For many in the United States, Arab-Americans are an invisible part of the population. Though Arab-Americans as a community have made great contributions to American society in fields from literature to politics to medicine, many Americans know very little about Americans of Arab backgrounds.
Arab history in the United States goes back to the late 1800's when large numbers of Arab immigrants first began making their journey to a land known simply as “Amreeka”.
Historians generally describe Arab immigration to America in two waves. The first wave took place between 1860 and 1924.The first wave consisted of Lebanese and Syrian, and some Egyptian immigrants. These new immigrants, who were mostly Christian, came to America in search of better opportunities. Even the doomed Titanic, which set sail for America in 1912,had close to a hundred Arab passengers aboard. The majority of Arab-Americans today are descendents of the first wave of immigrants; they are the third or more generation Americans.
The second wave of immigrants followed after World War Ⅱ,caused by political unrest in the Middle East. This second wave of immigrants consists of mainly Arab Muslims（穆斯林）and continues to this day.
Arab-Americans make up 3 million of the population in the United States, according to demographers. And quite different from popular belief, 64 percent of them are American-born. Eighty-two percent of Arab-Americans are US citizens.
Arab-Americans are beyond the national average in both education and income. Education is important among Arab-Americans; 82 percent have high school diplomas, 36 percent have bachelor's degrees or higher, and 15 percent have graduate degrees. The-median（中位数的）average income among Arab-Americans is $39,580, which is higher than the US average.

If you are going to Europe, you might consider taking some time to visit Provence. Whether you are interested in beautiful places, ancient history, good food, or music and theater, Provence has something to offer to you.
Provence once was a Roman province and is in the southeast of France now. You will be attracted by its green hills, olive trees, and old towns with pretty houses. Visitors can find forests, colorful flowers, horses, and people with smiles there. Provence is also "the city of dream in Europe." Some people say it is Provence that makes France so romantic. The palace should play an important part in the romantic stories.
The Flowers: Provence is the hometown of lavenders and sunflowers. Lavender means "waiting for love". It also means beautiful. The mountains of Lubero is the most beautiful area across France. And there are also many kinds of lavenders. Compared with the fantastic flowers Lavender, sunflower is a lot warmer. Under the sunlight, thousands of yellow sunflowers are smiling at the sun.
The Food: The people there are well-known for keeping their traditional lifestyles. And in the restaurant, you will have the experience of eating the food that has the too much use of olive oil. The food is fresh and healthy. All the things make Provence become the heaven to those who like delicious food.
The other activities: Provence is the Kingdom of city. They hold many parties, dance, and festivals. You can even see a bullfight in the towns of Arles and Nimes, or enjoy great shows with the famous stars.
May to July are the best tourist months. Not only the red sky, the sweet smell of olive, but also the wonderful lavenders, make Provence send out the breath of romantic.

    Every year in early April, thousands of people in China visit the tombs(墓) of their parents, grandparents and ancestors. It is Tomb Sweeping Day, the traditional Chinese festival to remember the dead.

    Tomb Sweeping Day falls on April 4 this year. On the day, Chinese families will clean away the grass around the tombs. Then they burn paper money and put flowers and fruit in front of the tombs. They hope the dead can enjoy them and bring the family good luck.

    However, it is not only the Chinese who remember the dead, people in other countries also have festivals for the dead.

    In Japan, O-Bon festival is one of the most important festivals. It is held from Aug.13 to 16. It is also a holiday for a family reunion(团圆). During O-bon, Japanese people return to their hometown and visit their ancestors' tombs. They also believe their ancestors' spirits return home to be with their family. People danced a dance to welcome the spirits. On the last day of O-bon, they put paper lanterns in a river to say goodbye to the spirits.

    In Russia, people remember their ancestors on the Day of Rejoicing(欣喜).  It's usually in late April or early May. The name of this festival means birth and happiness. Russians believe that people shouldn't feel sad for the dead because death means birth in another world. On the day, Russian people draw beautiful pictures on eggs and put them in front of tombs. After that they have a picnic together. They hope for a good life for both the living and the dead.

    In China, two-child policy(政策) has come out. That's to say, China now allows two children for each family. However, different people have different opinions about it. Some parents are willing to have a second child as soon as possible. They think the second baby is a gift for themselves. One child will feel lonely when his parents go out for work. Two kids will help each other and share happiness and sadness together. In Chinese tradition, the old people wouldn't like to spend their later life in the old people's home. After the second baby grows up, he will be able to share the pressure of looking after his old parents. China has become a country with an increasing number of old people. Two-child policy will improve the balanced (平衡的) development of population. However, other parents refuse the second child because they have some worries. For example, they can't afford the cost of education. They also worry that their two children won't get along with one another. Maybe the young people can't find jobs easily in the future. For our country, perhaps the policy will lead to the house and population problems.

    In a word, more and more families will have a second child. Do you mind having a brother or a sister?

    A well—known poem by the Tang Dynasty's poet Du Mu tells a sad scene in early April, Rain falls heavily as Qingming comes, and passersby with low spirits go."

    This scene takes place on Tomb Sweeping Day, also known as the Qingming Festival. Tomb Sweeping Day is a traditional Chinese festival. It began in the Zhou Dynasty, over 2,500 years ago Chinese people celebrate it to remember and honor their ancestors(祖先). This year, it falls on April 4. Tomb Sweeping Day became a public holiday on the Chinese mainland in 2008. People have one day off for that day.

    On this day, families bring flowers, food and wine to the gravesites(墓地) of their ancestors. They place cakes, fruit in front of the graves and some may burn joss paper, as money for the dead. After that, they sweep the tombs and cherish(怀念) the memories of their dead family members

Tomb Sweeping Day gives us a chance to show respect to our ancestors and family members who have passed away and show that we miss them. This tradition shows that family values are an important part of Chinese culture.

    Tomb Sweeping Day is also the beginning of the time for gardening and outdoor active China. Families often get together for outings or to fly kites.

    On New Year's Eve(前夕), people in Italy throw"(扔)out all the old things. So there ate chairs, beds, clothes and plates in the streets. In Spain, New Year comes more quietly. Everyone holds a bag of grapes.  When twelve o'clock comes, people start eating the grapes.

    In Japan, people eat noodles on New Year's Eve. This food is said to bring long life. Early the next morning, some families climb Mount Fuji. There they watch the first sunrise(日出) of New Year.