Athens—the name brings to mind buildings with tall， white columns and statues of Greek gods and goddesses. Museums take visitors back to the time of ancient Greece. When visiting the city， visitors feel like they’re in the middle of a history lesson.
Athens gave birth to Western culture. This is where the West’s ideas of government， law， justice and liberty all began. Architecture①， science， drama and poetry also flourished here.
The history of Athens is tied to mythology. The god that came up with the most valuable legacy② for humans was to give the city its name. Poseidon and Athena each wanted the honor. Athena produced an olive tree—the symbol of peace and wealth. Poseidon offered a strong horse needed for war. The gods decided Athena’s gift would better serve the people， and the city became known as Athens.
The Acropolis， or “high city”， stands on a hill overlooking the city. Western civilization’s most important ancient monument was built by Pericles， the leader of Athens from 461—429 B.C. He spared no expense when he constructed③ the buildings of the Acropolis. He used only the best materials， architects and artists. His artists created huge statues of marble and covered them with gold and jewels. Sadly， only ruins remain of this “high city” of temples.
More treasure of ancient Greece lies in the National Archeological Museum. Opened in 1874， the museum contains the best collection of Greek art in the world. It is crammed④ with treasures—more than visitors can see in a single visit. Visitors can view treasures from all the ancient civilizations that controlled the city throughout history. The vases， statues， carvings and other art objects show the life of those who lived in ages past.
But a visit to Athens is more than a lesson in ancient history. Modern Athens hums with activity. The city offers every modern convenience.
One thing that hasn’t changed since ancient times， though， is Greek hospitality. Ancient Greeks believed that a stranger might be a god in disguise⑤. Therefore， they always treated strangers kindly. Nowhere else in Europe will you find people who invite complete strangers to their homes for coffee or dinner.
If you do go to a Greek home for dinner， do your best to eat everything on your plate. Uneaten food insults⑥ the cook. Taking second helpings is the best way to show how much you enjoy the meal.
① architecturen. 建筑学，建筑术
② legacyn. 遗产，遗赠
③ constructv. 建造，构成
④ cramv. 塞满，挤满
⑤ disguisen. 假扮，伪装
⑥ insultv. 侮辱，羞辱
雅典风情
雅典，这个名字令人想到有着高大的白色圆柱的建筑物，以及希腊诸神的雕像。博物馆将带游客回到古希腊时代。当游客造访此城时，会觉得仿佛置身在历史课堂上。
雅典是西方文明的摇篮，西方的政府、法律、法律制裁和自由这些观念，都起源于此。建筑、科学、戏剧和诗词也在这里大放光芒。
雅典的历史与神话密不可分。哪一个神能够带给人类最宝贵的遗产，就可以为此城命名。海神波塞冬和雅典娜女神都想得到这份殊荣。雅典娜造了一棵橄榄树，象征和平与财富。波塞冬则提供一匹骁勇善战的马。后来诸神决定雅典娜的礼物对人类比较有意义，于是此城就取名为雅典。
阿克罗波利斯，或称“高城”，耸立在山上俯瞰全城。它是西方文明最重要的古老遗迹，由公元前461至429年间的雅典统治者——伯里克利——所建。他不惜成本，斥下巨资建造阿克罗波利斯。他只用最好的材料、建筑师和艺术家。他的艺术家雕刻了巨大的大理石雕像，外面还包上黄金和宝石。可惜的是，这个神庙“高城”如今只留下一片废墟。
国家考古博物馆中收藏更多的古希腊珍宝。这个博物馆在1874年开幕，里面收集了全世界最精致的希腊艺术品。馆中满是宝物，访客无法一次看完所有的收藏品。游客在这里可以见到历史上每一个曾统治此城的古文明珍宝。花瓶、雕像、雕刻品和其他艺术品显示出远古居民的生活。
但是，到雅典一游不只是去上一堂古代历史课。现代的雅典十分繁荣。这个城市提供了各种现代化的便利。
但有一件事自古至今仍未改变，那就是希腊人的好客。古希腊人相信，陌生人可能是神的化身，所以他们总会善待陌生人。全欧洲只有这个地方的人，会邀请一个完全陌生的人到家里喝咖啡或吃晚饭。
如果你真的到希腊人家里吃晚饭，一定要尽量把你盘中的食物吃光。东西沒吃完对厨师是一种侮辱。吃完再要第二份，最能表示你吃得多尽兴。