READING

Many people have seen San Francisco's beauty in films and photographs, and many more have experienced its wonders first hand by going there on holiday. It is said that San Francisco is one of the most popular cities in California. San Francisco is one of the most photographed cities in the world. With its steep hills, pretty cable cars, magnificent views, exciting attractions, great shopping and international make up, it has a very romantic, European quality. This is one of the many reasons why a huge number of American films are made there. However, what most don't realise is that the climate may be what characterises San Francisco best. The city has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and drier summers. One of the most famous attractions of the city is the Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco with Marin County. Whether by car or on foot, this 2.7kilometre-long architectural wonder is something visitors to the city must not miss. Another amazing attraction is the Golden Gate Park. From visits to the de Young Museum of Art and the Aquarium to boat rides, the Park offers something to everyone. The Park's best but busiest and most crowded feature is said to be the Japanese Tea Garden. For a small entrance fee of $2, visitors can enjoy themselves and nature in peaceful surroundings. San Francisco is well worth a lengthy visit, as there is much more waiting to be discovered in this wonderful city.

READING

HELPING OUT. It was a cold winter night and snow had just begun to fall. There were no cars in the streets. Only a few shoppers could be seen outside, but they were rushing to get home. The city was becoming a dark and lonely place. After closing and locking the door of my clothes shop, I pulled on my warm gloves. It was going to get colder tonight, for sure. I thought about the fire that I would light when I returned home. Another half an hour, and I would be sitting in front of it. I hurried towards the train station. As I turned the corner, I saw something on the pavement in front of me. At first, I thought it was a huge dog and went to walk around it. However, as I got closer, I was amazed to see a person just lying there and not moving. I stopped and looked closer. It was a homeless man and he appeared to be asleep. He wasn’t wearing any warm clothes and I was horrified when I saw that he had no shoes or socks on his feet! It was freezing outside now and snowing heavily. “Excuse me…. hello”, I called out to him. He opened his eyes and I took a step closer. “Can you stand?” I asked him. Slowly, the old man sat up and I gently helped him to his feet. “You’re coming with me”, I told him. There was no thought of catching my train now or of warming my hands in front of the fire. I had to do something about that helpless man. He was too weak to walk and as it was impossible for me to carry him, I took his arm so he wouldn’t fall and we walked together back to my shop. Once inside, I sat him down and looked at him thoughtfully. I took down a heavy winter coat, a jumper and a pair of trousers. “Try these for size”, I said and went to search for gloves and socks. The shoes were going to be a problem, unless, just maybe, I had an extra pair of my own in the back of the shop. As I returned with the shoes, I saw that the man had put on his new clothes. He was looking in the mirror and there was a big, happy smile on his face. He turned towards me, shook my hand and left without a word. I never saw that man again, but meeting him was something I will never forget.