Have you ever heard of the Yonaguni Undersea Ruins? They are one of Japan’s mysteries. Many people in Japan have never heard of them, but divers around the world know this strange and beautiful place. The ruins are under the sea, near Yonaguni Island in Okinawa.

In 1986, a local diver discovered something surprising while swimming near the island. He saw huge stone shapes on the sea floor. The shapes looked like steps, walls, and even roads. Everything looked very straight and sharp, almost like they were cut by people. The diver thought he had found an ancient city under the sea.

But here is the mystery: no one knows if the ruins are natural or human-made.

Some scientists say the Yonaguni ruins were made by nature. They believe the rocks slowly broke into shapes over thousands of years. Strong waves, earthquakes, and wind may have created straight lines in the rock. According to these scientists, the ruins are beautiful, but not made by humans.

Other researchers say the ruins look too perfect to be natural. The steps are very even. The walls look straight. Some stones look like they were placed carefully. There is also a wide, flat “plaza” that looks like a meeting place.

Some people believe Yonaguni was once part of a very old civilization from more than 10,000 years ago, before the sea level rose. If this is true, the ruins could be one of the oldest human structures in the world.

The ruins are deep underwater, so it is difficult to study them. Divers can only stay down for a short time. Also, there are no clear signs of tools, pottery, or human bones. Without these, it is hard to prove that people built the ruins.

Because there is not enough evidence, the mystery continues. Are the shapes natural rock formations? Or did people build them long ago?

Today, many divers visit Yonaguni Island to see the ruins with their own eyes. The water is clear and blue. Hammerhead sharks even swim nearby in winter. Whether the ruins are natural or human-made, they are one of Japan’s most interesting and mysterious places.

If you visit Okinawa, you can see the ruins yourself and decide what you think they really are.

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Useful Vocabulary

ruins – old buildings that are broken or destroyed
civilization – a large, organized society in history
plaza – a flat open space
formation – the shape something has
evidence – information that shows something is true

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Comprehension Questions

A. Multiple Choice

1. Where are the Yonaguni ruins located?
   a) Near Tokyo
   b) Under the sea in Okinawa
   c) In South America
   
   

2. When were the ruins discovered?
   a) 1986
   b) 1960
   c) 2010
   
   

3. What do some scientists believe?
   a) The ruins were made by aliens
   b) The ruins are natural rock formations
   c) The ruins are a modern building
   
   

4. Why is it difficult to study the ruins?
   a) They are too dangerous to touch
   b) They are underwater
   c) They are in a desert

Scroll down for the answers

Answers

1. b) Under the sea in Okinawa
   
   

2. a) 1986
   
   

3. b) The ruins are natural rock formations
   
   

4. b) They are underwater

Photo Credit: Dawn O’Day (author)

 

 

As an architect and a designer, Antoni Gaudí has, for many years, spoken to countless people through his many creations, most of which can be seen in Barcelona. Do you know that one of the people who used to attend a university in Kyoto and to whom Gaudí’s work has spoken quite loudly and eloquently? This person is the Japanese stone cutter, Etsuro Sotoo.

 

Sotoo, a graduate of the Kyoto City University of Arts, traveled to Europe in 1978, which was one year after he graduated. As you can see, he was not much older than most of the students at Ritsumeikan University when he did that. Isn’t that amazing?

 

After arriving in Barcelona, he was so moved by what Gaudí communicated through his masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, that Sotoo chose to stay and learn about him, his genius, and his work. He said, “I just came to Europe to carve stone. I was looking for stone and stone introduced me to La Sagrada Família, and La Sagrada Família introduced me to Gaudí” (National Geographic, 2013).

 

Sotoo strove to understand Gaudí and honor him through his own stone cutting work. In so doing, he has, for more than 40 years, made significant contributions to the construction of La Sagrada Família. This includes the work Sotoo did on the east façade (side) of the basilica. It is there, in the Nativity scene, that we can see fifteen statues of angels that Sotoo created. He even created a few of them with Asian faces. After all, according to Sotoo, angels from the east are needed, too (Public Relations Office, Government of Japan, 2012). (A photo of Sotoo’s angels can be seen above.)

 

Sotoo’s passion for Gaudí’s work caused him to reconsider his values and to become Catholic. As you can see, art can be a very powerful language. Does it speak to you? If so, which medium (language) do you prefer to listen to, or with which one do you prefer to create?

 

References

National Geographic (2013, Dec. 14). Unorthodox sculpting. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MW5Us3E--0

 

Public Relations Office, Government of Japan (2012, Dec.) Realizing Gaudi’s Unfulfilled Wishes: Etsuro Sotoo (Spain). https://www.govonline.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/201212/201212_05.html

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. What is one reason Etsuro Sotoo traveled to Barcelona?

a) To attend a university

b) To visit family

c) To study modern art

d) None of the above

 

Q2. Which famous work of Gaudí deeply influenced Etsuro Sotoo?

a) Park Güell

b) Casa Batlló

c) La Sagrada Família

d) Casa Milà

 

Q3. What motivated Etsuro Sotoo to stay in Barcelona after his arrival?

a) He wanted to pursue a degree in architecture.

b) He was inspired by Gaudí's work, particularly La Sagrada Família.

c) He had family living in the city.

d) He was invited to participate in an art exhibition.

 

 

Scroll↓down for answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers

Q1. d

Q2. c

Q3. b

Photo Credit: Dawn O’Day (author)

 

 

“Each art speaks an idiom that conveys what cannot be said in another language and yet remains the same (Dewey, 1934).”

 

Certainly, there are many ways to communicate. For example, we can communicate with our voices, through writing, and through body language as well. I love to communicate through writing, but I also love to express myself using photography.

 

What do you think about language and art forms, such as photography? Do you want to learn more about them? Are you inspired to create great works of writing or art? What do you think that art and language have in common? Think about these questions; then I will attempt to answer the last question.

 

Just as language has a three-way relationship, so does art. According to the American pragmatist, John Dewey, the act of communicating language involves a speaker, words that are spoken, and a person to whom the words are spoken; therefore, if we think of an object of art as words that are being communicated, then we have an artist who is communicating, the object of art, and the person who is looking at the art (Dewey, 1934). As you can see, one thing that language has in common with art is that they are both expressive forms of communication.

 

There are countless artists throughout history who have used numerous forms of media to express themselves. (You can think of a medium as a language.) Antoni Gaudí, a famous Spanish architect, is one such artist who expressed himself while he created art using various media (e.g., stone, ceramic, iron, and glass).

 

Perhaps Gaudí is most famous for his design of La Sagrada Família, which, as you probably know, is in Barcelona. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, La Sagrada Família is a basilica that has been under construction for more than 140 years and will likely continue to be under construction for many years to come. (Please see the photo above for a view of the inside of the basilica.)

 

Please look forward to reading next week’s blog, Part Two: Language and Art.

 

Reference

Dewey, J. (1934). Art as experience. New York: Berkeley Publishing.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

1. According to the reading, what is La Sagrada Familia?

a. A museum.

b. A park.

c. A basilica (a church).

 

2. According to the reading, what kind of media did Antoni Gaudi use when creating art?

a. Marble, ceramic, concrete, and glass.

b. Stone, ceramic, iron, and glass.

c. Stone, marble, wood, and steel.

 

3. According to the reading, what is one thing that language has in common with art?

a. They are both primarily used for scientific documentation.

b. They both require formal training in mathematics.

c. They are both expressive forms of communication

 

 

 

Scroll↓down for answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers

Q1. C

Q2. B

Q3. C

Photo credit: Satoshi Hirayama @ pexels.com

 

Kyoto, especially Gion Kobu, has been in the news a lot recently. Two typical headlines are: “Tourists banned from private alleys in Kyoto’s geisha district” (The Japan Times) and “Kyoto bans tourists from parts of geisha district amid reports of bad behavior” (The Guardian). The tourist ban that all these stories talk about was supposed to start at the beginning of April. I walked through Gion Kobu in early April, when the cherry blossoms were still in bloom. These are some of the things I saw that day and my thoughts about them.

 

Since you study at Ritsumeikan University and spend at least some of your time in Kyoto, I hope my thoughts will help you develop your own ideas about the over-tourism in Kyoto issue. When I go to Gion Kobu, I get off the subway at Sanjo Station and walk down Hanami-koji towards the district. Hanami-koji is the main artery through Gion, and is often jammed with tourists, but just a few minutes north of Gion (near Sanjo Dori), the street is mostly deserted. All the shops on the East side are shuttered and have been for years. The buildings are dilapidated.

 

Once you cross the Shirakawa River, things begin to change. Hanami-koji is lined with bars and restaurants. There are some new hotels, too. Who stays in hotels? Tourists! As I get close to Shijo Dori and Ichiriki, the most famous tea house In Gion Kobu, I start to see tourists dressed in kimono. Some men are dressed in hakama (wide-pleated pants). There are couples and groups of friends. Many of these tourists are not Japanese, but some are.

 

There are quite a few of these kimono rental shops. I just googled “kimono rental shops Gion Kobu” and found 16 shops within a five-minute walk of the Hanamikoj-Shijo intersection, the center of Gion. People who dress up in kimono are going to want photos of themselves in their costumes for Instagram and other social media sites. And since they are dressed in traditional attire, it stands to reason that they want to take these photographs in front of traditional buildings. And where are the most photogenic buildings and alleys? Gion Kobu, of course!

 

In addition, many of the mom-and-pop shops on Shijo Dori (a bookstore, a shop that sold authentic maiko and geiko hair ornaments) have disappeared over the years. What replaces them? Convenience stores, souvenir shops, and the like. Who goes to souvenir shops? Tourists! This is cause and effect. If businesses that cater to tourists open in an area, tourists are going to come to that area, especially an area as beautiful as Gion Kobu.

 

What do you think? Do you think there is too much tourism in Kyoto? Is the bus or train you take to Ritsumeikan too crowded? If so, what can be done, especially since Kyoto needs the money tourists bring to the city?

 

 

 

 

Questions:

 

Q1. What does dilapidated mean?

a. in good condition

b. in poor condition

 

Q2. Only foreign tourists like to dress up in kimono and walk around Gion Kobu.

True or False

 

Q3. The busiest part of Hanamikoji Dori is near the Sanjo subway station.

True or False

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

 

Answers

Q1. b

Q2. False

Q3. False

Photo Credit: Tom Fisk@pexels.com

 

 

What do you think is the best job? There actually existed a multi-award-winning campaign, “The Best Job in the World” in 2009. The Australian government launched the project globally. It offered a six-month dream job as a caretaker of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, tasked with spreading the beauty of the islands via social media. Its goal was to raise Queensland’s international profile as an attractive holiday destination. The campaign predominantly targeted the international youth market in the UK, Europe, USA, New Zealand, South Pacific, Ireland and Nordic regions, South East Asia, China and South Korea, and of course, Japan. The campaign attracted unprecedented levels of global attention and saw about 35,000 applications submitted from over 200 countries.

 

The main location for this job was Hamilton Island. According to some travelling websites, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations. It is the largest island in the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 scenic islands that make up just one part of the Great Barrier Reef. Luxury resorts, scuba diving, beautiful beaches and scenic flights – this is a place with remarkable beauty both above and beneath the water. It has a high reputation, suggesting that Hamilton Island just may be paradise. So, what is the job on the island actually like? As it is a caretaker, the person needs to do some chores. However, the main job is “enjoying the life on the island and the Great Barrier Reef.” For example, the person can visit nearby islands and enjoy marine sports like snorkeling or swimming. It is even fine if the person just lies on the beach, relaxing some of the time there. And the person posts pictures and videos via social media to showcase the charms to the rest of the world. That’s it. The government covers fees for such activities and they also offer the accommodation. The contract is for about six months, and you can earn around 15,000,000 yen! This is indeed a dream job, isn’t it? To apply for the job, all you need to do is create a short video (about one minute) for self-promotion. Out of 35,000 people applying, 16 final applicants, including one Japanese woman, were selected. In the end, a British man got the job.

 

During his six-month role, he visited almost 100 Queensland destinations, fielded more than 450 media interviews, posted more than 60 blogs and generated 2,000 photos, 47 video diaries and more than 1,000 tweets. According to his interview, he did enjoy his life on the island, engaging in various activities every day. The job was indeed the “best” job for him. The campaign increased international awareness of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and delivered more than $430 million in estimated global public relations value thanks to global news coverage and an 8th place ranking on the list of the world's top 50 PR stunts of all time. If there is such a campaign again, would you like to apply for it?

 

 

Blog Quiz

True or False?

Q1. Only Australian residents could apply for this job.

Q2. The main job was to enjoy life on the island.

Q3. This job contributed a lot to tourism in Queensland.

 

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.         F

2.         F

3.         T

Photo Credit: Designecologist@pexels.com

 

 

The origin of fireworks in Japan can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when a water god festival (Sui-Jin-Sai) was held on the Sumida River in 1733. At that time, famine and epidemics caused many deaths in the Kansai and Edo areas. The first fireworks display was held to commemorate the dead and a prayer to drive out the plague. 　

 

Later, many fireworks makers started setting off a lot of fireworks as if they were competing with each other. The two most famous makers, "Tamaya" and "Kagiya"emerged and became well known as a call that spectators shout as they are moved when looking up at the fireworks. This was accepted by the common people of Edo, who preferred the spectacular, and the launching of fireworks took root as a standard event for river-opening ceremonies.

 

The hot and humid climate of Japan also made fireworks displays more deeply rooted in the evening cool-down culture of watching fireworks while enjoying the night breeze. Thus, in Japan, fireworks displays are loved by many people as a summer tradition.

 

Here are two of my favorite fireworks displays:

1. Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival (Biwako-Dai-Hanabitaikai)

This festival is a summer tradition at Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. About 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky, attracting 300,000 to 400,000 people each year. The fireworks are launched very close to each other, creating an impressive show.

 

2. Atami Marine Fireworks Festival (Atami-Kaijo-Hanabitaikai)

It is held in my hometown of Shizuoka Prefecture, and this festival takes place in Atami Bay. The bay is praised by fireworks companies for its excellent location. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the bay's shape amplifies the sound of the fireworks, creating an effect similar to a large stadium. When you watch near the sea, you can feel the sound of the fireworks through your body. The best way to experience this is to lie down on the beach. This unique marine fireworks show makes the most of its venue.

 

I hope you look forward to your summer vacation and enjoy these fantastic displays.

 

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. Which fireworks makers are mentioned as having started setting off fireworks competitively?

A) Tamaya and Kagiya

B) Atami and Sumida

C) Kansai and Edo

 

Q2. Why did fireworks displays become a part of the evening cool-down culture in Japan?

A) Because of the hot and humid climate

B) Because of the clear night skies

C) Because of the long summer days

 

Q3. What is unique about the Atami Bay location for fireworks displays?

A) It is shaped like a "mortar" and surrounded by mountains on three sides.

B) It has a large stadium for viewing.

C) It is located in the Kansai area.

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         A

2.         A

3.         A

Photo Credit: Oleksandr P@ pexels.com

 

 

Do you like traveling? If so, what do you think are indispensable factors which make your trip memorable? I travel over 10 times a year, both inside and outside of Japan. Scrutinizing destinations, finding nice accommodations and restaurants, and conducting thorough research on must-visit places are important tasks to plan perfect itineraries. However, these carefully prepared plans are sometimes ruined by one factor: the companion. I have traveled with one friend over 20 times for the last 3 years. She is my ultimate travel companion and always makes my trip special and full of fun and new discoveries.

 

There are three key conditions that make her the ideal companion:

 

Independence

She makes her own decisions and takes care of herself. We don't overly rely on each other and naturally enjoy solo adventures. Our accommodation choice is always a single room, allowing us to have personal space. Keeping appropriate distance physically and mentally can create more comfortable trips.

 

Similar sense of time and money

It is rare for either of us to keep the other waiting during trips. We make schedules and to-do lists with time to spare. We love budget-friendly travels but are not afraid to spend money when it enhances our experience. We find value both in eating a rice ball while gazing at the deep blue ocean in Okinawa and enjoying a luxurious hot spring resort in Hokkaido. She can strike a perfect balance between frugality and enjoyment.

 

Fun conversation

One of the most significant aspects of our trips is the fun conversations we share. While traveling, we spend long hours at the airports, on trains, or in my car. If we can make the most of this time in an enjoyable way, our travels would be extremely pleasant. Can everyone have a fun conversation? Certainly not. Fun conversations require a wide range of knowledge, intelligence, sensitivity to company, and a good sense of humor. During the trips, we talk to have fun, not to share gossip. After the trip ends, it isn’t the content of our conversations that we remember, it is just the feeling of joy and fun we experienced.

 

Having the right travel companion is the key to making our trip perfect. Thanks to her, my trips are always filled with unforgettable memories, exciting experiences, and plenty of laughs. Not everyone enjoys traveling with a companion like me though. But whether you prefer to travel with a companion or by yourself, in order to have the most memorable experience, you should consider what the most important travel factors are for you.

 

 

 

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. According to the passages, which is NOT included in the author’s perfect

 itinerary?

A. Booking high-end restaurants

B. Choosing destinations

C. Getting detailed information about sightseeing spots

 

Q2. Which is mentioned about the author’s trips?

A. Doing something alone is also exciting.

B. Perfect trips always require a lot of money.

C. Gossiping is one of the fun aspects of trips.

 

Q3. What do you think of the author’s personality?

A. Reserved.

B. Unplanned.

C. Talkative.

 

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.         A. Booking high-end restaurants.

2.         A. Doing something alone is also exciting.

3.         A. Reserved.

 

Photo Credit: Vera Bomstad @pexels.com

 

 

Amanohashidate is located in northern Kyoto, in Miyazu, on the Sea of Japan and is known as one of the Three Famous Views in Japan or Nihon Sankei. It is essentially a land bridge, a sandy strip of pine forest and beach which stretches for 3.5 km across Miyazu Bay, with the sea on either side. Approximately 8,000 pine trees line the white sand beach and there is a lovely walking/bicycle path leading from one end to the other. For those who do not wish to walk, a ferry crosses the bay every 15 minutes offering a view of the pine forest during the 12-minute ride.

 

 

At the top of the hills located on either side of the bay are observation decks (accessible on foot or by lifts) that allow one to look down on the entire stretch of the land bridge and the bay for a spectacular view from above. It is recommended to bend over and look at the view from between your legs (as many people do, so you won’t look strange to others around you). From this position, the sea and sky are reversed and the scene resembles a ‘bridge to heaven’, or Amanohashidate.

 

 

As well as the sea and beach, there are a number of famous shrines and temples in the area and the small town on the east side of the bay (where the train station is located) has a large number of small cafes and shops, and a natural onsen bathhouse. Most famous of the shrines are Amanohashidate Shrine, where one can pray for luck in romance, and Motoise Kono Shrine, which at one time enshrined the Sun Goddess (Amaterasu) now enshrined at Ise Shrine in Mie. Chionji Temple, located near the train station, has one of the oldest pagodas in Japan. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the small bridge crossing from the town to the beach, which sometimes rotates to allow boats to pass through, making for a great picture or video. Amanohashidate is accessible by train from Kyoto city and is a perfect day trip for those wishing to know more about the northern area of Kyoto prefecture while enjoying a day at the beach, or visiting shrines and temples, or eating some seafood dishes, and relaxing at some cafes.

 

 

Blog Quiz

Q1. Why is the land bridge called Amanohashidate?

A. Because it is a good place for a date.

B. Because when you bend over and look at the view from between your legs, the sea and sky are reversed and the scene resembles a ‘bridge to heaven’, or Amanohashidate.

C. Because it is where Amaterasu used to be enshrined.

 

 

Q2. From where is it best to see the entire land bridge of Amanohashidate?

A. At the top of the hills located on either side of the bay.

B. From the ferry that runs every 15 minutes.

C. From the small bridge that leads to town.

 

 

Q3. What is the relationship between Motoise Kono Shrine in Amanohashidate and Ise Shrine in Mie?

A. They are two of the top three shrines in Japan.

B. They are both accessible from Kyoto Station.

C. Motoise Kono Shrine in Amanohashidate at one time enshrined the Sun Goddess (Amaterasu) now enshrined at Ise Shrine in Mie.

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers

Q1. B

Q2. A

Q3. C

Photo Credit: Marcel Hergaarden @pexels.com

 

Being born in the northwest UK seaside town of Blackpool and still maintaining family connections there, and then moving to the southeast coast’s Brighton as an eight-year-old, more than qualifies me to make a comparison of these two iconic British holiday destinations. While their similarities in things such as their beaches and amusement parks unite them, they both have some obvious differences that make them particularly unique.  

 

The northwest’s Blackpool is in the county of Lancashire. Primarily known for its iconic, 158-meter Blackpool Tower, built towards the end of the Victorian age in 1894, Blackpool has become something of a favorite destination for northerners wishing to take a holiday by the sea. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the most popular amusement parks in the UK, has entertained northern families for generations long before Disneyland was even a possibility for Brits. Blackpool is known for its lively, if somewhat tacky, atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to stag and hen parties.  

 

Head down to the south-coast county of East Sussex to discover Brighton. Brighton’s image is a product of its vibrant arts scene and at times bohemian atmosphere. One major tourist attraction in the town is the 19th century Royal Pavilion. This small palace, famed for its exotic Indian-style architecture, is also a popular venue for events and concerts. Brighton Pier, which offers a variety of traditional British seaside arcade games and carnival rides, is a big hit with both Brits and overseas tourists.  

 

Both Blackpool and Brighton have long stretches of beaches that are popular with tourists and locals. Blackpool's beach is wide and flat, making it perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles for kids. On the other hand, Brighton's beach is a bit more rugged, with pebbles rather than sand, and perhaps feels more romantic as you stroll along the promenade while looking out over the English Channel to France.  

 

The accommodation and restaurants of the two resorts is another big difference. Blackpool has “cheap and cheerful” traditional seaside B&Bs, while Brighton boasts a selection of more upmarket boutique hotels, guest houses, and self-catering apartments. Brighton also has a larger selection of quality continental-style restaurants, with a wide range of food on offer for most budgets. In Blackpool, low-cost fish and chips, £1 burgers and pies are the preferred option of big working families.  

 

Love them or hate them, Blackpool and Brighton are both popular seaside resorts that have a wide range of attractions to keep tourists happy. In the end, choosing which one to visit is all down to what you want from a seaside holiday experience. 

 

Questions:

Q1. What is the main focus of the text?  

a. Comparing two famous UK seaside resorts  

b. Describing the history of Blackpool Tower  

c. Discussing the architecture of the Royal Pavilion  

d. Exploring traditional British seaside arcade games  

 

Q2. What is one similarity between Blackpool and Brighton mentioned in the text?  

a. Both have pebble beaches.  

b. Both are located in Lancashire.  

c. Both offer a variety of continental-style restaurants.  

d. Both have iconic amusement parks.  

 

Q3. Which resort is known for its lively atmosphere and catering to stag and hen parties?  

a. Blackpool  

b. Brighton  

c. Lancashire  

d. East Sussex  

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

 

Answers  

A1. A  

A2. D

A3.A 

Photo Credit:  Tim Mossholder @Pexels.com  

 

When most Americans think about vacation spots, Oregon is not usually a top choice. However, it's something of a hidden gem situated in the Pacific Northwest of the US. There you will be able to explore many natural sights like towering forests, pristine coastline, and majestic mountains. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or urban charm, Oregon offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. 

 

Oregon is a great place if you want to enjoy nature. Crater Lake National Park showcases the deepest lake in the United States, formed within the caldera of an ancient volcano. The Oregon coastline stretches for over 360 miles, adorned with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. The Columbia River Gorge, a breathtaking river canyon, offers cascading waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints. For hikers and outdoor adventurers, Oregon's diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities. The state is home to the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches over 2,650 miles from the California border to the Washington border, passing through stunning wilderness areas like the Three Sisters Wilderness and Mount Hood National Forest. Additionally, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area entices thrill-seekers with its vast expanse of shifting sand dunes, perfect for sandboarding and ATV rides.  
 

Oregon's vibrant cities and cultural treasures complement its natural beauty. Portland, known as the "City of Roses," captivates visitors with its eclectic neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and renowned culinary offerings. Explore Powell's City of Books, one of the world's largest independent bookstores, or wander through the enchanting Lan Su Chinese Garden. 

 

For wine enthusiasts, the Willamette Valley beckons with its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries, producing award-winning Pinot Noir. Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of small towns like Ashland, home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, or Bend, a hub for outdoor recreation and craft breweries. Oregon's cultural heritage is also steeped in Native American history. Visitors can learn about the state's indigenous communities at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute or explore the artifacts at the Museum at Warm Springs. 

 

Oregon's allure lies in its harmonious blend of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural treasures. Whether you seek the serenity of nature or the vibrancy of city life, Oregon delivers an unforgettable experience. From the towering peaks of Mount Hood to the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast, every corner of the state offers a unique and captivating journey. So pack your hiking boots, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure, and embark on an extraordinary voyage to the natural and cultural wonders of Oregon. 

 

 

Questions:

 

Q1. True or False: Oregon is known for its nature.

 

Q2. Oregon is a relatively popular place to visit in the US.

 

Q3. Which best describes Oregon?  

a. A sprawling city-scape  

b. An outdoor paradise

c. A resort getaway

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

 

Answers 

A1. True

A2. False

A3. b