Red squirrels used to be a common sight in British forests and countryside. But there are fewer than 140,000 red squirrels left now and most of them are in Scotland. However, grey squirrels (introduced from North America) are now so common that many people dislike them. They can be legally（合法的）trapped and destroyed.

   On first sight, the two types of squirrel are similar. They both have a long tail, which helps the squirrel to balance when jumping from tree to tree, and the same large eyes, small ears and powerful back legs. However, the grey squirrel has a clear physical advantage over the red. The red squirrel has a head-and-body length of 19 to 23 centimeters, a tail length of 15 to 20 centimeters and a body weight of 250 to 340 grams. Compared to this, the grey squirrel is a larger animal. The head and body measures between 23 and 30 centimeters long and the tail is between 19 and 25 centimeters long. Adult grey squirrels are heavier, weighing between 400 and 600 grams. This size allows them to store more fat and helps them to survive a hard winter, which would be fatal（致命的）to their  smaller cousins .

So why are red squirrels losing out in competition with grey squirrels? Size is one factor, but there are others. Red squirrels live high up in trees, while grey squirrels spend more of their time on the ground. This means any loss of forests greatly influences the red squirrel population. Another reason for the grey squirrel's success is its ability to use food provided by people. Like the fox, the grey squirrel can survive in towns and cities. The other problem for the red squirrel is disease. Both squirrels carry a certain virus. While this doesn't seem to attack grey squirrels, it is fatal to red squirrels.

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    Travel can teach kids more than a textbook. Travelling with kids is good for them. They can find new interests. Travel makes information alive for kids, and makes it much more exciting than studying textbooks or doing experiments in the laboratory. While travelling, they learn how to deal with new situations, and communicate with other people. They learn patience, because sometimes it takes a long time to get to some exciting or interesting places.

    I've been travelling since I was seven years old. For me, to stop travelling would be like taking something away from my soul（灵魂）. I can't live without travelling. Some people think it's hard to travel after having kids. But in my opinion, when people become parents, it doesn't mean they can't travel any more. My children have been travelling since they were three weeks old.

    Bringing a new life into the world comes with many responsibilities（责任）and I'd love to be a good mother. One of my duties is to educate my children. I'm so thankful that my parents took me on family trips when I was young. I've learned that the outside world is more colorful than the little one I was living in. Of course, I want to pass these travel experiences on to my children.

    I value the memories I have travelling with my children. I'm sure they will always remember them in their lives.

    People visit other countries for many reasons. Some travel on business; others travel to visit interesting places that are only found in other countries.

    Wherever you go, and for whatever reason, it is important to be safe. A tourist can attract a lot of attention from local people. While most people you meet when traveling are sure to be nice, there are dangers—theft（偷窃） being the most common. So prepare for your trip in advance（预先）.

    As you prepare for your trip, make sure you have the fight paperwork. You don't want to get to your destination(目的地) only to find you have the wrong visa, or worse, that your passport is about to expire(到期). Also, make sure you travel with proper medical insurance, so that if your are sick or injured during your travels, you can be treated. If you want to drive while you are abroad, make sure you have an international driver's license.

    If you need to take medicine with you—such as travel-sickness pills—keep it in its original container(容器). If you don't, you may find yourself doing a lot of explaining to customs officials at your destination.

    Buy a guidebook and read about the local customs of the country you are going to. Also, try to learn a few basic words and phrases—don't assume(假设) that the local people will speak your language.

    When you get to your destination, you'd better use official transport. Always go to the bus and taxi stands; don't accept rides from strangers who offer you a lift. If there is no meter（记程器） in the taxi, agree on a price before you get in. If you prefer to stay in cheap hotels while traveling, make sure you can lock the door of your room from the inside. If you are traveling with valuables such as jewelry, or a lot of money, you should ask about a safe（保险箱） for storing them in. Finally, remember to smile. It's the friendliest and most sincere（真诚的） form of communication, and it is sure to be understood in any part of the world!

    A young lady was driving a family car home with her father when they were caught in a heavy storm. The young lady was a little afraid and asked her father. "What should I do, stop or keep driving?"

    Her father said, "Keep driving."

    After driving a few kilometers, the storm was becoming heavier and heavier. The young lady noticed that some cars and big transport trucks were pulling over（靠边停）to the side of the road. The young lady asked her father again if they should stop. But her father said nothing. So, she had to keep on driving.

    Ten minutes later, the storm started to become small and she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of kilometers, she drove out of the storm. Moreover, the sun came out and the road ahead was dry.

    Her father told her to stop and get out of the car.

    "But why now, Father?" she asked in surprise.

    Her father said, "When you get out, you can look back at all the people in cars and big trucks that gave up and they are still in the storm. Now, your storm is over because you didn't give up.

    Don't give up, even if the stronger do. If you keep going, soon your "personal storms" will be over. The sun will shine on you again and the road ahead will be dry and clear.