Hello Linda and all!
Hi Linda!
Sorry that it has taken me so long to write but as you may know I have been on holiday this week. More about the holiday later! Well it seems that we both have something very important in common, we are both expats! It is something very different isn’t it to live, work and study in a country that is not your native country. It can be very challenging but also very rewarding. Not least rewarding of course is the opportunity to learn about another culture very closely! I can see that you have grabbed that opportunity with both hands! You seem very much at home in your new country and proud of it too! You now also have the benefit of knowing at least three languages (or more – do you know German too?). Where did you learn your English, it’s fantastic!! Well done! I have never been to Vietnam but I have been close, last year I went on holiday to Koh Chang which, as you probably know, is an island belonging to Thailand close to the border with Vietnam. I’m sure there are many differences however between Vietnam and Thai culture… I have been to Prague though not to Pilsen. Pilsen has of course played a very important role in my life!!!! (I’m wondering if any of our readers can guess why? ;)
I would be interested to hear any observations you have regarding the similarities and differences between your two cultures and especially a little about your experiences as a language student in Vietnam and Czech republic. Also as you are such a successful language learner, could you reflect a little on your method of studying. We would all be very interested to get some tips to help us improve as language learners from someone who has successfully learned two foreign languages!! For example, how do you go about remembering new words?
So as I mentioned before, we have all been on holiday in the south coast of Turkey in a beautiful place called Cirali near Olympos in the Antalya region on the Mediterranean coast. It is a truly beautiful and natural place. Though it is a popular tourist destination, it is protected from being over developed and spoiled as it has been designated as a national park. There are many special things about this place. It is abundant with fruit most notably oranges and at the moment pomegranates.
Look closely at the next photo and you will see me and Nehir swimming in the sea! Turtles come to lay there eggs on this beach too!!!
Nehir's first time flying a kite!
A lovely Turkish breakfast!
There is also something very special to see in the mountains, something that you may not be able to see anywhere else in the world and there is a very important connection with Greek mythology. It is a magical and mystical place!
Linda, I look forward to hearing your observations on the comparisons between your two cultures and about your language learning tips!
Everyone else here is some homework: find out what is special in the mountains near Cirali that you may not see anywhere else in the world and then choose 3 things that you find interesting about the place. The following link may be of help:
http://www.singlix.com/antalya/atlas_olympos_p2.html
Comments
...mmh... I think you like the typically czech beer PILSNER...have I guessed???
Hi Simon! What a lovely pictures! Nehir looks so cute flying the kite :-). There is a pomegranate tree in our garden. We use the fruits and leaves of this tree to make a tea that helps to relief the pains of a sore throat. Well, maybe Pilsen has an important role in your life because maybe...well, it´s just a supposition, ok? Because maybe you´re a big fan of the beer produced by this city :-). Anyway, I really enjoy reading the article about Çirali Simon. I like Greek mythology very much. Besides, I really would like to see the flames that emerge from the mountain soil. Moreover, the explanations about this natural phnomenom are very intriguing. Oh Simon the place is a paradise indeed! I found very interesting the fact that Mount Musa might have been Mount Olympus. This is so fascinating!I also found very interesting the ruins and the turtles which come to Çirali to nest every year. By the way, I´m looking forward to listening to your show today :-), Have a nice weekend, Ana Paula.
Hello Simon, I can see you are really enjoying your holidays. Traveling is really such a good thing to do. And what lovely pictures you posted. It really is a place worth spending a long time. I tried to find what is special about the mountains following your site suggestion. I think it's the flames that come from withing the earth, is it? It must be an amazing view. Have you seen it? Does it really happen? Simon, go on enjoying your holidays. And thank you for writing to us even on your vacation time. Bye bye. See you soon.
The photos from your holiday are beautiful. I like the fruit-trees, the sea and the mountains. There are eternal flames in the mountains that we may not able to see anywhere else in the world. Thanks for the link.
Hello Simon! I am Deepak.It is my first comment on teachers blog. I will try to comment on every entry made on a blog and do homework given to us. I am confident that your valuable guidence will make our english better. Be Happy.
Hi, Simon! Has it been Pilsen's beer who has played a big role in your life? ;) Interesting things in the mountains near Çirali are the eternal flames. Have you seen them? And there are also so many interesting: breathtaking sea views, mountains, ancient ruins. And have you seen turtles there?
Hi,Simon It sounds you had a great time during your family holiday.My country also has some national parks and mountains and they are protected from being over developed and spoiled.This time of the year the mountains and parks look like burning as leaves are turning bright yellow and scarlet red.They have lots of small wild animals,too.Do you like to have a square meal in the morning? see you again
Hi Simon, Cirala is the site of The Eternal Fire of Lykia. I've been catched for the views, the natural pools of the rivers and the historic ruins. In summary all the environ should be breathtaking. Congratulations for your vacations.
Hey Simon!It has been a long time... This area is the site of an eternal fire coming from the entrails of the Earth and giving birth to enthralling myths. What about the turtles? Is it the season for them to lay their eggs in the sand? Other holes , cradles of long stories and more or less eventful travels! Are the remnants of the medieval castle worth a visit? Thanks for the enticing link. Not least enticing are your own photos which make me feel like throwing some clothes in a bag and upping the sticks!!! Make the most of it!Bye.
Hello Simon, Cirali, undoubtedly, is a wonderful place for holiday. Ah, the pomegranate tree has made my mouth water and yummy! what delicious goodies on the table for breakfast. By the way, what special food people like to eat for breakfast in Turkey? It's quite interesting to learn about the eternal fire of Lykia and I also found the legends relating to it fairly worth reading. Best wishes, Naheed
Hi Simon, Thanks for the link. I hope you have a refreshing time on your holidays and I'd like to see more pictures if you don't mind sharing them with us. I've planted 3 pomegranate trees. Although they are still too small, we can see some fruits on them. I'd like to snap my fingers and see them large like this one in your picture.
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