Dear Liz,

    My stay in Thailand has certainly been the experience of my life, Life is busy and exciting. Bangkok is just like any other big city with a population of 10 million and heavy traffic. I'm very lucky because my host family is in a nice quiet area outside the city. There are Mr and Mrs Phairat, their son Sanan, who is 18, their daughter Chinda, who is 16, and Grandpa and Grandma.

    I go to an international school with Sanan and Chinda. The school teaches about 70 percent in English, and 30 percent in Thai. I've learned some spoken language, but Thai writing is very difficult. The cooking lesson is my favourite. I'm learning all about Thai food and culture. People don't use chopsticks here, but spoons and forks. When I come back, I'm going to cook you a real Thai meal.

    Last weekend we visited some temples. We also drove to Pattaya beach near Bangkok. I thought it was great, but Sanan and Chinda said that next month they would take me to Phuket Island, where the beaches arc even more beautiful. The month after next, we're going to travel to Mr Phairat's home town in the north of Thailand. The Phairats own land there, and they have two elephants. I'm going to ride those elephants-and even wash them. Sanan and Chinda say it's really fun.

    I'm amazed by everything in this country, especially by the elephants. Elephants are an important part of Thai culture and way of life. They have been a traditional symbol（象征）of Thailand for many years in times of war and peace. In the seventh century, a Thai king trained 20, 000 elephants for battle.

    I'll tell you all about my Thai boxing（拳击）lessons next time I write.

Love,

Mandy

⑴Enjoy beautiful scenery on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. The water is clear and calm with temperatures of 25°～28°in July and August. You don't need any previous kayaking（独木舟）experience to enjoy this trip. However, you do need to be quite fit, as you will be on the water for 4~6 hours a day.

⑵Experience diving and sailing in the Indian Ocean in March and April. Enjoy warm, clear water and white, sandy beaches. Spend all of your stay on one of our yachts（游艇）with first-class service and excellent food. Explore remote and unspoilt reefs, and see a wonderful range of underwater sea life.

⑶Would you like to discover the underwater world of the dolphin? Join us in July or August in the clear waters around the Azores. You will receive training from expert guides（专业导游）to gain confidence in the water with the animals. We often see eight different species of dolphin during our trips.

⑷Come to Iceland in summer to see the biggest waterfall in Europe. Gauifoss, the "Golden Waterfall" is a truly spectacular（壮观）sight. The water from the River Hvítá and water from glaciers come together and fall 32m in two stages. You can follow a path quite close to the falls, which provides wonderful opportunities（机会）for photos and videos. Warm clothing is essential（必要）.

⑸If you enjoy nature, you will love lake Balaton.

Much of the area around the lake is part of a protected national park. We have expert guides with knowledge of local plants and animals. That will take you on long walks around the park. The marsh area of the lake is home to a wide number of bird species.