人教版高二英语课文下册Unit 15 Destiinations - Reading
DESTINATIONS
Every now and then, we get the itch to travel. This phenomenon, sometimes called wanderlust,may explain why people spend so much money on trips to interesting places. Should you feel the urge to pack your bags and explore what the world has to offer, you might want to consider one of the destinations below.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second largest city, stretches itself lazily along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful city. It has modern malls, theme parks and beautiful beaches. A trip to Rio will also give you a glimpse of the happy lifestyle of the cariocas -- the people of Rio -- who are known for their big hearts and friendliness.
Downtown Rio is the city's cultural and historical heart. It is also the perfect place for a walk. Old buildings and churches stand next to stores and dance halls, and a walk through downtown Rio is a history lesson and an adventure. The many tall office buildings remind visitors that Rio is an important commercial city.
The beach is never far away in Rio. Perhaps the most famous of all beaches, Copacabana, is only a few bus stops from downtown. Copacabana, also known as the "Princess of the Sea", has just celebrated its one hundredth birthday and is more beautiful than ever. The beach is clean and over ten miles long. Visitors who get tired of the sand and the sun can cool off in one of the many cafés, shops and restaurants on Copacabana's main avenue.
So what kind of fun can you have in Rio? Well, there is something for everyone here and few visitors leave Rio feeling disappointed. The best time to visit is in June or July, when the South American winter cools the city, but the biggest tourism season comes around March, when the cariocas celebrate the sun with a four-day festival. The festival, known as Carnival, is one of the world's most famous and attracts visitors from all over the world.
KITZBUHEL
If you are looking for a winter adventure and want to try some of the finest and most challenging skiing in the world, then you should try a visit to Kitzbuhel. Located in southern Austria, Kitzbuhel is a paradise for skiers. Even though the altitude of the city and its surrounding Alps is not enough to guarantee snow, the good weather and breath-taking scenery make Kitzbuhel a world-class ski resort.
Kitzbuhel is also home to one of the most challenging and exciting downhill slopes in the world. The world's best and fastest skiers gather here once a year to compete in the downhill race that everyone wants to win. But there is no need to worry if you have never skied before. There are plenty of easier slopes and Kitzbuhel is well known for its many ski schools.
Skiing is not the only thing you can do in Kitzbuhel. The town offers many shops, cafés and a wide variety of entertainment. A walk around Kitzbuhel is a feast for the eyes -- a lively mix of old village culture and the excitement of an international tourist area. Should you have enough energy left after a day on the slopes, you can take a dip in the pool, work out at the gym or go dancing in one of the city's many hotels and clubs.
