I left Canada to teach English in the Czech Republic in 1995. There are three chapters that cover my experience there which include meeting my first wife. Ten years later, I was in India on a new teaching job getting divorced. I met and dated Marta.

Expect the Unexpected

Marta

Have you ever heard the following phrase before: "I have a gut feeling".  How would you describe this feeling? When do we usually use this expression?
This expression is often used to describe an intuitive or instinctive sense or belief about something, even when there may not be concrete evidence or logical reasoning to support it. The feeling is often described as a sensation in the stomach or abdomen, hence the reference to the "gut."
People commonly use this expression when they have a strong sense or intuition about a situation, decision, or person, but they may not be able to articulate specific reasons for their feelings. It's a way of acknowledging and trusting one's instincts or intuition, which can sometimes be influenced by subtle cues or information that may not be consciously recognized.

Here are some useful words and expressions:

1. Curiosity killed the cat : This is an idiom that suggests being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble or unpleasant consequences. It's often used to caution against excessive curiosity.

2.To grip on something: This phrase means to firmly hold onto or grasp something, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a strong and secure hold.

3.To trip: In a physical sense, to trip means to stumble or lose one's balance, often resulting in a brief fall. In a figurative sense, it can also mean to make a mistake or encounter an obstacle.

4. To be surrounded by: This expression indicates that something or someone is positioned all around a particular place or person. It implies being encircled or encompassed from all sides.

5.Hissing sound: A hissing sound is a noise characterized by a prolonged "s" or "h" sound. It is often produced by air or steam escaping through a small opening, or by certain animals as a warning or defensive signal.





All-Weather English

The story of my encounter with a cobra in the wild. "I have a gut feeling" 

Here is a question to ask yourself: Are you a reader or a listener? Do you process information better in written form or when it’s delivered to you verbally? Have you ever thought about what the difference between the two is? A reader is someone who learns easily from reading from things like articles, textbooks, or even powerpoint slides. A listener learns from hearing things like lectures  or presentations. 

* If you want to skip vocabulary part, you can move straight to 1:33

Are you a reader or a listener?

A few weeks ago we discussed multiple ways of reacting and showing interest in English. Today I’d like to elaborate on this topic.

Reacting and showing interest in English 2

Phrasal verbs are very common in English, especially in informal contexts. 
 They are made up of a verb and a particle or, sometimes, two particles. The particle often changes the meaning of the verb. Today let's learn 5 simple phrasal verbs with "look". 


5 simple phrasal verbs with "look" 

A fun trip to Mongolia in the summer of 2020.

layover - a short stay in a place that you make while you are on a longer journey to somewhere else
reasonable - if you say that the price of something is reasonable, you mean that it is fair and not too high
to go with something -  to choose or accept something
packed - filled to capacity; full
to see smth with your own eyes - see something yourself, especially when it is something that you would not believe to exist or be true if you did not see it
to make a buck - to earn money
a nomad -  is a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time
portable - something that is portable is light and small enough to be easily carried or moved, like a portable speaker 
exhausted - extremely tired
to scam - to trick someone into giving you money, usually in an illegal way

Enjoy :)

My trip to Mongolia

These two words are often confused. Some words in the English language have similar uses, but different meanings. "As" and "like" are two of those words. When studying English grammar, you must be able to understand how to use these words in a proper way. Don't forget to take a test after listening!

"Like" vs. "as": Do you know the difference between the two?

As you learn English you run into common expressions that people use in their daily conversations. Today you are going to learn five common phrases that can be used in many different situations.