Introductory text Traveling
Notes to the text:
|
impossible – неможливий to travel(ed) on business – подорожувати у справах to be (was/were; been) eager – прагнути picturesque landscapes– мальовничі пейзажі waterfall – водоспад inconvenient – незручний delays of flights – затримки рейсів to move(d) smoothly – рухатися плавно |
unfortunately – на жаль seasick – який страждає морською хворобою petrol – бензин ardent motorist – затятий автолюбитель to gather(ed) mushrooms and berries – збирати гриби і ягоди to make(made; made) a bonfire – зробити багаття overcoming hardships – подолання труднощів achieving the goal – досягання мети |
Modern life is impossible without travelling. Millions of people all over the world travel every day either on business or for pleasure. They are eager to see other countries and continents, to enjoy picturesque landscapes, to learn other peoples’ traditions, to discover different ways of life, to meet new friends, to try various cuisines – in short, to get new impressions. And to practice in foreign languages as well!
Most travellers and holiday-makers equip themselves with cameras and take pictures of exciting views of buildings, monuments, waterfalls, forests, plants and animals. These photos will remind them of the happy time of holiday.
Basically, there are four means of travelling: by air, by rail, by sea or by road.
Travelling by air is the fastest one, but it is the most expensive. Sometimes you have to change planes, which may be inconvenient and even painful, if there are delays of flights. However, there is none of the dust and dirt of a railway or car journey. Modern planes move so smoothly that virtually nobody gets airsick.
Travelling by railway seems more interesting. With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable seat of a railway carriage you observe picturesque sceneries of the country you are travelling through. You can have a meal in the dining-car or a wonderful bed in a sleeper. Unfortunately, nowadays trains are not so cheap, especially in Europe.
Travelling by ship is also rather popular. Some people enjoy such voyages, but they do not suit me because I get seasick.
Many people, including me, like travelling by car. It is highly fascinating, since you can see numerous sights in a short time, you can stop wherever and whenever you wish, not having to buy tickets or carry your suitcases. With a GPS you don’t need maps anymore. The only thing to care for is petrol.
H
iking
is a kind of travelling on foot with a rucksack. Personally, I'm both
anardent motorist
and a hiker. I am fond of walking to the mountains or to the forest.
There is nothing like gathering
mushrooms and berries in the forest,
swimming in the river, making a bonfire
and cooking on it. This kind of pastime teaches us discipline and
strong will, overcoming hardships
and achieving the goal.
Sometimes your journey turns out to be a disappointment. It may happen in case the trip is not well organized, or bad weather spoils your plans, or the company who joined your trip is rather dull, or the place from which you had expected much appears to have nothing particular. My own sea experience was a failure for the reason I mentioned before. But never lose a hope for the better trip, and you will make it next time!
However, sooner or later you will become home-sick and feel like returning home. Indeed, “East or West – home is best”.
Comprehension questions.
1. Why do people travel?
2. What kinds of traveling do you know?
3. What’s the difference between traveling by train and by car?
4. What’s the advantage of traveling by air?
5. Why do some journey disappoint us?
Complete the sentences, translating the words in brackets.
Millions of people all over the world (подорожують у справах) or for pleasure.
There are four means of travelling (літаком, потягом, кораблем або автомобілем).
Sometimes you have to change planes, (через затримки рейсів).
With a train you have (швидкість, комфорт і задоволення).
Travelling by ship does not suit some people, because they (страждають на морську хворобу).