Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 1: 
Making a Phone Call

Download audio file (HiroThai1.mp3)

Hiromi is a nursing student in Japan. Mark, from Australia, is her friend. They are not “together”, they are just friends. In this episode, Mark’s phone rings.

1. Making a Phone Call

Mark: Hello, (this is) Mark speaking.
Hiromi: Hello, Mark. This is Hiromi.
Mark: Hi, Hiromi. How are you?
Hiromi: I’m pretty good. How about you?
Mark: I’m ok. Where are you now?
Hiromi: I’m near Shijo Bridge. Where are you?
Mark: I’m on the corner of Shijo and karasuma . I’m going to the bank. What are you doing?
Hiromi: I’m just doing some shopping. Do you want to meet for coffee?
Mark: Yes. That’s a good idea.. Where shall we meet?
Hiromi: Let’s meet at Doutor ?
Mark: What’s that?
Hiromi: You know! It’s the big coffee shop near Shijo Bridge.
Mark: Oh, yeah, I remember. When shall we meet?
Hiromi: I’ll meet you in twenty minutes. Is that ok?
Mark: No, I need more time. How about I meet you in half an hour?
Hiromi: Ok. What time is it now?
Mark: It’s two fifteen.
Hiromi: Ok. I’ll see you in Doutor at two forty-five.
Mark: All right…Oh, what floor will you be on?
Hiromi: Let’s meet on the third floor. It’s the non-smoking floor.
Mark: Great! I can’t stand cigarette smoke!
Hiromi: I know.

 

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 2:
Mark is Late

Download audio file (HiroThai2.mp3)

In this episode, Mark, staying true to form, shows up late at the cafe to meet Hiromi.

2. Mark is Late

Mark: Hi Hiromi, sorry I’m late.
Hiromi: That’s ok. Do you have a drink?
Mark: Not yet. What are you drinking?
Hiromi: Cafe Latte.
Mark: Do you want another one?
Hiromi: No thanks. I’m ok. Just get one for yourself.
Mark: Ok, I won’t be a moment.
Hiromi: Take your time. It’s nice here. The view is great.
Mark: What’s the latte like?
Hiromi: It’s great. I recommend it.
Mark: Ok. I’ll just go downstairs and get one.
Hiromi: See you in a minute.
Mark: See you in a bit.

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 3: 
Having a Cup of Coffee

Download audio file (HiroThai3.mp3)

In this episode, Mark questions Hiromi about her upcoming trip to Thailand over a cup of coffee at the cafe.

3. Having a Cup of Coffee

Mark: So, Hiromi, what’s new?
Hiromi: I’m going to go overseas.
Mark: Really, where are you going to go?
Hiromi: I’m going to go to Thailand.
Mark: Wow! That sounds exciting! When are you going to go?
Hiromi: Next month.
Mark: Is it your first time abroad?
Hiromi: Yes, it is I’m a bit nervous.
Mark: Don’t worry. Thailand is a very safe country. You’ll be ok.
Hiromi: What should I take?
Mark: Not much. Thailand is very cheap so you can buy whatever you need.
Hiromi: Should I take warm clothes? I don’t know what the weather is like now.
Mark: It’s always warm in Thailand so you don’t need winter clothes, but you should take a light coat. Sometimes the air-conditioning is very cold.
Hiromi: Ok. I’ll do that. Do I need a visa?
Mark: I don’t know. Australians don’t need a visa, but I’m not sure about Japanese. You should ring the embassy. Do you have your ticket yet?
Hiromi: Not yet. Do you know a good travel agent?
Mark: There are lots. Check the ads in the magazines. Shop around. Look for the cheapest fare. Do you want to go on a tour or travel independently?
Hiromi: I want to do everything by myself.
Mark: That’s a good idea. It’s cheaper that way. Who are you going to go with?
Hiromi: I’m going on my own.
Mark: You’re going alone! Great! You’re very brave!
Hiromi: Do you think I’ll be ok?
Mark: Of course! Don’t worry! Thailand is safe!

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 4: On the Flight
Download audio file (HiroThai4.mp3)

4. On the Flight

Passenger: Where are you from?
Hiromi: I’m Japanese.
Passenger: I can see that. What part of Japan do you come from?
Hiromi: Originally I’m from Toyama, but I live in Kyoto now.
Passenger: I see. Where is Toyama?
Hiromi: It’s on the Japan Sea coast. How about you? Where are you from?
Passenger: I come from Tennessee but I live in Shiga now. I’m studying pottery. What about you? What do you do in Kyoto?
Hiromi: I’m a nursing student. I’m studying to be a nurse.
Passenger: That’s a very important job.
Hiromi: Yes, I hope I will be a good nurse, when I graduate.
Passenger: I’m sure you will. Are you going to Thailand now?
Hiromi: That’s right. You too?
Passenger: No. I’m just going to be in transit in Bangkok Airport. I am flying to Auckland tonight.
Hiromi: Why are you going to New Zealand?
Passenger: I want to visit a pottery village in New Zealand. There are some very good potters in New Zealand. There is a lot of Japanese style pottery there too. Japan is very famous for pottery. Do you like pottery?

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 5:
At the Immigration Counter

Download audio file (HiroThai5.mp3)

5. At the Immigration Counter

Immigration Officer: Could I have your passport and arrival card, please?
Hiromi: Sure, here you are.
Immigration Officer: What’s the purpose of your visit?
Hiromi: Tourism. I just came to have a look around.
Immigration Officer: How long do you plan to stay?
Hiromi: I can only stay for ten days.
Immigration Officer: You don’t intend to work, do you?
Hiromi: No, I just want to travel around and see the sights.
Immigration Officer: Very good. Here you are. Enjoy your stay.
Hiromi: Thanks very much. Bye

Credits: written by Mark White; voices by Kullapart Ratphibull and Hiromi Campbell; airport ambient sound clipped from ‘newark.mp3′ by D. Jean Hester at Opsound. Visit Hester’s site.

 

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 6 :
At the Customs Counter

Download audio file (HiroThai6.mp3)

6. At the Customs Counter

Customs Officer: Which flight were you on?
Hiromi: The one from Osaka. I just arrived from Japan.
Customs Officer: Are these your bags?
Hiromi: Yes, they are. These are mine.
Customs Officer: Did you pack them yourself?
Hiromi: Yes, I did. I packed everything myself.
Customs Officer: Do you have anything to declare?
Hiromi: I’m sorry, I don’t understand. What do you mean?
Customs Officer: Are you carrying any drugs or weapons?
Hiromi: No, definitely not.
Customs Officer: Do you have any gifts for anybody?
Hiromi: No, I don’t know anybody in Thailand.
Customs Officer: What’s in this bag?
Hiromi: Just some clothes and personal effects, toiletries and stuff.
Customs Officer: Could you open this one please?
Hiromi: Sure.

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 7:
A First Time Meeting

Download audio file (HiroThai7.mp3)

7. A First Time Meeting

Beth: Excuse me, are you going to Khaosan Road?
Hiromi: Yes, I am. How did you know?
Beth: Most travelers stay on Khaosan Road. There are lots of cheap hotels there.
Hiromi: Are you going there too?
Beth: Yes, I am. Do you want to share a taxi?
Hiromi: That’s a good idea. It will be cheaper if we 

 

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 8: Meeting Another Person

Download audio file (HiroThai8.mp3)

8. Meeting Another Person

Nick: Excuse me, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I heard your conversation. You’re going to Khaosan Road and you want to save money?
Beth: That’s right.
Nick: There’s a new bus and it goes direct to Khaosan Road. It costs about 200 baht to take a taxi, but it only costs about 70 baht on the bus.
Beth: I see. Thank you for telling us.
Nick: You’re welcome. The bus stop is at the front of the airport. I’ll show you. I’m going toKhaosan Road too.
Beth: Ok. Let’s go.

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 9:
Comparing Prices

Download audio file (HiroThai9.mp3)

9. Comparing Prices

Hiromi: Wait a minute. I have an idea. I’m going to Khaosan Road and you’re going to Khaosan Road and he’s going there too. We’re all going to the same place so why don’t we share a taxi?
Beth: Yes, but he said it’s cheaper to take the bus. The taxi will cost about 200 baht but the bus will only cost 70 baht.
Hiromi: That’s true, but we are three people. If we share a taxi then it will cost about 70baht each. Actually, it will cost less than 70 baht each.
Beth: You’re right. That’s a good idea. Let’s do that!

 

 

Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 10: Flagging Down a Taxi

Download audio file (HiroThai10.mp3)

10. Flagging Down a Taxi

Nick: Here comes one!
Driver: Yes?
Nick: We want to go to Khaosan Road.
Driver: Ok. Khaosan. That will cost 500 baht.
Nick: No, that’s too much. We can’t pay that much. We’ll give you 200 baht.
Driver: 200 baht is not enough. Khaosan is very far. How about 300 baht?
Nick: No, we will only pay 200. That’s our top price.
Driver: Ok. Let’s go

 

  Hiromi’s Trip to Thailand – Episode 11:
In the Back of the Taxi

Download audio file (HiroThai11.mp3)

11. In the Back of the Taxi

Hiromi: Do you know any good hotels?
Beth: My guidebook says there are lots. We can walk around and ask.
Hiromi: I hope they are not full.
Beth: Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll find one.