Alpine Treasures

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains stretches the continent of Europe. The most striking geographic feature within this densely-populated area is the Alps Mountain Range, commonly called the Alps. The Alps covers most of Austria and Switzerland as well as significant areas of Germany, France, and Italy. The picture-perfect land and lifestyle of the Alps contain many treasures for all the peoples of the world. Who hasn't dreamed of visiting the Alps for a vacation? If you are lucky enough to vacation in the Alps, what delights await you?
　　The ladies can look forward to dirndls and Alpine flowers. A dirndl is a special Alpine dress worn particularly by the German-speaking populations of the Alps (in most of the Swiss and all of the German and Austrian areas). This long, often colorful and simple-patterned dress includes a full skirt, gathered waist, and tightfitting bodice. Most women fall in love with a dirndl the moment they see one. Save up to buy one, though. Most dirndls are hand-made and rather pricey. Compared to the cost of the intercontinental voyage to the Alps, though, a dirndl is well worth the expense. The wearer will have a cool weather treasure to wear for many years.
　　If dirndls are really too expensive, though, the hundreds of species of Alpine flowers will also delight not only women, but all nature lovers, for free. Of course, to see these botanical wonders, one must visit the Alps during its relatively brief spring through fall, that is, between June and September for most blossoms. The hills are alive with tiny, multi-colored petals in sometimes bizarre shapes. Don't touch! Most plant species are protected by laws carrying stiff fines, even for unsuspecting tourists. Instead, these natural treasures are available on the many postcards or in the coffee table books available at the ubiquitous souvenir shops and bookstores throughout the region. Taking one's own pictures or movies is an even better idea. With luck, it is still possible to find the rare edelweiss growing on a mountain slope. Its yellow center with white star-like petals has become an Alpine symbol, present in many folk art handicrafts.
　　Speaking of handicrafts, in addition to the dirndl, there are other assorted wares which can be taken home as a fond remembrance of one's all-too-brief stay in this mountainous playground. Alpine women take pride in their embroidery. Scarves, shirts, blouses, wall hangings, and table coverings can still be bought in the smaller, more remote hamlets in tiny mountain valleys. Many modern imitations are also available, however, so be sure of any item's authenticity before buying. In the off-season from farming, some Alpine men enjoy woodcarving. Items from as large as grandfather (also called "cuckoo") clocks to palm-sized miniature animals, farm utensils or equipment, or creations from the imagination can be had at roadside stands or local markets.
　　It's a pity that so much local food does not carry well; otherwise, Alpine dairy products, sausages, and breads are well worth taking home. On the other hand, bottled wild honey with its extra-thick consistency and exotic wildflower tastes and scents is relatively easy to transport with care in one's carry-on baggage. Mountain wine and liquor may also be carefully taken home. In the meantime, enjoy the calorie-laden but delicious Alpine cuisine where it was meant to be eaten.
　　Some Alpine treasures cannot be taken home. World-class skiing, mountain climbing, mountain hiking, and white-water rafting are among them. The views of the permanent glaciers of Mount Blanc, the Alps's highest peak at just over 4,700 meters will last a lifetime. Jolly Alpine music and dancing quicken the heart and set the feet tapping. With so much to see and appreciate, perhaps the next priority vacation spot on the discriminating traveler's list should be the Alps.

　　欧洲大陆从大西洋一直绵延至乌拉尔山。这个人口稠密区最引人注目的地理特征就是阿尔卑斯山山脉，俗称阿尔卑斯山。阿尔卑斯山横亘了奥地利和瑞士的大部分，以及德国、法国和意大利相当大的地区。阿尔卑斯山绝佳的风景及民情蕴含了许多可供世人挖掘的宝藏。谁不会梦想过到阿尔卑斯山度假呢？如果你有幸到阿尔卑斯山度假的话，有什么乐事等着你呢？
　　女士们可以期盼紧腰宽裙和阿尔卑斯山上盛开的花朵。紧腰宽裙是阿尔卑斯山德语系族群（在瑞士大部分地区和德、奥全境）特有的一种阿尔卑斯连衣裙。这种样式通常很简单且色彩鲜艳的长连衣裙包括一条长裙、束腰和紧身上衣。大部分的女人一看到紧腰宽裙就会爱上它。但是想买的话就得先存钱了。大部分紧腰宽裙都是手工缝制的，价格相当昂贵。然而和横越欧陆的旅费比起来，买一件紧腰宽裙还是很划算的。穿的人往后多年就可以有一件天气凉爽时穿的宝贝衣服。
　　但是如果紧腰宽裙真的太贵的话，还有好几百种阿尔卑斯山的花朵可以取悦女性和所有自然爱好者，而这是不必花任何费用的。当然，为了观赏到这些神奇植物，游客必须于相当短暂的暮春到秋天期间，也就是6～9月间大部分花朵盛开的时候来阿尔卑斯山。这时候的山丘上开满了五颜六色，有些花瓣还是奇形怪状的小花。不要去碰喔！大部分品种的花都受到高额罚款的法律条文保护，甚至连不知情的观光客也照罚不误。然而，这些自然奇珍却可在许多明信片上，或是散布全区随处可见的纪念品商店和书局内茶几上的书本里找到。自己拍照或摄影则更理想。运气好的话，还可能发现生长在山坡上稀有的薄雪草呢。它黄色的花蕊和白色星状的花瓣已成为阿尔卑斯山的象征，在许多民俗工艺品中都可以看到。
　　说到手工艺品，除了紧腰宽裙之外，还有其它各式商品可以带回家当作此次山间乐土短暂停留的甜美纪念。阿尔卑斯山的妇女以其刺绣而自豪。围巾、衬衫、女短衫、挂毯和桌巾等东西在小山谷里较偏远的小村落中仍可买到。然而，当中也有许多现代的仿制品，所以购买前务必确定是真品。农闲季节，有些阿尔卑斯山的男子以木雕为乐。作品大至祖父级时钟（或称“咕咕钟”）到手掌般大小的动物雕像、农器或耕具、或想象的创作等，在路边的摊子或当地市场都买得到。
　　很可惜的是许多当地食物都不易携带，否则，阿尔卑斯山的乳制品、香肠和面包都很值得带回家。话又说回来，浓度超高且具异国野花味道和香味的瓶装野蜂蜜若小心放在随身行李里运送是相当方便的。还有山上酿的酒也可以小心地带回家。在此同时，该享用时就尽情享用高卡路里但美味可口的阿尔卑斯山佳肴。
有些阿尔卑斯珍宝不能被带回家。世界级的滑雪、登山、山地远足和激流泛舟便是其中几样。恒久不变的冰河及海拔超过4700米的阿尔卑斯山第一高峰勃朗峰的景象则令人永生难忘。快乐的阿尔卑斯山的音乐和舞蹈让人心跳加速，双脚不禁动了起来。有这么多可以看和欣赏的景物，喜欢挑三拣四的旅行者也许应该把阿尔卑斯山列入下次度假的首要地点吧。