Hinata's UK travel plan

Canterbury cathedral

First, I will fly to London. Then, I will take a train east to Canterbury, because I want to see the cathedral.Thomas Becket was murdered in the cathedral in 1170 after quarrelling with his former friend, King Henry II.

Cambridge

Next day, I will take a train north to Cambridge, because I want to visit this university. I took the Cambridge English exam in Matsumoto. Then, I will take a train north to Sheffield, because I want to visit this city hall. Sheffield is famous for steel and engineering. My English teacher comes from there.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

After that, I will take a train west to Llanberis in Wales, because I want to take a steam train, up the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Edinburgh

The day after, I will take a train to Scotland and visit the capital, Edinburgh. There is a Festival every year and also the Military Tattoo. Finally I will visit Aberdeen, because I want to have a look around the university, and then fly back to London from Dyce Airport.

by Hinata

Postcards from Scotland - After reading

Postcard 1

Hi, I am in Edinburgh of Scotland. I am visiting here to see “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo” event near the castle of Edinburgh. Have you ever seen in TV etc that the people who put traditional kilt and play music instrument near the Edinburgh castle? I am exiting that I can see it soon!! I learned this time that the first performance conducted by the solders of Scotland and England to bring citizens back into good spirits after World War Two.

I am going to explore this city tomorrow. Let’s see together a lot of pictures taken in Edinburgh when I am back to Japan.

Postcard 2

Hi, I am walking to see Old and New Towns of Edinburgh. This area is very beautiful and I could see a lot of impressive architectures that blends the character of Old Town and New Town. There are many tourists because here was world heritage-listed area by UNESCO and I will see many tourists in fudge shop because fudge is famous as souvenir of Scotland. I will take some fudge to enjoy them with you with a cup of English tea.

I am going to visit the Isle of Skye tomorrow.

Postcard 3

Hi, I am in the Isle of Skye and this island was referred to “Skuy” (Isle of could/ misty isle). This isle is the northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland and you can enjoy a lot of nature activities by walking, boat etc.

I am visiting Fairy Pools, and there are crystal clear blue pools. I have never seen such a clear pools and recommend you to visit here someday. You can see the beautiful pools like photo of this postcard actually. I think it is worth to travel long distance to see beautiful or impressive natures in the Isle of Skye.

I will be back to Japan and look forward to talking you about this journey with a lot of pictures.

Seasons & Celebrations

After Reading question 1:

Here are two e-mails about different celebrations.

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Subject: New Year's Eve

Time: 23.30 Date: 31 December

Hello from Edinburgh!

There are thousands of people in the streets. Everyone is singing and dancing. There are a lot of fireworks, too. It's very noisy! In half an hour it will be midnight. Everyone is excited! Nobody will go to work tomorrow - it's a holiday, and all the banks and shops will be closed. Everyone will stay in bed!

Bye! Tam

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Subject: Halloween

Time: 19.45 Date: 31 October

Hi!

I'm staying with a family in New York. The children are having a party tonight. They've dressed as witches and ghosts - they say it keeps the bad spirits away! There are a a lot of decorations in the house, too - they're black and orange. Outside the door there's a strange light. Someone has cut a pumpkin in the side of a face, and they've put a light in it!

See you!

Tania

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I went to business trip to Shanghai in the beginning of November. It was a first visit to China. On the final day, I rode a "Shanghai Maglev Train". The line runs from Longyang Road station to Pudong International Airport. It takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the distance of 30 km. A train can reach the maximum operation speed of 431 km/h!! It was very comfortable.

Logan's Choice

No1: What have you learnt about Edinburgh from reading Logan's Choice?

There are rich areas and dirtier, poorer areas in Edinburgh.

Leith is in the north of Edinburgh, by the sea. Many years ago Leith was busy. Lots of boats came in and out every day.

These days there were few boats and many of the old buildings were now flats for the young people of Edinburgh.

Princes Street is in the north of Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is unusual for the main street of a large city. These are shops on only one side of the street. The Princes Street Gardens are on the other side. In the summer the gardens are full of people sitting in the sun.

Posted for Michie

The University Murders

I have read two murders stories continuously. These two stories are interesting because the criminals are unexpected persons.

I like mystery, so I have read this book in this three-day weekend. I wonder Billy Marr wasn't necessary in this book. What was his function ? The last scene, it seems like a stretch.

Q5. Imagine you are going to make a film of The University Murders, but it will take place in your country. Which university city would you choose, and why ?

I choose Nara city. I think the city has to have a good nature and good situation to be able to apply the study in the university. On the other hand, the city isn't an urban area and it hasn't so many people in university area. Thus I choose Nara city.

The University Murders

I like a suspense story and this book was interesting for me, I could finish reading it without boring.

I strongly recommend you don't read my comments before your reading this book, because I have mentioned who is murderer in it. :-)

Q6: In Scotland, the punishment for murder is life imprisonment - which means at least fifteen years in prison. Do you think this is the right punishment?

Except in this case, I think the life imprisonment is too light for ****** *******. Because She has killed two university students to get their researches for herself. I can't find grounds for extenuating circumstances. In Japan, the punishment for murder is life imprisonment or death sentences. It's very difficult to say which is the right punishment, but I think we should judge the punishment in a comprehensive manner. e.g. background, reason, modus operandi and etc.

Koa