Subway

    A subway is not just an important form of transport. It is also a window for other people to learn about local cultures.

    Beijing, China

    The Beijing Subway was opened in 1969 and is the oldest subway system in China. It has added some modern technologies. All stations now have touch-screen maps. In some stations, people can also see traditional Chinese cultures. For example, on the walls of a few stations of Line 8, there are some pictures of blue and white porcelain(青花瓷）.

    Stockholm, Sweden

    The system of the Stockholm Subway has 100 stations in use, of which 47 are underground and 53 above ground. The first subway line for Stockholm was opened in 1950. The Stockholm Subway is well-known for its decoration of the stations. It is called the longest art gallery in the world. Over 90 percent of its stations are decorated with paintings. A few stations are decorated with red bedrocks（岩床）. This makes you feel as if you are in a cave.

    London, UK

The London Underground or the Tube is the oldest subway in the world. It was opened in 1863. During World War II, it was used to protect people from German plane attacks（袭击）on London. Now, it is a symbol of the city. There is no air conditioning in the trains, so it is very hot in summer.

    New York, US

The New York City Subway has the most extensive public transportation system in the world, with 469 stations. It is also one of the world's oldest public transit systems. The New York City Subway runs 24 hours a day. It has an express train on almost every line. You can get to your destination(目的地）promptly. The trains themselves are full of fun; you will see people doing moonwalk dances like Michael Jackson, playing the guitar and singing.

    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.

    Coffee and tea are two of the most popular hot drinks. Coffee is very popular in Western Europe and in the Middle East. Different people drink coffee differently. Some people in Northern Europe put cream and sugar in their coffee. But in the United States many people like to drink their coffee "black ", that is, without cream or sugar. Some oriental(东方的)countries such as China, Japan, traditionally drink tea as a national drink. In the Orient, people drink tea without sugar, but in England, where it is also a national drink, it is different. Many people in England put both sugar and hot or cold milk in their tea, while others use lemon. Coffee may also be done differently when it is ordered by the customers, the waiter may ask "regular", which means" Do you want lots of cream in it?" If coffee with lots of cream is not wanted, ask for "black" (no cream)or "dark"(meaning with a small amount of cream in). However, in most cases you may have your own choice by being provided with coffee and cream separately.

    Coffee is the most popular American drink and it is ordered almost at all hours of the day. In the light of statistics(数据), Americans drink 500 million cups of coffee each day.

    It's true that every country has its customs.

    We all know that in America if people are pleased with you, they will give you a sign "OK". But maybe you don't know this sign is rude in Brazil.

    In Poland, guests usually choose flowers as presents for hostesses(女主人). Remember the number must be odd(奇数的). And the hostess doesn't hope that you remove the cover of the bunch(束) of flowers. You must be more careful when you give red roses to a woman because the red rose means love.

    In China we often hear people say that "nodding" means agreement(同意). And "shaking the head" means disagreement. But in Bulgaria they mean the opposite.

    We really need to pay more attention to the differences in customs. What's more, we should learn more about them in order to avoid embarrassment(尴尬). Do remember: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

    There are many different kinds of music in the world. Now let's study some of them.

    Classical music Classical music is a form of music which needs high musical skills. If you want to learn this kind of music, you have to go through proper training.

    Heavy metal music Heavy metal music came out after World War Ⅱ. The melody (旋律) of the song is heavily influenced by the structure of it. It is also known as "information music". In heavy metal music, songwriting is based on a form.

    Hip­hop music This kind of music always includes the use of instruments such as the guitar, violin, piano, bass (低音电吉他), drums and so on. In this kind of music, the bass is the main instrument. It was first played by a group of traveling singers and poets of West Africa.

    Opera music It first appeared in Italy in the 1600s. It has a great mixture of theatrical (戏剧的) art and musical invention and is used in theaters.

    Jazz music This kind of music has strong and complex (复杂的) melodies. The main musical instruments are the cornet, trumpet and violin, which help carry the melody.

    Besides these, there are many other kinds of music such as the blues, new­age music, Celtic music, religious music, and chamber music.