Three Places to Visit in the Middle East
Three Places to Visit in the Middle East
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1880
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
gorge
Noun
ɡɔːdʒ
a narrow valley between hills or mountains
The gorge was only wide enough for one person in some places.
facade
Noun
fəˈsɑːd
the front of a building
The facade was designed to look like a Greek temple.
archipelago
Noun
ˌɑːrkəˈpɛləˌgoʊ
a group of islands
There are four very popular spots to view the archipelago.
pastel
Adjective
ˈpæst(ə)l
of a soft or light shade of color
We're painting the baby's room a pastel blue.
surreal
Adjective
səˈrɪəl
beautiful in a strange or mystical way
The view from the mountain top was surreal.
Exercise 2
Article
Three Places to Visit in the Middle East
Nowadays, the Middle East makes headlines for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the last two millennia, the region has seen the rise and fall of mighty empires, given birth to three of the world’s largest religions, and served as a cultural crossroads between the east and the west. With everything from ultra-modern city skylines, to ancient ruins and mystical landscapes, visiting the Middle East should definitely earn a top spot on your 'must-see' list.
1. Petra - Jordan
John William Burgon remarked in one of his poems that Petra “seems no work of Man’s creative hand.” Visitors wind their way through a narrow gorge, known as the Siq, before laying eyes on the Treasury, an impressive Greco-Roman inspired structure carved from the cliff-face. The red-rose cliffs are dotted with the facades of temples, tombs, theatres, and entire streets.
Al Khazneh, ancient city of Petra, Jordan
Ancient temple in Petra, Jordan
2. Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Dubai is home to the largest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and the stunning Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel that rises from Dubai’s shoreline like an enormous sail. Palm Jameirah is an artificial archipelago that lies in the ocean like a fallen palm leaf and boasts a number of luxury hotels and resorts. For those who enjoy a spot of shopping, the Mall of the Emirates has around 1000 shops and restaurants – not to mention the world’s largest indoor ski field.
Dubai downtown, United Arab Emirates
Dubai coastline, United Arab Emirates
3. Cappadocia –Turkey
It would take a few lifetimes to soak up all that this historic region has to offer. For starters, there is the town of Goreme. Hot air ballooning is popular here and is the best way to see the ‘Fairy Chimney’ rock formations dotted among the cottages. Equally amazing are the Red and Rose Valleys that feature pastel yellow, orange, red, and pink rocks that ripple and roll across the countryside. There are dozens of hiking trails that run through this surreal landscape.
Volcanic mountains in Goreme national park
Lovely view on Red and Rose Valley in Cappadocia
Exercise 3
Questions
What will visitors to Petra see first when they exit the Siq?
Where is the Burj Al Arab located?
How many shops and restaurants does the Mall of the Emirates contain?
What is the best way to see the town of Goreme?
Exercise 4
Discussion
Which of the places mentioned in the article would you most like to visit? Why?
What is your general opinion of the Middle East?
Have you ever considered visiting the Middle East? Why? Why not?
Do you think that the way in which the Middle East is portrayed in the media accurately depicts the region? Why? Why not?
What do you think Burgon meant when he wrote that Petra "seems no work of Man’s creative hand?"
Exercise 5
Further Discussion
What countries are on your 'must-see' list? Why?
What ancient structures do you hope to visit someday? Why?
Do you think that city skylines look better by night or by day? Why?
What natural wonders would you like to see someday? Please explain your answer.
Are there any surreal or mystical landscapes in your country? If so, please share what you know about them.
Exercise 6
Quotes
To travel is to take a journey into yourself. - Danny Kaye. What do you think Kaye means by this?
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust. Do you agree that travel gives us a new perspective on the world? Why? Why not?
