TRAVELLINGModern life is inconceivable without travelling. Millions of people all over the world travel every day either on business or for pleasure. They are eager to see other countries and continents, to enjoy picturesque landscapes, to learn other peoples’ traditions, to discover different ways of life, to meet new friends, to try various cuisines – in short, to get new impressions. And to practice in foreign languages as well! Most travelers and holiday-makers equip themselves with cameras and take pictures of exciting views of buildings, monuments, waterfalls, forests, plants and animals. These photos will remind them of the happy time of holiday. Basically, there are four means of travelling: by air, by rail, by sea or by road. Travelling by air is the fastest one, but it is the most expensive. Sometimes you have to change planes, which may be inconvenient and even painful, if there are delays of flights. However, there is none of the dust and dirt of a railway or car journey. Modern planes move so smoothly that virtually nobody gets airsick. Travelling by railway seems more interesting. With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable seat of a railway carriage you observe picturesque sceneries of the country you are travelling through. You can have a meal in the dining-car or a wonderful bed in a sleeper. Unfortunately, nowadays trains are not so cheap, especially in Europe. Travelling by ship is also rather popular. Some people enjoy such voyages, but they do not suit me because I get seasick. Many people, including me, like travelling by car. It is highly fascinating, since you can see numerous sights in a short time, you can stop wherever and whenever you wish, not having to buy tickets or carry your suitcases. With a GPS you don’t need maps anymore. The only thing to care for is petrol. Hiking is a kind of travelling on foot with a rucksack. Personally, I'm both an ardent motorist and a hiker. I am fond of walking to the mountains or to the forest. There is nothing like gathering mushrooms and berries in the forest, swimming in the river, making a bonfire and cooking on it. This kind of pastime teaches us discipline and strong will, overcoming hardships and achieving the goal. Sometimes your journey turns out to be a disappointment. It may happen in case the trip is not well organized, or bad weather spoils your plans, or the company who joined your trip is rather dull, or the place from which you had expected much appears to have nothing particular. My own sea experience was a failure for the reason I mentioned before. But never lose a hope for the better trip, and you will make it next time! However, sooner or later you will become home-sick and feel like returning home. Indeed, “East or West — home is best” .
