Mark waits for Frank in a cafe. Frank turns up. They are going to eat.

Mark finds a table at a Brooklyn café. A harmonica can be heard playing in the background. Have you ever tried playing the harmonica?

Frank drops Mark off near and overpass in downtown Brooklyn. Mark will get a table at a nearby café while Frank finds a parking spot.

Mark and Frank finish work and then get into the car to start their drive into the city, where Frank will introduce Mark to his friends.

Mark and his boss, Frank, have a nice little chat at work. Do you ever chat with your boss at work?

In this segment, Mark shares the contents of his dreams the night before with his co-worker, Brad. What does Brad think? What is real and what is imaginary? Sometimes the difference isn’t all that much….

Dreams can be revealing. They can tell us about what is happening in our sub-conscious and unconscious mind. In this episode, Mark wakes up from a dream and discovers some interesting insights.

In this episode, Mark goes into work on a Monday morning at the Mosquito City herald. He speaks with his boss, Frank, and discovers that Frank isn’t exactly who Mark thought he was!

In many cultures, it is considered embarrassing or wrong for a grown man to cry. Yet crying is a healthy was to express an emotion of sadness or happiness. In this episode, Mark breaks down and starts crying right in front of Peter Bestluck. Why does he cry? Find out.

Meeting people is fun. All people are unique and interesting in one way or another. Listen to Mark as he meets Stephanie, Peter Bestluck’s sister.

Have you ever been inside a medieval castle? In this episode, Mark visits Peter Bestluck in his own castle outside the city.

In this episode, the journalist from the Mosquito City newspaper speaks with professor Trafalgar, who is an expert on hydrogen powered engines.

In this episode, Mark calls up the Mosquito City University Engineering Faculty in hope of interviewing someone about the hydrogen engine.

After an enjoyable game of golf with Peter Bestluck, Mark learns something very surprising about Mosquito City; something that impresses Mark tremendously.

Have you ever seen a rhinoceros? Still in the limo on the way to the golf course, Mark and Peter talk about rhinos and how dangerous they are.

On the way to the golf course, Mark talks with Peter while the limo driver takes them along a very scenic route, full of natural beauty.

After interviewing Peter Bestluck the day before, Mark speaks with co-worker, Brad while he is waiting for Mr. Bestluck’s limo to pick him up. They are going to play golf together.

Sitting on a black leather sofa, Mark interview’s Peter Bestluck, the richest man in Mosquito City. What do they talk about? Listen and find out.

Outside of Mr. Bestluck’s office, Mark speaks with Dorothy. Who is Dorothy?

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Download audio file (miyako41.mp3)

at leftantler

John: Hi, Yumie, have you heard the news?
Yumie: The TV news?
John: No, Miyako’s news! She’s going to go to Oz. She’s going to be there …

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Download audio file (miyako40.mp3)

at elmada

Miyako: John, I’ve decided I’m going to take a year off. I’m going to defer. I have spoken to the head of the department and …

Successful in landing an interview with Mr. Bestluck, Mark makes his way to his office. He speaks with the receptionist as soon as he enters the building.

On his first day of work as a newspaper journalist with the Mosquito Herald, Mark decides to interview the richest man in town: Peter Bestluck.

Ready to get to work, Mark decides to try and get a job at the local newspaper. In this episode, he talks with the man in the newspaper office. Does Mark get the job or not?

In this episode, Mark meets a very interesting woman in the park. While they are having a friendly chat, Mark notices that she has an odd pet sitting next to her. What might it be?

Mark buys a newspaper from the newspaper vendor in the street. How much does it cost him?

After a delicious meal of traditional Mosquito cuisine, Mark is in the mood to read the latest news. He asks a man in the street where he can buy a newspaper.

Mark sits down in the restaurant and orders a meal from the waiter. Listen to find out what he orders. What would you order?

Have you ever tasted traditional Mosquito cuisine? I hear it’s delicious. In this episode, Mark is looking for a place to get a bite to eat. He talks to a local.

Mark receives a call from the receptionist and finds out that the practice of ‘tipping’ isn’t part of Mosquito City culture. In fact, it is considered rude.

In this episode, Mark chats with the bellboy, who happens to be from Belfast. Where is Belfast?

John: How did your test go?
Hiroko: I think I did okay. I hope so. How was the restaurant? Did you have a good time?
John: Yeah. It was great. Miyako had a lot to drink and she talked a lot. She is really interesting.
Hiroko: What did she talk about?

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at beija-flor

Miyako: Ooh, that last one was a bit hot.
John: Try this one, but be careful. It’s even hotter.
Miyako: Phew! It’s as hot as anything! It’s …

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Download audio file (miyako37.mp3)

at omnos

John: So, Miyako…how do you like it?
Miyako: It’s great. But I’m still hungry. In fact I’m starving. I have been looking forward to this all …

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Download audio file (miyako36.mp3)

at Hobo pd

Miyako: Wow! She speaks really good English!
John: So do you.
Miyako: But she speaks it better than me. She speaks it much better than me.
John: …

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at YTaP

John: Excuse me, could I have one Mexican salad and two taco sets please?
Waitress: Chicken or beef?
John: One of each please.
Waitress: Would you like anything …

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Download audio file (miyako34.mp3)

at jslander

Miyako: What are you going to order?
John: I haven’t decided yet. What about you? What are you going to have?
Miyako: I don’t know. I can’t …

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Download audio file (miyako33.mp3)

at tzofia

John: Hi Miyako.
Miyako: Oh, hello John. How are things? Are we still going to go to the Mexican place on Saturday night?
John: Well, …

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Download audio file (miyako32.mp3)

at sherlock77

Hiroko: Hey, John. This is Hiroko.
John: Hi, Hiroko. How is it going?
Hiroko: All right. Well, actually not so good.
John: Why? What’s wrong?
…

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Download audio file (miyako31.mp3)

at omno

John: Hi, Yumie. I haven’t seen you for a while.
Yumie: Yeah, I’ve been busy. How’s it going?
John: Not bad. Not bad at all. What have …

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Download audio file (miyako30.mp3)

at manu le manu

John: Hiroko, Miyako and I are thinking of going to a Mexican restaurant in Kyoto. Do you want to come?
Hiroko: When are …

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at KarlMarx

Miyako: What are you going to do in the future, Hiroko?
Hiroko: In the future? Do you mean when I graduate? Do you mean what …

John introduces Miyako to Hiroko.

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Download audio file (miyako27.mp3)

at mestes76

Miyako: John! Where are you going?
John: I have a class. I’m late.
Miyako: But, it’s lunch time.
John: Oh, you’re right. My watch must be wrong.
Miyako: Let’s …

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Download audio file (miyako26.mp3)

at omnos

John: This is really good. You are a great cook.
Hiroko: It’s not too salty?
John: No, it’s delicious. Where did you learn to cook?
Hiroko: My …

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Download audio file (miyako25.mp3)

at Kevin Saff

John: Hey, Hiroko. How are you?
Hiroko: Not so good. I burned the pancakes. I was making Korean pancakes and I burned them.
John: That’s a …

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Download audio file (miyako24.mp3)

at Skinny Epicurean

Hiroko: Hey, John. It�’s me, Hiroko.
John: Oh, hi Hiroko. What’s happening?
Hiroko: I’m cooking. Do you want to come over to my place for dinner?
John: …

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Download audio file (miyako23.mp3)

at mestes76

John: Hello again. Are you still reading?
Miyako: Yep.
John: Are you still reading the same book?
Miyako: Yeah. It’s interesting. It’s really really interesting. In fact, it’s …

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Download audio file (miyako22.mp3)

at moriza

John: Hi, Miyako. What are you up to?
Miyako: I’m reading.
John: What are you reading?
Miyako: It’s a book about education.
John: What’s it called?
Miyako: It’s called Education …

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Download audio file (miyako21.mp3)

at omnos

John: Hi, Hiroko. Are you okay?
Hiroko: Yes, I’m fine. John?
John: Yes?
Hiroko: I’m sorry I was angry.
John: That’s okay. I know how you …

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Download audio file (miyako20.mp3)

at omnos

John: Hi Miyako. How do you feel today?
Miyako: Much better, thanks. How are you doing?
John: Oh, all right, I guess.
Miyako: What is it? What’s wrong? …

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Download audio file (miyako19.mp3)

at omnos

John: Hey Hiroko! How are you going?
Hiroko: Pretty good. Yourself?
John: Good. I feel like seeing a movie.
Hiroko: Me too. Which movie do you want to …

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Download audio file (miyako18.mp3)

at omnos

John: Hi Hiroko, it’s John. How are you?
Hiroko: I’m okay. How are you?
John: Good, thanks. What are you doing?
Hiroko: I’m not doing anything special. I’m …

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Download audio file (miyako17.mp3)

at shingo

John: How is Miyako?
Yumie: She is okay. She is better now.
John: What is she doing?
Yumie: She is going home. I guess she is on the …

Excited about his free week of luxury accommodation, Mark checks into the Grand Hotel of Mosquito City.

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Download audio file (miyako16.mp3)

at howard gees

Miyako: Hi Yumie. Thanks for coming. Thanks for taking care of me.
Yumie: It�’s my pleasure. You are a good friend. You are my best …

In this episode, Mark gets released from his prison cell. The police have realized their mistake. Mark’s luck has changed!

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at reverseZeRO

Yumie: Hi Miyako, it’s me, Yumie. John says Ryusuke has a new girlfriend. An American girlfriend! Are you okay?
Miyako: I’m okay but I feel sad …

After drifting at sea for 7 days, Mark and John are rescued by the Mosquito City coastguard. Unfortunately, more bad news is in store for Mark…

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at ticklebug

John: Hi Yumie, what are you doing?
Yumie: I am studying.
John: You are always studying.
Yumie: Yeah, I know. I am a good student. I want to …

Misfortune strikes Mark and John on the way to Mosquito City: their banana boat runs out of fuel! What will they do next?

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Download audio file (miyako13.mp3)

at Crowe Lee

John: Do you smoke, Miyako?
Miyako: Usually I don’t smoke but I am smoking now.
John: Why are you smoking?
Miyako: I feel sad. I feel depressed.
John: …

On the high seas on route to Mosquito City, Mark and John talk of flying fish, dolphins, tattoos, and fishing.

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at panduh

Miyako: Hello, John. How are you today?
John: Good. I feel great.
Miyako: Oh, I’m glad to hear that. What is new? Do you have a girlfriend …

After much searching, Mark finally finds someone willing to take him to Mosquito City. His persistence has paid off!

Unable to find a plane ticket, Mark goes down to the docks to see if he can find a boat to take him to Mosquito City.

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Download audio file (miyako11.mp3)

at filmmaker in japan

Hiroko: Where in Kyoto do you live?
John: I live near Kyoto University. Do you know Kyoto University?
Hiroko: Yes, I do. It’s very famous. …

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Download audio file (miyako10.mp3)

at MShades

Hiroko: Where do you live?
John: I live in Kyoto. Where do you live?
Hiroko: …

Wearing his new disguise, Mark goes back to the travel agent and tries yet again to buy a ticket to Mosquito City. Does his plan work?

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Download audio file (miyako9.mp3)

at james spahr

John: I am lonely. I feel lonely. I feel really lonely. I live in Japan but I …

In this episode, Mark buys a disguise. Why does he want to disguise himself? It sounds like he’s up to no good. What kind of scheme is he planning?

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Download audio file (miyako8.mp3)

at Philip the Filipino

Miyako: Hi, John, how are you?
John: Okay. You?
Miyako: Pretty good. What’s up? Are you …

Mark goes to the travel agent and tries to by a ticket to Mosquito City. Is it possible?

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download audio file (miyako7.mp3)

at quitelucid

John: So, do you like biology, Yumie?
Yumie: Yes, I do. I really …

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Download audio file (miyako6.mp3)

at seaninjapan

John: Oh, one orange juice and one hot coffee, please.
Cashier: Go hyaku-en desu.
John: …

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Download audio file (miyako5.mp3)

at davemattock

John: Do you want coffee or tea?
Yumie: Actually I don’t drink coffee or tea. I drink juice.
John: Is orange juice okay?
Yumie: Sure. Thank you.
John: What …

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Download audio file (miyako4.mp3)

at erin mj

John invites Yumie to go for a coffee.
John: Hi, Yumie, how are you?
Yumie: I’m good thanks, but I’m really …

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download audio file (miyako3.mp3)

at ichic

Talking about Miyako’s Boyfriend
Miyako: Yumie is really pretty. Do you like her?
John: Yes, I do. She’s nice.
Miyako: …

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Download audio file (miyako2.mp3)

at Best Dream

Introducing Yumie.
John: Who is that?
Miyako: That’s my friend, Yumie. Hey, Yumie, come here!
Yumie: …

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Download audio file (miyako1.mp3)

at redwolf

Meeting John
Miyako is a student at a Japanese university. John is an overseas student from Australia. It’s the first day of a new term.

Miyako: …

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Download audio file (ksubasinterview.mp3)

by Richard Stamper at apc33

The following questions and answers were carried out between October and December of 2005. The Japanese students are from Kyoto Sangyo …

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Download audio file (basksuinterview.mp3)

by apc33

The following questions and answers were carried out between October and December of 2005. The Thai students are in the British and American Studies …

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Download audio file (ajstudents.mp3)

by loupiote

Takashi: What is the most interesting Thai festival?
AJ: I think the most interesting Thai festival is Songkran, the Thai New Year, where they throw …

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download audio file (daruma.mp3)

Eager Student: Daruma. Impart to me some wisdom concerning your portrait and its significance.
Daruma: …
Eager Student: Daurma. Why don’t you tell me about sumi-e, ink …

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download audio file (HiroThai11.mp3)

by jetalone

11. In the Back of the Taxi
Hiromi: Do you know any good hotels?
Beth: My guidebook says there …

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Download audio file (HiroThai10.mp3)

by kitsh

10. Flagging Down a Taxi
Nick: Here comes one!
Driver: Yes?
Nick: We want to go to Khaosan Road.
Driver: …

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Download audio file (HiroThai9.mp3)

by wintermute23

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 …

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Download audio file (HiroThai8.mp3)

by m-louis

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 …

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Download audio file (HiroThai7.mp3)

by zitakat

7. A First Time Meeting
Beth: Excuse me, are you going to Khaosan Road?
Hiromi: Yes, I am. How did you …

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download audio file (HiroThai6.mp3)

by ellecer

6. At the Customs Counter
Customs Officer: Which flight were you on?
Hiromi: …

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Download audio file (HiroThai5.mp3)

by ijac

5. At the Immigration Counter
Immigration Officer: Could I have your passport and arrival card, please?
Hiromi: …

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Download audio file (HiroThai4.mp3)

by jmsmytaste

4. On the Flight
Passenger: Where are you from?
Hiromi: I’m Japanese.
Passenger: I can …

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download audio file (HiroThai3.mp3)

by Junku

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, …

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Download audio file (HiroThai2.mp3)

by Enesco

In this episode, Mark, staying true to form, shows up late at the cafe to meet Hiromi.
2. Mark is Late
Mark: …

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Download audio file (HiroThai1.mp3)

by designsquid (erichhh)

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

Meeting a stranger
Ordering in a restaurant
Applying for a job
Interviewing Somebody
Checking in to a Hotel
Buying Something in a Store
Asking for Directions
Giving directions
Describing the location of an Object
Describing a Place
Making an Appointment
Making an Agreement
Expressing Agreement
Expressing Disagreement