Гроза, 9. Students book. Unit 4. Lesson 7. Exercise 1

Tapescript:
Adam: When we first arrived here I was surprised that everyone is very nice and extremely trusting. My first impression of Russia is that it reminds me of home. I come from Wisconsin, which is much like Novosibirsk, always snowy and cold. But I like cold weather so I am very comfortable here. I am very happy to be able to come and visit Russia. It’s a trip that I’ll never forget, and I hope to return.
Emily: 1 have been in Russia for about five days now, and it has been very interesting so far. My first impression of Russia when I got off the plane were that it would be very difficult to get around and understand things because I didn’t know any Russian, and all of the signs were in the Russian language! Many people don’t speak any English at all, so I had to rely on my host student to help me buy things, and to ride the bus and tell people what I was looking for or what I needed. Anyway, people in Russia are very kind and nice, even when they don’t understand what I am trying to say.
Meagan: Visiting Russia has been very interesting as it is quite different from home. When we arrived in Moscow, we were all shocked to see how Russians drive. It seems to us that they are crazy drivers, as if they don’t have any traffic laws. Seeing them drive so fast and getting so close is quite strange for us. It is also odd for us to see so many people walking. At home, everyone either drives or takes public transport everywhere, and it is refreshing to be in a place where everyone walks and gets their good dose of exercise compared to us lazy Americans.
Ryan: I am on a trip here and I am having a lot of fun here in Russia. People here are the most friendly in the world. Everyone treats me very well. There are many great things to do here for teenagers. I’ve not been bored yet; there is just so much to do. The schools themselves are really nice. I like it that the classes are a lot shorter than in America. Also there is a lot of time between the classes to do whatever you want like talking to your friends. In my school we only have six minutes between classes. When I leave after the trip I will be very sad.
Rachel: It is very exciting to be in Russia. The CDs here are very cheap, and there is a good selection. There lots of great things to buy, such as matryoshka dolls and also many different kinds of foods, some that I can’t even identity! It is good to try lots of different things here. I’ve had a lot of different meals with potatoes, rice, and pasta – my host mother keeps trying to feed me more and more, even when I’m not hungry! I’ve had a good time in Russia, and I hope that things will continue to go well for me while I am here.