Growing up in Saudi Arabia,44-year-old photographer Jody MacDonald has always had a strong interest in the desert."I have always wanted to spend some time in the Sahara," MacDonald said."There are sill so many unexplored areas in the Sahara Desert.These relatively unexplored places are so rare these days and hold the very fundamentals of exploration,which attract me.So finally I made the journey." MacDonald started her journey in Mauritania's capital city Nouakchott,and headed inland where she and her team jumped on the world's longest cargo train (貨運列車) for a 435- mile journey on the Mauritania Railway. "The train was dirty and uncomfortable but it was such an interesting and unique way to travel through the vast desert by train," said MacDonald.
MacDonald and her group had to face many challenges on their journey.Except for the dirt and discomfort,the travelers also had to deal with the intense heat,violent winds and even dangerous sandstorms.1 I was out taking photographs and within minutes,the wind increased to more than 100 miles an hour," MacDonald said."I thought my skin was going to be turn off because of the rain and blowing sand.It felt like sandpaper on my skin.I have never experienced winds that strong before.There was once a time when I wanted to give up."
She dealt with the harsh (惡劣的) conditions by trying not to travel in the middle of the day and wore headscarves to protect herself from the sun and blowing sand. "The weather definitely dictates when and where you travel," said MacDonald.Even with all the challenges,the photographer managed to record amazing images of the beautiful but harsh landscapes of Mauritania,and its fascinating cultures and communities.
(1)Why did MacDonald tour the Sahara? (no more than 10 words)
Many unexplored areas in the Sahara Desert attracted her.
Many unexplored areas in the Sahara Desert attracted her.
(2)How did MacDonald feel on the cargo train? (no more than 5 words) She felt dirty and umcomfortable.
She felt dirty and umcomfortable.
(3)Why did MacDonald once decide to give up her journey? (no more than 10 words) The weather conditions are harsh.
The weather conditions are harsh.
(4)What does the underlined word in the last paragraph mean? (1 word) Decide/Determine.
Decide/Determine.
(5)How does MacDonald's story inspire you in life?Please explain. (no more than 20 words) MacDonald'spirit of bravely overcoming difficulties inspires me.I will face the difficulties in life and manage to overcome them.
MacDonald'spirit of bravely overcoming difficulties inspires me.I will face the difficulties in life and manage to overcome them.