Топик: Occurring with a writer, who write books about Australian animals

And during our pastime we always go sightseeing and visit many different places: museums, exhibitions, art galleries. You can see how much knowledge we get, learning the history of a country, its customs (traditions) and culture.

- And where have you been with your team?

- For example last week our club’s team took part in the Euro-championship in Finland, where people from many parts of Europe participated. There were Swedish, Finnish, German and French, even Chinese teams and many others. Of course we spent much time at the competitions, however, we could go to the famous Finnish National Art Gallery, where I was able to see the paintings and sculptures of well-known artists and different work of art of their country. And I can tell you that I was full of unforgettable impressions.

- Tastes differ. As for me, I like indoor activities most of all.

- What sort of activities? I mean, do you have a special hobby?

- Yes, collecting coins. I have a big collection of coins. All of them are dated from the ancient times. Each can tell you about famous people, and you get acquainted with many Kings and Queens and other well known person. You can get much knowledge from this kind of hobby.

- And what is so interesting in it? I think it’s very boring and just a waste of time! - Just have a look! Have you ever seen this American coin? It is very rare and expensive. The coin is old, - dated by the 1815 (year). There is a famous Queen on its front side and wise phrases on its back. This is the best copy of my collection. I’m very proud of it, because it consist of nearly 1000 coins.

- Well now I see that you have neatly labelled and counted each coin. But does this hobby involve any physical activity? For example sport is a physical activity. As I’ve been playing it for 6 years, I have become fit, healthy, and I practically never get (feel) ill.

- OK. Let’s say all hobbies are interesting. For some people it is a pleasure to collect coins, for others sport is a hobby.

- Yes, you are right. Oh, I’m sorry, but I have to run. I promised to be at home at five. Bye!

- It was nice to talk to you! Bye!

Collecting Stamps and Sports

- Hi, I haven't seen you for ages. Please come in and have a seat. I'll show you my new stamps. I bought them when I was in Tallinn last time. You know that I’ve got a great collection of stamps. And I'm very proud of it.

- I've heard about your interest in collecting stamps. But why did you choose such a boring hobby? It seems to me it is just a waste of time to look at the same stamps time after time.

- Of course not, you are mistaken. We learn a lot from stamps. They can tell you all about the history of different countries, people and you get acquainted with new species of plants, animals, insects. Collecting stamps is very popular with people of all ages and it is very interesting.

Just have a look! This German stamp is very rare and will cost a fortune one day. All these stamps are very old, they are dated from the year 1930. My favorite section in my collection is famous people. If I don't know the person on a stamp I always try to find information about him in books.

- I see that you have neatly labeled every page and every section in your collection. But don't you think that your hobby doesn't make you healthier and stronger?

You know, my hobby is tennis. I can spend the whole day on the tennis court. I've been playing tennis for 4 years and since then I have become fit, healthy and with a lots of energy, I practically never feel ill.

- I'd like to say that tastes differ. Of course I agree that collecting stamps doesn't involve physical activity but I learn a lot and get much knowledge, when I devote most of my free time to collecting stamps. Can you become more intelligent playing tennis?

- Of course I can. You know that we have a lot of competitions in different cities or even countries.

During your free time we always go sightseeing and visit different museums and exhibitions. You can see of that we learn a lot about the history, culture and traditions of different countries.

Only a month ago our team took part in the championship in Moscow. Of course we spend much time on courts but also we could go to the Tretjakov Gallery where I was able to see the paintings of famous artists. And I can tell you that I was full of unforgettable impressions.

- Let's say all hobbies are interesting. For some people it is pleasure to collect stamps, for other sport is a hobby.

- Yes, you are right. Oh, I'm sorry, but I promised my mum to be at home at 5 o'clock. I have to run. Bye!

- It was nice to talk with you! Bye!

English-Speaking Countries

- Hi, Sam! Glad to meet you. Where have you been? I haven’t seen you for ages.

- I have travelled around the USA.

- Around the USA? Wow! Great! Some people are luckier than others. Did you enjoy sightseeing in this huge country? Did you like it?

- Yes, it was really wonderful, - unforgettable impressions.