Traveling to every part of the world gets easier, but how well do we know and understand each other. Here's a simple test. Imagine you are planning to hold a meeting at four o'clock. What time should you expect your foreign business friends to arrive? If they are Germans, they'll arrive on time. If they are Americans, they'll probably be 15 minutes early. If they are Englishmen, they'll be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up to an hour for the Italians.

    The British seemed to think since the English language was widely used in the world, people would always understand what they do. However, they found they were completely wrong. For example, the British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters and have a drink during the meal. The Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is a time for them to relax and get to know each other and they don't drink at lunchtime. The Germans like to talk business before dinner. The French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything.

    Beijing Opera is my favourite. Bao Zheng always has a black face and Guan Yu has a red face in Beijing Opera. But many people don't know why.

    I come from America and I have lived in China for six years. I like Beijing Opera very much. I think Beijing Opera is very interesting. I can learn a lot about Chinese history. Now let me tell you the art of Beijing Opera facial(脸部的) paintings(画).

    In Beijing Opera facial paintings, different colours and patterns（图案） are for different roles. For example, a black face for fair (公正的) people. A red face is for brave(勇敢的) people. A white face is for bad people. Blue and green faces are for heroes(英雄). The gold face is for gods.

    People usually think volunteering is just for adults and it seems hard for students like us. But it is different in Canada. The government encourages people of any age to volunteer in public and work for the whole society. If students want to graduate from high school, thirty hours of volunteering is required, if students want to get into a well - known university, it helps if they do a lot to society. Volunteering is an important factor (因素) that universities will take into consideration.

    Furthermore, there are volunteer chances everywhere. People can find information about how to volunteer posted in the library or on the Internet. It includes different jobs, such as taking care of small kids or doing some cleaning in a neighborhood. Students can choose what they want to do.

    I got my first volunteering job in New Westminster Museum every Sunday from 9:30 am to 11: 30 am. My job is to proofread(校对) the documents on a computer and correct mistakes. The museum is about the history of the Irving Family, a historically important family in New Westminster. At first, I was nervous to communicate with others. But as time passed, I became more open. During volunteering, I not only learned how to work with other volunteers, but also learned a lot of history about New Westminster. As a volunteer, I am proud of myself.

    First Frenchman： I once heard someone shout, "Look out." I put my head out of a window and a bucket (桶) of water fell on me. It seems that "Look out" may mean "Don't look out".

    Second Frenchman： I was once on a ship and heard the captain shout, "All hands on deck(甲板)." I put my hands on the deck and someone walked on them.

    Third Frenchman： I once went early in the morning to the doctor's and his nurse came to the door and said, "He's not up yet. Come back in half an hour." When I went a second time for him, She said, "He's not down yet." I had to go away again. Later I thought the doctor should be in the house in the evening, so I went there once more. "Oh, how sorry I am! He's not in! I'd better tell him to wait for you if you could come tomorrow," said the nurse. "Well! He's not up, he is not down, and he is not in. Please tell me where he stays!" I said angrily.