大阪府立大学英語講座 - Traveling with English

One of the best ways to travel around Europe is by a Euro Rail Pass, also known as the Eurail Pass. It's a fairly quiet and relaxing way to see a variety of landscapes through-out Europe that would be completely unavailable to you if you flew. If you intend to do a lot of traveling in Europe, for convenience, low cost and stress free traveling, the Euro Rail Pass might be a good choice for you.

Often when traveling, people are without transportation because the route or ticketing system is too confusing, too expensive, or maybe there's little public transportation available in the area where you are staying. In that case, be as free as the wind, and rent a motor bike! It's usually cheap, fun and very convenient. Give it a try and you'll be able to explore unknown areas that will surprise and delight you.

When flying, most likely at your seat you will have streaming radio whereby there will be a variety of music and talk shows available to you for your enjoyment. On flight times of 3 hours or more usually you can also select a movie to watch among several choices. For transoceanic flights, often you can watch up to 3 movies. For serious movie watchers, this can be a wonderful dream for making your very long trip a little more enjoyable. Be creative when flying among the stars!

When standing on the ground, flying on an airplane often seems to be so thrilling, hopeful, and even mysterious. It's a ride high in the sky to unknown adventures and opportunities. The actual plane ride though is often more of a challenge than excitement. The cabin temperature can vary from too hot, especially when there is a take-off delay, to extremely cold when flying at high altitudes. In economy class the seats are small and packed in tightly with other seats. If you are tall or wide, there may be discomfort from lack of leg room and sitting space. Sleep if you can; exercise periodically in your seat by stretching, or get up and walk around; drink lots of water; and keep a positive attitude which always helps in getting you to your destination in good condition!

With so many people, so often being squeezed onto an airplane, it can be difficult and challenging to get comfortable. As the plane air humidity is extremely low, it's best to keep hydrated, that is, drink plenty of water. Often there will be plane delays for take-offs or landings. It's therefore best to have some healthy snacks packed into your carry-on bag. If you have a long flight, try doing some stretching exercises while sitting, but even better, take a walk around the cabin. Try to keep your body in good condition. Free your body, and free your mind!

These days, it's common that flights around the world are completely booked. Many airlines are reducing the number of flights per route to increase the number of passengers on each plane. This becomes more profitable for them, the airlines company, but often less convenient for us, the travelers. We don't have so many flight options and with the increase in demand for plane seats, the cost per ticket often goes up too. Therefore, if traveling with friends or family, it's best to reserve your seat location as soon as possible. This can sometimes be done through your travel agent, and other times the reservation can be made directly with the airlines. Although meeting new people who are traveling beside you on the plane can be quite fascinating, sitting by a loved one is usually emotionally comforting.

Vegetarianism is sometimes like a trend. Periodically, there is a flurry of media articles about its history and the multiple health benefits from becoming a vegetarian. Many people try it, and then many people stop, and then try it again, and the cycle continues. Often economic development brings with it an increase in meat consumption. Per capita, the Japanese are eating more meat each year and less rice. In the States, there is the opposite consumption trend of less meat, and more rice, fish and vegetables. The Australians have an old tradition of eating Kangaroo. It's not everyone's choice for a meat dish, but as a novelty food, many will eat it from time to time. Enjoy your dinner(maybe???)

Most people know that the Hawaiian Islands are filled with Japanese; a combination of tourists and multi-generational families whose ancestors arrived during the 1800s. You might be surprised that the west coast of the States, especially in Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all have large, thriving Japanese communities. Take the time to visit San Francisco with its attractive urban architecture, healthy California cuisine restaurants, music, dance and theatre. It's a city bursting with creativity. And for the Japanese restaurants, at least in San Francisco, you will find delightful true Japanese food, with a tasty California twist. Enjoy!!

I must admit, I'm a true lover of pure, natural, "full-body" flavored hot chocolate. For some people powdered, artificially flavored chocolate is fine. If it tastes like chocolate, that's all they need. For me though, I really enjoy a warm, luscious cup of hot chocolate that has been prepared by melting down a large bar of high quality chocolate. It is then stirred to bring out the rich aroma that opens your senses. Sometimes a little cinnamon or spice is added. When pouring this taste bursting hot chocolate into my waiting cup it is the high point of my day. You will find these hot chocolate shops in all the big cities of North America, and through-out Europe. When you are in Paris, go straight to Cafe Angelina. You won't regret it!!

Among the Chinese, food stands out as an important cultural ingredient that flavors relationships, oils the wheels of business, and warms family ties. It is often said by world travelers that the variety of prepared Chinese foods is the most extensive in the world. Eating together in large groups is common and often accompanied by much laughter and the sharing of stories. When in Hong Kong, join in the fun with friends and try your English as it's commonly spoken through-out the Region!