Louise: Hi Giles! What’s up?

Giles: Hello Louise! Everything’s great. Can’t wait till summer vacation.

Louise: Do you have any special plans for the summer?

Giles: You bet! I’m going to Moscow!

Louise: Wow, Giles! I had no idea you were interested in Russia.

Giles: I’m not. I’m going to the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition.

Louise: You amaze me! That’s an even bigger surprise. I had no idea you were into classical music!

Giles: I’m not. But my younger brother Tony is. He is a pianist. He goes to Juilliard School in New York and he is going to take part in the Tchaikovsky Competition. He was selected to go! Can you imagine?

Louise: That’s incredible!

Giles: I know, right? That was his childhood dream. He was always telling me about this Van Cliburn guy.

Louise: Who is Van Cliburn?

Giles: He was a Texan pianist who won the first prize at the very first Tchaikovsky Competition back in 1958. Tony knows every little thing about him.

Louise: It sounds like your brother is quite a fan. So, what are you going to do in Moscow while you are there besides going to the competition?

Giles: My main role, of course, is to help my brother and make sure he eats well, gets enough rest and provide him with moral support.

Louise: Oh, come on! I’m sure a university student can take care of himself. Isn’t there something in Moscow that you would like to see?

Giles: Actually, I’m very excited to see their air and space museum. It’s called the Museum of Cosmonautics.

Louise: That sounds cool!

Giles: I grew up in Washington, D.C., you see, and the National Air and Space Museum has always been my favorite out of all Smithsonian Institution museums. I spent all of my days off there.

Louise: I’ve never been to Washington, D.C. So what are you expecting to see in the air and space museum in Moscow?

Giles: I would love to see a replica of the Mir space station. I know you can actually go inside it and look around.

Louise: Sounds like you’ve got it all planned. Have you already got your visas and bought the tickets?

Giles: Oh, yes. We’re all ready to go. What are your plans for the summer?

Louise: As a matter of fact, I’m going to Paris. I’ve got a special grant for studying art in the Louvre.

Giles: That sounds fantastic! You are an art major, aren’t you, Louise?

Louise: That’s right. I’m learning book illustration and design. So, in Paris I will be focusing on 17th century book illustrations.

Giles: Wow! That’s so interesting! I guess, we’ll have something to talk about in September!

Louise: We sure will! Good luck to your brother! I hope he brings back a gold medal.

Giles: Thanks, Louise! Have a great trip!