RECEPTIONIST: You’ve reached the Crypt Gallery. This is
Brian speaking.
WOMAN: Hello Brian. My name is Cassandra, and I’m
calling to ask about an exhibit being held at your gallery.
RECEPTIONIST: Relics of Ancient Greece, you mean?
WOMAN: That sounds about right.
RECEPTIONIST: So, do you have some specific questions?
WOMAN: Uh, yeah, sorry. So, what does the exhibit
consist of?
RECEPTIONIST: We’ve brought in Ancient Greek sculptures,
pottery, texts, and other miscellaneous items from a museum in New York where
they are permanently on display. We were
really fortunate, actually, as they rarely lend these items to other museums.
WOMAN: Yes, that’s amazing. I’m in town from Los
Angeles, actually, and saw a poster for this exhibit and would like to see it.
I’m not from around here though, so I don’t know where your museum is located.
RECEPTIONIST: West End.
WOMAN: What’s the nearest tube station?
RECEPTIONIST: That would be Euston Station. E-U-S-T-O-N.
WOMAN: How long will the exhibit be there?
RECEPTIONIST: Four weeks.
WOMAN: Hours?
RECEPTIONIST: Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. We are closed on Mondays, and also on
some public holidays.
WOMAN: Is there a time that’s best to come? You know,
when it’s quiet.
RECEPTIONIST: Hmm... I would recommend being here right away
when the doors open at 10 a.m., and on a weekday if possible.
WOMAN: OK. Thanks. Oh, am I allowed to take
photographs?
RECEPTIONIST: Yes, but no flash allowed. If the guards find
you taking pictures with a flash, they’ll confiscate your camera until you
leave.
WOMAN: Wow. All right. I appreciate the warning.
WOMAN: Are there guided tours of the exhibit, or are
we on our own?
RECEPTIONIST: We do have guides, but they are only available
to large private groups. However, there are prerecorded audio tours free of
charge.
WOMAN: Like, a headset?
RECEPTIONIST: Correct. In English, of course, but in eight
other languages as well.
WOMAN: English will obviously be fine for me.
RECEPTIONIST: Mm-hmm.
WOMAN: What about the entrance fee?
RECEPTIONIST: Adults pay £10, students £7, and £5 for kids
and senior citizens.
WOMAN: That’s not too bad.
RECEPTIONIST: But if you reserve a ticket in advance, you’ll
only pay £7 for an adult ticket.
WOMAN: Do you think it’s necessary to book ahead? I
mean, will the tickets sell out?
RECEPTIONIST: No, but there are a couple of advantages to
advanced bookings. First is, as I’ve said, the discount. Second is that you
don’t have to wait in line as long. There’s a special, um, a special lane for
reserved tickets.
WOMAN: Are the lines that long?
RECEPTIONIST: Well, it can take up to 30 minutes if you come
at a busy time.
WOMAN: That doesn’t sound fun. All right, so how do I
book a ticket?
RECEPTIONIST: Since I have you on the phone, I can take care
of that right now. If I can get your full name, your phone number, and your
date of birth...
WOMAN: Name is Cassandra Hartford.
RECEPTIONIST: Spelling?
WOMAN: C-A-S-S-A-N-D-R-A H-A-R-T-F-O-R-D.
RECEPTIONIST: Great. Phone number?
WOMAN: I don’t have one...I’m travelling.
RECEPTIONIST: Ah, yes. Then, just your date of birth,
please.
WOMAN: October 7, 1980. Do I need to pay now?
RECEPTIONIST: No, no need. You can pay in either cash or
credit card at the time of pick-up. And remember, your ticket will only be
reserved for one week from today.
WOMAN: One week. Got it. How can I pick it up?
RECEPTIONIST: Just go to the reservations desk when you
arrive at the museum. It’s to the right of the regular ticketing counter.
WOMAN: All right. You’ve been most helpful.
RECEPTIONIST: Cheers. I hope you enjoy the exhibit, and your
stay here in London.
WOMAN: Thank you.