Ответы
1. I can`t say that I am a frequent train commuter as I find trains rather slow and uncomfortable. However, my attitude towards the European trains has changed dramatically after my last summer train journey.
Last summer I went to France just to see the country. After a few days in Paris, I got bored and decided not to lose an opportunity to visit some other European capitals. Berlin was the most desirable place to visit, so I decided to go there. The only problem was which way of travelling to take, but finally I decided to travel by train to Munich as it was twice as cheap as by plane. So, my trip began.First of all, I had to find out which railway station I want for Germany, but it an easy task. As soon as I arrived at `Gare du Nord` railway station hall, I went to the information office to inquire about the timetable. After I`d chosen the train, I had to book a ticket for this train.
I was afraid of speaking French as I`m not very good at it and was really pleased to find bilingual ticket offices, where ticket clerks could speak English. As I didn`t want to return to Paris,so I took a Day Second Class Single to Berlin. It was an inter-city express, but I had to change in Cologne as it wasn`t a through train. I had to hurry up, my train left in a quarter of an hour, but the platform was quite a good way from the ticket office.
As soon as I found my car (вагон, в этом случае), ticket inspector checked my ticket and showed me my seat. By the way, the platform was on a level with the floor of the carriage, so it was easy to get on the train. I was surprised by the fact that there were no compartments at all, just the rows of seats, which were really comfortable. I put my suitcase to the luggage rack took my seat.
The train started exactly on time. Never will I forget the train gaining speed! It was fantastic! The average speed was approximately 210 km per hour! But what I liked most was the service. Commuters didn`t have to go to a dining-car because tea and coffee were served by the waiters.
I didn`t notice the time and I was in Cologne within 2 hours. Surprisingly, but I wasn`t tired, but was eager to continue my train journey.
To conclude, I can say that the European train service differs greatly from ours one, and I had unforgettable travel experience.
2. Это небольшой топик о путешествиях сегодня.
People began to travel ages ago. The very first travellers were explorers who went on trips to find wealth, fame or something else.
Their journeys were very dangerous-but still people keep on going to the unknown lands.
Nowadays it is not as dangerous and much more convenient. Do you want to go somewhere? Hundreds of companies are there to help you. They will take care about your tickets and make all the reservations needed.
You don't speak the language of the country you go to? There are interpreters that will help you.
With modern services you can go around the world. You can choose the means of transport you like: plane, train, ship, bicycle or you can travel hiking.
Tourism became a very profitable business because people are ready to spend their money for the great opportunity to have a great time learning about new countries, going sightseeing, resting and enjoying themselves.