Impressions

THE PICTURE OF THE WORLD

Active Vocabulary

National Stereotypes

Typical of a nation

To be similar to (Ant: different from)

To distinguish between / one from the other

A distorted picture

Stereotypes: Offensive, accurate / exact; Ant: inaccurate, false

Open to new experiences, ideas

To condition national characteristics

To engender the distinctive features

Distinct: Ant: indistinct, vague, uncertain

Distinctive / individual/ rare / exceptional; Ant: ordinary, common, general

Casual, easy-going, formal, hospitable, illogical, materialistic,

narrow-minded, outgoing, sociable, self-confident, tolerant

To value individualism quite highly

To place emphasis on smth

Habits have taken hold in Europe

Trendsetters in lifestyle

A strong sense for public order

Lack of respect for authority

A sense of dignity

A sense of superiority

Toleration of eccentricities

Incurable optimists

To have a pessimistic view of life

A humorist even in adversity

Self-effacing manner

Travel broadens the mind and liberalises one’s outlook.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Generalizations about nationalities are usually not welcomed.

The world will be a dull place indeed when all the different nationalities behave exactly alike.

Country

It draws in visitors from all over / to draw crowds / to attract smb

It is worth a visit.

It is worth while visiting London. / London is worth visiting.

It is worthy of attention.

It merits a visit.

It is a must on your itinerary.

It demands to be explored.

Lively cities and bijou villages compete for attention.

Sights/ highlight/ glory/ landmark / a place of worship and pilgrimage / architectural treasures

Tourists

Culture hunters

Sightseers

Nature lovers

To time a visit

To tour the city

To travel worldwide

To do / see the sights; to go / do sightseeing

To set off

To hop on/ off a bus

To catch / get a glimpse of

To search for history

To get one’s bearings

To go for a stroll / walk, to wander around / to meander along/ through the narrow streets

To go for a row

To linger near

To have a trip both educational and enjoyable

To plunge into the atmosphere of

To find a treasury of new beauties

To come face to face with history

To discover anew

Impressions

To conjure up images

To bring to visitor’s mind a vision of smth

To capture imagination

To draw inspiration from

A source of inspiration

To go deep into the essence of things (Essential / fundamental; Ant: inessential, non-essential)

To be captivated by / fascinated by / enchanted with, Ant: disenchanted

To be inspired, Ant: uninspired

To award smb with enchanting images

Nature

Beautiful:

Magnificent / imposing; fascinating / enchanting / delightful /charming;

Breathtaking / spectacular; inspiring (Ant: uninspiring),

striking, impressive, dramatic, captivating, stunning, picturesque

Peaceful:

Idyllic, sleepy, unhurried, pastoral, unspoilt

Rivers:

Meandering, ribbon-like, rushing (streams)

To flow / run through the valley into the ocean, to wind its way downstream from… to…

Lakes:

Crystal-clear, jewel-like, island-studded, sparkling (to sparkle with)

Mountains:

Soaring, craggy / rugged / steep / rough, rocky, untamed, dramatic

Hills: rolling, soft

Compare: Landscape / countryside / scenery / view / setting / surroundings

Compare: Seaside / coast / bank / beach / shore

Compare: Channel / canal / strait

The beauty of the... is as hard to define as it is easy to enjoy.

To be wearing a necklace of sparkling lakes

To attest to drama and beauty of the landscape

A stunning combination of mountains and lakes

Fragrant meadows

Bijou villages

Vast expanses