Ann: Hi, Jake. Long time no see. How are things?
Jake: Oh, hi, Ann. It's good to see you too. I'm fine. How about you?
Ann: I'm okay, thanks. Are you enjoying your summer holidays?
Jake: Definitely. It feels so good doing nothing. Of course I have to do some housework, but I don't mind it. Apart from that, I walk, read books and go to the gym every day.
Ann: That's great. You're so lucky, Jake. As for me, I've decided to work this summer.
Jake: Oh dear. Is it a full-time job?
Ann: No, it's only the afternoon shift. I work at my mother's office.
Jake: Your mother is a travel agent, isn't she? So what do you do at her office?
Ann: You're right. My mother has a small travel agency in the city centre. I started two weeks ago by typing the letters and things like that. But after a few days, I had to consult an old lady about a trip to Morocco because there was nobody in the office for some reason. And guess what? The lady bought the tour!
Jake: Ann, you are a real star. Your mother must have been very proud of you.
Ann: Well, yes, she was. So now I have to answer the phone calls and help other agents to select tours for our clients. I can say I'm pretty good at it. My mother's employees say I always give good recommendations.
Jake: Look, Ann, you probably have to consider the career of a travel agent after finishing school. I think you'll be very good at it. In fact, you're already good enough to do this job.
Ann: My mother says so, but I'm in two minds about it. On the one hand, it's a very interesting job because I can meet a lot of people and help them have a holiday of their dream. On the other hand, it's a very stressful job, and I get tired of dealing with people all the time.
Jake: I bet you can tell me some funny stories about your job.
Ann: I certainly can. Most people have very reasonable demands and expectations, and we try to offer them a trip that would be the best value for their money. However, sometimes they can complain about strange things. We had a man who ordered an eco-tour to an Australian farm and phoned us to complain that there were cows staring at him all the time.
Jake: That's funny indeed. I wonder if you could help him in some way.
Ann: Of course not. Oh look, Jake, I've got to go. I have to be at work in thirty minutes. I'm really sorry about that.
Jake: Well, Ann, let's have a coffee some day and you'll tell me more about your job. I'd love to learn more about it.
Ann: Sure, give me a ring. Bye for now.