Esl Podcast 309 – Describing Distances and Giving Directions

Daniella: Could you tell where I can find a drugstore?

Hotel clerk: Sure. There’s one up the street near the corner of Selma and Main. If you get to Abreu Avenue, you’ve gone too far. It’s set back from the street so it’s a little hard to find.

Daniella: Oh, that’s okay. I’ll keep an eye out for it.

Hotel clerk: You know, I just remembered that there’s a bigger and better drugstore around the block. It’s no more than a three- minute walk. Go out the main doors of the hotel, hang a left, go straight for about a quarter of a mile, and then make another left at the first street.

Daniella: Okay. I think I’ve got that. Thanks.

Hotel clerk: Now, if you want a drugstore with a pharmacy, you’ll need to walk a little farther. Go out these doors, walk roughly three blocks until you get to a dead end, turn right, cross the street, and you’ll see a bank. It’s kitty-corner from the bank. You should be able to walk there in five minutes, give or take.

Daniella: Thanks. Thanks a lot. I think I’m all set. See you later.

Hotel clerk: You know, I just remembered that there’s another drugstore...

Daniella: Thanks, but I’ve really got to get going. Bye.

Hotel clerk: Well, some people just don’t appreciate other people’s help!

Esl Podcast 520 – Getting Directions and Parking Instructions

Asha: No, I don’t. Could you give me directions?

Receptionist: Certainly. We’re located on Main Street. The cross street is Udall. If you’re taking the freeway, the best exit to take is Udall East. Once you’re on Udall, head east for about two miles and when you reach the bend, veer right. If you veer left, you’ll run into a dead end. After you veer right, you’ll be on Monroe Avenue and it’s a one-way street. Our building is on the right-hand side, past the light. If you pass Elm Street, you’ve gone too far.

Asha: Okay, I think I’ve got all that. Is there parking available?

Receptionist: Unfortunately, there’s only street parking. There is valet parking for the building next door, but they charge $12 and we don’t validate. There are meters on the street and on the side streets, but you may need to circle the block a few times to find an available meter.

Asha: All right, and thanks for the information. I guess I need to leave early to have plenty of time to find the building and to find parking.

Receptionist: I tell everybody to count on getting lost and having to hunt for parking.

Asha: Thanks for the heads up!

Taking a taxi

• Where is the nearest taxi-rank?... Are you free?

• Yes, I'm. Get in, please. I'll take care of the luggage.

• The Russian Embassy, please. I've to be there by 10.30. Drive as fast as you can. Do you think you can get in time?

• I can't promise, the traffic is heavy, but I'll do my best. We'll be all right if the lights are with us.

• Could you tell me how much it may cost?

• I think about £ 5. The meter will indicate the exact fare to be paid.

• Thank you. Here's the fare and you may keep the change.

• Why wasn't the driver sure of getting in time?