Cultural Relics
A
Ever thought of taking off your clothes at the top of the world? I dont know about you, but a lot of crazy people would like nothing better. And theyve become a major headache for the government of Nepal.
Officials in Nepal say they are fed up with nudity1 on Mount Everest, and are taking measures to put an end to "disrespectful" activities on the world’s highest peak.
"We’re trying to stop people from taking their clothes off and so on," said Ang Tsering Sherpa, the head of Nepal’s official mountaineering body, which gives climbing permits2. "A law is in need," he adds. "Fines have to be included."
Last year a local climber took off all his clothes and stood naked3 for several minutes on the 8,848-metre peak. He called it the world’s highest display of nudity. It caused anger, and started a big discussion.
Earlier this year, a Dutchman wanted to set a special record by being the first to climb the mountain wearing only shorts.
Nepali mountaineers joke that the only thing left to do on the mountain would be to give birth on the peak.
"It’s disrespectful —the mountains are sacred4; they’re a part of our religion," the Nepal Mountaineering Association president said. "So if people want to set a world record, they have to inform us first."
The problem is not only the nudity. People should remember that when they visit another country they should respect the customs and tradition of that country. Nudity may be fine in western countries, but not in Nepal. Moreover, the Himalayas are of great religious importance in Nepal.
Notes:
1. nudity n. 赤裸
2. permit n. 通行证, 许可证
3. naked adj. 赤裸的
4. sacred adj. 神圣的
Read the passage and choose the best answer for each question.
1. Which would be the best title for the passage?
A. Nepal to Keep Nudity off Everest
B. A Major Headache for the Nepali Government
C. Nudity on Mount Everest
D. Activities on the World’s Highest Peak
2. The passage is meant to _______.
A. discuss whether it’s proper to take off one’s clothes at the top of the world
B. express the attitude of mountaineering authorities in Nepal
C. focus on the problem of nudism
D. warn people that they should respect local customs
