- life and smoke on the water
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A guest approaches the front desk of a luxury hotel in Siem Reap, He has heard about Tonle Spa, and that the lake is worth visiting.
You welcome him, and tell him about how great the trip to Tonle Sap is.
You really must visit Tonle Sap Lake. First, you take a car from the hotel. The drive takes about 30–40 minutes. When you get there, you take a boat to visit the floating villages. You have a guide with you. The guide shows you the villages and explains how people live on the water.
On the lake, you see many floating houses. Children go to school on boats. People catch fish to eat and sell. Some have small shops on boats. They sell vegetables, fruits, and fish. Near the lake, farmers work in rice fields, and sometimes buffaloes walk close to the water. You also see many birds, like herons, kingfishers, storks, and egrets. It is very peaceful and quiet. You can take lots of photos and watch people working and children playing.
The trip is very safe. The boat driver and guide stay with you all the time. You wear comfortable clothes, a hat, and sunglasses. You bring water, a camera, and shoes that can get wet. The best time to enjoy the lake and see birds is in the morning or late afternoon.
The whole trip takes about 4–5 hours. You return to the hotel in the afternoon. You really see real life on the lake and in the villages. I tell my friend about it, and now he wants to go too. You will enjoy it—it is peaceful, beautiful, and shows how villagers live every day.
————————————-
Vocabulary:
- to approach – to go near something or someone.
- Example: “The dog approaches the boy.”
- to explain – to make something clear or easy to understand.
- Example: “The teacher explains the lesson.”
- vegetables – plants that people eat, like carrots, tomatoes, or cabbage.
- a heron – a tall bird with long legs and a long neck that lives near water.
- a kingfisher – a small, colorful bird that catches fish in water.
- a stork – a large bird with long legs and a long beak [the hard, pointed mouth of a bird.].
- an egret – a white bird with long legs and a long neck that lives near water.
- peaceful – quiet and calm, without noise or problems.
- Example: “The park is peaceful.”
- to be safe – not in danger, protected.
- Example: “It is safe to cross the street.”
- comfortable clothes – clothes that are nice to wear and not tight [fitting very close to the body, not loose.] or heavy.
- Example: “I wear comfortable clothes for walking.”
- to get wet – when water touches you or your clothes.
- Example: “I get wet in the rain.”
- to enjoy – to like something or have fun.
- Example: “I enjoy swimming.”
- to take about 4 hours – something needs about 4 hours to finish.
- Example: “The trip takes about 4 hours.”
- to return – to go back to a place.
- Example: “I return home after school.”
- a village – a small town with houses and people living there, often in the countryside.
#################
Multiple-choice, one answer correct:
audio 1-12:
audio 13-17:
1. What does “to approach” mean?
a) To go near something or someone
b) To run away very fast from something
c) To look at something from a distance
2. What does “to explain” mean?
a) To hide information from someone else
b) To make something clear for someone
c) To finish something quickly without details
3. What are “vegetables”?
a) Animals that live in water or land
b) Plants that people eat every day
c) Small objects used for decoration
4. What is a “heron”?
a) A tall bird with long legs and neck
b) A small animal that lives in trees
c) A colorful fish that swims in rivers
5. What is a “kingfisher”?
a) A small colorful bird that catches fish
b) A large bird that walks very slowly
c) A bird that usually sings at night
6. What is a “stork”?
a) A tiny bird that eats only seeds
b) A large bird with long legs and beak
c) A fish that swims in fresh water
7. What is an “egret”?
a) A white bird with long legs and neck
b) A small animal that digs underground
c) A black bird that lives in cities
8. What does “peaceful” mean?
a) Very noisy and full of people
b) Quiet and calm, without any noise
c) Dangerous and full of problems
9. What does “to be safe” mean?
a) To run quickly away from danger
b) To stay somewhere without problems
c) To be protected and not in danger
10. What are “comfortable clothes”?
a) Clothes that are nice to wear and soft
b) Clothes that are small or very old
c) Clothes that are wet or dirty
11. What does “to get wet” mean?
a) When the sun shines on your body
b) When water touches your body or clothes
c) When clothes are very clean and dry
12. What does “to enjoy” mean?
a) To feel bored or very tired
b) To like something or have fun
c) To work hard without a break
13. What does “to take about 4 hours” mean?
a) Something is finished in a minute
b) Something happens very fast
c) Something needs around four hours
14. What does “to return” mean?
a) To stay in the same place
b) To go back to a place again
c) To go to a new country far away
15. What is a “village”?
a) A very big city with many streets
b) A small town with houses and people
c) A river or lake in the forest
16. What is a “beak”?
a) The soft fur of an animal
b) The leaf of a tree on a branch
c) The hard pointed mouth of a bird
17. What does “tight” mean?
a) Fitting very close to the body
b) Very soft and loose around the body
c) Heavy and long, not comfortable
____________________
Answers:
1-a, 2-b, 3-b, 4-a, 5-a, 6-b,
7-a, 8-b, 9-c, 10-a, 11-b, 12-b,
13-c, 14-b, 15-b, 16-c, 17-a
____________________
Correct version:
- To approach – That means: to go near something or someone
- To explain – That means: to make something clear for someone
- Vegetables – That means: plants that people eat every day
- Heron – That means: a tall bird with long legs and neck
- Kingfisher – That means: a small colorful bird that catches fish
- Stork – That means: a large bird with long legs and beak
- Egret – That means: a white bird with long legs and neck
- Peaceful – That means: quiet and calm, without any noise
- To be safe – That means: to be protected and not in danger
- Comfortable clothes – That means: clothes that are nice to wear and soft
- To get wet – That means: when water touches your body or clothes
- To enjoy – That means: to like something or have fun
- To take about 4 hours – That means: something needs around four hours
- To return – That means: to go back to a place again
- Village – That means: a small town with houses and people
- Beak – That means: the hard pointed mouth of a bird
- Tight – That means: fitting very close to the body
#################
Match the word with the correct definition:
Words:
- To approach
- To explain
- Vegetables
- Heron
- Kingfisher
- Stork
- Egret
- Peaceful
- To be safe
- Comfortable clothes
- To get wet
- To enjoy
- To take about 4 hours
- To return
- Village
- Beak
- Tight
Definitions:
a. A tall bird with long legs and neck
b. Quiet and calm, without any noise
c. Plants that people eat every day
d. To like something or have fun
e. Fitting very close to the body
f. To go near something or someone
g. To make something clear for someone
h. When water touches your body or clothes
i. A small colorful bird that catches fish
j. A large bird with long legs and beak
k. Clothes that are nice to wear and soft
l. The hard pointed mouth of a bird
m. Something needs around four hours
n. To go back to a place again
o. A white bird with long legs and neck
p. To be protected and not in danger
q. A small town with houses and people
_______________________
Answers:
1-f, 2-g, 3-c, 4-a, 5-i, 6-j,
7-o, 8-b, 9-p, 10-k, 11-h, 12-d,
13-m, 14-n, 15-q, 16-l, 17-e
________________________
Correct version:
- To approach – To go near something or someone
- To explain – To make something clear for someone
- Vegetables – Plants that people eat every day
- Heron – A tall bird with long legs and neck
- Kingfisher – A small colorful bird that catches fish
- Stork – A large bird with long legs and beak
- Egret – A white bird with long legs and neck
- Peaceful – Quiet and calm, without any noise
- To be safe – To be protected and not in danger
- Comfortable clothes – Clothes that are nice to wear and soft
- To get wet – When water touches your body or clothes
- To enjoy – To like something or have fun
- To take about 4 hours – Something needs around four hours
- To return – To go back to a place again
- Village – A small town with houses and people
- Beak – The hard pointed mouth of a bird
- Tight – Fitting very close to the body
#################
Gap-fill exercise, fill in the correct form of the verb:
1. Today, you _______ Tonle Sap Lake.
a) visit
b) visits
c) visiting
2. First, you _______ a car from the hotel.
a) takes
b) take
c) taking
3. The drive _______ about 30–40 minutes.
a) take
b) takes
c) taking
4. When you _______ at the lake, you take a boat.
a) arriving
b) arrive
c) arrives
5. You _______ a guide with you.
a) has
b) have
c) having
6. The guide _______ the villages.
a) show
b) showing
c) shows
7. The guide also _______ how people live on the water.
a) explain
b) explains
c) explaining
8. On the lake, you _______ many floating houses.
a) sees
b) see
c) seeing
9. Children _______ to school on boats.
a) go
b) goes
c) going
10. People _______ fish to eat and sell.
a) catches
b) catch
c) catching
11. The trip _______ very safe.
a) is
b) are
c) be
12. The boat driver and guide _______ with you all the time.
a) stays
b) stay
c) staying
Answers:
1-a, 2-b, 3-a, 4-b, 5-b,
6-c, 7-b, 8-b, 9-a,
10-b, 11-a, 12-b
________________________
Correct version:
- Today, you visit Tonle Sap Lake.
- First, you take a car from the hotel.
- The drive takes about 30–40 minutes.
- When you arrive at the lake, you take a boat.
- You have a guide with you.
- The guide shows the villages.
- The guide also explains how people live on the water.
- On the lake, you see many floating houses.
- Children go to school on boats.
- People catch fish to eat and sell.
- The trip is very safe.
- The boat driver and guide stay with you all the time.
#################
Fill in, words below:
enjoy – villages – fields – boats –
floating – stay – take –
shops – buffaloes –
sell – safe
______________________
You visit Tonle Sap Lake from the hotel.
First, you __________ a car to the lake.
The drive takes about 30–40 minutes.
When you arrive, you take a boat to see the __________ villages.
A guide is with you.
The guide shows the __________ and explains how people live on the water.
You see many floating houses.
Children go to school on __________.
People catch fish to eat and __________.
Some people have small __________ on boats.
Near the lake, farmers work in the rice __________.
You hear birds and see __________.
The trip is very ___________.
The boat driver and guide __________ with you all the time.
You can take photos and __________ the peaceful life on the lake.
______________________
Correct version:
You visit Tonle Sap Lake from the hotel. First, you take a car to the lake. The drive takes about 30–40 minutes. When you arrive, you take a boat to see the floating villages. A guide is with you. The guide shows the villages and explains how people live on the water. You see many floating houses. Children go to school on boats. People catch fish to eat and sell. Some people have small shops on boats. Near the lake, farmers work in the rice fields. You hear birds and see buffaloes. The trip is very safe. The boat driver and guide stay with you all the time. You can take photos and enjoy the peaceful life on the lake.
#################
Tonle Sap cheat sheet:
| 🚌 Topic | ℹ️ Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Transport | Car or tuk-tuk from hotel (30–40 min) → boat on the lake. Guide recommended for explanation & safety. |
| ⏱ Trip Duration | Total: 4–5 hours. Drive: 30–40 min. Boat: 2–3 hours. Return in afternoon. |
| 👀 What to See | Floating villages & houses. Children at floating schools. Fishermen. Small markets on boats. Farmers & buffaloes. Birds: herons, kingfishers, storks. |
| 🌄 Experience / Real Life | Peaceful & quiet, very different from city. Observe villagers’ daily life. Great for photos. See how people live, work, and travel. |
| ✅ Safety | Very safe for solo travelers. Guide & boat driver stay with guest the whole time. |
| 🎒 Practical Tips | Comfortable clothes. Hat & sunglasses. Water & camera. Shoes that can get wet. Best time for birds & calm scenery: morning / late afternoon. |
| 💰 Cost (Approx.) | 50–60 USD per person. Includes car, boat, guide. |
| 📅 Booking | Pick-up from hotel lobby at 8:00 AM. Return in afternoon. |
| 📞 Additional Info / Service | Guests can contact front desk anytime. Wish them a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip! |
#################
Tonle Sap – guest briefing cheat sheet – more text
1. Transport to the Lake
- The guest goes first by car or tuk-tuk from the hotel. It takes about 30–40 minutes.
- After reaching the lake, a boat takes the guest to visit floating villages.
- A guide is recommended to explain village life, culture, and ensure safety.
2. Trip Duration
- Total time: 4–5 hours.
- Drive to the lake: 30–40 minutes.
- Boat on the lake: 2–3 hours.
- Return drive to the hotel.
3. What Guests See
- Floating houses and villages where people live on water.
- Children going to floating schools.
- Fishermen catching fish and selling in small markets.
- Small shops on boats selling vegetables, fish, and fruits.
- Farmers and buffaloes near the lake.
- Beautiful birds like herons, kingfishers, and sometimes storks.
4. Experience & Real Life
- Peaceful and quiet, very different from the busy city.
- Guests see real daily life of villagers on water and near the lake.
- Excellent opportunity for photos and learning about local culture.
- Observe how people live, work, and travel on the lake.
5. Safety
- Very safe for solo travelers.
- Boat driver and guide stay with the guest the whole time.
6. Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable and light clothes.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
- Carry water and a camera for photos.
- Shoes that can get wet are useful for stepping on docks or boats.
- Best time for birds and peaceful scenery: early morning or late afternoon.
7. Cost (approx.)
- Around 50–60 USD per person.
- Includes transport to the lake, boat, and guide.
8. Booking
- Pick-up usually at 8:00 AM from the hotel lobby.
- Guests return to the hotel in the afternoon.
9. Additional Guest Service
- Guests can contact the front desk anytime for more information.
- Always wish them a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip!
#################
Miniscript -dialogue:
Receptionist: Good morning, sir! I understand you want to visit Tonle Sap Lake, right?
Guest: Yes, I do. Can you tell me about it?
Receptionist: Of course. Tonle Sap is a very big lake. You can see floating villages, small markets on boats, schools, and houses. People live on the water, fish for food, and sell fish in markets. You can also see farmers and buffaloes near the lake. It is very peaceful and different from the city.
Guest: That sounds interesting. How do I get there?
Receptionist: First, a car or tuk-tuk will take you from the hotel to the lake. It is about 30–40 minutes. Then, you take a boat to visit the floating villages. I recommend going with a guide. The guide shows you the villages, explains life there, and keeps you safe.
Guest: How long is the trip?
Receptionist: About 4–5 hours. You drive to the lake, spend 2–3 hours on the boat, and return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Guest: What should I bring?
Receptionist: Comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a camera. Shoes that can get wet are useful if you step on docks.
Guest: Is it safe for a solo traveler?
Receptionist: Yes, very safe. The boat driver and guide stay with you the whole time. Many solo travelers visit every day.
Guest: Can I see wildlife?
Receptionist: Yes, herons, kingfishers, and sometimes storks. The best time is morning or late afternoon.
Guest: Great! Can you help me book it for tomorrow morning?
Receptionist: Absolutely. The car will pick you up at 8:00 AM. You visit the lake and villages with the guide and return in the afternoon. If you need more information, you can contact us at the front desk anytime. Have a wonderful trip!
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A more elaborate [very detailed or with many parts.] dialogue:
Receptionist: Good morning, sir! I hear you want to visit Tonle Sap Lake. Is that right?
Guest: Yes, I am interested. Can you tell me more about it?
Receptionist: Of course! Tonle Sap is a very big lake. You can see floating villages, small markets on boats, houses, and schools. People live on the water, fish for food, and sell fish in markets. You will also see farmers and sometimes buffaloes near the lake. It is very peaceful and different from the city.
Guest: Wow, real life on the water! How do I get there?
Receptionist: First, a car or tuk-tuk will take you from the hotel to the lake. It takes about 30–40 minutes. Then, you take a boat to visit the floating villages. I recommend a guide to show you around, explain life there, and make sure everything is safe.
Guest: How long will it take?
Receptionist: About 4–5 hours. You drive to the lake, spend 2–3 hours on the boat, and return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Guest: What should I bring with me?
Receptionist: Comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a camera. Shoes that can get wet are useful if you step on docks.
Guest: Is it safe for a solo traveler?
Receptionist: Yes, very safe. The guide and boat driver stay with you the whole time. Many solo travelers go every day.
Guest: Can I see wildlife?
Receptionist: Yes! You can see herons, kingfishers, and sometimes storks. The best time is morning or late afternoon when it is calm and quiet.
Guest: That sounds perfect. Can you book it for me tomorrow morning?
Receptionist: Absolutely! The car will pick you up at 8:00 AM. You will enjoy the lake, the floating villages, and real life there. If you have any questions before or during the trip, you can contact us at the front desk anytime. We wish you a wonderful trip!
##################
One more – full version:
Guest: Hello, good morning. I want to go to Tonle Sap Lake. Can you help me?
Receptionist: Good morning, sir! Of course, I can help you. Are you traveling alone?
Guest: Yes, I am alone. I want to know about the lake. What can I see there?
Receptionist: Okay. Tonle Sap is a very big lake. You can see floating villages, many birds, and local people fishing. You can also see houses, schools, and small markets on the water. It is very interesting because you see real life on the lake.
Guest: Real life? Can you explain more?
Receptionist: Yes. People live on floating houses or boats. They catch fish to eat and sell. Children go to school on the water. You can see small shops on boats. Sometimes, buffaloes are near the lake and farmers work in rice fields. It is peaceful and different from the city.
Guest: That sounds very interesting. How do I get there? Can I go by myself?
Receptionist: First, you need transport from the hotel to the lake. It is about 30–40 minutes by car or tuk-tuk. Then, you take a boat on the lake to visit the villages.
Guest: Can I go alone in the boat?
Receptionist: Yes, you can, but it is better to go with a guide. The guide explains village life and helps you see the best places safely.
Guest: How long is the whole trip?
Receptionist: Usually, it takes 4–5 hours. About 30–40 minutes to reach the lake, 2–3 hours on the water, and then back to the hotel.
Guest: What can I do on the boat?
Receptionist: You can take photos, watch birds, see fishermen work, and sometimes visit a floating school. The guide explains local culture and daily life.
Guest: Is it safe for a solo traveler?
Receptionist: Yes, very safe. The boat driver and guide stay with you the whole time. Many solo travelers visit every day.
Guest: Can I see markets on the lake?
Receptionist: Yes, some floating villages have small markets. People sell fish, vegetables, and fruits. It is very local and quiet. You can see real life there.
————end of audio—————–
Guest: What about wildlife? Can I see birds?
Receptionist: Yes. Many birds live on the lake. You can see herons, kingfishers, and sometimes storks. The best time is morning or late afternoon.
Guest: How much does it cost for transport and a boat with a guide?
Receptionist: For one person, around 50–60 USD for 4–5 hours. This includes car transport to the lake, boat, and guide.
Guest: Okay. Can you help me book it for tomorrow morning?
Receptionist: Yes, sir. What time do you want to leave?
Guest: Around 8:00 AM is good.
Receptionist: Perfect. A car will pick you up at 8:00 AM. You go to the lake, then the boat will take you to visit the villages. The guide explains everything. You will return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Guest: Thank you very much. I am excited to see Tonle Sap.
Receptionist: You are welcome, sir! A few tips: wear comfortable clothes, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring water and a camera. Shoes that can get wet are useful if you step on docks. And if you need more information, you can contact us at the front desk at any time. We wish you a great trip and hope you enjoy the lake and real life in the villages.
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