Ａｔｈｅｎｓ：Ａ Ｃｒａｄｌｅ ｏｆ Ｗｅｓｔｅｒｎ Ｃｉｖｌｉｚａｔｉｏｎ

余新民

Athens, the capital of Greece, is an old and beautiful city. Its the countrys heart and economic and industrial center, as well as the political and cultural center. You can get there by air, by land or by sea.

Athens has a long history. There are many ancient buildings or remains in the city. The Pantheon is the most famous one. It is on the top of Acropolis. The ancient market, the Greek Parliament building, the national garden, Panathinaikon Stadium, Pnyka area and some other places attract many visitors.

The weather is pleasant in Athens. The visitors can enjoy a good trip in any season. Athens is famous for the olive, honey and grapes. The marble and silver are very good.

In 2004, the 28th Olympic Gameswas held in Athens successfully.

希腊的首都雅典是一个古老而美丽的城市。它是希腊的政治文化中心，同时还是它的经济和工业中心。雅典交通便利，水陆空交通都很发达。

雅典历史悠久，古迹随处可见。最著名的是位于雅典卫城巅的雅典娜神庙。碧海蓝天之间，洁白的大理石柱庄严肃穆。古市场，国会大厦，国家公园，露天运动场，皮卡地区等地也吸引了大量游客。

雅典气候宜人，一年四季都适合旅游。橄榄，蜂蜜和葡萄是当地名产。大理石和银器也久负盛名。

2004年，第28届奥运会在她的发源地——雅典成功举行。

相关口语链接： Athens is warmer than Beijing. 雅典比北京热。

A: Whats the weather like here in August? 这里八月的天气怎么样？

B: Its good. Its usually between 25 and 30 degrees. 很好。气温通常在摄氏25度到30度之间。

A: Thats perfect for visitors. Athens is warmer than Beijing. Its sometimes very hot indeed. 对游客来说正合适。雅典比北京热一些。有时确实非常热。

B: Really? I didnt know that. 真的吗？我不知道这一点。

A: Yes, in August the temperature can go up to 35 degrees and over. 是的，八月时气温能上升到35度甚至更高。

B: Thats very hot for athletes and visitors. 那对运动员和游客来说太热了。