There are many different kinds of museums in the world. But have you ever visited a museum of tap water? Beijing Museum of Tap Water may be the only one in the world.

    The museum has a large number of photos, models, maps and equipment which tell the water treatment history of China. Few of them are in English, so it's a bit difficult for foreign visitors to understand them.

    Beijing's tap water history began in 1908.  At that time Empress Dowager Cixi(慈禧太后) ordered to build water plants and city pipelines to help fight fires that happened in Beijing.

    At first, people did not believe in tap water. They continued using well water(井水) which was not safe. Later, the government did everything to explain to people how safe tap water really was. Finally, more and more people started using tap water.

    The museum is one of the most wonderful places in Beijing. For those who want to try something different, this place near the Dongzhimen Subway Station is a very unusual one.

    As we know, the 2012Olympic Games will be held in London, the UK. The torch relay (火炬接力) is starting. It begins on May 19, 2012and it ends on July 27. During the 70-day torch relay, it will pass through towns and cities including Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, and Dover. London's Olympic Games will be held from July 27 to August 12.

    The Olympic Flame(火焰) will travel 8, 000miles across the UK. 8, 000torchbearers (火炬手) will carry the Olympic Flame for about 300meters each. Half of the torchbearers should be aged between 12and 24and the rest include people with a story of achievement.

    The torch was designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osger by. It looks like a large triangle (三角形), which stands for the three words faster, higher, stronger. It also means that London is hosting(举办) the Olympic Games for the third time. This is great in Olympic history. The torch has 8, 000circles, standing for the 8, 000torchbearers. The torch relay is one of the most important parts of the Olympic Games.

    Americans are very direct people. When they want something they say "yes" and when they don't they say "no". If they want something different from what is given, they ask for it. Here's an example. I arrive at someone's house and he gives me wine, I don't want wine. Maybe I don't like it or maybe I just don't want it. I will say "No, thanks." If everyone around me is drinking something, I would ask for something else, "No, thanks. But I'll take a bit of tea if you have some." If I really want wine, I just say, "Yes, thank you." Unless they happen to know the Chinese customs, westerners will not ask you again and again after you have said you don't want it.