Leaving Hanoi on a fiercely hot summer day,after an hour by air,Luang Prabang gradually appears below our airplane wings.From a few hundred meters above,my first impression of this UNESCO-listed heritage(遗产)is an area of green land and mountains,surrounded by snaking rivers.
Encircled by mountains,the former royal capital of Luang Prabang is more than just the country's picture-perfect showpiece.
Travelers will be attracted to Luang Prabang by the city's timeless peacefulness with its shiny Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture and friendly people.
Tourists visiting Luang Prabang shouldn't miss the chance to see one of the most sacred(神圣的)Lao traditions, tak bat,or the Buddhist almsgiving ritual(仪式),which dates back to the 14th century.
As the sun rises in Luang Prabang,hundreds of Buddhist monks depart from their temples to gather their daily offerings,which most commonly are rice,fresh fruit and traditional sweet snacks.The daily alms gathering begins on the main street before spreading to all the side streets.
Our group of six got out of our comfy beds at 5 am to join other local residents and tourists to offer alms to the monks.We kneeled by the roadside in front of the 3 Nagas Hotel on the main street with big baskets of steamed sticky rice,waiting quietly until monks of all ages passed by to accept our gifts.
The daily ritual gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Lao tradition.However,there are some strict rules if you wish to join the event.
Firstly,shoulders,chests and legs must be covered in modest clothing as a mark of respect.You should also remain a suitable distance from the monks.Photographs may be taken,but from a distance and never use a camera flash.The ritual has to be performed in silence.Talking to or touching the monks at any time,even when making an offering,is not allowed.
Another must-do morning activity is to visit the local market,where you can see the generosity that Mother Nature offers this dreamy land.While walking through the morning market,located within a long and narrow hamlet,I was excited to see all kinds of products from the nearby river and jungle: some ill-fated squirrels lying next to fresh bamboo shoots,different kinds of wild mushrooms and vegetables displayed on banana leaves and giant river catfish in baskets.
Although Luang Prabang is small,there are many things to see here.Active travelers can get up close and personal with Laos' gentle giants at the elephant conservation camp or take in some scenes of riverside life with a cruise or kayak excursion on the rivers.Two waterfalls that are perfect for picnicking in the foothills nearby,and classes are available in traditional crafts.
1.What can we learn about the tak bat?
A. The daily alms gathering begins on all the side streets.
B. Tourists take photographs,using a camera flash if too dark.
C. Tourists kneel by the roadside,waiting quietly for monks' gifts.
D. Tourists remain a suitable distance from the monks and keep silent.
2.What impression will Luang Prabang most probably leave on tourists?
A. Ancient and attractive. B. Modern and charming.
C. Large and mysterious. D. Distant and poor.
3.If you visit the local market in Luang Prabang,you will find .
A. people there are very generous
B. products are sold through a sacred ritual
C. products there are sold only in the morning
D. products sold by locals are from the surroundings
4.The author introduces Luang Prabang to readers mainly by .
A. commenting on Buddhism B. referring to peaceful ritual
C. describing its characteristics D. emphasizing its specific location
The tough economy is bringing new shoppers to the secondhand market.Plato's Closet in Charlotte,NC is a private company,which mainly buys and sells used clothes.While Charlotte has outstanding secondhand stores offering high-end and graceful brands for women,most of their stock applies to adults.Plato's closet targets teens and those in their 20s.
Plato's Closet,with stores in Matthews and the university area,sells clothes and accessories(装饰品)that are currently popular at about one third the retail(零售)prices.
The two hottest brands,for buying and selling,are Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch.Even though the offerings tend to be suitable for young people,there are a variety of shoppers at Plato's Closet of varying ages.Women in their 30s,40s,and older could easily find a purse,jacket or piece of jewelry they like.
If you are selling
Unlike higher-end resale stores which usually work on consignment(寄售),Plato's Closet buys on the spot.
Items can be gently used,but must be in very good condition.
Clothes should be less than two years old and styles should be the same as those still being sold at the shopping center.
There is no negotiation;prices are set company-wide.If what you sell amounts to $30 or less,they'll give you cash.More than that,you'll get a Visa cash card.
Secondhand success
Don't get discouraged if you can't find something on your first trip.Resale shops are always getting new lists of goods and change their styles with each season.
Be sure to check each piece carefully before buying.
Price comparison
Jackets: New York & Company black blazer,$12; retail: $37.
Pants: Express Editor-style pants,$12; retail: $69.90.
Shoes: Nine West black peep-toe pumps,$12; retail: $89.
Jewelry: Necklaces,$3-$5; retail: $18-$30.
1.Plato's Closet is different from other secondhand stores in that .
A. its offerings are more expensive
B. its target customers are young people
C. its stock mainly applies to female adults
D. it only offers high-end brands for women
2.If you want to sell something at Plato's Closet,you .
A. are surely paid by cash B. can bargain with buyers
C. should sell on consignment D. should make sure it's in good condition
3.If you buy a pair of Express Editor-style pants in Plato's Closet,you can save .
A. 57.9 dollars B. 15 dollars
C. 77 dollars D. 25 dollars.
I have always considered myself a positive optimist,trying to find the best in every situation.I've recently become aware of how two little____have had a great impact on people.
My son____to tell me about a house he was interested in.I said,"Honey,I am glad that you've found something you like,___…"There,I continued,"Don't you think,with the gas prices,you might want to buy one____to your work?"As he told me all about the possible house,I could hear the____in his voice.The moment I spoke the word, BUT,it was____I pricked a balloon with a needle(针).I could hear him slowly deflate(泄气).I____that if I had used the word AND—"Honey,I'm glad you found a house in your____range,AND I'm happy for you."—he wouldn't have been____,and we'd have both hung up feel better.
My daughter____at my door dressed like a princess on her way to the prom.I told her how graceful looked and I was____of the young lady she has become,and I said,"Sweetheart,you____having a great time,but please don't drink tonight."I know she doesn't engage in____behavior;she's responsible and sensible.She looked as though I'd snatched her crown."Mom!"The tone of her voice indicated how I'd____her feel.How I wish I'd said,"I want you to have a great time,AND I____you."
My husband helps around the house.I was____he had lightened my work load.I told him how wonderful he is, and I used that naughty word again."BUT,why did you____crumbs(面包屑)all over the counter?"Why?Why?Why didn't I say,"Thank you,ANDI am____or all you do around the house."
I've been doing some____.I am going to remove that naughty little word from my____and replace it with the word AND.This is a decision I intend to keep!
1.A. tips B. words C. acts D. choices
2.A. called B. attempted C. waited D. decided
3.A. or B. so C. and D. but
4.A. due B. special C. cheap D. close
5.A. puzzle B. hesitation C. excitement D. impatience
6.A. even if B. only if C. what if D. as if
7.A. believe B. imagine C. doubt D. forget
8.A. distance B. ability C. price D. plan
9.A. away B. off C. out D. down
10.A. opened up B. showed up C. stood up D. made up
11.A. aware B. proud C. jealous D. fond
12.A. allow B. consider C. deserve D. fancy
13.A. risky B. bitter C. selfish D. unfair
14.A. ignored B. seen C. helped D. made
15.A. love B. miss C. trust D. defend
16.A. amazed B. delighted C. relieved D. annoyed
17.A. forget B. throw C. mess D. leave
18.A. shameful B. anxious C. sorry D. grateful
19.A. self-reflecting B. self-promoting C. self-controlling D. self-learning
20.A. dictionary B. experience C. vocabulary D. memory
—Liz,the Indian movie Lets Wrestle,Dad is on tonight!Go to see it with me,OK?
— ?We need relaxation after working for so many days without any rest.
A. Why me B. Why not
C. What if D. So what
—Johnson is waiting to see you outside. he come in?
—Of course,please.And I'd rather he told me his funny story.
A. Shall B. Will
C. May D. Should
Wayne Rooney,a famous football player,regretted being too careless to score the goal, that the same mistake would not be repeated.
A. determining B. having determined
C. to determine D. determined