Лекция: Meeting People after a Long Time.
Although handshakes are not often given by the English, it is quite common to shake hands when meeting a friend one has not seen for six months or so.
A: We haven't seen you for ages. Have you been ill?
В: No, I've been up north for a month.
A: Where was that?
В: Glasgow. I got back the day before yesterday.
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A: How nice to see you again. Where have you been? Home?
B: No, I've been visiting relations.
A: Whereabouts?
B: I went to Stirling to see an uncle of mine.
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A: Come in and sit down. We haven't seen much of you lately.
B: No, I've been away on holiday.
A: Where exactly?
B: Edinburgh. I've got a cousin there.
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A: You're quite a stranger1.Have you moved or something?
B: No, I've had a few weeks in Scotland.
A: Where did you go?
B: Aberdeen. I stayed with my brother.
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1 You're quite a stranger: I haven't seen you for a long time