Food is one of the necessities in our daily life. It serves as a form of communication in two fundamental ways. Sharing bread or other foods is a common human tradition that can promote unity and trust. Food can also have a specific meaning, and play a significant role in a family or culture's celebrations or traditions. The foods we eat—and when and how we eat them—are often unique to a particular culture or may even differ between countrysides and cities within one country.

    Sharing bread, whether during a special occasion or at the family dinner table, is a common symbol of togetherness. Many cultures also celebrate birthdays and marriages with cakes that are cut and shared among the guests. Early forms of cake were simply a kind of bread, so this tradition hits its roots in the custom of sharing bread.

    Food also plays an important role in many New Year celebrations. In the southern United States, pieces of corn bread represent blocks of gold for prosperity (兴旺) in the New Year. In Greece, people share a special cake called vasilopita. A coin is put into the cake, which signifies (预示) success in the New Year for the person who receives it.

    Many cultures have ceremonies to celebrate the birth of a child, and food can play a significant role. In China, when a baby is one month old, families name and welcome their child in a celebration that includes giving red-colored eggs to guests. In many cultures, round foods such as grapes, bread, and moon cakes are eaten at welcome celebrations to represent family unity.

    Nutrition is necessary for life, so it is not surprising that food is such an important part of different cultures around the world.

    Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May joined the opening ceremony of the 2018 “English is GREAT” activity, which aims to support and encourage more people across China to learn to speak English, during her visit to Wuhan University in Central China's Hubei province, Jan 31.

    Started by the British Council, the UK's international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, this year-long activity sets out to improve fluency in spoken English in particular.

    Prize-winning online competition

    The activity also marked the start of an online competition, “My Favorite English Word”. You can join by simply posting your word of choice on the China Daily app. The most popular words will be included in a draw to win a variety of prizes, including Kindle, Polaroid camera and Bluetooth speaker. To participate, click here.

    English Teacher Award

    The activity establishes an English Teacher Award to recognise excellence in teaching among Chinese non-native teachers of English. Nominations(提名) will be made by students and English teachers.

    In order to recognise more inspiring teachers, monthly prizes will be presented and the winner of the grand final award will be announced later in the year. The winner will have the opportunity to take a four-week study trip to the UK—supported by the International House London.

    Throughout the activity, the “English is GREAT” website will provide access to free online resources and all kinds of materials for English learners of all levels.

    UK-Mandarin (Standard Chinese) Excellence Program

    The “English is GREAT” activity will reply to the UK-Mandarin Excellence Program, started in 2016, which aims to have 5,000 secondary school pupils in the UK fluent in Mandarin by 2020.

    Riding School:

    You can start horse-riding at any age. Choose private or group lessons any weekday between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on Saturdays). There are 10 kilometers of tracks and paths for leisurely rides across farmland and open country. You will need a riding hat.

    Opening Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. ~ 8:30p.m.

    Phone: (412) 396-6754 Fax: (412) 396-6752

    Sailing Club:

    Our Young Sailor's Course leads to the Stage Sailing qualification. You'll learn how to sail safely and the course also covers sailing theory and first aid. Have fun with other course members afterwards in the clubroom. There are 10 weekly two-hour lessons (Tuesdays 6 p.m.~ 8 p.m.)

Opening Hours: Tuesdays: 6:00 p.m.~ 8:00 p.m

    Phone :( 412)396-6644 Fax: (412) 396-6644

    Diving Centre:

    Our experienced instructors offer one-month courses in deep-sea diving for beginners. There are two evening lessons a week, in which you learn to breathe underwater and use the equipment safely. You only need a swimming costume and towel. Reduced rates for couples.

    Opening Hours: Monday and Friday: 6:30p.m. ~ 8:30p.m

    Phone: (412)396-6312 Fax: (412) 396-6706

    Medical Center:

    The staff of the Medical Center aim to provide convenient and comprehensive medical care to students and staff of the university. The center is well equipped and the staff here are trained to deal with a broad range of medical problems. Both female and male doctors as well as nursing staff are available for consultation. Also, all kinds of medicines are sold here and are cheaper for students than other drugstores.

    Opening Hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday

    Phone: (412)396-6649  Fax: (412) 396-6648

    Watersports club:

    We use a two-kilometer length of river for speedboat racing, and water-skiing. A beginners' course consists of ten 20-minute lessons. You will learn to handle boats safely and confidently but must be able to swim. The club is in a convenient central position and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lessons all through the day.

    Opening Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00a.m. ~ 4:00p.m

    Phone: (412)396-6899 Fax: (412) 396-6890

    If you want to fully enjoy your vacation, you'd better check the Durban City Tours! This is actually one of the best choices in South Africa today.

    There is nothing more relaxing than to think about that there is a place to go and relax, right? City life is strained（紧张的）, but you can escape this situation and be in the place where there is nothing but relaxation. Here in Durban you will get to see all the amazing tourist attractions（吸引人的地方）. If you love animals and want to see some elephants wandering around the streets, then Durban is the place to go. You can even get to ride one if you want!

    Here you will also get to taste all the delicious South African food. You can choose from Italian cooking to its native dishes. Durban is a great place to tour with your friends and family. You will learn a lot about its history through the landmarks（地标） you will see down the streets. Tourists and even the local villagers just can't get enough of these treats!

    However, it is important that you make the necessary arrangements安排. There are actually lots of tour guides that will help you as you make your journey along the streets of Durban. But if you prefer the best tour guides here in Durban, then you'd better choose the Street Scene Tours. Their staff（员工） are all well­trained and professional（专业的）. They will certainly make your stay here an unforgettable one. No wonder tourists prefer the Street Scene Tours when it comes to Durban City Tours.

    Professional development courses in London

    Business writing

    Delivery method: Online, Video

    Price: £49

    About the course: Many people get blocked when forced to put their thoughts into words at work. This course gives you the tools and techniques to improve your writing, whether it's a two-line email or a two-hundred-page report.

    Travel writing courses

    Delivery method: Classroom, Seminar

    Price: £115 (full day); £125 (evening classes)

    About the course: Do you want to be a travel writer? Then come along to a one-day travel writing workshop or a four-week travel writing evening class. The courses help participants to write travel features and publish them in newspapers, magazines or on websites.

    Pre-sessional programmes in EAP

    Delivery method: Classroom, Seminar

    Price: Starting from £1,250

    About the course: Our five pre-sessional programmes in English for academic purposes are intended for international students who plan to study at Aston University. These programmes aim to equip you with the language and academic skills necessary for success in your future chosen subject area.

    Masterclass

    Delivery method: Classroom, Seminar

    Price: Starting from £335

    About the course: Whether you write fundraising letters, or for your website(s), this course will help you gain the ideas, knowledge and skills you need to write fundraising copy that produces more impressive and profitable results.

                              Sworkit

Do want to stay fit in cold winter? Sworkit is here to help. It's good for people new to fitness, as well as those who don't have enough time to do other exercises. Once you download the app, you'll be asked to do a quiz so Sworkit can work out the best program and fitness plan for you. The app is free to download, but you'll need to pay a monthly fee to access most workouts. 

Peak

This app is all about keeping your mind sharp. It has over 45 short, interactive games and puzzles .When you open Peak for the first time, you'll get to set personal goals and choose what brain-related aspects you'd like to improve on. The app is free to download, but unless you buy the paid version.

Canva

This graphic(绘画的)design app, used by more than 150 million people, has 250,000 patterns and 1 million pictures for you to create posters, logos, and more. It can even make videos, and even websites. All you need to give is a written tip, and a design is created for you in seconds. The free version of the app offers more than enough for the average person. 

Bookly

Would you like something to track your reading progress in real time? Here comes Bookly, you can get not only detailed statistics, but also many personalized reading suggestions. It's much more convenient than manually (手动地) writing down. However, what really makes this app shine is its another distinctive function which enables users to add their own comments, quotes, or thoughts while reading.