As I cried in a hotel room in Osaka, a phone pressed to my right ear, my father was giving me his final advice from his death bed in Ireland. The man who inspired me to become a travel journalist wanted to remind me I had the best job in the world.
While “don’t stop” was his last message to me, “won’t stop” could have been his motto (座右铭). Even as he entered his late 60s, badly affected by a physical disability, my father continued to travel. Not package holidays or lying in a hammock (吊床). Instead, he explored foreign cities on foot until they seeped into his pores. Adventures were what he desired.
Once I began traveling with my father 15 years ago, small talk invariably transitioned to discussion of our next journey. I loved few things more than surprising him with a new trip I’d booked for us. This was how our final adventure began.
In our Athens apartment, I found his feet swelled up (肿胀) enormously. His ankles had given him constant discomfort. Whenever I suggested we take a break, he’d say: “You can sit down if you want; I’ve got something I want to go see over there.” His physical limitations were simply overpowered by his desire to experience something new. He walked all over Bucharest, Athens, and Rome. By the end of the trip, his mind could no longer override his body. His left ankle was twice the size of his right. His chest was congested(充血的).
Dad spent weeks in hospital back in Ireland. He was completely paralyzed (瘫痪的), unable to see or talk or eat. Yet, he remained conscious. Doctors encouraged us to chat to him, even though he could not respond. Day after day, I sat by his hospital bed and talked about our funniest moments while traveling. Eventually, he came out of his paralysis. When doctors said he was almost ready to go home, I took the chance to fly to Asia for my journalism job.
Then, in the middle of a cold night, my phone rang. Our final conversation took place. Jokes were exchanged, and promises were made. Among them was my agreement that I wouldn’t stop traveling.
24. What did the author love doing after joining his dad in adventure?
A.Visiting Asian countries. |
B.Reading adventure novels. |
C.Surprising his dad with his adventures. |
D.Arranging trips unexpected to his dad. |
25. What can we learn about the author’s dad?
A.He worked as a journalist. |
B.He was a man of strong will. |
C.He desired to be a famous explorer. |
D.He enjoyed hiking in the mountains. |
26. What did the author do while keeping his dad company in hospital?
A.He told stories to his dad. |
B.He planned their next trip. |
C.He assisted his dad to do exercise. |
D.He looked back on their time spent together. |
27. What is the best title for the text?
A.My dad, the explorer |
B.A half-done journey |
C.A parting gift-don’t stop |
D.One last journey with my dad |