Ten incredible places to discover around the world
Chiara Michelon
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Chiara Michelon
WONDERS
Ten incredible places to discover around the world
Printed in Italy by Tecnostampa Pigini Group Printing Division – Loreto – Trevi
ERA 350.10
ISBN 978-88-536-4400-8
First edition March 2024
www.eligradedreaders.com
Disclaimer
This book has been written using information in the public domain from official sites, online biographies and interviews, with the sole reason to provide useful information from reliable sources, known to be true about persons of great ethical and social importance. It is not intended as a complete biography of the individuals described here, but as a simple introduction to further study. Although every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, we apologise for any inaccuracies there may be and if we have missed something, we would ask you to write to us at: redazione@elionline.com
Let’s write
1 Is there a wonderful place near where you live? Write an email to a friend and tell them about it, saying what it’s like and why it is special.
Let’s talk
2 In this book, you’ll often see the four words written below. Do you know what they mean? Discuss them in class and use a dictionary if you need to.
2030 Agenda - GOAL 15
3 Goal 15 of the 2030 Agenda is “Life on Land”. What do you think is its aim? What do you think are the main problems for the environment today? Discuss with a partner then compare with the rest of your class. You can do some research online for more information.
4 Match the photos of the first eight places in this book with the country where they are found.
a Australia d Iceland g Sri Lanka b Cile e USA h Japan
c Tanzania f Botswana
Okavango Delta
Serengeti National Park
Ayers Rock
Sigiriya
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Vatnajökull and Jökullsárlón Lake
Rapa Nui
Monument Valley
AN INCREDIBLE ECOSYSTEM OKAVANGO DELTA
The river that never meets the sea
The delta* of Okavango is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. Situated in the Kalahari Desert, in the northwestern part of Botswana, it covers thousands of square kilometres. In fact, it’s the second-largest delta in the world, after the Niger River delta.
The Okavango River originates in Angola and travels around a thousand kilometres before reaching its end, strangely, in the desert rather than the sea.
The park guides refer to it as
Botswana
POPULATION
“a river that never finds its way to the sea.” A unique and complex natural ecosystem has evolved as a result. Observing the delta from above, aboard a small plane, is a unique and thrilling experience. The European Space Agency (ESA) has recently published a spectacular satellite image on its website, showing the delta’s many branches and the unusual convergence of water and desert.
2.600.000 approx.
CAPITAL
Gaborone LANGUAGE
Setswana and English
CURRENCY
Botswanan Pula
The Delta’s main characteristic is the substantial presence of water which, during the rainy season, flows down from the uplands* of Angola and completely floods* the area. However, the river delta is not just a vast wetland*. While the rains can double the size of the
delta estuary, which is the final part of a river, shaped like a triangle uplands flat areas of land but above 500 meters
flood fill rapidly and intensely with water, causing flooding wetland damp area, rich in water
central swamps*, a significant portion of the delta is covered by woodlands, rainforests*, and year-round grassy plains. It is precisely this array of different habitats that enriches the region’s wildlife*, making it one of the prime spots for an African safari. Numerous animal species inhabit this area, including the “big five”, as well as lycaons*, cheetahs, crocodiles, zebras, and giraffes.
The “big five”
The term “big five” refers to the five major animals of Africa: the lion, African elephant, African buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. This expression originated from the South African safari culture, particularly from the hunting world: hunters referred to these animals as the most challenging to hunt. Unfortunately, illegal wildlife poaching remains a concern in these areas.
On South African currency, the Rand, one side of a banknote features a “big five” animal, while the other side displays Nelson Mandela’s face. Since 2012, some notes have replaced the animal with a young Mandela’s face.
swamp area where the earth is always wet rainforest typical very damp forest, where it rains a lot
wildlife untamed animals living in nature lycaons African wild canines
Floods and seasons
Like all complex and diverse natural areas, the Okavango Delta changes with the shifting of seasons and from month to month. As a remarkably humid region, the delta experiences seasonal floods. From December to April, heavy rainfall fills the river, causing it to overflow and flood the delta and surrounding areas. During the peak months of flooding, the delta covers more than 22,000 square kilometres of the Kalahari Desert!
The mokoro
Thanks to these floods, human presence is minimal, which has contributed to the preservation of the rich vegetation and wildlife found here. The best time to visit is the dry season*, between May and September, when animals gather near water sources for drinking, making it easier to observe them.
Given the great number of canals and waterways, it is a fascinating experience to take part in a water safari using a traditional local watercraft* called a mokoro. A mokoro is a canoe fashioned from a tree trunk, which allows movement through the reeds and provides opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. It’s propelled using a technique called “poling,” where the person guiding the vessel stands at the back of the canoe and pushes it with a long pole. The mokoro is very quiet so it doesn’t disturb the wildlife.
dry season opposite of the rainy season, when it doesn’t rain
watercraft a means of transportation that operates on water
An ecosystem to protect
The delta is divided into four areas, with the most famous being the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich protected areas in Africa. This is the only national reserve in the Okavango and occupies 40% of the delta region. It was established by the wife of the leader of the Batswana ethnic group to safeguard their lands and stop hunting. The Batswana people even relocated to give some space to nature. The reserve is named after King Moremi III. Going on safari in this area is just like stepping into a documentary, but it’s important to follow designated trails and avoid travelling at night. Its ecosystem and hosts a diverse range of plants, birds, and some of the most endangered mammals: cheetahs, white and black rhinoceroses, lions, and lycaons. In the heart of the delta lies Chief’s Island, around 60 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide — perfect for night. Its ecosystem ranks among the richest in the entire African continent perfect for guided walks amidst the wild animals.
The Bantu
The Batswana are part of the vast Bantu ethno-linguistic group, which includes over 400 African ethnicities. They share many aspects of language and culture. The name “Bantu” was given by a scholar of African languages as it means “people” in many of these languages. The Bantu people originate from the heart of Africa and there is much information regarding their traditions, for example they believe that certain objects contain magical powers. African culture is highly diverse, boasting numerous distinct traditions. Did you know there are more than 500 Bantu languages? Swahili is the most famous of these and it is widely used in Kenya.
Herero woman, Bantu group
Birdwatching and rock paintings
On the hills of Tsodillo, north of the Okavango River in the Okavango Panhandle region, there are walls and caves adorned with over 4,000 rock paintings* created by various indigenous populations known as Bushmen. The term “Bushmen” refers to the indigenous* peoples of southern Africa, deeply connected to their land and nature, who managed to live in delicate harmony with the environment for millennia. According to archaeological studies, humans have inhabited these lands for at least 100,000 years, possibly even longer. This area was chosen due to the availability of water, animals for hunting and fishing, and abundant vegetation. The first stable settlements* were constructed here, and these are the ancestors* of the people who live here today, such as the Bakgaladi, the Herero, and the Batswana. In 1915, the Batswana chose Maun as their capital, which is now home to most of the population.
The Okavango Panhandle is a marshy strip of land expanding towards Namibia. Birdwatchers are particularly fond of this region: it’s home to African fish eagles, Pel’s fishing owls, and various other birds, as well as interesting fish like the tiger fish.
Trav
Bring
l ’s tips
binoculars*: this place is a paradise for birdwatching!
and
Take part in a lot of activities with a park guide, both during the day and at night, on the river and on land.
Always keep your camera ready. Dress warmly in winter: evenings and early mornings can be very cold!
If you’re staying in delta accommodations, respect the wild animals that may come close.
rock paintings artworks on the walls of prehistoric caves indigenous native to and still living in a specific place settlements places where human communities have settled and live ancestors men and women from whom people originate binoculars device used for distant viewing
Grammar
2030 Agenda - GOAL 1 and GOAL 5
1 Complete the text with the correct articles: the, a, – (no article necessary).
Botswana is very active in pursuit of two goals within (1) famous 2030 Agenda: Goal No.1 and Goal No.5. (2) country’s economic growth is quite rapid, especially since gaining independence in (3) 1966. Thanks to good governance, (4) presence of diamond mines, and (5) moderately sized population, Botswana is on (6) track to become (7) relatively affluent nation capable of reducing poverty rates significantly. Additionally, the country is committed to achieving (8) gender equality. It has increased the participation of women in the workforce, and the level of (9) education beyond the age of 25 has equalised between individuals of (10) same age but different genders.
Vocabulary
2 Which other animal makes up part of the ’big seven’ along with the white shark? The only park in the world to house them in their natural habitat is Addo Elephant National Park, in South Africa.
1 Untamed animals who live in their natural habitat.
2 A type of illegal hunting for endangered animals.
3 The mokoro is one of these.
4 The name of the desert where the river Okavango arrives.
5 It is one of the most endangered species of mammal, but it is not part of the “big five”.
I’m on safari in the Okavango Delta, the date is…. Let’s write
3 Imagine you are on safari in Botswana. Write about what you see, what the days and nights are like, the noises you hear, etc. Begin your text with these words:
Role play/Debate
4 Work in pairs. You are in a courtroom. Choose who plays the part of the poacher and who is the forest ranger: the poacher thinks it’s normal and right to hunt animals, while the ranger thinks that animals should always be protected. Prepare your discussion with your partner then present it to the class, who will be the jury. You each need to try to convince the jury that you’re right. Who will win? The jury will decide.
A SACRED RED ROCK AYERS ROCK
The gigantic red rock
The famous Ayers Rock is a colossal rock, or rather a monolith*, located in the Australian Red Centre, precisely at the heart of Australia, in a completely deserted and flat area with no nearby residential areas. Ayers Rock can be seen from dozens of kilometres away and is renowned for its intense red colour, which changes throughout the day and seasons, shifting from gold to purple colours. The colour effects are derived from the iron minerals*
that form the rock reflecting the red light.
Ayers Rock is famous for two mesmerising moments of the day: sunrise and sunset.
The earth’s colours continuously change under the sun all day long, but at dawn and dusk, they are truly remarkable, transitioning through a variety of warm shades.
According to the aboriginal* people, the spirit of their ancestors, who lived during the tjukurpa period, which Europeans refer to as dreamtime, resides within the gigantic monolith.
25,000,000
Also known as Uluru, according to the ancient Aboriginal tradition which considers it a sacred site, Ayers Rock is situated within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which is an area belonging to the Aboriginal Anangu people. The nearest town is a 6-hour drive away and is called Alice Springs: it’s a charming small village with many gardens and historical buildings.
The Anangu Aboriginal People
To understand the significance of Ayers Rock we must appreciate the religious, spiritual, and cultural significance it holds for the Anangu, the Aboriginal people who have honoured this magical and mysterious place for centuries. The Anangu are one of the world’s oldest living cultures, rich in art, history, and nature, represented in the tjukurpa, or “time of creation”. Knowledge of the tjukurpa has never been written but has been taught and remembered through songs, stories, dances, and rock paintings. Many myths* about Uluru cannot be shared with nonAboriginal people, referred to as piranypa. Similarly, some parts of the monolith can be photographed, while others cannot because they are sacred. Wildlife is of great importance in Anangu culture, and ancestors were often imagined as beings that were half-human and half-animal. The mala, a reddish-brown hare-wallaby, represents the spirit of the Mala people, the ancient Anangu ancestors. It is a friendly herbivorous* animal that is very active at night.
myths legends that explain the origin of things herbivore an animal that eats only plants
Myths and Legends
The myths and legends of the tjukurpa are depicted in many rock paintings along Uluru. According to aboriginal tradition, these paintings are sometimes renewed by painting new things over the older designs. The oldest part dates back thousands of years. According to the myth, Tatji, the Red Lizard, lived on the plains and when it arrived at Uluru, it threw its kali, the boomerang, which lodged into the rock. Thus, Tatji dug the earth to find his kali, leaving many holes on the rock, which are the caves seen today. This legend explains why the rock of the monolith is so irregular. It’s also said that Tatji, having lost his kali, died in a cave, and the large boulders* are said to be the remnants of his body. Some large boulders, according to the Anangu, were giants that were half-human and half-plant.
The Formation of the monolith
Uluru began forming over 550 million years ago, but what we see today is only a small part of the monolith, which is composed of very hard sandstone* rock. Most of it is hidden underground; in fact, Ayers Rock measures 380 meters in height, but there are another 7 kilometres below the surface. In essence, it’s like a giant iceberg made of rock rather than ice! The rock of the monolith is quite peculiar; from a distance,
sandstone a type of rock formed from sand grains springs places from which water originates and flows out
it appears smooth, but up close, it’s irregular, formed by springs* and caves. One of the holes resembles a wave made of stone and is sacred to Anangu women; according to Aboriginal beliefs, it represents the pouch* of the female red hare-wallaby. The best way to observe this gigantic rock is to walk along the Uluru Base Walk, which circles the base of Ayers Rock and is over 9 km long.
pouch a pocket made of skin where some animals like kangaroos nurture their offspring
boulders large stones
The Red Centre
The inner regions of Australia, often semi-desert, are generally referred to as the “red heart of Australia” or the “red centre”, due to the iron-rich soil that is red in colour. Australians often call it the “outback”. The outback is characterized by very dry terrain; the land is generally not cultivable. It’s more of an idea of a region than one with precise borders. For Australians, it begins beyond the bush, an extensive area with low vegetation. In general, the outback is considered... a faraway place!
The Australian region surrounding Uluru is rich in other significant rocks. For instance, 30 km away, there are the 36 red copolas* of Kata Tjuta, called the Olgas, covering more than 20 square km and composed of different rocky materials. These natural domes were formed through centuries of erosion* caused by wind and rain, and their Aboriginal name means “place of many heads”. They might have once been a single gigantic monolith, larger than Ayers Rock, which divided into many small mountains with rounded peaks due to erosion.
copolas round or semi-circular domes, similar to hills erosion natural process caused by wind, rain, sea... that wears away elements of the earth
A SACRED RED ROCK
Then there’s Mount Conner, a large mountain with a flat summit, formed around 550 million years ago during a period of geological activity on Earth. According to some scientists, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Mount Conner were once part of the same massive monolith that fell to Earth over 3 billion years ago, into the future continent of Australia.
Didgeridoos and boomerangs
In indigenous Australian traditional music, we are familiar with the didgeridoo, a sacred wind instrument* named after the sound it produces. It takes the form of a tube ranging from one to three meters in length, and typically, the longer it is, the lower the sound. Often constructed from eucalyptus wood, hollowed out by termites*, aboriginal people use it to blow and produce words and sounds. Playing it is challenging as it requires a unique way of breathing.
Another instrument uniquely Australian and used by Aboriginal people as a hunting weapon is the boomerang. When Captain Cook arrived in Australia in 1770 and saw it, he named it the “boomerang”, taking the idea from the aboriginal term “bu-mar-rang”, meaning “returning stick”. “returning stick”.
Trav l ’s tips
Do not climb the monolith to reach the top; the land is sacred to the aboriginal people, and it is prohibited.
Take a break in the shade of a She Oak tree*.
You can reach Ayers Rock on a camel or a Harley Davidson. For incredible photos, take a helicopter or hot-air balloon* flight over Uluru!
Travel in autumn, from March to May, when the climate is neither too hot nor too cold.
wind instrument a musical instrument played by blowing air into it
termites insect similar to ants that burrow into wood
She Oak tree typical Australian evergreen tree (Casuarina glauca)
hot-air balloon a flying mode of transport which uses heated air to move
Comprehension
1 Choose the correct option.
1 The red of Ayers Rock comes from:
a the sun
b iron
c the Anangu
2 The Anangu are:
a aboriginal people b island inhabitants
c ancient gods
3 Who is the spirit of the Mala people represented by?
a A king b A boulder c An animal
4 What did the Red Lizard throw in the myth?
a A boomerang b A boulder c A tree
5 What does the outback mean for Australians?
a A place of peace
b A sacred place
c A very distant place
6 What is the didgeridoo made of?
a Rock b Wood c Red skin
Vocabulary
2 Write each word in the box next to the correct definition. erosion • boulders • monolith • climb • springs • termites
1 : a single piece of stone or rock
2 : places from which water originates and flows out 3 : large stones
4 : natural process that wears away elements of the earth
