If you still need to relax and want to head overseas, don’t miss out some great deals on accommodation or air fares at some of the world’s top off–peak travel hotspots. Whether you want to go to Europe or run away on a tropical escape, stretch that travel budget to take advantage of off-peak rates at some of the world’s most-visited locales. Several destinations host spring festivals and other special events.
Here are four off-peak travel destinations to visit in 2013:
Portugal
With rich culture and history, Portugal continues to be one of the most affordable European destinations. Head to this beautiful capital city of Lisbon to attend the festivals and fairs, visit some 12^th–century buildings, and stay at one of the newer hotels in the main city district. The Hotel Teatro is a four-star restaurant, and average nightly rates are under $150 a night.
Hotel Teatro
Porto, Portugal
+351  220  409  620
Aruba
Set your sights on Aruba for an unforgettable Caribbean holiday. You can get special offers from one of the larger beach resorts(旅游勝地) here. Some of the chain hotels, including Marriott and Radisson, offer discounts on spa relaxations (礦泉浴場) . The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino, & Spa is offering a Super Saver Spring Rate at just $309 per night.
Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa
Palm Beach, Aruba
800-967-9033
Oaxaca  
Escape to southern Mexico to explore the historic colonial city and learn about the region’s traditions, culture, and colorful history. Oaxaca holds several cultural festivals and is a great place to relax. You will be receiving a 50% discount with just $170 per night for a deluxe(豪華的) single or double room if you stay in the Camino Real Oaxaca for more than 7 nights (7 included).
Camino Real Oaxaca
Centro, 68000
01 951 501 6100
Turkey
Another place to have some local culture and participate in some late spring festivals is Istanbul, Turkey. Stay at a destination that will put you within easy reach of famous sites like the Topkapi Palace. The Modern Sultan Hotel is a deluxe hotel located in the heart of the historic district. Average nightly rates for the bed and breakfast package are just under $120 per night.
Modern Sultan Hotel
Istanbul, Turkey
+90 212 520 00 53
小題1:In the passage Portugal is described as a destination ________.

A．for visitors interested in ancient buildings

B．especially appealing to wealthy Europeans

C．owning rich culture but lacking colorful festivals

D．having the Hotel Teatro in the suburbs of Lisbon

小題2:If you want to know more information about spas, you can call ________.

A．800-967-9033	B．+351 220 409 620
C．01 951 501 6100	D．+90 212 520 00 53

小題3:According to the passage, nightly rates including breakfast is offered by ________.

A．Hotel Teatro

B．Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa

C．Camino Real Oaxaca

D．Modern Sultan Hotel

小題4:What is the passage mainly about ?

A．Some off-peak places for relaxation.

B．A way to travel on a budget.

C．The world’s most visited destinations.

D．Comparing the four tourist destinations.

Charles Blackman: Alice in Wonderland
An Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia
10 June—12 August 2013
Venue(地點)   The lan Potter Centre
Admission     Free entry
Charles Blackman is famous for his beautiful painting of dreams. In 1956, he heard for the first time Lewis Carroll’s extraordinary tale of Alice in Wonderland—the story of a Victorian girl who falls down a rabbit hole, meets a lot of funny characters and experience all kinds of things. At that time, Blackman’s wife was suffering from progressive blindness. The story of Alice moving through the strange situations, often disheartened by various events, was similar to his wife’s experiences. It also reflected so much of his own life. All this contributed to the completion of the Alice in Wonderland paintings.
Illustrator Workshop
Go straight to the experts for an introductory course in book illustration(插圖). The course includes an introduction to the process of illustration and its techniques, workshop exercises and group projects.
Dates  Sunday 17June & Sunday 5 Aug. 10 am—1 pm
Venue  Gas Works Arts Park
Wonderful World
Celebrate the exhibition and Children’s Book Week with special activities just for the day, including a special visit from Alice and the White Rabbit.
Date   Sunday 24 June, 11 am—4 pm
Venue  Exhibition Space. Level 3
Topsy-Turvy
Visit the exhibition or discover wonderful curiosities in artworks in the NGV Collection and make a magic world in a box. Alice and the White Rabbit will be with you. Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland will be screened.
Dates  Sunday 8,15,22,29 July, and Tuesday 24—Friday 27 July, 12 noon—3 pm
Venue  Theatre, NGV Australia
Drawing Workshop
Distortions of Scale(比例失真)can make artworks strange but interesting. Find out how Charles Blackman distorted scale in his paintings to create a curious world, then experiment with scale in your own drawings. More information upon booking.
Date   Friday 27 July, 10:30 am—3 pm
Venue  Foyer, Level 3
小題1:Charles Blackman’s paintings come from      .

A．his admiration for Lewis Carroll

B．his dream of becoming a famous artist

C．his wish to express his own feelings

D．his eagerness to cure his wife’s illness

小題2:Which two activities can you participate in on the same day?

A．Illustrator workshop and Wonderful World.

B．Illustrator workshop and Drawing Workshop.

C．Wonderful World and Topsy-Turvy.

D．Topsy-Turvy and Drawing Workshop.

小題3:To understand the Alice in Wonderland paintings, you should go to       .

A．Exhibition Space. Level 3	B．Gas Works Arts Park
C．Theatre, NGV Australia	D．Foyer, Level 3

小題4:Activities concerning children’s books are to be held       .

A．on June 24

B．on July 15

C．on July 24

D．on August 5

Check out all the new releases (發(fā)布) in the next four weeks.
Wednesday 16 march
Chalet Girl (12A )Watch the Trailer (預告片)
A British comedy about a girl who decides to give up her job at a fried chicken fast food place to try out being a chalet (木屋) girl in the Alps. Starring Bill Nighy and Ed Westwick.
Friday 18 March
Submarine (15)
A comedy following a teenager who wants to lose his virginity and stop his father from leaving his mother. Directed by Richard Ayoade.
Friday 25 March
Country Strong (12A) Watch the Trailer
Rising country music songwriter (Garrett Hedlund) falls in love with a fallen star (Gwyneth Paltrow), and together they plan his rising and her comeback.
A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures (3D) (U)
A sea turtle who was hatched in 1959 spends the next 50 years travelling the world as it changes through global warming.
Friday 1 April
Killing Bono (15) Watch the Trailer
Two brothers attempt to become global rock stars but can only look on as old school friends U2 become the biggest hand in the world.
Passenger Side (D)
Two brothers spend the day driving around Los Angeles county looking for the meaning of their lives, or cheap street drugs, depending on whom you believe.
Friday 8 April
The Silent House
A horror movie based on a true story about a small house in a village in Uruguay which holds some dark secrets
Rio (3D) Watch the trailer
An animated film about a domesticated (家養(yǎng)的) macaw (金剛鸚鵡) from Minnesota who sets off on an adventure.
小題1:If you like seeing the 3D films, you can choose to see ______.

A．The Silent House and Rio	B．Submarine and Passenger Side
C．A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures and Rio	D．Killing Bono and Country Strong

小題2:If you want to see a horrible film, you can see _______.

A．The Silent House

B．Country Strong

C．Killing Bono

D．Rio

小題3:Which of the following films is a love film?

A．A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures	B．Passenger Side
C．Killing Bono	D．Country strong

小題4:The common point of all the films is that ______.

A．they are all set in Britain	B．they will all be released in March
C．they are all new films	D．they are all produced in Hollywood

HOW TO BOOK
Booking opens for Beckett Shorts on 8 September.
BY TELEPHONE
For credit card(信用卡) bookings. Calls are answered.
BOX OFFICE
01789 295623 9am—8pm( Mon—Sat)
0541 541051 ( 24 hours, 7 days, no booking charge,<收費> )
BY FAX
For credit card bookings. Please allow at least 48 hours for reply, if required.
BOX OFFICE
01789 261974 or 01862 387765
BY POST
Please enclose（附上）a cheque or credit card details together with an SAE or add 50p to the total amount（總額）to cover postage. Please send to the Box Office, RST , Stratford—upon—Avon, CV376BB.
Booking opens for all other plays on 19 September.
IN PERSON
BOX OFFICE
RST hall, 9:30am—8pm ( Mon—Sat ) ( 6pm when theatres are closed )
OVERSEAS BOOKING
The easiest method of payment is by credit card. You can also pay by; Eurocheque (up to £500)with your card number written on the back.
PAYING FOR YOUR TICKETS CREDIT CARDS
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club. Please give the card number, name and address of card holder.
CHEQUES
Cheques and postal orders should be payable to: Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
小題1:In which of following ways of booking does one probably have pay extra money?

A．In person.	B．By telephone.
C．By fax.	D．By post.

小題2:One has to wait for 2 days or longer for a reply if he/she pays_____________

A．in person.	B．by telephone.
C．by fax.	D．by post.

小題3:What is a useful number to call at 11 am Sunday?

A．01789 295623	B．0541 541051
C．01789 261174	D．01862 387665

Take Action for a Better World: Volunteers Needed
Six months’ preparation in Denmark: Africa studies, team work combined with social work risk group teenagers.
Six months’ community work in Malawi in people to people projects: Child Aid, HIV/AIDS Fights and Teacher Training.
Qualifications：18 years, hard-working and social engagement.
Please contact us by email：takeaction@betterworld.com
Part-time Work with Exchange Students
YOUTH International is a non-profit high school foreign exchange student organization. We welcome teenagers from over 80 countries worldwide and provide host families. The Community Representative (代表)is a part-time position designed for people with a strong desire to do something rewarding in the community and earn some extra money.
Applicants(申請人) best suited for this work should enjoy teenagers, have a strong interest in cross-cultural communication, and feel comfortable networking. Full training and support will be provided through branch offices throughout the U.S Positions available in most states.
If interested, please email staff@youth.org or call 888-123-9872.
International Summer Job
Hi, I’m an ESL student in China. I’m 20, quiet and polite, and I speak reasonable English. I am looking for a summer job in an English-speaking country. I can teach Chinese or do house and garden work, and cook Chinese dishes. Can anybody offer me a Job? I don’t need to earn much, just enough in 2 months (July-August) to pay for my return ticket to China. My goal is to improve my English and see a bit more of the world.
My email is : ram3462@hotmail.com
Call for Native Speakers of English
I am looking for native speakers of English to join in an experiment. This experiment is carried out over the Internet. You don’t need any specific knowledge other than understanding and speaking English at a native level. The first task will take you around 15 minutes. After this task, you can decide whether you want to continue the experiment. The tasks involve reading texts and designing questions and answers.
If you are willing to help me , then please email me : club3864@hotmail.com
小題1:Who is suitable to work as a Community Representative in YOUTH International?

A．One who enjoys working with teenagers from different countries.

B．One who hopes to take action in fighting against diseases

C．One who has a strong desire to improve his or her English

D．One who wants to earn some pocket money in the program

小題2:Where will Jack, a volunteer, receive the training before he is sent to work in Malawi?

A．In some local offices in the U.S

B．In an ESL organization in China

C．In a preparation program in Denmark

D．In an exchange student center in Africa

小題3: If Mrs. Black in the U.S hopes to learn some Chinese at home, she may contact__________.

A．takeaction@betterworld.com	B．ram3462@hotmail.com
C．club3864@hotmail.com	D．staff@youth.org

小題4:What are volunteers for an experiment over the Internet supposed to do?

A．To interview people online.	B．To do some housework
C．To offer advice on child Aid	D．To provide language exercises

Poster 1
I am a journalist living in Barcelona and I would like to travel exchanging my apartment. I have an apartment in the city center with 2 bedrooms. You can get to the airport by bus or taxi in 20 minutes. And there is a metro station really close to the apartment. The area has many shops, theatres, bars and restaurants.
Poster 2
I am looking forward to exchanging my apartment in Madrid for yours in a nice location in Beijing. It’s a really nice apartment in the centre of Madrid, within walking distance of the main attractions. You can walk to the Puerta del Sol, Royal Palace, Opera, Plaza Mayor, etc. in a few minutes; everything is so close! The apartment has all the facilities（設備）and it is very modern.
Poster 3
Hello, I am a Canadian IT professional and accounting student looking for a room in Wudaokou or other areas near ShangDi (my office location). I want to pay 1,400 RMB to 2,500RMB depending on the room and location. I can sign a contract for at least three months. My email address: vhjvm3584098242@hous.craigslist.org.
Poster 4
My 21-year-old son Matthew would like to visit China in the spring for three to four weeks. If you can offer him a safe, clean, cost-free place to stay, I will offer you or your family a stay at my second home 28 miles outside of Reno, Nevada, USA. This is a single-story home on the edge of the desert. You have access to 70 acres of land, clean air and clean water. Fishing and golfing are available nearby. I will provide transportation to the home, and pick you up when you have finished. My son Matthew is honest, safe and clean-living.
Reply to: hbxdd-3537187673@hous.craigslist.org.
小題1: Poster 1 mainly focuses on the apartment’s ________.

A．low rent

B．large space

C．quality facilities

D．convenient location

小題2:Which of the following is TRUE of the Puerta del Sol?

A．It’s a district of Madrid.	B．It’s a main attraction in Madrid.
C．It’s the name of the apartment.	D．It’s an attraction outside of Madrid

小題3:Where is the house in Poster 4 located?

A．In a stadium.	B．In the centre of desert.
C．In the countryside.	D．In an area of the downtown.

Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando in Florida
People say that it is the home of the “Harry Potter Theme Park”. The Wizarding World is the most popular part of the park. Other popular rides include the Adventures of Spider-Man, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and the Jurassic Park River Adventure.
It is open from Monday to Saturday. $15.95 for children, 3 to 13 years old; $29.95 for ages 14 and over.
PI-O Indoor Theme Park in Longueuil
The PI-O Indoor Theme Park features(以……為特色) 16 rides, a small sea train, a kid-sized bowling alley(保齡球場), a mirror maze(迷宮), theme rooms which include the Christmas room on-the-sea, and a private reception room.
“I wanted to create a safe environment for kids aged 1 to 10,” explains owner Jocelyne Pinard. She noted how many competing amusement parks have sections that can be unsafe for young kids — such as the “ball rooms” full of loose plastic balls. So this is how it is different from other amusement parks.
Open seven days a week. The admission fees are $16.99 for individuals(個人) and $64 for families.
Legoland Windsor Theme Park in London
Legoland Windsor is the best choice for young families. The park is designed for children from 3 to 12. There are over 50 rides as well as live shows, workshops, and other attractions aimed at younger children, and especially those who are already fond of building-block(積木) toys.
The park is open every single day. Adults: $35; Ages 3-15 and 60+: $26. Buy online and save $3 per person.
Wonder La Theme Park in India
Wonder La is a world-class amusement park. It’s modern, clean and green, and has all kinds of attractions. There are over 50 rides, 12 of which are water based and 9 especially for small children. If you love getting wet, don’t miss the Rain Disco — an indoor dance floor with a rain system that provides showers of warm water to the music.
Monday to Friday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Holiday and Festival seasons 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Single adult / child — $13.50; Family ticket (for any four people) — $50.00; Children 3 and under — Free.
小題1:If Jim is free this Sunday, he can choose to visit the following parks EXCEPT________.

A．Islands of Adventure	B．PI-O
C．Legoland Windsor	D．Wonder La

小題2:How is PI-O Indoor Theme Park mainly different from other parks?

A．It is much safer.	B．It features more rides.
C．It is much cheaper.	D．It offers more activities.

小題3:If a couple want to visit Legoland Windsor Theme Park with their 5-year-old son, how much do they need to pay when booking online?

A．$70.

B．$87.

C．$93.

D．$96.

小題4:Which of the following about Wonder La Theme Park is NOT true?

A．It is located in India.

B．It is free for children of 3 and under.

C．There are nine rides especially for small children.

D．The Rain Disco lets children enjoy cool showers while dancing.

小題5:Where is the passage most probably taken?

A．A science magazine.	B．A text book.
C．A travel guide.	D．A local newspaper.

The Museum of Childhood is Australia’s most comprehensive collection of childhood items including toys , dolls , infant and school material.
Housed in a modern facility , the displays reflect Australian childhood experience over time including play , child rearing , orphanage childhood , and home , school , and war time experience .
There are many hands –on exhibits and education sessions including the famous ‘lesson’ in the 1920s One Teacher Bush Classroom .
The Museum also hosts national touring exhibitions and conducts special activities on Sundays and school holidays（ring for details ）.
Open: Tuesday- Friday 10am – 4pm , Sunday 10am – 4:30 pm , or by arrangement .
Special activities on Sundays as advertise .
Closed: Public holidays ,16 December-18 January .
Location: Edith Cowan University campus , Bay Road , Claremont (take bus 208 and alight at the Bay Road and Princess Road intersection . The Museum is 15 minutes’ walk from Claremont train station )
Tel :(08) 9442 1373 ; Fax ; (08 ) 9442 1314
小題1:On       you can stay at the Museum until half past four .

A．Wednesday

B．Friday

C．Sunday

D．Monday

小題2:If you want to attend a special activity , you’d better come on         .

A．Monday

B．Tuesday

C．Saturday

D．Sunday

小題3:When you come on December 20th , Friday ,you will find the Museum       .

A．closed	B．holding special activities
C．not closed until 4:00	D．not closed until 4:30

小題4:The main purpose of the Museum of Childhood is to         .

A．display toys , dolls , infant and school material

B．reflect Australian childhood experience over time

C．host national touring exhibition

D．tell you the famous ‘lesson’ in the 1920s

Timetable



小題1:Which of the following is true of the membership card?

A．Its number is l0865 305305.

B．It belongs to Mr. E. M. Driscoll.

C．It is valid through the year of 2010.

D．It gets the owner a discount when used.

小題2:If one wants to attend a business lunch in London at l2：00 ,the latest train that he should take at Oxford leaves at         .

A．11：45

B．11：15

C．10：35

D．10：05

小題3:If you would like to have some vegetable beef, what may be your choice?

A．French Slam®	B．Chicken-Fried Steak®
C．The Super Bird®	D．Sandwich with Salad or Soup®

小題4:The chart shows that from 2005 to 2008，        .

A．the percentage of the Spanish families with a computer rose 35 points

B．the percentage of the White families with a computer remained unchanged

C．the number of the Black families with a computer was on the decrease

D．the number of the Asian families with a computer showed the sharpest increase

Volunteers Mentors are needed Volunteer Centre Westminster is looking to recruit enthusiastic volunteer mentors. Mentoring training will be provided, support & supervision is in place For more information please contact Yohannes Hagos On 0207 087 4351 Email johnnes@volunteer.co.uk Mobile 07501227795

 

Join Us for the ABC 2011 Challenge A 6 day Hike or Bike in South Africa. 21st-31st October in support of child burns victims. For more information check out our website www.abc2011 challenge.com To join our team and receive a free welcome pack email ABC2011@crippssears.com The Phoenix Burns Project Registered Charity No:NPO:57-154 PBO:930031313

 

Volunteer for Advance and help us to Improve quality of care that older people receive in care homes. Advocacy in Barnet Volunteer Volunteer Advocate Advocacy in Barnet offers a free, independent and confidential advocacy service to all people over the age of 18 living in the Borough of Barnet. Advance-a voice for old people through Advocacy provides advocacy to older people living in care homes and other residential settings and accessing day centres on a weekly basis. Advance does this by recruiting volunteers over 50 years of age and training them to become advocates. To APPLY:www.advocacyinbarnet.org.uk or Heena/Janet-0208 201 3415 or heena@advocacyinbarnet.org.uk Next training round for introduction to Advocacy-end of August 2011 followed by one day trainings in Mental Capacity Act and Human Rights

 

Wanted: Volunteer Appropriate Adults to support Vulnerable Adults at Kingston Police Station Kingston Advocacy is currently looking for new volunteers to act as appropriate adults. Volunteers act as appropriate adults for vulnerable adults who come into contact with the police. The appropriate adults sit with the vulnerable person when they are being interviewed by the police to ensure that the interview is conducted fairly and to facilitate communication between the police and the vulnerable person. Unpaid Volunteers are required 7 days a week and the scheme operates from 0900hrs to 2330hrs. No Experience Necessary! We will provide you with preparation and support. Further information please contact Peter Pritchard, Scheme Coordinator Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road Kinston upon Thames Surrey KT2 6LX Tel no: 0208 549 1028 Email: peter@kag.org.uk or rights@kag.org.uk Website: www.kag.org.uk

 
小題1:Which of the following does NOT provide training?

A．The ABC 2011 Challenge.	B．Advance.
C．The Volunteer Centre Westminster.	D．The Kingston Advocacy.

小題2:We learn from the ads that Advance wants volunteers who ­­­______.

A．a(chǎn)re over 18 years old	B．have relevant experience
C．can come to help every week	D．need only one day of training

小題3:What kind of person might apply to Kingston Advocacy?

A．One who hoped to be paid.

B．One interested in doing interviews.

C．One curious about police life.

D．One who can work late into the night.