Unit 4 / Listening 1B

Tom: You know, Gina, I'm glad you were available to work with me on this case. I often have to travel on my own, of course, but it's so much nicer to have someone to talk to, and to help make the arrangements.

Gina: Well, we haven't had too many of those yet. Getting off the plane and into a taxi was hardly very complicated.

Tom: True. But even so, it's nice to have a companion.

Gina: Well, I hope I manage to be as helpful and effective as your usual partner.

Tom: Simon? I must admit, it's hard to find anyone better than Simon. But don't worry about that. I'm not going to be comparing you all the time. Besides, he's still stuck in Siberia , from what I gather. First the pilots were on strike, and now the plane he was supposed to be taking has broken down. They're waiting for spare parts from Moscow .

Gina: Quite frankly, I think we're better off in Los Angeles .

Tom: Mmm, maybe. This assignment is kind of strange. Possibly dangerous too, although I hope not. How are you feeling?

Gina: To be honest, Tom, I'm feeling slightly nervous – but happy. This is quite an adventure, and I hope you won't think I'm trying to flatter you if I say that I still feel honoured to be working on an assignment with you.

Tom: Hah! I'm sure you won't be saying that after a couple more days in Los Angeles . I'm useless in cities, so it won't be long before you start wondering what sort of idiot you've teamed up with.

Gina: I'm sure most foreigners are useless in L.A. – it's so huge, so extreme, so extravagant. But somehow that's part of the attraction.

Tom: You've been here before, you told me.

Gina: I spent my childhood in Toronto actually, and I've been to Los Angeles only once, a couple of years ago. I've got a friend from college who married an American – that was in New Mexico , so I attended their wedding there – but last year they moved here and opened a café and I came to the inauguration. How about you?

Tom: I've passed through a couple of times, visiting Ben. But I've never stayed more than a couple of days. I just find the place – I don't know – inhuman.

Gina: Yes, it feels unreal, doesn't it? You feel as if you're walking round a film set.

Tom: That's an accurate description, certainly. Ah, here we are. Milliken Avenue . Ben lives at number 872.

Gina: So this is the end of our search. Or maybe it's just the beginning.

Tom: Let's go and see, shall we?

Gina: Hadn't we better pay the taxi driver first?

Tom: Oh! Of course. You see what I mean about being useless?

Gina: I think I'm beginning to get the picture. From now on I'll take care of settling the bills if you want. (To driver): How much do we owe you?

Driver: $27, Ma'am.

Gina: Here you are, then. $30. Please, keep the change. (To Tom): You always have to tip Americans. Otherwise they get nasty.

Driver: Thank you, Ma'am. Have a good day, and a pleasant stay in L.A.

Tom & Gina: Thank you. Good bye.