8. After three years on horseback,Tim Cope has followed the route of Genghis Khan(成吉思汗) and other Asian nomads(游牧民族) who crossed into Europe over the centuries.
The 28-year-old Australian arrived in Hungary on Saturday,Sept.22,ending a 6200-mile travel through Mongolia,Kazakhstan,Southern Russia and Ukraine.Surrounded by his traveling companions—his dog and three horses,Cope said, "I'm very happy to be here.Sometimes I didn't think I would ever arrive."
Cope was inspired to make the horseback journey during a bicycle trip from Moscow to Beijing.Trying to push his bike through the sands of the Gobi Desert,Cope watched in frustration as nomad horsemen appeared out of nowhere and disappeared over the horizon.
That got him interested in nomad life and the journey by ancient Asian groups.He set off from Mongolia in 2004 for a trip he thought would take 18 months.It ended up taking three years,and in late 2006,he had to return to Australia for several months when his father died in a car crash.
Cope quickly learned to trust the wisdom of locals. "In Mongolia,the nomads always told me that wolves were the most dangerous things and I didn't believe them at first." he said.Then one night he found himself surrounded by wolves. "When you hear that cry alone at night in the forest,it's one of the most frightening sounds you'll ever hear," Cope said. "After that I took their advice and threw firecrackers out my tent door every night to keep the wolves away."
Cope says he probably spent about half of his nights in his tent and the rest in farm houses and huts of strangers along the way. "In Kazakhstan,they believe that if you invite a guest,luck will fly into your house."
Cope wants to write a book and shoot a film about his voyage,and is already imagining future adventures in northwest China and the Middle East.
"It's my way of life.It was not just a trip," Cope said. "
I'll be back in the saddle(馬鞍) as soon as I can."
(1)Why did Tim Cope decide to make the horseback journey?
A.It was impossible to make the journey by bike.
B.Genghis Khan was the person he admired most.
C.He wanted to visit Hungary where he had never been.
D.he was deeply attracted by the life of nomad horsemen.
(2)When did Tim Cope arrive in Hungary?
A.In March,2004.
B.In March,2006.
C.In September,2006.
D.In September,2007.
(3)What do Cope's words underlined in the last paragraph probably mean?
A.He will come back to Australia.
B.He will devote his life to adventures.
C.He will travel on horseback soon.
D.He will take this journey again.
(4)What is the passage mainly about?
A.An Australian's ambition to take adventures.
B.A rider who completes a horseback journey.
C.A modern young man who lives nomad life.
D.Following Genghis Khan to cross into Europe.