Many people like to travel on vacations. Now more and more travellers in the United States are spending nights at small houses 1 inns (小旅馆) instead of (代替) hotels. They get a 2 for the night and the breakfast for the next morning.

    In the past five 3 ten years, these bed- and-breakfast places have become popular in the United States. Many of these America's bed-and- breakfast inns 4 old historic (历史性的) buildings. Some bed-and-breakfast inns have only 5 rooms. Others are much larger. Some inns do not provide (提供) telephones or televisions in the rooms while (而) 6 do.

    Staying at a bed-and-breakfast inn is much different 7 staying at a hotel. Usually the cost is much lower. Staying at an inn is like visiting 8 home. The owners are 9 to tell about the interesting places to visit. Many travellers say 10 enjoy the chance (机会) to meet local families.

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 over 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, the daughter Chinda, who is 16, and Grandpa and Grandma.

    I go to an international school with Sanan and Chinda. The school teaches about 70 per cent in English, and 30 per cent in Thai. I've learned some spoken language, but Thai writing is very difficult. The cooking lesson is my favourite. I'm 19100 112 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 say that next month they're going to take me to Phuket Island, where the beaches are 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 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

Hong Kong is a wonderful place .

the world with Chinese culture!

We watch television .