St. Petersburg

A.: May I ask you some questions about St. Petersburg?

B.: Certainly.

A.: When was it founded?

B.: It was founded in 1703 by Peter the First.

A.: Was St. Petersburg the original name of the city?

B.: Yes, it was originally called St. Petersburg, then it was called Petrograd, and later Leningrad.

A.: And when was it renamed Leningrad?

B.: It was renamed Leningrad after V.I. Lenin’s death in 1924. And now the city has its original name.

A.: Are there many places of interest in St. Petersburg?

B.: Oh, the whole city is a wonderful museum in itself because many famous architects took part in the creation of St. Petersburg.

A.: Name the most beautiful places of the city, please.

B.: With pleasure. They are the Peter-and-Paul Fortress, the Rostral Columns, the Bronze Horseman, Palace Square, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral and many others.

A.: What is the Bronze Horseman famous for?

B.: It is famous because it is the statue of the city’s founder, Peter the First. Pushkin wrote about this statue in his famous poem “Bronze Horseman”.

A.: Thank you very much.

B.: Not at all. I like St. Petersburg very much and it is real pleasure to speak about it.

20. Memorize and reproduce Dialogue 2.

21. Fill in the missing remarks of the dialogue “The Altai”.

A.: Could you tell me something about the Altai?

B.: Yes, I’ll do it with pleasure.

A.: … .

B.: The Altai mountains are a vast range in southern Siberia.

A.: … .

B.: The name derives from a Mongolian word that means “golden”.

A.: … .

B.: The great variety in landscape makes it one of the most beautiful mountain ranges of Russia.

A.: … .

B.: The region boasts caves, waterfalls, rivers with fast moving rapids and more than 7,000 lakes.

A.: … .

B.: These mountains still host rare snow leopards. Maral deer live here.

A.: … .

B.: Rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities are very popular here.

A.: … .

B.: If you are ready to have an adventure trip, there is no better place than the Altai Mountains.

DIALOGUE 3

A new-comer in St. Petersburg

New-comer: Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the “Druzhba” hotel? I’m a stranger here; I’ve just arrived in St. Petersburg.

Passer-by: Oh, it’s quite a long way from here.

New-comer: Yes, I know, but my friends advised me to put up at his hotel.

Passer-by: Your friends are right; it is one of the best hotels. You may go by underground there. It’s the quickest way to get there, though you’ll have to change on to a bus in Lev Tolstoy Square or walk.

New-comer: What bus shall I change on to?

Passer-by: The 65 bus will take you to Popov street. It is only one stop from the underground station.

New-comer: Thank you very much. Is it possible to get there by tram or trolley-bus? I haven’t seen anything of St. Petersburg yet and I’ve heard so much about this beautiful city!

Passer-by: You can get on the 1 trolley-bus. It will take you as far as Palace Square where you may get off. When you have admired the wonderful view around you, take the 10 bus.

New-comer: Where must I get off for the “Druzhba” hotel?

Passer-by: In Popov street, but you’d better ask the conductor to put you down, otherwise you may miss your stop.

New-comer: I’m very much obliged to you.

Passer-by: That’s all right.