The 2010 World Expo is coming in just eight days. Millions of visitors from all over the world will come to Shanghai for this grand display of world culture. 2010年世博會即將在8天后拉開帷幕。全球數以萬計的游客屆時將光臨上海參加這場盛大的世界文化展覽。
However, when you want a quiet and cozy place to stay after your exciting tour of the Expo Park, a homestay is probably a good choice, because you can experience more here compared to other accommodations.
但當你在經歷世博會激情之旅后想要找個安靜、舒適的地方休息時，"世博人家"當算是個不錯的選擇，因為相比其他的住所，這里會帶給你更多上海風情。
"We hope visitors who come to the Expo will be able to experience our Shanghai citizens' daily lives. And we would like to introduce our Shanghai culture and our harmonious family to those friends from other countries."
"我們希望到世博會游覽的客人們能夠體驗到上海市民的日常生活。我們也非常想將上海文化和和諧家庭介紹給世界各國的友人。"
This is the hostess of a homestay family, 64-year-old retired teacher Ye Pinghua. She is one of the hundreds of Chinese families who are getting ready to welcome foreign visitors into their homes.
"世博人家"的參與者、64歲的退休教師葉萍華如是說。他們家是準備歡迎外國游客到家居住的數百個家庭之一。
She says they don't use standard white bed sheets because they want to give the guests a homey feeling. All the used bedspreads and pillowcases will be sent to their community's Expo laundry service for washing.
她說，他們不使用標準的白色床單，因為他們想給客人一個家的感覺。所有用過的床單和枕套將會由社區世博會洗衣服務處負責洗滌。
The community also provides bedding and other disposable daily necessities for guests.
該社區還給客人提供床上用品和其他一次性日用品。
In order to provide guests a cozy atmosphere, the hostess has redecorated her home.
為了給客人營造一個舒適的環境，女主人已經重新裝修她的家。
"We bought new furniture when we redecorated the room. It cost us about 20,000 yuan. And also we replaced our old washing machine and fridge as well as the curtains. So we spent a total of about 50,000 yuan."
"我們裝修后買了新家具，花了2萬元。我們還換了舊的洗衣機、冰箱和窗簾。算下來，我們總共花了約5萬元。"
Besides support to provide comfortable living conditions, the host family has also received training.
除了給予舒適住所的支持外，接待家庭還接受了培訓。
"We have done a lot of training, including English speaking, Japanese flower arranging and cooking."
"我們接受了很多方面的培訓，包括英語、日式插花和烹飪。"
Ye says her family is very happy to have been chosen as an Expo homestay family.
葉老師說她家人非常高興被選入"世博人家"計劃。
And she feels it's her responsibility to do it well, because her family is presenting their community, city and even the entire country to the world.
而且她認為將此事做好是她的責任，因為她家代表了她的社區、城市、乃至整個國家的形象。
Zhu Jianguo is vice director of the Shanghai Tourism Administration. He explains:
上海市旅游局朱建國副主任解釋說：
"The 2010 Expo homestay program combines family, community, folk and ethnic culture. Our initiative is also linked with hotels, catering and cultural elements. It's designed to show everyday life in Shanghai to the whole country and the world."
"2010年‘世博人家'計劃將家庭、社區、市民和民族文化有機結合在一起。這個計劃還與賓館、餐飲和文化元素相聯。它的目的是向全國和全世界展示上海的日常生活。"
Event organizers are also encouraging tourists to stay in hotels in nearby cities during the event. They're predicting a shortage of hotel rooms in Shanghai during the peak of the 2010 World Expo.
活動組織者還鼓勵旅客在活動期間住在附近城市的賓館里。他們預測在世博會高峰期上海的賓館會出現短缺。 |