It’s interesting to know

The heaviest currency ever was stone disks used on the Pacific island of Yap up to the outbreak of World War II. Most of the disks were one foot wide, but one denomination had a width of twelve feet and, when used for purchasing, was transported on a pole. Change was given in smaller stone disks.

In contrast, the lightest-weight money was rare types of feathers, used in New Hebrides. Also, for centuries salt circulated as money, especially in Ethiopia, and the Romans used it to pay their workers, hence the word "salary" which evolved from "salt". And in Borneo, as recently as the nineteenth century, human skulls were legal money.

Unit XIV. Traveling

Vocabulary

1. arrival – прибытие

2. beseasick– страдать морской болезнью

3. boarding – посадка

4. book tickets in advance – заказать билеты

5. booking-office – касса

6. cabin – каюта

7. call at a port – заходить в порт

8. car with reserved seats – плацкартный вагон

9. carriage – вагон

10. change from… to – пересесть с … на

11. chargefor– взимать плату за

12. cloak-room– камера хранения

13. convenient– удобный

14. cruise– морской круиз

15. Customs– таможня

16. customsduties– таможенные пошлины

17. deck– палуба

18. departure– отправление

19. diningcar– вагон-ресторан

20. duty-free– не подлежащий обложению таможенными пошлинами

21. fare– плата за проезд

22. fastenseatbelts– пристегните ремни

23. harbor– гавань, порт

24. highway– шоссе, магистраль

25. hike– пешеходный поход

26. hitch-hike– путешествовать автостопом

27. journey– путешествие, поездка (длительная)

28. localtrain– пригородный поезд

29. luggage– багаж

30. porter– носильщик

31. porthole– иллюминатор

32. prohibitedarticleslist– список запрещенных товаров

33. refreshmentroom– буфет

34. returnticket– билет в оба конца

35. seesmboff– провожать

36. sleeper– спальный вагон

37. splendidview– прекрасный вид

38. tag– бирка

39. thrilling– волнующий, захватывающий

40. travelagency– бюро путешествий

41. traveling– путешествие

42. trip– путешествие, поездка (короткая)

43. upper/lower berth – верхняя/нижняя полка

44. voyage – путешествие по морю

45. waiting room – зал ожидания

Ex. 1. Read and translate the text

DIFFERENT MEANS OF TRAVEL

Alex: Personally I hate seeing people off. I prefer being seen off myself. I'm extremely fond of traveling and feel terri­bly envious of any friend who is going anywhere. I can't help feeling I should so much like to be in his place.

Bert: But what method of traveling do you prefer?

A.: For me there is nothing like travel by air; it is 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. Besides, flying is a thrilling thing. Don't you agree?

В.: I think I’d like to say a word or two for trains. With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure com­bined. From the comfortable corner seat of a railway car­riage you have a splendid view of the whole countryside. If you are hungry, you can have a meal in the dining-car; and if the journey is a long one you can have a wonderful bed in a sleeper. Besides, do you know any place that's more inter­esting than a big railway-station? There is the movement, the excitement, the gaiety of people going away or waiting to meet friends. There are the shouts of the porters as they pull luggage along the platforms to the waiting trains, the crowd at the booking-office getting tickets, the hungry and thirsty ones hurrying to the refreshment rooms before the train starts. No, really! Do you know a more exciting place than a big railway-station?

Cecil: I do.

A: And that is?

C: A big sea port. For me there is no travel so fine as by boat, I love to feel the deck of the boat under my feet, to see the rise and fall of the waves, to feel the fresh sea wind blowing in my face and hear the cry of the sea-gulls. And what excitement, too, there is in coming into the harbor and seeing round us all the ships, steamers, cargo-ships, sail­ing ships, rowing boats.

A.: Well, I suppose that's all right for those that like it, but not for me. I'm always seasick, especially when the sea is a little bit rough.

В.: I've heard that a good cure for seasickness is a small piece of dry bread.

A.: Maybe, but I think a better cure is a large piece of dry land.

David: Well, you may say what you like about plane flights, sea voyages, railway journeys or tours by car, but give me a walking tour any time. What does the motorist see of the country? But the walker leaves the dull broad highway and goes along little winding lanes where cars can't go. He takes mountain paths through the heather, he wanders by the side of quiet lakes and through the shade of woods. He sees the real country, the wild flowers, the young birds in their nests, the deer in the forest; he feels the quietness and calm of nature. And besides, you are saving your railway fare traveling on foot. No one can deny that walking is the cheapest method of traveling. So I say: a walking tour is for me.

Ex. 2. Find the following words and word combinations in the text

провожать людей, завидовать, пыль железных дорог, пересадка с поезда на пароход, захватывающий, вагон поезда, прекрасный вид, вагон-ресторан, спальный вагон, носильщик, буфет, палуба, чайка, страдать морской болезнью, сухарь, автомобилист, вереск, спокойствие природы, плата за проезд, самый дешевый способ путешествовать.

Ex. 3. Notes on synonyms

The act of traveling can be described by a number of synonyms which differ by various implications. They all describe the act of going from one place to another (that is why they are synonyms), but differ by the length of time taken by that act, by its purpose, destination or by the method of traveling.

travel n: the act of traveling, esp. a long one in distant or foreign places, either for the purpose of discovering some­thing new or in search of pleasure and adventure; e. g. He is writing a book about his travels in Africa.

journey л: the act of going from one place to another, usu­ally taking a rattier long time; e. g. It's a three days' journey by train. You'll have to make the journey alone. Going on a journey is always exciting.

voyage: a rather long journey, esp. by water or air; e.g. I'd love to go on a voyage, would you? The idea of an Atlantic voyage terrified her: she was sure to be seasick all the time.

trip n: a journey, an excursion, freq. a brief one, made by land or water; e. g. Did you enjoy your week-end trip to the seaside?

tour л: a journey in which a short stay is made at a num­ber of places (usu. with the view of sightseeing), the trave­ler finally returning to the place from which he had started; e, g. On our Southern-England tour we visited Windsor, Ox­ford, Cambridge, Stratford-on-Avon and then came back to London.

cruise [kru:z] a sea voyage from port to port, esp. a plea­sure trip; e. g. The Mediterranean cruise promised many in­teresting impressions.

hitch-hiking n: traveling by getting free rides in passing automobiles and walking between rides; e. g. Hitch-hiking is a comparatively new way of traveling which gives one a chance to see much without spending anything.

Ex. 4. Fill in appropriate words (voyage, trip, tour, cruise, hitch-hiking, travel, journey)

I. I'd be delighted to go on a sea ..., but my wife has never been a good sailor, so we can't join you. 2. Last week we made a wonderful ... to the mountains. It took us four hours by coach. 3. The Italian ... was really exciting. We visited a number of wonderful towns and then returned to Rome. The ... back to Moscow by railway took us about three days. 4. It is delightful to come ashore after a long … and to feel solid ground under one's foot. 5. Many times on his long … in the depths of Africa, in the jungle of the Amazon he faced danger, starvation and death. 6. At the beginning of the last century going from Petersburg to Moscow was described as "…". Now we can chose … by night train, a six hours' ... by day train or an air... of an hour and a half. 7. I'm just reading a very amusing book about a pleasure party making a Caribbean… in somebody's yacht. 8. Young people are naturally fond of … as a way of visiting new places and see­ing things: it is cheap and gives one a feeling of freedom and infinite horizons. 9. I'm told you're going on a … to the Far East. 10. They're planning a ... of some Baltic resorts. They've a new car, you know. 11. You're looking pale. A … to the seaside will do you good.

Ex. 5.Complete the sentences with one of the following expressions.

1. When I was flying to Kiev our plane............................and I was sick.

a) hit an airpocket; b) made a landing

2. Last summer some of my friends............................to the Far East.

a) made a trip; b) got ashore

3. We weighed anchor and............................for Odessa.

a) set sail; b) settle the matter

4. The plane .........................and soon stopped.

a) raised the gangway; b) touched the ground

5. When the ship called at the port the sailors.............................

a) got tired; b) got ashore

6. When the train started I.............................

a) occupied my berth; b) paid the duties

7. I saved a lot of money for my voyage and could afford to.............................

a) have lunch; b) have a state-room

8. My mother prefers to have a seat.............................

a) first class sleeper; b) facing the engine

Ex. 6. Translate the following into English:

В какие порты будет заходить «Победа»? Зайдет ли она в Дувр? 2. Я не очень люблю морские путешествия. Я плохо перено­шу море и всегда страдаю морской болезнью. 3. Сегодня вечером наш пароход зайдет в Неаполь. Там мы пересядем в поезд и завтра будем в Риме. 4. Он не мог позволить себе ехать на поезде. Плата за проезд была слишком высока. Домой он добирался пешком и на попутных машинах. 5. В прошлом месяце группа наших студентов совершила интересную поездку по Англии. 6. Море было бурное, и несколько дней пассажиры не выходили из кают. Некоторые из них накануне хвастали, что не знают, что такое морская болезнь. Но и они не показывались на палубе. 7. Свое первое путешествие, он совершил на борту старого грузового судна, направлявшегося в Европу. 8. В поезде был всего лишь один спальный вагон, в кото­ром не было ни одного свободного места. Вагона-ресторана не было совсем. Начало поездки нельзя было считать удачным. 9. У вас есть билет на поезд прямого сообщения? Терпеть не могу пересадок, особенно если много багажа.

Ex. 7. Choose the best word to complete the sentences.

1. There is no through train to Berlin. You'll have to trains.

a) find; b) change; c) call; d) check

2. It is always very convenient to book tickets in .

a) a day; b) advance; c) yesterday; d) afterwards

3. Do I have to pay for a camera?

a) cash; b) duty; c) currency; d) fine

4. My suitcase is too heavy. I want a for my baggage.

a) porter; b) waiter; c) attendant; d) mate

5. Our plane is to ......... at 4 sharp.

a) put on; b) take off; c) put up; d) check in

6. Every summer I buy to some exotic country.

a) traveling; b) a cottage; c) a package tour; d) accommodation

7. Don't worry, we have enough time to ...the train.

a) cash; b) miss; c) occupy; d) get

8. I don't like to take much luggage with me. I prefer to travel .

a) hard; b) light; c) easy; d) hardly

Ex. 8. Read the text and decide which word from the box best fits each numbered space.

a) take off; b) a flight; c) way back; d) delayed; e) the runway; f) an announcement; g) the airport; h) the plane; i) business trip; j) caused

When Charles was in Athens on his (1).....................................to the States from a (2)............................... ... he had a disastrous experience at (3)................................He was waiting for (4)....................................to New York when (5)....................................was made to say that (6)....................................was (7)............. .......................due to technical problems. Half an hour before that another announcement said there was to be a delay (8) ....................................by air condition. In the end the plane had sat on (9) ........................ ............ for at least an hour before it was ready to (10).....................................It had been ages since he had felt so angry.

Ex. 9. Let’s discuss

1. What means of travel do you know? 2. Why are many people fond of traveling? 3. Why do some people like trav­eling by train? 4. Do you like traveling by train? What makes you like/dislike it? 5. What are the advantages of a sea-voyage? 6. What are the advantages of hitch-hiking? 7. What kind of people usually objects to traveling by sea? 8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by air? Have you ever traveled by air? How do you like it? 9. What do you think about walking tours? 10. What is, in your opinion, the most enjoyable means of travel? 11. What way of traveling affords most comfort for elderly people? (Give your reasons.) 12. Do you think travel helps a person to become wiser?

Ex. 10. Role-playing.

Work in groups of four or five:

You are a family deciding on the type of holiday you will go on next summer. Then report to the other families on your final decision, explaining the reasons for your choice. Point out advantages and disadvantages, giving warning based on personal experience.

Ex. 11. Read the dialogue and dramatize it

Charles.Good old Austin. I love her. Look how she runs.

Mary.Got enough petrol, Charles?

Charles. Yes, I filled up at the service station before you were up.

James. Margaret! This is a very pleasant way of seeing the country.

Margaret. Isn't it lovely, James?

James. But expensive.

Charles. Not at all. Think of what you save on railway fares.

James. Yes, but the repairs...

Charles. They don't amount to much. Lovely road. Smooth as a billiard table. I must say our main roads are as good as any in Europe. Now where are we? Who's got the map? (They run into a small country town with narrow streets.)

Margaret. Oh, James, isn't it pretty!

Charles. One-way traffic here. I'm not quite sure of the way. I suppose we'll find the local police force in the marketplace. Here he is. (To the policeman.) Can you tell me the way to Chiddingford?

Policeman. Yes, sir. Straight on for about a mile, as far as the "Spotted Dog", then turn to the left and take the next turning to the right by the "Red Lion".

Charles. Thanks. Good morning, Sergeant. (To his friends.) I wonder, why country policemen always direct you by pubs? Now watch. I'm going to pass that lorry.

Margaret. Oh, Charles. Do be careful!

Charles. Don't get nervous, Margaret. With me at the wheel you are safe.

James. That was nearly a skid.

Charles. When you've got a car of your own, James, you'll never take your foot off the accelerator. What was that? Oh, heavens! A puncture! No luck. I'll have to put the spare wheel on. Out you and admire the view.

safe - безопасный; skid - "занос", боковое скольжение; Oh, heavens! - О, боже! ; puncture - прокол; spare - запасной; to admire - любоваться, восхищаться; view - вид.

Ex. 12. What is the English for:

Заправиться, вовсе нет, сэкономить на, одностороннее движение, полагаю, узкие улицы, основная дорога, повернуть налево, обогнать грузовик, будь осторожен, не нервничай, быть в безопасности, иметь собственный автомобиль,, любоваться пейзажем (видами).

Ex. 13. Now listen to the dialogue and answer the questions.

1. Why is Norman’s mother fussing?

2. What things go to the suit case the last moment?

3. What is a label?

4. Where did Norman put his passport?

5. Who is meeting Norman at the airport?

6. When is Norman coming back?

Ex. 14. Listen and insert the missing words into the dialogues.

Mike: Oh, dear, this _______ is full. I can't find an _________ seat at all. There aren't any seats in this carriage. I must try the next carriage. This one isn't too bad and this part is almost empty. There is only one girl on this _____... Excuse me, is this seat _____?

Girl: No, I am afraid, not. That's my friend's seat but there's enough ____ here.

Mike: Oh, good. By the way, this is the Pushkin _____, isn't it?

Girl: That's right. Ah, here is my friend.

Mike: Mary! What are you doing here?

Mary: Oh, hello, Mike! This is my friend Ann. We are going to her __________ in Pushkin.

Mike: Well, isn't it funny? I'm going there too. My parents are there, actually.

Mary: Is the train __________ now?

Ann: Yes, I think so.

2.

- Hello, Helen! You seem to have a lot of ___________ with you. Don't you want a porter for your case?

- I’d rather not. It’s not _________.

- Going far?

- All the way. I'm going to Kiev.

- Got a __________?

- No.

- You ought to have a sleeper going all the way like that. Two ______ on a train. It's no joke.

3.

A: It took us a lot of time to get our __________ through the Customs, didn't it?

B: Oh, yes. I hate the Customs formalities.

A: Now let's forget all about it and have a good rest. Do you mind sitting in these ______-chairs?

B: Not at all. I generally prefer to stay on deck. It's always so stuffy in those _________.

A: Sure. Is this your first ________ to France?

B: No. I've been there before.

A: I'm afraid the crossing might be rough.

B: I don't think so. The sun is shining brightly and there is no wind.

4.

Ground hostess: Your boarding _______, please.

John: Just a minute. Oh, here it is, in my pocket.

Ground hostess: Thank you. Please look after it. You'll need it again on the aircraft. Now, will you please join those __________ queuing over there?

John: Why, what's wrong?

Ground hostess: Oh, nothing to worry about. It's just our normal security __________, it won't take more than a few minutes.

John: Oh, very well then.

Security officer: May I see your hand ___________, please?

John: Yes, but do be careful. I have a vase there.

Security officer: It'll be all right. Now, will you walk between these two posts, please?

John: What is all this?

Security officer: It's a ___________ device that shows us if anyone is carrying any metal.

John: Interesting. What was that bell?

Security officer: Have you got anything in your right pocket?

John: Yes, my bunch of keys.

Security officer: May I have them, please? Now just ________ through again, please.

John: No bell. It was the keys that made it ring, then?

Security officer: That's right. Here are your keys back. Now walk down there, please, and ____ the plane.

Ex. 15. Translate the dialogues from Russian into English

Регистрация в аэропорту.

А: Наконец-то мы в аэропорту. Когда регистрация?

В: В 9.15. Но здесь столько регистрационных стоек. Куда нам идти?

А: Вот туда. Видишь на табло номер нашего рейса?

В: Там слишком много народа.

А: Ничего. Очередь двигается очень быстро... Вот мой билет и паспорт.

С: Спасибо. Поставьте, пожалуйста, багаж на весы. Все нормально. Ваш багаж не превышает 20 кг. Вот вам бирка ручную кладь; привяжите ее к вашей сумке.

А: Извините, а задержки рейсов не ожидается?

C: Нет, все по расписанию. Взлет ровно в 10.30. Возьмите ваш посадочный талон. Ряд 15, место А. A: Это около иллюминатора?

C: Да.

A: Простите за назойливость. Перелет до Нью-Йорка довольно долгий. Будет ли у нас еще где-нибудь посадка?

C: Да, самолет приземлится в Шенноне для дозаправки. Вам придется подождать около часа в здании аэропорта.

A: Спасибо. И последний вопрос. Когда мы прибудем в Нью-Йорк?

C: Около 8 вечера. По местному времени. А теперь, пройдите, пожа­луйста, в зал ожидания: скоро объявят посадку на ваш рейс. При­ятного полета!

A: Спасибо за информацию.

B: Ты слишком много болтаешь, дорогой. Слышишь, уже объявили посадку.

A: До свидания, дорогая! Я скоро вернусь.

B: Пока. Я пойду на балкон, посмотрю, как вы взлетаете.

A: Смотри не простудись.

Ex. 16. Speaking practice

Speak about different types of traveling.

Ex. 17. Writing practice.

Write a one page essay about your most exiting traveling.

Supplementary reading

HOW NOT TO BEHAVE BADLY ABROAD

Traveling to all corners of the world gets easier and easier. We live in a global village, but how well do we know and understand each other? Here is a simple test. Imagine you have arranged a meeting at four o'clock. What time should you expect your foreign business colleagues to arrive? If they are Germans, they'll be bang on time. If they're Americans, they'll probably be 15 minutes early. If they are British, they'll be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up to an hour for the Italians.

When the European Community began to increase in size, several guidebooks appeared giving advice on international etiquette. At first many people thought it was a joke, especially the British, who seemed to assume that the widespread understanding of their language meant a corresponding understanding of English customs very soon they had to change their ideas, as they realized that they had a lot to learn about how to behave with their foreign business friends.

The British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters with a drink during the meal, the Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is a time to relax and get to know each another, and they rarely drink at lunch-time.

The Germans like to talk business before dinner. The French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything.

Taking off your jacket and rolling up your sleeves is a sign of getting down to work in Britain and Holland, but in Germany people regard it as taking it easy.

American executives sometimes signal their feelings of ease and importance in their offices by putting their feet on the desk whilst on the telephone. In Japan, people would be shocked. Showing the soles of your feet is the height of bad manners. It is a social insult only exceeded by blowing your nose in public.

The Japanese have perhaps the strictest rules of social and business behaviour. Seniority is very important, and a younger man should never be sent to complete a business deal with an older Japanese man. The Japanese business card almost needs a rulebook of its own. You must exchange business cards immediately on meeting because it is essential to establish everyone's status and position.

When it is handed to a person in a superior position, it must be given and received with both hands, and you must take time to read it carefully, and not just put it in your pocket! Also the bow is a very important part of greeting someone. You should not expect the Japanese to shake hands. Bowing the head is a mark of respect and the first bow of the day should be lower than when you meet thereafter.

The Americans sometimes find it difficult to accept the more formal Japanese manners. They prefer to be casual and more informal, as illustrated by the universal 'Have a nice day!' American waiters have a one-word imperative 'Enjoy!' The British, of course, are cool and reserved. The great topic of conversation between strangers in Britain is the weather - unemotional and impersonal. In America, the maim topic between strangers is the search to find a geographical link. 'Oh, really? You live in Ohio? I had an uncle who once worked there."

'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

In France you shouldn't sit down in a cafe until you've shaken hands with everyone you know.

In Afghanistan you should spend at least five minutes saying hello. In Pakistan you must not wink. It is offensive. In the Middle East you must never use the left hand for greeting, eating, drinking, or smoking. Also, you should take care not to admire anything in your hosts home. They will feel that they have to give it to you. In Russia you must match your hosts drink for drink or they will think you are unfriendly. In Thailand you should clasp your hands together and lower your head and your eyes when you greet someone.

In America you should eat your hamburger with both hands and as quickly as possible. You should not try to have a conversation until it is eaten.