英语听力：自然百科 徒步南非：喀拉哈里大沙漠—1

 South Africa is a country that always creates an impression. We know of its diverse population, the troubled history of apartheid and its rebirth as a global travel destination. I’ve been a fan of this country for many years, but this is my chance to go beyond the obvious South Africa, to explore on foot and take time to see how life and stunning¹ landscape work today in the new South Africa -- a country that’s now keen to invite the world.

 

Hello and welcome to my final South African walk. This is the village of R*. It might not look like much, but this settlement is a very significant settlement right on the edge of the awesome³ and inhospitable Kalahari Desert. And for me, it’s the beginning of by far and away, my most remote South African adventure yet. 

 

Tucked away at the top end of the Northern Cape², R* is in a quite corner of South Africa’s emptiest province. But despite appearances, there’s plenty of life here and there are walking routes to be explored. The landscape enjoys one massive natural lifeline, the Orange River. At over 2000 kilometres, it’s South Africa’s longest. Its vital water sustains a remarkable⁴ human population and a surprising agricultural industry.

1 stunning   

adj.极好的；使人晕倒的

参考例句：

• His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
• The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。

2 cape   

n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风

参考例句：

• I long for a trip to the Cape of Good Hope.我渴望到好望角去旅行。
• She was wearing a cape over her dress.她在外套上披着一件披肩。

3 awesome   

adj.令人惊叹的，难得吓人的，很好的

参考例句：

• The church in Ireland has always exercised an awesome power.爱尔兰的教堂一直掌握着令人敬畏的权力。
• That new white convertible is totally awesome.那辆新的白色折篷汽车简直棒极了.

4 remarkable   

adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的

参考例句：

• She has made remarkable headway in her writing skills.她在写作技巧方面有了长足进步。
• These cars are remarkable for the quietness of their engines.这些汽车因发动机没有噪音而不同凡响。