Culture B1+ Unit

Culture trips
1 Look at the photos in 2a. Work with a partner. Discuss the questions for each photo.
1 What does the photo show? Shows a temple on the side of a river
2 Where do you think the place is? In some Asian country because of the way the temple was buil
3 Do you associate any other landmarks or cultural ideas with this place? I associate a place of peace and tranquility on
the outskirts of the city
2a Read the travel brochure. Check your answers from 1.

China Heritage Tour Kenyan Cultural Safari Amsterdam City Break

S pend eight days in one of

Africa’s great wildlife countries
discovering its amazing animal
A weekend in this attractive Dutch
city is the perfect way to enjoy
European culture at its best. Famous
heritage, unique landscapes and for its canals, Amsterdam was one
prehistoric sites. See the Great Rift of the world’s most important ports
Valley and Mount Kilimanjaro for in the 17th century. It was during
some truly magnificent scenery, and this Golden Age that most of the
visit Hyrax Hill archaeological site, charming canal houses were built
the birthplace of some of the first as homes for wealthy merchants.
humans over a million years ago. Nowadays, we associate the city
with these tall, narrow buildings,
and they’re known for their ‘gables’
– pretty roof decorations. You can
still see the hooks on the gables that

D iscover one of the world’s

oldest civilisations on this ten-
day trip. You will visit two of the
were used to pull up goods, such as
spices, cotton and cocoa, which the
merchants would bring back from
country’s famous cultural cities – their foreign expeditions. Nowadays,
Beijing, the capital, and historical the hooks are used to pull up big
Xi’an – as well as China’s most items like furniture because the
iconic landmark, The Great Wall. staircases inside the houses are so
narrow.
The origins of Beijing date back
some 3,000 years, and the city has While on safari in the famous
many wonderful treasures and Maasai Mara National Park, you
a rich history. To enjoy examples can choose between a stay in a
of its renowned architecture, luxury tent or in the home of a
your visit takes in the delights Maasai family. The Maasai people
of The Forbidden City – a huge are an ethnic tribe in southern
palace of about 9,000 rooms – and Kenya who still preserve their
The Summer Palace. The pagodas unique culture and customs in
you’ll see are the perfect symbol order to maintain a traditional
of China’s heritage. They were way of life. Local guides will take
built with many roofs to prevent you on game drives and walks to
rainwater running down the walls see the spectacular wildlife of the
and into the foundations, and region. In the Swahili language
to avoid the structure becoming ‘safari’ means ‘journey’, and
unstable. China’s pagodas are an this trip is sure to create lifelong As well as its architecture,
architectural marvel, surviving memories. Amsterdam has many other
storms and earthquakes over cultural delights, including famous
thousands of years. museums and art galleries. For
a fun way to get around, do as
Then it’s on to Xi’an, formerly an
the Dutch do and hop on a bike
ancient capital of China. It’s home
or tram to see the sights. A boat
to the famous Terracotta Army, a
trip is also a great way to enjoy
collection of sculptures discovered
the buildings along the canals,
in 1974 and originally constructed
and you can even sleep in a canal
for the Emperor Qin Shi Huang
house bed and breakfast for a truly
more than 2,000 years ago.
authentic stay.

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 Culture B1+ Unit

2b Read the travel brochure again. Which destinations are these statements about? Write China, Kenya or
Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
1 Its true heritage dates back about 400 years.
2 Its architectural style has existed for over 1,000 years. China
3 This destination was built on foreign exchange. Amsterdam
4 Its history goes back to the beginnings of humankind. Kenya
5 It’s had more than one capital throughout history. China
6 Its traditional communities maintain a culturally rich heritage. Kenya
7 There are many transport options for getting around. Amsterdam
8 Its landscape is a big attraction for tourists. Kenya

2c Read and answer the questions.   Gateway to culture

1 Where can you see impressive roof architecture? 3a Work with a partner and discuss the questions.
Amsterdam
1 Which of the trips in 2a would you most like to take?
2 What cultural aspects can you experience on a trip Why?
to Kenya? 2 What tourist attractions do people associate with
See the Maasai people an ethnic tribe in southern Kenya and their your country? Which ones do you think visitors
traditional way of life and their Swahili language
3 Where can you stay in accommodation typical of would be most interested in?
the place? 3 Do the buildings in your country have a certain
Amsterdam y Kenya architectural style? Why do you think they were built
4 Why are pagodas so strong and long-lasting? this way?

Because they were built with many roofs to prevent PROJECT

rainwater from running down the rod to the foundation
5 Where can you see proof of the origins of humankind?
3b You are going to design a tour itinerary for a
At the archaeological site of Hyrax Hill
cultural trip to your country or another country
6 Why were Dutch houses built with gabled roofs? of your choice. Read the questions and prepare
Because they were used to lift goods, such as your project research.
spices, cotton and cocoa
1 Work in groups. Choose a country to research, if
2d Tick (✔) the tourist attractions that the brochure you are not choosing your own. Brainstorm the
says you can see in each destination. cultural highlights of the country, thinking about
what would attract visitors the most.
China Kenya Amsterdam 2 Do some research on the Internet to find out
landmarks more about these cultural aspects and make notes
on the following points:
■ what cultural highlights the country has to
architecture X
offer, e.g. landmarks, architecture, museums,
ethnic heritage, historical features, etc.
museums
■ how these can be put together into a tour

itinerary (this can include a tour of different

ethnic heritage
places in the country or concentrate on one
city or place only)
archaelogy
■ accommodation typical of the country

■ the means of transport

■ any other information you think is useful or

3b Answers
interesting.
1.- I would like to take a trip to Amsterdam because it is more 3c When you have done your research, put
contemporary and has many interesting museums
your tour itineraries together as a day-by-
2.- They associate it with beaches, gastronomy and day timetable. Include some background
archaeological sites tourists come to the beaches a lot information about the landmarks and sights to
3.-The buildings in my country are built almost entirely on good
make them as interesting as possible for the
foundations due to the constant earthquakes in the country tourist. Display your itineraries in the classroom
and have a vote on the itinerary which you feel
is most representative of each country.

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