Getting Around a Foreign City
'The world is a book and those who
do not travel read only one page.'
These famous words of St. Augustine mean that people should travel because it enriches their inner world and brings new impressions to their lives. And you can definitely get more impressions when you travel alone, without any guides in a foreign city.
Some people are afraid of travelling alone because they don't want to get lost in an unknown city abroad. But if you learn the next phrases, they will help you not to be afraid of starting any conversation with a foreigner in the street or somewhere else.
When you want to ask for directions, you may start with…
Can you tell me the way to the…(hotel Paradise)?
Example: Can you tell me the way to the bus station?
Do you know how to get to the… (park)?
Example: Do you know how to get to the supermarket?
When you want to ask about places in a city, you should say…
Can you recommend me a nice…(place)?
Example: Can you recommend me a nice night club?
Is there a…(cafe) near here?
Example: Is there a restaurant near here?
Is there any…(pub) nearby?
Example: Is there any library nearby?
Where is the nearest… (post office)?
Example: Where is the nearest bank?
And don't forget to be polite. If you are polite you will have more chances to get some necessary information. To sound polite you should start your conversation with 'Excuse me'. For example:
Excuse me. Do you know where the Oceanis Hotel is?
Excuse me. Could you tell me, please, what time it is?
Now please listen to some common dialogues in a foreign city.
- Excuse me. Could you tell me the way to the train station?
- Um… Go straight along this street and then turn left.
- Thank you!
- You're welcome!
- Excuse me. Is there a bank near here?
- Yes, there is one on Hyde Street. Take the first turn on your left.
- How long should I walk?
- 10 minutes, not more.
- Thank you.
- Not at all.
So, don't be afraid of travelling and don't be afraid of asking questions in the streets!
Good luck!
