Speaker A. I didn’t plan it actually. It was my aunt who suggested that I should join them. She and my cousins were going to spend a few days at the seaside. And my aunt asked mum to let me go with them. We got to the seaside by train. It took a bit longer than I’d expected, but it was fun because of my cousins’ company. We played Scrabble and watched films. At the seaside, we stayed in a small family hotel. We swam, and went fishing, and explored the nearby rocks. It was a short but great getaway.

Speaker B. Recently we spent a week in a small village by the seaside. What impressed me most was not the sea but the garden in the hotel where we were staying. The owner of the hotel was an elderly man who was crazy about gardening. He told me a lot about his plans and even gave me the seeds of some exotic flowers I can grow at home. When we got back, I planted them, and… I didn’t expect them to grow but they did! And they are growing fast! My friends are really surprised to see how much time I give to my flowers but it’s a really exciting pastime.

Speaker C. I haven’t been to the seaside for six years already. It’s really hard for a person who loves the sea and all sorts of water sports. Fortunately, this June I’m joining my friends for their windsurfing vacation. Now I’m saving for the trip. I have already bought some of the equipment and a friend of mine has promised to give me a few lessons on how to windsurf. It’s not easy, I guess, but I enjoy trying new sports whenever I can.

Speaker D. I enjoy travelling and an active lifestyle and spend as much time out as possible in the open air. I love jogging, and roller skating, and cycling of course. The best time for all these activities is September and October when it is not so hot and stuffy as in summer and the air is fresh. The trees and landscape in autumn are beautiful too. Unlike most people I do not look forward to the summer. I look forward to the time when it’s over, to enjoy the most beautiful time of the year.

Speaker E. When I’m on holiday, I want to have some quiet time for myself. I don’t need company when I take a ride on a bicycle along the country lanes or when I try to do a drawing of a beautiful landscape. My friends suggested that we go to the seaside this summer and were not able to understand why I refused. They said that I just didn’t want to spend the holidays with them. They are sort of ignoring me now. It makes me feel sad.