大城市小世界

1Hi everybody - welcome to London. My name's Olivia pleased to meet you.My surname is Barbieri, which is an Italian name because my grandparents were from Italy, but I'm English. I've always lived in London because I really like it here. It's an expensive city, but it has lots to offer. I don't think I'd like to live anywhere else.I'm 28, which means I'm a little bit older than most of my friends and sometimes I think they see me as their mum or aunt or older sister, especially because a lot of my friends are a long way from their families. They're always asking me to help them out with their problems but I don't mind it at all.In fact, I quite like it.I work in a small shop. It doesn't sound like a very exciting job, but I love it. I own the shop and we sell shoes, butthey're not ordinary shoes. They're all special shoes, hand-made by craftsmen. We have lots of different kinds of shoes, some very posh ones for parties and some everyday shoes. But they're all unusual; funky I call them. It's not easy to get shoes like this so some of them are quite expensive. Business is good at the moment but sometimes I get boredof my job and dream about doing something else, but I'm not sure what else I'd like to do. I really want to start up a website so I can sell our shoes online all over the world and so I can spend less time in my shop.What else can I tell you? Oh well, in my free time I like reading and going to the cinema, going for walks in the park, oh, and I hate sports of any kind.I really like my life here. I guess because I've got so many good friends. We all hang out together in Tony's cafe, which is right next door to my shop, fortunately, and ugh, by the way, I have a small nephew called Joe. He's five and he's a bit of a terror. I often look after him when my sister is busy -so watch out for him.2Hello everybody I’m Sarah Zhang.As you might guess, I’m not English, I’m from China. There are a lot of Chinese people in London now. Some of them have been here for a long time and some of them are quite new here, so I don’t feel lonely.I always have someone I can speak Chinese to and there are some great restaurants here so I don’t have to eat English food all the time. I have some Chinese friends here but I also have lots of other friends, some from Britain and some from other places as well. The crowd in Tony’s café. London is full of people from all over the world.So, more about me. I’m 26 and I first came to Britain 4 years ago. I’m from Shanghai originally. I studied fine art in Shanghai and now I’ve come to London to carry on my studies. It’s a great place to study. There are lots of students here. And some good universities.Sometimes, I get a bit lonely and I miss my family and friends in China. And London can seem unfriendly at first. It’s difficult to find a nice place to live here and it’s very expensive. But there are lots of great galleries and museums here with classic and contemporary art so that means lots of opportunities for work.I like it a lot in Europe. Now, I feel quite divided between the European way of life and the Chinese one.When I’m not studying, well, I like to visit museums and galleries, you already guessed that, oh, and I like shopping. Shopping is great here. Some really interesting fashion; and great designers. I met my friend Olivia when I went to buy some shoes at her shop next door to the café. I also write pieces for a website, about Chinese life in the UK. Oh, and I like to hang out with my friends at Tony’s.3Hi, my name’s Johnny Chan from Hong Kong, very pleased to meet you.I came to Britain four years ago. I was going to study here, but I didn’t get very far with my studies. There were toomany other things to do and the chance to make lots of money. I was lucky, I got offered a job with a big Chinese venture capital company here in London, in the bit they call ‘the city’. It’s the financial centre of Britain and Europe and possibly one of the most important in the world right now.I work really hard, sometimes seven days a week from early in the morning till late at night and sometimes all night if I have to be on the phone to China, but I love it. The money is great obviously and I love the high pressure of the job, it keeps me going.So, I work hard but I play hard too. When I’m not workingI’m a sports fanatic, any kinds of sports, anything that involves hitting or kicking a ball, anything that involves running or throwing. Naturally, I’m really excited about the Olympics in Beijing. I hope to be able to get back to China to see some of the games, mostly though its football I like.I like to play football with my friends Fadi and Harry here and I like to watch games too. My favourite team is Manchester City, not a London team at all, but they have Sun Jihai in their team and he’s from China.Britain’s okay, but I plan to return to China as soon as I’m rich, in three years time, that’s what I always tell everyone. 4Hello everybody -my name’s Magda. Magda Gozinski - that’s quite difficult to pronounce - so everyone just calls me Magda.I’m from Poland but I’ve been living in London for two years now. I’m trying to improve my English so I apologise if I make mistakes sometimes.or if I don’t understand you -I’m here studying architecture - I’m doing a post graduate degree. I want to become an architect and design buildings but it’s quite difficult. I hope I’ll get a job when I finish my studies so then I can stay in the UK or perhaps go somewhere else. I’d like to travel a lot but I haven’t reallybeen anywhere yet, apart from Poland and Britain. Johnny tells me that I should go to China - perhaps I will.London is great - so many people from all over the world. But it’s very expensive and money’s a problem for me - I’m a poor student - a lot of people here in London only seem to be interested in money. I don’t like that attitude.I think there are more important things in life than money. Friendship for example.Sometimes I miss my family in Poland - but I’m happy here I’ve got a great bunch of friends here. Sarah is my best friend. She has lots of the same interests as me and we often visit museums or go to shows together. Olivia is a goodfriend as well. She’ll always help when you’ve got a problem. Ha - the boys are funny too -We always meet up in Tony’s cafe. It’s not far from where I live so it’s a good place to hang out. The weather in England isn’t great - it rains a lot, so it’s good to have a place inside where we can all be together. Tony makes good coffee too.5Welcome everybody. I’m Fadi, good to meet you. Yeah,you’re right. Fadi isn’t a typical English name. That’s because my family is from Lebanon. I was born there too, but I’ve lived in London ever since I was a kid. Now I think of myself as being both, Lebanese and English. Mostly, I’m a Londoner. London is full of people from all over the world so I fit in perfectly here.What do I do? Well, ideally, I mean, if the world was perfect, I wouldn’t do very much at all. Play football… watch TV… play video games… hang out with my friends. But unfortunately the world isn’t perfect so I have to work. I work for ourfamily business. We’re suppliers to restaurants, so we import foods from different parts of the world, the Mediterranean and Middle East mostly, and then sell them on to restaurants.It’s ok, not my ideal job but, well it’s the family business so I have to be part of it really.I get to travel quite a bit for my job too, which is ok. I wouldn’t like to be sitting in an office all day.I love London like I said, there’s loads going on, people from everywhere, even if the weather here is lousy. I’m 24 now. My mother keeps on asking me when I’m going to get married. But it’s not going to happen for a few years yet. I think 24 is way too young to marry and besides, there are too many beautiful girls in this city, even if I’m not going out with any of them at the moment.What else, er… not much really. I like nice clothes, night clubs, Arsenal football club, oh and hanging out with the people at Tony’s Café.6Hi all, I'm Harry. Pleased to meet you.I'm from London, nowhere else, just London. It's strange,I've lived here all my life and now most of my friends are people who originally come from somewhere else. You don't often meet original Londoners any more. But that's not a problem for me though, I love it. The crowd I hang out with at Tony's for example, they're from all over the world really. But once you're in London, then you're a Londoner as far as I'm concerned.Anyway, enough of that - what about me?Well, I'm 23 years old. My friend Olivia keeps on telling me I'm still only a kid but sometimes I feel old, I tell you. Too much work! I quite like my job - I'm an IT systems consultant but sometimes I think I'd like to change. I'm not sure what else I could do though and IT is a good field to be in, even if you have to constantly keep up with all the changes. Being a consultant means that I'm always working on different projects which is good because it never gets boring but it also means that I never really know if I'm going to have any work when the project I'm working on finishes.So that's a bit of a downside.Everyone thinks that I must have lots of money because I work with computers but unfortunately, that's not true. I'm just a technician really; I'm not like my friend Johnny, now he makes tons of money.What else? Well, when I'm not working or spending too much time in Tony's café, I like to go to the gym. I try to work out there at least three times a week - keep myself in trim. Sometimes, I have a game of football with the boys too. I'm not a great player but I enjoy it. I ride my bike around London too. Partly because it helps me keep in shape, partly because it's more ecologically friendly and just because it's easier no worries about traffic jams or parking. I like music a lot hip hop and RnB mostly but I'll listen to anything really. And that's about it.See you soon.7Johnny: Hello! Hello? Excuse me! Excuse me?Olivia: Just sit down anywhere – they don’t have waiters in here!Johnny: Oh, ok, is it ok if I sit here?Olivia: Sure...but you’ll need to go to the counter if you want anything...Johnny: Actually, I’m not really here to eat, or anything. I’m supposed to be meeting someone.Olivia: Well, wait here long enough, most of London will come in...Johnny: Sorry?Olivia: Just joking.Sarah: Excuse me, is anybody sitting here?Olivia: I can’t see anyone!Sarah: Sorry?Olivia: Just joking. Go ahead, sit down.Sarah: Thanks.Olivia: You might be waiting a while if you sit here.Sarah: Sorry?Olivia: There are no waiters here – people usually just go up to the counter and order whatever they want.Sarah: Oh...well...I’m just supposed to be meeting someone here actually...Olivia: Not him, by any chance?Sarah: Who?Olivia: This guy here!Johnny: Hello!Sarah: Oh. No...Johnny: No...I am waiting to meet someone...but not you! Where are you from, anyway?Sarah: Well, I live in London now, but I’m originally from Shanghai.Johnny: Thought so! I’m from Hong Kong.Olivia: Sorry to interrupt..but who are you both waiting for? Johnny: I’m waiting for my friend Harry...Sarah: ...and I’m waiting for my friend Magda...Olivia: How interesting!Johnny: Erm...why’s that interesting?Olivia: Because Harry and Magda are both friends of mine as well, and right now I’m waiting for both of them too...and here they are!All: HelloOlivia: Let’s make this easier - I’m Olivia!Johnny: I’m Johnny. I’m a friend of...Harry: ...mine. He’s a friend of mine. I’m Harry.Sarah: Ok! I’m Sarah, and I’m a friend of...Magda: ...mine! I’m Magda. Nice to meet you!Olivia: This is complicated, isn’t it? Shall I get some tea? I think we’ll need a big pot, this might take some time. So, how do we all know each other..?8Harry: So how are things going, mate?Johnny: Good. Things are good. I’m really enjoying my job... lots of work, but I’ll be rich in three years!Harry: You work all the time. I don’t know how you manage it. You should take a break some time, come and playfootball with me!Johnny: Too busy, mate, too busy. Venture capital – it’s so exciting right now. All the opportunities opening up in China. And I’m here to make the most of it! You should think about changing your job, Harry – get a piece of the action!Harry: You’re right... I'm always thinking about changing jobs... but I only know about computers, nothing else. Johnny: There are lots of computer experts around. You need to specialise!Harry: Perhaps you’re right, but I really like my job. Johnny: Is the money good?Harry: Not bad...Johnny: But not good?Harry: Well, I could find a job that pays more, but I would enjoy it less...Johnny: You could come and work for our company!Harry: Hmmm... is that an offer?Johnny: Yes... I’m serious! Listen, I’ll have a word with the human resources people tomorrow. I know there are some vacancies at the moment in the IT team... you’d easily get it. Have to go now, see you soon.Harry: Yeah, cheers, see you mate.Olivia: Hi there! You on your own?Harry: Yeah, Johnny’s just gone off to work...Olivia: As always. Never stops, that boy.Harry: Talking of which, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in the shop?Olivia: I’m just taking a break. I’m fed up of standing in that shop selling shoes all day, to tell you the truth.Harry: They’re very nice shoes, though.Olivia: All hand made, of course. But, like I say, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life running that shop.Harry: You could sell your shoes on the web.Olivia: That’s right! I’ve thought about that already... Harry: Have you got anybody to set up a website for you? Olivia: No… but I did think... I was wondering... I don’t suppose....Harry: What?Olivia: ...that you’d be interested?Harry: Me? Do your website for you?Olivia: Well, yeah... I’d like someone I know... someone I can trust...Harry: Well, I guess I could do it, sure... I’ll have to think... Olivia: Hi Fadi! How are you doing? Do you know my friend Harry?Fadi: No... nice to meet you!Harry: Yeah... you too... cheers.Olivia: Fadi works in the restaurant business, don’t you Fadi?Fadi: Well, sort of, not exactly... we supply food to lots of restaurants, but... I tell you... it’s a nightmare at the moment...Olivia: Oh dear. What’s the problem?Fadi: Well, there’s just too much work really... can’t keep up. It’s my dad’s business, but he’s getting old now. My uncle works with us too, but he’s not really interested, so it’s all up to me... I can’t keep track of what’s coming in and going out...Harry: Sounds like you need a better stock management system!Fadi: Yeah! That’s exactly what I was thinking – how did you know that?Harry: That’s my job, innit? I set up computerised stock management systems, all kinds of business IT solutions... Fadi: Wow! That’s brilliant! Listen... seriously now... would you be interested in some work?Harry: Erm... well... yeah!.... That’s three job offers in the last five minutes! What should I do?9Olivia: Hi there Harry!Harry: Hello Olivia. How’s it going?Olivia: Not bad...what are you reading?Harry: Just checking the jobs page of the local newspaper... Olivia: More? I thought you already had too many job offers to choose from...Harry: Well, I have...but there’s no harm in looking, is there? Olivia: Suppose not.Harry: You’ve got to know what’s going on...Magda: Keep ahead of the game!Harry: Exactly!Magda: I think the internet is a better place to look for jobs, though...Harry: You’re probably right, but I spend all day sitting in front of computers. It’s nice to have a change every now and then. So, Olivia, any more thoughts on what we talked about... your website?Olivia: Yeah...well...like I said, I’d love you to do it!Harry: Great – I’d love to do it. Now then, normally, for a job like that, I’d ask about a grand...Olivia: A grand!Magda: What’s a “grand”??Olivia: A thousand pounds.Magda: Phew! That sounds like a lot...Olivia: It is!Harry: It isn’t really...that’s what these things cost now...if you take into account the work I’ll have to put into it, and all my time...Olivia: Maybe...Harry: But anyway, because we’re friends, I’ll do it for say, seven fifty...?Olivia: Seven hundred and fifty...hmm...well...can you let me think about that? I’ll get back to you in a day or two.Harry: Sure! No probs!Fadi: HiAll: Hi there!Fadi: Hang on, I’ll just get a coffee and then I’ll be with you......ok, cheers! So, how’s it going?All: Good...fine...not bad!Fadi: Harry – thought any more about that offer?Harry: Sure, yeah... I’m up for it! I’ll do it, no problems. Fadi: Great, we really need it. What kind of costs are we looking at?Harry: Well, the basic package will be fifteen hundred... Fadi: Hmmmm....Harry: Then for upgrades and maintenance, well, up to two five...Fadi: Two thousand five hundred quid?Magda: Quid?Olivia: Pounds.Fadi: You don’t come cheap, do you Harry?Harry: I’m good at my job.Fadi: I’ll have to have a word with my uncle...see if I can clear it with him. I’ll get back to you.All: Hi there!Olivia: What’s up Sarah?Sarah: Just had some bad news...Magda: Oh no! What’s the matter?Sarah: I’ve just been kicked out of my flat!All: Oh no!Magda: Kicked out?Olivia: She has to leave...find another place to live...10Harry: Well Sarah, here’s the paper...I was looking at jobs...but you’ll need the “accommodation” page!Olivia: Hmmm, not very sensitive, Harry...Harry: Have to go now...see you all!All: Bye!Olivia: What’s the problem with your flat, then Sarah? Sarah: Well, I was renting a room in a shared house, but now the landlord has decided to sell the house, so we allhave to move out...Magda: Oh no...that can be really difficult in London. It’s so expensive here...Sarah: I know, I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford it... Olivia: Tell me about it!Sarah: About what?Olivia: Sorry...I just mean, I know how expensive life is! Sarah: Why’s that?Magda: Olivia wants Harry to set up a website for her, but he’s asked for loads of money!Fadi: Yeah...me too!Magda: I think he’s greedy.Fadi: I’m not sure about that...he’s a professional after all. He’s right to ask a reasonable amount for his work.Olivia: You’re just like him, I can see...only interested in money!Magda: Yeah, that’s right...Fadi: Leave off...I’m not only interested in money. I like football too...Olivia: I don’t think I can afford it, but I don’t know how to say “no” without offending him now.Sarah: Do you think he’ll be offended?Olivia: Perhaps...Fadi: I shouldn’t worry. He’s not a very sensitive guy, is he? Olivia: No! I like him, though...Fadi: Oh yeah?Olivia: Not in that way...he’s just a friend...Fadi: “Just a friend”, eh?Olivia: Are you jealous?Fadi: Get out of here! Course I’m not. I’ve got lots of girlfriends...Magda: And they only ever last for two weeks!Fadi: I like to keep them keen!Sarah: Oh yeah, sure...Fadi: Listen, Olivia, if it makes it easier for you, I think I’m going to take Harry up on his offer. I’ll get him to do somework for me, then it won’t matter if you turn him down. Sarah: I do some work for a website, Olivia. It’s called – it’s for the Chinese community in Britain. I could find out who does their website – they might be cheaper.Olivia: Could you do that for me? I’d be really grateful. Sarah: Sure, no problem.Olivia: And we’ll try and help you find a flat!Sarah: Thanks!Magda: How long have you got before you have to move out? Sarah: Only a month.Magda: That’s not long.Fadi: I’ll ask around, see if anyone I know has a room free in their house...Magda: I’ll do the same thing...Olivia: Me too!Magda: Ok everyone...we have a mission!Fadi: Find Sarah a place to live!Olivia: And tell Harry he’s greedy!Sarah: I think this might be difficult....Magda: What? Finding you a flat, or upsetting Harry?Sarah: Both!。