Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Grindelwald
Few places are more picturesque than Grindelwald, a scenic village in the Swiss Alps. It’s got everything you could imagine in a Swiss paradise — stunning views of soaring mountains, adventure attractions, cultural experiences — and more.
Top of your list — literally — should be a train ride to the Jungfraujoch, part of the Bernese Alps and more than 3,400 meters above sea level. The train station is the highest in Europe, and is connected to the Top of Europe, a multilevel building with restaurants and a terrific video exhibition about the Jungfraujoch. From there, take an elevator to the Sphinx Observatory. On a clear day, you can see Italy, France and Germany. The vivid landscapes will stay close to your heart forever.
Another high-altitude attraction is First, a mountain that’s about 2,200 meters high. Take the 25-minute cable car direct from Grindelwald. There’s so much to do! Walk the cliff path to a viewing platform that juts out 45 meters from the cliff. Strap into a flying fox shaped like an eagle to speed downward at up to 82 kph. Barrel down mountain trails on a go-kart. Push yourself with a mountain hike that features astonishing views.
If you’re lucky enough to visit around September and October, you may get to see the Bell Festival. It celebrates the cowbell, a sign that cattle are returning to the village. People carry cowbells — some weighing over 50 kg — through the streets. You can hear musicians playing deep-sounding alphorns and yodeling. 5 End your trip shopping for treats like handmade Swiss chocolate, creamy yogurts, hard Alp cheeses, or even, yes, cowbells.
(The Japantimes Alpha)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
soaring
空にそびえる
describes something that is very high, tall, or rising quickly
We looked up at the soaring skyscrapers in the city center.
私たちは街の中心にそびえる高層ビルを見上げました。
high-altitude
高高度の
at a place that is very high above sea level
The climbers carried special equipment for the high-altitude conditions of the mountain.
登山者たちは山の高地の環境に備えて特別な装備を持っていきました。
strap into
~に固定する
to fasten yourself (or someone else) securely with a strap, usually in a vehicle, seat, or equipment
The astronaut strapped into her seat before the rocket launched.
宇宙飛行士はロケットが発射する前に座席にベルトで固定しました。
flying fox
ジップライン
a type of ride where a person moves through the air along a cable, usually while wearing a harness, often from a high place to a lower place
Tourists enjoyed riding the flying fox across the valley, taking in the beautiful scenery below.
観光客たちは谷を越えるジップラインを楽しみながら、下の美しい景色を眺めました。
barrel down
勢いよくかけ下りる
to move very fast and forcefully in a particular direction, often without control or with great momentum
The children barreled down the hill, laughing loudly as they ran.
子どもたちは大声で笑いながら丘を駆け下りました。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
How long does it take to go from Grindelwald to the mountain that is 2,200 meters high?
What can visitors enjoy in Grindelwald around September if they are fortunate?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Are you interested in visiting a mountain village like Grindelwald? Why or why not?
What activities would you like to try if you visited Grindelwald?
Can you imagine living in a mountain village? What would your life be like?
Traditional festivals like the Bell Festival are important in villages. What festivals are important in your town or country?
Do you think tourism is good or bad for small mountain villages? Why?