Salt Lake Tabernacle (aka the Mormon Tabernacle)

You can hear music coming from this building in the center of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the Salt Lake Tabernacle, also called the Mormon Tabernacle. This is the home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Pay a visit to the Tabernacle as you listen to fantastic music and practise your English!!

And here, we leave a great rendition by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of "Bring Him Home" from the musical "Les Misérables," the longest running musical in the world with 25 years on stage!

Oxford - Part 2

VIDEO 1

Stephen: While Ashlie’s in her exam, I’m going to have a look around Oxford. You probably know it’s famous for its university, but let’s find out a little bit more.

.....

Stephen: Hello.

Tourist lady: Hello.

Stephen: Er, I’m visiting Oxford for the day, what’s the best thing to do?

Tourist lady: Well it’s a lovely day. I suggest you walk around the colleges, take a bus tour, explore the Bodleian Library or take a punt on the river with a picnic.

Stephen: How many colleges are there?

Tourist lady: There’s around 39.

Stephen: What’s the best way to see Oxford?

Tourist lady: The best way to see Oxford is probably on foot with one of our green and blue badge guides.

Stephen: Great. Thank you so much.

Tourist lady: You’re welcome.

Stephen: Bye.

Tourist lady: Bye.

.....

Stephen: Hiya girls. You alright?

Students: Good, thank you.

Stephen: Are you students here?

Students: Yes

Stephen: What are you studying?

Student 1: History.

Student 2: Yeah History, too.

Stephen: What’s it like being a student here?

Students: It's great.

Student 2: Really good.

Student 1: It’s, like, the best university known worldwide so it’s a great place to be.

Stephen: So tell me what it’s like studying here in Oxford.

Student 1: We have lectures and seminars and then it’s your own time to go to the library and read your books and do your research for the next lecture so if you don’t do that reading, then you’re not prepared for the next lecture – so it’s really up to you to do your own work.

Stephen: And what’s the social life like here?

Student 2: Loads of stuff, like, really good pubs, really good clubs… erm, like, when it’s sunny and stuff it’s beautiful to just sit in the sun and, like, go punting and stuff. So it’s really nice.

Stephen: Right, I’ve got a great idea for what to do with Ashlie when she finishes her exam.

.....

Stephen: So? How did it go?

Ashlie: Really well, I think. I answered all the questions and I finished in time, so fingers crossed.

Stephen: Great. Listen, you deserve a treat after all your hard work. I’ve somewhere I want to take you.

Ashlie: Alright then, I’ll see you in a second.

Stephen: OK. Bye.

.....

Ashlie: Wow, it’s really nice down here.

Stephen: I know. I’ve booked us a boat for a trip on the river.

Ashlie: Really? Oh thank you. That’s great. I’ve always wanted to try this.

Stephen: Come on.

Ashlie: Can I have a go first? Watch out. Here I go…

Stephen: Ready?

Ashlie: Yup. Off we go!

.....

Stephen: This is great. Which way shall we go, Ash? Let’s ask the GPS.

Stephen: OK, my turn.

Ashlie: Stephen, not like that - we’re going round in circles! Stephen! Stephen – watch out for that.

Stephen: The GPS! Ashlie! What are we going to do now, without the GPS?

Ashlie: Oh, it was useless anyway. It didn’t help us get here.

Stephen: I’ll have to go and buy a map.

Ashlie: OK, you can read the map but give me the keys because… I’m driving home. Stephen! Watch out!

VIDEO 2 - Language Focus

Oxford - Part 1

Today, we travel to the ancient city of Oxford!

VIDEO 1

Stephen: Ice on the road, bridge ahead, look out for wild animals. What’s this one, Ash?
Ashlie: That one means ‘danger, river bank’ or something. It’s obvious, look at it.
Stephen: I’m studying for my driving test. You have to do a test in the car when you’re learning to drive and you have to do a written test as well - so I have to learn all these signs.
Ashlie: And I’m studying for my Business Studies course. I have to go to Oxford this afternoon to do an exam so I’m doing some last minute revision.
Stephen: Hey, Ash.
Ashlie: What?
Stephen: Did you say your exam’s in Oxford?
Ashlie: Yeah, so?
Stephen: So, why don’t I drive us there? And you can give me a driving lesson on the way. I really need the practice.
Ashlie: OK, then. Sounds good.
Stephen: Great! When do we need to go?
Ashlie: Well, with you driving? Now!
Stephen: I’ll go and get a map.
Ashlie: Oh, you don’t need to - we’ve got the GPS.
Stephen: Excellent, shall we go?
Ashlie: Yep.
.....

Stephen: OK. Ready to go!
GPS: Seatbelt on.
Stephen: Oops. Seatbelt on.
Ashlie: Right. Look in the mirrors. Get into gear. Signal. Just check the mirrors again. And off we go.
Stephen: This is easy!
Ashlie: You’re doing OK, just take it easy, the GPS knows where we’re going.
GPS: Turn right in 100 metres.
Stephen: Turn right in 100 metres.
GPS: Continue driving around the roundabout for five kilometres. Turn left in 200 metres.
Stephen: Left?! That can’t be right. We’re going round in circles.
Ashlie: I think we should go right.
GPS: Keep left. Approaching destination in 5 metres.
Ashlie: Stephen!
Stephen: Let’s turn that thing off and turn around.
Ashlie: Oh, come on. I’m going to be late. It’s almost two o’clock now.
Stephen: Which way do I go Ash?
Ashlie: Oh, look, just stop here. Over there.
Ashlie: OK – remember to lock the car and don't forget to take the GPS with you. I’ll give you a ring after my exam. Bye!
Ashlie: Taxi!
Ashlie: Excuse me, Can you take me to Oriel College, please?
Taxi Driver: OK.
Ashlie: Thanks.
GPS: You have arrived at your destination.

VIDEO 2

Transport and Travel - Part 2

Ashlie, Stephen and Jazz take a trip on the London Eye to enjoy the views of London.

VIDEO 1

VIDEO 2 (Language Focus)

TRANSCRIPTION to VIDEO 1 AVAILABLE HERE:

Jazz: Do you know how many different types of transport we have been on today?

Stephen: Well, we arrived on a plane, and then took a train, then a taxi – and now we’re on a boat on the River Thames!

Jazz: Wow - amazing. I didn’t realise people in London travelled around on boats.

Stephen: Well, there’s a lot less traffic on the river and it’s a great way to see the sights.

......

Stephen: Ah - there’s Ashlie.

Ashlie: Hi guys. Ah, I’m glad to have these back.

Stephen: Well, here we are!

Jazz: Brilliant. Are we going to the London Eye?

Stephen: We are and I’ve got our tickets!

Ashlie: Oh, what a great surprise, Stephen. I’ve always wanted to go on the London Eye!

Stephen: And the view of London from up there is amazing.

Ashlie: Oh, and the weather’s so good, we’ll be able to see loads.

Jazz: Oh, I can’t wait.

Stephen: There you go mate, the Houses of Parliament. There’s Big Ben. Over there is St Paul’s Cathedral.

Jazz: What a view.

Ashlie: Wow this is amazing. The City looks great from up here.

Jazz: That’s a strange building. What is that?

Stephen: Oh, that’s what we call the Gherkin – is one of London’s famous office blocks.

Jazz: Cool. This is fantastic.

Stephen: And there’s one thing we haven’t done today? Here’s something to remind you of your trip to London.

Jazz: Oh, the London Underground. We haven’t been on the London Underground today. Thank you so much, Stephen. I’m never going to forget this day!

......

Ashlie: Let’s get some food, you guys must be hungry. What do you want to do? Shall we get a takeaway or eat in?

Jazz: Sorry? A take-away or eat in? What do you mean?

Ashlie: Eat in, when we eat in the restaurant or take-away, when we take the food home with us.

Jazz: OK. Let’s get take-away, shall we?

Ashlie: So what do you fancy then, Pizza?

Jazz: Pizza’s good.

Stephen: Yes, pizza sounds good. And I know a great place right near the flat.

Ashlie: Oh no! You guys are never going to believe this… I’ve left my purse on the London eye!

Transport and Travel - Part 1

Stephen and Ashlie have a friend called Jazz visiting from abroad. They take Jazz on a trip around London to see the sights and famous places.

Nick meets a man who lives on the River Thames and a photographer who creates digital visions of London in the future.

Watch these videos to visit London (virtually, of course) and explore some language exercises.

Video 1

Video 2 (Language Focus)

TRANSCRIPTION to VIDEO 1 AVAILABLE HERE:

Stephen: There she is!

Ashlie: Hi!

Stephen: Great to see you Ash – this is Jazz.

Ashlie: Hi, nice to meet you, Jazz.

Jazz: Nice to meet you Ashlie. I have never been here before. I have always wanted to visit London.

Ashlie: Wow, this is your first visit to London – you’ve never been here before? Well, I’m glad you could come – we’re really looking forward to showing you around.

Stephen: Come on. Let’s get going.

Ashlie: Here, let me help you with this bag. What have you got in here? It weighs a ton.

Stephen: Oh - come on. We need to get a move on.

Ashlie: Stephen’s brought his friend Jazz over to London for a few days. So we’re going to give him a tour of the city and show him the sights.

Stephen: Come on Ash - we need to get to central London for your surprise.

Ashlie: Surprise? What for me? I’ve got a surprise!

.....

Stephen: Hi there.

Cab Driver: Hi.

Stephen: We need to get to the River Thames. Can you take us to Embankment – near the tube station?

Cab Driver: Embankment Station, OK.

Ashlie: Oh no! My bag! Where’s my bag? I can’t believe it… I’ve lost it. Damn it! I’m going to have to go back there and get it.

Stephen: Did you have it with you on the train? Are you sure you had it with you on the train?

Jazz: You had your bag on the train, definitely – you put it on the... err... How do you say that in English?

Stephen: The luggage rack – yeah. Did you put it on the luggage rack, Ash?

Ashlie: You’re right - I’m sure I had it with me on the train. Oh my gosh! My phone! My phone is in my bag. Oh, I’m going to have to go back.

Stephen: But Ashlie, you’ll miss the surprise.

Ashlie: Oh, how annoying! You guys go on ahead and I’ll catch you up later.

Stephen: Are you sure?

Ashlie: Yes, don’t worry. I’ll give you a call later.

.....

Jazz: Oh gosh! This is an amazing city. What is that building over there?

Stephen: Oh, that’s the Royal Albert Hall... I hope we’re going to get there on time.

Jazz: The traffic in London is terrible. Is the traffic always this bad?

Stephen: Ah - you should see it in rush hour. Sometimes it’s quicker to walk. In fact, maybe we should… are you OK with walking?

Jazz: Is it a long way?

Stephen: It’s about ten minutes walk to the flat from here.

Jazz: OK, that’s fine. I think we can manage with these bags.

Stephen: Can you pull over here, please?

......

Stephen: It’s only half an hour to the surprise – we’ll have to hurry.

Jazz: Wait a minute. Wait a minute, wait, I want to take a photo. Wow, I have never seen anything like this before. Where are we? What is this place called?

Stephen: This is Piccadilly Circus. There’s always loads of tourists round here.

Jazz: Wow, I must take a photograph, just one minute.

Stephen: When we get to Trafalgar Square, we can stop for a quick rest. Come on. Jazz…

Stephen: What’s that? It’s a phone. Is that your phone?

Jazz: No.

Jazz: Hey, I don’t believe it. Look what I’ve found! Isn’t this Ashlie’s bag? It’s her phone!

Stephen: What? Oh no! We had it with us all along. Poor Ashlie. I’m going to answer it. Hello?

Ashlie: Stephen?

Stephen: Hello. This isn’t Ashlie – I’m Stephen, I’m Ashlie’s brother.

Ashlie: Stephen!

Stephen: But this is Ashlie’s phone.

Ashlie: What are you doing with my phone?

Stephen: Who’s that?

Ashlie: Stephen it’s me – Ashlie – Where are you?

Stephen: Ash, we’ve found your stuff. We had it was with us all the time.

Ashlie: Oh - I can’t believe I came all the way back here for nothing.

Stephen: Yes, don’t worry we’ve got your bag. Everything‘s safe.

Ashlie: Thank goodness it’s all turned up. I’m so relieved.

Stephen: Right, well get here as quick as you can. We’re going to drop the bags off at the flat.

Ashlie: Great. And thank you!

Stephen: Meet you at the Embankment. Don’t be late. Remember, I’ve got a surprise for you!

Ashlie: OK, I’ll see you later. Bye!

Treasures of Heaven at The British Museum

Treasures of Heaven. Saints, relics and devotion in medieval Europe at The British Museum.

So, if you are planning a trip to London, do not miss this exhibition. And if you stay in Argentina, just enjoy this great video. This major exhibition brings together for the first time some of the finest sacred treasures of the medieval age.

The exhibition features over 150 objects from more than 40 institutions including the Vatican, European church treasuries, museums from the USA and Europe and the British Museum’s own pre-eminent collection.

Where heaven and earth meet

It was during the medieval period that the use of relics in devotional practice first developed and became a central part of Christian worship. For many, the relics of Christ and the saints – objects associated with them, such as body parts or possessions – continue to provide a bridge between heaven and earth today.

Sacred containers

Relics were usually set into ornate containers of silver and gold known as reliquaries, opulently decorated by the finest craftsmen of the age. They had spiritual and symbolic value that reflected the importance of their sacred contents.

Over a thousand years of history

The earliest items date from the late Roman period and trace the evolution of the cult of the saints from the 4th century to the peak of relic veneration in late medieval Europe.

Relics featured in the exhibition include three thorns thought to be from the Crown of Thorns, fragments of the True Cross, the foot of St Blaise, the breast milk of the Virgin Mary, the hair of St John the Evangelist, and the Mandylion of Edessa (one of the earliest known likenesses of Jesus).

Witness a lost heritage

Treasures such as these have not been seen in significant numbers in the UK since the Reformation in the 16th century, which saw the wholesale destruction of saints’ shrines. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to glimpse the heritage of beautiful medieval craftsmanship that was lost to this country for centuries.

Falkland man chooses Argentine citizenship

A British man, born on the Falkland Islands has become the first person from there to chose Argentine citizenship.

James Peck was handed his national identity card by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, during a ceremony to mark the 29th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War.

Peck's father fought for the British during the conflict.