4 . Torbjorn Pedersen is a Danish traveler who recently finished a trip around the world. But this wasn’t just any trip. Mr. Pedersen spent nearly 10 years ________ every country in the world.

As he began to plan his trip, he made a few ________: no flying, no visiting home, and spend at least 24 hours in every ________ . He hoped that he could ________ about $20 a day, and finish his trip in about four years.

It took him far longer. The first part of his trip was pretty easy. He ________ across Europe and North America, where his biggest ________ was not spending too much money. But as he ________ on to other parts of the world, things began to get much ________ . Mr. Pedersen says he had many difficult experiences. He was once ________at gunpoint and thought he might be killed. He also became ________ ill with malaria（疟疾）.

But he also had many good ________. Mr. Pedersen says that one reason he didn’t ________ was the help he got from people all over the world. “You might have to try 1,000 closed doors,” he says, “But there is always a（an）________ door somewhere. Never, ever give up.”

On July 26, 2023 Mr. Pedersen arrived back in Denmark after a 33-day boat ride. He was ________by about 150 people, including friends and family members. Mr. Pedersen says he plans to write a book and ________ what he learned in his travels around the world.

5 . Harbin Tourism Booms in Early 2024

As the curtains of 2024 drew open, Harbin, the northern city known for its icy charm, witnessed a tourism boom unlike any other. The city’s tourism sector received a massive _____, garnering attention from netizens and travelers worldwide.

The local government and tourism authorities spared no _____ to prepare for this influx, ensuring that visitors were provided with the most _____ and convenient experiences. Specialties like the ice festival were portrayed in all their glory, with artificial intelligence used to _____ and entertain the crowds. The _____ and sincerity behind these efforts were evident in every detail.

Harbin’s _____ surged, and it ranked among the top tourist destinations globally. This success was _____ to the city’s unique attractions, generous hospitality, and the lucky timing of the tourism boom. Visitors were impressed by the _____ shown to traditional culture and the immediacy of the local rescue teams, who were always on standby in case of any temporary inconvenience.

Netizens _____ positively on social media, praising the city’s efforts to boost its tourism sector. Some even suggested that other cities should stand in Harbin’s shoes and learn from its example. Complaints were few and far between, with most visitors agreeing that the city had ______ their stay.

The revenue generated by this tourism boom set a new record, ______ all previous benchmarks and proving that Harbin’s charm and attractions were more than just a passing fad. The city’s tourism industry is now thriving and looks forward to an even ______ future. This success story is a testament to what can be achieved when sincerity, creativity, and hard work come ______.

As the world continues to ______ the impact of this tourism boom, one thing remains clear: Harbin has set a new standard for tourism excellence. Its commitment to providing visitors with an unforgettable experience is an inspiration to us all, and we eagerly await what the future ______ for this vibrant city.

8 . There are places that call your name. Though _______ passes, there’s a lasting calling, an ancient appeal to experience their offerings. Egypt has always been that _______ place for me. I wanted to swing on a camel’s back while gazing (凝视) between its _______. I wanted to have a sense of how its people _______ life, death and rebirth.

I lost loved ones like many during the COVID. One result for me was a _______ that no one knows what’s around the comer. Life is precious and _______ I have to ride a camel, the time is now.

On my second day in Egypt, my four-legged adventure partner, called Humphrey, and I _______ each other. Then I swung my leg over his back and the owner signaled him to _______ so I could move toward the location of the best _______ advantage. The smile on my face in those photos is beyond ________.

Amazingly, the camel boss asked, “You ride horses?” “Yes.” He threw the rein (缰绳) up to me and said, “It’s just like a horse.”

I was ________. “Can I go anywhere?” He nodded.

Unbelievably, I rode with Humphrey and gazed between his ears at the most spectacular view of the Great Pyramid of Giza, a wonder that has ________ to the present day. As I ________ my way back, the camel boss asked if I wanted to go faster. Of course!

Returning Canada, I continue to feel the magic and mystery of Egypt, as if it was deeply rooted in my heart. Death cannot be avoided, and the Egyptians ________ that view. They did not fear death but planned for it by living ________. Even for a camel-riding.

9 . A skywell, or "tian jing", is a typical feature of a traditional home in China. ________ a northern Chinese courtyard, or “yuan zi”a skywell is smaller and less exposed to the outdoor environment. They are________ seen in homes dating to Ming and Qing dynasties, which were designed to________different generations of relatives.

Although a skywell's size and design vary from region to region, it is always rectangular and located in the Core of a house, either________by rooms on four sides or three sides plus a wall. Skywells were designed to cool buildings before air-conditioning existed. When wind blows above a skywell house, it can enter the indoor space through the opening. Because outdoor air is often cooler than indoor air, the ________breeze travels down the walls to the lower storeys and create air ________ by replacing warmer indoor air,   which rises and leaves through the opening.

The main purpose of a skywell is to allow in light, improve ventilation (通风) and ________ rainwater. In Huizhou, a skywell is small but tall, and the rooms around it can ________ sunlight on hot days, enabling the bottom of the skywell to stay cool. ________ hot air inside the house can rise and escape through the opening above the skywell, which“works just like a ________”

As a(n) ________ space between indoor life and the outdoor environment, a skywell acts as an effective heat buffer(缓冲)to shield residents from the hot air outside. But the largest part of skywell's cooling effect actually comes when there are bodies of water in the enclosure.

Evaporated water cools hot air, a process known as evaporative cooling which is ________ in Huizhou skywells. In the past, Huizhou families collected rainwater in their skywells because they believed this could safeguard and boost their wealth. Skywells therefore have channels around them to ________ rainwater coming from the roofs.

Though existing in China for hundreds of years, in recent times they have often been forgotten by people who prefer modern________. Over the past two decades, however, due to a ________ of traditional Chinese architecture, skywell buildings have been making a comeback.

10 . I’ve reached the turn-around point of the day’s kayaking (皮划艇) trip. Sweat runs down my cheek as I ______ my fingers through the cool water. I look around. It’s just me, a couple of seagulls, and shining freshwater to the horizon. This, I whisper to myself, is ______.

Solo outings had never ______ my mind before because I always had loyal friends willing to tag along. But three years ago, I moved to Cleveland. Meeting close friends in a new city is ______. And a world wide health crisis made ______ impossible.

In October 2022, I decided to ______ a whole day on a solo hiking trip. I went to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) to ______ the autumn leaves. Five miles in, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so alive. I was more ______ of my surroundings than I’d ever been while hiking that day. I studied the markings of trees, focused my ears on each forest sound and did something I had almost never spared ______ for: I listened to my own thoughts. Every word in my mind pointed to a newfound ______—solo hiking is my happy place. From then on, I have adjusted myself to any solo activity.

Pride ______ through my body when I first launched my kayak. My chest, ______ tightened by nerves, was bursting with happiness as I finally reached the middle of the river that I’d long ______ standing on shore before.

Adventuring alone has become like medicine for me! It’s also pushed me to go ______ my comfort zone and to meet new people. Through meetups and social media, my adventure friend circle has ______. But at least once per month, I schedule time to hit nature with my favorite trail buddy: me.