unit 07

Unit 7: We Need a Vacation!

Video Story
Introduction
It’s mid-August and Gina continues to be at odds with her boss. In fact, she’s
even started looking for a new job. Sally is also a little depressed because she
feels that her relationship with Philip is going nowhere. The two girls decide
that what they need is a vacation.

Sally: Hey, Gina, how about this? An all-inclusive seven-day vacation in
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Gina: Hmm. How much?
Sally: Let’s see. Ah, only $750. Can you believe it? What a deal! Think
of it: sea, sun, and sand for a whole week for only $750!
Gina: Hmm…
Sally: Besides, there wouldn’t be any hidden costs in a vacation package
like this, would there?
Gina: I guess not, but I’d really prefer to go somewhere completely
different. How do you feel about Australia?
Sally: Great, except it’s winter down under right now.
Gina: Well, so much for that idea!
Sally: Where else could we go that isn’t too expensive? Maybe
somewhere closer to home?
Gina: Let me think. Have you ever been to the Gulf Islands? They’re close by.
Sally: No, but I’ve heard they’re beautiful. Why do you ask?
Gina: Well, a friend of mine has a summer cottage on Saltspring Island.
She said I could use it anytime. I could e-mail her tonight if you’re interested.
Sally: I’m not sure. What could we do there?
Gina: We could go kayaking and hiking. We might even see seals and
whales along the way. Now wouldn’t that be something!
Sally: It’s not a bad idea.
Gina: Well, it would certainly be cheap as well. Come on. It could be
fun. What do you think?
Sally: Hey, there’s Uncle Lou.
Gina: Hi, Lou.
Sally: Hi, Uncle Lou. We’re trying to decide where to go on holiday.
Lou: Oh yeah. (Sneezes)
Gina/Sally: Bless you!
Lou: Thanks. I can’t seem to shake this cold. You know, for the best
deal of all, I don’t think you can beat a cruise.
Gina: We hadn’t thought about that, had we, Sally?
Lou: Lou Hilda and I used to go on a cruise every year. There are so many to choose from. Alaska…
Sally: I’d rather go somewhere warm.
Lou: Well then, there are cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico.
Sally: What’s so great about going on a cruise anyway?
Lou: Hmm. Where do I start? Well, first of all, there’s the luxurious accommodation.
Sally: I know, Uncle Lou, but we were looking for something more than that.
Lou: Let me finish. The cruise ships always stop at lots of interesting ports.
Sally: That does sound good, Sally, and I love visiting new places and going sightseeing.
Lou: And then there’s the wonderful food and the fantastic entertainment each day of the trip.
Sally: Ooh, I love those Vegas-style shows, don’t you?
Lou: And another thing, you meet lots of different people of all ages.
Just look at that! “Special offer. Seven days luxury Caribbean cruise on the new cruise ship, Sea Goddess. $900 US per person.”.
How could you pass that up?
Sally: Wow, Uncle Lou! Talk about twisting my arm! What do you think, Gina?
Gina: I think it’s a great idea. Let’s book right now!
Lou: I’d better go before I give you my cold. Bye, girls.
Gina: Gina Bye.
Sally: Thanks, Uncle Lou. See you soon.

 

 

Cultural Commentary

Introduction
Eye on the Street: Interview about Leisure0
Interview with a thirty-six-year-old female from the U.S.

Interviewer: Carla, how do you like to spend your free time?
Carla: Well, that depends. At the moment I enjoy gardening. I spend a lot of time planting my little flowers and watering them. And of course, I always love to cook.
Interviewer: Interviewer What sports do you enjoy?
Carla: Well, I enjoy a variety. I like kayaking because it’s calm and peaceful out on the water, and it can be quite challenging if the
waves are high. I enjoy tennis because it’s a fast game and you always have to think. I don’t mind watching golf on TV, but I
don’t really care if I play or not.
Interviewer: Interviewer What do you do for fun?
Carla: Sometimes I get together with my friends and we have a wine and cheese party. I like going to the movies now and again, or I tell my husband to make a surprise date. (laughs) That’s always fun!
Interviewer: Interviewer Do you have any vacation plans for this year?
Carla: Paul and I are planning a short kayak trip with his sister and her husband. Later on in the year we may take a trip somewhere
exotic, like Thailand or China, because it’s so different from North America.
Interviewer: Interviewer What would be the adventure of a lifetime for you?
Carla: It would be a jungle trek of some sort to Costa Rica or the Amazon with a guide and bearers. The total wilderness adventure!
I see myself swinging across ravines on ropes and crossing rivers on those flimsy suspension bridges.
Interviewer: Interviewer Wow! Thank you very much, Carla.
Carla: You’re very welcome.

Interviewer: Interviewer What would be the holiday of a lifetime for you?

 

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