Why are you so late? my boss asked.

"Почему ты так поздно?" - спросил мой начальник

ответ:

london would not be london without the river thames. it flows 215 miles across the english countryside and then through the heart of the great city before it reaches the sea. the thames has played an extremely important part in making england what it is today.

england had very few roads in the past, so the thames provided a major highway between london and many parts of the country. people could also send supplies of food and other goods to and from london by boat. in times of war, london was protected from sea attacks because they built castles and forts at the mouth of the river. people from the london area got their drinking water from the thames, and thirsty cows and sheep were a common sight along its banks.

with the industrial revolution in the 18th century, the thames became one of the busiest waterways in the world. factories made and exported goods of all kinds. so people became rich and many of them built beautiful houses along the banks oh the river. the famous writer charles dickens spent part of his childhood there and later wrote about the thames in his books.

today the thames has become a symbol of london, just as much as big ben or buckingham palace. if you take a stroll along its banks you'll have a day full of pleasant surprises. you can admire bridges built in many different architectural styles. the most famous one is probably tower bridge which actually opens up 1,000 times a year to let ships through. or you might be lucky enough to see london's rowing event, the oxford and cambridge boat race, which takes place on the river every spring. whether you're a londoner or a visitor, the thames will always have something to offer you.

Dear Adrian,

When I received your invitation to your birthday party, my heart swelled with delight. It swelled with longing to go. I yearned to be there for you. Then it shattered into a thousand pieces when I learned that my mom was being sent to hospital. Anyway, I am sorry that I wasn’t able to attend the party.

My mom suffered a heart attack on the day I took preparation to join the party. On that noon, my brother informed me that they were taking mom to the hospital as she had had a stroke. Without delaying a second, I straight went to the hospital where mom was admitted. I was overwhelmed by the situation and I couldn’t make any call to you to explain the situation. You would be glad to know that mom is now completely recovered from the stroke by the grace of god.

I hope you consider my condition and forgive me. But I would like to take you to dinner this Sunday at your favourite restaurant, the River Café. We can have some delicious Italian food. What do you think? Are you still angry at me? Can’t we meet there at 7.00 pm?

I look forward to hearing you soon.