Road Trip

random stuff

I'm just going to ask you random stuff.

To ask someone 'random stuff' is to ask them questions about a variety of topics.  Random means no real logical order or connection.  Notice the following:

1. We could talk about random stuff for hours.
   
2. I was really tired when I packed and I just brought a bunch of random stuff.
   

familiar with

For people who are not familiar with the U.S., how far is that?

If you are 'familiar with' a place or subject you know and understand it.  Notice the following:

1. I am quite familiar with this part of town.
   
2. Are you familiar with Madonna's early music?
   

four-wheel drive

We used a four-wheel drive vehicle for the road trip.

A 'four-wheel drive' vehicle has power in all four of the tires, instead of just two like other vehicles.  These machines are used for driving in places where the ground is bumpy, uneven or muddy.  Notice the following:

1. Four-wheel drive is really good in the snow.
   
2. If you live on a farm you need four-wheel drive vehicles.
   

tree-hugger

You're from Oregon, and you're supposed to be a tree-hugger.

A 'tree-hugger' is an informal name for a person who cares about nature or a hippie.  Notice the following:

1. He was more of a tree-hugger when he was younger.
   
2. Her friends are a bunch of tree-huggers.
   

(difficult to) get around

A road trip in Japan is more difficult to get around, because it's more expensive.

If a place is 'difficult to get around' it is not easy to travel.  "Getting around' is like transporting yourself from one place to another.  Notice the following:

1. In some places it's almost easier to get around by walking.
   
2. Most people use bikes to get around.