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Task 5 Speak individually or arrange a discussion on the subject:

Vocabulary notes that follow the text.

Russia, with its vast and varied landscape, has lots to offer to the thrill-seeking tourist. A country as expansive and as culturally and environmentally diverse as Russia provides almost unlimited opportunities for the adventure tourist - that is, for traveller wfoo prefers the exotic and the active. Russia is ripe for those who are interested in hunting and fishing trips, horseback expeditions, Whitewater rafting, skiing and kayaking. Since it is a relatively new market - particularly with regard to foreign tourists - the resources and possibilities of adventure travel are just now being tapped. But for those who are interested, and are willing to take a few risks, the possibilities are rich.

Many of the more daring foreign tourists are now making their way well beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, to such locales as the Caucasus, Altai, Karelia and Tien Shan, to name just a few spots. Though perhaps the most popular destination for adventure travellers is Kamchatka, where volcanoes, the Valley of the Geysers and brown bears await.

The isolation and high crime rates of many of the more distant regions can make adventure travel as dangerous as it is thrilling. But such incidents usually happen when someone is travelling alone. In well-organized groups, problems seldom occur because the trained guide knows where to go and where not to go. Worthwhile insurance package includes such things.

Those who are longing to experience the thrills and chills of adventure tourism, can simply call some local travel agents, who can usually provide a list of adventure travel agencies - or log on to the Internet, which has also become a valuable tool for discovering tours and expeditions in Russia. And with extreme sports and adventure vacations growing in popularity around the world, it's difficult to imagine that the allure of Russia's beauty and open spaces will be by-passed.

The Moscow Times, May 5, 2001

Vocabulary notes on the text

Vast and varied landscape

The thrill-seeking tourist

Unlimited opportunities

обширный и разнообразный ландшафт

зд. турист, ищущий острых ощущений

неограниченные возможности

The adventure tourist

To log on to the Internet

Distant regions

Horseback expedition

To be ripe for