Fly south or roost? Canadian ’snowbirds’ weigh Florida mid-pandemic

 

往南飛還是棲息？加拿大「雪鳥」在疫情中考慮是否到佛州過冬

【摘要2021.1.27.自由】◎管淑平

Birds of a feather normally flock together, but the pandemic has divided Canada’s "snowbird" warm weather migrants into two camps：those staying home this winter and those heading to Florida no matter the cost.

通常來說，物以類聚，但是這場疫情已經使加拿大每年遷徙到氣候溫暖區的「雪鳥族」分成兩陣營：待在家鄉過冬，以及不計代價前往佛州者。

Nearly a million Canadians make the annual pilgrimage, fleeing to the southern United States to pass what would otherwise be gray and snowy months with their toes tucked in the sand and ocean breeze in their hair.

每年有將近100萬名加拿大人飛奔到美國南方，享受漫步沙灘、和煦海風吹過髮梢，度過在家鄉會是滿是灰白雪世界的幾個月。

The coronavirus has led a majority to forgo the trip this year － but for those flouting Canada’s repeated calls to stay put, the price tag on winter at the beach has skyrocketed.

新型冠狀病毒導致今年大多數人放棄這趟旅程，但是對那些不顧加拿大一再呼籲不要旅行的人來說，到南方沙灘過冬的代價飛漲。

Each plane ticket costs Can$500 and hauling the vehicle 55 miles across the border sets customers back $1,000. （AFP）

每張機票要500加幣，把車子運送55英里越過邊境，則要花上1000加幣。（法新社）

新聞辭典

birds of a feather：片語，有類似特質或興趣的人。birds of a feather flock together，物以類聚。例句：They will get along, they are birds of a feather.（他們會處得來，他們是一類人。）

stay put：片語，留在原地、不要動。例句：We are told to stay put and wait for a rescue team.（我們被告知留在原地等救援隊。）

set someone back：片語，花（某人）一大筆錢。例句：Buying those shoes must have set you back. （買那些鞋子一定花了你很多錢。）