常春藤解析英语【94】多元独特的墨西哥（在线收听）

Mexico and Day of the Dead 多元独特的墨西哥

by Matthew Brown

With its spice, sun, and spectacle, Mexico is a country that really shines.
香料、阳光和美景让墨西哥发光发热。

Mexico, the US's warm neighbor to the south, is a favorite destination for many travelers. Modern-day Mexico has some things in common with the US, but for such a close neighbor, it is also surprisingly unique.

Mexico was populated by native civilizations for thousands of years. These peoples, which included the famous Mayans and Aztecs, were quite developed, and some created large cities. Some of the amazing structures they built are still standing in parts of Mexico today. In the 1500s, however, the land and its native civilizations were invaded by Spanish armies. What is now Mexico became known as New Spain. This was the start of a long period of history for Mexico that hasn't always been easy. But through it all, Mexico has managed to keep its proud spirit.

Mexican culture has an interesting mix of old and new. Its major cities are like any of the world's big cities, with tall skyscrapers and bustling crowds. In fact, its capital, Mexico City, is one of the most highly populated cities in the world. For many, the real beauty of Mexico lies in its landscape and its climate. Mexico has beautiful mountain ranges and incredible beaches. Of course, while enjoying the sights of Mexico, travelers and residents alike tend to agree on one of their favorite aspects of Mexican culture: its food. Spicy and delicious, never bland, Mexican food, such as tacos and quesadillas, combines meats, chicken, or seafood with vegetables and spices. Flour tortillas are often used, and chilies are a necessity. Enjoyed along with a cold drink under the hot sun, an authentic Mexican meal is unforgettable.

单字小铺

1. destination n. 目的地
2. surprisingly adv. 惊人地
3. civilization n. 文明（国家∕世界）
4. people n. 种族（可数名词）
5. structure n. 建筑物
6. invade vt. 入侵，侵略
7. skyscraper n. 摩天大楼
8. landscape n. 风景，景色
9. mountain range 山脉
10. incredible a. 惊人的；难以置信的
11. resident n. 居民
12. aspect n. 方面，观点
13. spicy a. 辛辣的
spice n. 香料
14. bland a. 淡而无味的
15. taco n. 炸玉米饼∕卷
16. quesadilla n. 墨西哥薄饼
17. tortilla n.（墨西哥）玉米粉圆饼
flour tortilla 用面粉代替玉米粉做的）面饼
18. chile n. 红番椒
19. unforgettabl a. 难忘的

词组小铺

1. through it all　　历经种种，经历风风雨雨
2. A and B alike　　A 和 B
3. along with...　　连同……

精解字词词组

1. to the east/west/south/north (of...)　　在（……的）东方∕西方∕南方∕北方（指某一范围外）
in the east/west/south/north of...　　在……的东部∕西部∕南部∕北部（指某一范围内）
例: There is a park just to the west of my building.
（我住所的西边有一座公园。）
例: There are many summer resorts in the south of France.
（法国南部有许多避暑圣地。）

2. have...in common with...　　与……有……共同点
例: I have a lot in common with my friend Joe.
（我和我朋友乔有很多共通点。）

3. populate vt. 居住于（常用被动）
例: This area is populated by immigrants from Africa.
（居住在这个地区的人主要是非洲移民。）

4. manage to V　　设法（做到）……
例: Shane managed to win Helen's heart.
（史恩设法赢得海伦的芳心。）

5. bustling a. 繁忙的，热闹的
bustle n. 熙攘，忙碌
hustle and bustle　　熙熙攘攘
例: I love the hustle and bustle of Taipei.
（我喜欢台北的喧嚣熙攘。）

6. lie in...　　在于……
例: The key to success lies in hard work and determination.
（成功的关键在于努力和决心。）

7. tend to V　　有……的倾向；往往会……
= be apt to V
= be inclined to V
= be liable to V
= be prone to V
例: I tend to talk too much when I'm nervous.
（我紧张时往往会说太多话。）

8. agree on...　　同意……；就……达成协议（主词通常为复数）
例: My friend and I agree on one thing: Jay-Z is a great rapper.
（我和我朋友都同意杰斯是位了不起的饶舌歌手。）

9. combine A with B　　将 A 与 B 结合
例: Combine the salt with the flour before adding the eggs.
（把盐跟面粉和在一起然后再加入蛋。）

10. authentic a. 地道的；真正的
例: The restaurant serves authentic Chinese food.
（这家餐厅供应地道的中国菜。）

中文翻译

美国南方的温暖邻国──墨西哥，是很多游客最爱的旅游景点。现今的墨西哥在某些方面与美国无异，不过虽然地理位置相近，墨西哥却相当独特。
　　
一些原始文明社会曾存在于墨西哥达数千年之久。这些民族包括著名的玛雅和阿兹特克民族，他们的文明先进，有些甚至发展出大型的城市，有些他们所建造的惊人建筑物至今仍矗立在墨西哥某些地区。然而在 16 世纪，西班牙军队入侵当地的领土和文明。现在的墨西哥当时曾被称为新西班牙。对墨西哥而言，这开启了一段漫长而艰辛的历史。尽管历经风风雨雨，墨西哥仍努力保持自身引以为傲的精神。
　　
墨西哥的文化新旧交融，形成有趣的组合。其主要城市就如同其它世界大城一般，有着摩天大楼和来来往往的人潮。事实上，墨西哥的首都墨西哥城是世界上属一属二人口密度最高的城市之一。对许多人来说，墨西哥美丽之处在于其景色和气候。墨西哥有着美丽的山脉和美不胜收的海滩。当然，在欣赏墨西哥美景的同时，游客和当地居民都会认同他们最爱的墨西哥文化之一就是食物。辛辣又美味的墨西哥食物一点都不单调，像是炸玉米饼和墨西哥薄饼等食物都混合了猪肉、鸡肉或海鲜，以及蔬菜和香料。面饼是常用的食材，而辣椒更是不可或缺。在烈日下，地道的墨西哥美食配上冰凉的饮料，绝对让你难以忘怀。