法国波尔多的城堡与美酒

 　　BORDEAUX, MAY 2003 - The name appears on millions of bottles of wine, one would almost forget it is also the name of a town in France. The place is crowded with cathedrals, statues and other monuments that remind you of its great history and cultural importance. The city became rich some centuries ago thanks to the two rivers 'Garonne' and 'Gironde', as overseas ships from many continents used the port for trading. Nowadays the port has lost its importance, but the name of Bordeaux did not lost its prestige¹, thanks to the sweet gold... wine !

　　波尔多，2003年5月—一个在酒瓶上出现了百万次的名字，人们几乎快忘了它还是法国一个小镇的名字。这个地方到处都是教堂，雕塑和其它让你忆起这个城市的伟大历史和文化重要性的遗迹。在几个世纪前，由于加隆河和纪龙德河流经这里，所以来自各个大陆的商船都把这里作为交易的港口，因此波尔多变得富裕了起来。现在港口已经失去了它的重要性，但是波尔多的声誉却一点也没掉价，正是由于那甘甜的琼浆—金黄色的葡萄酒！

　　A visit to the vineyards is a pleasure in many ways. The landscapes are just fantastic - this countryside is ideal² for abicycle trip - it is great way to explore the little villages, meet the locals, experience the 'couleur locale'...

　　参观葡萄园在很多方面都是一种乐趣。风景真的是太迷人了—这里的郊野特别是自行车旅行的理想之地—那正是一种探索小村落，偶遇当地人，经历地方色彩的绝佳方式。

　　The landscapes are dotted with castles (chateaux) , which makes the experience sometimes like being in a fairy tale. A lot of these 'chateaux' can be visited, often a guided tour with explanation about the wine making process and wine tasting is offered - this is really the good life ! A little word of warning however : it can become hot , very hot, and when with a bicycle, one better not exagerate wine tasting along the way...

　　地平线上各式各样的城堡耸立着，那样仿佛好像就是置身于神话的世界当中。当中很多的城堡是可以参观的，通常会有导游解释葡萄酒的制作工序，并且可以提供品尝—那真是一种多么美妙的生活啊！但是，一个小小的警告：葡萄酒可能会变得很烈，非常烈，所以当你骑着自行车旅行时，最好别沿途夸大你的酒量……

　　But don't worry , the good life can be continued when one comes back in the evening and can enjoy the richness of the French cuisine³. Oysters⁴, 'Foie gras', different 'Patés', of course with the appropriate choice of Bordeaux wine...it is difficult to make a choice from the menu here and did I mention the deserts yet ? Many nice restaurants, often at great locations with a nice atmosphere. And dfter dinner a nice stroll⁵ in town, watch the sun set, and then a nightcap in the hotel - good life can be simple !

　　但是也不必太担心，当夕阳西下踏上归途时，美好的生活仍然可以继续，你可以享受到丰富的法国菜，牡蛎，鹅肝，和其它各式各样的东西，当然，适度的波尔多葡萄酒更是一个不错的选择…要从这些菜单中做出选择那真是一件为难的事情，对了，我有提及甜点吗？有许多优雅的旅馆，通常坐落在很好的位置并且氛围都不错。晚饭过后，在小镇的路上缓缓而行，静观夕阳西下，然后在睡前于旅馆里喝上一杯—简单的生活也是一种幸福！

　　Bordeaux, a place to remember and return to !

　　波尔多，一个令人怀念和想重返的地方！

1 prestige   

n.声望，威望，威信

参考例句：

• Their products enjoy ever higher prestige in the world market.他们的产品在世界市场上享有越来越高的声誉。
• He has high prestige among the masses.他在群众中威信很高。

2 ideal   

adj.理想的，完美的；空想的，观念的；n.理想

参考例句：

• The weather at the seaside was ideal—bright and breezy.海边的天气最宜人，风和日丽的。
• They promised to be faithful to their ideal for ever. 他们保证永远忠于自己的理想。

3 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。

4 oysters   

牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• We don't have oysters tonight, but the crayfish are very good. 我们今晚没有牡蛎供应。但小龙虾是非常好。
• She carried a piping hot grill of oysters and bacon. 她端出一盘滚烫的烤牡蛎和咸肉。

5 stroll   

n.闲逛，漫步；v.闲逛，漫步

参考例句：

• We are ready to take a stroll in the village.我们准备到村里遛遛。
• I am rather fond of a solitary stroll in the country.我颇喜欢在乡间独自徜徉。