– English Lyrics

Lyrics & Translation

[English]

This is what Lisbon looks like on social media –

colourful, nostalgic, romantic.

But what is it really like?

Do the photos match reality?

We did the check.

Lisbon was founded by the Phoenicians.

Later came the Greeks, the Romans and the Moors.

They all left their mark.

Its location on the Atlantic Ocean and at the mouth of the Tagus River

has made Lisbon an important center of trade.

Today, the capital of Portugal is a prime European travel destination.

Our first check: the Elevador da Bica.

The yellow funicular is a favorite on social media.

It's been in operation since 1892

and it still looks exactly as it did back then.

The train was declared a National Monument of Portugal

about 20 years ago.

For around 4 euros you can ride up and back down once.

One way takes just under 5 minutes.

The last stop at the top of the hill is the selfie spot for tourists.

Photographer Virginia Borges often does photo shoots here.

What is special about the Elevador da Bica

is the combination between the funicular,

the river in the background,

the colorful buildings.

That's why I think people like to come here to take pictures.

Because it's a characteristic picture of Lisbon.

The Elevador da Bica really does make for a beautiful backdrop.

Although the location here doesn't have much more to offer.

But Virginia Borges does have a tip for you.

If you want more local options,

the tram 28 would be an equivalent option for locals.

Because you can see more more of the city.

The tram 28 travels around the most important

or famous tourist attractions of Lisbon.

For example, to the Rua Augusta Arch,

or Arco de Rua Augusta.

The arch is are popular subject on social media platforms

and the subject of our next check.

The Arco was built after the great earthquake of 1755

and symbolises the reconstruction of the city.

This symbol of Lisbon connects the Praça do Comércio –

one of the largest squares in Portugal –

with the Rua Augusta promenade.

The photographs in this place are more special, because this is a more

open space compared to other tourist attractions in Lisbon.

And also the contrast between the yellow building

and the blue sky gives you a nice combination of colours.

The historic yellow buildings around the Arco are home

to administrative offices, cafés, restaurants and stores.

Our tip: visit the viewing platform on the Arco.

After going up the narrow steps

and paying a reasonable 4.50 euros entrance fee,

the view will not disappoint you.

However, we were less impressed by the Rua Augusta.

It's the kind of shopping street you'll find in every major European city.

Our third stop is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol,

the "gateway to the sun".

The lookout point is a popular meeting place

for both locals and tourists.

This is one of the famous spots for photos in Lisbon,

because here you have everything.

You have the historical monuments,

the river, the roofs of the houses,

there's beautiful light.

So I think that's why people love to come here to take pictures,

because from here you can see all the perspectives,

all layers of Lisbon.

The "Quiosque das Portas do Sol" café

offers a great place to enjoy a drink

at affordable prices.

The view is amazing, the place is really colorful.

So I think that you need to come here.

Our take away?

The nostalgic train,

the majestic arch

and the viewpoint overlooking the city

offers scenes and colors that will brighten up your social media feed.

And it's all just as stunning in real life as in the photos.

I took plenty photos.

Yes, I'm going to post that as well on Facebook, on Instagram,

on WhatsApp, so my friends will know.

And they know that, and they get jealous.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
looks /lʊks/ A1	verb - to seem; to appear
romantic /roʊˈmæntɪk/ B1	adjective - suggesting love or being involved with love; having to do with adventure, excitement, or mystery
reality /riˈæləti/ B1	noun - the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an imagined or theoretical idea.
founded /ˈfaʊndɪd/ B1	verb - to establish or set up
important /ɪmˈpɔːrtnt/ A2	adjective - of great significance or value; likely to have a significant effect
center /ˈsentər/ A2	noun - the middle point or part
capital /ˈkæpɪtl/ A2	noun - the most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative center.
prime /praɪm/ B2	adjective - of first importance; main.
favorite /ˈfeɪvərɪt/ A1	adjective - liked better than others noun - a person or thing liked best
national /ˈnæʃənəl/ A2	adjective - relating to a nation.
monument /ˈmɑːnjʊmənt/ B1	noun - a statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.
special /ˈspeʃəl/ A2	adjective - not ordinary or usual; of a particular kind.
picture /ˈpɪktʃər/ A1	noun - a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person or thing.
beautiful /ˈbjuːtɪfl/ A1	adjective - pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.
local /ˈləʊkəl/ B1	adjective - relating to or occurring in a particular area, city, or town; located or living nearby. noun - a person living in a particular area.
famous /ˈfeɪməs/ A2	adjective - known about by many people.
attractions /əˈtrækʃənz/ B1	noun - a place or thing that attracts visitors.
symbol /ˈsɪmbl/ B1	noun - a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
reconstruction /ˌriːkənˈstrʌkʃən/ C1	noun - the action or process of rebuilding something that has been damaged or destroyed.
contrast /ˈkɒntræst/ B2	noun - the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.
historic /hɪˈstɒrɪk/ B1	adjective - famous or important in history.
platform /ˈplætfɔːrm/ B1	noun - a raised level surface on which people can stand.
amazing /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/ A2	adjective - causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing.
stunning /ˈstʌnɪŋ/ B1	adjective - extremely impressive or attractive.
jealous /ˈdʒeləs/ B1	adjective - feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.