Lesson 88 : [Ostriches, oxen, other crazy modes of transport]

[맨투맨 전화영어]

Intermediate Class

[Ostriches, oxen, other crazy modes of transport]

Ostriches, oxen and other crazy modes of transportation

NEW YORK - For travelers looking for modes of transport with a difference, travel Web site VirtualTourist.com has compiled a list of top 10 wild rides.

This list was compiled by VirtualTourist.com and is not endorsed by Reuters.

1. Ostrich Rides; Nairobi, Kenya
Although elephant rides are the first thing most people think of when weighing transportation options in Kenya, the ostrich is not to be ruled out. The animal equivalent of a unicycle may take a few tries before novice riders find their balance.

2. Balloon Rides; Goreme, Turkey
You'll have to get up at the crack of dawn, but most who try it agree that there's no better way to watch the sun come up and take in the "wow factor" of Goreme's ancient landscape.

3. Swan-shaped Boat Rides; Boston
For a genteel experience, try the famous Swan Boats of Boston's Public Garden. A tradition since the late 1800s, these man-powered boats are as much a part of the Boston experience as a trip to Fenway.

4. Ox-Cart Rides; Nepal
They're not great on the freeway, but for short stretches, riding an ox-cart is a great experience. It will take you through Nepal's rugged, rural terrain, but also on a trip back in time.

5. Zorb Riding; Rotorua, New Zealand
It may look tame, but one spin down a hill in a Zorb, or giant inflatable ball, and you'll see this is one serious adrenaline rush. Single and tandem "rolls" can be arranged, and those with weak stomachs can ask for a little water in their capsule to insure a smooth ride.

6. Helicopter Ride; Grand Canyon, Arizona
An exhilarating option for those who don't have enough time to do the canyon on foot, there is no better way to take in the grandeur of this centuries-old crater than by air.

7. Rickshaw Rides; India
Some call them death machines, others call them glorified golf carts. Whatever you call them, don't let a few white knuckles stop you from taking a spin.

8. Camel Ride; Mt. Sinai, Egypt
Yes, it's touristy, but how many other opportunities are you going to get to do this? These desert taxis can be as expensive as real ones, but with a little pre-ride negotiation you may be able get the fare down considerably.

9. Submarine Ride; Barbados
It's not for the claustrophobic, but if you can keep your calm when the door closes, it's a pretty spectacular experience. From marine life, to coral reefs, to sunken ships, you'd have to be a mermaid to get a better view.

10. Dog Sledding; Bern, Switzerland
When in doubt, hold on tight and yell "mush!." You may be shivering, but the dogs love it and seeing them do what they do best is an invigorating experience. A toast with a hot drink at the end is customary — for you, not the dogs.

Aug. 1, 2008  MSNBC.com

***Vocabulary

l       genteel

l       terrain

l       tame

l       tandem

l       touristy

l       claustrophobic

***Discussion Questions

1. Among those 10 rides, have you ever experienced any? How was it? What did you like and not like about it?

2. After reading this article, which unusual transportation would like to try? Why?

3. If you had a choice between having unusual experiences such as these rides or getting the same amount of money which it may cost to have those experiences, which would you choose? Why?

4. With the high price of oil these days, would any of these animal-drawn transportation be useful in any ways?

5. Can you think of any other unusual transportation methods?

6. Space tourism is the recent phenomenon of tourists paying for flights into space pioneered by Russia. It costs around $20million to travel to space, if you the money would you try it?

7. Do you think as the cost comes down people will take their vacations in space?

8. What do you think about Yi So-yeon, the first Korean in space? South Korea is reported to have paid Russia $20 Million for Yi's space flight, do you think tax-payers money should have been used to pay for this?

9. With the price of oil going up and the problems with global warming, what do you think transportation will be like in the future?

10. Bicycle are very popular in Japan, why aren’t they in Korea? Do you think the government should promote the use of bicycles?