Rome, The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps (Italian: Scalinata di Trinit? dei Monti) is a set of stairs in Rome, ramping a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinit? dei Monti, with the church under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France, Trinit? dei Monti.
The monumental stairway, of 138 steps, was built with French diplomat Stefano Gueffier?s funds (20,000 scudi) in 1723?1725, linking the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the Holy See, today still located in the piazza below, with the Trinit? dei Monti church.
This is what you can see if you decide to climb up the 138 stairs. Well, I believe it was worth it, what do you think?
March 21, 2007, photo by… me ;)
Pros & cons of gap year
by anna_ielts_club on March 15, 2007
in students
Nowadays more and more people decide to take a gap year ? break from learning between high school and university. This situation has both advantages and disadvantages.
Firstly, the gap year may be a good chance to rest before such a demanding and challenging activity as studies. What is more, we can spend the time travelling to exotic places. Therefore we may experience different cultures and get to know how the locals live. While alone in an unknown country, we gain independence and learn to deal with everyday problems.
Secondly, the gap year is an excellent possibility to work. Not only does one earn money, but also gets valuable experience and references which are extremely important for post-studies life. We may also work as volunteers in charity trusts. Consequently, we can revise our plans and find a job we would like to do in future.
On the other hand, taking the gap year has also some disadvantages. It may be difficult to get accustomed to learning and ordinary daily routine after coming back to school. Moreover, moving to an unknown country is rather dangerous. We do not know regional customs and it can be hard to communicate with the locals. Another problem is homesickness suffered by majority of people.
To sum up, by taking the gap year not only can we gain experience and independence, but also broaden our horizons. However, in another country we may not be able to communicate with others and after returning home it is difficult to get used to ordinary life. (255 words)
Rospuda Valley – your conclusions
As during the last two classes we were talking about Rospuda Valley, the time has come to summarise and organize your views and opinions on the subject. Plan an essay on the by-pass around Augustów (topic: “Are you for or against building a by-pass through the Rospuda Valley?”). Share with the group the complete final paragraph of the essay: your conclusions.