Unit III

1. Memorize the following words and word-combinations:

2. Read and translate the text:

BRYANSK PLACES OF INTEREST

Bryansk is located in a picturesque place. The territories of urban buildings give place to spacious green valleys, which perform the part of natural air-cleaners. Staying in town a person feels the native open space. Some steps aside broad streets and you'll find yourself in a forest glade. Such atmosphere helps you ease your stresses and restore your life energy.

The park-museum of the wood sculpture named after A. Tolstoy is a pleasure to the eye of both citizens and guests of Bryansk. The park is especially beautiful in autumn, when you are as if in the golden castle. In the park you can find a number of figures carved of wood by skilful craftsmen. Among the rest you can see a jokily composition “Emelya” by V. Kheruvimov and V. Orlov. Emelya caught the speaking pike which is now pleasing Emelya to get it free in exchange of magic force.

The largest park in Bryansk is Solov'i. According to ancient mythology, it was called so to commemorate the legendary Solovei-Razboinik, who frightened people by his mighty whistle, but was defeated by Ilya Murometz. Solov'i is a wild dense forest with various entertainment zones. There's a memorial “Hill of Immortality” with a ground for viewing the entire city. It is the place of mass festivals, meetings, celebrations and salutes. The Hill of Immortality is built in honor of defenders of Russia and it is a Symbol of safety too.

There is a good tradition in Bryansk: on the day of their wedding newly married couples visit the most famous monuments and memorials and lay flowers on them. In this way young families show their respect to their countrymen and ancestors who sacrificed their lives for happiness of future generations.

The most famous place is the Partisan Square at the end of the main thoroughfare – Lenin Avenue. The heart of the square is a monumental composition built in honor of thousands of Russian soldiers and partisans, who liberated the city from Nazis during the Second World War. Twice a year, on the Victory Day and on the Day of Liberation of the Bryansk city, there are festive processions and meeting, when people lay flowers near the Eternal Fire.

On the Pokrovskaya Hill you can see a large sculpture composition established in honor of the 1000th jubilee of the foundation of Bryansk. It can be seen from far away. Two sculptures in front are famous historical persons – Monk Peresvet and Singer Boyan. Peresvet fought the giant enemy warrior Chelubey on the Kulikovo field. The songs of Boyan inspired Russian people before the battles with their conquerors. Thus, these two sculptures symbolize two sides of Bryansk people nature: patriotic and artistic ones. Behind these sculptures there's a pillar with a woman-figure at the top. The figure is a symbol of maternity. The sickle and the hammer, she holds in her arms, stand for agricultural and industrial labor.

Speaking of Bryansk places of interest we can't help mentioning so-called “Partisan Field”. It's a large memorial complex situated not far from Bryansk in Belye Berega. In the center you can see the eternal fire. There's also a museum of Partisan Glory and some fragments of real partisan earth-houses. There was a large-scale partisan movement in our region during the Second World War. Bryansk partisans fought against occupants far away from the front lines, liberating the districts of our region. That's why you can often hear the phrase “Bryansk land is Partisan land”.

In memory of Bryansk pilots who defended the motherland during The Second World War and performed their soldiers' duties in after-war years there's a plane monument near the old airplane field.

Bryansk is a theatrical center as well. The most famous theatre is the Drama theatre, named after A.K. Tolstoy. In 1996 it celebrated its 70 ^th jubilee. There is also the Puppet theatre and the Young Spectator theatre.

In the city there are also so-called Palaces of Culture. They are cultural centers with theatre halls, but without permanent professional actor troupes. The Palace of Culture of the Bryansk machine-building plant is one of the oldest in our region. It was built in 1929 in Bezhitsky district. Various art studios and societies are located in the building.

Another famous Palace of Culture is located near a large railroad station Bryansk-II in Fokinsky district. The square in front of the Palace is a popular place for various festivals, celebrations and mass shows.

Bryansk Circus was built in 1975. Every year nearly half a million spectators come here to see brilliant performances of the troupes from different cities and countries.