雙語故事:簡單的快樂:我們一起來數羊
【英文原文】
Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time watching sheep. I know that sounds strange, so let me explain…
I’ve always been a city girl at heart. I love the people, the buildings, the culture, the vibe; going to bars, cafes, and restaurants; and attending the opera, the orchestra, and the ballet.
Recently, however, my husband and I have discovered a wonderful new pastime: walking the public footpaths of the English countryside. As an American accustomed to fences, private property, and “no trespassing” signs, I was completely taken aback by the concept of the public footpath—in essence, it’s a right-of-way that lets you stroll through the fields, pastures, and meadows that belong to someone else (how amazing is that?).
The paths are so numerous (and extensive) that books and websites feature scores of walking routes on them, in virtually every part of the country. I imagine one could traverse most of England via footpaths, bridleways, and country lanes.
Anyway, back to the sheep…These footpaths often take you through the very pastures where sheep or cows are grazing. Until a few weeks ago, I’d never been on the same side of the fence as a farm animal, so it’s been quite a novelty to “hang out” with them. In fact, until a few weeks ago, I’d never had the opportunity to ramble through farmland, skip through meadows, or lounge in wide, grassy fields enjoying picturesque views over rivers and valleys.
I’m still a city girl, but one who’s falling in love with the peace, quiet, and idyllic atmosphere of the country…
This past weekend, my husband and I drove out to Cornwall in Southwest Britain. We hiked along dramatic seaside cliffs, picnicked in gorgeous spots overlooking the Atlantic, discovered secluded beaches, explored ancient ruins, encountered wild ponies, and yes, spent a good amount of time watching sheep. It’s my new favorite minimalist activity.
【中文譯文】
最近，我愛上了數羊，我知道這聽起來有點奇怪，那就聽我慢慢解釋...
我是一個一直生活在城市裏的女孩。我喜歡城市裏的人，建築，文化和氛圍；喜歡去酒吧，咖啡館和飯店；喜歡看話劇，聽音樂會，欣賞芭蕾舞。
然而近來，我和我丈夫又發現了一種新的不錯的休閒方式：到英國的鄉間小路上散步。作爲了一個習慣了圍欄，私人財產和“非請莫入”牌子的美國人，我完全收回了以往對公衆小路的概念——在這裏，走過小路也就漫步穿過了屬於別人的田間，草地和牧場（多麼令人驚奇啊）。
這裏的鄉間小路數不勝數（並且交錯在一起），很多書本和網站都給他們標上了行走的路線。我甚至能想象一個人通過這些小路，馬道和國道遊遍英國的大部分地方。
不管怎樣，還是回來數羊吧...這些鄉間小路帶你穿過了廣袤的草原，那裏牛羊成羣。直到最近幾個星期，我才真正地和它們待在一起，像它們那樣閒逛是多麼地新奇。事實上，也就是最近幾個星期，我纔有機會漫步農田，穿過牧場，在廣袤的草地上悠閒地欣賞這如畫的山河美景。
我還是那個城市女孩，但是現在開始愛上了這裏——鄉村裏和平，寧靜的氛圍和田園的風光。
在過去的那個週末裏，我和我丈夫開車去了英國西南部的Cornwall。我們徒步沿着海邊的懸崖行走，驚心動魄，在一處絕佳的地方野餐，俯瞰着美麗的大西洋，發現了與世隔絕的海岸，探索到古遺址，偶遇一匹野生小馬，當然，還有花了好一會兒數羊。這就是我新愛上的簡單生活。
