SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATIONS

    Some of San Francisco's many celebrations, like the Fourth of July (U.S. Independence Day), are very American; but others 1 that San Francisco is a very international city.

    Over 100, 000 people celebrate the Chinese New Year in January or February. There are lion dances, fireworks, and a huge parade 2 the Financial District(地区)and Chinatown. It is the most important festival of the Chinese year, and the largest 3 event in North America.

    Tourists4 try to see the Cherry Blossom Festival(樱花节)at the Japan Center in April. This is a celebration of traditional Japanese culture with musicians, dancers, and artists, and a colourful 5.

    In early May, there is a Mexican festival called Cinco de Mayo, with a carnival（狂欢节） and lots of special events. And Carnaval San Francisco—a popular Latin American and Caribbean festival with salsa and reggae bands— 6 on the last weekend in May.

    On the Fourth of July, there are celebrations and parties all over the city, and everyone enjoys 7 the amazing fireworks over San Francisco Bay.

    On the night of 8 , thousands of people in costumes come to Market Street and Castro Street for a huge Halloween party. Many people think this is the most exciting night of the year.

    9 at Christmas time, there is a huge Christmas tree in Union Square, and the stores in the square have a competition for the 10 store window.

    People all over the world celebrate the New Year. However, not all countries celebrate in the same way, and in some countries, the new year doesn't begin on the 1 day every year.

    In many countries, the New Year begins on 1st January, but people start celebrating on 31st December, New Year's Eve. In New York many people go to celebrate in Times Square. 2  they're waiting for the New Year, they listen to music, sing traditional songs and have fun. Just before 12 o'clock, everyone 3 down from 10: 10, 9, 8… As soon as it's 12 o'clock, everyone shouts very 4, “Happy New Year!”

    New Year's Day is often a family day. Some families get together for a special meal. When the weather is fine, many families go out for a 5.

    On New Year's Day, many people make resolutions for the new year. They 6a list of things, such as “I will help out more with housework. I will work 7 at school than others.” or “I won't spend so much time playing video games.” When they have made their 8, they read it to their family or friends and promise to 9 their resolutions(办法).

    So it doesn't matter how they celebrate. 10 people in countries all over the world, it's a time to say goodbye to the old year, and to welcome the new.

    The red star over China is shining brightly on its sixty- fifth birthday. And why is that? There are many reasons. First of all, there is peace and prosperity(繁荣) in China. The country isn't at war and 1 Chinese are living better and more comfortable lives than at 2 in history. And things will get even better in the future.

    The Chinese economy is a world wonder — grow so quickly, so many buildings and so many new businesses. China is now the 3 economic country in the world only next to America. Some believe that China will be Number One 4 the year 2030. What amazing 5! And what does that mean for you? It means that there will be lots of chances for you to do good jobs and to use all of your talents.

    The rest of the world has started to take a closer 6 at China and they like what they see. In recent world wide survey, almost seventy percent of the people said they had a "positive image" of China. They thought China is beautiful and they are 7 in what is happening in China.

    And it is not only because of economy, 8 Chinese culture. Zhang Ziyi and Gongli are famous all over the world, as well as the movie director Ang Lee. Writers like Gao Xingjian and Ba jin have won international awards. And painters, such as Wu Zuoren are selling their works for record high prices. This 9 China seem pretty cool and it really is!

    So happy birthday, China! We are 10 you!

    You often see people in movies celebrating a white Christmas in England or the United States. But Christmas in Australia is very different.

    The holiday is on December 25. It 1at the hottest time of the year in Australia. The temperature is usually about 30℃ in most cities and can even be 240℃ There is certainly no 3  Christmas in

Australia!

    Because it is so hot, the tradition is to have a lunch outside and to   4 in the pool or beach. Most people have a one - week holiday during this time. So they will travel to meet their family for Christmas 5Christmas lunch is usually a big meal of ham, turkey, salad and fresh seafood. Family members all cook 6 different to bring to the meal.   7presents from "Santa Claus" always makes children very excited. They often play 8with the other family members. The sport of cricket (板球) is very 9 in Australia and another tradition is to play a game of cricket in the garden.

    It is still a very exciting and fun time of the year in Australia 10 there isn't a white Christmas.

    In our country there are street names everywhere. So it is 1 for us to give directions. You can just say what street a 2is on. For example: It's on Guang Ming Street. It's next to the bank. However, there are no street names in some other countries. How do the people give directions then?

    Most visitors from other countries are often puzzledin Japan because most streets there don't have names. In Japan, people use 3. For example, when you ask the way to the hospital, the Japanese will say," Go straight down to the corner. Turn right at the big hotel and go past a bookstore. The hospital is there."

    People in California have no idea of distance in their minds. They give distance by means of time, not miles." 4is the hospital?" you ask." Oh," they answer, "It's about ten minutes from here." You say," Yes, but how many miles away is it?" They don't know.

    People in Greece won't tell you 5the hospital is. Because visitors cannot understand the Greek language. But a Greek often says, "6me." Then he'll lead you through the streets of the city to the hospital.