Question 1

I like walking. I like the idea of hiking but I think I'm too out of shape these days to walk up and down steep slopes. As such, I like walking the streets, particularly at night when there are fewer people around. I often take a walk after I get home from work in the evening. I like to listen to podcasts and explore the area around where I live.

Question 2

I recently discovered a park near my house that would be great for doing exercise. It is a small walled-in area, with a short track circling a small grove of trees. It's nothing special but it is very green and provides a lot of shade. I'm planning to make use of it soon to try to drop a few kilos!

Question 3

As I said above, I regularly go for walks by myself in the late evening or prior to midnight. Just me, a beer, and a podcast. I don't plan to be out for a set amount of time or walk a set distance. I just keep walking until either the podcast or the beer runs out.

Question 4

All the time, I guess, at least during the work week. It's a nice way to unwind after a long day at the office. It would be great exercise too, if not for the beer...

Question 5

The tallest mountain I have ever climbed was Mt. Fuji. I organised a trip with myself and five other friends (actually three couples) for my twenty-fifth birthday. I didn't actually make it to the summit; my wife (girlfriend at the time) couldn't climb any higher than the seventh station due to altitude sickness so that's where we stopped. I wouldn't recommend it. Mt. Fuji is beautiful to look at from a distance but not so much up close and personal. It's grey, dusty, and ugly. It's also covered in so much litter from past climbers. It's quite sad, really.

Question 6

I'm more of an indoor person myself. I like reading ,watching movies, and playing video games. I'm sure I don't get enough sunshine and fresh air. About the only thing that I regularly do outdoors is walking!

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
out of shape	もはや健康で健康ではありません
drop a few kilos	体重が減る
the work week	月曜日から金曜日
a nice way to unwind	リラックスするのに良い方法
a long day at the office	仕事で大変な一日
altitude sickness	高山病
up close and personal	とても近い
litter	ごみ

Question 1

I have heard that Hokkaido has many gorgeous hiking tracks. I have never been to Hokkaido but I would like to go there one day.

Question 2

There is a walking track near my home. It is in a park and it is a little difficult to hike as there are many steep points.

Question 3

I go for a walk with my dog everyday. We haven't been hiking for over a year.

Question 4

We go for a walk everyday.

Question 5

In Japan, I climbed Mt. Fuji about 18 years ago. It was difficult as we climbed it before dawn so it was dark. I enjoyed it, but it was tough.

Question 6

I used to enjoy playing rugby but nowadays I enjoy taking my children on picnics.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
gorgeous	ゴージャス
steep	急

Question 1

I recently went hiking up Kongo san. It was really nice when we got to the top. The air was so clean and fresh.

Question 2

I haven't been hiking near Osaka, but there are many wonderful parks I've visited. The closest big park to me is Green Space Kyuhoji. I like going there with my dog, Mogu. In may it has so many flowers. The gardens are filled with nemophila and other colorful flowers.

Question 3

I try to do 11,000 steps everyday. I started getting into this habit 4 months ago. I've gradually gotten used to it. At the start I would only complete 11,000 steps 3 days a week, but now I'm able to reach 11,000 nearly everyday. I mentioned that I went on a hike up Kongo san recently. I also walked all the way there from Gojo Station. In total it took 7 hours, 35 kilometers.

Question 4

I go for a walk every day. I got into the habit to help my mental and physical health. I started to get really into it when I saw results. I lost a lot of weight and feel so much healthier so I am trying to complete 11,000 steps every day. I even got a smart watch to help me keep track of my steps and health more easily.

Question 5

I went on a hike in Benguet in the Philippines to see the rice terraces with my family a couple of times. I can't remember the name of the mountain but the whole climb took over 12 hours. I went with my family. I was so tired afterwards and my entire body hurt! But the sights were beautiful and we were able to swim at a waterfall in the middle of the hike. The water was very cool and refreshing. I really enjoyed it but it was also so exhausting!

Question 6

I love scuba diving. When I lived in the Philippines, I would go scuba diving with my dad every month. I loved being in the deep water the most, it felt like being in space! I didn't used to spend that much time outdoors, but I have recently started to go out more. My ex-husband didn't like going out at all even when he knew that I have always wanted to spend more time outdoors. But my new boyfriend does and I'm really happy that I have someone who enjoys exploring and having adventures as much as I do! Sometimes, just having the right person to go with makes any activity more enjoyable. 🙂

Tough Vocabulary