世博来了，你准备好了吗？

    上海世博会吉祥物---海宝

    对很多年轻人来说，人生中最大的梦想就是环游世界，去亲身体验迥然不同的文化和自然风景，品味全新的风味食品，倾听不同国度音乐和语言的独特声音。 FOR many young people, the dream of a lifetime is to travel the world, explore different cultures and landscapes, taste new foods and flavors, and listen to the distinctive sounds of international music and languages.
 

    然而，不幸的是，很少有年轻人能有充足的资金和自由让这个美梦成真。若不能走遍世界，第二个最好的选择自然就是让世界向你走来。而今年的上海世博会就为我们提供了这个机会。Unfortunately, few young people have the money or freedom to make this dream come true. But if you can\'t go out into the world, surely second best is to let the world come to you. And, this year\'s Shanghai World Expo is exactly where that\'s happening.
 

    5月1日至10月31日， 194个国家、50个国际组织机构将来到这个占地约5平方公里的世博园区。预计10月底，将有7000万国内外游客前来参观。因此，若有机会前往，你将能遇到来自不同背景、国家和文化的诸多友人。 From May 1 to October 31, there will be 194 countries and 50 international organizations on display at the 5-square-km Expo site. Seventy million domestic and international visitors are expected to visit it by the end of October. So, if you can go, you\'ll be surrounded by people with a wide range of backgrounds, nations, and cultures.
 

    本届世博会的主题是“城市，让生活更美好”。据联合国预测，今年全世界的城市人口将占总人口的55%。如此一来，城市将面临重大困境：要怎样以可持续方法容纳这么多人？它们是否仍能集自然美与文化重心于一体？ The Expo\'s theme is "Better City, Better Life". The United Nations estimates that, this year, 55 percent of the world\'s people will live in urban settings. This poses a dilemma for the world\'s cities: How can they accommodate such a large number of people in a sustainable way? Can they remain places of natural beauty and cultural importance?
 

    以上就是2010世博会参与者们所面临的各式挑战。本届世博会上，日本将展出一座“生态－呼吸”建筑，该建筑的能量供给来自日光、雨水、风力等自然能。德国馆名为“和谐都市”，被描述为“一座在创新与传统、城市化与自然化、集体主义与个人主义、工作与休闲之间争取平衡、求得和谐的城市”。 Well, that\'s the challenge the 2010 Expo participants are confronting in a variety of ways. Japan will show off an "eco-breathing" structure to power its building with natural energy like sunlight, rainwater and wind. Germany\'s pavilion is named "Balancity", which is described as a "balance between innovation and tradition, urbanity and nature, society and its individuals, work and recreation".
 

    1933年，（芝加哥）世博会首次以“科学”为主题，之后，历届世博会都凸显了参与、互动风格。上海世博会也不例外。届时，年轻人将有机会就新技术、绿色能源、环保等主题参与论坛讨论。 The first themed Expo was held in 1933, and since that time World Expos have featured a participatory and interactive style. The Shanghai Expo is no exception. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in forums to discuss themes like new technology, green energy and conservation.
 

    与环游世界相比，去世博会的花费可是少了一大截。但累计开支也会很大。因此，年轻人可以通过购买团体票或学生票来节省开支。很多展馆还会为游客提供免费样品和食品。在比利时展馆，除了可以拿到免费的巧克力，每周还将从准确回答与比利时相关问题的游客中选出一名幸运游客，免费赠送钻石1枚。 A trip to the Expo is guaranteed to be much less expensive than a trip around the world. Still, the costs can add up. However, young people can save money by purchasing group or student tickets, which may be available at reduced rates. Many of the participating pavilions offer free samples and treats for the visitors. In addition to handing out free chocolates, the Belgian pavilion will give away a free diamond each week to a visitor who can answer questions related to Belgium.