Yours,

Li Jin

3 . Every year about 40, 000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. They ________ with them lots of waste. The ________ might damage the beauty of the place. The glaciers (冰川) are disappearing, changing the face of Kilimanjaro.

Hearing these stories, I’m skeptical about the place — other destinations are described as “purer” natural experience.

However, I soon ________ that much has changed since the days of disturbing reports of ________ among tons of rubbish. I find a ________ mountain, with toilets at camps and along the paths. The environmental challenges are ________ but the efforts made by the Tanzania National Park Authority seem to be ________.

The best of a Kilimanjaro ________, in my opinion, isn’t reaching the top. Mountains are ________ as spiritual places by in any cultures. This ________ is especially evident on Kilimanjaro as ________ go through five ecosystems (生态系统) in the space of a few kilometers. At the base is a rainforest. It ends abruptly at 3, 000 meters, giving way to lands of low growing plants. Further up, the weather ________ — low clouds envelop the mountainsides, which are covered with thick grass. I ________ twelve shades of green from where I stand. Above 4,000 meters is the highland desert: gravel (砾石), stones and rocks. ________ you climb into an arctic-like zone with permanent snow and the glaciers that may soon disappear.

Does Kilimanjaro ________ its reputation as a crowded mountain with lines of tourists ruining the atmosphere of peace? I found the opposite to be true.

4 . If you are tired of staying at home, now make the most out of the weekend by getting stuck into the best things going on this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If you are ready to fully put yourself into nature, get yourself down to Kew Gardens. It is famous for its plant collections from around the world. Recently, everyone visiting the garden, including the members, has to book tickets online for the time range before they set foot in it. This is the first time that Kew Gardens has adopted this policy in its history.

This year the countryside festival won’t be going ahead in its usual home of Brockwell Park. But all your favorite aspects of the fair will be part of the virtual edition, including the highly expected Vegetable Sculpture Competition, the usual flower show competitions, and local-themed talks. Even virtual music performances will make an appearance.

The free two-day festival in E17 will be held this weekend. You can enjoy online music and dance performances. Don’t miss the most wonderful part of the weekend: East London Radio’s first-ever online show taking place during the weekend with behind-the-scenes chats with local musicians.

As the largest flower market in East London, this market is located in Bethnal Green. It opens on Sundays. Every Sunday morning the quiet street of Columbia Rood is filled with stalls selling fresh flowers and plants. Personally, it is wise to go there between 8:00 am and 10:00 am so that you can walk at your own pace and won’t be pushed by the crowds.

5 . Here are our suggestions for keeping busy this week. Dive in!

Take to the waves in Southampton

Always fancied trying your hand at sailing? Now’s your chance. The Southampton Boat Show has plenty of opportunities for visitors to get out on the water to experience boat sailing, power boating or taking a ride on a RIB—all for free.

Discover an island on the Thames

To celebrate Totally Thames, a month-long festival is held at various locations across London. We’ve discovered 21 of the river’s most fascinating islands—all of them with interesting stories to tell. Make the most of it with our map here.

Catch great films in Bristol

Over six days, Encounters Film Festival screens up to 400 films from over 60 different countries. The Bristol festival provides a platform for international filmmakers, and offers a gateway to the likes of the BAFTAs, Oscars and European Film Awards. See here for full details.

Get scientific in London

Experience the latest, best and most challenging science covering all areas of our lives and universe at New Science Live at Excel London. New Scientist Live is a four-day festival full of ideas and discoveries from the team behind the world’s most popular science weekly magazine, featuring four zones—Brain& Body, Technology, Earth and Universe—as well as talks from experts and over 200 exhibitors.

Dear Mr. Green,

Knowing that,

Yours,

Li Hua

The old doll I was holding was pretty scary. Her glass eyes were especially horrible, closing when she stood upright and flying open when she lay flat. Once she had been loved, but she had been stored in an attic (阁楼) for decades, where the extremes of heat and cold can be hard on a girl’s looks. Throw her in the waste bin? Maybe. But first, let’s check eBay.

I clicked, supplied the required information about condition, including defects (i.e., “Only a miracle could save this doll”), and uploaded its photos. I sold it for $5.

The buyer was happy: “As described!” he wrote on my feedback page. “Super seller!” The doll found a home and, I hope, a new life. Maybe she was used to repair other dolls. Perhaps those strange eyes got fixed and once again can inspire a child’s love. It’s a win-win, if you ask me.

I also sold lots of other stuff. None of them brought in a lot of money, though I have been surprised at the occasional bidding war, like, for example, the one over an old swimsuit that would have made Brigitte Bardot look bad. And some customers, let’s face it, are strange. Recently I had a hard time convincing an Australian would-be buyer of an Irish souvenir bell that I don’t shop internationally; it’s just too much trouble. He could have flown to Ireland and bought his own bell for the price he was willing to pay. Another time, a buyer complained that the electric wire on an old radio was dirty. Really? Dirty? The wire was black. But I aim to please, so I offered a refund.

So why bother with the dealing and small profits? Because I don’t like abandoning the past. All these treasures once had stories. They meant something. But the people who gave them that meaning are gone, and I simply cannot rescue everything. I can’t even sew. So I find it satisfying that a new owner, discovered via eBay, will continue the story in his or her own way.

9 . Check out some fun weekend activities from our friends at Arizona Parenting.

Walk in the Wild: Walk or run for wildlife at the Phoenix Zoo's Walk in the Wild 2016. Put on your favorite animal dress and take part in the one mile or 5K, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Zoo. Walk in the Wild includes a morning full of unique activities you won't find at any other valley walk, including all day zoo admission and a lakeside after party .

Register online. 6－10 am. Phoenix Zoo, 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602－286－3800.

Free Museum Day: It is hosted by Sesame Street and HBO at the Children's Museum of Phoenix.   Kids can participate in activities, enjoy a performance by the Sesame Street Muppets and get to join the Everyday Heroes Club. An act of kindness is all it takes to become a member. Performances and activities will take place at 10：30－11：30 am and 1：30－2：30 pm.

9 am－4 pm. Children's Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix. 602－253－0501.

Sunday A'Fair: Sunday A'Fair features free outdoor concerts in Scottsdale Civic Center Park by top Arizona musicians, along with an artsandcrafts market, fun activities for children and families, guided tours of the sculptures in the park and free admission to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs or picnic baskets, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of great entertainment. Delicious foods, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are also available for purchase.

12－4 pm. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480－994－ARTS (2787)．