American Idioms 

Professor Charles Bordogna

CHAPTER 9: At the Park

(Scene: Lyuba, a student from Cuba, Rosa from Colombia, and Barbara spend a Saturday afternoon at a local county park.)

Lyuba: I don't believe how crowded this park is!

Barbara: It's always this way on weekends. You can't take it for granted that you'll find a parking spot. People love to bring their children here on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. On the whole, weekdays are a better time to visit. But keep in mind, you'll still find plenty of kids whenever you are here!

Rosa: That man who is lying by the tree...is he sick?

Barbara: Possibly.... More likely, he's meditating. It's a great way to lose track of time.

Lyuba: Was that a train whistle that I heard?

Barbara: Yes, the park department runs a small miniature railroad. The train runs entirely around the park and also around a small zoo. Come on. Let's get tickets!

Rosa: So Barbara, you have gone back to seeing Bob?

Barbara: Yes, he's trying to turn over a new leaf and get his life together. I felt that I had to give him a chance.

Lyuba: You really love him?

Barbara: Yes, but our relationship is a far cry from what I had hoped it would be.

Rosa: I was once engaged. Then I found out that Miguel was seeing another woman.

Barbara: You mean that he was engaged to you, but he was fooling around?

Rosa: That's correct. It was very insulting. You can imagine how upset I was!

Barbara: Bob seems to be interested in our relationship, but he keeps hanging out with some bad company. Some of his friends really rub me the wrong way!

Lyuba: Look! Here comes the train! It's so cute!

Barbara: It's a real steam locomotive. Let's get on board!

Rosa: Have you told Bob how you feel about his friends?

Barbara: Until I'm blue in the face! I'm giving him one more chance to see how he measures up. If we break up, so be it. I've broken up with guys before and managed to land on my feet.

Lyuba: I love this train! Look at the blinking red lights at the crossing.

Rosa: Every seat on the train is filled.

Barbara: It's packed with kids! I love this park. It makes me feel like I'm a kid again!

Lyuba: I think that I could ride this train all afternoon!

Barbara: We'll definitely come back when it's less crowded. What do you say that after this ride, we get some ice cream? All this talk about Bob is getting me depressed.

Rosa: Sounds fine with me! I need a pick-me-up!

Practice and Activities  <--Mobile Compatible Version

Exercise 1   Exercise 2  <--Flash Required