As a boy growing up in India, I had longed1 to travel abroad. I used to listen to the stories my father would tell me about his stay in Canada and tours to Europe in the 1970s, with great interest.
My big moment finally came in the summer of 1998 when I was able to accompany my parents to Europe, where my father was to attend a meeting. We planned to travel to Belgium, Netherlands and West Germany.
I have vivid2 memories even today of going to Mumbai airport at night all excited about finally going abroad. I had heard several great things about Lufthansa till then but now I finally got to experience them first hand, during the flight to Frankfurt. We flew business class and even today I can remember the excellent service by the Lufthansa crew. The flight was really smooth and thoroughly enjoyable, even for someone like me, who is otherwise scared3 of flying.
After spending almost two weeks in Europe, we took the Lufthansa airport express from Dusseldorf to Frankfurt airport, for our return flight. What a journey that was! All along the Rhine（莱茵河）
, it was simply an unforgettable experience. I was in a sombre mood on the flight back to Mumbai as it marked the end of a wonderful vacation, but the Lufthansa crew members were able to change it into a most enjoyable experience yet again, with the quality of their service.
Being the first airline to take me overseas, Lufthansa will always hold a special place in my heart. Even today, I continue to enjoy flights on Lufthansa and simply cannot dream of choosing any other airline. Flying, in general, for me, has always been an ordeal4. Flying on Lufthansa, however, is something I always have and always will look forward to.
【生词注释】
1. longvi. 渴望; 盼望2. vividadj. 生动的
3. scaredadj. 惊慌的; 吓坏的4.ordealn. 可怕的经历
1. What made the author so interested in traveling abroad?
A. Growing up in India.
B. Once staying in Canada.
C. Once traveling to Canada with his father.
D. His fathers stories about his experiences.
2. It can be inferred from the passage that Lufthansa is .
A. a city in India
B. a city in Europe
C. an airline company
D. a travel agency
3. The underlined word “sombre” in the 4th paragraph probably means .
A. happy
B. sad
C. angry
D. enjoyable
4. Which of the following is TRUE about the authors trip to Europe in 1998?
A. The author traveled with one of his parents.
B. Both their first trip and return trip are by air.
C. They traveled in spring that year.
D. They stayed in Europe for nearly two months.
Selfdriving holidays are one of the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealands landscape1. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.
Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain2 or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey.
If youre used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads.New Zealand has the best motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant.
Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a longtime flight.
The following, general information is provided for your road safety:
Always drive on the lefthandside of the road and give way to your right.
All road distances are measured in kilometers.
When turning left, give way （yield） to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.
The yellow traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection3 you cant stop safely.
The speed limit on the open road is usually 100km/h （approx 60 m/h）. In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced by the police.
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints4 at all times, in both front and rear seats.
During long journeys take regular rest and refreshment5 breaks.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties6 for offenders.
【生词注释】
1. landscapen. 风景；景色2. terrainn. 地形；地面；地域
3. intersectionn. 交叉口；十字路口4. restraintn. 安全带
5. refreshmentn. 食物和饮料（总称）
6. penaltyn. 惩罚；处罚
1. In New Zealand, traffic is usually low when compared to international standards because .
A. the roads are in bad conditions
B. the scenery along the roads is very beautiful
C. there are too many short, hilly or winding terrains
D. there is a strict limit of speed all through the country
2. What is special about road traffic in New Zealand?
A. All the roads in the countryside are open.
B. Drivers always drive on the righthandside of the road.
C. New Zealand has the best motorway system.
D. All road distances are measured in kilometers.
3. The underlined word “vigilant” in the 3rd paragraph probably means .
A. careful
B. relaxing
C. helpful
D. experienced
4. You must follow all the following EXCEPT .
A. Dont drive unless you are fresh and energetic.
B. Drive at less than 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas.
C. Take breaks during a long journey.
D. Always stop when the traffic light is yellow.
There are many scenic tourist attractions in the world. Here is a brief of the four landscapes among them.
Rock Carvings in Tanum （Sweden）
The rock carvings in Tanum, in the north of Bohusln, are a unique artistic achievement not only for their rich and varied motifs1 （depictions of humans and animals, weapons, boats and other subjects） but also for their cultural and chronological unity. They reveal2 the life and beliefs of people in Europe during the Bronze Age and are remarkable for their large numbers and outstanding quality.
Olympic National Park