John
Hello Phil. Late again!
Emily
Hello Phil. How is your writing going?
Phil
You know. It's all in my head not on paper.
Tom
Hi Phil, mate, how are you?We were just talking about travelling – Emily here, says she's climbed up Mount Everest! Rather extreme backpacking, don't you think?!
Emily
I did do it. Five years ago. So come on John, what amazing thing have you done?
John
Oh, I just went cycling across South America!
Emily
You didn't!!
John
I did. In my gap year. It was such a brilliant time. Four months on the road, although I did get a bit tired.
Tom
Sounds great. Did I ever tell you that I sailed across the Atlantic to America in a yacht I built with my own hands? I still have that yacht down at the docks – but I never use it now. How about you Phil – when did you have your big life adventure?
Phil
Oh me? I haven't done much really. I'm not really one for adventure.
Emily
Why not?
Phil
Err… I never had any money - and where would I go?
John
Come on, you need some adventure in your life. Don't you feel like doing some globetrotting?
Tom
Hey! I've got an idea!
Phil (speaking to himself)
Tom has come up with a crazy idea where I could make some money and have some adventure. He has offered to lend me his yacht to sail around the world! Yeah – mad isn't it?! He thinks I could write about my adventures and make some money from it. But… I'm not someone who takes risks and I can definitely think of some problems…
Phil
Slight problem… I can't sail.
Tom
No problem. There's an app you can download. It'll show you everything.
Phil
An app? I'll need more than that. I've never sailed a yacht in my life.
Tom
It's easy! And how about if I give you the boat – I'll never use it again - you can sell it when you get back. It'll earn you a fortune, on top of the money you get from your travel writing.
Phil
I couldn't possibly keep your yacht. You might want to use it again one day.
Tom
Hmmm yes, that's true.
John
I know. Why don't you make it into a challenge?
Tom
Yes, John! Great idea. I'll tell you what – I'll make you a bet.
Phil
A bet – for money – what is it?
Tom
Do you remember that story by Jules Verne – when that guy, Phileas Fogg had to travel around the world in 80 days?
Phil
Yes.
Tom
Well, you've got to do it in 80 days. I bet you the boat that you won't do it. If you don't do it, I'll keep the boat. If you do sail around the world in 80 days, then you can keep the boat – and you can sell it if you want. He'll never do it!
Phil
Hold on. How much have you had to drink? You want me to sail around the world, on my own, in 80 days?! Impossible.
Tom
I know. But if you want an adventure – and you want to keep the yacht – then that's the challenge. Exactly 80 days to sail all the way around the world – not a minute longer.
Emily
Go on Phil, it'll be brilliant. Here, have another drink…
John
Yes, and have my drink too.
Phil (speaking to himself)
What should I do? It is true I need an adventure but this one is huge. I know, I'll have a few more drinks and think about it…
Phil
(SLURP OF DRINK) OK. Yes - I accept the challenge!
Unknown
Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 10, 2015