📙 Part 2: Describe an activity you did with another person

This episode's vocabulary

Wild swimming (noun) - swimming for enjoyment in rivers, lakes, the sea, etc. , rather than in swimming pools.

To take a dip (phrase) - to go for a short swim.

Bonding (noun) - the process by which a close emotional relationship is developed.

Wander (verb) - to walk around slowly in a relaxed way or without any clear purpose or direction.

Far-flung (adj.) - used to refer to places that are a great distance away, or something that is spread over a very large area.

To denigrate (verb) - to say that someone or something is not good or important.

To get/find your bearings (phrase) - to succeed in becoming familiar with a new situation.

Aftermath (noun) - the period that follows an unpleasant event or accident, and the effects that it causes.

Questions and Answers

M: Fire away.

R: I can think of a few things that I do with other people. But one of the more fun ones that stands out would be going wild swimming with my friends. That's just when you take a dip in an open body of water. And the cold is meant to be good for you. In addition to the, I don't know, the bonding experience. I went with one friend, but I became friends with the other people there. So that was a nice sort of side effect of the whole thing. They did it in the river just outside my home, which is rather convenient. Since I don't like going far to do these things, especially in the autumn or the winter months. It's absolutely freezing. So if you're wandering around, like in far-flung places, and you can't really get yourself warmed up again, by going home. It's not very pleasant. It was all rather ironic, actually. Because I'd previously been denigrating the whole thing when my friend Francis convinced me to come along and try it out. It wasn't so bad actually, once I got over the initial shock of the cold. I'm pretty good at these things once I get my bearings and focus a little. And do lots and lots and lots of controlled breathing. Like I said, it was a fun thing to do with a new friend and a good way of making more new friends. So I just went for it. If I hadn't done it, probably I'd have been warmer and drier. But I'd have fewer friends and had a less entertaining experience all around that particular weekend. I'm looking forward to going again soon. Although the weather keeps getting in the way. We had some storms recently that prevented us from repeating the experience. However, hopefully, one day it will... At least one day soon it will be possible. Until then I'm just gearing up for the next deep freeze. I think I'd better take a wet suit. And some longer shorts with me next time because it's going to be a cold one for sure.

M: And what about your friends? Did they enjoy this activity?

R: I think they enjoyed the aftermath rather than the actual doing of the activity.