Dialogue 1

• Do you like to travel?

• I think everyone does.

• Where did you go last summer?

• We went to Spain.

• Was it good?

• Not too bad. We didn’t pay much for our holiday. It cost us about 600 dollars each.

• That isn’t expensive. And how much time did you spend there?

• Two weeks. We stayed at a three star hotel, which was not far from the sea. What about you? Where did you go last summer?

• We went to the US.

• Cool! Was it good?

• That was good. Bud we had too many problems getting a visa. We went to the embassy a couple of times and it was a big problem getting a visa. They ask too many questions. Anyway we got it.

• Was it expensive?

• It was a little. We paid 3000 dollars for three people. But the price included the flight, the hotel and food.

• What cities did you visit?

• A lot. We were in Orlando, San Francisco, New York and other places.

• Did you visit Disneyland?

• We did. That was cool. If you have a chance, you should see it. You won’t regret it.

• And what city did you like most of all?

• San Francisco.

• Didn’t you like New York?

• Well, I don’t think so. It’s a beautiful city but I liked San Francisco more. America is full of different people.

• I see. Do you think I should try to visit the US next summer?

• Of course.

• OK. I will go there if I get a visa.

Dialogue 2

• Hello, Jane. I hear you’ve come from America recently.

• Oh yes. Here I am at last.

• How long have you been there?

• Nearly a month, including New Year’s Eve too which I had to spend with my American friends instead of my family. Nevertheless I’ll never regret it.

• Does the New Year’s Eve in America differ much from the one in Russia.

• Actually, not much. Many people spend New Year’s Day resting. That’s because they’ve stayed up most of the night greeting the New Year.

• I guess some went at friends’ homes or at night clubs. Others were out on the streets throwing confetti, weren’t they?

• That’s right. Besides many people make New Year’s resolutions like to eat less, to work more. Few people keep them.

• Are there any important holidays in the US?

• Of course, there are. Memorial Day honors American soldiers killed in war, Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. But the most important one is the 4^th of July or Independence Day. On July, 4^th 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Britain.

• I guess as far as the Halloween is concerned everybody knows about it in Russia.

• That’s true. It’s not an official holiday. It’s a very special day when children dress in costumes as witches, ghosts, monsters.

• Besides, the tradition of going from house to house and saying “trick or treat” reminds me of our Russian Christmas tradition.

• You are right. Christmas is a great holiday in the USA. It’s time when families get together and important time for giving gifts. So here is my gift to you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!