赖世雄高级美国英语 lesson 14

　　Lesson 14，

　　Alpine¹ Treasures 乐在阿尔卑斯山

　　From the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains stretches the continent of Europe. The most striking geographic² feature within this densely-populated area is the Alps Mountain Range， commonly called the Alps， The Alps covers most of Austria and Switzerland as well as significant areas of Germany， France， and Italy. The picture-perfect land and lifestyle of the Alps contain many treasures for all the peoples of the world. Who hasn't dreamed of visiting the Alps for a vacation？ If you are lucky enough to vacation in the Alps， what delights await you？

　　The ladies can look forward to dirndls and Alpine flowers. A dirndl is a special Alpine dress worn particularly by the German-speaking populations of the Alps （in most of the Swiss and all of the German and Austrian areas）。 This long， often colorful and simple-paterned dress includes a full skirt， gathered waist，and tightfitting bodice. Most women fall in love with a dirndl the moment they see one. Save up to buy one， though. Most dirndls are hand-made and rather pricey. Compared to the cost of the intercontinental voyage to the Alps， though， a dirndl is well worth the expense.The wearer will have a cool weather treasure to wear for many years.

　　If dirndls are really too expensive， though， the hundreds of species of Alpine flowers will also delight notonly women， but all nature lovers， for free. Of course， to see these botanical wonders， one must visit the Alps during its relatively³ brief spring through fall， that is， between June and September for most blossoms. The hills are alive with tiny， multi-colored petals⁴ in sometimes bizarre shapes. Don't touch！ Most plant species are protected by laws carrying stiff fines， even for unsuspecting tourists. Instead， these natural treasures are available on the many postcards or in the coffee table books available at the ubiquitous souvenir shops and bookstores throughout the region. Taking one's own pictures or movies is an even better idea. With luck， it is still possible to find the rare edelweiss growing on a mountain slope. Its yellow center with white star-like petals has become an Alpine symbol， present in many folk art handicrafts.

　　Speaking of handicrafts， in addition to the dirndl， there are other assorted⁵ wares⁶ which can be taken home as a fond remembrance of one's all-too-brief stay in this mountainous playground.Alpine women take pride in their embroidery⁷. Scarves， shirts， blouses， wall hangings， and table coverings can still be bought in the smaller， more remote hamlets in tiny mountain valleys. Many modern imitations are also available， however， so be sure of any item's authenticity⁸ before buying. In the off-season from farming， some Alpine men enjoy woodcarving. Items from as large as grandfather （also called "cuckoo"） clocks to palm-sized miniature animals， farm utensils⁹ or equipment， or creations from the imagination can be had at roadside stands or local markets.

　　It's a pity that so much local food does not carry well； otherwise， Alpine dairy products， sausages，and breads are well worth taking home. On the other hand， bottled wild honey with its extra-thick consistency¹⁰ and exotic wildflower tastes and scents¹¹ is relatively easy to transport with care in one's carry-on baggage. Mountain wine and liquor may also be carefully taken home. In the meantime， enjoy the calorie-laden but delicious Alpine cuisine¹² where it was meant to be eaten.

　　Some Alpine treasures cannot be taken home. World-class skiing， mountain climbing， mountain hiking， and white-water rafting are among them. The views of the permanent glaciers¹³ of Mount Blanc， the Alps's highest peak at just over 4700 meters will last a lifetime. Jolly Alpine music and dancing quicken the heart and set the feet tapping. With so much to see and appreciate， perhaps the next priority vacation spot on the discriminating¹⁴ traveler's list should be the Alps.

1 alpine   

adj.高山的；n.高山植物

参考例句：

• Alpine flowers are abundant there.那里有很多高山地带的花。
• Its main attractions are alpine lakes and waterfalls .它以高山湖泊和瀑布群为主要特色。

2 geographic   

adj.地理学的，地理的

参考例句：

• The city's success owes much to its geographic position. 这座城市的成功很大程度上归功于它的地理位置。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Environmental problems pay no heed to these geographic lines. 环境问题并不理会这些地理界限。 来自英汉非文学 - 环境法 - 环境法

3 relatively   

adv.比较...地，相对地

参考例句：

• The rabbit is a relatively recent introduction in Australia.兔子是相对较新引入澳大利亚的物种。
• The operation was relatively painless.手术相对来说不痛。

4 petals   

n.花瓣( petal的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• white petals tinged with blue 略带蓝色的白花瓣
• The petals of many flowers expand in the sunshine. 许多花瓣在阳光下开放。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

5 assorted   

adj.各种各样的，各色俱备的

参考例句：

• There's a bag of assorted sweets on the table.桌子上有一袋什锦糖果。
• He has always assorted with men of his age.他总是与和他年令相仿的人交往。

6 wares   

n. 货物, 商品

参考例句：

• They sold their wares at half-price. 他们的货品是半价出售的。
• The peddler was crying up his wares. 小贩极力夸耀自己的货物。

7 embroidery   

n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品

参考例句：

• This exquisite embroidery won people's great admiration.这件精美的绣品，使人惊叹不已。
• This is Jane's first attempt at embroidery.这是简第一次试着绣花。

8 authenticity   

n.真实性

参考例句：

• There has been some debate over the authenticity of his will. 对于他的遗嘱的真实性一直有争论。
• The museum is seeking an expert opinion on the authenticity of the painting. 博物馆在请专家鉴定那幅画的真伪。

9 utensils   

器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物

参考例句：

• Formerly most of our household utensils were made of brass. 以前我们家庭用的器皿多数是用黄铜做的。
• Some utensils were in a state of decay when they were unearthed. 有些器皿在出土时已经残破。

10 consistency   

n.一贯性，前后一致，稳定性；(液体的)浓度

参考例句：

• Your behaviour lacks consistency.你的行为缺乏一贯性。
• We appreciate the consistency and stability in China and in Chinese politics.我们赞赏中国及其政策的连续性和稳定性。

11 scents   

n.香水( scent的名词复数 )；气味；（动物的）臭迹；（尤指狗的）嗅觉

参考例句：

• The air was fragrant with scents from the sea and the hills. 空气中荡漾着山和海的芬芳气息。
• The winds came down with scents of the grass and wild flowers. 微风送来阵阵青草和野花的香气。 来自《简明英汉词典》

12 cuisine   

n.烹调，烹饪法

参考例句：

• This book is the definitive guide to world cuisine.这本书是世界美食的权威指南。
• This restaurant is renowned for its cuisine.这家餐馆以其精美的饭菜而闻名。

13 glaciers   

冰河，冰川( glacier的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Glaciers gouged out valleys from the hills. 冰川把丘陵地带冲出一条条山谷。
• It has ice and snow glaciers, rainforests and beautiful mountains. 既有冰川，又有雨林和秀丽的山峰。 来自英语晨读30分（高一）

14 discriminating   

a.有辨别能力的

参考例句：

• Due caution should be exercised in discriminating between the two. 在区别这两者时应该相当谨慎。
• Many businesses are accused of discriminating against women. 许多企业被控有歧视妇女的做法。