celebrated the coming of New Year on that day.
Another tradition is the holiday called Bonfire Night.
On November 5,1605, a man called Guy Fawkes planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament where the king James 1st was to open Parliament on that day. But Guy Fawkes was unable to realize his plan and was caught and later, hanged. The British still remember that Guy Fawkes' Night. It is another name for this holiday. This day one can see children with figures, made of sacks and straw and dressed in old clothes. On November 5th, children put their figures on the bonfire, burn them, and light their fireworks.
In the end of the year, there is the most famous New Year celebration. In London, many people go to Trafalgar Square on New Year's Eve. There is singing and dancing at 12 o'clock on December 31st.
A popular Scottish event is the Edinburgh Festival of music and drama, which takes place every year. A truly Welsh event is the Eisteddfod, a national festival of traditional poetry and music, with a competition for the best new poem in Welsh
If we look at English weights and measures, we can be convinced that the British are very conservative people. They do not use the internationally accepted measurements. They have conserved their old measures. There are nine essential measures. For general use, the smallest weight is one ounce, then 16 ounce is equal to a pound. Fourteen pounds is one stone.
The English always give people's weight in pounds and stones. Liquids they measure in pints, quarts and gallons. There are two pints in a quart and four quarts or eight pints are in one gallon. For length, they have inches» foot, yards and miles.
If we have always been used to the metric system therefore the English monetary system could be found rather difficult for us. They have a pound sterling, which is divided into twenty shillings, half-crown is cost two shillings and sixpence, shilling is worth twelve pennies and one penny could be changed by two halfpennies.
Британские традиции и обычаи
Британская нация, как полагают, является самой консервативной в Европе. Это не секрет, что каждая нация и каждая страна имеет свои собственные обычаи и традиции. В Великобритании люди уделяют большее внимание традициям и обычаям, чем в других европейских странах. Англичане гордятся своими традициями и тщательно хранят их. Лучший пример — их королева, парламентская монархия, денежная система, их система мер.
Существует много обычаев, и некоторые из них очень древние. Есть, например, мраморный чемпионат, где британского чемпиона коронуют; его награждают серебряным кубком, известным среди танцоров народного танца как Моррис Дансинг. Моррис Дансинг — это событие, когда люди, одетые в красивые одежды с лентами и колокольчиками, танцуют под традиционную музыку, держа в руках носовые платки или большие палки.
Другим примером являются состязания по гребле, которые проходят на реке Темза, часто в Пасхальное Воскресенье. Лодка с командой от Оксфордского университета и вторая лодка с командой от университета Кембриджа плывут наперегонки.
Британцы думают, что большие национальные гонки на лошадях — самая захватывающая гонка в мире. Она проходит около Ливерпуля ежегодно. Иногда это случается в один и тот же день, когда проходят состязания по гребле, иногда это бывает на неделю позже. Могут участвовать как наездники-любители, так. и профессиональные жокеи. Это — очень известный праздник.
Много праздников в мае, особенно в сельской местности.
Хэллоуин — день, когда многие дети наряжаются в необычные костюмы. Фактически, этот праздник имеет кельтское происхождение. День первоначально называли Кануном всего Хэллоуина, потому что это случается 31 октября, накануне Дня всех святых. Название было позже сокращено до Хэллоуина. В этот день кельты праздновали наступление Нового года.
Другая традиция — это праздник, который называется Ночь костра.
5 ноября 1605 года человек по имени Гай Фокс планировал взорвать здание парламента, где король Джеймс I должен был в тот день открыть заседание парламента. Но Гаю Фоксу не удалось совершить задуманное, он был пойман и позже повешен. Британцы все еще помнят ту ночь Гая Фокса. Это другое название этого праздника. В этот день можно увидеть детей с фигурками, сделанными из мешковины и соломы и наряженными в старую одежду. 5-го ноября дети помещают свои фигурки в костер и сжигают их, затем зажигают свои фейерверки.
В конце года проходит самый известный новогодний праздник. В Лондоне многие люди на празднование кануна Нового года приходят на Трафальгарскую площадь. Там в 12 часов ночи 31-го декабря они поют и танцуют.
Эдинбургский Фестиваль музыки и драмы — ежегодный популярный шотландский праздник. Настоящим валлийским праздником является Айстедфод, ежегодный фестиваль бардов, национальный фестиваль традиционной поэзии и музыки, с соревнованием за лучшую новую поэму на валлийском языке.
Если мы посмотрим на английскую систему мер и веса, мы можем убедиться, что британцы — очень консервативные люди. Они не используют международную, принятую во всем мире систему мер. Они сохранили свои старые меры. Есть девять основных мер. Для общего использования, наименьшей мерой веса является одна унция, тогда как 16 унций равны фунту. Четырнадцать фунтов — один стоун.
Англичане всегда определяют вес людей в фунтах и стоунах. Меру жидкости они измеряют в пинтах, квартах и галлонах. В кварте — две пинты, в одном галлоне — восемь пинт или четыре кварты. Для измерения длины они используют дюймы, футы, ярды и мили.
Если мы всегда привыкли использовать единицы метрической системы, то английскую денежную систему нам было бы трудно понять. Они имеют фунт стерлингов, который делиться на двадцать шиллингов, полкроны стоит два шиллинга и шесть пенсов, шиллинг стоит двенадцать пенни, один пенни можно поменять на два полпенни.
Questions:
1. What nation is considered to be the most conservative in Europe?
2. What are the best examples of their conservatism?
3. What are the most popular English traditions?
4. What is the original name of Halloween?
5. What is a popular Scottish event?
6. What is the Eisteddfod?
7. What peculiarities of the English monetary system do you know?
Vocabulary:
to be considered — считаться, рассматриваться как
customs — традиции
to attach — уделять
proud — гордый
to keep (past kept, p.p. kept) up — поддерживать, хранить
to crown — короновать
folk — народный (относящийся к обычаям, традициям простого народа)
to wear (past wore, p.p. worn) — одевать, носить
ribbon — лента, ленточка; тесьма
handkerchief — носовой платок
Boat Race — лодочные гонки
Easter Sunday — Пасхальное Воскресенье
exciting — возбуждающий, волнующий
amateur — любитель; поклонник; любительский
rider — всадник, наездник; жокей
event — событие
countryside — сельская местность
Celtic — кельтский
origin — происхождение; начало
All Halloween's Eve — Канун всех святых (сокр. Хэлло-уин)
Bonfire Night — Ночь костров
to blow up — взорвать, подорвать
to catch (caught) — схватить, арестовать
to hang (past hung, p.p. hung) — повесить
straw — солома
bonfire — костер
firework — обыкн. мн. фейерверк
truly — действительно, по-настоящему
Eisteddfod — ежегодный фестиваль бардов (в Уэльсе)
competition — соревнование
to convince - убеждать, уверять
essential — важнейший; необходимый; основной
ounce — унция (- 28,3 г)
pound — фунт (современная мера веса, используемая в англоговорящих странах; = 453,6 г)
stone — мн. обыкн. неизм. стоун (мера веса, равен 14 фунтам, или 6,34 кг)
pint — пинта (мера емкости; в Англии = 0,57 л; в США = = 0,47 л для жидкостей)
quart — кварта (единица измерения объема жидкости; равняется а/4 галлона — 2 пинтам)
gallon — галлон (мера жидких и сыпучих тел = 4,54 л)
inch — дюйм (= 2,5 см)
foot — мн. ч. неизм. фут (мера длины, равная 30,48 см)
yard — ярд (мера длины, равная 3 футам или 914,4 мм)
mile — английская миля (*= 1609 м)
metric system — метрическая система
pound sterling — фунт стерлингов (денежная единица Великобритании, равнялась 20 шиллингам, или 240 пенсам; с 1971 г. = 100 пенсам)
shilling — шиллинг (англ. серебряная монета = 1/20 фунта стерлингов — 12 пенсам)
penny — мн. репсе, pennies (об отдельных монетах) пенни, пенс
half-crown — полкроны (монета в 2 шиллинга 6 пенсов)
halfpenny — полпенни
Meals in Britain - Еда в Британии (1)
Meals in Britain (1)
Since the 1970's eating habits in Britain have undergone a change. People have been encouraged by doctors, health experts and government advertisements to eat less fat and more fibre. Fat is believed to be one of the major causes of obesity and heart disease. Forty per cent of adults in Britain are overweight and Britain has one of the highest death rates due to cardiovascular disease in the world. Britons have also become more aware of calories, the energy value of food. Some people count the number of calories they eat every day, so that they can try to take in fewer calories and lose weight. Food manufactures have started to help the general public to make more informed choices about what they eat.
So the traditional British breakfast is bacon, eggs or sausages, preceded by fruit and followed by toasts. Britons may eat this breakfast at weekends or on special occasions but prefer a smaller and healthier meal to start a day. Lunch is a light meal and is eaten at school or work. Lunch takes 40 minutes. Dinner is usually the main meal of the day and consists of two courses.
In recent years, foreign foods have become a regular part of the British diet. Indian and Chinese dishes are particularly popular for evening meals. Take-aways became extremely popular in the 1980's. The traditional British take-away is fish and chips eaten with salt and vinegar and served in an old newspaper. The British are famous r their love of sweet things and afternoon tea with sandwiches; scones, jam and several kinds of cake, was once a traditional custom. Most working people don't have tea as an afternoon "meal", but they do have a short break in the middle of the afternoon for a cup of tea. Tea is often also drink with lunch and dinner.
Еда в Британии (1)
С 1970-х годов в британских вкусах в еде произошла перемена. Люди были проинформированы докторами, экспертами по здоровью и правительственными рекламами о том, что нужно есть меньше жира и больше грубой пищи. Жир считается одной из самых главных причин ожирения и заболеваний сердца. 40% взрослых Британии имеют избыточный вес, и в Британии один из самых высоких в .мире показателей смертности из-за сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний. Британцы стали более осведомленными относительно калорийности и энергетической ценности пищи. Некоторые люди подсчитывают количество калорий, которые они съедают за день, получая возможность употреблять меньше калорий и сбросить вес. Пищевые предприятия начали помогать публике стать более осведомленной о том, что она ест.
Традиционный английский завтрак состоит из бекона, яиц и сосисок, которым предшествуют фрукты, затем следуют тосты. Но британцы едят такой завтрак по выходным или в особых случаях; они все же предпочитают начинать день с меньшего количества более здоровой пищи. Ланч - обычно легкая еда, и едят его в школе или на работе. Ланч занимает 30-40 минут. Обед обычно основной прием пищи дня и состоит он из двух блюд - мяса или рыбы с овощами, за которыми следуют десерт или пудинг.
В последние годы зарубежная кухня стала неотъемлемой частью британского стола. Индийские, итальянские и китайские блюда особенно популярны в качестве ужина. Отпускаемая на дом пища стала очень распространенной в 1980-х годах. Традиционная английская пища, отпускаемая на дом, - это рыба и чипсы, которые едят с солью и уксусом, положив их на старую газету. Англичане знамениты своей любовью к сладостям и дневному чаю с бутербродами; лепешки, джем и несколько видов пирожных были раньше традиционными. Большинству работающих людей чай не заменяет обед, но у них есть маленький перерыв в середине дня на чашечку чая. Чай также обычно пьют за ланчем и обедом.
Questions:
1. Eating habits in Britain have undergone a change, haven't they?
2. Why do some of people count the number of calories they eat?
3. What is the traditional British breakfast?
4. What do the British have for the main meal of the day?
5. What are Britons famous for?
Vocabulary:
fat - жир
fibre - грубая пища
obesity - ожирение
cardiovascular disease - сердечно-сосудистое заболевание
to be aware of - быть осведомленным
vinegar - уксус
scone - лепешка
Meals in Britain - Еда в Британии (2)
Meals in Britain (2)
Traditionally English people have three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served in the morning. It used to be a large meal with cereal, eggs and bacon, sausages, tomatoes. But such a large breakfast takes a long time to prepare and is not very healthy. Nowadays, Britain's most popular breakfast consists of cereal, toast with marmalade, juice and yogurt with a cup of tea or coffee.
Lunch is a light meal. Most people have no time to go back home for lunch so they eat at school, cafes, pubs or restaurants.
The main meal is dinner, which is usually between 6 and 7 p.m. A typical evening meal is a meat dish with vegetables and dessert.
The most important meal of the week is the Sunday dinner, which is usually eaten at 1 p.m. The traditional Sunday dish used to be roast beef, but nowadays pork, chicken or lamb are more common.
On Sunday evenings people have supper or high tea. The famous British afternoon tea is becoming rare, except at weekends.
Еда в Британии (2)
Традиционно англичане едят три раза в день: завтрак, ленч и обед. Завтрак подается утром. Раньше это был обильный прием пищи с овсянкой, яйцами и беконом, колбасой, помидорами. Но такой большой завтрак отнимает много времени на приготовление и не очень полезен. Сейчас наиболее распространенный английский завтрак состоит из овсянки, тоста с мармеладом, сока и йогурта с чашкой чая или кофе.
Ленч — легкая пища. Большинство людей не возвращается домой на ленч из-за нехватки времени, а едят в школьных столовых, кафе, барах или ресторанах.
Главный прием пищи — обед, который обычно происходит между шестью и семью вечера. Обычная еда вечером — это мясное блюдо с овощами и десерт.
Главный прием пищи недели — воскресный обед, который обычно бывает в час дня. Традиционным воскресным блюдом раньше была жареная говядина, но сейчас свинина, цыпленок или баранина более распространены.
В воскресенье вечером — ужин (называемый high tea). Знаменитый английский дневной чай становится менее популярен, исключая выходные.
Questions:
1. How many meals a day do English people have?
2. What did they use to eat for breakfast?
3. What do they usually eat nowadays?
4. Is lunch a large meal?
5. Where do English people eat lunch?
6. What dishes are served for dinner?
7. What is the most important meal of the week?
8. Is British afternoon tea still popular?
Vocabulary:
meal — еда
cereal — овсянка, кукурузные хлопья
to prepare — готовить
to consist — состоять
light — легкий
lamb — баранина
Restaurants in London - Рестораны Лондона
Restaurants in London
The British have taken good ideas from all over the world. You can eat Chinese, Indian, Italian and Greek food in any big city. There is a fantastic variety of restaurants.
The restaurants' best customers are business people, who meet in them to talk business in a relaxed atmosphere away from the telephone. They can eat what they like because the company pays the bill.
When a man and woman want to get to know each other better, they often go out to a restaurant together. After all it's easier to talk in a quiet atmosphere with soft music, wine and good food. Most British families only go to restaurants on special occasions, like birthdays or wedding anniversaries.
For visitors to London, eating out can be fun. But if you want that special feeling of London, go to the Ritz in Picadilly for tea any afternoon at about half past four. And you'll see that the prices are very high.
Then you can try England's favourite food-fish and chips. Take it away and eat where you like — in the park, on the bus or while you walk down the street. British restaurants have not always been famous for their good food.
Too often, they offered only fried food and chips with everything. But now healthy food is in fashion.
Рестораны Лондона
Британцы переняли хорошее со всего мира. Вы можете отведать китайскую, индийскую, итальянскую и греческую кухню в любом большом городе. Здесь фантастическое разнообразие ресторанов.
В основном, посетители ресторана — деловые люди, которые встречаются, чтобы поговорить здесь о бизнесе в расслабляющей обстановке, без телефона. В конце концов разговор идет легче в тихой обстановке со спокойной музыкой, вином и хорошей едой. Они могут есть, что хотят, потому что компания платит по счету.
Когда мужчина и женщина хотят лучше узнать друг друга, они часто идут в ресторан. Большинство английских семей ходят в ресторан по особым случаям, таким как дни рождения или годовщина свадьбы.
Для приезжих еда вне дома в Лондоне может показаться забавной. Если вы хотите испытать то особенное чувство Лондона, сходите в "Риц" на Пикадилли выпить чаю в любой день около половины пятого. И вы увидите, что цены очень высокие.
Тогда вы можете попробовать любимую английскую еду — рыбу и чипсы. Купите ее и ешьте где хотите — в парке, в автобусе или идя по улице. Британские рестораны не всегда были известны вкусными блюдами.
Очень часто они предлагали только жареные блюда и чипсы ко всему. Но сейчас в моде здоровая пища.
Vocabulary:
1. Where are you able to eat Chinese, Indian and Italian food?
2. The restaurants' best customers are business people, aren't they?
3. When do British families go to a restaurant?
4. What can you tell about Ritz?
5. Is healthy food in fashion now?
Vocabulary:
customer — посетитель
occasion — событие
wedding anniversary — годовщина свадьбы
price — цена
to offer — предлагать
The Climate of Great Britain - Климат Великобритании (1)
The Climate of Great Britain (1)
Great Britain is situated on islands. It is washed by seas from all sides. That's why the climate and the nature of Great Britain is very specific. The popular belief that it rains all the time in Britain is simply not true. In fact, London gets no more rain in a year than most other major European cities. Generally speaking, the further west you go, the more rain you get. The mild winters mean that snow is a regular feature of the higher areas only. The winters are in general a bit colder in the east of the country than they are in the west. While in summer, the south is slightly warmer and sunnier than the north. Besides Britain is famous for I fogs. Sometimes fogs are so thick that it is impossible to see anything within 2 or 3 metres.
Why has Britain's climate got such bad reputation? Maybe it is for the same reason that British people always seem to be talking about the weather. There is a saying that Britain doesn't have a climate, it only has weather. You can never be sure of a fry day, though it may not rain very much altogether. There can be cool and even cold days in July and some quite warm days in January.
The weather changes very often. Mark Twain said about America: "If you like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes" but it is more likely to have been said about England. The lack of extremes is the reason why on the few occasions when it gets genuinely hot or freezing cold, the country seems to be totally unprepared for it. A bit of snow, a few days of frost and the trains stop. working and the roads are blocked. If the thermometer goes above 2ГС, people behave as if they were in Sahara and the temperature makes front-page headlines. These things happen so seldom that it is not worth organizing life to be ready for them. Everyone who comes to Great Britain says that it looks like one great beautiful park. The British people love their country and take care of it.
Климат Великобритании (1)
Великобритания расположена на островах. Со всех сторон она омывается морями. Поэтому климат и природа Великобритании очень специфичны. Распространенное мнение о том, что в Британии все время идет дождь, не совсем верное. На самом деле в Лондоне за год выпадает не больше осадков, чем в большинстве других европейских городов. В целом, чем дальше на запад, тем количество осадков больше. Мягкие зимы предполагают наличие снега только на возвышенностях. Зимы в общем более холодны на востоке страны, чем на западе. В то же время летом на юге теплее и солнечнее, чем на севере. Кроме этого, Британия знаменита своими туманами. Иногда туманы такие густые, что невозможно что-нибудь увидеть на расстоянии 2 или 3 метров.
Почему климат Британии имеет такую плохую репутацию? Может быть, это потому, что британцы, кажется, постоянно говорят о погоде. Существует поговорка, что Британия не имеет климата, она имеет только погоду. Вы никогда не можете быть уверены, что будет сухой день, хотя может и не быть сильного дождя. Могут быть прохладные и даже холодные дни в июле и теплые дни в январе.
Погода меняется очень часто. Марк Твен сказал про Америку: "Если вам не нравится погода в Новой Англии, подождите несколько минут", но это больше похоже на сказанное про Англию. Отсутствие резких контрастов - причина того, что в некоторых случаях, когда становится очень жарко или холодно, страна кажется неподготовленной к этому. Немного снега и несколько дней мороза - и перестают ходить поезда, а дороги оказываются заблокированными. Если термометр показывает больше 2ТС, люди ведут себя, как в Сахаре, а температура воздуха становится темой первых страниц газет. Но эти вещи случаются так редко, что нет смысла специально к этому готовиться. Каждый, кто приезжает в Англию, говорит, что она выглядит как один большой красивый парк. Англичане любят свою страну и заботятся о ней.
Questions:
1. Why is the climate and the nature of Great Britain very specific?
2. What is Britain famous for?
3. Why has Britain's climate got such a bad reputation?
4. The weather in Britain is very changeable, isn't it?
5. Does it rain often?
Vocabulary:
feature - особенность
genuinely - неподдельно
fog - туман
headline - заголовок
The Climate of Great Britain - Климат Великобритании (2)
The Climate of Great Britain (2)
The common ideas people have about the weather in Britain are: "It rains all the time, it's very damp"; "There's a terrible fog in London, just like in Sherlok Holmes'...", "The sun never shines in July or August".
Britain has a variable climate. The weather changes so frequently that it is difficult to forcast. It is not unusual for people to complain that the weathermen were wrong. Fortunately, as Britain does not experience extreme weather conditions, it is never very cold or very hot. The temperature rarely rises above 32°C (DOT) in summer, or falls below 10°C (14°F) in winter.
Summers are generally cool, but due to global warming they are starting drier and hotter. Newspapers during a hot spell talk of "heatwaves" and an "Indian summer" (dry, hot weather in September and October). Hot weather causes terrible congestion on the roads as Britons rush to the coastal resorts. Winters are generally mild, with the most frequent and prolonged snowfalls in the Scottish Highlands, where it is possible to go skiing. If it does snow heavily in other parts of Britain, the country often comes to a standstill. Trains, buses and planes are late. People enjoy discussing the snow, complaining about the cold and comparing the weather conditions with previous winters.
Contrary to popular opinion, it does not rain all the time. There is certainly steady rainfall throughout most of the year, but the months from September to January are the wettest. Thanks to the rain, Britain's countryside is famous for its deep green colour.
Since the 1950's, most British cities have introduced clean air zones. Factories and houses cannot burn coal and must use smokeless fuel. The dirt caused by smoke used to cause terrible fogs, particularly in London. Such fogs are now a thing of the past, but you can still see them in old films where they add mystery and atmosphere to murder stories and thrillers.
Климат Великобритании (2)
Обычно люди имеют следующие представления о погоде в Британии: «Постоянно идет дождь и очень сыро»; «В Лондоне ужасно туманно, точно как в «Шерлоке Холмсе...»; «В июне и августе никогда не светит солнце».
Климат в Британии изменчивый; Погода меняется так быстро, что трудно ее прогнозировать. Люди нередко жалуются, что синоптики ошибаются. К счастью, в Британии не наблюдаются крайние погодные условия, никогда не бывает очень холодно и очень жарко. Температура редко поднимается выше 32 "С (90 Т) летом и не падает ниже 10 °С (14 Т) зимой.
Лето в основном прохладное, но благодаря всеобщему потеплению оно становится суше и жарче. Во время жары газеты пишут о «тепловых волнах» и «бабьем лете» (сухая и жаркая погода в сентябре и октябре). Из-за жаркой погоды образуются заторы на дорогах, так как британцы спешат к прибрежным курортам. Зимы обычно мягкие, с частыми и длительными снегопадами в горах Шотландии, где можно покататься на лыжах. Если же идет сильный снег в других частях Британии, жизнь в стране останавливается. Поезда, автобусы, самолеты опаздывают. Людям нравится говорить о снеге, жаловаться на холод и сравнивать погодные условия с предыдущими зимами.
В противовес бытующему мнению, дождь не идет постоянно. Конечно же, идут ливни большую часть года, но месяцы с сентября по январь — самые дождливые. Благодаря дождям сельская местность Британии славится своей яркой зеленью.
С пятидесятых годов британские города ввели зоны чистого воздуха. На заводах и в домах запрещается жечь уголь, необходимо использовать топливо, .которое не дымится и не дает копоти при сжигании. Грязь, образующаяся от дыма, способствовала образованию сильных туманов, особенно в Лондоне. Такие туманы сейчас уже в прошлом, но их еще можно увидеть в старых фильмах, где они придают таинственность историям об убийствах и триллерам.
Questions:
1. What are common ideas about the weather in Britain?
2. What is the climate of Britain like?
3. Why are summers starting drier and hotter?
4. What does hot weather cause?
5. What are winters like?
6. Why do people enjoy discussing the snow?
7. Does it rain all the time?
8. What are the wettest months?
Vocabulary:
to complain — жаловаться
to come to a standstill — останавливаться
to rise — подниматься
spell — короткие промежутки времени
frequent — частый
snowfall — снегопад
to compare — сравнивать
mystery — тайна
to cause — вызывать
British theatres (Британские театры)
Until recently the history of the English theatre has been build around actors rather then companies. It has been hard to find any London theatre that even had a consistent policy. There are no permanent staff in British theatres. Apply is rehearsed for a few weeks by a company of actors working together mostly for the first time and it is allowed to run as long as it draws the odious and pays it's way.
Another peculiarity of the theatres in Great Britain is an follows: there are two kinds of seats, which can be booked an advanced (bookable), and unbookable once have no numbers and the spectators occupy them on the principal: first come - first served. And ancient times plays were acted inside churches and later on the market places.
The first theatre in England "The Blackfries" build in 1576, and "The Globe" build in 1599, which is closely connected with William Shakespeare. Speaking about our times we should first of all mention "The English National theatre", "The Royal Shakespeare company" and "Covent Garden".
"Covent Garden" used to be a fashionable promenade - it was, before then, a convent garden - but when it became overrun with flower-sellers, orange-vendors and vegetable width=100%-growers, the people moved to more exclusive surroundings farther west, such as "St. Jame's Square".
The first "Covent Garden theatre" was build in 1732. It was burnt down in 1808 and rebuild exactly a year after. It opened in September 1809, with hakespeare's "Macbeth". Since the middle of the last century "Covent Garden" became exclusively devoted to opera.
Now "Covent Garden" in busier than ever, it is one of the few well-known opera houses open for 11 months of the year and it employs over 600 people both of the Opera company and the Royal Ballet.
Customs and traditions of English speaking countries (Обычаи и традиции англоязычных стран)
Every country and every nation has it's own traditions and customs. It's very important to know traditions and customs of different people. It will help you to know more about the history and life of different nations and countries. One cannot speak about England without speaking about it's traditions and customs .They are very important in the life of English people .Englishman are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. There are six public holidays a year in G.B. Christmas day is one of their favorite holidays .It's celebrated on the 25-th of December. There are some traditions connected with it. One of them is to give presents to each other. It is not only children and members of family. It's a tradition to give Christmas presents to the people you work with. Another tradition is to send Christmas cards. All these cards are brightly and colored. Most of big cities of G.B., especially London, are decorated with colored lights and Christmas trees. On Trafalgar Square, in the center of London stands a big Christmas tree. It is a gift from the people of Oslo. It is over 50 feet high. Many families celebrate Christmas day in the open air near the Christmas tree in order to catch the spirit of Christmas. Children find Christmas presents in their stockings. The traditional English dinner on Christmas is turkey and pudding. Other great holidays are: Father’s day, Mother’s day, Halloween and other.
Travelling
One can travel by air, by rail, by sea or by road. Those, who wish to travel, either for pleasure or on business, have at their disposal various means of transport, for instance, bicycles, motorcycles, motor-cars, boats, ships, helicopters and others. IF you need to get any place of the world in a short time, you should choose plane. Travelling by air is the fastest and the most convenient way of travelling, but it is the most expensive one. Most people prefer travelling by train, as it is cheaper and more convenient. Travelling by train is slower than by plain, but i has its advantages. You can see much more interesting places of the country you are travelling through. Modern trains have very comfortable seats. There are also sleeping cars and dining cars, which make even the longest journey enjoyable. Everyone knows the speed of sea liners is much slower than that of plains, but on board of ship there are all facilities to enjoy your trip: tennis and badminton grounds, swimming pools, cinema and dancing hall. I think that it is not an easy task to make the right choice of a job. I have known for a long time that leaving school is the beginning of my independent life, the beginning of a far more serious examination of my abilities and character.
Перевод текста: Travelling
Можно поехать воздушным путем, по железной дороге, морским путем или дорогой. Те, кто желает путешествовать, или для удовольствия или по делу, имеют в их распоряжении различные средства транспорта, например, велосипеды, мотоциклы, автомобили, лодки, суда, вертолеты и другие. ЕСЛИ Вы должны получить какое-нибудь место мира в скором времени, Вы должны выбрать самолет. Путешествие воздушным путем является самым быстрым и самый удобный способ поехать, но это - самый дорогой. Большинство людей предпочитает путешествовать поездом, поскольку это более дешево и более удобно. Путешествие поездом медленнее чем равниной, но я имею ее преимущества. Вы можете видеть намного более интересные места страны, по которой Вы путешествуете через. Современные поезда имеют очень удобные места. Есть также спальные вагоны и вагоны - рестораны, которые совершают даже самую длинную поездку приятной. Каждый знает, что скорость морских лайнеров намного медленнее чем та из равнин, но на правлении судна есть все средства обслуживания обладать вашей поездкой: теннис и основания бадминтона, плавательные бассейны, кино и танцующий зал. Я думаю, что это не легкая задача сделать правильный выбор из работы. Я знал в течение долгого времени, что отъезд школы - начало моей независимой жизни, начало намного более серьезной экспертизы моих способностей и характера.
Travelling
Almost all people are fond of travelling. It is very interesting to see new places, another towns and countries. People may travel either for pleasure or on business. The-re are various methods of travelling. For me there is nothing like travel by air; it is more comfortable, more convenient and, of course, far quicker than any other method. There is none of the dust and dirt of a railway or car journey, none of the trouble of changing from train to steamer and then to another train.
With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable seat of a railway carriage you have a splendid view of the whole country-side. If you are hungry, you can have a meal in the dining-car; and if a journey is a long one you can have a wonderful bed in a sleeper.
Travelling by ship is also very popular now. It is very pleasant to feel the deck of the ship under the feet, to see the rise and fall of the waves, to feel the fresh sea wind blowing in the face and hear the cry of the seagulls.
Many people like to travel by car. It is interesting too, because you can see many filings in a short time, you can stop when and where you like, you do not have to buy tickets or carry your suitcases.
A very popular method of travelling is hiking. It is travelling on foot. Walking tours are very interesting. Hitch-hiking is a very popular method of travelling among young people. But it is not so popular in our country as abroad.
Перевод текста: Travelling
Почти все люди любят путешествие. Очень интересно видеть новые места, другой города и страны. Люди могут путешествовать или для удовольствия или по делу. Есть различные методы путешествия. Для меня нет ничего как путешествие воздушным путем; это более удобно, более удобно и, конечно, намного более быстро чем любой другой метод. Нет ни одной из пыли и грязи железной дороги или автомобильной поездки, ни одна из неприятности измениться от поезда до парохода и затем на другой поезд.
С поездом Вы имеете скорость, комфорт и объединенное удовольствие. От удобного места железнодорожного вагона Вы имеете роскошное представление целой сельской местности. Если Вы хотите есть, Вы можете иметь пищу в вагон-ресторане; и если поездка - длинный, Вы можете иметь замечательную кровать в спящем.
Путешествие судном также очень популярно теперь. Очень приятно чувствовать палубу судна под ногами, видеть повышение и падение волн, чувствовать, что новый морской ветер дует в лице и слышит крик чаек.
Много людей любят путешествовать на машине. Это интересно также, потому что Вы можете видеть много регистрации в скором времени, Вы можете остановиться, когда и где Вы любите, Вы не должны купить билеты или нести ваши чемоданы.
Очень популярный метод путешествия путешествует пешком. Это едет пешком. Гуляющие туры очень интересны. Передвижение автостопом - очень популярный метод путешествия среди молодых людей. Но это не столь популярно в нашей стране как за границей.
Travelling
Modern life is impossible without travelling. People can travel by rail, by sea, by road, by air.
As for me I prefer travelling by car. Every year my parents and I go somewhere to the South for holidays.
The Black Sea is one of the most wonderful places, which attracts holidaymakers all over the world. We often go on excursions. It's interesting for me to go sightseeing and to see ancient monuments and many places of historical interest. As a rule I make new friends there. I never feel bored when I travel, because I always have good companions. Time passes quickly and soon we have to make our way back. We return home sunburnt and full of impressions. I think travelling and sightseeing help me get to know the world around us.
Travelling
Modern life is impossible without travelling. Thousands of people travel every day either on bussines or for pleasure. They can travel by air, by rail, by see or by road.
Travelling by air is the fastest and the most convinient way, but it is the most expensive too. To my mind travelling by train is more interesting. You can see interesting places of the country you are travellin throught. Modern trains have very comfortable seats. There are also sleeping carriages and a dining- carrige which make even the longest journey enjoyable.
Travelling by sea is very popular. On board of ship you can enjoy your trip. There are tennis and badminton grounds, a swimming-pool, a sinema and a dancing hall there. Some people prefer travelling by car. If you heve your own car you may go to the Black Sea, where there are a lot of rest-houses, sanatoriums and tourist camps. In the daytime you can have a nice opportunity to play voleyball, swim in the warm water of the sea and sunbathe. In the evening you like to sit on the beach watching the sea and enjoying the sunset.
As for me I'm a hiker. I like to go on a hike to the mountins or to the forest. You go agree with me that it is pleasant to gather mushrooms and berries in the forest, swim in the river, make a fire and prepare meals on it. On my week-end I take a tent, a rucksack and go to railway station take the train. In an hour I find myself out of noisy city. The air is fresh, birds sing their merry songs. To make my long story short I'd like to say that travelling is one of my hobbies. Travelling helps me to see to coutry-side better, to know about customs and traditions of the Republic, to meet people and make friends with them.
Travelling
Every people on all over the world like travel. It's oldest kind of resting people are contrive many ways of travelling by car, bus, ship, plane, aeronautic, on foots. And many other ways.
But the oldest one is to travel on foots.
My live is not so long. But I travel all of this way . Each of this kind of travel good by its own way. To travel on your own foots for example kind when you may take care about you health because you can go every there, in mountains, forest look in a beautiful views, breathe with clear saturation ozone air. Sitting near fire and listening animals, nature and guitar.
Travelling lets people to meet the places of interest on over the world. Try different foods, listening to different music. And in general to know many more about countries.
You can do it. Make your choice. Which kind of travelling do you choose it's no so important.
Travelling
Modern life is impossible without travelling. Thousands of people travel every day either on business or for pleasure. They can travel by air, by rail, by sea or by road.
Of course, travelling by air is the fastest and the most convenient way, but it is the most expensive too. Travelling by train is slower than by plane, but it has its advantages. You can see much more interesting places of the country you are travelling through. Modern trains have very comfortable seats. There are also sleeping cars and dining cars which make even the longest journey enjoyable. Speed, comfort and safety are the main advantages of trains and planes. That is why many people prefer them to all other means.
Travelling by sea is popular mostly for pleasure trips. On board large ships and small river boats people can visit foreign countries and different places of interest within their own country. It is very pleasant to see the rise and fall of the waves, to feel the fresh sea wind blowing and hear the cry of the seagulls. Trips on the Volga, the Dnieper, the Yenisei, the Black Sea are very popular today.
Many people like to travel by car. It is interesting too, because you can stop when and where you like, you do not have to buy tickets or carry your suitcases.
A very popular method of travelling is hiking. It is travelling on foot. Walking tours are very interesting. Hitch-hiking is a very popular method of travelling among young people. But it is not so popular in our country as abroad.
The Black Sea is one of the most wonderful places which attracts holiday-makers all over the world. There are many rest-homes, sanatoriums and tourist camps there. But it is also possible to rent a room or a furnished house for a couple of weeks there. Sometimes we place ourselves in a tent on the sea shore enjoying fresh air and the sun all day long. As a rule I make new friends there. In the daytime we play volleyball, tennis, swim in the warm water of the sea and sunbathe. In the evening I like to sit on the beach watching the sea and enjoying the sunset.
Travelling
People began to travel ages ago. The very first travellers were explorers who went on trips to find wealth, fame or something else. Their journeys were very dangerous but still people keep on going to the unknown lands.
Nowadays there are a lot of companies, which can organize your tour, or voyage wherever you like. They will take care about your tickets and make all the reservations needed. If you don't speak the language of the country you'll be given interpreters.
With modern services you can go around the world you can choose the means of transport you like: plain, train, ship, bicycle or you can travel hiking.
As for me I like travelling by car. It is a very convement type because you can stop wherever and whenever you like, have a better look at the places of interest and nature. Besides you need't reserve tour tickets, carry heavy suitcase.
Every year my parents and I go to the South for holidays. The Black Sea is one of the most wonderful places which attracts holiday-makers all over the world. There are many rest-homes, sanatoriums and tourist camps there. But it is also possible to rent a room or a furnished house for a couple of weeks there. As a rule I make new friends there. In the day-time we play volleyball, tennis, swim in the warm water of the sea and sunbathe. In the evening I like to sit on the beach watching the sea and enjoying the sunset.
But the greatest dream of my life is to go to the States and see most of its cities and sights. And of course study there at the prestigious university for some time.
Climate and Nature of Great Britain
The climate in Great Britain is generally mild and temperate due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. The south-western winds carry the warmth and moisture into Britain. The climate in Britain is usually described as cool, temperate and humid.
British people say: "Other countries have a climate, in England we have weather."
The weather in Britain changes very quickly. One day may be fine and the next day may be wet. The morning may be warm and the evening may be cool. Therefore it is natural for the people to use the comparison "as changeable as the weather" of a person who often changes his mood or opinion about something. The weather is the favourite topic of conversation in Britain. When two Englishmen are introduced to each other, if they can't think of any thing else to talk about, they talk about weather. When two people meet in the street they will often say something about weather as they pass, just to show their friendliness.
Every daily paper publishes a weather forecast. Both the radio and television give the weather forecast several times each day.
The English also say that they have three variants of weather: when it rains in the morning, when it rains in the afternoon or when in rains all day long. Sometimes it rains so heavily that they say "It's raining cats and dogs".
Rainfall is more or less even throughout the year. In the mountains there is heavier rainfall then in the plains of the south and east. The driest period is from March to June and the wettest months are from October to January. The average range of temperature (from winter to summer) is from 15 to 23 degrees above zero. During a normal summer the temperature sometimes rises above 30 degrees in the south. Winter temperatures below 10 degrees are rare. It seldom snows heavily in winter, the frost is rare. January and February are usually the coldest months, July and August the warmest. Still the wind may bring winter cold in spring or summer days. Sometimes it brings the whirlwinds or hurricanes. Droughts are rare.
So, we may say that the British climate has three main features: it is mild, humid and changeable. That means that it is never too hot or too cold. Winters are extremely mild. Snow may come but it melts quickly. In winter the cold is humid cold, not the dry one.
This humid and mild climate is good for plants. The trees and flowers begin to blossom early in spring.
In the British homes there has been no central heating up till recently. The fireplaces are often used. but the coal is not used as it's very expensive. Britain has no good coal now and imports it itself. Many schools and universities have no central heating either, and the floors there are made of stone. The British bedroom is especially cold, sometimes electric blankets or hotwater bottles are used.
Customs and Traditions in England
Almost every nation has a reputation of some kind. The English are reputed to be cold, reserved, rather haughty people. They are steady, easy-going and fond of sports. There are certain kinds of behavior, manners and customs which are peculiar to England.
The English are naturally polite and are never tired of saying < Thank you > and < I am sorry >. They are generally disciplined, you never hear loud talk in the street. They don't rush for seats in buses and trains, but they take their seats in queues at bus stops. English people do not shake hands when meeting one another, they do not show their emotions even in tragic situations. They seem to remain good-tempered and cheerful under difficulties.
The English are a nation of stay-at-homes. There is no place like home. The Englishman says < My house is my castle > because he doesn't wish his doings to be overlooked by his neighbours. It is true that English people prefer small houses, built for one family. The fire is the focus of the English Home. Other nations go out to cafes or cocktail bars. The fireplace is the natural centre of interest in the room. They like to sit round the fire and watch the dancing flames, exchanging the day's experience. In many houses you will still see fireplaces, sometimes with columns on each side and a shelf above it on which there is often a clock or a mirror or photos.
The love of gardens is deep-rooted in the British people. Most men's conversations are about gardens. It may be a discussion of the best methods of growing cucumbers, a talk about the plot which differs from all the others.
The British like growing plants in a window-box outside the kitchen or in the garden near the house. They love flowers very much.
Britain is a nation of animal lovers. They have about five million dogs, almost as many cats, 3 million parrots and other cage birds, aquarium fish - and 1 million exotic pets such as reptiles. In Britain they have special dog shops selling food, clothes and other things for dogs. There are dog hair-dressing saloons and dog cemetries. In Britain pets can send Christmas cards to their friends, birthday cards. Owners can buy for their pets jewelled nylon collars, lambswool coat for a dog, lace-trimmed panties, nightgowns, pyjamas, and so on. There are special animal hotels at the airports. The English people believe that they are the only nation on the earth that is really kind to its animals. How do they spend their week-ends.
Those who live in cities and towns like to go out of town. They may go to stay in the country. Every Englishman is fond of the countryside in a nice thatched cottage with roses round the porch and in the garden, the fresh air and bright sun. No crowds of people, silence and leisure.
Those who stay at home try to do all the jobs they, were too busy to do during the week. Some go shopping on Saturday mornings, some do the house - washing, cleaning. Some men do and watch sporting events.
Saturday evening is the best time for parties, dances, going to the cinema or theatre.
On Sunday after breakfast they may go to work in the garden take a dog for a walk, play a visit to a pub. Sunday is a day for inviting friends and relatives to afternoon tea.
There are some traditions concerning food. English cooking is heavy, substantial and plain. The Englishman likes a good breakfast. To him a good breakfast means porridge with, fish, bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade, tea or coffee. It is the same day to day. The English like their toast cold.
Tea is part of the prose of British life, as necessary as potatoes and bread. Seven cups of it wake you up in the morning, 9 cups will put you to sleep at night.
The midday meal is called lunch. This meal consists on week- days of stew, fried fish, chops, liver or sausages, vegetables. Rice and macaroni are seldom served. Then does an apple tart, or hot milk pudding. Sunday dinner is a special occasion, it is a joint of beef or lamb with vegetables. Then goes a large heavy pudding with custard. From 4 to 6 there is a very light meal called 5 o'clock tea. It is a snack of thin bread and butter and cups of tea with small cakes. This became a kind ritual. At this time everything stops for tea.
Dinner (usually at 6 p.m.) is much like lunch and is in many families the last meal of the day. Supper is a snack of bread and cheese and cocoa.
The English have a popular speciality known as fish and chips. They are bought at special fish and chips shops.
English Traditions
If you arrive in Great Britain you'll hear the word “tradition” everywhere. Englishmen have sentimental love for things and traditions. They never throw away old things.
In many houses in Great Britain they have fire-places and though their bedrooms are awfully cold, the English people do not want to have central heating because they do not want to have changes.
Therefore the Yeomen-Warders are dressed in traditional medieval clothes and the traditional dress of the Horse Guards regiment has existed since the twelfth century.
In the House of Lords of the British Parliament there are two rows of benches for lords and a sack of wool for the Lord Chancellor to sit on it. This is so because in the old times wool made England rich and powerful. In the House of Commons you will see two rows of benches for the two parties: the government on one side and the opposition — on the other. In front of the benches there is the strip on a carpet and when a member speaking in the House puts his foot beyond that strip, there is a shout “Order!”. This dates from the time when the members had swords on them and during the discussion might want to start fighting. The word “order” reminded them that no fighting was allowed in the House.
Another old custom remains from the time when there was a lot of robbers in London. In those days the shouting “Who goes home?” was often heard in the Houses of Parliament and the members went in groups along the dark narrow streets of the old city. In modem London with its well-lit streets the shouting “Who goes home?” is still heard.
Theatre in Great Britain
The centre of theatrical activity in Britain is London. There are some 48 principal theatres in or near the West End and some 8 in the suburbs. Most of the theatres are let to producing managements on a commercial basis but some are occupied by important subsided companies, including the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Companies.
The former stages classical and modem plays from all countries; the latter presents Shakespearean plays in Stratford-upon-Avon and a mixed repertoire in London. Many non-repertoire theatres outside London present all kinds of drama and many also put on variety shows and other entertainment. Music in all its forms — pop music, folk music, jazz, light music and brass bands — plays an important role in British cultural life.
The widespread interest in classical music is reflected in the large audiences at orchestral concerts and at performances of opera, ballet and chamber music. Regular seasons of opera and ballet are given at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. Seasons of opera and operetta in English are given by the English National Opera.
There are several thousands of amateur dramatic societies in Britain (some 200 amateur youth theatres among them). Most Universities have active amateur drama clubs and societies.