- There are many iconic tourist attractions in the world, name one. Have you ever been there? If yes, how was it? Why? If no, would you like to go there? Why?
- What is the most famous tourist attraction in your country? Have you ever been there? If yes, how was it? Why? If no, would you like to go there? Why?
- What would you recommend visiting in the area or region where you live? Tell me 2 things you know about that place that make it interesting or unique.
- What is the most famous or iconic building or tourist attraction that you have visited? Was it as spectacular as you had hoped? Why?
- What is the most interesting place you have ever visited or the place you would most recommend visiting? What makes this place so remarkable?
- There are many places both domestically and internationally that have suffered from being too popular with tourists. Some places, such as Boracay and Komodo Island, have been forced to prohibit or restrict visitors. Tell us about somewhere that has both suffered and benefited from tourism. What happened?
Question 1
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, otherwise known as the Blue Mosque. I went there during a trip to Turkey about nine years ago. It was a very impressive structure. Unfortunately, the weather was really overcast on the day we went, so all of our photos look terrible.Question 2
I imagine that when most foreigners are planning a sightseeing around Australia, they immediately think of Uluru. Uluru, known as Ayers Rock by those who want to upset the indigenous population, is the big red rock in the middle of the country. I have never been there myself and I'm not really in any hurry to go there. I hear it is very hot, dry, and dusty. Also, apparently there are so many flies, it is very easy to swallow one if you're talking too much!Question 3
I live in Yao city. I've only lived there a handful of years so I don't really know it all that well. Yao is in Osaka prefecture, with which I am a little more familiar. In Osaka city, in Tennoji to be exact, you will find the tallest building in Japan – Abeno Harukas. It is 300 meters tall, giving you a great view of the surrounding area from the observatory. You can even see Rokko and Ikoma mountains on a clear day.Question 4
I visited Himeji castle a number of years ago. I read in a guide book before I came out here that it is one of three castles in Japan that has been maintained in original condition. I also read that it was a very well designed castle, with lots of secret places and easily defensible positions. All that sounded really cool on paper. The reality is it's a big, dark, empty building. Nagoya's is much better – they have a 3D cinema in their castle!Question 5
I'm going to cheat and recommend a bunch of places in Australia: Uluru (of course, though remember that you can no longer climb it), Daintree National Park, Kakadu National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Blue Lake, and the Great Ocean Road. These are all places of scenic beauty in nature around Australia. I'm not sure I'd recommend visiting any of them at the moment, since the entire country seems to be on fire right now!Question 6
The Great Barrier Reef. It used to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Now, it's dead. I'm not sure that it was tourists specifically that killed it. People did used to take pieces of it with them as a souvenir when they visited, so that didn't help. It's definitely the fault of humans and our polluting of the seas and oceans. It's devastating looking at before and after shots of the reef; where once it was a thriving, colorful aquatic biome, now it's a grey husk. It's just so sad.Tough Vocabulary
| - English - | - Japanese - |
|---|---|
| indigenous population | 先住民 |
| a handful of years | 一握りの年 |
| more familiar | より身近な |
| to be exact | 正確に |
| on paper | 紙の上に |
| a bunch of places | たくさんの場所 |
| scenic beauty | 風光明媚な美しさ |