1 . I was dirty, smelly, hungry and somewhere beneath all that, suntanned (晒黑的). It was the end of an Inter-Rail holiday. My body couldn’t take any more punishment. My mind couldn’t deal with any more foreign timetables, currencies or languages.
“Never again,” I said, as I stepped onto home ground. I said exactly the same thing the following year. And the next, all I had to do was to buy one train ticket and, because I was under twenty-five years old, I could spend a whole month going anywhere I wanted in Europe. Ordinary beds are never the same once you’ve learnt to sleep in the passage of a train, the rhythm rocking you into a deep sleep.
Carrying all your possessions on your back in a rucksack (背包) makes you have a very basic approach to travel, and encourages incredible wastefulness that can lead to burning socks that have become too anti-social, and getting rid of books when finished. On the other hand, this way of looking at life is entirely in the spirit of Inter-Rail, for common sense and reasoning can be thrown out of the window along with the paperback book and the socks. All it takes to achieve this carefree attitude is one of those tickets in your hand.
Any system that enables young people to travel through countries at a rate of more than one a day must be pretty social. On that first trip, my friends and I were at first unaware of the possibilities of this type of train ticket, thinking it was just an inexpensive way of getting to and from our chosen camp-site in southern France. But the idea of non-stop travel proved too attractive, for there was always just one more country over the border, always that little bit further to go. And what did the extra miles cost us? Nothing.
We were not completely uninterested in culture. But this was a first holiday without parents, as it was for most other Inter-Railers, and in organizing our own timetable we left out everything except the most available sights. This was the chance to escape the guided tour, an opportunity to do something different. I took great pride in the fact that, in many places, all I could be bothered to see was the view from the station. We were just there to get by, and to have good time doing so. In this we were not different from most of the other Inter-Railers with whom we shared passage floors, food and water, money and music.
The excitement of travel comes from the sudden reality of somewhere that was previously just a name. It is as if the city in which you arrive never actually existed until the train pulls in at the station and you are able to see it with your own tired eyes for the first time.
1. At the end of his first trip, the writer said “Never again” because ________.| A．he fell ill |
| B．he disliked trains |
| C．he was tired from the journey |
| D．he had lost money |
| A．Worrying about your clothes. |
| B．Throwing unwanted things away. |
| C．Behaving in an anti-social way. |
| D．Looking after your possessions. |
| A．To get to one place cheaply. |
| B．To meet other young people. |
| C．To see a lot of famous places. |
| D．To go on a tour of Europe. |
| A．he could see more interesting places |
| B．he could spend more time sightseeing |
| C．he could stay away from home longer |
| D．he could make his own decisions |
| A．A name. |
| B．The city. |
| C．The train. |
| D．The station. |
2 . It was in 2008 when I was at one of the lowest points of my life that I decided to go to India. Never had I visited India. At 45, I was at an age when more rational people would be thinking mostly about settling down and playing it safe. But I knew I had to go. I was trying to recover from a deep sadness-losing my parents, and the only thing that had helped was yoga.
Eventually, three classes a week turned into teacher training, which led to a desire to visit the country where yoga was born. So on 5 December, I boarded a plane bound for Delhi - leaving my job as a writer behind.
Approximately, it took 11 months from the determined moment to lift-off. I sold about one-third of my belongings, moved out of my apartment and into a small one and saved as much money as I could.
As we landed in the Indira Gandhi International Airport, I had no idea what waited for me, no idea what India would look like, no idea how I would be able to handle these months of travel in such a different and challenging place.
I was met at the airport by an old friend who invited me to stay in his family’s home. They helped me get used to India. I felt very lucky to have such a soft landing. From that start, my trip unfolded with one journey after another. By the time my journey ended on 2 June, I was deeply in love with India and heartsick about leaving. India changed me. It gave me hope, inspiration and a new start in life.
Thanks to my travels, I developed the attitude that every incident I met with was meant to happen. Today, back to Toronto, I run Breathedreamgo. I make my living as a travel writer. As I write this, I am getting ready to leave for my seventh trip to India.
1. Why did the author decide to go to India?| A．Because he took some days off to relax himself. |
| B．Because he was asked to write some articles about India. |
| C．Because he was curious about the country where yoga was born. |
| D．Because he wanted to recover from the deep sadness of losing his parents. |
| A．He didn’t like his work as a writer. |
| B．He had no money to afford his journey. |
| C．He made enough preparations for his journey. |
| D．He spent only a little time preparing his journey. |
| A．Excited. | B．Confused. | C．Curious. | D．Disappointed. |
| A．The author is grateful for the journey to India. |
| B．The author missed his hometown very much. |
| C．It took the author about 4 months to finish his adventure. |
| D．The author met with a lot of difficulties when visiting India. |
| A．Three times. | B．Four times. | C．Six times. | D．Seven times. |
3 . When it comes to the UK, London likes to steal all the attention. Yes, yes, I know: it's a great city with lots of culture and sights to see. However, I think we all need a break sometimes from the chaos of the city. Specifically, a trip to one of the UK's national parks. A total of 15 areas in the UK are protected by the government. This allows everyone access to unblemished （洁净的）moors （旷野）, mountains, rivers and a home where wildlife can flourish.
In total, the national parks cover over 23,000 square kilometres, so where do you begin?
Dartmoor
A paradise for a picnic, Dartmoor in the south of England offers miles and miles of beautiful but lonely moorland. Climb over natural rock formations such as Haytor or hike for hours into the sunset with only wild ponies （矮种马）for company. Be mindful - they might look sweet, but those wanting to pet them may lose a finger .
Snowdonia
If you're after a challenge, head over to Snowdonia and climb the highest mountain in Wales. At 1,085 metres high, the views from Snowdon are spectacular. It will take you 5-6 hours to climb up and back down again. If a little mountain climbing isn't your scene, the mountain railway will have you there and back in half the lime.
Castles
In addition to Snowdon, Wales has over 10() castles spread throughout its three national parks. Some are broken mins, blending with the nature around them, while others have been restored to their original glory. Climb the towers of Caernarfon Castle and explore the exhibitions to learn about medieval life, or visit the ghostly ruins of Ragland Castle just south of the Brecon Beacons.
Ullswater
For those who feel more at home on the water, the Lake District has over 15 stunning (极美的) lakes. Ullswater is particularly beautiful and the perfect place for scenic boat trips, sailing or canoeing with friends. Swimming is also popular if you are able to brave the cold. Surrounding the lake are charming villages and countryside which can be explored by foot or on horseback.
the White Cliffs of Dover
In the South Downs you'll find one of Britain's most striking views: the White Cliffs of Dover. This is the first view of England you'11 see if arriving by ferry, as long as it's not foggy, of course. Stretching for miles between the blue sea and even bluer sides, the pure white cliffs feature in many wartime songs and films. Not convinced? Fear not, London is just over an hour away by train.
1. What is the writer's main purpose in writing the text?| A．To explore the UK's distinctive culture. |
| B．To inform readers of the attractions in London. |
| C．To recommend some of the UK's national parks. |
| D．To explain why national parks are popular in the UK |
a. going hiking b. riding wild ponies
c. having a picnic d. climbing the highest mountain there
| A．a, b | B．a, c | C．b. c | D．c, d |
| A．Snowdonia | B．Caernarfon Castle | C．Ullswater | D．the South Downs |
| A．take a train | B．take a ferry | C．ride a horse | D．go on a boat trip |
4 . Castel dell’ Ovo is one of Naples’ most famous monuments. It offers sweeping views over the city and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
The Basics
The site on which Castel dell’ Ovo now stands has a long history, beginning as a settlement for Greek colonists(殖民地定居者). The current castle was built in the 15th century, and today, the 19th-century fishing village of Borgo Marinari, known for its excellent seafood restaurants and marina(游艇停靠区), sits at the base of the castle.
The Egg Castle
The origin of the castle’s name comes from a story about the Roman poet Virgil, who is said to have placed a magical egg in the foundations beneath where the castle now stands. As long as the egg stays well, Castel dell’ Ovo will remain standing.
Things to Know Before you Go
·Castel dell’ Ovo is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
·Admission to the castle and the museum is free.
·The inner halls of the castle are open to the public only during special events and exhibitions; the ramparts (城墙) and towers are always open.
·There is a lift from the ground floor to the ramparts, making the castle accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Castel dell’ Ovo is located in the Bay of Naples just off the coastal road. Bus 151 from the train station and 140 from the port stop at Castel dell’ Ovo.
When to Get there
The castle is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 7 pm, and Sundays and holidays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. The Prehistoric Museum is open only on weekends from 10 am to 1 pm. As Naples is one of Italy’s most visited cities, its sights can be very crowded in the high-season summer months. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to take advantage of the best light for taking photos from the castle’s towers.
Book Online or Call +1(702)648-5873
1. Whose settlement did the site of Castel dell’ Ovo belong to ?| A．British colonists’. |
| B．French colonists’. |
| C．Greek colonists’. |
| D．German colonists’. |
| A．It lies next to Mount Vesuvius. |
| B．It’s also named the Egg castle. |
| C．It was originally built in the 19th century. |
| D．It’s well-known for its seafood and marina. |
| A．History lovers. |
| B．Sports lovers. |
| C．Literature lovers. |
| D．Astronomy lovers. |
| A．The tickets have to be booked in advance. |
| B．Those with leg problems can not tour the ramparts. |
| C．It’s easily accessible by bus from the train station. |
| D．The towers can be visited only during special events. |
| A．On Sundays from 8:30 to 13:30. |
| B．On holidays from9:00 to 13:30. |
| C．On weekdays from 8:30 to 19:00. |
| D．On weekends from 10:00 to 13:00. |
The Shedd Aquarium (水族馆)
Location: the Museum Campus, just Northeast of Soldier Field, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Tel: (312)939-2438
The Shedd is dedicated to (致力于) engaging, inspiring, entertaining and informing the public about the life in our oceans and waterways. They feature an Oceanarium, Wild Reef exhibit, Amazon River exhibit, and they pride themselves on their dedication to conservation and protection of wildlife habitats.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Location: Downtown Where Adams Street Meets Michigan Avenue, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312)443-3600
The Art Institute consistently ranks among Chicago’s most-visited museums. From French impressionist paintings to African masks to the new wing for Modern Art, the museum offers visitors a rich cultural experience.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
Location: Michigan Avenue, a Few Blocks East of the Old Water Tower, 220 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: (312)280-2660
Chicago’s contemporary art center explores, exhibits, and collects art created since 1945. They’re dedicated to allowing the public to directly experience the work and ideas of living artists, and understand the historical, social, and cultural background of the art of our time.
The Chicago History Museum
Location: In Lincoln Park on Chicago’s North Side, 1601N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: (312)642-4600
The Chicago History Museum exhibits artifacts (史前文物) from the depth of their 22 million-item collection and from the city’s past history. From the famous basketball team—the Chicago Bulls to the Great Chicago Fire, the museum covers it all and offers history information and exhibits to make Chicago’s history connect to our lives today.
1. What does the Shedd think it does well in ?| A．Inspiring the public | B．Educating the public |
| C．Wildlife habitat conservation | D．The collection of exhibits |
| A．the Shedd Aquarium | B．the Art institute of Chicago |
| C．the Chicago History Museum | D．the Museum of Contemporary Art |
| A．find many famous ancient artworks |
| B．enjoy communicating with living artists |
| C．know much more information about the art of our time |
| D．have a rich cultural experience by enjoying paintings and masks |
| A．1601 N. Clark Street | B．The Museum Campus |
| C．220 East Chicago Avenue | D．111 South Michigan Avenue |
| A．(312) 443-3600 | B．(312) 280-2660 |
| C．(312) 939-2438 | D．(312) 642-4600 |
6 . Death Valley is one of the most famous deserts in the United States, covering a wide area with its alkali sand. Almost 20 percent of this area is well below sea level, and Badwater, a salt water pool, is about 280 feet below sea level and the lowest point in the United States.
Long ago the Panamint Indians called this place “Tomesha”— the land of fire. Death Valley’s present name dates back to 1849, when a group of miners coming across from Nevada became lost in its unpleasantness and hugeness and their adventure turned out to be a sad story. Today Death Valley has been declared a National Monument(纪念碑) and is crossed by several well-marked roads where good services can be found easily. Luckily the change created by human settlement has hardly ruined the special beauty of this place.
Here nature created a lot of surprising, almost like the sights on the moon, ever-changing as the frequent wind moves the sand about, showing the most unusual colors. One of the most astonishing and variable parts of Death Valley is the Devil’ s Golf Course, where it seems hard for one to tell reality from terrible dreams. Sand sculptures(沙雕) stand on a frightening ground, as evening shadows move and lengthen.
1. _______ is the lowest place in the desert.| A．Tomesha | B．Death Valley |
| C．Nevada | D．Badwater |
| A．an Indian name |
| B．the death of the miners |
| C．the local people |
| D．a National Movement |
| A．no one had ever known the desert before the miners |
| B．it’s still not easy to travel across the desert |
| C．people can find gas-stations, cafes and hotels in the desert |
| D．people have changed the natural sight of the desert |
| A．the frequent wind | B．the colors of the sand |
| C．dream-like sights | D．the sand sculptures |
| A．appreciates | B．is fearful of |
| C．dislikes | D．is tired of |
