Episode 96: Never Have I Ever...

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Paige: You are listening to “Coffee with Gringos.” I'm Paige Sutherland.

Ian: And I'm Ian Kennedy.

Paige: And so today we're going to play a little game. This is a common game in the US, it usually involves drinking, but because we're “Coffee with Gringos”, we'll just be drinking coffee today. So, it's called: “Never have I ever.”  It's a game where you usually play with five to ten fingers—depending on how long you want the game to last—and it usually gets pretty sexual, but we're going to keep it PG today. So, “Never have I ever”, the rules are pretty simple: basically, you have five to ten fingers up in the air and you say something you haven't done. If someone has done that, they have to put a finger down and, usually, they have to drink. But today we won't be drinking, unfortunately. So, to start, never have I ever flown first class. Ian?

Ian: Oh, I got a finger down.

Paige: Drink up.

Ian: Yeah, drink up. So, I have flown first-class one time. Now I have to say, I got really lucky because I didn't pay for a first-class ticket because I'm not willing to spend the money for that. But what happened was I was taking a little trip with some friends to Mexico and when we got on the plane, I went all the way back to my economy seat, and there was a girl sitting there in my seat. And so, I said, “Hi, I think you're in my seat. “And she said, “Yeah, I know. Sorry, I took your seat, but my friends are sitting right here next to me in your seat and I'd rather fly with them on the flight than where I'm sitting.” And she said, “It just so happens I'm sitting first class, so she said, “Is it okay if I sit here in your seat and you can have my first-class ticket?” No shit. Of course, it's fine. So, I gladly accepted, and I went up to first class. And it was a really funny experience because I clearly didn't belong there and it was my first time. So, I made the mistake of when the flight attendant came by and she asked me what I wanted for lunch off the menu, I asked her, “Do I have to pay for this?” And she said “No, you're in first class. You're fine. No worries.” So, it was really funny I clearly didn't belong there and even the girl sitting next to me kind of gave me a look like, “yeah, this guy's experiencing his first time in first class.” So, yeah, I got to feel rich for a day. It was nice. But I hope you get that kind of luck someday soon or if we make it really big with this podcast, then you can take the money and buy your own jet or you can fly first class. Okay, my turn. Let's think here. Never have ever gone bungee jumping. What about you?

Paige: I have actually gone bungee jumping—it was terrifying. When I lived in South Africa, there is this spot that was the tallest bungee jump in the world off a bridge. And so, me and my sister were doing this road trip—we were going from coast to coast. And we were like, let's do it, we've never gone bungee jumping.  It was just kind of a once in a lifetime experience. We were in the area—it was THE world's largest. So, we decided to sign up and my sister didn't really have a choice because I was doing it and she was with me, so she had to. But she was having second thoughts, and we were filling out all the waivers of being able to die and our responsibility. And, everyone's kind of nervous because, you know, bungee jumping is pretty scary. And this guy goes around and he has this marker and he just writes numbers on everyone's hands but doesn't say why. So, we were like, oh, this is kind of weird. So, there's like a group—maybe like twenty of us—we gather, we're going to go walk to the bridge, and he's like “Okay, those numbers are the order that you're going to jump in. And it's random.” So, he picks the number out of the hat and I got second. I was like, oh second…I don't want to go second. It's like, you want to see more people survive before you go. But I was like, I'm brave, I can do this. And one of the scariest parts was because it was a bridge, you had to walk to the middle of it and the walk was this grate. So, you could just see the way down. So, you are just walking towards your death, seeing the ground and the rocks and everything below you. And I'm like, I can't believe I have to go second. They go up and the guy that goes first, the instructor is like “Okay, it's pretty simple. You just have to put your arms out and just dive—Superman-style—and jump.” The only thing is you have to jump headfirst. He's like, “Do not jump feet first because if you do, the rope will recoil and you'll get a really bad whiplash” So, I was like, “Okay, do not jump feet first: the only thing I have to remember.” And so, the guy goes first and we were chatting, just the two of us. He goes up, and he jumps feet first, and I was like, “oh my god, this is the only thing the instructor said.” I'm like, “Did he die? Is he going to be okay?” And the instructor is like “Okay, next, you go” and I was like, “Can I get an update on that guy first because you basically told us we die if we jump feet first and he just did that.?” And so, he was like “No, let's go. There’s a lot of people waiting” and I go up and I asked the instructor “Can you push me? Because I don't want to jump headfirst by myself.” And he politely declined. So, I just sucked it up and jumped, and closed my eyes, and then once you were going down, it was pretty exhilarating. You just felt like you were flying and then you almost touch the water but then you recoil back, and it's just beautiful because you're in this ravine and it's so pretty and I don't think there's a drug in the world that can make you feel this naturally high. It was an amazing, amazing feeling but very terrifying.

Ian: Yeah, exactly. You can understand why extreme athletes like chasing that adrenaline rush you're describing. You put your body in these death-defying experiences and it causes that rush. At any point did you feel—you said you got close to the water—at any point did you feel like you might actually hit it? Or did you feel like “I won't hit it. I'll just bounce back up”?

Paige: It was honestly so quick. I never felt like I was going to hit it but, obviously, your mind is in survival mode so you're obviously terrified. But you get really close, and then you recoil back, but when you are like bouncing you like hit the water. So, you do kind of hit the water, but you're not going at full velocity like you were the first time. So, it's kind of almost refreshing and cool. But it is, I would say, the scariest thing I've ever done in my life, but the most amazing feeling afterward. So, I would recommend doing it if you have the chance.

Ian: I'll have to get around to it for sure.

Ian: And just a quick reminder, if you are interested in taking private classes with Dynamic English, go ahead and check out our website at dynamicenglish.cl and there you can sign up for private classes in your apartment, in your house, in your office. You can even now take classes online. Sitting on your couch, you can log on and practice English. It’s very easy. So, if you're interested, check us out also on social media through Facebook or Instagram.

Paige: Okay, next one. So, Ian, never have I ever, in my whole life, eaten any exotic foods.

Ian: Okay, good one. Well, another finger down for me here. I've traveled a lot around—I mean, you have too—but I've gone to some places where the food, at least, is defined as exotic in terms for a gringo like us—a little bit different than peanut butter and jelly sandwich, right? So, some things like bugs in Asia or one that really sticks out in my mind is when I ate, it's called cuy al horno—which is a baked guinea pig—when I was in Peru. So, my friends and I, we split this guinea pig—it was probably almost two feet—it's pretty big. But what's interesting is in Peru, it's considered a delicacy. So, for us, it looked like a big rat, to be honest. So, we were laughing looking at it. We ate it and it was alright. It wasn't the best thing I've ever had. But the table next to us, there was a Peruvian family they were just eating it like it was going out of style—like it was the last guinea pig in the kitchen. They were sucking the brains out of the head and eating everything. Eating the eyes, eating every single part. I saw the mom sucking on the head of the guinea pig, which is too much for me.

Paige: What did it taste like?

Ian: It tastes kind of gamey, to be honest. It's kind of hard to describe how it tastes because I've never eaten anything like it before, but it definitely didn't have your normal chicken or beef kind of taste. It definitely tasted like some kind of animal. So, I'd recommend trying it just for the sake of trying it, but it's not something that I would eat regularly and enjoy. So yeah, that one was an exotic one. 

Paige: Yeah, pretty grossed out of the image of the mom eating the brains and eyes.

Ian: Yeah, pretty gross but to each their own, I guess.

Paige: Well, for us in the US, a guinea pig is a pet. It’s something that you would never put on the table to eat. I remember when I was in Peru, I saw it on the menu, but I didn't order it. I'm kind of a picky eater so, guinea pig isn't in my diet.

Ian: It’s not in your taste palette, really.  

Paige: Yeah, but I respect people who do try the local delicacies. Maybe not the brains.

Ian: Yeah, brains are maybe a little bit too much. Okay, let's see here. Now it's my turn. Never have I ever run a marathon. 

Paige: That's cheating! You know that I ran in college.

Ian: Yeah, I know. That was an easy out. So, Paige, I know you've suffered through a marathon so how about you describe that a little bit more for us.

Paige: I actually have an interesting story from my first marathon. So, I technically have only run one marathon, but I've trained for two. So right out of college, like I said, I wanted to run a marathon. And so, my teammates and I, we all signed up for the Nashville Marathon. So, I'm pretty competitive so I put in a lot of training, and I wanted to qualify for Boston [Marathon) because I'm from Boston. It's one of the most prestigious marathons worldwide so I've always wanted to qualify. And so, I trained a lot, but I was working in this crazy schedule, not sleeping, working too much. And my friends all bailed on running the marathon and decided to run the half marathon. But I was like, no, I'm going to still do it. And so, I'm from Boston and trained all winter and so, in Nashville, it was really hot on marathon day. And so, I'm running the marathon, I'm at a good pace to qualify for Boston. I'm doing really well and then at mile maybe fifteen, I'm feeling pretty hot—like the weather is really getting to me. And I’m still running, and then all of a sudden, I wake up and I'm in the medical tent. So, at mile seventeen, I got heatstroke and passed out on the course.

Ian: Oh my god.

Paige: Yeah, and so I woke up and my temperature was like 110° [Fahrenheit), like something really high.

Ian: Holy shit.

Paige: And so, they put me in an ice bath to drop my temperature but then they did it too extreme where I got too low. So, they had to rush me to the emergency room and I had to stay my whole weekend in Nashville in the hospital.

Ian: Holy shit. That’s crazy.

Paige: That was crazy that was my first marathon. So, good memories.

Ian: You just killed any remaining motivation I had to run a marathon.

Paige: That’s why it was tough. I knew I had to run another one because I didn't even finish—I got to mile seventeen. So, I was like, I have to do another one. But then I'm like “Shit, I don't want to pass out again and be in the hospital again. I successfully—two or three years ago—ran Chicago and qualified for Boston and finished.

Ian: There you go. You redeemed yourself. That's cool.

Paige: And no hospital bills.

Ian: Good, good, not so expensive this time. Well, great. So, that was fun. We could be playing this all day long and think of more “Never have I ever”. So, you listeners at home, find a friend and play yourself. If you get lost, check out that audio guide and transcript online. Thanks for listening,

Paige: And we'll see you next time.

Paige: “Coffee with Gringos” was brought to you by Dynamic English, where you can learn English simply by using it. If you’re interested in taking classes or just want to learn more, go to our website at dynamicenglish.cl. Thanks for listening.

Key Vocabulary, Phrases & Slang:

 1.     PG (adjective, abbreviation): abbreviation of “Parental Guidance” used to express that something is appropriate to do or say around children; appropriate.

a.     Normally this game involves sexual themes and alcohol, but we will keep it PG today.  

2.     first-class (adjective): the best and most expensive seating in an airplane or train.

a.     I have only flown first class one time and it was because of good luck.

3.     No shit (phrase, slang): used to express something obvious; of course.

a.     - “I would love to have a billion dollars.”

b.     - “Well, no shit…”

4.     bungee jumping (noun): jumping from a high elevation with a rubber band attached to one’s ankles.

a.     Bungee jumping sounds scary and fun at the same time.

5.     terrifying (adjective): causing extreme fear.

a.     There are activities I have never done because they sound so terrifying.

6.     second thought (noun): a change of opinion or consideration; hesitation for a decision.

a.     She is having second thoughts about studying in Europe with the current situation.

7.     to fill out (phrasal verb): to add information and/or complete a document.

a.     The company made us fill out our information before we could jump.

8.     waiver (noun): a document that puts the responsibility on the client or customer for their choices. This is a common practice for companies to avoid being sued by a customer.

a.     Dangerous activities always require waivers in case anyone gets hurt.

9.     grate (noun): a metal surface with holes so that it can be seen through all the way.

a.     We walked across the grate surface of the bridge and saw the water below.

10.  to dive (verb): to jump into something head-first.

a.     She likes to dive into the pool every chance she gets.

11.  to recoil (verb): to rebound or bounce back due to force.

a.     The bungee rope can recoil easily so it’s important to be safe when jumping.

12.  whiplash (noun): injury caused by a sudden movement of one’s head or neck.

a.     Whiplash is a very common injury in car accidents and other dangerous situations.

13.  to decline (verb): to say no to something; to refuse.

a.     She politely declined to go to the race with them.

14.  to suck it up (phrase): to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation.

a.     I need to suck it up and just finish my thesis.  

15.  exhilarating (adjective): feeling of happiness, amazement, wonder, excitement.

a.     Bungee jumping is one of the most exhilarating things she’s ever done.

16.  ravine (noun): a deep and narrow area usually below a bridge or a part of a river.

a.     The deep ravine allowed a great place for them to practice extreme jumping.

17.  death-defying (adjective): very dangerous.

a.     He enjoys death-defying activities more than anyone I know.

18.  exotic (adjective): attractive due to being extraordinary or different from normal.

a.     The foods in this country are so exotic compared to back home.

19.  to stick out in one’s mind (idiom): to be very memorable; easy to remember.

a.     Eating guinea pig in Peru sticks out in my mind as one of the most exotic foods I’ve tried.  

20.  delicacy (noun): an expensive and special food.

a.     I like to try local delicacies when I travel abroad.

21.  going out of style (idiom): something people do very quickly or much more than people normally do.

a.     She is eating that street food like it’s going out of style!

22.  gamey (adjective): strong flavor of a wild animal.

a.     The meat of wild animals tastes gamey and isn’t like chicken or beef.

23.  grossed out (adjective): disgusted.

a.     I felt grossed out after seeing the factory farming video.

24.  to each their own (idiom): everyone is allowed to have their own preferences.

a.     I don’t like the new movie everyone loves but to each their own.

25.  picky (adjective): very particular about preferences, especially eating.

a.     I’m a picky eater, so I don’t usually eat exotic foods.

26.  taste palate (noun): preference of food flavors.

a.     Bugs are not in my taste palate.

27.  prestigious (adjective): respected and high status.

a.     The Boston Marathon is a prestigious race.

28.  to bail (verb): to give up or abandon something.

a.     The weather got bad so we bailed on going to the beach.

29.  to get to someone (idiom): to affect someone.

a.     The hot sun was getting to her and she started to feel sick.  

30.  heatstroke (noun): when the body reaches too high of a temperature and causes fever and unconsciousness.

a.     Heatstroke is a serious problem for marathon runners.

31.  to pass out (phrasal verb): to lose consciousness; to faint.

a.     She passed out as soon as she finished the race.

32.  to redeem oneself (phrasal verb): to make up for something missed in the past.

a.     She redeemed herself by running and finishing the second marathon.