金融英语：Davos transforms from small town to world focus
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 41st World Economic Forum (WEF) opened Wednesday in this small Swiss mountain town with an agenda focused on current major global economic issues.More than 2,500 elites in government, business, academic, media, cultural and other fields from more than 100 countries and regions are attending the forum.
SMALL TOWN WAKING UP FROM WINTER DREAM
If you come to Davos on normal winter days, you will find this Alps town as ordinary as other Swiss towns: clean streets, scattered huts, groups of ski tourists and snowy mountains in the distance.
In late January of each year, however, the town suddenly becomes brisk as if just waking from a winter dream -- the annual Davos meeting has come.
At this time, many foreigners -- not only from Europe but other continents -- fill its streets, cafes and restaurants, replacing the usual picture of mostly local residents and European tourists. Foreign languages and English with various accents fill the air.
STRICT SECURITY, RELAXED ATMOSHPHERE
The big meeting unquestionably requires a strict security system.
Anyone driving to Davos meets a checkpoint just a few kilometers from the town limits.
A police officer stops the car and asks for passes before allowing its entry into the town.
In the town, there are groups of police maintaining order. The police officers wear different uniforms, indicating they have come from Switzerland's various regions to strengthen local security.
A helicopter constantly patrols over the town.
As usual, the Swiss military is also involved in security this year.
In a number of key areas, there are military vehicles painted with dark green, and the meeting venue is also guarded by heavily armed soldiers.
Although the security system is very strict, police officers and soldiers are relaxed. If you ask the way, they will patiently give you directions and they are happy to pose for photos with visitors.
GREENER DAVOS
When you walk on the main roads of Davos, you will find some strange metal piles along streets. These are electricity chargers for electric cars. The chargers have different types of interfaces for different electric cars.
Since the last meeting, WEF has initiated a "Green Davos" program.
During this year's meeting, organizers have arranged a new schedule for the shuttle service between Zurich and Davos. Organizers want to make more people choose public transport.
Organizers also suggest cars with high fuel consumption and low emission standards aren't allowed to enter Davos during the meeting to reduce pollution as much as possible.
Of course, traveling by train is also a good alternative.
The Swiss railway system is well developed, convenient, fast and on time. You can sit in a warm and spacious compartment and enjoy the beauty of the snow and forest outside.
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