Ashlie: Well, that was a nice hotel. I slept really well.

Stephen: Me too. OK, time to see more of Paris. Is there anything especially you want to see?

Ashlie: Everywhere! I’d love to see Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Let’s go. This way, I think.

.....

Stephen: C’est combien, s’il vous plaît? Merci. See, Ashlie, I told you I can make myself understood. It’s all about confidence. I’m going to keep practising and I’m not going to worry about making a few mistakes. People understand me and that’s the main thing.

Ashlie: Yeah, right, and you’re confident, OK. Now listen, we’ve done some touristy places. Now it’s time to do some shopping!

Stephen: I read on the internet about a great area. It’s where you can meet artists. It’s near the river. I think it’s called the Left Bank?

Ashlie: Hey, why don’t you ask someone for directions? Remember, it’s all about confidence.

.....

Stephen: Excusez-moi. Bonjour.

Woman: Bonjour.

Stephen: Combien le portrait?

Woman: Cent cinquante.

Stephen: Cent cinquante… ah, a hundred and fifty euros.

Woman: That’s right. One hundred and fifty euros. Your French is pretty good.

Stephen: Thank you. Well, I’m trying my best. Your English is very good.

Woman: Well, I'm French but I use English a lot. English is a really useful language. Around here there are a lot of tourists so they often speak to me in English.

Stephen: Yes, I guess we’re lucky that some people speak English but today I’m hoping to improve my French. I need to speak more and not worry too much about making mistakes.

Woman: Ah yes, you can always improve. You never stop learning. I always pick up new words talking to tourists and learning a language is so important, I think.

Stephen: I know what you mean.

Woman: So would you like to buy a painting? I mean, voudriez-vous …

Stephen: Thanks, but it’s a bit expensive.

Ashlie: Hi, Stephen.

Stephen: Oh, hi, Ash. Good luck with your practice!

Woman: You too.

Ashlie: Right, I’m almost done with my shopping.

Stephen: Wow, you have been busy.

Ashlie: Yes, and my French is really improving. I bought all of these using your phrase book. I just need to get something else. I need to get something from that shop over there. Look, you wait here and I’ll be back in a moment.

.....

Ashlie: OK, Stephen, I wanted to get you something special, something to remind you of our trip to Paris.

Stephen: Oh, that’s nice, Ash. What’s that?

Ashlie: Oh, you look great, Stephen!

Stephen: Merci beaucoup.

Ashlie: And now I know that that means 'Thank you very much' in French.