Engleski A - 2024. probna, reading 1.

A Alan

My wife and I went on our honeymoon to Paris. We loved it. In fact, we fell in love with the whole country. Each year we consider going somewhere else; a classic seaside holiday, adventure travel, exotic locations in faraway places. But we always end up going back. It’s great for me because I’m interested in food and wine. And my wife loves the landscape and the culture. So it’s a win-win. Maybe one year we will do something else, go camping or something. But for now, we’re happy.

B Belinda

I work hard so in the summer I need to recharge my batteries. And frankly, the best way is to do as little as possible. We have a cottage in the country where we go for some of the time. Why go through all the hassle of travelling abroad? All I need is sleep, food, and a walk or two. My kids think I’m crazy. They want to visit cities, have some exciting adventures, go to amusement parks. I tell them they can do all that themselves, when they’re old enough.

C Colin
I have a friend, Ted. He’s like a travel buddy. We always go on trips together in the summer. Neither of us like the seaside, or holidays with too much physical activity, or travelling in groups. We have considered the possibilities of rural tourism, but what we both really like is big metropolises. I’m interested in 20th century painting and sculpture, and I can happily lose myself in a museum for hours and hours. Ted is a bit different. He likes shopping and eating fine food in expensive restaurants. And he’s not averse to a bit of clubbing, if he has the energy.

D Daisy

Every year it’s something different and exciting. One year we went white-water rafting in Tanzania. Another year we went cycling in Peru, and visited all the Inca hotspots. We like to be outdoors and active, with a little bit of danger thrown in. And we like faraway places, somewhere that forces you out of your comfort zone. And sleeping under the stars is a must, none of that stifling luxury of posh hotels for us. Last year we were going to go on safari, but I fell ill, so we had to cancel. This year we’re going rock climbing. In Thailand!

E Emmet

I am a schoolteacher. The school year is always intense and exhausting. You’re surrounded by people all the time, constantly being called upon to do this or that. In the summer I like to get away from it all. For me, summer is a time for reflection and solitude with no work to do. A time to rekindle that inner peace, which will sustain me in the coming year. I choose places by the sea because swimming against the tide is a great way to get the body back in shape. And I read. Many hours each day. My summers are precious. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

F Fanny

Summer is crazy. And expensive! After school has finished, the whole world makes for the coast or the airport. Traffic jams, queues for everything, crowded beaches. We prefer to find a secluded retreat, somewhere in fine landscape and with lots of footpaths. We spend the whole day outside in good weather. Either we take a picnic or stop and have something in a pub. My husband says he’s saving to take us all to the Serengeti Safari Park. I’d consider making an exception to our usual routine for the African savannah.