1 . Johannes Fritz, a biologist, needed to come up with a plan, again, if he was going to prevent his rare and beloved birds from going extinct.
To survive the European winter, the northern bald ibis — which had once disappeared entirely from the wild on the continent—needs to migrate (迁徙) south for the winter, over the Alps, before the mountains become impassable. But shifting climate patterns have delayed when the birds begin to migrate, and they are now reaching the mountains too late to make it over the peaks, locking them in an icy death trap. Determined to save them, Mr. Fritz decided he would teach the birds a new, safer migration route by guiding them himself in a tiny aircraft. And he was confident he could succeed in this daring, unconventional plan—because he had done it before.
Mr. Fritz learned to fly, modifying a light aircraft so it would fly at speeds slow enough for his winged students to keep up. In 2004, Mr. Fritz led the first flock from Austria to Italy, and has since led 15 such migrations. Over that time, he has rewilded 277 young ibises, many of which then started to pass the route onto their own young. For now, however, the main worry is getting the birds to follow the aircraft. “While they have a strong bond with their ‘mothers’ and follow them around on the ground, flying is more difficult,” Fritz said.
“Fly Away Home was a huge hit with us biologists,” Mr. Fritz said, recalling the 1996 movie in which characters lead the migration of orphaned Canada geese in a hang glider. When Mr. Fritz declared he’d do the same with the ibises, he was initially laughed at. But through years of trial and error, he succeeded. He even learned to fly like a bird, he said. Mr. Fritz’s two sons, both now teenagers, followed their flying father and the migrating birds on the ground, and his family and colleagues witnessed the risks he was taking. But the inevitable risks are “necessary”, Mr. Fritz said. “It’s not so much a job,” he added, “but my life’s purpose.”
1. Why did Mr. Fritz guide the birds himself in a tiny aircraft?A.He wanted to learn from them. | B.He showed them a safer flyway. |
C.They needed to be fed in the air. | D.They were often lost on the way. |
A.By listing concrete numbers. | B.By conducting a survey. |
C.By performing experiments. | D.By making a comparison. |
A.Imaginative and honest. | B.Generous and easy-going. |
C.Energetic and open-minded. | D.Strong-willed and brave. |
A.Fritz once starred in a film in 1996. | B.Fritz had no difficulty with his work. |
C.Fritz thought what he did was rewarding. | D.Fritz was challenged by those around him. |
2 . Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs
Most visitors ride the elevator at the Eiffel Tower, but travelers with a sense of adventure prefer to take the stairs. Climb the 704 steps to the second viewing platform of the Eiffel Tower on this guided tour and be rewarded with splendid views of the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Champs. Get a good workout by climbing up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower. Choose a ticket to the summit and take the lift to the very top.
What To Expect
● Meet your guide and fellow Eiffel Tower climbers at the meeting point, then join the queue for Eiffel Tower tickets. It can take up to 90 minutes at peak times, but your guide will keep you entertained while you wait with fun facts about the tower.
● Next, follow your guide up the stairs to the second floor viewing platform, a total of 674 steps! Make a stop along the way to learn about Gustave Eiffel and the history of the tower, then enjoy views of the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral.
● Your tour ends on the second floor. If you booked the Summit Access tour, ride the elevator up to the summit. If you booked the combo (套餐) tour with a Seine River cruise, your guide will provide tickets that can be used at any time.
Cancellation Policy
● For a full refund (退款), you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
● Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
● This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
1. What can you get during the climb tour by stairs?A.A bitter adventure to the top. | B.A free lift to the summit. |
C.An app for guide service. | D.An opportunity for exercise. |
A.Book a ticket to the summit for you. | B.Share factual stories about the tower. |
C.Prepare a Seine River cruise for you. | D.Pick you up from your reserved hotel. |
A.there is a violent storm | B.you make changes just before the start |
C.your guide makes a mistake | D.you cancel your tour less then 24 hours |
1. How does the woman feel recently?
A.Annoyed. | B.Stressed. | C.Excited. |
A.Getting good grades. | B.Making friends. | C.Succeeding in sports. |
A.They are of the same age. |
B.They are on the same team. |
C.They are in the same grade. |
A.Help with her schoolwork. |
B.Share team tasks with her. |
C.Improve her basketball skills. |
1. Why doesn’t the man pack socks according to himself?
A.He dislikes wearing them. |
B.He will buy them in Mexico. |
C.He doesn’t need them on the beaches. |
A.About 6 kilograms. | B.About 16 kilograms. | C.About 22 kilograms. |
A.At the speakers’ house. | B.At an airport. | C.At a hotel. |
1. Why is the man struggling to find a place to hold a wedding?
A.The places are booked out. |
B.The places are too expensive. |
C.The places are not to Melissa’s taste. |
A.Zoos. | B.Castles. | C.Farm houses. |
A.In spring. | B.In summer. | C.In winter. |
1. What does the man find lovely?
A.A dress. | B.A dog. | C.A child. |
A.The woman’s boss. |
B.The woman’s friend. |
C.The woman’s husband. |
A.He breaks a rule. | B.He wins the game. | C.He gets three points. |
A.Classmates. | B.Father and daughter. | C.Teacher and student. |
A.Her towel. | B.Her sun cream. | C.Her flat shoes. |
A.His cards have been stolen. |
B.He has bought another computer. |
C.His cards have been abnormally used. |