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With its spice, sun, and spectacle, Mexico is a country that really shines.
香料、陽光和美景讓墨西哥發光發熱。
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.
單字小舖
1. destination n. 目的地
2. surprisingly adv. 驚人地
3. civilization n. 文明（國家∕世界）
4. people n. 種族（可數名詞）
5. structure n. 建築物
6. invade vt. 入侵，侵略
7. skyscraper n. 摩天大樓
8. landscape n. 風景，景色
9. mountain range 山脈
10. incredible a. 驚人的；難以置信的
11. resident n. 居民
12. aspect n. 方面，觀點
13. spicy a. 辛辣的
spice n. 香料
14. bland a. 淡而無味的
15. taco n. 炸玉米餅∕捲
16. quesadilla n. 墨西哥薄餅
17. tortilla n.（墨西哥）玉米粉圓餅
flour tortilla 用麵粉代替玉米粉做的）麵餅
18. chile n. 紅番椒
19. unforgettabl a. 難忘的
片語小舖
1. through it all 歷經種種，經歷風風雨雨
2. A and B alike A 和 B
3. along with... 連同……
精解字詞片語
1. to the east/west/south/north (of...) 在（……的）東方∕西方∕南方∕北方（指某一範圍外）
in the east/west/south/north of... 在……的東部∕西部∕南部∕北部（指某一範圍內）
例: There is a park just to the west of my building.
（我住所的西邊有一座公園。）
例: There are many summer resorts in the south of France.
（法國南部有許多避暑聖地。）
2. have...in common with... 與……有……共同點
例: I have a lot in common with my friend Joe.
（我和我朋友喬有很多共通點。）
3. populate vt. 居住於（常用被動）
例: This area is populated by immigrants from Africa.
（居住在這個地區的人主要是非洲移民。）
4. manage to V 設法（做到）……
例: Shane managed to win Helen's heart.
（史恩設法贏得海倫的芳心。）
5. bustling a. 繁忙的，熱鬧的
bustle n. 熙攘，忙碌
hustle and bustle 熙熙攘攘
例: I love the hustle and bustle of Taipei.
（我喜歡台北的喧囂熙攘。）
6. lie in... 在於……
例: The key to success lies in hard work and determination.
（成功的關鍵在於努力和決心。）
7. tend to V 有……的傾向；往往會……
= 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.
（我緊張時往往會說太多話。）
8. agree on... 同意……；就……達成協議（主詞通常為複數）
例: My friend and I agree on one thing: Jay-Z is a great rapper.
（我和我朋友都同意傑斯是位了不起的饒舌歌手。）
9. combine A with B 將 A 與 B 結合
例: Combine the salt with the flour before adding the eggs.
（把鹽跟麵粉和在一起然後再加入蛋。）
10. authentic a. 道地的；真正的
例: The restaurant serves authentic Chinese food.
（這家餐廳供應道地的中國菜。）
美國南方的溫暖鄰國――墨西哥，是很多遊客最愛的旅遊景點。現今的墨西哥在某些方面與美國無異，不過雖然地理位置相近，墨西哥卻相當獨特。
一些原始文明社會曾存在於墨西哥達數千年之久。這些民族包括著名的瑪雅和阿茲特克民族，他們的文明先進，有些甚至發展出大型的城市，有些他們所建造的驚人建築物至今仍矗立在墨西哥某些地區。然而在 16 世紀，西班牙軍隊入侵當地的領土和文明。現在的墨西哥當時曾被稱為新西班牙。對墨西哥而言，這開啟了一段漫長而艱辛的歷史。儘管歷經風風雨雨，墨西哥仍努力保持自身引以為傲的精神。
墨西哥的文化新舊交融，形成有趣的組合。其主要城市就如同其他世界大城一般，有著摩天大樓和來來往往的人潮。事實上，墨西哥的首都墨西哥城是世界上屬一屬二人口密度最高的城市之一。對許多人來說，墨西哥美麗之處在於其景色和氣候。墨西哥有著美麗的山脈和美不勝收的海灘。當然，在欣賞墨西哥美景的同時，遊客和當地居民都會認同他們最愛的墨西哥文化之一就是食物。辛辣又美味的墨西哥食物一點都不單調，像是炸玉米餅和墨西哥薄餅等食物都混合了豬肉、雞肉或海鮮，以及蔬菜和香料。麵餅是常用的食材，而辣椒更是不可或缺。在烈日下，道地的墨西哥美食配上冰涼的飲料，絕對讓你難以忘懷。
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