大阪府立大学英語講座 - Traveling with English

Podcast #7 is a rather brief but important discussion - exchanging your traveler's check for cash. Have your passport ready. Sometimes you will need an additional, accepted, photo identification card e.g. bank card, driver's license, or university student card. Upon receiving your cash, immediately place it in your wallet or special money holder. Do not be counting or holding your cash as you leave the bank. Let's not put ideas into the minds of others of making their wallet heavier and your wallet lighter.

In Podcast #8, again we have a very simple conversation, but one that is often needed. The formal term "Madam" is used for extra politeness, although it would be fine to say merely, "Excuse me." without using a name. "Do you have the time?" is interchangeable with "What time is it now?"
When traveling, 'Be the master of time, and not it's slave.'

In conversation #5, we are faced with an uncomfortable and common airport situation these days - FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS. Do not be too surprised if your flight is canceled or delayed. Flight schedule changes are caused by bad weather, mechanical problems in the plane, loading the luggage, passengers embarking, airline computer systems crashing, delays from other incoming planes, and in older airports - inefficiency.
Last year, due a major thunder storm, hundreds of flights were canceled and I spent a long 24 hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. In case your plane might be canceled or delayed, bring some healthy snacks to eat, a good book, and your iPod for listening to your favorite music and, of course, for enjoying your "Traveling with English" podcasts. Then, take a few deep breathes and you'll be in good condition.

Conversation #6, takes place at Grand Central TRAIN STATION in New York City. When traveling, we must always consider how much money we should carry in our wallet. Having too much cash can be a big problem if we lose it; too little cash is a big problem if there is a wonderful gift that we might want to buy at that moment. For myself, I choose to use a bank cash card by which I can immediately withdraw cash from an ATM in any country. As all travelers know, being "on the road" requires wise financial planning.

In podcast #3 is a short conversation about sports. Many people who exercise consider themselves to be athletes, even if they do not actually play a sport or are not in good physical condition. Some people want to classify "competition dancing", e.g. ballroom dancing, as a sport. But then again, firing a rifle at a target is also strangely called an Olympic sport, along with tumbling on a mat and throwing long, beautiful ribbon streamers into the air. Maybe we are all strong, powerful, agile athletes in our heart.

In podcast #4 is an example of passengers at an airport who need to be contacted immediately, and therefore, an announcement is made asking them to go to the airline counter. Possibly, they cannot be found by a friend, family member or business associate. In other cases, sometimes an airline is searching for them due to a problem that has arisen or a need for them to quickly board the plane. You may be surprised if your name is called and heard through-out the entire airport!