每日对话围绕一家人在美国50个州的旅行见闻展开。请来跟随他们一起体验地方风情和历史。这个对话系列适于中级或中级以上英语水平的学生使用。

今天全家人准备前往肯塔基州（Kentucky）的路易斯维尔（Louisville），观看在那里举行的肯塔基德比赛马（Kentucky Derby）。Paul在向宾馆服务台人员询问相关事宜。

Concierge: May I help you?

Paul: Yes. We would like to go to the Kentucky Derby. Where can we buy tickets?

Concierge: You can buy the tickets online or at the gate on the day of the Derby. It’s cheaper to buy them online.

Paul: Thank you. This is our first time. Do you have any advice for us about the Derby?

Concierge: The weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for hot weather or rain or cool weather.

Paul: The actual Derby race is later in the day. Should we go early and see the other races?

Concierge: Yes, I recommend it. Take advantage of being there, and see some other races.

Paul: Great. We will. And is there any special food or drink to have at the event?

Concierge: The event is famous for the mint julep. And if this is your first time visiting theSouth, then you might want to try some garlic cheese grits.

Paul: Thank you for all of your help.

让我们复习一些词语：

A horse race ：赛马，有些人也在这项活动中为哪匹马能夺魁下赌注。

The Kentucky Derby ：肯塔基德比赛马会。这是一年一度的大型赛马活动，比赛距离为1.25英里（2公里）。

A concierge :宾馆专事为客人提供信息和活动安排（如订餐、购票等）的工作人员。

在这个对话中， gate指入口处，门口。例如:At the gate, people buy and/or show their tickets to enter(人们在入口处买票/示票进场).

Unpredictable ：无法预测的，难以预计的

To take advantage of something :利用（某事/某种机会）

A mint julep ：冰镇薄荷酒，一种用波旁威士忌酒、糖、薄荷和碎冰制作的酒精饮料

The South ：指美国南方

Grits :玉米碴稠稀饭，常作为早饭或配餐内容，尤其多见于美国南方。