使阿美感到惊奇的是,竟然有人在酒吧里面过生日。在中国好像从来都没有听说过这样的事,好像挺特别的。一起来看看究竟是怎么回事吧。
Listen Read Learn
May: Look! Someone is celebrating his birthday.
Jimmy: This must be his 21st birthday. No doubt about it.
May: Why? Do you know that guy?
Jimmy: No. Well, in America, 21 is the age when you're allowed to drink. So, many guys celebrate it in bars.
May: That's interesting. But it would be really expensive, I suppose. Just think about all the drinks.
Jimmy: No. If it's your birthday, then you don't need to pay a cent. Just blow out the candles and open the gifts. That makes the birthday a special day. Your friends will take care of everything.
May: Wow. That's wonderful.
Jimmy: What about in China? What'd you do to celebrate your birthday?
May: Nowadays, it's no difference from America. But in old times, we have traditional ways to celebrate it.
Jimmy: Oh, really? Anything special?
May: Mother would cook "long-lived" noodles. And for old people, we'll prepare Longevity Peaches. Just for blessing.
Jimmy: Wow, Longevity Peaches! What's that? Real peach?
May: No. They are made of wheat flour and they look just like real peaches.
Jimmy: Why peach? Is there any interesting tale behind it?
May: Yes. The Goddess is said to own some magical peach trees in heaven. If you eat peaches grown on those trees, you will never die.
Jimmy: Oh, I know that. The Monkey King once stole a lot of them, which pissed the Goddess off. Cool!