Ellen: Hey Nick, how's it going?

Nick: Hey, Ellen, it's going great! How about yourself?

Ellen: I'm doing well too. Just getting back from my trip to Karelia.

Nick: Really? Who did you go with and how long were you there?

Ellen: I was with my parents. We went camping there for 2 weeks. One week we spent an a camping ground near a small lake and the other way we went white water rafting down the river.

Nick: Wow, what an adventurous holiday! Did you stay in a cabin at the lake?

Ellen: No, we didn't. We had our tent. We always sleep in a tent when we travel. It's a lot cheaper.

Nick: Oh my! I wouldn't be able to do that at all. I'm such a hotel person myself.

Ellen: But why, Nick? Camping in a tent is so much fun! You can hear the birds in the morning, enjoy the fresh air and..

Nick: And mosquitoes? No, thank you! I'd much rather sleep in a comfortable bed, warm and clean. There isn't a bathroom when you sleep in a tent, is there?

Ellen: No, not in the tent, of course, but the campsite where we stayed at in Karelia had a public bathroom with showers, so that was convenient.

Nick: Well that's good to hear, but it's still hard to sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag, I think.

Ellen: Well, yes, at first, but then you get used to it. You can use a special soft mat to sleep on. It keeps you warm and comfortable.

Nick: I suppose I could try that, but I still think a hotel room is a nicer place to stay, Ellen.

Ellen: Well, Nick, tastes differ. So what have you been doing these last 2 weeks before the school starts?

Nick: Oh, I've been at home, shopping for school supplies, getting my books and uniform in order, you know.

Ellen: Sounds fun. I still have to try on my uniform and see if I need a new one. I've got all the other things, I think. Did you see that new history book for this year? It looks very interesting.

Nick: Yes, I did! I loved the maps and illustrations on it. I hope we have our history teacher from last year again this year.

Ellen: Yeah, me too. She was so nice and her lessons were so fun. History can be quite complicated sometimes.

Nick: So true! Especially when you have to memorise all the dates and names. I can never get it right who led what battle and which Tsar was at the throne at what time.

Ellen: Well, I'm afraid I have to go. There is still much to do.

Nick: Yes, me too. It was good to chat with you, Ellen.

Ellen: Bye, Nick! I'll see you soon at school.

Nick: Bye.