Emma arrived in Barcelona for a week-long vacation. She was very excited to explore the beautiful Spanish city. On her third day, she decided to walk around the old town. She left her hotel without a map, thinking she would remember the way. The narrow streets were full of interesting shops and cafés. Emma took many photos of the beautiful old buildings. She walked for about two hours without checking directions. When she wanted to go back, she realized she was lost. All the streets looked the same to her now. Her phone battery was almost dead, so she could not use GPS. Emma started to feel a little worried. She decided to ask someone for help. She approached an elderly man sitting on a bench. 'Excuse me, can you help me?' she asked in Spanish. The man smiled kindly but shook his head. He did not understand her Spanish, and she did not speak Catalan. Emma thanked him anyway and continued walking. She saw a small café and went inside. She ordered a coffee and asked the waitress for directions. 'Where is Las Ramblas?' Emma asked. The waitress spoke some English and tried to explain. 'Go straight, then turn left at the church,' she said. Emma thanked her, paid for the coffee, and left. She walked straight for ten minutes but found no church. Maybe she had taken a wrong turn somewhere. The sun was getting lower in the sky. Emma was starting to feel tired and hungry. She sat down on a step to rest for a moment. A young couple walked by, speaking English. 'Excuse me!' Emma called out to them. The couple stopped and smiled at her. 'Are you lost?' the woman asked. 'Yes, I am trying to find my hotel near Las Ramblas,' Emma explained. 'We are actually going that way,' the man said. 'You can walk with us if you like.' Emma was so relieved and grateful. She learned that the couple was from Australia. They were also on vacation and had been to Barcelona before. 'This city is beautiful but easy to get lost in,' the woman said. They walked together through the winding streets. The man pointed out interesting things along the way. 'That is a Gaudí building,' he said, pointing to a colorful house. Emma took a photo to remember the spot. After about fifteen minutes, they reached a familiar square. 'I know this place!' Emma said excitedly. She could see Las Ramblas just ahead. Her hotel was only two blocks away from there. 'Thank you so much,' she said to the couple. 'You saved my evening!' The woman laughed and said, 'We have all been lost before.' They exchanged contact information before saying goodbye. Emma walked happily to her hotel. She went straight to her room and charged her phone. Then she took a shower and changed her clothes. She went down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. While eating, she thought about her adventure. Getting lost had actually been quite exciting. She had seen beautiful places she would never have found otherwise. And she had met two wonderful new friends. The next morning, Emma downloaded a map app on her phone. She also bought a portable charger for her phone. But that afternoon, she still got a little lost again. This time, she smiled about it. Sometimes getting lost is part of the adventure.
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Lost in the City
English Story for Elementarys (A2)
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Emma visits Barcelona and gets lost while exploring the old town without a map. With her phone battery almost dead, she struggles to find her way back to Las Ramblas. After failed attempts to get directions, she meets an Australian couple who guide her back. The experience teaches her that getting lost can lead to unexpected adventures and new friendships.
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