OUTDOORS and INDOORS

If you come to Britain you will soon find out that there are all kinds of things to do outdoors: there's almost every sport you can imagine, there are parks and gardens to visit. You can go sightseeing, either on your own or in a group, and if you like walking you can go on organized walks, which could include sightseeing too.

If you haven't got much money to spend on entertainment, it's useful to know that lots of events taking place outside or in the street are free. There are street festivals for example, like the famous Notting Hill Carnival that happens in London each summer. There are public processions, such as the Opening of Parliament. In fact there are all kinds of old customs you can enjoy watching. Some of these are very old games or plays, like morris dancing, where people in strange clothes with ribbons and bells on them dance with handkerchiefs or big sticks to traditional music. There's been street entertainment for centuries, as you might imagine, and there's still plenty to see today.

If the weather is cold or wet, it needn't be a big problem because there's plenty going on indoors. The cinema remains extremely popular. "Going to the pictures" is one of the greatest pastimes and diversions of all ages. Polls have shown that only one British cinemagoer in five goes to see a particular film; the other four are content to see whatever happens to be playing.

In London as well as in other big cities you'll find all sorts of theatre, music and dance. The stage productions of London's West End are among the best in the world. The variety is wide, the quality usually high or excellent. The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Royal Victoria (better known as the "Old Vic") and many others provide performances for many tastes. Amateur theatrical societies are widespread throughout the country and boast an active membership of thousands of people. Add to these the thousands of professional actors, playwrights, producers, technicians, agents and so on, and it becomes obvious that British theatre is flourishing. Museums and art galleries are perfect for rainy weather. Although a visit to a museum doesn't always sound much fun, British museums are very popular with those who indulge in self-education.

Rushing around from place to place can of course be tiring, and there'll probably be times when you want to relax. Here are a few ideas for when you're feeling lazy. Television, or the "telly", as it is called, offers you a variety of programmes. For those who feel like spending a pleasant evening out there are pubs, clubs, restaurants and discos. In the daytime you can take a boat trip and enjoy the scenic views of Britain. If you are in the country go fishing or hire a bicycle and find a good country ride. Follow a nature trail and have a nice walk looking at wildlife or visit the park and relax on the grass listening to a band perhaps. Go to a funfair which has all sorts of games, machines to ride and frighten yourself on, bright lights and noisy fun. Another idea is to follow your nose. This means "go the way that attracts you most".

Find in the text the words that mean the same as:

not costing you any money artistic entertainment put on at regular intervals festival with dancing and eating in the open air group of people marching in line; hobby or way of spending your spare time; something giving rest or amusement; questioning a group of people to find out the views of the whole population; goodness or worth; person who is not paid to do something clear, easily seen doing well teaching yourself; to rest from work; to rent for a short time; birds, plants or animals living free, untouched by man; group of musicians group of amusements, food stalls, etc. set up in one place usually for a short time.

Read the text again and match the numbers and the letters:

1) organized; 2) country -; 3) wide; 4) street; 5) scenic; 6) high; 7) public; 8) nature; 9) fun; 10) stage

a) procession; b) variety; c) festival; d) walk; e) quality; f) entertainment; g) production; h) view; i) ride; j) trail; k) fair.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 2559