When traveling abroad, and at times, even within our own country, we will hear different terms for familiar items. Take for example the word pop versus soda. Where you live in the United States, determines the usage. When you are writing, you can give a more authentic flare to your journal by incorporating some of these terms and expressions into the piece. Below is an excerpt from my travel journal while on a trip to Wales. Remember, make sure to include enough context clues to assist the reader with deciphering the new vocabulary terms.
Sept. 23, 2015 Today we are in the Welsh village of Llangollen. It is the last day of our three day-mini vacation. My poor legs are grateful for the cafe we have found, alongside the old steam trains. I am knackered from all of our running around and ready to sit down for our meal! The weather has been cold today. I am thankful I have brought my jumper. With all the rain, wellies would have been good too, had I known it would be so wet! With three full meals and several breaks for tea and/or snacks daily, we always seem to be eating when we are in England! I suppose it is one way to dodge the persistent rain, which falls often in the autumn. Today is no exception. Once again, we find ourselves standing in a queue, waiting to be served. Alan is excited, as he has found a place that offers one of his favorite childhood meals, chip butties! This is basically a french fry sandwich. Slathered in tomato ketchup, Alan is in his glory. A unique English custom, if ever there was one! It is lovely to quietly sit in this station, where Queen Elizabeth once visited. Watching the trains move in and out of the depot, we are all thinking of Dad, and imagining how much he would have enjoyed being here. We toast him over a pot of tea. Soon we are warmed both inside and out, our souls and stomachs are both satisfied.