Hi, Claire here. So, I went to the zoo yesterday and it was such a fun day. The first thing I saw was the elephants. Did you know they can eat up to 150 kilograms of food every day? I couldn't believe it. Then I went to see the giraffes. They're so tall. Their tongues are actually blue to help protect them from the sun while they're eating. After that, I headed to the reptile house where I saw a Komodo dragon. Apparently their saliva contains poisonous bacteria which helps them hunt. My favourite part though was watching the penguins. They're such great swimmers. They can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour underwater. Before I left I saw a live bird show and the parrots were amazing. One of them even said hello to me. It was such a fun day. I'm already planning to go back.

Hi, Claire here. So I went to the zoo yesterday. It was such a fun day. The first thing I saw was the elephants. I learned that their trunks have over 40,000 muscles in them. It's incredible. Then I went to see the giraffes and I found out that they only sleep for about 30 minutes a day. Imagine that. After that, I walked through the reptile house and saw a Komodo dragon. I didn't know this, but they can smell prey from up to four kilometres away. That's wild. My favourite part of the day, though, was watching the penguins. They were waddling around, and I learned that some species can even stay underwater for up to 20 minutes. Before leaving, I caught a live bird show where the parrots were flying through hoops. It was such a fun day. I'm already planning to go back.

Recently I've been learning to play the guitar. I've been learning for a few months now and it's a really rewarding experience. I practice about 30 minutes every day, usually in the evenings after work. So far I've mastered a few basic chords like G, C and D. Last week my teacher introduced me to a simple version of Wonderwall by Oasis, so I'm hoping to learn that. I need to buy a tuner though. I'm not very good at tuning the guitar. Eventually, my goal is to join a local folk band and maybe even perform live. It's challenging, but I just love playing.

Recently I've been learning to play the piano. I've been learning for a few months now and it's such a rewarding experience. I practice for about 45 minutes every day, usually in the mornings before I go to work. So far I've mastered a few basic scales like C major, G major and F major. Last week my teacher gave me a simple arrangement of Claire de Lune. which I'm hoping to learn to play. My timing isn't very good though. I think I need to buy a metronome or download a metronome app to help me. Eventually my goal is to join a small jazz band and maybe perform at local cafes. It's tough, but I just love playing.

Late last night there was a burglary at Brookside Mansion around 10pm. A few neighbours saw a tall figure in a dark coat carrying a large backpack. It appears the intruder broke a rear window to get inside. They allegedly stole a painting and a set of rare coins collectively worth about $50,000. The local police have asked anyone with information to come forward. Residents are on edge since this is the second break-in in the area this month. I really hope the authorities make an arrest soon because everyone is feeling uneasy.

Late last night there was a burglary at Lakeside Estate around 11pm. Some witnesses described a short individual wearing a hooded sweatshirt and pulling a small suitcase. It looks like they picked the front lock to gain entry. The thief reportedly took a priceless painting and a jewellery box valued at over $60,000. The County Sheriff's Department is asking the public for leads. People are getting nervous, especially since this is the third burglary in the neighbourhood this month. Let's hope the investigation moves quickly so we can feel safe again.

Hi, I'm Nick. I'm super excited about my trip next month. I'm going to visit Spain for a week. I'll start my journey in Barcelona. I'm planning to stay in a small hostel near the beach, and I heard there's a great seafood restaurant around the corner. After a few days, I'll take a train to Madrid to visit some friends. They just moved there two months ago. We're going to explore some art museums, and we might even catch a flamenco show if we have time. I can't wait to try authentic Spanish tapas and practice my Spanish. I've been studying for about a year now. It's going to be such an adventure.

Hi, I'm Nick. I'm super excited about my trip next month. I'm going to visit Portugal for a week. I'll start my journey in Lisbon. I'm planning to stay in a small guest house in the city centre, and I heard there's a great pastry shop nearby. After a few days, I'll take a train to Porto to visit some friends. They just moved there six months ago. We're going to explore some art galleries and we might even see a live music performance if we have time. I can't wait to try authentic Portuguese food and practice my Portuguese. I've been studying for about six months now. It's going to be such an adventure.