Episode 19

Episode 19

In episode 19, Robert gets good news, but is confused. What do you think he's confused about?

Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.

Transcript

Robert: Hello, Jessie. Too much is happening in my life! I think I'm going mad! After that incredible phone call from Chico that I told you about, I got some more 'big' news. My boss Mr Rowlands asked me to go and see him today – and what do you think he said ...?

Mr Rowlands: Hello, Robert. How are things going with you?

Robert: Very well, thank you, Mr Rowlands. I hope you're well too ...?

Mr Rowlands: Very well, thank you, Robert. Now, Robert, I've got some good news for you.

Robert: Oh yes?

Mr Rowlands: You wanted to transfer to Brazil when you finished your training – and I'm pleased to tell you we have a vacancy in one of our smaller hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Robert: Rio de Janeiro!

Mr Rowlands: Yes. A nice surprise, no? The manager has been ill and has decided to retire – well, unfortunately for him, but fortunately for you. We'd like you to take over.

Robert: Take over?

Mr Rowlands: Yes, as manager. The job's got your name on it. I'm very happy with the work you've done here and I'm confident you will do a good job in Brazil.

Robert: Oh, good heavens! Manager of a hotel in Rio de Janeiro!

Mr Rowlands: You look shocked, Robert. It is what you wanted, isn't it?

Robert: Oh yes, yes, yes, of course – it's what I've wanted for a long time. It's just a bit sudden – for it to happen now.

Mr Rowlands: Well, you'd better start getting organised. You'll need to take a language test – you've been learning Portuguese, haven't you?

Robert: Um, yes, I've been having some lessons …

Mr Rowlands: You'll need to be a B2 level for the job.

Robert: What does that mean?

Mr Rowlands: The level is 'upper intermediate' – it means you can speak Portuguese quite well. Remember, a lot of your staff will be Brazilian – you have to speak the language confidently.

Robert: Yes, yes, of course. Confidently.

Mr Rowlands: So get the language test done and we'll start organising the visa and travel arrangements – you should be leaving ...

Robert: He said I should think about leaving at the end of next month – at the latest! Oh Jessie! Why does everything happen at the same time! I went back to work after the conversation with Mr Rowlands, but I couldn't concentrate on anything. And then I got another phone call. Guess who from …

Robert: Hello? Chico! Yes, yes, I'm fine. Yes – and I can't wait to see you. So when are you coming to London? When can we meet? Next week?! That's fantastic! Well, no, you can't really stay with me, I'm afraid. I live at the hotel. I can try and find you a room for a few nights, but it's expensive. I'll see if I … You want to find a flat? Well, yes – I'd love to share a flat with you – yes, of course, it would be lovely, but I …

Robert: So, Chico's coming to London next week to try and find a flat. What do you think of that, Jessie? I get my dream job in Brazil, and Chico is coming to live in London. And he asked if I would like to share a flat with him! What game is the universe playing with me?! And then I went for a drink with Mei and Milton.

Milton: So, I got a phone call from Carolina this morning.

Robert: Carolina?

Mei: His friend who lives downstairs. She's in France at the moment.

Milton: Well, she isn't staying in France. She's off to Borneo.

Robert: Borneo! I thought Brazil was unusual!

Milton: It sounds weird, but it isn't. Her boyfriend – or friend, I'm not sure any more – his name's Jamie. Well, he's living in Borneo. He's doing some work with orangutans – it's a conservation project. And Carolina's going to join him there.

Robert: Wow.

Mei: But what about her flat?

Milton: She wants to rent it – quite cheaply. She asked me to see if I can find someone who'd like to rent it for nine months or a year. (Robert makes a sudden sound.)

Milton: You OK, Robert?

Robert: Fine. There's a flat to rent in your building?

Milton: That's right. It's a shame you're going to Brazil, Robert. We could all live in the same building …

Robert: So there you are, Jessie. A flat for Chico – or even for Chico and me … Oh! What in the world am I going to do?

Discussion

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Submitted by imamuratovazat on Wed, 30/03/2022 - 11:06

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Hello guys) i was wondering what happened to Jamie and Carolina from the previous series, thanks to this episode finally i have understood what Jamie had decided..Amazing site!

Hello imamuratovazat,

I'm afraid we don't currently plan to produce another series of the Podcasts, but it's great to hear that you enjoyed them and thank you for asking about it here. If we get a lot of people asking, then perhaps we could consider producing a new one.

Best wishes,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by jmajo on Fri, 03/12/2021 - 15:24

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Well, most of my closest friends yes, but I've got another ones whom are living overseas, one of my best friend from childhood is living in Europe and I've got another living in New Zealand. I don't have close friends living in my neighbourhood but they live not very far where I'm living.

Thanks for the episode.
Great site!