Language Practice

Upper-intermediate

Vocabulary    Intermediate 07 Holiday experiences

In February, I went on holiday to a city called Guayaquil in Ecuador. Even though Guayaquil is large, it’s not
very touristy. Most people go to Ecuador to experience nature, which is incredibly exotic there, but cities
appeal to me more. I had a fantastic time, and I especially enjoyed all the colourful houses in Guayaquil.
Unfortunately I was there during the rainy season, but it was still a really memorable holiday.
touristy (adjective) – visited by many tourists
exotic (adjective) – foreign and attractive
appeal (verb) – attract, interest
season (noun) – a time of year
memorable (adjective) – special to remember
My cousin Luis and I spent last summer in Europe. We’re both students, so we didn’t have much money,
but we didn’t mind roughing it. We visited a lot of different countries, mostly by train or boat because
we couldn’t afford airfares. Our most adventurous trip was to Iceland! We took a ferry there, and it was
a true voyage of discovery. The landscape is amazing … stunning rivers and lakes, and even volcanoes.
We both want to go back one day.
roughing it (verb phrase) – travelling with minimal necessities
adventurous (adjective) – excited to try new things
voyage of discovery (noun phrase) – experience where one learns many
new things
stunning (adjective) – gorgeous
My parents were celebrating a big anniversary recently, and they decided to bring the whole family on
a very special trip. We went to Kenya! I’d never been to Africa before, and it really made an impression
on me. For the first week, we stayed in a remote village. It was an extraordinary experience, but the
toughest part was that we had no electricity or running water! I wasn’t in my comfort zone, but after a
few days, I got used to it. My parents believe that tourists have responsibilities, for example, respecting
the local culture, saving water, protecting wildlife, and so on. Responsible tourism is the best way to
travel, in my opinion.
(to) make an impression (verb phrase) – to affect one’s perspective
remote (adjective) – located far away
tough (adjective) – difficult; requiring much effort
comfort zone (noun) – a stress-free environment
responsibility (noun) – necessary duty
Last year, I spent a month in Bali. I have never felt so relaxed in my life! It’s the perfect place to slow
down and soak up the beautiful surroundings. The scenery there is so picturesque … the blue sea
and the gorgeous green forests, I loved it! Every morning I wandered down the beach and, when it
got too hot, I went paddling in the water. I visited the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud too. Most of the
animals ignored me, but I recognised the bravery of one young monkey who climbed into my arms for
a cuddle. Incredible!
soak up (phrasal verb) – take in a positive experience
picturesque (adjective) – enjoyable to watch, like a beautiful picture
wander (verb) – move aimlessly
(go) paddling (verb) – walk with bare feet in shallow water
ignore (verb) – not acknowledge
bravery (noun) – courage