Money (podcast episode) A: Hello, dear listeners! N: Hello everybody! What’s new, Anya? A: I’ve bought a new phone. Look! It’s so cool. N: Wow! How much does it cost? A: It costs 20 thousand roubles. It’s not too expensive, but I liked it a lot. I also got a free phone-case as a gift! N: Were there other cheap options? A: Yes, there were, but the camera was really bad. I forgot my money at home and at first I was scared that I won’t be able to pay for the phone. N: So how did you pay? A: I’ve found my card in my bag. There wasn’t any ATM around and I couldn’t withdraw cash so I’ve paid by card. N: And what’s with your old phone? Are you going to sell it? A: I gave it to my little sister. I don’t want to waste my time selling it on internet. I won’t receive a good pay for it anyway. I: Hello, girls! Are you ready to go to the café today? N: Sure. A: Hey, guys…I’m sorry but I can’t. I need to plan my budget properly and save money. I: How bad! Today is the discount day! By the way, I’ve got my salary today and I can pay for you. A: Thanks, you’re so generous. […] I: Dear listeners, leave your comments on our pages on Facebook, Instagram and VK. Tell us please, whether you can save money or no. We’ll gladly read all of your comments. That’s all. We wish you good luck and success in learning Russian!

Economy of Russia (What's happening?) In the last five years, the economic situation in Russia has had a lot of ups and downs. In 2013 and 2014 it has a sustainable development, but then, after the conflict with Ukraine and deterioration in the relationship with a lot of foreign countries, the economy started decreasing. In 2017, as it seems, the country got over the worst. A lot of buildings are being erected in many towns. Urbanization is growing. The cost of living is growing as well because the price of food and petrol is getting rather intimidating. The tourism sector has improved a lot after the world football championship and the Sochi Olympic Games. A lot of foreigners realized that the absolute majority of stereotypes about Russia are a complete nonsense. The famous Russian hospitality played its role. We’ve always been able to create big events. Unfortunately, ecology is not the thing which the government and citizens pay their attention to. They tend to concentrate on the “more important issues”. It’s a mistake because no matter how much money you gain, you should pay attention to the things which happen further than your fence is placed. Thank God, the Russian intelligentsia isn’t going to die. Educated people will always pay their attention to what there will have been left after they die. They’ve always wanted to make a difference in society. It’s a vital responsibility. I’m sure average consciousness will rise, it’s a question of time and efforts. So, making a conclusion, the whole situation is far from the ideal one, but diligence is the mother of success. I don’t want we to make Russia great, the greatness costs too much for every country, it’s alien to broad-minded people. I desire we to live in a far better place and to do our bit in the world.

Excursion in London From a taxi window, you can just catch a glimpse of London. There are many other ways to take a closer look at its sights: you can walk around the town, it’s possible to take a two-hour trip on a tour bus, circulating over London. You can observe the town from the top of the double-decker bus. Besides, you can take a water trip along the Thames or the Great Canal in Regent’s Park.

Translation of some sentences 1. The reporter talked about the future of humanity. 2. This piece of painting always draws attention of visitors of the museum. 3. The capture on the monument puzzled the tourists: none of them had ever dealt with Old English. 4. We were surprised when we learnt that in Hyde Park by Marble Arch everyone can air their views related to any issue. A lot of nonsense might be heard there. 5. Here’s the advertisement you need. 6. Trust me, this guy is worth of your respect. 7. Now in England, there are pounds and pens in circulation. 8. 1945 is a historic year for the whole mankind. 9. Every English newspaper has its own readership. 10. In London, like in any metropolis with big traffic, there are accidents. 11. From Vorobiyovy gory you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. 12. The room is warmed by hot water circulating through the tubes. 13. Hundreds of newly-built houses rise in all the towns of our country. 14. A rich collection of fine and applied arts draw the visitors of this museum. 15. The exhibits of the Historical Museum in Moscow introduce the visitors to the improvement of the civilization on the territory of Russia. 16. Speed limit in the Moscow residential is 60 kilometers to the hour.

A formal letter Dear Mr Waters, I am writing to complain about service in your hotel. I want to express my opinion. I stayed there two days ago. First of all, I was met at the check-in desk in an extremely rude way. The staff might be good, but on this particular evening, the receptionist refused to call the porter. She told me he was having his meal. I was forced to take my luggage to my room by myself. I was not very glad about it as I was exhausted after a meeting. Later, when I needed to ask some questions about my room, I called to the reception, but the line was engaged. I did so again, and again, and again. Then I decided to go downstairs and I found your employee talking on the phone with her friend, as I could get it. I know you as a good businessman and I don’t want you to lose your clients and your money because of such unreliable people. I hope you will change this situation. Yours sincerely, John Adams

Mi casa Mi apartamento es bastante bonito, aunque muy pequeño. Tiene una habitación y un salón. Allí hay un sofá, un televisor, un escritorio y una estantería para los libros. En el escritorio hay un ordenador, pero el es muy antiguo, y no le usamos. El salón es espacioso y cómodo. La habitación es pequeña, pero tiene una cama muy grande. Aquí hay un armario blanco. Podemos ir al balcón. El baño es también pequeño. Cerca del pasillo corto hay nuestra cocina. Unos cuantos sillas están cerca de la mesa.

How to have a good time if you go walking to the nature It’s so nice to go walking in summer with your faithful friends! Awe-inspiring views, crackling embers of a campfire, delicious food – all of that give you so much power and good experience. But how to be safe during this trip? First of all, don’t forget to discuss the itinerary with your companions beforehand properly. It will prevent you from hesitance and conflicts during the trip. And remember to notify your relatives about your plans in details! Make sure you’ve finished all your tasks about your work, family duties, etc because it might spill your rest: an unpredictable telephone call from the work or the news about seeing in your mother-in-law are not the best details of the script of your vacation. Make sure you’ve taken everything you need. Make an orderly list of must-have things and just cross them off when you put them into your backpack. It’s so easy so that you’ll never leave your necessities at home. Take a compass, not one more iPad. Yes, bad things happen. Never hope luck will help you. Take several things which will help you to survive and to stay safe and sound. For instance, you should have a compass, a paper map, a whistle, a long rope, an old phone, which you don’t have to charge every several hours, a magnifying-glass, a knife… You may think all these ticks are not necessary, but conscious people know how breathtaking their vacation can be if to arrange it in the best way. Become these people and you’ll never regret! Have a good time!

Why is the weather always good? (The key lesson we have to learn) These days the weather reminds us old grey photos. The wind is gale-forced. The sky is sad. It’s raining all the time. The only wish is to make a cup of tea, take a book and stay at home despite a pile of tasks which are waiting for me outside. However, it’s necessary to remember that everything in our lives is moving in a circle. The warm spring goes after the freezing winter, the sun comes out after the grey, rainy days. We value good moments because bad ones happen. We enjoy the good weather because we’re made to get soaked under the rain. As a great man said, life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about to learn how to dance in the rain. I’m dancing. And you? Believe, the sun is going to come out very soon…