Learning English

Phil (speaking to himself) Hello, I'm Phil. I live in London. My apartment is close to the Houses of Parliament and I can hear the bells of Big Ben chiming every hour. I live on bus route number 88 which is handy because it takes me to my office in Oxford Circus. What do I do? Well, I'm an author – I write books – but don't worry if you haven't heard of me, my books never sell – ever. In fact I want a career change because I desperately need some money. When I pay all my bills, you see, I only have enough spare money to buy a few drinks at my local pub – The Horse and Groom. That reminds me – I've got to go there now to meet some friends. Excuse me, we'll speak again soon.

AT THE PUB

John

Hello Phil. Late again!

Emily

Hello Phil. How is your writing going?

Phil

You know. It's all in my head not on paper.

Tom

Hi Phil, mate, how are you?We were just talking about travelling – Emily here, says she's climbed up Mount Everest! Rather extreme backpacking, don't you think?!

Emily

I did do it. Five years ago. So come on John, what amazing thing have you done?

John

Oh, I just went cycling across South America!

Emily

You didn't!!

John

I did. In my gap year. It was such a brilliant time. Four months on the road, although I did get a bit tired.

Tom

Sounds great. Did I ever tell you that I sailed across the Atlantic to America in a yacht I built with my own hands? I still have that yacht down at the docks – but I never use it now. How about you Phil – when did you have your big life adventure?

Phil

Oh me? I haven't done much really. I'm not really one for adventure.

Emily

Why not?

Phil

Err… I never had any money - and where would I go?

John

Come on, you need some adventure in your life. Don't you feel like doing some globetrotting?

Tom

Hey! I've got an idea!

Phil (speaking to himself)

Tom has come up with a crazy idea where I could make some money and have some adventure. He has offered to lend me his yacht to sail around the world! Yeah – mad isn't it?! He thinks I could write about my adventures and make some money from it. But… I'm not someone who takes risks and I can definitely think of some problems…

Phil

Slight problem… I can't sail.

Tom

No problem. There's an app you can download. It'll show you everything.

Phil

An app? I'll need more than that. I've never sailed a yacht in my life.

Tom

It's easy! And how about if I give you the boat – I'll never use it again - you can sell it when you get back. It'll earn you a fortune, on top of the money you get from your travel writing.

Phil

I couldn't possibly keep your yacht. You might want to use it again one day.

Tom

Hmmm yes, that's true.

John

I know. Why don't you make it into a challenge?

Tom

Yes, John! Great idea. I'll tell you what – I'll make you a bet.

Phil

A bet – for money – what is it?

Tom

Do you remember that story by Jules Verne – when that guy, Phileas Fogg had to travel around the world in 80 days?

Phil

Yes.

Tom

Well, you've got to do it in 80 days. I bet you the boat that you won't do it. If you don't do it, I'll keep the boat. If you do sail around the world in 80 days, then you can keep the boat – and you can sell it if you want. He'll never do it!

Phil

Hold on. How much have you had to drink? You want me to sail around the world, on my own, in 80 days?! Impossible.

Tom

I know. But if you want an adventure – and you want to keep the yacht – then that's the challenge. Exactly 80 days to sail all the way around the world – not a minute longer.

Emily

Go on Phil, it'll be brilliant. Here, have another drink…

John

Yes, and have my drink too.

Phil (speaking to himself)

What should I do? It is true I need an adventure but this one is huge. I know, I'll have a few more drinks and think about it…

Phil               

(SLURP OF DRINK) OK. Yes - I accept the challenge!