It's raining today!

When the rain is splashing down
On the fields and on the town
Singing winds begin to blow
And the flowers start to grow.

Dialogue in English — At the Airport

(a travel agent and a customer)

— Can I help you?	— Чем я могу помочь?
— I’d like to make reservations for a roundtrip ticket to Los Angeles.	— Я бы хотел забронировать билет в Лос-Анджелес туда и обратно.
— What day are you planning to leave for Los Angeles?	— Когда именно вы планируете лететь?
— I want to have time for Christmas.	— Я хочу успеть к Рождеству.
— There are two flights to Los Angeles on the 4 and 6 of January.	— Есть два самолета в Лос-Анджелес — 4 и 6 января.
— I’d rather leave on the 4 of January.	— Я бы предпочел вылететь 4 января.
— Are you going to travel 1st-class or economy?	— Вы будете путешествовать первым классом или эконом?
— I prefer 1st-class. How much will it be?	— Я предпочитаю первый класс. Сколько стоит билет?
— 560 dollars.	— 560 долларов.
— Can I use my notebook during the flight?	— Могу ли я пользоваться своим ноутбуком во время полета?
— Yes, you can.	— Да, можете.
— What’s the flying time?	— Сколько будет длиться полет?
— Eight hours.	— Восемь часов.
— What time we’ll arrive at Los Angeles?	— Во сколько самолет будет в Лос-Анджелесе?
— At 9 pm. How many days are you planning to stay in Los Angeles?	— В 21.00. Сколько времени вы планируете пробыть в Лос-Анджелесе?
— Six days.	— Шесть дней.
— Your name and address?	— Ваше имя и адрес.
— John Smith. 35-76 43 Michigan Avenue, Chicago 84204.	— Джон Смит. 35-76 43 Мичиган авеню, Чикаго 84204.
— Your telephone number?	— Ваш номер телефона?
— (718) 673-0527.	— (718) 673-0527.
— Will you pay by credit card or cash?	— Вы будете платить кредитной картой или наличными?
— Cash. When can I get my tickets?	— Наличными. Когда можно забрать билет.
— In two days.	— В течение двух дней.
— OK, thank you.	— Хорошо, спасибо.

Travelling

Travelling has become an important part of our life. People travel not only on holidays but on business as well. Some people travel to other countries to get education.

People travel for different reasons. Some people travel to relax, to have a rest after a trying working year. Some people travel on business, to negotiate with their foreign counterparts or settle a deal. Some people travel in order to learn something new, they strive for new emotions and impressions.

Undoubtedly, traveling is a pleasant and useful experience. It broadens people’s mind, allows looking at current problems from a different angle and finding a better way-out from some difficult situation.

People choose different ways of traveling. But planes, trains, buses and cars enjoy the popularity among people the most. Planes are popular among business people who try to save their time as they carry passengers quite fast. Buses are suitable for travelers who want to enjoy the views of the country or city. They may be uncomfortable if the trip is too lengthy. Trains are the most popular means of transport among travelers as it is cheap and gives a possibility to rest on a berth.

Whatever country or city you choose, whatever way of traveling you choose the thing about traveling is your feelings, emotions, aims. This what makes the trip unforgettable and memorable.

Saint Petersburg

St. Petersburg is often called Russian capital of culture, northern Venice. It is the second largest city in Russia. Few world cities can boast of so many sights, museums, opera houses and drama theatres, tofts and palaces, parks and monuments.
Literary and musical heritage of this city is incredible – a lot of writers, poets and composers were working in this mysterious misty place by the side of Neva. It really blows your mind! Together with Paris, Rome and Venice St. Petersburg old city is under the patronage of UNESCO. Besides, here you can find the temples of 42 confessions including amazing mosque with a porcelain dome, the only bonzery in Europe and one of the most beautiful chapels of Malthusian Order.
St. Petersburg is also the city of bridges. 68 rivers, channels and lades cross the city in different directions forming 42 islands on its territory. Now there are 580 bridges including 20 drawbridges in St. Petersburg and its suburbs.
This city is famous for its remarkable atmosphere. Visitors can frequently hear next words: “Open your heart to the city and it will open for you and will remain in your heart forever”. And if it really happens whenever you come to St. Petersburg no matter it rains or the sunshine is ferocious, it is sleety or freezing the city will receive you as its native child. It will impart its warmth to you, soothe you and infuse with hope sure enough.
Without the slightest doubt, “white nights” are the most popular time for tourists to visit St. Petersburg. A lot of festivals and excursions are conducted in the city through this period.