第14章 心驰神往的迷人景致

Appealing Regional Landscapes

White beach,colorful corals,classic buildings,and the craftwork exquisite beyond compare—dreamer's paradise.

洁白的沙滩、五彩的珊瑚、古典的建筑和精美绝伦的工艺——这是梦想家的天堂。

香波城堡

The Chateau of Chambord

Far from the stress of daily life,the Château of Chambord stands completely surrounded by nature.It is located between the untamed royal river and the wild woodlands,which is home to many boar and deer.Just two hours south of Paris,Chambord opens up to the Loire—a river now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites for its “living cultural landscape”.An essential stage on your journey,Chambord is the largest and most prestigious of the French Renaissance châteaux.Let this majestic[1] stone colossus give you a real feeling for the life style of François I.

Chambord was not designed to be a permanent residence,merely a hunting lodge.François I enjoyed retiring here to indulge[2] in his love for hunting,which at that time was reserved for nobility.He spent very little time at the château,leaving it void of furniture and inhabitants after each visit.As a result,it remained unfinished...

Over the centuries,other historical figures and kings of France stayed here and continued making embellishments on the château—among them was the famous “Sun King”,Louis XIV.

Ever since the crowning of Louis XII in 1498,the estates of Chambord have brought joy and nobility to its residents.Discover Chambord through its history,construction,installation and acquisition;the Château of Chambord was an object of much desire and greed...

The Domain of Chambord is surrounded by a 32 kilometre stone wall whose construction started at the end of the reign of François I.Oak groves,pine forests,moorland,swamp and clearings are all present in this landscape.In the national hunting and wildlife reserve that was founded in 1947,deer and boar live in natural state.

The woods of Chambord serve to repopulate other forests in Europe with deer,and also welcome numerous rare species（both animal and plant）.Special attention is paid to the biodiversity of the natural habitat.The whole domain is managed according to the principles of sustainable development.

Whether on foot or by bike,benefit from nature's at Chambord with 1000 hectares of forest open to the public.The animals live in the wild all over the domain,and there are specially equipped viewing points for you to observe them.

In the summer,morning or afternoon,come discover the National Domain of Chambord to the rhythm of horses.Accompanied by a tourist guide with equestrian skills,ride along all the main forest paths at the horse's gait,discovering different scenery and fauna[3] as you go.You will be provided with a horse and will participate in the preparation of your horse before and after the trek.This half-day's evasion is reserved for beginners on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

文化小课堂

香波城堡坐落于卢瓦尔河谷，是法国“文艺之父”弗朗索瓦一世的绝世佳作，修建在法国最具贵族气息的地区；此处森林遍地，盛产木材和葡萄酒，吸引了众多王公贵族前来修筑狩猎宫殿。在河谷中的所有城堡中，香波城堡最为宏伟，距今已有500多年的历史。

整个香波城堡都被大自然环拥着，远离凡俗的桎梏。它坐落于原始的皇家河与山猪鹿属栖生的荒林之间。就在距巴黎南部2个小时行程的地方，香波城堡临向卢瓦尔河——如今已因其“生动的文化景致”，被列入联合国世界文化遗产名单。作为非常重要的一段旅程，香波城堡是最大的、最受尊敬的法国文艺复兴时期的城堡。它那巨大的石像，会让你真实感受到弗朗索瓦一世时的生活。

香波城堡最初并不是作为常设住宅而建，它仅是一个狩猎小屋。弗朗索瓦一世喜欢退隐此地，沉溺于狩猎的享乐，这在当时是贵族专属的享乐方式。他待在香波城堡的时间非常短暂，每次自他走后，这里的家具就没有了，也没有人住进来。于是，到了最后，这里仍然没有装修……

几个世纪以来，其他的历史人物和法国国王，都曾在这儿待过，并且不断地装饰它——其中就有著名的“太阳王”路易十四。

自路易十二于1498年加冕后，香波城堡的社会地位给它的住民们带来了欢乐和荣誉。从香波城堡的历史、建筑、装潢和收购可以看出，这是一个集欲望和贪婪于一身的建筑……

香波城堡被一座长32公里的石墙围着，该石墙的建筑始于弗朗索瓦一世统治末期。橡木林、松林、荒原、沼泽和空地在该地区都有所见。在1947年成立的国家狩猎和野生动物保护区内，还有鹿和野猪自然栖居。

香波城堡的森林可供从欧洲其他森林里来的鹿和其他稀有物种（动物和植物）栖息。此外，自然栖息地的生物多样化也受到特别关注。整个地区都在可持续发展的原则下运行。

走路也好，骑车也好，在1000公顷开放的森林里，你都可以享受香波城堡带来的安静宁和。这一片区域内到处都有野生动物，另外，还设有专门的观看点，以便于观察它们。

到了夏日的早晨或是下午，可以来看看香波城堡林中的马儿。找一位会骑马的导游，任由马儿穿游森林小径，一路上你会发现不同的风景和动物。他们会提供马匹，而你可以在长途跋涉之前或之后参加跑马的准备工作。这半天的避世，专门为星期三和星期六的初到者提供。

注释

[1]majestic[mə'dʒestɪk] a.宏伟的；壮丽的；庄重的；磅礴

[2]indulge[ɪn'dʌldʒ] v.迁就，纵容；使满足；使（自己）沉溺于；使快乐

[3]fauna['fɔ:nə] n.动物群；动物志

加勒比海岸上的玛雅人古迹

The Maya Traces in Caribbean

Tulum—The Walled City

Tulum's greatest attraction is its location.It stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are nothing less than spectacular.In Maya,Tulum means “Wall”,and the city was christened thus because it is a walled city;one of the very few the ancients ever built.Research suggests it was formerly called Zama or “to dawn” in its day,which is appropriate[1] given the location.It seems “Tulum” is the name given the site following a visit by the explorers Stephens and Catherwood in 1841,just before the beginning of the Caste War in 1847,long after the city was abandon and fell to ruins.They ordered trees cleared and Catherwood made illustrations of temples,later to be published in their famous book “Incidents of Travel in Yucatan”.Juan José Gálvez is actually credited with Tulum's rediscovery in 1840.

History of the Site

The earliest date lifted from the site is A.D.564（the inscription on a stele）.This places Tulum within the Classic period,though we know that its heyday was much later（1200～1521 A.D.）during the Late Post-classic period.Tulum was a major link in the Maya's extensive trade network.Both maritime[2] and land routes converged here.Artifacts found in or near the site testify to contacts that ranged from Central Mexico to Central America and every place in between:copper rattles and rings from the Mexican highlands;flint and ceramics from all over the Yucatán,jade and obsidian from Guamteala and more.The first Europeans to see Tulum were probably Juan de Grijalva and his men as they sailed reconnaissance along the Eastern coast of Yucatán in 1518.The Spaniards later returned to conquer the Peninsula unwittingly bringing Old World diseases which decimated the native population.And so Tulum,like so many cities before it,was abandoned to the elements.

Temple of the Descending God

This is another interesting structure.On the façade is a figure sculpted head down,and the walls inside show traces of the original pigments applied by the Maya.The descending figure is thought to represent a deity and Tulum appears to have been the center of his cult.

The Temple of the Initial Series

The Temple of the Initial Series façade bears several stucco figures and the earliest date found at Tulum came from a stele in the inner sanctum.Also important are the Temple of the Frescos which is filled with murals,now mostly erased by time and the elements.The temple shows traces of several building styles.The House of the Columns[3] is more complex than most structures at the site and worth examining.It's a palace-like structure with four rooms whose principal entrance faces South.Six columns support the roof of the main room and there's also a roofed sanctuary.With the exception of its Eastern flank,which is open to the sea,Tulum is completely encircled by a low wall.Watchtowers rise from the two corners of its Western flank and within each tower is an altar.A tiny cove nestles at the foot of the cliffs,with its apron of snow white sand.This caleta was where the trading canoes would slip ashore.

Art is not a handicraft,it is the transmission of feeling artist has experienced.

文化小课堂

玛雅人是古代印第安人的一支，美洲唯一留下文字记录的民族。公元前约2500年就已定居今墨西哥南部、危地马拉、伯利兹以及萨尔瓦多和洪都拉斯的部分地区，约200万人，属蒙古人种美洲支。关于玛雅人的起源有几种说法：某个国家的移民、“失落的部族”后裔，甚至是外星人的后代。现在的玛雅人大多生活在墨西哥和中美洲国家的部分地区。

图伦——城寨

图伦最吸引人的地方就在于它的地理位置。它坐落于悬崖之上，面临初升的太阳，俯瞰加勒比的风景，壮观不已。在玛雅，图伦的意思是“墙”，该城市之所以如此命名，是因为它四面环墙；它是古人留下的少数建筑之一。调查显示，它原被称作“扎马”，或“黎明”，这个名字准确地说明了它的地理位置。而图伦这个名字，似乎是在1841年后，探险家斯蒂芬和卡瑟伍德访经此地而得，刚好在1847年的种姓制度战争开始之前。在此之前很久，这里就已经被弃置成墟。他们记下了认识的树木，卡瑟伍德还画了寺庙的图示，之后还发表在他们的著作《尤卡坦旅行记事》中。事实上，图伦是由胡安·乔斯·盖尔维斯于1840年再次发现。

历史遗迹

在这些遗迹中，最早的记载日期是公元564年（刻在石碑上的日期）。这就将图伦置于了古典时期，尽管我们所知的它的全盛时期要晚得多（公元1200～1521年），也就是在后古典晚期。图伦是联结玛雅广泛贸易网络的重要纽带，海陆航道都交汇于此。据考证，从这一地区和邻近地区发现的史前古器物，南至墨西哥，北到中美，甚至遍及两者之间的地区：其中有来自墨西哥高地的铜响和铜铃、来自尤卡坦各地的火石和陶瓷制品，以及来自危地马拉的玉石和黑曜石等等。第一批发现图伦的欧洲人可能是胡安·格里哈尔瓦和他的伙伴，他们于1518年沿尤卡坦的东海岸勘探时发现了这个地方。西班牙人之后返回来征服该半岛，无意中带来了旧世界的疾病，致使当地人口大量死亡。于是，图伦就像它之前的许多城市一样，被弃置于此。

降神寺庙

这又是另一个有趣的建筑。雕花文案上刻着一个头朝下方的人，而里边的墙显露着玛雅人使用的原色料。头朝下的人可能代表着一位神，而图伦就是他的祭祀中心。

最初系列组神庙

最初系列组神庙里有几幅粉饰的图像，迄今为止，在图伦发现的最早日期，就刻在密室的碑文上。同样重要的是壁画寺，里面满是壁画，而如今，大多数壁画都在时间流逝、风云变迁中被抹去。此外，从该寺庙还可依稀看出几种建筑风格来。柱屋的结构比此处其他建筑都要复杂，因而值得研究。其结构有如宫殿一般，它有四间房，每间房的主要入口都朝向南。六根柱子支撑着堂屋的屋顶，另外还有一个带顶的圣堂。除了它的东侧朝向大海外，图伦都被矮墙环绕着。西侧的两个角落耸起两座瞭望塔，每座塔内都有一个祭坛。一个小小的海湾偎依在悬崖脚下，以白沙为裙，过往的小商船就由这里靠岸。

艺术不是手艺，它是艺术家体验到的感情的传递。

注释

[1]appropriate[ə'prəʊpriət] a.适当的；恰当的；合适的

[2]maritime['mærɪtaɪm] a.海的；海事的；海运的；船舶的

[3]columns['kɔləmz] n.柱（column的名词复数）；纵队；栏；（舰队的）纵列

在它们消失之前要记住的地方

Places to Remember Before They Disappear

Maldives

Maldives is an archipelago country,which consists of 1200 islands,in the Indian Ocean.It is best-known for its picturesque scenery:White beach,swaying palm trees,colorful corals and abundant sunshine.80 percent of average elevation of Maldives is lower than one meter.If the sea level keeps on rising for global climate change,this beautiful paradise might disappear underneath the sea water sooner or later.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji,India,1290 meters above sea level,receives the most largest annual rainfall in the world.But 98 percent of the local rainfall comes from March to October every year,and the climate will become rather dry during the other four months.There is no reservoir for the rainwater storage there.Also for recent global climate change,environmental pollution,deforestation and soil erosion[1],the locals even can't get enough water for survival in the dry season.

The Sulu-Sulawesi Sea

The Sulu-Sulawesi Sea,neighboring Indonesian Seas and South China Sea,lies at the center of the world's tropical marine biodiversity[2].Some of the coral ecosystems here are the most diverse ones on Earth,with more than 450 species of stony corals—compared to 50 in the Caribbean and approximately[3]200 in the western Indian Ocean.

Bangkok

Bangkok,the capital of the Thailand,is located at the region of the Chao Phraya Delta.It is the political,economic,cultural and educational center of Thailand.Bangkok is low-lying and always threatened by floods during monsoon season.

名人语库

What you really value is not what you have,but what you miss.

～Jorge Luis Borges

你真正珍惜的，不是你所拥有的，而是你已失去的。

——豪尔赫·路易斯·博尔赫斯

马尔代夫

马尔代夫是印度洋海域的一个岛国，由1200个小岛组成。岛上风景如画，因此闻名遐迩，洁白的沙滩、随风飘摇的棕榈树、五彩斑斓的珊瑚、充足的阳光——可谓应有尽有。马尔代夫群岛的平均海拔80%都在1米以下。如此一来，如果全球气候变化，海平面随之继续上升，那么，这个美丽的天堂迟早会淹没在茫茫大海之下。

乞拉朋齐

位于印度的乞拉朋齐，海拔1290米，年降水量世界第一。但每年其98%的降水量都集中在3月～10月之间，其余4个月的气候则非常干燥。那里没有水库，不能蓄水，同样也无法应对近年来全球气候变化、环境污染、过度砍伐和水土流失等问题。每逢旱季，当地人甚至连生活用水都无法保障。

苏禄—苏拉威西海

苏禄—苏拉威西海与印尼海域和中国南海接壤，它位于世界热带海洋物种多样性的中心。这里有着世界上最丰富的珊瑚生态系统，其中包括450多种石珊瑚——相比之下，加勒比海区域只有50种，西印度洋也只有将近200种。

曼谷

泰国的首都曼谷，位于湄南河地区，是泰国的政治、经济、文化和教育中心。曼谷地势较低，因此到了季风季节，总会遭遇洪灾威胁。

注释

[1]erosion[i'rəuʒən] n.腐蚀，侵蚀，磨损；烧蚀；磨蚀；糜烂

[2]biodiversity[ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜ:səti] n.生物多类状态，生物多样性

[3]approximately[ə'prɔksɪmətli] ad.近似地，大约

法国最长的河流

The Longest River in France

The Loire,the longest river in France,rises south of the Central Massif and flows into the Atlantic Ocean 1020 km later.This is the part that goes from the city of Orleans to the city of Tours,enclosing that area of the Loire Valley in which over 100 magnificent castles lie.

What we are looking at is the castle of Beauregard.In this residence the central part has a double gallery with arcades opening onto the ground floor which was commissioned by Jean de Thier,secretary of state to Henri II.There is a collection of paintings quite unique in the world.

This sumptuous salon,built in the 17th century,which is covered with exquisite woodwork and has a marvelous ceiling with decorated beams,contains over 300 portraits going from the first sovereign of the Valois up to Louis XIII of Bourbon.Here is Charles VIII,Louis XII and Francois I,it was primarily they who brought to the region:painters,cabinet-makers,sculptors,and architects,who were to live and work here.

In this chapel,which has a nave and two aisles,there lies the tomb of a genius:Leonardo Da Vinci.Leonardo arrived in Amboise in 1517,having been invited to the court by Francois I,and was put up in this residence which is called Cols-Luce.The artist lived out the last years of his life here and Francois I acquired that masterpiece that even today represents one of France's treasures:the Mona Lisa.

We continue on our way to visit another very special castle:Villandry.Built on the banks of the Loire in 1536 it is distinguished by its architectural peculiarity,which is characterized above all by its rectangular pavilions instead of round towers.But its fame is especially connected to the marvelous Italianate gardens.Here in Villandry he called Don Pacello da Mercogliano to the court,which were more a great Italian artist rather than a gardener.On the lower level,there is the decorative vegetable garden,the most visually striking and original of the whole estate.It is amazing to see how simple lettuces and vegetables manage to have this ornamental quality.

Excellent wines are produced in the many vineyards in the ancient province of Touraine,which lies around Tours.Wines that make you love this area even more,just as the great writer Honore de Balzac also loved it.And in Touraine you also learn to love wine.Its history dates back as far as the Gauls and its international.Reputation has certainly no need of further comment.

The ones here are the dry white Sancerre,strong and vibrant,Vouvray,sparking and clear,it looks like a waterfall of pearls.This wine reminded Rabelais,the great writer of the 16th century,of taffeta,a silky and delicate fabric.

Those who love glowing reds will not be disappointed by the Loirs Valley:here is Bourgueil,with the strong perfume of raspberries.Chinon,on the other hand,has a delicate hint of violets.

And so,glasses raised.A toast to the beauty of these dreamlike-places.

A journey on the Loire is a meander in history,art and daily life.It is in a corner of Europe that etched itself deeply in the heart and mind.

文化小课堂

一条伟大河流的美丽之处往往体现于它滋养的当地文化。卢瓦尔河则素以壮丽的城堡、精美艺术和酒文化闻名于世。卢瓦尔河之旅会让你尽情徜徉在汇聚历史、艺术与日常生活的长河之中。

卢瓦尔河是法国最长的河流，发源于南部中央高原，蜿蜒1020公里后注入大西洋。从奥尔良市至图尔市的这段流域，坐落着100多座宏伟的城堡，正是卢瓦尔山谷所在地。

现在我们看到的是波雷加德城堡。建筑中央是一座双层画廊，拱廊开口位于底楼，画廊由亨利二世的国务大臣让·德·蒂尔受命建造，其中藏有多幅世间独一无二的珍品油画。

这所豪华沙龙会馆建于17世纪，四壁用精美的木艺装饰铺就，天花板上的横梁装饰同样精美非凡，令人啧啧称奇。沙龙里陈列了300多幅君主的肖像，从瓦卢瓦王朝的首任君王到波旁王朝的路易十三世，不一而足。这是查理八世、路易十二世和弗朗索瓦一世，正是他们把画家、木匠、雕塑家和建筑师带到这片区域，而城堡就是他们的工坊兼住处。

这座小教堂内设一座中殿和两条走廊，一代画师雷奥纳多·达·芬奇就安葬在此。1517年，达·芬奇觐见过弗朗索瓦一世后来到安博瓦兹，并被安排居住在克勒斯——鲁斯城堡。大师在这里度过了他的余生，弗朗索瓦一世也因此得到了达·芬奇的杰作——《蒙娜丽莎》。时至今日，这幅画作依然是法国的国宝级代表作品。

我们继续向前，参观另一座非常特别的城堡：维朗德里。城堡于1536年建于卢瓦尔河畔，与众不同之处就是它奇特的建筑风格——出其不意地采用了亭阁式方顶，而不是塔楼式穹顶。但这座城堡之所以四海闻名，还是因为这里非凡的意大利式花园。在维朗德里城堡内，堂·帕切罗·达·默克格里亚诺曾受召前来觐见，与其说帕切罗是名园丁，倒不如说是一名伟大的意大利艺术家。他在底楼设计了一座装饰性蔬菜园，视觉上极具冲击力，是整个城堡里最具原创性的景观。莴苣等蔬菜就那么随意地自行生长，却能完成装饰的使命，亲眼看着这一切发生，令人惊叹不已。

图尔市所在的都兰郡历史悠久，郡内葡萄园众多，盛产优质葡萄酒。品一口葡萄酒，就会令你加倍热爱这片土地，伟大的作家巴尔扎克也是这样爱上这里的。在都兰郡，你还会学到如何热爱葡萄酒。葡萄酒历史悠久，早在高卢时期就已享誉全球，此处已无需多言。

这里出产有醇香激越的桑赛尔干白，以及晶莹剔透的武弗雷白葡萄酒，宛若珍珠串成的瀑布。这种酒曾令16世纪的伟大作家拉伯雷想起一种丝般光滑的精美织物——塔夫绸。

倘若诸位喜爱热情洋溢的红葡萄酒，那么卢瓦尔山谷也不会令你们失望，因为这里既有散发着树莓馥郁香气的布尔盖伊红酒，还有成色如紫罗兰般温婉雅致的希农红酒。

那么，就让我们举起酒杯，为这些如梦似幻的美丽城堡干杯吧。

卢瓦尔河之旅让你尽情徜徉在汇聚历史、艺术与日常生活的长河之中，相信这欧洲一隅已深深镌刻进每个人的心灵之中。

不为人们熟知的世界十大古都

The Unfamiliar Ancient Capital in the World

1.Rome

It's impossible to stroll through modern Rome and not bump into reminders of its ancient past.The Forum,the Colosseum and the Pantheon,just to name a few,are lasting testaments[1] to the capital of an empire once made up of 2.5 million square miles,three continents and about 100 million people.The empire reached its zenith in 117 AD,when the emperor Trajan ruled from Rome and months-long gladiator games were held to celebrate the city's glory.

2.Athens

Democracy,math,philosophy,the Olympics ...what didn't come out of Athens,the ethereal capital of ancient Greece?Athens fought long and hard,in confiicts on the sea and on land,to become leader of all Aegean city-states by the early 5th century BC.It celebrated its victories by building great temples like the Parthenon,the iconic symbol of art and architecture in ancient Greece.A plague—likely typhoid fever—contributed to the empire's fall.

3.Constantinople

Today it's shared by two continents as the Turkish city of Istanbul,but ancient Constantinople never once had to share the spotlight after Rome fell from grace in the 4th century AD.From that date through the Middle Ages,Constantinople was the world's largest and richest city,becoming the center of the new Roman Empire,the Byzantine Empire and finally the Ottoman Empire.Art and learning flourished in its universities and cathedrals,including the spectacular Hagia Sophia.

4.Babylon

Famous for its “wondrous” hanging gardens,the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon had as turbulent a history as its location in present-day Iraq suggests.Everyone from the ancient Assyrians to Alexander the Great wanted to get their hands on this strategic location,and it would become the capital for many ruling groups over a period of several thousand years.King Nebuchadnezzar II,creator of the gardens,led the city during its splendid architectural[2] heyday around 600 BC.

5.Cuzco

All roads in the Incan empire once lead to Cuzco,bustling capital in the Andes Mountains from the early 1400s until its discovery by European explorers in 1532.To retreat from the big city,Incan kings would head to their summer home of Machu Picchu further up in the mountains.

6.Tenochtitlan

Legend—and bits and pieces of historical fact—indicates that Tenochtitlan was once the world's biggest and most beautiful city.The capital of the great Aztec empire,which eventually morphed into today's Mexico City,had about 300000 inhabitants when Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1521.Despite being built atop a lake according to the wishes of an important Aztec deity,ancient engineers made Tenochtitlan as efficient as any city in Europe with a complex system of causeways and canals.

7.Thebes

Most people think of Cairo and the Great Pyramids when they think of ancient Egypt,but the heartbeat of the magical pharaonic dynasties actually beat much further up the Nile at Thebes.Thebes was the ruling capital of ancient Egypt during its most dominant eras,beginning with the Old Kingdom 4500 years ago,and is home to two of its most revered temples at Karnak and Luxor.Most of Egypt's holy rulers are also buried nearby in the famous Valley of the Kings.

8.Great Zimbabwe

At 1800 acres in breadth and the only one of its kind in Africa,the complex of Great Zimbabwe confounded early European colonialists,who couldn't believe that sub-Saharan peoples were capable of its creation.They were,in fact,and built the complicated structures sometime after 1200 AD,when a wide-reaching empire of about 20000 Shona cattlemen ruled the area.

9.Xi'an

The Chinese city of Xi'an was the central stronghold for all of the country's most important ancient dynasties going back 3000 years.Tourists flocking to see the city's Terra Cotta Army,6000 unique and life-size statues buried to protect the tomb of the great Zhou emperor Qin Shi Huang,has made Xi'an famous in modern times.That will only multiply[3] when the emperor's sprawling mausoleum,rumored to hold invaluable treasures and rivers of mercury,is finally opened by archaeologists.

10.Cahokia

With upwards of 30000 inhabitants at its peak in about 1100 AD,Cahokia,Illinois remained North America's first and biggest real city until the Northeast's population exploded in the late 18th century.This urban center of the Mississippi culture had organized leadership,commerce and a penchant for mound-building.Monk's Mound,the largest at 100 feet tall,dominates the site and was probably a mighty foundation for the home of the resident spiritual leader.

名人语库

The value of culture is its effect on character.It avails nothing unless it ennobles and strengthens that.Its use is for life.Its aim is not beauty but goodness.

～Somerset Maugham

文化的价值在于它对人类品性的影响。除非文化能使品性变为高尚、有力。文化的作用在于裨益人生，它的目标不是美，而是善。

——萨默塞特·毛姆

1.罗马

即便漫步在现代的罗马城里，你也不得不顿然想起它的历史。古罗马广场、圆形大剧场和万神殿，随便列出几个，都是这个曾由250万平方英里、三大洲和将近1亿人口组成的古帝国首都的永恒遗证。公元117年，罗马帝国盛极一时，罗马皇帝图拉真曾举行长达数月的角斗比赛，以欢庆帝国的辉煌盛世。

2.雅典

民主、数学、哲学、奥林匹克……还有什么辉煌成就不是出自古希腊首都雅典呢？公元前5世纪早期，雅典经过长期艰苦的海陆征战，成为爱琴海所有城邦之首。为庆祝胜利，雅典修建了许多大神庙，诸如帕台农神庙，它是古希腊艺术和建筑的神圣象征。而帝国的瓦解，源自于一场瘟疫——很可能是伤寒。

3.君士坦丁堡

君士坦丁堡就是如今地跨两洲的土耳其城市伊斯坦布尔。可是，自罗马于公元4世纪辉煌殆尽后，就再没有谁与古君士坦丁堡争抢风光。从那一天起，纵横整个中世纪，它都是世界上最大、最富裕的城市，还成为新罗马帝国——也就是拜占庭帝国——和后来的土耳其帝国的中心。艺术和文化教育在当时的学校和教堂（包括圣索菲亚大教堂）中相当盛行。

4.巴比伦

古代美索不达米亚平原城市巴比伦，以其“奇妙”的空中花园著称，同时，因其位于当今伊拉克境内，故有着一段混乱的历史。从古代亚述人到亚历山大大帝，人人都想染指这一重要的战略要地。数千年来，它也一直被众多统治者定为首都。大约在公元前600年，古巴比伦国王尼布甲尼撒二世占领耶路撒冷，修建了空中花园，开创了巴比伦在建筑学上的辉煌历史。

5.库斯科

从15世纪到1532年被欧洲探险家发现，库斯科都是安第斯山上一座繁忙的都城，印加帝国所有的路都可通向这里。印加的国王们从大城市撤出，来到深入山间的避暑之地马丘比丘。

6.特诺奇蒂特兰

传说——以及零零碎碎的历史事实——都表明特诺奇蒂特兰曾是世界上最大的、最美丽的城市。特诺奇蒂特兰最终演变成如今的墨西哥市，它曾是伟大的阿兹特克帝国的首都，1521年，西班牙侵略者入侵时，它拥有30万人口。尽管传说特诺奇蒂特兰建于湖泊之上是遵循一位重要的阿兹特克神灵的遗愿，不过，古代建筑师设计的复杂的堤道和排水系统，也使它足以和欧洲任何一座城市媲美。

7.底比斯

大部分人提到古埃及时就会想起开罗和金字塔，而神奇的法老王朝的中心实际上是尼罗河流域更深处的底比斯。从4500年前的古埃及王国开始，底比斯就是古埃及大多数重要朝代的首都。这里有令人敬畏的卡纳克和卢克索神殿，此外，埃及大多数德高望重的统治者都被埋在著名的帝王谷附近。

8.大津巴布韦

方圆1800英亩的大津巴布韦曾是非洲独一无二的都城。欧洲的早期殖民者们见到它后大为吃惊，他们简直不敢相信当地的人民能够创建出这样的城市。事实上，他们的确做到了，公元1200年（当时，拥有2万修纳牛仔的庞大王国统治着这一地区）后，他们修建了这些结构复杂的建筑。

9.西安

回溯到3000年前，长安几乎是所有古代主要王朝的中心要塞。游人们蜂拥而至，前来参观这里的兵马俑。秦始皇陵中埋藏着多达6000种世界上独一无二的、真人般大小的兵马俑，用以保护大周皇帝秦始皇，西安也因此蜚声一时。在考古学家们后来打开了延伸的陵墓后，西安更是声名倍增。据谣传，秦始皇的墓中除了埋藏着无价之宝外，还有水银河。

10.卡霍基亚

在18世纪末，北美东北部人口大爆发前，美国伊利诺伊州的卡霍基亚一直是北美地区第一座最大的、也是真正意义上的城市，约在公元1100年，它的城市居民一度达到3万人。这个密西西比河流域的城市文化中心曾经秩序井然、商业繁茂、土丘群云集，其中，僧侣堤坝高达100英尺，在城中居高临下，它很可能曾被居民的精神领袖用来作为建造居所的地基。

注释

[1]testaments['testəmənts] n.遗嘱（testament的名词复数）；实际的证明

[2]architectural[ˌɑ:kɪˈtektʃərəl] a.建筑学的；建筑上的；有关建筑的；符合建筑法的

[3]multiply[ˈmʌltɪplaɪ] v.乘；（使）相乘；（使）成倍地增加；（使）繁殖

举足轻重的世界十大袖珍国

Tiny Countries That Pack a Big Punch

Size isn't everything.Here are ten of the smallest countries in the world.Some of them are rarely visited,except by travellers collecting visa stamps.Most are islands,often far flung.Their wealth varies,from nearly the highest per capita GDP to nearly the lowest,but all still manage to delight or enlighten the most world-weary of travellers.

Monaco,1.95 sq km

If you want posh then you've come to the right principality.Monaco was established in 1297 when François Grimaldi seized the fortress that still dominates the area from a rival Italian faction.The 195-hectare independent state,which lies on an exceptionally picturesque,narrow coastal strip,has long been a tax refuge for the spectacularly rich and famous.Actress Grace Kelly,who married Monaco's Prince Rainier,is buried in the cathedral[1] in the heart of the wonderfully preserved Monaco-Ville old town.Exploration on foot is facilitated by public lifts and escalators to help overcome steep hills.

Dress smart if you don't want to stand out.

Grenada,344 sq km

This oval landmass,known as the Spice Isle because it produces vast quantities of mace and nutmeg,contains some of the Caribbean's most spectacular natural vistas.From a narrow coastal plain,volcanic cliffs rise majestically through luscious rainforest to form Grenada's mountainous backbone,now under the protection of the Grand Etang National Park.Grand Etang itself is a water-filled crater that,legend has it,is bottomless;few have the nerve to swim in the eerily tranquil waters.Spectacular interior hiking trails lead to wonders such as Concord Falls,while beachcombers should head for the Levera National Park.

Malta,316 sq km

You'll never say there's nothing to do in Malta.For its size,the tiny rock and limestone island puts on an inordinate[2] number of festivals throughout the year,but particularly in summer.There's the Mediterranean Food Festival,the Malta Fireworks Festival,as well as a Jazz Festival and,most fabulous of all,a two-day event put on especially so that attendees can help select the country's entry into the Eurovision Song Contest .When you've had enough human interaction,head to a nearby uninhabited island to unwind,or wander into the interior to check out the megalithic ruins of the island's conquered indigenous inhabitants.

San Marino,61 sq km

Because of San Marino's high altitude,the view when walking around this enclave of central Italy is a bit like looking out of an aeroplane window onto endless clouds and the spectacular snow-capped Apennines.Founded in AD 301 by a stonemason named Marino,the rugged city-state claims to be the world's oldest republic.Steeped in medieval history,a visit here is not complete without trekking up to the three imposing tower-fortresses perched along the cliff tops,the oldest of which,the Rocca Guaita,dates back to the 10th century.Also check out the infamous torture museum,which uses diagrams to explain how the gruesome instruments were used.

Liechtenstein,160 sq km

Despite being the butt of jokes told across its borders in Switzerland and Austria,Liechtenstein has much to offer the open-minded traveler.Within its 160 sq km are awesome ski-fields,centered on the enchanting hamlet of Malbun,that have produced 11 Olympic alpine-skiing medals for the tiny country.Cyclists of all levels can burn along more than 90km of trails in the Rhine Valley and around the Eschnerberg mountain.

Marshall Islands,181 sq km

Mums and feminists get an especially warm welcome when they visit this remote chain of around 60 coral atolls and islands in the Pacific.The republican population of just over 52000 has retained the matrilineal traditions of original Marshallese culture,and at a young age children are taught politeness and respect for women and elders.The region is celebrated for its juicy coconuts,and as a world-class haven for divers,the crystal waters concealing WWII wrecks and endless reefs.Wotje Atoll is generally regarded as the most beautiful atoll in the world,with a lagoon filled with giant clams harvested by the islanders.

Saint Kitts&Nevis,261 sq km

Comparisons are often made between the dual Caribbean island nation of St Kitts&Nevis and the lush,tropical paradises of the South Pacific.St Kitts,the larger of the two islands,is dominated by a central mountain range,with a dense covering of rainforest,above which rises the cloud-fringed peak of Mt Liamuiga,a dormant volcano.Natural preservation is a key government aim,with laws forbidding[3] any construction above the height of the tallest palms.The beaches are pristine,as are the surrounding waters savoured by aquanauts from around the world.The country's colonial past has also been preserved and makes for a revelatory visit.

Maldives,298 sq km

As with most remote islands,some of the best adventures in the Maldives are to be had in the ocean.Particularly renowned are sunset cruises offered on most of the 200 inhabited islands（out of a total of 2000）.Expect to find yourself clicking with joy as scores of dolphins put on an effortless natural display that you won't find at any marine park.Another popular excursion is night fishing,where even the lamest landlubber can expect to reel in a snapper.During the day it's a toss up between sunbathing or donning a snorkel and chasing angelic reef fish through corridors of coral.

Tuvalu,26 sq km

The nine low-lying atolls and islands of Tuvalu comprise one of the most isolated independent nations on earth,huddled together in an idyllic and unspoiled corner of the Pacific.Due to the high costs associated with getting there,Tuvalu is still rarely visited.The country's total land area of just 26 sq km is formed by a curving chain stretching 676 km in length;it's the gateway to tranquil reef diving,uninhabited beaches and paradisiacal weather（except during hurricane season）.In this idyllic setting,dancing and singing is still the number one entertainment,with lively falekaupule shows put on each night.

Nauru,21 sq km

The main purpose of a trip to the world's smallest republic is education.Named Pleasant Island by its first European visitors in recognition of its lush vegetation and friendly locals,Nauru has since become a striking example of resource mismanagement.In just 50 years,a consortium of British and Australian mining companies has destroyed 80%of the island's 21-sq-km land mass,an area known as ‘topside’.Standing in the middle of this wasteland,mined for its valuable phosphates,is a shocking lesson of how greed can decimate ecosystems.It is not something you are likely to forget in a hurry.

名人语库

Someday,I hope that we will all be patriots of our planet and not just of our respective nations.

～Zoe Weil

我希望有一天我们所有人都能爱上我们的这颗星球，而不仅仅是我们各自的国家。

——佐伊·维尔

大小并不能说明一切。这里我们将介绍世界上十个最小的国家。其中一些可谓人迹罕至，前来的也只是一些收藏签证章的游人们（译者注：指喜欢环游世界的人）。另外，它们大多数都是遥远的岛国，贫富程度各不相同，有的占据最高人均国内生产总值，有的收入已近底线，但是它们有一个共同之处，那就是能取悦或启迪那些厌世的游客。

摩纳哥公国，面积1.95平方公里

如果你想感受奢华，那你就来对了地方。摩纳哥建于1297年，当时，弗朗索瓦·格里马尔迪从掌控着这一领域的意大利竞争对手手中夺取了摩纳哥城堡。这个占地仅195公顷的独立公国，坐落于风景别致的狭长海岸线旁，长久以来，它都是富人名流们的税收庇护地。摩纳哥王子雷尼尔的妻子——演员格雷丝·凯莉，就安眠于保存完好的摩纳哥古镇中心的教堂里。如果你步行探寻此地，公共电梯和自动扶梯可帮助你爬上陡峭的山岩。如果不想被当作另类，在摩纳哥，就穿得时髦点吧！

格林纳达，面积344平方公里

这块因“香料之岛”而著称的椭圆形大陆，因盛产大量的肉豆蔻得名，同时，它也拥有加勒比海岸最为壮丽的自然景观。火山崖在一个狭小的海岸平原上拔地而起，穿过富饶的热带雨林，形成了格林纳达山体的主心骨，如今，它处于格兰伊坦国家公园的保护之下。传说中，格兰伊坦本身是由一个蓄满水的无底的火山坑组成，因而，几乎没有人敢在这个太过平静的水域里游泳。岛上风景壮丽的远足小道可将你引致奇观胜地，比如康科德瀑布，而那些“海滨拾荒者们”（译者注：指喜欢在海边游玩的人），就要前往莱维拉国家公园了。

马耳他，面积316平方公里

在马耳他，你绝不会找不到事情做。这个袖珍的石灰岩岛国全年举办大量的狂欢节，夏季更是盛会连连。地中海美食节、马耳他烟花节、爵士节，尤其是最负盛名的特别节目“欧洲电视歌唱大赛”，它为期两天，由参赛者甄选出入围选手。如果你不想继续和人打交道，便可到荒郊远岛散心，或是深入其中，感受被征服的土著居民留下的巨石遗址。

圣马力诺共和国，面积61平方公里

由于地势高，在意大利中心飞地圣马力诺边走边看下面的风景，就如同从飞机上往外看一望无际的云层和雪山封顶的亚平宁山脉。它是公元301年由一位名为马力诺的石匠创建。这个崎岖不平的城市国家被视为世界上最古老的共和国。这里充满了中世纪的历史色彩，若是不曾远足到悬崖顶上那高耸入云的三座碉堡塔，旅程就不会完整。而其中最古老的罗卡·古阿依塔可以追溯到10世纪。另外，你也应该去一次臭名昭著的酷刑博物馆，它用图画的方式展示出如何使用那些残忍的工具。

列支敦士登，面积160平方公里

除了瑞士和奥地利边境的笑话外，列支敦士登也可以为思想开放的游客提供诸多笑料。在这160平方公里上，有一个了不起的滑雪场，而这个位于马尔邦神秘小村庄的滑雪场，则为这个袖珍之国培养了11位奥林匹克高山滑雪得奖者。凡是骑游爱好者都能在莱茵河谷和环埃舍纳贝格山上90多千米的小道上骑游。

马绍尔群岛，面积181平方公里

位于太平洋上的约60个遥远的珊瑚环礁和群岛，尤其欢迎母亲和女权主义者前来参观。该共和国仅拥有5.2万多人口，他们大部分都保留了马绍尔传统的母系文化。孩子们从小就接受教导，要尊敬女性和长辈。这里有备受赞誉的多汁椰子、世界级的潜水天堂，还有掩藏了二战残骸和无尽暗礁的水晶水域。人们普遍认为，沃杰环礁是世界上最美丽的环礁，它附带有一个环礁湖，众多岛民还会来湖中采收巨蛤。

圣基茨和尼维斯，面积261平方公里

人们经常将加勒比海岛国圣基茨和尼维斯同南太平洋上富饶的热带天堂作比较。圣基茨面积较大，有山脉横穿其中心，山上覆盖着浓密的热带雨林，其上的休眠火山—莱尔米迦山峰高耸入云。环境保护是当地政府的主要目标之一，他们甚至制定法律，禁止建筑的高度超过最高的棕榈树。这里都是原始海滩，还有备受世界各地潜水爱好者喜爱的周边水域。而国家的被殖民历史也得到了很好的保护，如此一来，来此旅游便成了一次启迪之行。

马尔代夫，面积298平方公里

和众多遥远的岛国一样，马尔代夫最刺激的旅程也是在海洋上。其中尤其出名的是，它的200个小岛上（总计2000多个）大多会提供黄昏乘船游览。那时，你会见到许多海豚的天然表演，这是你在任何海洋公园都看不到的，你会为此而欢喜不已。另外，马尔代夫还有一项很受欢迎的远足项目，也就是夜间钓鱼，即便是最差劲的“旱鸭子”，估计都能有所收获。而在马尔代夫的白日里，你可以享受阳光浴、潜水或者穿过珊瑚礁追捕天使般的礁鱼。

图瓦卢，面积26平方公里

图瓦卢的9个低纬度环礁和岛屿群，组成了世界上最遗世独立的国家之一，它们聚集在南太平洋的一个角落里，那里的景致天然淳朴，美不胜收。由于抵达这里的交通成本高，图瓦卢至今游人寥寥。该国的国土面积仅有26平方公里，被一条总长676千米的弯道包围在中间。人们可以经由此地去享受安静的珊瑚礁潜水，领略原始海滩风光，享受天堂般的气候（除了飓风时节）。在这个世外桃源，唱歌和跳舞仍然是首选的娱乐方式，而且，每天晚上都会有生动的图瓦卢舞表演。

瑙鲁，面积21平方公里

来到这个世界最小的共和国的主要目的就是教育。当第一批来到这里的欧洲游客见识到瑙鲁的富饶物产和友好风情后，便将其命名为欢乐岛，而之后，瑙鲁却成了资源管理不当的典型。仅仅在50年间，一家英国和澳大利亚联合矿业公司就破坏了其国土的80%，面积为21平方公里，是一个以“最上层”而闻名的地方。站在这片荒岛上，从对其珍贵磷矿的大肆开采中，我们能够见证贪婪对生态系统的巨大破坏，这样令人震惊的教训，叫人久久不能忘怀。

注释

[1]cathedral[kə'θi:drəl] n.总教堂，大教堂

[2]inordinate[ɪn'ɔ:dɪnət] a.过度的；无节制的；紊乱的；

[3]forbidding[fəˈbɪdɪŋ] v.禁止（forbid的现在分词）；妨碍；阻碍；阻止

十大令人叹为观止的瀑布

The Breathtaking Falls in the World

1.Sutherland Falls[Fiordland,New Zealand]

In a country that holds a special place in our hearts,this gorgeous 580m waterfall is easily New Zealand's most spectacular waterfall and makes our list.Given its remote location deep in the wild and beautiful Fiordland National Park（also a World Heritage Area）,it's one of many highlights of the Milford Track—said to be one of the finest walks in the world.

2.Dettifoss[J·kulsárgljúfur,Iceland]

It is Europe's most powerfull waterfall sending glacial meltwaters over its 44m precipice unchecked at a flow of around 500 cubic meters per second.It epitomizes[1] the wild and raw Icelandic Nature and is a favorite amongst Icelandic Nature lovers.Its position at the head of the impressive J·kulsárgljúfur（the Icelandic version of the Grand Canyon）surrounded by three other major waterfalls on the same river makes it a no-brainer for this to make our Top 10 Waterfalls List.

3.Gullfoss[Haukadalur,Iceland]

One of the more unique waterfalls you'll ever see in the world,this wild and wide waterfall tumbling on the Hvítá River in two tiers at 90 degree angles to each other is one of Iceland's iconic natural attractions.Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland's main attractions in the Southwest,this is a must on anyone's itinerary[2].In addition to the falls’ unique shape,you can see rainbows arcing over the falls when your timing's right and the weather cooperates.

4.Kaieteur Falls[Potaro River,Guyana]

Said to be one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world,this rectangular-shaped monster（said to be 741ft tall 370ft wide）sits atop the ancient Guyana Shield amidst some of the most pristine rainforest left on earth!Indeed a visit to this world wonder can yield rare wildlife settings as well as the reassurance that there are still places on the planet where nature is still allowed to thrive.Thus,Julie and I had to make room for this waterfall on our Top 10 List!

5.Yosemite Falls[California,USA]

Even though this waterfall doesn't flow year round,it does flow for a good part of the year and it's one of the tallest in the world at 2425ft.It's the crown jewel of attractions in the incomparable Yosemite Valley and it's easily seen from a multitude of viewpoints and trails.So given its ease of access,scenery,and sheer size,this waterfall makes our Top 10 Waterfalls List.

6.Angel Falls[Canaima,Venezuela]

Plunging uninterrupted for 807m（with total drop of 979m）from a mystical tabletop mountain（tepuy）deep in a Venezuelan equatorial rainforest,it is widely acknowledged as the tallest permanent waterfall in the world.Its existence defies logic as its source is nothing but the soggy cloud forest on the plateau of the tepuy.No doubt about it,there's nothing like this waterfall and the adventure to even get to this so-called Lost World（MundoPerdido）for a chance to see this world wonder is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

7.Plitvice Waterfalls[Northern Dalmatia,Croatia]

When it comes to the overall waterfalling experience,it's hard to beat this world famous attraction.While the rest of the waterfalls on our Top 10 List are primarily singular waterfall attractions,this one is really a network of countless waterfalls（some of which are impressive enough to stand out on their own）.The waterfalls themselves segregate[3] the many clear and colorful lakes that bring life to this lush and protected ecosystem.Plus,you have boardwalks that take you under,over,and around almost all of the notable waterfalls for some of the most intimate waterfalling experiences to be had.Add it all up,putting these waterfalls on this list was an absolute no-brainer as far as Julie and I were concerned.

8.Niagara Falls[Ontario,Canada/New York,USA]

Easily the most famous waterfall in North America,this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a whopping average of about 750000 gallons per second（2.8 million Liters per second）!vIn addition to its raw power,the falls is easily one of the easiest to access and view from all sorts of angles.While its surroundings are a bit less naturesque for many,it clearly makes the upper tier of our list of Top 10 Waterfalls.

9.Victoria Falls[Livingstone,Zambia/Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe]

Easily deserving of the top spot on this list（though it finished a very close second）,it's the largest singular waterfall in the world spanning a width of 1.7km,a height of 108m,and an average flow of 1 million liters per second!It's no wonder this “smoke that thunders” is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.Indeed,it's got power,beauty,and it will make you humble and awestruck.

10.Iguazu Falls[Puerto Iguazú,Argentina/Foz do Iguaçu,Brazil]

With its brink spanning a distance of an incredible 2km in its average flow of 1.3 million liters per second,this falls tops our list of favorites.The falls actually consists of some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades.Catwalks make it easy to get closeup and intimate views and the rainforest surroundings make the scenery feel right for a natural attraction such as this.Put it all together and Julie and I believe this falls is heads and shoulders above the rest（except Victoria Falls）that we've seen!

名人语库

Art is long,and time is fleeting.

～Longfellow

艺术是永恒的，时间则是瞬息即逝的。

——朗费罗

1.萨瑟兰瀑布【新西兰峡湾】

在这样一个于我们心中占据特殊位置的国度，这条长达580米的瀑布自然是新西兰最为壮观的瀑布，自然也在我们的旅行之列。它深处偏远地带——原始而美丽的峡湾国家公园（同时也是世界遗产区域），还是米尔福德步行道的诸多亮点之一——据说该步行道是世界上最棒的步行道之一。

2.古斯拂瀑布【冰岛大峡谷】

该瀑布是欧洲最威力无比的瀑布。据估计，冰川融水以约500立方米每秒的速度，从44米高的悬崖上飞流而下。它作为原生的冰岛自然风光的缩影，成为了冰岛自然爱好者最喜爱的风景之一。此外，它位于令人印象深刻的J·kuls árglj úfur（冰岛语版的大峡谷）之巅，四周围绕着源自同一河流的其他三个主要瀑布，有了这样的地势，它入选十大瀑布之列也就轻而易举了。

3.黄金瀑布【冰岛，豪卡道鲁】

它是你所见过的最为独特的瀑布之一。该瀑布是冰岛标志性的自然景观之一，水流湍急，流域宽广，从哈维塔河上翻滚而下，然后分流成相互垂直的两道瀑布。作为冰岛金环在西南地区主要景点的一部分，该瀑布是每一个到此旅游之人的必选项目。除了瀑布独特的造型，如果时间恰当、天气适宜，你还可以一睹彩虹横跨瀑布的壮观。

4.凯厄图尔瀑布【圭亚那波塔罗河】

这个长方形怪物（据传高为741英尺、宽370英尺）坐落于古老的圭亚那地盾之上，周围是全球最原始的热带雨林，据说，它是全球最高的单流瀑布！的确，参观这一世界奇观既可以一睹珍稀野生动物的生存环境，还可确证，在地球上，仍有一隅之地供自然茁壮成长。因此，我和朱莉一定要让此瀑布名列世界十大叹为观止的瀑布！

5.优胜美地瀑布【美国加州】

虽然该瀑布并不是四季长流，但一年之中，它不少时候都在流动，此外，它高达2425英尺，是世界上落差最大的瀑布之一。它是无与伦比的优胜美地山谷上一颗璀璨的明珠，从众多的观景点和林间小径都可轻易观赏到这一壮美景观。由于其轻易可见、风景壮丽，再加上规模庞大，该瀑布也位列我们的十大瀑布名单之一。

6.安赫尔瀑布【委内瑞拉卡奈马】

发源于委内瑞拉的赤道雨林深处，从颇为神秘、形如桌面的山峰（tepuy）之上飞泻而下，最长一级瀑布高达807米（总落差979米），是世界上公认的常年不断流的最高瀑布。它的存在合乎逻辑，其源头发自特普伊的高原之上雨水充沛、云雾密布的森林之中。毫无疑问，如此壮观的瀑布世间罕有，冒险前往这个所谓的失落的世界（西班牙语MundoPerdido），如果有幸得见这一世界奇观，一定会让你印象深刻。

7.普利特维采瀑布【克罗地亚北达尔马提亚】

纵观所有观赏过的瀑布，无一能敌过这个世界闻名的景观。十大瀑布榜单上其他的瀑布主要都是单流瀑布，而这一个，着实是一个瀑布网，它由不计其数的瀑布组成（其中一些令人印象深刻，足以脱颖而出）。瀑布之间彼此分隔开来，独立形成众多清澈多彩的湖泊，而这些湖泊赋予了这片葱翠无限生机，更是保护了此处的生态系统。另外，你还可以踩着木板，游览上下左右几乎所有著名的瀑布，并且享受最亲密的瀑布体验。总之，在我和朱莉看来，该瀑布入选这份名单绝对是无可争辩的。

8.尼亚加拉瀑布【加拿大安大略省、美国纽约】

该瀑布气势恢宏，在轻而易举摘得北美最著名的瀑布桂冠的同时，还以大约平均每秒75万加仑（即每秒280万升）的速度入选水流量最多的瀑布之列！除了其原始动力，该瀑布也是从各个角度都最容易接近和观赏到的。虽然对于许多人来说，它周围的环境少了些许原生态的自然风光，但是，它显然可以入选十大瀑布榜单上佳之列。

9.维多利亚瀑布【赞比亚利文斯通、津巴布韦维多利亚瀑布城】

轻易可排上这份榜单之首（虽然最后也以微小的差距夺得第二）的维多利亚瀑布，是世界最大的单流瀑布，它横跨1.7公里，高108米，平均流量每秒100万升。如此，这个号称“霹雳之雾”的瀑布被视为世界七大天然奇景之一，更被联合国教科文组织列为世界遗产，也就不足为奇了。实际上，它气势恢宏，美妙绝伦，让人连生谦卑和敬畏之情。

10.伊瓜苏瀑布【阿根廷伊瓜苏港、巴西福斯杜伊瓜苏】

其边缘跨越距离达2公里，平均流量每秒130万升，实在令人叹为观止，该瀑布也因此得以名列榜首。该瀑布实际上由大约275个独立的瀑布组成。走上步行小道，便能领略近距离的风光，周围的雨林环境恰到好处地衬托出它的自然风光。综合考虑，我和朱莉觉得该瀑布绝对可以傲视群雄，超过我们所见过的其他所有瀑布（除了维多利亚瀑布）。

注释

[1]epitomizes[i'pitəmaiziz] v.作为（某物）的缩影（epitomize的第三人称单数）

[2]itinerary[aɪ'tɪnəreri:] n.旅程，路线；旅行日程；旅行指南；旅行日记

[3]segregate['seɡrɪɡeɪt] v.（使）分开；分离；隔离；隔离并区别对待（不同种族、宗教或性别的人）

全球最酷的七大图书馆

The Seven Coolest Libraries on the Global

How cool can libraries be in an era of iPads and Kindles?More than you think.Only if you know where to go.

1.Central Library:Seattle,Washington,United States

The Central Library in Seattle is sleek,modern and sophisticated[1] and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours.Yes,actual tours.

In its first year,more than 2 million tourists visited the library,which was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus.Tours began in 2006,two years after its opening.

The library was voted onto the American Institute of Architects 150 favorite structures[2] in the United States.

The library holds various art exhibitions,book signings and other events throughout the year,while visitors can stop by the Chocolati cart for a coffee and browse through the gift shop anytime.

2.Trinity College Library:Dublin,Ireland

The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland,founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.

Not only is the exterior impressive,it boasts the largest single chamber library in the world,also known as the Long Room,which contains more than 200000 of the library's oldest books.

The Long Room houses one of the oldest harps in Ireland.Dating to the 15th century,the oak harp is the model for the emblem of Ireland.

3.Geisel Library,University of California:San Diego,United States

At first glance,it looks like a spaceship.

Architect William Pereira,who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston,Texas,designed the library in 1970.It has been featured in sci-fi films,short stories and novels.

If you need a hint of which film,think of Leonardo DiCaprio,dreams and a lot of snow.

Yes,the snow fortress in the film “Inception” looks a lot like the Geisel Library.

But of course,it's not just the exterior that's interesting.The library also hosts “Dinner in the Library”,which invites readers for cocktails,a silent auction and also a special speech from prominent authors.

4.TU Delft Library:The Netherlands

The library at the Delft University of Technology was constructed in 1997 and has more than 862000 books,16000 magazine subscriptions[3] and its own museum.But it will only take a glance to be mesmerized,as it is a sight to remember.

The building itself exists beneath the ground,so you can't really see the actual library.What makes it interesting is the roof,which is a grassy hill.

A huge cone pierces the grass roof,which symbolizes technology.

The roof covers 5500 square meters.Construction of the roof posed several difficulties in terms of maintenance and leakage,but it has become one of the most striking and greenest structures in the area.

5.Bibliotheca Alexandrina:Alexandria,Egypt

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the revival of the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria,which was the largest and most influential library in the Greek world.It was built by Alexander the Great some 2300 years ago.

The new library was reborn in 2002 on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea after 10 years of designing,planning and construction.

Along with the standard libraries with books,there are four museums covering antiquities,manuscripts and science,and also 15 permanent exhibitions,including “Impressions of Alexandria”，“Arabic Calligraphy” and “The History of Printing”.

With its circular yet tilting form,the library looks like a modern painting.Various carvings and alphabetic inscriptions decorate the flatter side of the building,which the designers explain is “a careful display of the library's basic proviso:language”.

6.Stuttgart City Library:Stuttgart,Germany

The Stuttgart City Library is controversial[4].Some say it's innovative,while others say it doesn't match its environment.

Nevertheless,the library is one of the most interesting buildings in the area,along with the Porsche Museum nearby.

Designed by Korean-born,Germany-based architect Yi Eun-young,the design of the cubic facility was influenced by the ancient Pantheon in Rome.It features a linear-shaped “heart”,which serves as a multi-story meeting space that draws natural sunlight through the roof.

The space throws various events,including book signings,readings and exhibitions.

The white and silver library may not fit perfectly with the green trees and red-roofed houses around the city,but it does stand out.

7.Bishan Public Library:Singapore

Located in the heart of Bishan,the award-winning Bishan Community Library spans 4000 square meters.

Simple and sophisticated,it was designed to look like a tree house.

The colorful pods that stick out of one side of the building represent books protruding from a bookshelf.Inside the library,these pods offer private spaces for reading.Not to mention a perfect place to hold seminars,readings and workshops.

Its ceiling-high glass windows also make it fun to watch people walking and reading from inside the building.

名人语库

There is a great deal of difference between the eager man who wants to read a book,and the tired man who wants a book to read.

～G.K.Chesterton

求知之人读书与懒散之人读书，两者之间天差地别。

——G.K.切斯特顿

在iPad和Kindle盛行的时代，图书馆有多么吃香呢？这是你想都想不到的，除非你去过这些地方。

1.中央图书馆：美国华盛顿西雅图

西雅图的中央图书馆时髦、现代，而且精致无比，吸引了世界各地的游客前来旅游参观。是的，他们是来这里旅游的。

第一年，这个由荷兰建筑师雷姆·库哈斯和美国设计师约书亚·拉莫斯设计而成的图书馆，吸引了超过200万的游客前来参观。自它开馆两年后，也就是2006年，就开始有人来此旅游。

该图书馆被评选为最受美国建筑师学会欢迎的150项建筑之一。

此外，该图书馆每年还会举办各种各样的艺术展览、书籍签售会和其他活动，游人们还可在棕色马车旁驻足喝一杯咖啡，或者随意逛礼品店。

2.三一学院图书馆：爱尔兰都柏林

都柏林的三一学院图书馆是爱尔兰最古老的图书馆，它于1592年由伊丽莎白一世兴建。

这座图书馆不仅外观上引人注目，从内部结构看，它还是世界上最大的单室图书馆。此外，它还以老图书馆闻名，馆内藏有古书20多万本。

老图书馆里藏着爱尔兰最古老的一把竖琴。追溯至15世纪，橡木竖琴则是爱尔兰的象征。

3.加利福利亚大学的盖泽尔图书馆：美国圣迭戈

乍一看，这个图书馆就像是一艘宇宙飞船。

建筑师威廉·佩雷拉于1970年设计了这个图书馆，在此之前，他还参与设计位于得克萨斯州休斯敦的卡纳维拉尔角的太空发射装备。与此同时，它还出现在一些科幻电影、短篇故事和小说里。

如果你想知道是哪些电影，那么想想莱昂纳多·迪卡普里奥，梦和大雪。

是的，《盗梦空间》中的雪堡看起来就非常像盖泽尔图书馆。

不过，显而易见，有趣的不仅是它的外在。该图书馆还会举办宴会，请读者喝鸡尾酒，进行无声拍卖，还会有请著名作家做专门演讲。

4.代尔夫特理工大学图书馆：荷兰

代尔夫特理工大学图书馆建于1997年，藏书超过86.2万本，此外还有1.6万种订阅杂志，它还自带博物馆。一眼就让人为之着迷，一眼就让人难以忘怀。

该建筑本身建在地面以下，所以你并不能真正看到图书馆。有趣的是，馆顶竟然是一座草山。

一个巨大的圆锥体穿透草山，它就是科技的象征。

馆顶占地5500平方米。馆顶的构造让维修和渗漏方面遇到一些困难，可它却成为当地最引人注目、最生态的建筑。

5.亚历山大图书馆：埃及亚历山大港

亚历山大图书馆是由古代亚历山大皇家图书馆复修而成，它原是希腊时代最大且最具影响力的图书馆，由亚历山大大帝于约2300年前修建而成。

新图书馆于2002年在地中海海边落成，其设计、规划和修建共历时10年之久。

馆内除了用来藏书的一般图书馆外，还有4座用于收藏文物、手稿和科技的博物馆，以及15个常设性展馆，其中包括“亚历山大印象”“阿拉伯文书法”和“印刷史”。

这圆而倾斜的造型，使得图书馆看起来就像是一幅现代画作。建筑平面装饰着各种雕刻和拼音文字，据设计师解释，这是“对图书馆的根基——语言——的精心展示”。

6.斯图加特市图书馆：德国斯图加特

斯图加特图书馆备受争议，有人说它创新立异，也有人说它与周围的环境格格不入。

然而，该图书馆连同附近的保时捷博物馆一道，成为了该地区最有趣的建筑。

该图书馆由生在韩国、居于德国的建筑师艺云扬设计，其中立方设施的设计受了古罗马万神殿的影响。它的特色是那整齐划一的“内核”，这个“内核”是一个多层的汇合空间，可以吸收从馆顶照下来的阳光。

这里承接各种事项，包括书籍签约、阅读和展览。

银白相间的图书馆或许与该市周围的绿树和红顶房子不甚相宜，可它却别树一帜。

7.璧山公共图书馆：新加坡

璧山公共图书馆坐落于璧山的中心，占地4000平方米，还曾获过奖项。

它的设计简约而精致，看起来就像是一座树屋。

从建筑一侧突出来的彩色吊舱，象征着从书架上伸出的书。在图书馆内部，这些吊舱为人们提供了私人阅读空间，它们还是开培训会、读书和开研讨会的不二之地。

透过那与天花板齐高的玻璃窗，看着人们在里面行走、阅读，这样的景象更添了几分情趣。

注释

[1]sophisticated[səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd] a.复杂的；精致的；富有经验的；深奥微妙的

[2]structures[ˈstrʌktʃəz] n.结构（structure的名词复数）；构造；建筑物；组织

[3]subscriptions[səbˈskrɪpʃnz] n.（报刊，杂志等）的订阅，订阅服务

[4]controversial[ˌkɔntrəˈvə:ʃəl] a.有争议的，引起争议的，被争论的；好争论的

全球十五大迷人城堡

Amazing Castles Around the Globe

1.Hohenzollern Castle,Germany

This fairytale castle is the historical seat of the Prussian Kings and German Emperors.Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages—it was built in the 11th century,then completely destroyed in 1423 and reconstructed in 1461.

The view from the castle that stands on top of Mount Hohenzollern（855 m）is as stunning as the complex itself.The castle is located about 50 kilometers（30 mi）south of Stuttgart,the capital of the Baden-Württemberg state.

2.Castle Howard,England

Although it looks like a castle,Howard is actually a stately home—a private residence of the Howard family that has resided in the complex for more than 300 years.The house,located in North Yorkshire,England,is one of the largest residences in Britain.Its construction commenced at the end of the 17th century and lasted around 15 years.Among the remarkable features of the castle are fabulous gardens and a vast expanse of parkland surrounding the whole complex.

3.Alcázar of Segovia,Spain

Segovia Castle,located in an ancient town of Segovia in central Spain,started off as an Arab fort in the 12th century.Its unique shape of the bow of a ship makes the fortress one of the most distinctive castles in the country.In the Middle Ages Alcazar was a key fortress in the defense of the country.Apparently,it was a source of inspiration for many of the castles produced by Walt Disney.

4.Himeji Castle,Japan

Himeji Castle,also known as White Heron Castle due to its amazing white exterior,is a stunning complex comprised of 83 wooden buildings.One of the most extraordinary defensive elements of the castle is the maze of paths leading to the main keep.The gates and baileys are designed so as to force approaching[1] intruders to travel into spiral pattern,facing many dead ends.It was originally built in the 14th century and is located in the Kansai region of Japan.

5.Prague Castle,The Czech Republic

Prague Castle,an iconic site of the capital of the Czech Republic,is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world.It is about 570 meter long and 130 meter wide,and its design represents literally every architectural style of the last millennium,from Gothic to Romanesque and Baroque features.The first buildings of the complex emerged as early as in the 9th century.

6.PeleşCastle,Romania

Located in an idyllic setting in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania,the PeleşCastle is truly a fairytale construction.Started in 1873,the construction of the complex was quite an international undertaking.This is how Queen Elisabeth of Romania described the construction phase:“Italians were masons,Romanians were building terraces,the Gypsies were coolies.Albanians and Greeks worked in stone,Germans and Hungarians were carpenters.Turks were burning brick.Engineers were Polish and the stone carvers were Czech.The Frenchmen were drawing,and the Englishmen were measuring...” Apparently,there were 14 languages heard among the workers.

7.Mont Saint-Michel,France

Mont Saint-Michel is a rocky tidal island and a commune in Normandy,France.It is located approximately one kilometer（just over half a mile）off the country's north-western coast,at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches.The population of the island is 41,as of 2006.The island has been a strategic point holding fortifications[2] since ancient times,and since the 8th century AD it became the seat of the Saint-Michel monastery,from which it draws the name.

8.Neuschwanstein Castle,Germany

The castle,whose construction began in 1896,was designed by Christian Jank,a theatrical set designer rather than an architect,for Ludwig II of Bavaria who was declared insane before the castle's completion.This explains a lot.The architecture,the location and the size of the Neuschwanstein are spectacular and somewhat crazy.Situated on a rugged hill,in southwest Bavaria,today the castle is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions.

9.Corfe Castle,England

Although ruins are all that remained of Corfe Castle,the fortifications still make quite a big impression.Located in the county of Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck,the castle dates back to the 9th century.It is believed,however,that Corfe might have emerged much earlier and was a Roman defensive site.The parts whose remnants you can see today were constructed in the 11th century,and two centuries later the fortress was used as a royal treasure storehouse and prison.

10.Matsumoto Castle,Japan

Matsumoto Castle is an absolutely stunning Japanese castle located in the city of Matsumoto,within easy reach of Tokyo.The castle was built in 1504 and today it is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.It was in use until mid-19th century.After the Meiji Restoration in 1868,the new Japanese government was so broke that it decided to demolish the castle and sell the timber and the iron fittings（this was the fate of many castles in Japan at the time）.Matsumoto was rescued by local citizens who purchased it in 1878.

11.Burg Eltz Castle,Germany

Burg Eltz is another example of outstanding German castles.This amazing medieval construction in southwest Germany is still owned by a branch of the same family that resided there over 800 years ago.The present owner of the castle is Dr.Karl Graf von und zu Eltz who represents the 33rd generation of the House of Eltz.

12.EileanDonan Castle,Scotland

Built in the 13th century to hold back the Vikings,today EileanDonan Castle is one of the most famous sites in Scotland.Most probably it was named after Bishop Donan who came to Scotland in the 6th century.It is situated on an island,surrounded by the amazing scenery of the Scottish highlands.The fortress has been rebuilt at least four times and for around 200 years（from 18th to 20th century）it actually laid in ruins.It was re-opened in 1932 and since then it has been visited by thousands of travelers from around the world.

13.Neuchâtel Castle,Switzerland

The castle,built at the end of the 10th century,was a gift of Rudolph III King of Burgundy to his wife.This very generous present gave its name to the town,the lake and then the Swiss canton where the castle is situated.Rebuilt in the 15th and 17th century,today the castle is the seat of cantonal government and the law courts.

14.Guaita Fortress,San Marino

Guaita Fortress,located on Guaita peak and overlooking the city of San Marino,is an iconic image of this micro country embraced by Italy.The fortress was constructed in the 11th century and served as a prison for some time.Guaita is one of the Three Towers of San Marino,located on the three peaks of Monte Titano.The towers are depicted[3] on the San Marino's national flag and its coat of arms.

15.Conwy Castle,Wales

Conwy is one of the most prominent fortresses built by Edward I in the 13th century.It is one of the key castles of the king's “iron ring” of fortresses constructed in Wales.The stronghold was quite an expensive undertaking—it is estimated that Edward spent £15000（£162 million in 2009）on the construction,which makes it the most costly castle in the Welsh history.Today Conwy is declared a World Heritage Site and its eight towers,overlooking the Conwy estuary,are the iconic image of North Wales.

名人语库

If a jewel falls into the mire,it remains as precious as before;and though dust should ascend to heaven,its former worthlessness will not be altered.

～A.L.Jaber

宝石即使落入泥潭，仍然珍贵如昔；尘土纵然扬到天上，也是一无是处。

——贾比尔

1.霍亨索伦城堡，德国

这个童话般的城堡是历史上普鲁士国王和德国皇帝的祖宅，它的起源可追溯到中世纪。城堡始建于11世纪，后于1423年被彻底摧毁，1461年得以重建。

从霍亨索伦山顶（855米）的城堡俯视而下，美景尽收眼底，就如城堡本身一样令人惊叹。该城堡位于巴登—符腾堡州的首府斯图加特以南约50公里（30英里）处。

2.霍华德城堡，英格兰

尽管霍华德看似是一座城堡，但它其实是一处庄严的宅邸——霍华德家族居住了300多年的私人住宅。它坐落于英格兰北约克郡，是英国最大的住宅之一。17世纪末开工建设，历时15年左右。该城堡的显著特点是围绕着整个建筑群的神话般的花园和一片广袤无垠的绿地。

3.塞哥维亚城堡，西班牙

塞哥维亚城堡位于西班牙中部塞哥维亚一个古老的小镇，12世纪兴建之初本是作为阿拉伯堡垒。它的独特船首造型使该要塞成为该国最有特色的城堡之一。在中世纪，阿尔卡萨是一个守卫国家的要塞。显然，它是华特·迪士尼创建的许多城堡的灵感之源。

4.姬路城，日本

姬路城，由于其非凡的白色外观也被称为白鹭城，由83个木质建筑组成，令人叹为观止。城堡最特别的防卫元素是通向中心的迷宫小道。门和外墙的设计是为了迫使接近的入侵者误入螺旋形建筑，陷入诸多死角。它始建于14世纪，坐落于日本关西地区。

5.布拉格城堡，捷克共和国

布拉格城堡作为捷克共和国首都的标志性建筑，是世界上最大且最为古老的城堡之一。其长约570米，宽130米，它的设计真正代表了近千年来的建筑风格，汇集了从哥特式到罗马式以及巴洛克风格的特点。此外，早在9世纪该建筑就已问世。

6.佩莱斯城堡，罗马尼亚

佩莱斯城堡坐落于罗马尼亚喀尔巴阡山脉的田园风光之中，是名副其实的童话般的建筑。该建筑始建于1873年，建设工程凸显了国际化风格。罗马尼亚的伊丽莎白女王如是描述施工阶段：“泥瓦匠是意大利人，罗马尼亚人建设阳台，吉普赛人当苦力。阿尔巴亚人和希腊人干石活，德国人和匈牙利人充当木匠。土耳其人烧砖。波兰人当工程师，捷克人负责石雕。法国人画图，英国人测量……”显然，工人之间能听到的语言多达14种。

7.圣米歇尔山城堡，法国

圣米歇尔山是一座岩石耸立的潮汐岛，系法国诺曼底的一个小镇。位于阿夫朗什附近的库埃斯农河河口，距离该国西北海岸约1公里（仅半英里多）。2006年，该岛人口为41人。岛上留存工事自古以来就是出于战略打算。自公元8世纪以来，它成为了圣米歇尔的道场，其名也由此得来。

8.新天鹅堡，德国

该城堡始建于1896年，由剧场布景设计师而非建筑工程师的克里斯蒂安·扬克设计。在城堡尚未完工前，巴伐利亚路德维希二世就被告知已发疯。这说明了很多问题。新天鹅堡的建筑设计、位置以及规模蔚为壮观，兼具几分疯狂。该城堡坐落于巴伐利亚州西南部一个坚固的山丘上。如今，那里已是该国最热门的旅游景点之一。

9.科夫堡，英国

虽然科夫堡只剩下留存的废墟，但是其工事仍然足以令人印象深刻。该城堡位于波贝克岛上的多塞特郡，可追溯至9世纪。然而，有观点认为，科夫堡可能出现得更早，当时是罗马的一个防守据点。现今可见残存的部分建于11世纪，两个世纪之后，该堡垒已被用作皇家珍宝库和监狱。

10.松本城，日本

松本城绝对是一座令人叹为观止的城堡，位于松本市，与东京只有咫尺之遥。这座城堡始建于1504年，今日已被列为日本国宝。直至19世纪中叶，才停止使用。1868年明治维新后，日本新政府过于贫弱，遂决定拆除城堡，销售木材和铁件（这是当时日本许多城堡的命运）。1878年当地居民将其购买下来，松本城得以幸存。

11.埃尔茨城堡，德国

埃尔茨城堡是德国知名城堡中的又一个典范。这个令人惊叹的中世纪建筑位于德国西南部，现在仍由居住其中达800多年的古老家族的一个分支拥有。城堡的现任主人是卡尔·格拉夫·冯·祖·埃尔茨博士，他是埃尔茨家族的第33代传人。

12.艾琳多南城堡，苏格兰

艾琳多南城堡建于13世纪，最初的目的是为了阻挡维京人，如今已成为苏格兰最著名的景点之一。该城堡极有可能是因多南主教而得名——多南主教于6世纪到达苏格兰。该城堡坐落于一座岛上，四周围绕着苏格兰高地的迷人景致。它至少已经有过4次重建，在之后约200年间（18世纪至20世纪期间）沦落成废墟。1932年得以重新开张，自此后，它迎来了世界各地无以计数的游览者。

13.夏兰古堡，瑞士

修建于10世纪晚期的夏兰古堡是勃艮第鲁道夫三世赠送给妻子的礼物。后来，这个城镇、湖泊和城堡所在瑞士州的名字都来源于这个大手笔的礼物。古堡分别在15世纪和17世纪重建，如今，它已是州政府和法院的所在地。

14.古阿依塔城堡，圣马力诺共和国

古阿依塔城堡坐落于古阿依塔顶峰，俯瞰整个圣马力诺市，是这个被意大利包围的小国的标志性建筑。该城堡修建于11世纪，过去曾充当监狱。古阿依塔是圣马力诺三大塔之一，分别坐落在泰塔山的三个山峰上。这些塔出现在圣马力诺国旗以及盾徽上。

15.康威城堡，威尔士

康威是最出名的城堡之一，由爱德华一世在13世纪时建造而成。这座城堡是爱德华一世在威尔士修建的“铁环”堡垒中重要的一环。这座堡垒耗资巨大，据估算，爱德华一世当时花费了1.5万英镑（2009年等值为162百万英镑）修建这个城堡，使之成为威尔士历史上耗资最大的建筑物。如今，康威成为世界遗产，而其能俯瞰康威港湾的八座塔，则成为北威尔士的标志。

注释

[1]approaching[ə'prəʊtʃɪŋ] a.侵入的，逼近的，接近的

[2]fortifications[ˌfɔ:tɪfɪˈkeɪʃnz] n.筑垒，设防（fortification的名词复数）；碉堡

[3]depicted[dɪ'pɪktid] v.描绘，描画（depict的过去式和过去分词）；描述

世界上最漂亮的国家公园

World's Top 12 National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

In 1872,President Ulysses S.Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Act,making a 2 million-acre expanse teeming with geysers,canyons and herds of bison the first national park in the world.The law would protect a swath of land from Wyoming to parts of Montana and Idaho preserving the territory's natural wonders for the benefit of future generations.The idea caught on quickly.Australia,Canada and New Zealand quickly followed suit,creating their own national parks—by definition places of great natural beauty,not altered by man,open to the public and protected by governmental authorities.

Serengeti National Park

Chase the Migration through Serengeti National Park and you'll have the ride of your life.This game preserve plays host to one of the largest annual wildlife movements on the planet;over a million wildebeests and other four-legged friends chase the horizon from one end of the park to the other.Between shooting（photographs of）the animals,take in the diverse terrain.Highlights of the landscape include Lobo Valley and Ngorongoro Crater.

Grand Canyon

Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world,the Grand Canyon captivates visitors with shifting colors,incredible depth,and unique rock formations.There are numerous ways to the take in this national park,but via helicopter or raft are two of the most creative and thrilling.Whether you're in the air,on the Colorado River,or on solid ground,be sure to photograph the canyon from multiple[1] vantage points.

Machu Picchu

In 1981,the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area were declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary—which is close enough to “national park” for us.Inhabited by humans for hundreds of years,the UNESCO World Heritage Site annually draws thousands of visitors eager to behold the remains of this ancient metropolis and the natural splendor of the Andes Mountain.Hiking the historical Inca Trail from Cusco is the best way to absorb the sanctuary's majesty.

Fiordland National Park

Thanks to Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy,many people have fallen in love with New Zealand's dramatic landscape.Nowhere in the country is more picture-perfect than Fjordland National Park.While the Sutherland Falls impresses visitors,it's the Milford Sound（a deep fjord carved by a glacier）that steals most of the thunder.You'll find this park near Queenstown.

Galapagos Islands

Made famous by Charles Darwin,this chain of islands hosts an incredible array of wildlife.From the colorful insects to the chirping birds to the unusual reptiles（i.e.Galapagos tortoises）,the creatures here enchant[2] observers.While you probably won't tire of nature watching,you can also lounge on beaches,swim alongside sea lions,and trek across uninhabited islands.

Yellowstone

With numerous attractions scattered through the park,Yellowstone is the Disneyworld of national parks.In the summer,you'll even encounter full parking lots and restroom lines.Still,its popularity has not dulled its natural beauty.Mammoth Hot Springs,Old Faithful,and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone continue to amaze visitors year after year.

Canaima National Park

You can't pass up the world's tallest waterfall,so you shouldn't miss Canaima National Park.Located in southeast Venezuela,this park boasts the awe-inspiring Angel Falls,which pours water from more than half a mile high.A UNESCO world heritage site,Canaima has a unique geographical formation called a “tepuis”,a massive rock plateau that covers roughly 65 percent of the park.

Kruger National Park

South Africa's iconic Kruger National Park is perhaps the most tourist-friendly game park in Africa.It boasts a vast array of campsites,safari packages,family excursions,and luxury lodges.Where else can you sip wine while watching giraffes?Despite its popularity and convenience for homo sapiens,Kruger continues to host hundreds of animal species（antelope,leopards,and cheetahs among them）,just waiting to be photographed.

Banff

Close your eyes and picture the snowy peaks of Switzerland.Now,turn to face north and open your eyes.There,you'll see Banff National Park in our neighbor's backyard.With countless ski runs,hiking trails,and mountain bike paths,this Canadian Park is a prime destination for adventure.Plus,its proximity[4] makes a visit easier and more affordable than international destinations,like the Swiss Alps.

Torres Del Paine National Park

You won't spot many animals here（especially at the higher elevations）,but that's okay because the landscape is the true star of the show.Located in Chilean Patagonia,Torres Del Paine National Park encompasses more than 400000 acres of stunning geographical features,like its four lakes,Grey Glacier and Paine Massif—the jagged stone peaks that crown the park.Adventure seekers can explore the terrain on horse-back,a boat,or their own two feet.

Kakadu National Park

Located in Australia's rugged Northern Territory near the city of Darwin,Kakadu National Park amazes travelers with its varied geography,featuring rocky plateaus and expansive wetlands.In addition to the aboriginal people,an amazing array of animals,including crocodiles and wild horses,also call this park home.

Yosemite

Just a few hours from San Francisco,Yosemite is a small world unto itself.This park encompasses diverse landscapes such as Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows.It has famous monuments,like Half Dome and El Capitan,and plenty of hidden treasures tucked along its 750 miles of trails.While some visitors explore these attractions on foot,others admire them from afar（Glacier Point is a popular lookout spot）.

名人语库

The lanscope belongs to the man who looks at it.

～Ralph Waldo Emerson

风景属于看风景的人。

——拉尔夫·沃尔多·爱默生

黄石国家公园

1872年，尤利西斯·辛普森·格兰特总统签署了《黄石国家公园法案》，打造了这个占地200万英亩，间歇喷泉、峡谷、野牛成群的世界首个国家公园。这部法案为了子孙后代的幸福，保护从怀俄明州至蒙大拿州和爱达荷州的每一片土地，以保护区域类的自然奇观。这个想法迅速走红，澳大利亚、加拿大和新西兰争先效仿，设立了国家公园。国家公园，顾名思义就是受政府保护的、拥有未被人类破坏的壮美自然景观、并对公众开放的场所。

塞伦盖蒂国家公园

追随塞伦盖蒂国家公园的动物迁徙活动，你会感受自己的生命年轮。这里的迁徙活动是全球范围内规模最大的野生生物活动之一，有超过100万角马和其他四肢动物沿着地平线从公园的一端移至另一端。在给动物们摄影拍照的同时，也能将丰富多样的地貌收入眼帘。大灰狼谷和恩戈罗恩戈罗火山口是该国家公园的两大亮点。

美国大峡谷

被视为世界七大奇迹之一，美国大峡谷以五光十色、极致的深度以及奇特的岩石构造吸引着世界游客。至于观赏这个大峡谷的方式，你可以有多种选择，但是最富创造力和最激动人心的，也就莫过于透过直升机和木筏观赏了。不过，无论你是在空中、水上还是陆地上，别忘了用相机从多角度记下这个大峡谷哦。

马丘比丘

1981年，印加帝国遗迹马丘比丘及其周围地区被划为秘鲁历史保护区——我们觉得这基本上等同于“国家公园”。这个由联合国教科文组织认定的世界文化遗产，人类已经在此居住了几百年之久，每年都会吸引成千上万的游客，只为前来一睹这座古老大都市的遗风及安第斯山脉的崇山峻岭。若想一探此保护区的圣洁光辉，最好从库斯科沿印加遗址开始徒步旅行。

峡湾国家公园

要感谢彼得·杰克逊的《魔戒》三部曲，让很多人爱上了新西兰的美丽风光。不过，新西兰最美的风光非峡湾国家公园莫属。萨瑟兰瀑布会让人印象深刻，而米佛峡湾（由冰川雕刻出的陡峭峡湾）则会让人心潮澎湃。峡湾国家公园坐落在昆士城附近。

加拉帕戈斯群岛

这个因查尔斯·达尔文而出名的群岛，野生动物种类多得惊人。五颜六色的昆虫、欢歌的鸟类以及奇形怪状的爬行动物（例如加拉帕戈斯陆龟），这些多种多样的生物吸引着众多观赏者。也许观看自然万物会让你精神振奋，一扫疲劳，但是，加拉帕戈斯群岛依然为你提供休憩的海滩、与海狮共游以及探险原始岛屿的活动。

美国黄石国家公园

黄石国家公园是国家公园里的迪士尼乐园，它能满足不同的观赏游玩需求。夏季游人众多，甚至连停车场和厕所都会爆满。与其受欢迎程度相比，它的自然风光毫不逊色。猛犸温泉、忠实的老朋友喷泉以及黄石国家公园大峡谷，每年都让众多游客惊叹不已。

卡奈马国家公园

你不能错过世界上落差最大的瀑布，所以你不能不去卡奈马国家公园。卡奈马国家公园坐落于委内瑞拉东南部，拥有世界上著名的安赫尔瀑布[3]——瀑布从超过半英里高的高度飞泻而下。卡奈马作为联合国教科文组织认定的世界遗产，有着一种独特的地质地貌，也就是著名的“桌山”——一个覆盖了整个公园近65%面积的巨大岩石平原。

克鲁格国家公园

作为南非的标志，克鲁格国家公园也许是南非最“与人为善”的野生动物园了。克鲁格国家公园内分布着众多的露营营地、游猎点、家庭远足驻扎点以及豪华的度假酒店。除了这里，你还能在哪儿边喝酒、边观赏长颈鹿呢？虽然备受现代人的喜爱，并且便于现代人来此游玩，但是，克鲁格国家公园依然是成百上千种动物（其中有羚羊、美洲豹和猎豹）的栖息地，它们在此等候着游人。

班夫国家公园

闭上你的眼睛，想象一下瑞士的雪峰。然后，面向北方，睁开你的眼睛。你会在我们邻国的后花园看到班芙国家公园。加拿大班夫国家公园享有众多滑雪道、徒步旅行路线以及山地车路径，因而是探险者的黄金圣地。另外，因为相距不远，去游玩会更容易，也不会像去瑞士阿尔卑斯山这样的国际目的地那样昂贵。

托雷斯·德·佩恩国家公园

你不会在这里看到很多的动物（尤其是海拔较高的地区），但是没关系，因为真正的亮点是它的风景。托雷斯·德·佩恩国家公园占地40多万英亩，位于智利巴塔哥尼亚，拥有震撼人心的地质地貌，比如它的四个湖泊、格雷冰川和参差不齐的佩恩石峰，浑然一体，组成了公园的皇冠。探险者可以骑马、乘船或者走路探寻这里的地形地貌。

卡卡度国家公园

卡卡度国家公园位于澳大利亚崎岖不平的北部地区，临近达尔文市，因其繁杂的地质地理情况（以岩石平原和广袤的湿地为特征）吸引着众多游人。除了土著居民，这里也是诸多动物的家园，包括鳄鱼、野马。

美国约塞米蒂国家公园

约塞米蒂国家公园距离旧金山仅几个小时的车程，是一个自成一体的小世界。公园里有各式各样的景色，如蝴蝶森林和图奥米草原。这里有许多著名的历史遗迹，如半圆丘和埃尔卡皮坦，沿着它那750英里长的小径，还可以找到许多隐藏的瑰宝。一些游客喜欢走路探访这些景点，还有些游客则倾向于远观它们（冰川点是一个著名的远处观景台）。

注释

[1]multiple['mʌltɪpl] a.多重的；多个的；复杂的

[2]enchant[ɪn'tʃɑ:nt] v.使心醉，使迷惑；用魔法迷惑

[3]译者注：原名委内瑞拉天使瀑布。

[4]proximity[prɒk'sɪməti] n.接近，邻近；接近度，距离；亲近

阅读课堂 与地名有关的俚语

Slang Related to Place Names

meet one's Waterloo

倒霉，遭受毁灭性打击，灭顶之灾

滑铁卢是一代天骄拿破仑遭受惨败的地方。遭遇滑铁卢，对一个人来说，后果不堪设想。无怪据说二战期间，在准备诺曼底反攻时，温斯顿·丘吉尔和随员冒雨去某地开会，其随员因路滑而摔了一跤，脱口说一句“To meet Waterloo!”丘吉尔竟联想到拿破仑兵败滑铁卢的典故，恼怒地斥责他：“胡说！我要去凯旋门呢！”

be Greek to someone

不知道，不明白

英国人一般都不懂希腊语。这句话的直译是：对于某人来说，这是希腊语。引申为“不明白”、“一窍不通”。

Greek kalends/calends

幽默、诙谐地表达“永远不”

Kalends是罗马日历的第一天。古希腊不用罗马日历，所以永远不会有这一天。

请看例句：

A：When will you finish your work?

B：At the Greek kalends.

A：你什么时候才能做完工作？

B：永远没有那一天。

castle in Spain

西班牙城堡

比喻“幻想，梦想”，相当于汉语中的“空中楼阁”。

在中世纪某一时期，西班牙是一个颇富浪漫色彩的国家，过于浪漫就成了梦幻。

请看例句：

He is always living in a castle in Spain as a daydreamer.

他是个一直住在空中阁楼里的空想家。

set the Thames on fire

做出惊人之举，取得非凡成就

火烧泰晤士河，这是何等伟大的壮举！但是这句成语经常是用来表示相反的意思，指那些人“对某事只是夸下海口，而不是真正想去做”。

from China to Peru

到处

它的意义非常明白，指从世界的这一边到世界的那一边，当然就是“遍布各地，到处”。

between Scylla and Charybdis

进退两难

锡拉和卡津布迪斯之间，即“在两个同样危险的事物之间”，或是“腹背受敌，进退两难”的意思。

锡拉是传说中生活在意大利岩石上的怪兽，卡津布迪斯是住在海峡中一端经常产生漩涡的怪兽。水手为了躲避其中一个的危害，而常又落入另一个灾难。意大利这一方的海角叫凯尼斯（Caenys），西西里岛那一方的海角叫皮罗鲁姆（Pelorum）。

When in Rome,do as the Romans do.

入乡随俗

请看例句：

Take it easy and have a try!You know,when in Rome,do as the Romans do.

放轻松点，试一试吧！你知道，要入乡随俗。

carry coals to Newcastle

做徒劳多余的事

纽卡斯尔盛产煤，送煤到那里，岂不是多此一举？

请看例句：

You are carrying coals to Newcastle if you water those flowers right now.The rain is just around the corner.

你现在浇花就是多此一举。马上就要下雨了。