台北的姐妹市，沙漠氣候太陽之谷──鳳凰城
Considering that Phoenix is located in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, it’s no wonder that the city’s NBA team is called the Phoenix Suns. “You know you live in Phoenix when the cold water faucet is hotter than the hot water faucet,” says a resident. This equates to an average annual high temperature of 30°C, with highs reaching or exceeding 38°C 110 days of the year. But Phoenix’s dry desert climate is far more bearable than the heat and humidity of sister city Taipei.
The desert landscape surrounding Phoenix is breathtaking, making the city a wonderful destination for outdoor lovers. South Mountain Park, the world’s largest municipal park, is a must-see. The park is home to Mystery Castle, and boasts extensive trails for cycling, hiking and horseback riding. At twilight, be sure not to miss the stunning view of the lights of Phoenix from he park’s lookout point. Nearby Papago Park houses the Desert Botanical Garden, which features rare and endangered species of cacti. But a trip out to Monument Valley is the 1 hot ticket. John Ford shot his Westerns on location there for good reason.
Another Phoenician says, “You know you live in Phoenix when the four seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and are you freakin’ kidding me!” Fortunately, there are plenty of water parks, like Big Surf and Waterworld Safari, to help you beat the heat. And ice cold margaritas are the perfect start to a delicious meal at one of Phoenix’s many authentic Mexican eateries. Savor the food. Take in the sights. The Phoenix sun is sure to delight.
有鑑於鳳凰城坐落於亞利桑那州索諾蘭沙漠，也難怪該市的NBA球隊要取名為鳳凰城太陽隊。「當水龍頭的冷水比熱水還燙，你即知道你身處於鳳凰城，」一位居民說。這相當於攝氏三十度的年均溫，一年甚至有一百一十天的氣溫高達或超過攝氏三十八度。但鳳凰城的乾燥沙漠氣候遠比姐妹市台北的濕熱來得可讓人忍受。
鳳凰城四周的沙漠風光美得令人屏息，使該市成為戶外運動愛好者嚮往的勝地。南山公園，世界最大的市立公園，是非去不可的地方。這座公園是神祕城堡的所在地，有眾多小徑可供騎自行車、健行、騎馬。黃昏時刻，一定不能錯過從公園瞭望台欣賞鳳凰城懾人的美麗燈景。附近的帕帕戈公園裡頭有沙漠植物園，種植了罕見且瀕臨絕種的仙人掌。不過真正熱門的是去一趟紀念碑谷，約翰福特選在那兒拍攝他的西部片是其來有自。
另一位鳳凰城居民說：「當四季分別是可忍受、炎熱、非常炎熱、拜託別開玩笑了，你就知道你住在鳳凰城了。」幸好，市內有多座水上樂園，如大沖浪和水世界探險之旅可以幫你消消暑氣。而在鳳凰城眾多道地墨西哥餐館任一家點上一杯冰涼的瑪格莉塔會是珍饈佳餚的最佳起點。品嚐美食，飽覽風光，鳳凰城太陽絕對讓你樂不思蜀。
／字彙／
1) equate (v.) 視同，等同
2) exceed (v.) 超出，超過
3) humidity (n.) 濕氣,濕度 (a.) humid 潮濕的
4) landscape (n.) 風景，景色
5) municipal (a.) 市政的，市立的
6) boast (v.) 以擁有…自豪，擁有
7) endangered species (phr.) 瀕臨絕種的物種
8) cacti (n.) 仙人掌(複數形)，單數為 cactus
9) monument (n.) 紀念碑、塔、館
10) location (n.) (電影的)外景拍攝地
11) tolerable (a.)還可以的，可忍受的
12) delight (v.) 使高興
13) safari (n.) (非洲)狩獵或探險之旅
14) savor (v.) 品嘗，享受(美食、香味、體驗等)
15) eatery (n.) 小飯館
(本文獲EZTALK編輯部授權轉載)
圖片來源：pixabay
除了上面文章內容，你還可以參考下方更多相關英文教學。
更多生活英文
如果你喜歡學習各種英文文法、英文片語、口語英文、英文單字等等，歡迎追蹤全民學英文的 FB 粉絲專頁、Instagram，以及Line 官方帳號。
