tall and played basketball as a young man. But he is also big in a different way he fights hard to protect Chinas past. His real name is Feng Jicai and he has written many novels about life in China. Several years ago, however, he put down his pen for a while and began to protect the cltural relics in Tianjin, where he lives. Once someon asked him why he no longer wrote. He replied that at the moment he felt protecting cultural relics was more important. Feng loves his hometown. He believes that old things must be given a plave next to new thins, or people will soon forget ther great past. He does not make speeches to get others to help him in his projects. Instead he goes out and does what he can himeself. If others follow him, so much the better. One of his biggest projects was to protect the oldest street in Tianjin. Along that street some shops had done business for seven hundred years. Althought the city government rebuilt this street, they did save its oldest building. Another project was more successful: he persuaded the city government to buy some land in the centre of the city so it could not be sold for businesses. This area is very improtant for the history of Tianjin. It was here that the city was first built during the Song Dynasty. Later many treasures were found here.To Feng, digging down in to the earth is like reading page after page of a book. Each dynasty found in the earth is like an interesting story. Not long ago he and other writers and artists took photos of the old parts of Tianjin. The photos were put into a book which was very popular. The money from the book helps his prjects. Once, and old man asked Feng to sign a book for him, saying he would give it to his grandson who was not yet born. Feng was glad to do it - he knows that he past is not only for us to enjoy but also for the children of the future.Unit 2An interviewPausanias, who was a Greek writer about 2000 year ago, has come on a magical journey on March 18th ,2007 to find out about the present-day Olympic Games. He is now interviewing Li Yan, a volunteer for the 2008 Olympics Games.P: My name is Pausanias. I lived in what you call “ Ancient Greece” and I used to write about the Olympic Games a long time ago. Ive come to your time to find out about the present-day Olympic Games because I know that in 2004 they were held in my homeland. May I ask you some questions about themodern Olympics?L: Good heavens! Have reallycome from so long ago? But of course you can ask any questions you like. What would you like to know?P: How often do you hold your Games?L: Every four years. There are two main sets of Gamesthe Winter and the Summer Olympics, and both are held every four years on a regular basis. The Winter Olympics are usually held two years before the Summer Games. Only athletes who have reached the agreed standard for their event will be admitted as competitors. They may come from anywhere in the world.P: Winter Games? How can the runners enjoy competing in winter? And what about the horses?L: Oh no! There are no running races or horse riding events. Instead there are competitions like skiing and ice skating which need snow and ice. Thats why theyre called the Winter Olympics. Its in the Summer Olympics that you have the running races, together with swimming, sailing and all the team sports.P: I see. Earlier you said that athletes are invited from all over the world. Do you mean the Greek world? Our Greek cities used to compete against each other just for the honour of winning. No other countries could join in, nor could slaves or women!L: Nowadays any country can take part if their athletes are good enough. There are over 250 sports and each one has its own standard. Women are not only allowed, but play a very important role in gymnastics, athletics, team sports and P: Please wait a minute! All those events, all those countries and even women taking part! Where are all the athletes housed?L: For each Olympics, a special village is built for them to live in, a main reception building, several stadiums for competitions, and a gymnasium as well.P: Thats sounds very expansive. Does anyone want to host the Olympic Games?L: As a matter of fact,every country wants the opportunity. Its a great responsibility but also a great honour to be chosen. Theres as much competitions among countries to host the Olympics as to win Olympic medals. The 2008 Olympics will be held in Beijing.P: Oh yes! You must be very proud. L: Certainly. And after that the 2012 Olympics will be held in London. They have already started planning for it. A new village for the athletes and all the stadiums will be built to the east of London. New medals will be designed of course and P: Did you say medals? So even the olive wreath has been replaced! Oh dear! Do you compete for prize money too?L: No, we dont. Its still all about being able to run faster, jumper higher and throw further. Thats the motto of the Olympics, you kno