31.10.24

p.30 Unit 3, part 1

STRANGE WORLD

Is disaster tourism such a total disaster? For most of us, if we describe a holiday as a disaster, it might mean we got robbed, were stuck indoors as it poured with rain outside, or experienced any number of other things that could spoil our two weeks of relaxation. 

We generally want to avoid these things. So you might be surprised to learn that there are now companies that actually organise 'disaster experiences' for people looking for adventure in their time off. 

You can travel to look for a storm – the kind that might blow your house down, not just blow your hat off. Or perhaps you might like to visit a war zone? 

Visas, travel and accommodation can all be arranged and personal protection can be provided at a cost of anything up to $20,000. 

How about visiting Chernobyl, the nuclear power plant that exploded in 1986? There is even a company that organises a realistic simulation of a plane crash 'including a smoke-filled cabin.' According to their website, this could provide an excellent day out for employees as a company team-building experience, because 'disasters bring people closer together!' Are they serious? 

Don't we have enough stress at work without having to pretend we’re all going to die.

p.30 Unit 3, part 1

STRANGE WORLD

What might we describe as a disaster during a holiday?  

We might describe getting robbed, being stuck indoors as it poured with rain outside,or experiencing any number of things that could spoil our two weeks of relaxation as a disaster during a holiday.

What surprising information does the author reveal about certain companies? 

The author reveals that there are now companies that actually organise 'disaster experiences' for people looking for adventure in their time off.
What are some examples of 'disaster experiences' mentioned in the text? 

Examples of 'disaster experiences' mentioned include traveling to look for a storm that 

might blow your house down, visiting a war zone, and visiting Chernobyl.
What additional service do these companies provide for 'disaster experiences'? 

These companies can arrange visas, travel, accommodation, and personal protection at a cost of anything up to $20,000.
What is one company mentioned in the text that organizes disaster experiences, 

and what unique simulation do they offer? 
One company mentioned organizes a realistic simulation of a plane crash, including 

a smoke-filled cabin.
What do these companies claim about disaster experiences and employees?: 

According to their website, these companies claim that disaster experiences could provide an excellent day out for employees as a company team-building experience because 'disasters bring people closer together!'
What rhetorical question does the author ask about stress at work? 

The author asks, "Don't we have enough stress at work without having to pretend we’re all going to die?"

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STRANGE WORLD

p.30. Unit 3 Reading (part 2, p.187)

As you can probably tell, my initial reaction when I first read about the phenomenon of disaster tourism and experiences was to think these people are mad. I saw it as holidays in other people’s misery. I told myself that there’s no way I would be interested in anything like that, but then I started thinking about some of the places I’ve visited over the years. I slowly came to realise that maybe I’m not so different.

 

For instance, I’ve been to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the people who died as a result of the first nuclear bomb. I’ve visited many castles, like the Tower of London, where people were executed. Last year I went to Pompeii, the ancient ruins of a city which was completely destroyed by a volcano in the first century. 

While there, I took a photo of a 2,000-year-old dead person. OK, I didn’t take a smiling photo of myself in front of it, like the people on the website ‘Selfies at serious places’. But still, looking at it now, I am wondering why I took it, and I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps I am a disaster tourist myself. I guess I go to these places because I’m interested in history. Visiting them reminds you of the power of nature and the value of your life. Many so-called disaster tourists actually have similar motivations, it’s just that the ‘history’ is now.

Nicholas Wood of the company Political Tours says: ‘We’re not for people looking for danger, we’re for people who want a deeper understanding of the world.’ His company sometimes takes clients to scenes of recent conflict to meet local people and experts, but may equally help clients understand the risks of the globalised financial world by touring the City of London and introducing them to decision-makers there. 

James Wilcox, whose company does specialise in active areas of conflict, also argues his ‘disaster’ tours bring much-needed money to the places affected and locals welcome them. 

To be honest, the majority think we’re crazy, but the second reaction is they’re proud. It’s as if they’ve almost forgotten they have a lot to offer. They might be struggling, but other people are willing to take the risk and travel halfway around the world to visit. Maybe disaster tourism isn't such a disaster.

Вопросы и ответы по тексту:

p.30. Unit 3 Reading (part 2, p.187)

What was the author’s initial reaction to disaster tourism? 

The author’s initial reaction was to think these people are mad. (As you can probably tell, my initial reaction when I first read about the phenomenon of disaster tourism and experiences was to think these people are mad.)

Which places has the author visited that made them realize they might be a disaster tourist? The author has visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Tower of London, and Pompeii. (For instance, I’ve been to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the people who died as a result of the first nuclear bomb. I’ve visited many castles, like the Tower of London, where people were executed. Last year I went to Pompeii, the ancient ruins of a city which was completely destroyed by a volcano in the first century.)What conclusion did the author come to regarding their own behavior? The author concluded that perhaps they are a disaster tourist themselves. (I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps I am a disaster tourist myself.)Why does the author think they go to places associated with disasters? The author goes to these places because they are interested in history. (I guess I go to these places because I’m interested in history.)What does Nicholas Wood of Political Tours say about his company’s clients? Nicholas Wood says that his company’s clients are not looking for danger, but for a deeper understanding of the world. (‘We’re not for people looking for danger, we’re for people who want a deeper understanding of the world.’)What additional benefit does James Wilcox claim his ‘disaster’ tours provide? James Wilcox claims his ‘disaster’ tours bring much-needed money to the places affected and locals welcome them. (James Wilcox, whose company does specialise in active areas of conflict, also argues his ‘disaster’ tours bring much-needed money to the places affected and locals welcome them.)What is the majority's and second reaction to disaster tourism, according to the text? The majority think they’re crazy, but the second reaction is that the locals are proud. (To be honest, the majority think we’re crazy, but the second reaction is they’re proud.)