【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. frugal / ˈfru gəl / (adj.) – not wasteful
Example: He was frugal with his salary.
2. obtain / əbˈteɪn / (v.) – to get through effort
Example: He obtained a copy of the book after looking through several bookstores.
3. amenity / əˈmɛn ɪ ti / (n.) – a feature that provides comfort or pleasure
Example: The hotel has a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and other amenities.
4. itinerary / aɪˈtɪn əˈrɛr I / (n.) – a plan of travel
Example: Our itinerary in America took us to California, Texas, and New York.
5. studio / ˈstu diˌoʊ / (n.) – a place where an artist works
Example: She has a small studio in her house.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A couple from Texas turned an old church bus into an apartment-like recreational vehicle (RV) for them to live in.
When Christopher Stoll and Tori Edwards returned to Fort Worth, Texas after having met in Japan, they chose to keep their inexpensive lifestyle. Driven by their frugal ways and the increasing prices in the property market, they decided to turn a bus into their new home. In September 2015, the couple bought a 1988 Blue Bird church bus for $1,500. They spent the next four months and $10,000 from their life savings and profits from Stoll's book to turn the bus into an RV.
Upon obtaining the bus, they found that its interior was covered in rust and animal waste, the engine had not been started for months, and birds had built nests inside. Nonetheless, they proceeded with the renovation, beginning with a basic blueprint that Stoll drew. While Edwards stripped the bus of its flooring with an ice scraper, Stoll changed the filters of the engine. The couple then added plumbing, flooring, a sink, a bed, and solar panels. Although Stoll attempted to rebuild the transmission, they ultimately had it fixed at a diesel repair shop. Among the amenities they bought for their newly-renovated bus were a mini fridge and cupboards.
The couple now live in their RV, which they will use to travel for at least one year around the country in an itinerary that brings them north in the summer and south in the winter. The RV also functions as a mobile studio for the two artists, who make a living by writing, illustrating, and selling art books online.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in an RV?
· Would you prefer moving residences frequently or staying in one city permanently? Why is that so?
Discussion B
· What are the places in your country that you regularly travel to?
· What means of travel do you use to go to these places?
