Учебный текст для чтения.
Since the ancient times travelling has been one of the main conditions of human development and progress. While travelling, ancient Greeks and Romans discovered new lands, strange peoples and civilisations. Thanks to travelling people found new natural resources, learnt strange languages, built ships, and developed trade. At that time the Earth seemed to be much bigger than it does nowadays. Centuries passed and people invented new ways of travelling, which were faster, cheaper and safer. And though all the continents are already discovered and there are no more blank spots on our map of the world, travelling remains an important part of our everyday life.
There are different ways of travelling: by air, by sea, by train, by car etc. Different people prefer different ways of travelling. As for me, I like travelling by train, because it’s very nice and comfortable, especially if the journey is not too long. For instance, I often go to Moscow by train. When I do so, I usually go to the railway booking office and book my ticket in advance. As the distance is not too long, I usually go by a passenger train, but in a corridor carriage. I like lying on the upper berth, because from there I can enjoy beautiful views. As I never know how long I’m going to stay
in Moscow, I always buy a single ticket. I prefer travelling light, that’s why I have only one piece of luggage with me, which is usually a small rucksack. I don’t like anybody to see me off, that’s why I arrive at the railway station alone, get on my train and take my berth. I like to get acquainted and chat with the other passengers, because we have to spend several hours together and it’s always nice to have a good company. If it’s an evening train, I wait for the attendant to bring in the bedding, make up the bed and fall asleep. The route from Saint Petersburg to Moscow is a very busy one and the trains always leave on the dot and run to schedule. So, when I wake up in the morning, I’m already in Moscow.
As for travelling by air, I consider it to be less exciting, because visibility is often poor and you can’t see anything at all. Though, it must be very convenient for businessmen who are always in a hurry and can’t afford enjoying picturesque views. But there’s one way of travelling which I think to be much more pleasant than all the above-mentioned ones. I have never experienced it myself, but I hope to. That’s a travel by sea or river. My best dream is to make a voyage along the Volga River and I hope that one day this dream of mine will come true.
Слова:
railway booking office — железнодорожная касса
passenger train — пассажирский поезд
corridor carriage — купейный вагон
the upper/ lower berth — верхняя/нижняя полка
single ticket — билет в одну сторону
return ticket — билет туда и обратно
to travel light — путешествовать налегке
piece of luggage — предмет багажа
to see smb. off — провожать кого-либо
attendant — проводник
to bring in the bedding — приносить постельное бельё
route — маршрут
to leave on the dot — отправляться вовремя
to run to schedule — идти по расписанию
visibility is poor — видимость плохая
