Section 1

You will hear a conversation between 2 old friends who meet each other by accident.

John: Hello Frank. How are you?

Frank: Wow John. Yeah I’m fine. How are you?

J: I’m great thanks. I haven’t seen you since we left school. How long ago is that now? It must be 10 years , or is it 11?

F: It’s 9 years now. What are you doing with yourself? You were going to be a doctor, weren’t you, or something medical, like a chiropractor ?

J: Well, I was going to be but that’s not what I did. I started medical school but I didn’t really enjoy it and the idea of doing it for 5 or 6 yearsand then continuing to study for years after that didn’t really appeal. So I left medical school and went into teacher training college to be a science teacher.

F: And I thought for all these years that you were earning mega megabucks as a doctor or working in a pharmaceutical company!

J: No. Just a teacher! I love it though. I’m so glad I did it instead of medicine. And what are you doing Frank?

F: After school I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I traveled for a couple of years round the world.

J: Great. Where did you go?

F: Lots of places but nowhere in Europe. I wanted to travel long distance ! First of all I travelled through India and Nepal. Then I moved into south east Asia for a few months. Then I went through Australia and New Zealand. After that I went to Africa and went around variouscountries there. After that it was south America, central America and north America.

J: How on earth did you afford all that?

F: I just settled down and worked for a few months in places where I could get a job and save money. Then, when I had enough, I moved on. I wasn’t exactly staying in luxurious places though!

J: And now what? You always wanted to work with computers, didn’t you?

F: Yes. I remember that. However, when I finished all the travelling I thought of going into travel writing but it’s so competitive . I always fancied journalism as well so I got into that and right now I’m working for the local paper.

J: Did you have to study for that?

F: Well some people don’t, but I went to college for a year to do a journalism course and I’m glad I did as it gave me a bit of a head start and certainly helped me get my first job.

J: And are you married and kids or what?

F: I married a girl called Liz that I met whilst I was in Australia. We haven’t had kids yet, though we’re planning on having at least 2 or 3. What about you?

J: Do you remember Kate who I dated whilst at school?

F: Of course. The prettiest girl in the school! You didn’t marry her, did you?

J: Yes. We managed to stay together all through college. She did teaching too so we were at the same place for 3 years at college. We thought about getting married in our last year at college but it was all too much and then we were too busy the year after graduation . So we did it 2 years after we graduated.

F: Wow. I’m so happy that you guys stayed together. That’s great!

J: Where are you living now?

F: Oh, in Westley. In the high street actually. What about you?

J: In Westley too. We’ve got a flat near the secondary school. Obviously then it’s easier to get into work.

F: Listen, why don’t you and Kate come over for dinner some time?

J: That’s a great idea. When?

F: How about next Friday?

J: Can’t do Friday I’m afraid. Both Kate and I have a parent teacher afternoon on Friday after school and then we’ll have to do the paperwork in the evening.

F: What about Saturday then?

J: That would normally be fine but our babysitter is away that night and we won’t be able to find one at such short notice. Why don’t you and Liz come over for dinner at ours and then we’ll be able to look after the kids? You’ll be able to meet them too.

F: OK. Let’s do that then. Liz will be happy. She won’t have to cook!

J: I’ll be doing the cooking when you come round. I love cooking.

F: So, what time shall we come round? 8 o’clock?

J: Well we’ll be home around 6:30 that night as we’re going out for the afternoon with the kids. I’d say come at about half past 7:00 .
F: Are you sure that’s long enough to get things ready?

J: Well, that’ll be an hour. I don’t need more than that.

F: And what’s your phone number just in case?

J: oh 1 3 4 7 8 3 5 8 2 5 . That’s the home number. And the mobile is 07978 290 512. What about you?

F: I’ve only got a mobile. It’s oh seven six two three nine six three nine five seven .

J: What was the last bit again?

F: I’ll say it all again. 07623 963 957.

J: And I’d better give you the address.

F: Oh yes, that would help.

J: We live at Flat 3, Evergreen Terrace. It’s just past the church on the right. We’ve got a post box opposite us and a doctor’s surgery next door.

F: I should be able to find that.

J: Anything you don’t like to eat?

F: Well, I hate fish and sea food and Liz doesn’t care much for red meat. She likes white meat though.

J: How about chicken?

F: That should be fine

J: Oh yes. When you arrive none of the bells are marked for security and there are four buttons. You need to press the bell second from the bottom.

F: Second from the bottom. OK. Got that.

J: I’ll be able to buzz you in and then come up to the first floor and the door will be open.

F: Great. Well it’s so good to see you again John. I’ll really look forward to seeing you on saturday and meeting Kate again. And the kids of course.

J: Yes, and I’m looking forward to meeting Liz.

F: See you Saturday then. Goodbye.

J: Goodbye