If you could sail around the world with only one companion, who would you choose? Guirec Soudee, a 24-year-old man from France, chose his pet chicken.
Soudee has been sailing around the world for two years. No matter which country he sails to, Monique, the hen, is by his side. He found her in the Canary Islands and knew right away they were meant to be best companions. “I didn’t speak any Spanish and she didn’t speak any French, however, we could always have a small talk, even though she didn’t understand me.” Soudee joked.
He had always wanted a companion for his journey and originally thought about bringing a cat, before deciding it would be too much work to look after on a boat. Upon meeting Monique, Soudee realized a hen was the perfect choice. He believed they could communicate with each other well.
Not only does it cost little to raise Monique, but she lays eggs as well — some things that are always a plus in a situation where storing a lot of food can be a challenge. She lays about six eggs a week on average, even in cold climates like Greenland, where Soudee and Monique are docked(进港) now.
And what happens when the weather at sea gets bad? Usually Soudee lets Monique stay freely on the boat, but when the winds get terrible he ensures she is safe in her hutch so that she doesn’t fall out of his boat and into the sea. Another thing Soudee must care for is the rule in every country he visits. They had met with customs officials in Canada. He was permitted to keep her, but he knows they might not always be so lucky.
Although Monique can sometimes get on his nerves, Soudee says she ’ s much better than a human companion aboard. “She follows me everywhere. All I need to do is shout ‘Monique!’ and she will come to me, sit on me, listen to my small talk and give me company,” he said.
After visiting Greenland, they’ll head down the Bering Strait to Nome, Alaska. From there the destination is undecided, but Soudee will certainly discuss where they should travel to next with Monique.
1. What is so special about Soudee’s sailing around the world?
A.He sails with a pet friend for company. |
B.He sails around the world for just two years. |
C.He had no difficulty communicating with anyone. |
D.He travelled around the world with only one companion. |
2. Why does Soudee choose Monique as his companion?
A.She can understand him best. |
B.She adds more pleasure to his trip. |
C.She helps him store a great deal of food. |
D.She lays eggs and listens to his small talks. |
3. What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 6 probably mean?
A.Monique does a better job than humans. |
B.Soudee enjoys Monique’s company a lot. |
C.Monique is perfect but sometimes annoys Soudee. |
D.Soudee feels grateful for what Monique has done. |
4. Where are Soudee and Monique now?
A.In Canada. | B.In Greenland. |
C.In France. | D.In Alaska. |