1 . It was a rainy day. I had no desire to drive up the winding mountain road to my daughter Carolyn's house. But she had insisted that I come to see something at the top of the mountain.
So here I was, although unwilling to make the two-hour journey through fog and rain. After lunch, my daughter requested me to drive her to Barage. After a ten-minute drive, we parked the car and got out. We walked along a path that was thick with old pine needles. Huge black green evergreens towered over us. Gradually the peace and silence of the place began to fill my mind. Then we turned a comer and stopped--and I gasped in amazement.
From the top of the mountain to the slopes and valleys, were rivers of daffodils(水仙) in full bloom. A sea of amazing colors, like a carpet before us. It looked as though the sun had tipped over and spilled gold down the mountainside. At the center hung a waterfall of purple hyacinths. Here and there were breathtaking tulips(郁金香).
A lot of questions filled my mind. Who created such beauty? Why? How?
As we approached the home that stood in the center of the property, we saw a sign that read, "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking". The first answer was:"One Woman--Two Hands, Two Feet, and Very Little Brain." The second was: "One at a Time." The third: "Started in 1958."
I was so moved by what we had seen. "She changed the world," I said, not getting over the shock, "one bulb (球茎) at a time. She started almost 40 years ago, probably just the beginning of an idea, but she kept at it."
"Imagine," I added, "if I had a vision and worked at it, just a little bit every day, what might I have accomplished?"
Carolyn looked sideways at me, smiling. "Start tomorrow," she said. "Better yet, start today."
1. Why did the author decide to visit her daughter?| A．She didn't want to disappoint her. | B．She missed her very much. |
| C．She must pick her up. | D．She had an urge to look at the sea of flowers. |
| A．Famous waterfalls. | B．A kind of flower. |
| C．Mountain springs. | D．A name of a place. |
| A．Easier said than done. | B．Well begun, half done. |
| C．Little steps add up to big success. | D．Women can shake the world. |
| A．An amazing trip to Barage. | B．A moving story of a mother's love. |
| C．A valuable lesson from a woman. | D．A special sign on the way home. |
2 . Ten years ago, I went on a vacation in Italy. After climbing up a hill for a panoramic (全景的) view of the blue sea, white buildings and green olive trees, I paused to catch my breath and then positioned myself to take the best photo of this panorama.
Unfortunately, just as I took out my camera, a woman approached from behind, and planted herself right in front of my view. Like me, this woman was here to stop, sigh and appreciate the view.
Patient as I was, after about 15 minutes, I grew frustrated. Was it too much to ask her to move so I could take just one picture of the landscape? Sure, I could have asked her, but something prevented me from doing so. She seemed so content in her observation. I didn't want to mess with that. Another 15 minutes passed and I grew bored. The woman was still there. I decided to take the photo anyway.
Now when I look at the photo, I think her presence in the photo is what makes the image interesting. The landscape, beautiful on its own, somehow comes to life and breathes because this woman is engaging with it.
This photo, with the unique beauty that unfolded before me and that woman who "ruined" it, now hangs on a wall in my bedroom. What would she think if she knew that her figure is captured and frozen on some strangers bedroom wall? A bedroom, after all, is a very private space, in which some woman I don't even know has been immortalized (使永存). In some ways, she lives in my house.
Perhaps we all live in each other's spaces. Perhaps this is what photos are for: to remind us that we all appreciate beauty, that we all share a common desire for pleasure, for connection, for something that is greater than us. That photo is a reminder, a captured moment, an unspoken conversation between two women, separated only by a thin square of glass.
1. What happened when the author was about to take a photo?| A．Her camera stopped working. | B．A friend approached from behind. |
| C．Someone asked her to leave. | D．A woman blocked her view. |
| A．losing her patience | B．enjoying herself |
| C．waiting for the sunset | D．thinking about her past |
| A．The woman's existence in the photo. | B．The perfect positioning of the camera. |
| C．The rich color of the landscape. | D．The soft sunlight that summer day. |
| A．the need to be close to nature | B．the importance of private space |
| C．the shared passion for beauty | D．the joy of the vacation in Italy |
The Mogao Caves are remote in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province. They,
Persistence may be a key word for those staff members working to protect the Mogao Caves. Many of them
Glory Is Black,
4 . As the popularity of hiking vacations grows , scores of walkers have discovered hiking over trails(路线) sparks an instant connection with the land. This interaction with nature also provides fantastic exercise, combining sightseeing and workouts into one.
Inca Trail, Peru
The four-day, 27-mile trail starts outside the tiny town of Ollantaytambo and winds through a number of passes in the Andes Alone the wav the trail passes nearly a dozen archaeological sites that serve as evidence of the Inca culture.
Cape Scott Trail, British Columbia
The new five-day, 36-mile Cape Scott Trail begins gradually. From the trailhead at Cape Scott Provincial Park, the trail follows an old settler's road along a stream. The highlights of this hike are its river crossings. Hikers must pull themselves across the cable-car crossings for both water ways , an effort that leaves shoulders suffering pain from overuse. Still, the thrill of crossing wilderness rivers is hard to get anywhere in life.
Skeleton Gorge(峡谷) , South Africa
The three-day trail through Skeleton Gorge is absolutely a natural feast to the eyes. The trail begins just outside Kirstenbosch, one of eight National Botanical Gardens in the country. Starting at Cecilia Forest, the trail is flat for the first section, and then climbs steeply into the gorge. This second part of the hike is tricky, with two ladders and loose river stones to negotiate as the peak comes into view.
Larapinta Trail, Australia
Australia's Larapinta Trail, a 130-mile hike across the northern desert of the island continent, is divided into 12 sections, each of which can be completed in l or 2 days. Each section is accessible by off-road vehicle. The route itself passes some of the most spectacular natural features: Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
1. Which trail takes the longest time?| A．Inca Trail, Peru. | B．Larapinta Trail, Australia. |
| C．Skeleton Gorge, South Africa. | D．Cape Scott Trail, British Columbia. |
| A．Little effort to complete it. |
| B．An old settler's road of exploring. |
| C．Great pleasure to swim in the stream. |
| D．A unique experience of crossing rivers. |
| A．Various natural features. | B．Different botanical gardens. |
| C．Wonderful desert scenery. | D．Convenient off-road vehicles. |
5 . Things to do in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, MexIco！
◆ Rhythms of the Night-Sunset Cruise(乘船游览)
Duration: 5 hrs
Kick off the evening with a scenic cruise across Banderas Bay to Las Caletas. Las Caletas, once home to a Hollywood movie director John Huston, offers front-row sunset seats, and dinner tables just steps away from the water. The buffet-style menu offers a wide variety of choices. Watch the lively performance of ancient ceremonies and be lost in historical stories about Jalisco. You must be able to climb and go down stairs.
◆ Sayulita Escape
Duration: 3 hrs
Hop on a powerful UTV(utility task vehicle) to explore Sayulita, a nice beach town not far from Vallarta. Ride over muddy roads and a riverbed to reach the small community famous for its relaxing atmosphere. Soon after hitting the main road, your guide turns onto one of the dusty forest paths. When you are ready, a picnic lunch, an open bar, and a knowledgeable crew await your return to the ship. Wheelchair accessibility is available.
◆ Las Caletas Beach Hideaway
Duration: 7 hrs
The use of kayaks(独木舟)and stand-up paddleboards is all available, as well as a scenic nature walk and admission to Kids Adventure Park for the young ones. You can even swim out to an offshore platform to practice your diving skills. Wheelchair accessibility is not available.
◆Street Food and Taco Tour in Puerto vallarta
Duration: 6hrs 30mins
Enjoy a feast of local flavors in our food and tacos-tasting tour. Discover Puerto Vallarta's best flavors to the locals'eye. Learn about the local culture and life, while you eat where the locals do with their beloved ones. Wheelchair accessibility is not avaliable.
1. What can tourists do on the tour Rhythms of the Night-Sunset Cruise?| A．Enjoy free dinners. |
| B．Come across the movie director John Huston. |
| C．Learn about the history of Jalisco. |
| D．Watch the scenic sunrise. |
| A．It includes a licensed guide. |
| B．It is more friendly to the disabled. |
| C．It offers various water event. |
| D．It has adventurous routes. |
| A．Las Caletas Beach Hideaway. |
| B．Sayulita Escape. |
| C．Rhythms of the Night-Sunset Cruise. |
| D．Street Food and Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta. |
6 . Welcome to Holker Hall & Gardens
Visitor InformationHow to Get to Holker
By Car: Follow brown signs an A590 from JB6, M6. Approximate travel times: Windermere-20 minutes, Kendal-25 minutes, Lancaster-45 minutes, Manchester-1 hour 30 minutes.
By Rail: The nearest station is Cark-in-Cartmel with trains to Carnforth, Lancaster Preston for connections to major cities & airports.
Opening TimesSunday-Friday (closed on Saturday)11:00 am-4:00pm,30 March-2nd November.
Admission Charges| Hall & Gardens | Gardens | |
| Adults: | £12.00 | £8.00 |
| Groups | £9 | £5.5 |
Producers: Market 13th April
Join us to taste a variety of fresh local food and drinks. Meet the producers and get some excellent recipe ideas.
Holker Garden Festival 30th May
The event celebrate its 22nd anniversary with a great show of the very best of gardening, making it one of the most popular events in gardening.
National Garden Day 28th August
Holker once again opens is gardens in aid of the disadvantaged. For just a small donation you can take a tour with our garden guide.
Winter Market 8th November
This is an event for all the family. Wander among a variety of shops selling gifs while enjoying a live music show and nice street entertainment.
1. How long does it probably take a tourist to drive to Holker from Manchester?| A．20 minutes. | B．25 minutes. |
| C．45 minutes. | D．90 minutes. |
| A．£12.00. | B．£9.00. |
| C．£8.0 | D．£5.50 |
| A．Producers’ Market. | B．Holker Garden Festival. |
| C．National Garden Day. | D．Winter Market. |
7 . Most travelers face the language difficulty in Italy nowadays.
There's no such thing as "Italian food".
In Italy each area has its own personality,its own dialect,and its own food.
Most Italians pay for things on a day-to-day basis with cash from their morning coffee to dinner.Those of you who have grown used to paying for milk and bread at the grocery store with a card find it very difficult to travel.
The waiter isn't being rude when he leaves you alone to eat.
In Italy,after your meal is served,you may not see the waiter at your table again until it's time to clear your plates.This is not the waiter being rude.
An empty restaurant doesn't mean the place is bad.
Many times I've gone into restaurants in Italy at what I thought was dinner time only to find the place nearly empty.
| A．Cash is king in Italy. |
| B．Trains are always late in Italy. |
| C．Later,I learned Italians eat late. |
| D．If so,traveling to Italy can be an attractive experience. |
| E．However,it's still a very easy and comfortable country to visit. |
| F．This is the waiter letting you enjoy your meal as long as you want. |
| G．It's a shock to those of you who think you've already known what Italian food is. |
