It was a hot day, and my brother Walt and I had decided that the only way to survive it would be to go swimming in a deep swimming hole across Mr. Blickez's Pasture（牧场）and through some woods.

    The only problem with our plan was that this pasture was guarded by a huge, mean Hereford bull（公牛）. Mr. Blickez had told us that Elsie was the meanest bull in the town, maybe even in the county, and we believed him. But the hotter it got, the more we thought there was something fishy about his words. For one thing, we remembered Mr. Blickez liked telling tall tales; for another, Elsie seemed like a strange name for a bull.

    Finally, I talked Mom into asking permission for us to walk through the pasture, but then another problem surfaced. Mom said she would talk to Mr. Blickez if we would take our cousin Joanie along with us. Joanie was almost two years older than me and a head taller. If her teasing ever got around my grade school, it would be all over for me. In fact, I still had a headache from a quarrel with her that morning. “I'm not going swimming with that silly girl cousin,” I told my mom.

    “Either Joanie goes with, or you stay home alone,” Mom said in her serious tone（语气）. I gave in and we set out. On your way across the pasture, Walt yelled suddenly. Elsie had approached him quietly and was licking（舔）his back. Joanie and I dove under the wire fence, but while I was on the ground I looked up and saw that Elsie wasn't a big mean bull after all. She was going to keep licking my brother's back as long as he stood still.

    We had many good days growing up and visiting our secret swimming hole guarded by the so-called “big mean bull”. And as it turned out, for a girl cousin, Joanie hasn't been too bad. She's been one of my best friends over the years.

    A survey has shown that what you do on a plane can be determined by which nationality is listed on your passport.

    According to the results of an international passenger survey, Australians are the biggest drinkers on board with 36 percent choosing to down the hatch, compared to 35 percent of Americans and 33 percent of Brits.

    The Airline Passenger Experience Association(APEX) spoke to around 1,500 people, aged 18 and older, who have traveled by plane at least once during the last three months and were living in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, Australia and Brazil.

The results found Chinese travelers are most likely to nod off once the seat-belt sign switches off. They are also the first to take out their credit card for some in-flight shopping and the biggest fans of gaming. Americans on the other hand like to use their time in the air more productively—- when not drinking—- choosing to work while flying at 35,000 feet.

Meanwhile, Brits and Germans are the best at making chat with random strangers—-spending 50 percent more time than any other nationality. Comparatively, Brazilians conduct their conversations online via email, messaging apps or social media.

    Despite plane food having a bad reputation, seven out of ten interviewees said they were happy to eat up on the selection of in-flight snacks and meals. In-flight magazines were also popular with four out of five passengers.

    The international flyers did however express their desire for better in-flight entertainment. “The industry has greatly improved the comfort, entertainment and onboard service, and passengers are accepting those improvements” said Russell Lemieux, APEX executive director. “At the same time, passengers are demanding more from their air travel experiences which will drive more improvements touching all aspects of the journey.” he added.

    Blue Note Jazz Festival 2018

    Jul 1-30, 2018

    Location:

    Several locations in New York

    The Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City is the city's most popular jazz festival and focuses on bringing big-name artists to small crowds and up-and-coming acts to the public. The event takes over 15 places across the city and includes 150 world-class performers. Past artists include Questlove, Michael Bolton and Aretha Franklin.

    Grant Park Music Festival 2018

    Jun 14-Aug 19, 2018

    Location:

    Jay Pritzker Pavilion, South Shore Cultural Center, & Harris Theater for Music and Dance | 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois

    Listening to classical music is said to improve your intelligence. Whether that's true or not, the Grant Park Music Festival will provide you with free, classical music, and you'd be smart to attend. The music at these concerts will leave you begging for more. It's free to attend, so come and enjoy some great music with your family and friends.

    Lake Park Friends Wonderful Wednesdays 2018

    Jun 21 – Jun 26, 2018

    Location:

    Lake Park | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Energy is way too contained(被抑制的)in an indoor music venue(场所). Let that energy go where it wants through a series of outdoor concerts with Lake Park Friends Wonderful Wednesdays. Wednesday is no longer the most boring day of the week. This time, there's something fun to do. A list of live music acts has made the middle of the week something too look forward to.

    YouthCUE Festival of Youth Choirs(合唱队)2018

    Aug 10- Aug 22 2018

    Location:

    Washing to National Cathedral | 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washing ton, DC

    YouthCUE Festival of Youth Choirs in Washington gives students the rare opportunity to perform in the Washington National Cathedral, a famous historic place. The festival is a showcase of student choirs from all over the country, accompanied(伴奏)by musicians from the local professional orchestra(管弦乐队).

    Recently, a 1935 letter in which Ernest Hemingway detailed his catch of a 500lb blue marlin(青枪鱼), an adventure that is believed to have partly inspired his novel The Old Man and the Sea, has been sold for$28, 000 (£22，000).

    The handwritten letter was sent by Hemingway on 8 May to the fishing editor of the Miami Herald，telling in great detail how the author and his friend Henry Strater battled to keep sharks away from the marlin after catching it off the Bahamian island of Bimini.

    Nate D Sanders, the auction(拍卖)company which sold the letter, said it documented for the first time in Hemingway's own words not only the size of the marlin, but also the attack by sharks，reflecting the plot of the novel.

    The company added that Hemingway's account of the marlin catch differed from other anecdotes(轶事)of it, one of which described Hemingway using a machine gun on the sharks, which is said to have attracted more sharks rather than frightened them away.

    The Old Man and the Sea was also inspired by an anecdote told by Hemingway's Cuban friend Carlos Gutierrez. In 1936, Hemingway wrote in a magazine that Carlos had told him about an old fisherman who caught a great marlin alone.

    Three years later, Hemingway told his editor Max Perkins that he was planning a short story about the old commercial fisherman who fought the swordfish all alone in his sailing boat. Instead, he ended up writing For Whom the Bell Tolls, not returning to the story about the old fisherman until January 1951. It won him the Pulitzer in 1953, and was specifically mentioned when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1954.

Graduating is indeed a momentous occasion that calls for a memorable celebration. Here are some destinations that could make your post-graduation vacation truly special:

Iceland

Why Go: Iceland is a land of dramatic landscapes and natural wonders. The chance to witness the ethereal beauty of the northern lights, explore geothermal pools, and admire the majesty of waterfalls makes it a unique destination.

What to Do: Beyond Reykjavik, venture into the countryside to experience the solitude and beauty of the Icelandic wilderness. Consider a road trip to chase waterfalls, explore geysers, and soak in hot springs.

Budget Consideration: While Iceland can be pricey, the experience of its otherworldly landscapes is often considered worth the investment.

Florence, Italy

Why Go: Florence is a city steeped in history and art, offering a rich cultural experience that can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.

What to Do: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces like Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus," stroll through the Boboli Gardens, and enjoy leisurely dinners in the piazzas. Climbing the Duomo for a panoramic view of the city is also a must.

Budget Consideration: While Florence can be costly, the cultural richness and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination for a graduation trip.

Greece

Why Go: Greece is known for its idyllic islands, ancient history, and vibrant culture. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

What to Do: Visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens to delve into the origins of Western civilization, enjoy the sun and sea on the Greek islands, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Pro Tip: Don't overlook Athens. It's not just the capital but also the cradle of Western thought, making it a fitting place to reflect on your educational journey.

Vietnam

Why Go: Vietnam offers a budget-friendly and immersive experience, allowing you to step out of your comfort zone and explore a different culture.

What to Do: Navigate the bustling streets of Hanoi, enjoy local delicacies like pho, and embark on a boat trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Budget Consideration: Vietnam is an affordable destination that offers a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank.

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience that can help you mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in your life. Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty of Iceland, the historical richness of Florence and Greece, or the cultural immersion of Vietnam, your graduation trip can be a celebration of your achievements and an adventure into the unknown.

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