墨西哥城:墨西哥是哪个国家

　　 　　City of Palaces 　　墨西哥是世界十大著名的旅游国度之一。气候宜人，风光秀丽，名胜古迹繁多。而到墨西哥旅游，最不能错过的就是举世闻名的旅游胜地――墨西哥城了。该城以“宫殿都城”之誉驰名世界，密布于市内及周边地区的古印地安人文化遗迹闪烁着人类文明的璀璨光芒，使人留连忘返。本期，我们就将走近这座西半球最古老的城市――墨西哥城。
　　
　　With more than 20 million inhabitants, Mexico City, capital of the Republic of Mexico, is the third largest city in the world. Like all large metropolis"s, Mexico City is an amalgamation of several cities and towns that have grown into each other over decades of urban sprawl, giving Mexico"s capital city a rich variety of districts, each with its own character. Each civilisation and historical era that has visited the city has left its mark. The rich history of the region has been remarkably well preserved, from the mysterious ruins of the lost Aztec empire to the elegant European buildings of the colonial period to the avant-garde structures of modern Mexico. Mexico is a country with a rich, diverse and dynamic culture which converges in the nation"s heart, Mexico City; City of Palaces.
　　
　　
　　Attractions
　　
　　1. Teotihuac án- Of all the Aztec sites in Mexico, the ruins of Teotihuacán is the most popular. It is located 40km north of the capital. In the 5th century this was Mexico"s political centre and was home to 200,000 inhabitants. The city consisted of pyramids, temples and palaces, the ruins of which can be visited today. The Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun are its most famous landmarks.
　　2. Centro Historico - The Centro Historico is the centre of the city, which the Aztecs originally set out like a celestial map, aligned according to the four cardinal points, and which later developed into Mexico City. The historical centre of the city is a showcase of exceptional colonial and modern architecture based on interplay of pink sandstone and red tezontle rock. The focal point of this area, and of the country"s traditional festivals, social struggles and national celebrations, is the Zocalo. The offices of the President and other important buildings are situated here. Despite the political character of Centro Historico, its age-old penchant for commerce lends it a pulsating rhythm and bustle best enjoyed on foot or by bicycle-taxi.
　　
　　3. Alameda Central - Alameda Central is a leafy park in centre of Mexico City. It is a welcome retreat from the crowds and noise of the city"s streets but, more importantly, it is here that the visitor will find the Palacio des Belles Artes, which houses some of the best examples of Mexican art, most notably the world famous murals of such artists as Rufino Tamayo and Diego Rivera.
　　
　　4. Xochimilco - Xochimilco, which means "Place where Flowers Grow" in Náhuatl, lies 20km south of the city centre. Its canals are popular with city residents for fun and relaxation. Merrymakers cruise the canals in colourful trajineras. Weekends are busiest and a fiesta atmosphere descends on the area. For a more chilled out experience, go on a weekday.
　　5. Coyoacán - Although the capital city ①swallowed up this small town more than fifty years ago, it still retains its original flavour in the form of narrow cobblestone streets, plazas and cafes. This was once home to Leon Trotsky, whose house has been converted into a museum. On weekends, street musicians and craft markets draw large crowds.
　　
　　
　　Events
　　
　　Mexico City is a megalopolis that never stops. It provides the visitor with a seemingly endless list of activities and festivals that capture the vibrancy of the Mexican spirit. If you are lucky enough to visit in September you will have the pleasure of witnessing the boisterous Independence Day celebrations. Independence Day falls on the 16th; head to the Zocalo on the eve of this important date to enjoy the party. In March, a cultural festival takes place in the Centro Historico. For the whole month there are classical music performances, dance spectacles and other cultural events.
　　
　　Wining and Dining
　　
　　
　　Mexican cuisine is famous worldwide and fuses Spanish and French flavours to the spicy tastes of the native fare. When the Aztecs ruled Mexico imperial feasts were said to consist of over 300 dishes. The restaurants of modern Mexico City, be they five star or street stalls continue to provide stomachs with a dazzling variety of food from the forty-odd culinary regions of the country. Traditional Mexican cuisine makes ample use of corn, chili, squash, cactus leaves, tomato and avocado, fragrant vanilla and delicious chocolate and demands a delicate touch and infinite patience, not to mention time-tested recipes passed down from generation to generation. The pre-Hispanic dishes are by far the most interesting and surprising, consisting of dishes with delicately flavored flowers and insects, and slices of turkey or rabbit wrapped in aromatic leaves, to name but a few examples.
　　
　　In Mexico, eating is something which is heavily influenced by tradition. The type of meal that will be served will often depend on the occasion and the social origin of the guests. In Mexico City, people will eat certain foods at certain times of the day.
　　☆ The almuerzo is a meal which follows breakfast (in particular if this was only a light meal), and is the perfect occasion to try tamales and atole, or a cooked dish accompanied with tortillas or chilaquiles.
　　☆ Lunch, served between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon, is generally heavier than in other countries, and incorporates spices and condiments. The first dish is usually of soup or rice, followed by a main cooked dish and then, if desired, a sweet or dessert. All washed down with freshly-prepared natural fruit drinks.
　　
　　☆ The merienda, in the early evening, is a family affair in which sweet flavors dominate: Spanish-style hot chocolate or champurrado, quaintly-named pastries and hot snacks: enchiladas, pambazos, tamales, quesadillas, sopes or tacos.
　　
　　Shopping
　　
　　Mexico City has a major advantage for shoppers; it is a centre for almost every product that is made in Mexico. Authentic souvenirs, superb crafts and high quality jewelry, there"s barely a thing made even in the remotest region of Mexico which can"t be bought in a market or mall in the country"s commercial hub. The usual international designer brands and chain stores can be easily found in Mexico City, but for something uniquely Mexican, seek out the traditional crafts and products of the country.
　　
　　
　　Markets - Every town in Mexico has at least one market, whether it"s a permanent covered fixture or a weekly affair taking over the zocalo. Mexico City, however, has at least one in every district. The most famous is El Bazaar Sabador in San Angel. Each Saturday, the courtyard of the atmospheric 17th century house on Plaza San Jacinto, is transformed into a thriving marketplace of quality craft items including jewelry, clothes, wooden masks, beads, bark paintings, embroidery, candles, wall hangings and sculptures. In order to become a member, an artist or craftsman"s work must display an adherence to the colour and tradition of Mexican culture.
　　
　　Emilia Castillo Silversmith - Mexican silver is some of the best in the world, and visitors to the country can pick up ornate trinkets of finest quality metal for a fraction of what they would cost elsewhere. The Mexico City shop of Emilia Castillo, one of Mexico"s most respected silversmiths, is adjoined to the Hotel Camino Real in the plush Polanco area of the city. Emilia draws inspiration for her pieces from everything around her, especially the animal and insect kingdoms, and finds silver the most versatile medium of artistic expression. More than just jewelry, she tried to imbue the items she designs with functionality: she has a range of kitchenware, utensils, racks and ceramics onto which have been fused delicate designs in molten silver.
　　
　　
　　Getting Around
　　
　　Mexico City has an inexpensive and extensive metro system. The bus network is also a useful way to get around. There are two classes of bus with the best ones having air-con. These types don"t actually cost that much more than the crowded non-air conditioned ones. Taxis are also reasonably priced but passengers need to ②be wary of unlicensed drivers. Order taxis from cab companies only and ask for the number of the cab from the operator so that you can be sure you are getting in the right one.
　　
　　
　　墨西哥共和国首都――墨西哥城，拥有2000多万居民，是世界第三大城市。与所有大都市一样，随着数十年来的都市扩张，几个城市和乡镇发展到了一起，合并成为墨西哥城，由此使墨西哥首都拥有了各式各样的城区，而每个城区都有自己的特色所在。这座城市所历经的每一种文明和每一个历史阶段都留下了它们的痕迹。从失落的阿兹台克帝国神秘遗迹到殖民时期的典雅欧式建筑，再到前卫的现代墨西哥建筑，这一地区的悠久历史惊人地得到了完好的保存。墨西哥是一个拥有深厚的、多元的和充满活力的文化的国家，而其文化就汇集在这个国家的心脏――“宫殿都城”墨西哥城。
　　
　　名胜
　　
　　1. 特奥蒂瓦坎――在墨西哥所有的阿兹台克帝国遗址中，“特奥蒂瓦坎”遗迹最具人气。它位于首都以北40公里处。在5世纪的时候，这里是墨西哥的政治中心，拥有20万居民。该市由金字塔、寺庙和宫殿组成，如今可以参观到它们的遗迹。而月亮金字塔和太阳金字塔则是其最著名的标志性建筑。
　　
　　2. 历史中心――“历史中心”是市中心，阿兹台克人最初是按照四个方位基点对其进行排列的，设计得好似一幅天体图，后来这里发展成了墨西哥城。该城的“历史中心”就是独特的殖民建筑和现代建筑的展台，而这些建筑都以相互映衬的粉色沙岩和红色火山灰岩石为基调。宪法广场是这个地区的中心地带，也是举行国家传统节庆、社会斗争和国家庆典的中心地带。总统府和其它重要场所均坐落于此。尽管“历史中心”带有政治色彩，但它由来已久的重商倾向使其拥有了一种跳动的节奏和熙攘的氛围，而享受于此的最佳方法就是步行或乘坐人力出租车。
　　
　　3. 阿拉梅达公园――阿拉梅达公园是位于墨西哥城中心的一个郁郁蓊蓊的公园。这里是一个远离城市街道的人群和喧嚣的好去处，但更重要的是，游客可以在这里参观艺术宫，那里收藏着一些最能展现墨西哥艺术的作品，而其中最引人注目的就是鲁菲诺・塔玛约和迭戈・里维拉等艺术家创作的举世闻名的壁画。
　　4. 霍奇米尔科――“霍奇米尔科”，在那瓦特语中意为“鲜花生长的地方”，位于市中心以南20公里处。那里的运河是受到市民欢迎的娱乐休闲之所。嬉戏者们坐着多彩的“狭长小船”巡游于运河之上。周末的时候最为热闹，节日的氛围会在这一地区降临。为了更好地享受休闲时光，还是挑个工作日去吧。
　　
　　5. 科约肯镇――尽管50多年前，这个小镇就被这座首府城市纳入其中，但它还是通过狭长的鹅卵石街道、广场和咖啡馆而将其原有风韵保留了下来。这里曾经是里昂・托洛茨基的故居，现已被改建成了博物馆。周末的时候，街头音乐家和手工艺品市场会引来大量人群。
　　
　　活动
　　
　　墨西哥城是一个无时不变的超级都市。它为游客提供了似无止尽的活动和节日，而这些活动和节日展现出了墨西哥精神中活跃的一面。如果你能有幸在9月份造访的话，你就会享受到亲临盛大独立日庆典的乐趣。独立日是在16号；而要享受这一聚会，就要在这个重要日子的前夜前往宪法广场。3月份的时候，会在历史中心举办一次文化节。整整一个月，都会举办古典音乐表演、舞蹈演出和其它一些文化活动。
　　
　　餐饮
　　
　　墨西哥的菜肴享誉全球，并且将西班牙和法国风味融入到了本土食物的辛辣口感当中。据说在阿兹台克人统治墨西哥时，皇家筵席要包含300多道菜。而现代墨西哥城的餐馆，无论是五星级的还是街头排档，仍旧提供着令人眼花缭乱、遍及全国40多种菜系的各种食物，以供品尝。传统的墨西哥菜肴，大量使用玉米、红辣椒、南瓜、仙人掌叶、番茄、鳄梨、香草和美味的巧克力，并且需要精准的操作和无限的耐心，而代代相传、经过时间考验的菜谱就更不用再提了。西班牙统治前的菜肴至今还是最有趣的和最令人吃惊的，其中的菜肴包括：口味微妙的花虫菜，以及香叶裹火鸡片/兔肉片，多得不胜枚举。
　　在墨西哥，饮食深受传统影响。上菜的类型常常会根据场合和客人的社会地位来定。在墨西哥城，人们会在当天的特定时间食用特定的饭菜。
　　☆ “早中餐”是早餐后的一餐（尤其是在早餐是一顿淡饭的情况下），而且是食用墨西哥粽和玉米粥，或是就着玉米圆饼或千层馅糕食用热菜的最佳场合。
　　☆ 在下午1点到4点之间食用的午餐，通常比其它国家的更为油腻，会用到香料和调味品。第一道菜一般是汤或米饭，接下来是一道作为主菜的热菜，而后根据喜好与否，上甜点或甜品。所有这些都是就着刚刚调制好的天然果汁来食用的。
　　☆ 在傍晚吃的“傍晚小吃”是一个香甜口味占主导的合家餐：西班牙风味的热巧克力（champurrado）、名字起得古雅别致的酥皮糕点和热食――辣椒肉馅玉米卷、香辣鸡肉面包、玉米肉卷、油炸玉米粉饼，香辣玉米肉糕或玉米面豆卷。
　　
　　购物
　　
　　墨西哥城对于购物者来说有一大优势：它几乎是所有墨西哥制品的集汇之地。正宗的纪念品、上好的手工艺品、优质的珠宝，在这个该国的商业中心里，几乎没有一件东西是在市场或商场里买不到的，即使它产于墨西哥最边远的地区。在墨西哥城，轻易地就可以找到常见的国际品牌店和连锁店，但是要寻找独具墨西哥特色的东西，就去看看该国传统的手工艺品和产品吧。
　　
　　市场――在墨西哥，每座城镇至少都有一个市场，无论它是固定的室内场所还是在中心广场举办的每周集市。然而，墨西哥城却在每个城区都设有一个市场。最著名的是圣安琪的萨巴多市集广场。每周六，圣亚辛托广场上那座大气的17世纪别墅的庭院，就变成了一个热闹的市场，出售包括珠宝、服装、木制面具、珠子、树皮画、刺绣品、蜡烛、墙壁挂饰和雕刻品在内的精湛手工艺品。为了（在市场中）占有一席之地，艺术家或手工艺人的作品必须忠实于墨西哥文化中的色调和传统。
　　银匠艾米莉亚・卡斯蒂戈――墨西哥的银是世界上的极品之银，前往该国的旅游者可以挑选到质量最上乘的此类华美金属饰物，而价钱只是其它地方的几分之一。墨西哥城中，由墨西哥最受敬重的银匠之一――艾米莉亚・卡斯蒂戈开的那家店，毗邻着位于该市波兰科奢华地段的皇家大道酒店。艾米莉亚从身边的所有事物，尤其是动物界和昆虫界中，萃取着其作品的灵感，并且还发现了银是适用面最广的艺术表现载体。她设计的产品不仅仅是珠宝，她还试图在其中融入功能性：她的产品系列包括厨具、烹饪用具、搁物架和陶瓷制品，上面都用银熔液焊制上了精细的图案。
　　
　　四处行走
　　
　　墨西哥城拥有一个价格低廉而又四通八达的地铁系统。公交网也是一个四处行走的好方法。公交车有两类，好的那种有空调。而这类公交车实际上比那类既拥挤又没有空调的车也贵不了多少。计程车的价格也很公道，但乘客需要提防黑车司机。只能从出租车公司叫车，并且要向接线员索要计程车的车牌号，这样你就能确保你上对了车。
　　
　　metropolis /mi`tr4p9lis/ n.主要都市；大城市
　　amalgamation /9,m2lG9`meiH9n/ n.融合；合并
　　sprawl /spr5l/ vi.不规则的伸展
　　avant-garde /9,v:M`G3d/ adj.先锋派的(艺术)
　　converge /k9n`v8_/ v.集中；会聚
　　celestial /si`lestj9l/ adj.天上的；天体的
　　 align /9`lain/ vi.排列
　　cardinal points 方位基点
　　interplay /`int9 (:)`plei/ n.相互作用；相互影响
　　penchant /`pentH9nt/ n.倾向
　　pulsate /p7l`seit/ vi.有规律地跳动
　　bustle /`b7sl/ n.喧闹
　　house /haus/ vt.收藏
　　mural /`mju9r9l/ n.壁画
　　fiesta /`f1est3/ n.节日(特指在西班牙和拉丁美洲以游行和舞蹈来庆祝的节日)
　　megalopolis /,meG9`l4p9lis/ n.巨大都市
　　boisterous /`b4ist9r9s/ adj.喧闹的；狂欢的
　　fuse /f(z/ vt.熔合
　　ample /`2mpl/ adj.充分的
　　cactus /`k2kt9s/ n.仙人掌
　　avocado /2v9`k3d9u/ n.鳄梨
　　authentic /5`Fentik/ adj.真的；真正的
　　souvenir /`s6v9ni9/ n.纪念品
　　hub /h7b/ n.(重要性、活动等的)中心
　　atmospheric /,2tm9s`ferik/ adj.大气的
　　bark /b3k/ n.树皮
　　embroidery /im`br4id9ri/ n.刺绣品
　　adherence /9d`hi9r9ns/ n.忠诚；坚持
　　silversmith /`silv9smiF/ n.银匠
　　trinket /`triMkit/ n.精美的小装饰物
　　plush /pl7H/ adj.豪华的
　　imbue /im`b(/ v.浸透
　　utensil /ju(:)`tensl/ n.烹饪用具
　　① swallow up淹没
　　② be wary of 提防