Getting around Washington

Washingtonians are proud of their subway system, which they call Metrorail or just metro. It is much more modern than New York's. This is quite natural as it was opened only in 1976. It has four lines: Red, Orange, Blue and Yellow. There are plans for a Green line. The lines go out from downtown Washington into Maryland and Virginia.

The minimum non-rush hour fare is 85 cents. The maximum rush hour fare is $2.40. Instead of a token, you use a magnetic fare card, which you buy from vending machines in the stations. To get to the platform you must insert your fare card at the entrance gate. The card pops out with the time and location encoded. At your destination you insert the card at the exit gate and the fare is automatically deducted.

Buses connect all Metro stations. They also reach areas of Washington not served by the Metro. You can get a free transfer ticket from the Metro to a bus from a machine in the station where you begin your trip.

Dialogues

Richard and Victor are in Washington. They're talking about sightseeing.

-It's been a long day! Sightseeing is exciting but tiring.

-Didn't you use Tour mobile?

-I sure did. But walking was the best part of it.

-You must be tired.

-What should I do tomorrow?

-Tomorrow... Getting around by metro may be best for you.

-You don't call it the «subway»?

-Washingtonians call it the Metrorail, the Metro for short.

-Okay. Metro sounds familiar. Just like the Leningrad metro.

-When did it open?

-It was opened not long ago. In 1976.

-I have a map of it in my guidebook.

-Frankly, I have a very busy schedule, Vic. Of course I should join you. But I can't.

-I know, Rich. Can I help you with your work? I'll gladly do it.

-No, thanks. I'll join you as soon as I am free.

-So when you are free, what will we see?

-When I'm free, we'll take Tour mobile.

-But I've already done it?

-We'll see some more places. Since I don't have a car here, we'll take Tour mobile again.

-Is it cheaper than renting a car?

-It sure is. And you don't have to think about parking.

 

***

-What's the matter with you? -Why are you looking worried?   -What's the matter? -You are so pale. Are you okay? -What makes you look so sad? -Why do you look so worried?   -Why are you so nervous? -Did you look everywhere for it? -Did you talk to the boss about your problems? -What's up?   -You don't look very happy today. -What worries you?

-I'm worried (about …). -I've got problems. I'm upset by the news from home. -I feel awful. -No, I'm ill. I feel miserable. -I'm nervous. -I'm fed up with seeing strange places. I'm homesick. -I'm in trouble. I've lost my passport. -Yes, I did. I feel desperate. -Yes, but he refuses to help. I'm quite upset. -Oh, nothing much I m simply depressed after the film. -I'm in trouble. -I'm at a loss what to do about the proposal.

 

***

-Suppose you could choose where to go? -If you had more money, what would you buy? - Suppose you went shopping without me would you be able to buy so much for so little money? -Suppose you had a choice of countries to visit, where would you go? -What would you do there?     -If they asked you what cities you'd like to visit, what would you say? -Suppose they offered you a trip to Philadelphia, would you discuss the possibilities research exchanges there? -Suppose we couldn't give you much money to spend there, would you still like to go? -All right. We'll consider sen­ding you to the States.

-I'd go to Washing­ton and Chicago. -I'd buy a computer for my son and a VCR for my daughter. -Certainly not. If you didn't go with me, I would buy very little.   -I'd go to the States.   -I'd discuss the joint venture project with Richard's com­pany and see some of the country. -I'd like to see New York and Washington and maybe some smaller places. -If I could go there, I would gladly do that.     -If you didn't give me any money at all, I would still like to go.

Комментарии

Перевод

Busy ['bizi] — значит не только занятой/занятый, но и напряжен­ный ( a busy schedule, а busy day ) или оживленный ( a busy street )

To re - board — приставка re - часто обозначает повторение действия. Поэтому не торопитесь заглядывать в словарь, встретив незнакомое слово, начинающееся с re-, а посмотрите, не знакомо ли оно без этой приставки. В данном случае мы видим хорошо знакомый глагол to board (садиться на какой-либо транспорт), следовательно, перевод будет опять сесть.

Ticket is good — good может означать действителен. Более офи­циальное слово для этого понятия — valid.

Foot — не только нога (ступня), но и подножие.

The Smithsonian Institution — Смитсоновский (Смитсонианский) институт — комплексное научно-исследовательское и культурно-про­светительское учреждение, в которое входят также музеи, картинные галереи и даже зоопарк.

Rush hour — час пик.

Extra значит сверх, дополнительно.

 

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