St. Petersburg is often called Russian capital of culture, northern Venice. It is the second largest city in Russia. Few world cities can boast of so many sights, museums, opera houses and drama theatres, tofts and palaces, parks and monuments. Literary and musical heritage of this city is incredible – a lot of writers, poets and composers were working in this mysterious misty place by the side of Neva. It really blows your mind! Together with Paris, Rome and Venice St. Petersburg old city is under the patronage of UNESCO. Besides, here you can find the temples of 42 confessions including amazing mosque with a porcelain dome, the only bonzery in Europe and one of the most beautiful chapels of Malthusian Order. St. Petersburg is also the city of bridges. 68 rivers, channels and lades cross the city in different directions forming 42 islands on its territory. Now there are 580 bridges including 20 drawbridges in St. Petersburg and its suburbs. This city is famous for its remarkable atmosphere. Visitors can frequently hear next words: “Open your heart to the city and it will open for you and will remain in your heart forever”. And if it really happens whenever you come to St. Petersburg no matter it rains or the sunshine is ferocious, it is sleety or freezing the city will receive you as its native child. It will impart its warmth to you, soothe you and infuse with hope sure enough. Without the slightest doubt, “white nights” are the most popular time for tourists to visit St. Petersburg. A lot of festivals and excursions are conducted in the city through this period.
1. You are on a train. Ask someone you don't know to close the window
- Do you mind of opening the window?
- No, I don't.
- Could you help me because I don't know how to do it.
- Sorry, I'm afraid. I can't.
- But why? Why not?
- Because of my fingerache. I've broken it.
- Oh, awful! It's a pity.
- You have to ask someone else.
- Of course, I have. It's terribly hot. What can we do?
- Let's try to look for somebody who will be able really to help...
3. You see your middle-aged neighbour in the street. Ask him/her to post a letter for you
- How do you do, Nina Vasilievna?
- I'm fine, thanks. What about you?
- Thanrs, fine.
- What can I do for you?
- Would you post a letter for me, I have no time, I have to go to meet my little sister after her classes.
- With a pleasure. Whom have you written a letter?
- To my elder brother.
- Isn't he at home?
- Oh, no. He has left to Moscow to enter the university.
- Well, give me your letter. I must go.
- Thank you very much.
- Never mind.