天津完形 Cl021・2023_03 完形填空

In my early thirties, I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters above sea level.

After months of preparation, I started my great 16 . At the base of the mountain, I met Mik, a local porter, who warmly 17 me. Mik’s job was to carry my equipment up the mountain, set up the tent (帐篷), and carry everything back down after reaching the 18 . Mik stood about 1.6 meters tall. I was 19 with a pack nearly as tall as his whole body. Just imagine this little man with the huge equipment 20 on his head.

The first day of the climb was 21 the rain forest, across a slippery (滑的), muddy ground covered with tree roots and vines (藤蔓). Mik was carrying 30 kilos on his head! By that evening, we made it to 3,000 meters. The air was 22 and it was colder. When I arrived at the campsite for the night, my tent was already set up and 23 me.

Day two was much steeper (陡峭的) and rockier. I really had to 24 what I was doing. And I felt guilty for the tough 25 Mik had to work in. Yet when I turned to Mik, he said with the biggest smile, “Polle, polle,” which means ” 26 , take it easy” in his native language. I 27 back, my burden lighter somehow.

Over the next five days, the climb got 28 difficult. The temperatures could 29 from 21°C to below freezing in a few hours. At 5,700 meters, there’s only half the oxygen 30 in each breath compared to at sea level. That leaves many people with severe headache. Yet Mik remained 31 . He always had a smile and a positive 32 . It had an enormous impact on me, giving me the 33 to keep going.

Even today, when I find myself 34 with anything in life, I just think back to Mik and his smile.

A great attitude can bring joy to those around you, or even 35 strangers to the top of a mountain.