Unit 3 / Listening 3B

The Horizon Gallery, Cardiff

Gina: Excuse me, do you need any help?

Tom: Well, I'm just looking at the photos. But I'd like to meet the photographer, Gina Thomson, if she's around. My name's Tom Hunter, and her agent, Jenny Watkins, said I might find her here. But I can wait if she's busy. I enjoy looking at photos.

Gina: And what do you think of these?

Tom: Impressive. Some of them are very powerful. I see that the title, Borderland, refers to the border between England and Wales . There's some very beautiful scenery along that path.

Gina: Do you know that area?

Tom: I know parts of it quite well. I often come to Wales to relax. In fact the other day I saw a lovely little house in Powys, not far from Offa's dyke. I was almost tempted to buy it, but I don't think it would be very practical. But some day I'd like to walk the border from north to south, like Gina Thomson did.

Gina: Really? I thought explorers went to far more exotic places to walk.

Tom: How do you know I'm an explorer?

Gina: To someone who works in the media, the name Tom Hunter is well known. I read your articles regularly.

Tom: You work in the media? What do you do?

Gina: Mr Hunter, excuse me, I'm dishonest. My name is Gina Thomson. I took those photographs. I admire your work immensely and I couldn't resist the opportunity to hear your opinion of my work.

Tom: Well, now you know that I think it's impressive. And that's my honest opinion.

Gina: I'm very sorry. I shouldn't have tricked you in that way.

Tom: Don't worry. On the Richter scale of dishonesty, such behaviour would hardly figure.

Gina: It's kind of you to say so. But tell me, why did you want to see me?

Tom: I'm looking for someone to accompany me on my next assignment. I was told you were available.

Gina: Me? I'm flattered! Why me?

Tom: My usual partner, Simon, is in Siberia , and I'll have to leave before he gets back. So I need someone who's available straightaway. And since on your CV you describe yourself as patient, hard-working and keen to travel, you seem to be suited for the job.

Gina: Well, the CV definitely is honest. And my exhibition finishes this evening so I can be ready first thing tomorrow if you want.

Tom: Excellent. But don't you want to know a little bit more about it before you decide?

Gina: Oh, I imagine it'll involve climbing a few mountains, crossing the occasional desert and swimming across lakes full of crocodiles. But for me it'll be an honour whatever the destination, so I really don't mind.

Tom: And if I tell you that your professional skills won't necessarily be needed, you still don't mind?

Gina: You mean you're not looking for a photographer?

Tom: You can bring your equipment with you by all means. But we won't be observing gorillas or exploring volcanic islands. I've been asked to find someone who's gone missing. And the first destination is Los Angeles .

Gina: A missing person? That makes quite a change from your usual work.

Tom: It certainly does. So I don't know if you're still interested in accompanying me.

Gina: Oh yes. I'm sure it'll be a very enriching experience.

Tom: In that case, perhaps I could invite you to dinner and tell you all about it while we eat.

Gina: That would be lovely, thank you. I have to take down my photos, though, and put them into folders, so I may not be ready for another hour or so. Is that all right?

Tom: Fine. I've got a couple of things to see to myself, so what shall we say – nine o' clock?

Gina: Perfect. There's a good pub called The Lazy Fox a couple of hundred yards away where they serve traditional Welsh food.

Tom: That sounds nice. Where exactly is it?

Gina: You turn right when you leave the Centre and then left at the traffic lights.

Tom: OK, I'll see you there then.

Gina: Right. Thank you very much, Mr. Hunter.