Patricia: I went by Inter-Rail this summer with a
group of friends from university. I think it worked very well, although a few of
them said they’d never do it again--I guess it wasn’t quite like they thought it
was going to be--not as comfortable probably. We usually slept in hostels or on
the train so we were completely exhausted but I think we had a great time. Next
year I’ll see if I can perhaps visit fewer places and not get so worn
out. Davis: I traveled about 6,000 kilometres in four
weeks with a couple of friends from college. We spent weeks planning out the
route and all the places we were intending to go to. Would I do it again Well,
I’d have to think carefully about that but, on the whole the trip was good for
me as I was the official translator, which was great as I’m normally a bit shy
of talking to people I don’t know. On the last night of the holiday they treated
me to a really expensive meal for helping them out. It was
terrific! Jenison: Well, I guess I had a good time now
when I look back on it, and I saw eight countries in four weeks. Everything went
well but I think that from now on I’ll probably choose to do something else. I
want to meet local people rather than just people who work for the train
service! I did get to know quite a few other English and American students and
they were great but it didn’t do much for my French and
German. Nigel: I think it’s definitely the best way of
getting around Europe even though you have to spend money on the Inter-Rail
ticket before you leave. I have a friend who hitch hikes and he says that’s the
only way to travel because it’s free and you see more interesting places. But I
knew I could jump on a train wherever I wanted in the morning, while he would
still be standing in the rain hoping for a lift. So all in all I think I got the
better deal, especially as I could take the night train and save on hotel
bills. Hawk: I’ve done it quite a few times now and
I’m used to the kind of problems that arise, like having to sleep in a park
because the train arrived too late for me to get a hostel bed, and trying to
keep to a tight budget. The mistake people often make is to just get off at the
tourist spots. Try getting off the train at the little villages, like I do.
They’re usually fascinating and the people are friendlier, too. Even if they
don’t understand your miserable attempt at their language they still smile and
nod. Now match each of the students (61 to 65) to the
appropriate statement. Note: there are two extra
statements. Statements [A] The trip was good value for the
money. [B] The trip gave me a chance to socialize with people. [C] The
trip didn’t work out as expected. [D] I saw something most people
missed. [E] I wish I had seen more places on the trip. [F] The trip was
tiring yet enjoyable. [G] I’d like to try something different from this
trip. Davis