Listening
Paul's Overseas Trip 1
Last month Paul went on a trip.
He went to Japan and China.
There were a couple of reasons for the trip.
One reason for the trip was for business.
He wanted to start some restaurants in both countries.
The other reason was for pleasure.
Paul enjoys travelling, and he wanted to visit some friends.
Before leaving on the trip Paul had several problems.
First, his passport was going to expire.
As a result, he needed to apply for a new passport.
Second, he needed to get a visa to enter China.
In order to apply for a visa, he needed his new passport.
He had 6 weeks to get everything done.
After applying for a new passport, it took 2 weeks to get it.
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto and applied for a visa.
He filled out an application form and stood in a long line.
He was surprised by how many people were applying for visas.
It took more than an hour to submit his application.
He submitted his application for the visa on a Friday.
A week later he went back to the consulate to pick up his visa.
To his surprise, when he got there, the consulate was closed.
The consulate was closed because it was a Chinese holiday.
Paul was angry at himself for not checking the consulate's website.
On its website the consulate's schedule was posted.
There was a notice saying that the consulate would be closed that day.
As a result, Paul had to come back the next Monday.
This was because the consulate was closed on weekends.
Finally, on Monday, he got the visa and he was ready to go.
Paul's Overseas Trip 2
Another problem with the trip was his travel schedule.
He needed to extend his stay in Japan.
One week in Japan wasn't enough.
Three Japanese restaurant owners wanted to meet with him.
He needed more time for the meetings than a couple of days.
And he didn't want to miss staying with a good friend of his.
His friend lives near Mt. Fuji and owns a great restaurant.
This was one thing Paul didn't want to miss.
As a result he extended his stay in Japan.
Instead of staying for just a week, he decided to stay for 10 days.
As a result, he had to change the dates for his stay in China.
The meetings in China were delayed by 3 days.
Instead of arriving on the first of the month, he arrived on the fourth.
Fortunately, there were no problems with his new schedule in China.
However, there were fewer meetings than he expected.
There wasn't much interest in opening new Italian restaurants.
Still, he had one very good meeting.
He met a young Chinese restaurant owner who was interested.
The young man already has a restaurant, but he wants to improve it.
He and Paul liked each other right away.
They met twice in Beijing and are planning to meet again.
The young Chinese man's name is Y.
He is planning to come to see Paul.
They are going to meet late next week in Toronto.
Together they will work on a business plan.
Paul is glad that he took the trip.
He thinks it was a successful and enjoyable trip.
Vocabulary
Emergency Vehicles
Ambulances are used to transport injured or sick people to a hospital.
An ambulance has trained medical personnel who can treat injured or sick people.
A wheelchair is for people who can't walk.
Wheelchairs have 4 wheels and are often pushed by people from behind.
Fire engines are used to fight fires.
Firefighters like this one often rescue people from burning buildings.
Tow trucks are used to tow cars.
This tow truck is towing a car to a repair shop.
Helicopters are used to rescue people from dangerous places.
This helicopter is lifting someone from a sinking boat.
Weather & Activities
This tree is bending over because of the strong wind.
It's going to be windy for the next few days.
It's a very clear night, so they can look up and see many stars.
There isn't a single cloud in the sky.
It's very cold today, so they are wearing very warm clothes.
Without warm clothes, they would freeze to death.
It's nice to eat ice cream on a hot day.
This mother is buying ice cream for her daughter.
This old man has to wear glasses to read.
Without reading glasses, he can't see clearly enough to read.
Dialogue
Checking up on Ada
M：How was Ada's new job in Beijing?
W：It seems to be going well. I talked with her last night.
M：How much is she getting paid?
W：I'm not sure. She said she's earning more, but I don't know she's getting.
M：Where is she living? Has she found a flat?
W：No, not yet. She's living with a friend, until she can find one of her own. Flats are more expensive there, and the quality isn't good.
M：Did she say anything else?
W：Her biggest complaint is the air quality. She hates the pollution. On some days the pollution is so bad that she is afraid to breathe.
M：Yeah, I wouldn't want to live there.
W：She's hoping it will get better.
M：I'm sure it will, but it'll take time, especially with all the cars.
W：She also said she is still looking for a new boyfriend.
M：That shouldn't be difficult. She's nice and she's good-looking. Has she met anyone?
W：No, I don't think so. She's looking for someone on the internet.
M：Maybe she'll be lucky.
W：Maybe she will. I think I'm going to try that too.
M：Really?
W：What other choices do we have? It's so difficult to meet someone new. I never have any time.
M：Me too. I'm always working. Maybe I'll try online dating too.
M：If I'm lucky I may meet someone new, like Steve's girlfriend.
W：Oh, come on, you're joking, right? I hope you can find someone better than her.
M：Steve seems happy enough.
W：Yes, but he is blind by love, you know that. I'm sure you won't last for long. As soon as she gets bored, she'll find someone else.
M：You may be right. Let's wait and see.
M：Hey, what about dinner?
W：Sure, it's getting late and maybe I'll be the woman of your dreams.
M：Well, let's take one night at a time. Let's have some Indian food, okay?
W：OK, tend and chicken for me. And I'm hungry.
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