# Surviving the airport

**Language:** Spanish  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Listen in as Tomás and Mariana talk about the hassles and hidden costs of navigating the airport in real, everyday Spanish. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** Tomás and Mariana are sitting next to each other in the departures area of Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, waiting for a heavily delayed flight. As they face hours of waiting in the terminal, they strike up a conversation to pass the time and share their frustrations about airport travel.

## Lessons

### 1. Complaining about waiting and prices

Tomás and Mariana discuss how long they have been waiting and complain about the expensive food options.

### 2. Talking about travel frequency

Mariana and Tomás share where they are traveling to and how often they visit their families.

### 3. Discussing origins and professions

Tomás and Mariana talk about where they are originally from, where they currently live, and what Tomás does for a living.

### 4. Sharing professional interests and hobbies

Mariana describes her work as an environmental consultant, and she and Tomás connect over their shared interest in photography.

### 5. Comparing landscapes and hometowns

Tomás and Mariana talk about their love for walking and compare the flat landscape of Buenos Aires to the mountains they miss in Mendoza and Colombia.

### 6. Reacting to flight delays

Tomás shares the bad news about another flight delay, prompting Mariana to recall a past travel nightmare where she had to wait for five hours.

### 7. Talking about your reading habits

Mariana explains how she passes the time by reading Latin American novels, but laments that she has already finished her book for the day.

### 8. Discussing your music tastes

Tomás offers to share his headphones and music with Mariana, leading to a conversation about their favorite music genres and bands.

### 9. Talking about gifts for family

Tomás and Mariana talk about the souvenirs and gifts they usually bring back for their family members when they travel.

### 10. Offering and accepting food

Tomás and Mariana discuss being hungry at the airport, and Tomás offers her some of his cookies to avoid buying expensive food.

### 11. Talking about your cooking skills

Mariana and Tomás playfully admit their lack of culinary talents while eating store-bought cookies.

### 12. Expressing appreciation for company

While waiting for their delayed flight, Tomás and Mariana express how glad they are to have each other's company to pass the time.

### 13. Suggesting a short walk

Tomás and Mariana complain about the uncomfortable airport seats and decide to stretch their legs by walking to a nearby shop.

### 14. Wishing someone a safe trip

Tomás and Mariana wrap up their conversation, wishing each other safe flights to Colombia and Chile and exchanging final warm regards.