Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.
Preparation
Hi!
I've been meaning to write for ages and finally today I'm actually doing something about it. Not that I'm trying to make excuses for myself, it's been really hard to sit down and write, as I've been moving around so much. Since we last saw each other I've unpacked my bags in four different cities. This job has turned out to be more of a whirlwind than I expected, but it's all good!
I went from London to Prague to set up a new regional office there. You know I'd always wanted to go, but maybe I was imagining Prague in spring when I used to talk about that. Winter was really hard, with minus 15 degrees in the mornings and dark really early in the evening. But at least it was blue skies and white snow and not days on end of grey skies and rain, like at home. It's tough being away from home over Christmas, though, and Skype on Christmas Day wasn't really the same as being with everyone.
From there I was on another three-month mission to oversee the set-up of the office in New York. Loved, loved, loved New York! It's like being in one big TV show, as everywhere looks just a little bit familiar. I did every tourist thing you can think of when I wasn't working, and must have spent most of my salary on eating out. It was really hard to leave for the next job, especially as I kind of met someone (!) More about Michael later ...
So then I was posted to LA, which felt like a whole other country compared with the East Coast. I could definitely get used to that kind of outdoor, beach lifestyle, but I didn't spend as much time getting to know California as I could have because I was flying back to see Michael every other weekend. He came to see me when he could, but his job means he's often working at weekends, so he couldn't make the flight very often. Those three months flew by and then I was off again, to Frankfurt, which is where I am now. And … so is Michael! He got a month off work and we're trying to work out how we can be in the same place at the same time for a while. We figure the first step in that direction is getting married, which is also why I wanted to write – I can't get married without my oldest friend there! The wedding's going to be at home in London in September and I hope you can come!
Anyway, tell me all your news and I promise not to leave it so long this time!
Hello Nastya,
Could you please change your username so that it's written in Roman letters (in other words, the letters used in English)? That way other users will know how to say your name -- that's the only reason we ask.
Welcome to LearnEnglish!
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
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I prefer use social media or messangers, because they replace emails and letters. They are more comfortable to use and spend less time to sending message. And what, who use email to send message to friend in 21-st century ? WT!?
As we are talking about old friends, people who i can't really meet them, I can use WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook. It's undeniable that having catch-up with them in person is substantially better, but digital ways have made communication possible. thus, writing emails makes communication effective. To illustrate, I have my brother who lives in Spain and we always talk with each other using messenger video call, so we keep in touch.
Social media :)
I used to communicate directly with my best friends. But now, it's very difficult to plan a meeting, because of being busy. So, unfortunately, I've got to chat with them online, and we rarely have a friendly meeting together.
I prefer online communication, because you are not limited by borders.
Well, as for me, I would most likely use phone or video call to tell my friends about important news. Or meeting in person if possible.
i would like to talk to them directly if it is possible. If not, i think i will make a video call for them.
I would like to use text messages through wats app to communicate to tell old friends important news.