Members of an international organization are called the Global Greeters. They offer travelers the chance to get to know a city as well as local people do.

    Unlike the professional guides(专业导游), the volunteer greeters act more like neighbours. They take visitors to visit the city–either on foot or public traffic—to discover favourite neighbourhoods, cafes and parks.

    All the programs work a little differently, but the basics(基本项目) are the same. The tours are free and last anywhere for two or four hours. Volunteers can be all ages, and their ages and interests try to match the travelers.

    New York City(USA)

    Big Apple Greeter is the pioneer “welcome visitor” program founded in 1992 by New Yorker Lynn Brooks. More than 300 volunteers now can welcome guests from all over the world in 22 languages. Greeters explain the New York City subway and bus systems and show guests around one or more of their favourite neighbourhoods. Like many greeter organizations, Big Apple accepts online donations to help with its daily costs.

    Houston(USA)

    Houston Greeters will organize activities such as golf, biking or an outing to an Astros game(太空人队的比赛). Another activity is to arrange a tour in need of a particular interest.

    Chicago(USA)

    Chicago Greeters help visitors visit one of the city's many famous neighbourhoods. The group organizes walks through Ukrainian Village on the Near North Side and Andersonville, home to Scandinavian restaurants and shops and Middle Eastern bakeries. Guides will also organize tours around themes such as fashion, film or public art.

    France

    In France, English speaking volunteers for Parisien d'un Jour lead visitors through hidden corners of Paris, often ending with a lively discussion on a café balcony. Guides in Lyon organize walks around themes such as shopping, markets and sports.

Dear Mike,

    Greetings from Los Angeles! Thank you for your postcard. Yes, your mother and I can visit you at Christmas. We thought to stay at home on Christmas Day, but now we are going to stay with you. And Jack isn't going to school then.

    The weather in Los Angeles is cold, but it doesn't matter. Sometimes we like the snow.

    We are going to buy plane tickets tomorrow because your mother wants to take a plane and she thinks it is fast. We will get to your city on December 18th. Our plan is to stay with you for two weeks. Is that all right with you？

    We are going to take our favourite recipes(食谱), so we can have a nice Christmas dinner on Christmas Day.

    See you soon.

Love,

Dad

How to Be the World's Best Guest

    Do you want to be a popular guest who gets invited back? Read our five top tips (建议) for being a good guest.

{#blank#}1{#/blank#}⑴If you are in a formal(正式) situation, dress smartly: a suit and tie for men, a long skirt and jacket for women.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}⑵If you are going to stay in someone's house, don't arrive empty-handed. Bring a small present if you are staying for a short time, a bigger one for longer periods. Expensive chocolate works in most situations.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}⑶To shake hands or to kiss? Wait to see what your host does.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#}⑷Always accept it when offered, whether it looks terrible or delicious. Try to eat all of it and say it tastes good. Most people are proud of their cooking even if they shouldn't be. Don't hurt their feelings.

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}⑸he most important tip for being a good guest is to know when to say goodbye. The secret is to leave while the host is still enjoying your company and wants you to stay longer.

A: Hi, {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Is that Steve?

B: Hi, Joe. Steve speaking.

A: Hi, Steve. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} 

B: I am doing my homework. What about you?

A: Nothing much. Can you play soccer with me this Sunday?

B: I'd love to. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

A: OK. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} 

B: About 11 o'clock.

A: All right. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} 

B: Great! See you then!