T: Jack! You look really unhappy. I thought you'd be thrilled to be here. What's wrong? You can tell me.

J: Nevermind, Tracy, it's just a slight headache, that's all, I'll be fine.

T: It seems to me you never feel well when the exams are on the schedule. Aren't you enjoying the exhibition? Just take it easy, relax. After all, it's your first time visiting the National Museum of American Art.

J: I would if I could, believe me. It's just annoying when you can't have fun doing something.

T:Fun? You're kidding, right? Museums are educational establishments for advancing our knowledge. You're not expected to have fun like at a dog show or flower exhibit.

J: Oh, come on, this is boring. How much longer are we going to stay here?

T: Hang in there, I promise, it'll get interesting. Look at that lovely portrait, for instance.

J: OK, it's not bad. It looks like it must be from 19th century, so I guess you like realism?

T: Actually, I don't. But I enjoy looking at hair styles and dress designs from the past, and they're best shown in realistic paintings. I'm really into fashion, as you know.

J: Well, I prefer pictures that are true to life, where every leaf and every flower is depicted exactly as it really is.

T: Like in still life paintings?

J: Well, yes. If I have to look at art, I'd rather see that kind of picture.

T: Than look over there, there's a good one: flowers in a vase, watermelons, grapes, cherries. Yumm, it makes my mouth water.

J: Now that you mention food, I could do with a snack right now. I haven't had anything to eat since morning and I'm starving.

T: I'm sure there's a cafe on the ground floor. Why don't we get a bite to eat and then return to the gallery?

J: Agreed. And if we have to go back, I'd love to see some landscapes. They're inspiring.

T: Especially the romantic ones. The dramatic contrasts in romantic landscapes are unbelievable. I'm glad you're finally begiining to feel a little more enthusiastic about museums.

J: I'm afraid you missed the point: the sooner we begin, the sooner we finish. Let's go eat something.