A Different Type of Holiday

It was the end of the summer, and Maria wanted a holiday. She had been working hard all year, and she needed a break.  

Her friends had all taken holidays to the beach and to other countries. They sent photos of the sea, food, and big cities. They looked very happy and relaxed.

Maria looked at the photos and felt sad. She had one week off work, but she didn’t have enough money to travel. ‘Oh dear,’ she said to herself. ‘’I guess I am going to have to spend my holiday at home.’’

On Saturday morning, Maria woke up early. The sun was hot and the sky was blue. She made a cup of coffee and sat on her balcony. She listened to birds and watched people in the street. She felt calm. “This is nice,” she said to herself.

After breakfast, Maria cleaned her flat. She played music and sang a little. She washed the floor and made the bed. When she finished, everything looked nice and clean.

Then she made a sandwich and some tea. She sat down and read a book. The book was old, but she enjoyed it. She read for the whole afternoon.

In the evening, Maria took a bath. She used soap that smelt of flowers. The water was warm, and she closed her eyes and relaxed. After the bath, she called her sister. They talked for a long time and laughed.

“You sound happy,” her sister said.
“Yes,” Maria said. “I am happy. I am having a holiday at home.”

On Sunday, Maria went to the park. She wore a hat and dark glasses. Many people were there. Some played games. Some ate food with friends.

Maria bought an ice cream and sat under a tree. The wind was soft, and she watched the clouds. She smiled. It was a simple day, but a pleasant one.

In the afternoon, she cooked pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. She put a flower on the table and played soft music. She ate slowly and enjoyed the food.After dinner, she watched a movie. It was an old love story. She laughed and cried a little. Then she made a cup of tea and went to bed.

On Monday morning, Maria went to work. Her friends asked, “Where did you go on holiday?”

She smiled and said, “I stayed at home.”

They looked surprised.

Maria laughed. “It was very nice,” she said. “I rested. I read. I did nothing. It was absolutely perfect.”

📒 Key vocabulary

• balcony – small space outside a flat
• flat – a home inside a building
• bath – washing your body in water
• smell (smell, smelt, smelt) – have the scent of
• pleasant – nice and enjoyable
• rest (rest, rested, rested)– stop working to relax

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