人教高中英语高二下UNIT15-3

                                 SOUTH OF THE BORDER
            A growing number of Chinese are beginning to spend their holidays in foreign countries. In addition to visiting traditional tourist spots in Europe and America, these travellers¹ are also exploring new destinations closer to home. Vietnam² is one of the countries that are becoming popular with many Chinese tourists. Located³ just south of Yunnan and Guangxi, Vietnam is within easy reach and offers exciting adventures at a reasonable price.
                                                     HANOI AND HO CHI MINH CITY
           Ho Chi Minh City lies in the south of the country and is sometimes called "the heart and soul of Vietnam". Despite its size and modem⁴ look, Ho Chi Minh City has still kept its old traditions and culture. Visitors can learn about the art, history and culture of the country in the many museums of the city. There are also parks, gardens and temples where tourists and locals alike⁵ can find shade from the hot sun and a moment's rest from the busy city.
           For a change of pace, head north to Hanoi, one of Asia's most romantic⁶ cities. The capital of Vietnam is a pleasant city with beautiful lakes, buildings and many small streets. The famous Old Quarter with its long history is a must-see for tourists, as are the modem skyscrapers⁷ in the city. While you are there, keep an eye out for the turtles ! No, not the living ones, but the images of turtles that can be found almost everywhere.
                                                                 HALONG BAY⁸
           One of the most beautiful places in Vietnam is Halong Bay in the northeast of the country. It is made up of three thousand islands spread out in the clear green waters of the sea. The small islands all have wonderful beaches and there are also mysterious caves to explore. The bay got its name from a story about a dragon that created the bay and islands with its tail. The best way to experience Halong Bay is to take a boat tour. After exploring the islands, you can relax and enjoy a good meal in one of the many restaurants in Halong City.
                                                               THINGS TO DO
         Wherever you go, there are plenty of activities to choose from. If you visit a city, you can go on city tours to enjoy the sights and learn about its history and culture. You can also taste the local food and explore the lively nightlife. If you prefer the beach, you can swim in the ocean, dive down among the fish, play football on the sand or simply relax with your favourite book. If you are interested in adventure travel, you can try hiking⁹ in the mountains or rafting on the mighty¹⁰ Mekong River.
                                                             GETRTING THERE
         There is no such thing as a bad time to go to Vietnam. If it is raining in one part of the country, the sun will be shining somewhere else. It is easy to get around and the hotels are cheap and comfortable. Getting there is easy. There are flights from many major cities in China and there is also a train from Beijing to Hanoi that leaves twice a week. You need a passport and a visa¹¹ to visit Vietnam, so don't forget to make the necessary arrangements.
         Once considered a difficult and even dangerous place to visit, Vietnam is now a friendly destination that welcomes tourists of all ages. There is much to discover and the beauty and magic of an ancient culture is waiting for you. Vietnam treats visitors to all the colours of the rainbow: white beaches, blue seas, green hills, and mountains painted red by the setting¹² sun. Whatever your favourite colour, you are sure to have a good time south of the border.

1 travellers   

n.旅行者( traveller的名词复数 )；旅游者；旅客；游客

参考例句：

• The unusually heavy rainfall was an ill omen for the travellers. 异乎寻常的大雨是旅行者的不祥之兆。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The travellers looked weather-beaten, there was little spit and polish. 旅客们满面风尘，仪容不整。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 Vietnam   

n.越南

参考例句：

• Vietnam is suffering from food shortage.越南正遭受食物短缺之苦。
• Laos is on the west of Vietnam.老挝在越南西面。

3 located   

adj.处于，位于

参考例句：

• The mechanic located the fault immediately. 机修工立即找到了出故障的地方。
• a small town located 30 miles south of Chicago 位于芝加哥以南30英里的一个小镇

4 modem   

n.调制解调器

参考例句：

• Does your computer have a modem?你的电脑有调制解调器吗？
• Provides a connection to your computer via a modem.通过调制解调器连接到计算机上。

5 alike   

adj.同样的，相像的；adv.一样地；同程度地　

参考例句：

• The twins are so alike that I can't tell which is which.这对双胞胎一模一样，我分辨不出谁是谁。
• All stories seemed dreadfully alike,no matter who told them.看来，不管谁讲，故事都是千篇一律的。

6 romantic   

adj.浪漫的，风流的，传奇性的，夸大的，想象的，浪漫派的

参考例句：

• She thinks it will be romantic to be an actress.她认为当个女演员会很浪漫。
• Her husband is very romantic.她丈夫非常浪漫。

7 skyscrapers   

n.摩天大楼

参考例句：

• A lot of skyscrapers in Manhattan are rising up to the skies. 曼哈顿有许多摩天大楼耸入云霄。
• On all sides, skyscrapers rose like jagged teeth. 四周耸起的摩天大楼参差不齐。

8 bay   

n.海湾，狗吠声，月桂；vt.吠，使走投无路；vi.吠

参考例句：

• I enjoy the view of the bay in the starlight.我喜欢星光下的海湾风景。
• Dogs sometimes bay at the moon.狗有时会朝着月亮吠叫。

9 hiking   

n.徒步旅行

参考例句：

• He has been hiking round Scotland for a month.他围着苏格兰徒步旅行了一个月。
• Hiking is not yet popular in China.徒步旅行在中国还不流行。

10 mighty   

adj.强有力的；巨大的

参考例句：

• A mighty force was about to break loose.一股巨大的力量即将迸发而出。
• The mighty iceberg came into view.巨大的冰山出现在眼前。

11 visa   

n.签证；vt.签准

参考例句：

• You'll have to get a passport,and you'll also need a visa.你必须申办护照，同时还需要有签证。
• The visa expires next month.签证下月到期。

12 setting   

n.背景

参考例句：

• The play has its setting in Vienna.该剧以维也纳为背景。
• Where and when a story takes place is called the setting.故事发生的地点和时间称为故事背景。