M - This episode is about : asking and giving DIRECTIONS!

- Ok, we know what you're thinking, we're in the 21st century and you all have some sort of GPS device in your cars and cell phones nowadays.

M - Yes, and to make the most of it you'd better set your GPS in English !

- Have you set yours, Marta?

M - Sure!

- And what does it sound like?

M - ….in two point five miles enter roundabout then take second exit !

- That's excellent!

M - So why are we dealing with this topic?

- Because one of our listeners made a request.

M - Yeah, thanks to Sergio Leon for all of his [bad word] and suggestions!

- Well, we thought it over and decided the topic could be worth an episode if we went beyond the “turn left, turn right, go straight ahead”-stuff which I'm pretty sure most of our listeners are already familiar with.

M - You know, Cindy, when I travel around the States sometimes asking for directions is the quickest way to break the ice with local people and start a conversation.

- And practice the language!

M - In my experience as far as your approach is polite and friendly Americans are always willing to help and they're also curious to know about you, so the conversation is very likely to continue for a few pleasant and interesting minutes.

- No map or GPS [bad word] to talking with local people when you're visiting a country. You miss out on all that local “flavor”, something you can't get from a GPS.

M - Ok, then. So we need to make sure that our listeners will be able to handle this kind of conversation. Let's give them some hints.

- For example, we need to arrange for tonight, Marta. You’re meeting us later on for dinner, right?

M - Sure, the girls and I are looking forward to it!

- You guys know how to get there?

M - Uhm..no, I don’t think so. It’s the new restaurant at the other end of town, right?

- Yeah, right. That’s the one. You guys need directions?

M - Yeah... thanks. That would be helpful. I don’t want to get lost.

- Ok, got a pen?

M - Yes, I’m ready, go ahead.

- Ok, well, go on down to Main St and hang a left. Then hang a right at the second church past the park. Just keep going straight, oh wait...or do you need to hang another right?? No..no...I was right the first time- go straight. And then go on down to the first light until you see a ....

M - Hold on Cindy....that makes no sense at all to me. You’re going to need to back up, start over and speak English!

- I was speaking English!

M - If you give directions like that, then no one will ever get anywhere!

- I’m sorry, Marta. It’s just that your English is so good, I forget that you’re not American like me! Many times I speak too fast and with too much slang. Let’s start over.

M - Good idea! And first off: why did you refer to us as ‘’guys’’ when my friends and I are all women?

- Oh! You’re right! I didn’t mean ‘’guys’’ as if to say you’re all men. When speaking casually to friends you can refer to a group as ‘’guys’’. But it’s only to be used amongst close friends or immediate family that you are very familiar with- don’t use it if you are referring to your Grandparents or Professors, all the important people that you would normally treat with respect.

M - Ok, that’s clear. So you weren’t calling us men.

- No, not at all, you and all your friends are very beautiful and no one would ever mistake any one of you for a man!

M - OK,thank you. Well, I’ve got my pen- let’s start over: “Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to Riccardo’s Restaurant? It’s near the highway. And please speak slowly.’’

- Sure, do you know where Main Street is?

M - Yes. I do.

- Okay. Start from the Movie Theater on Main Street and go straight heading West, until you reach the bank.

M - Okay