Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up Discussion)
Let's discuss the charming and hilly city of Lisbon.
- When you think of Lisbon, what are the first three images that come to mind? Is it the yellow trams, the colorful tiles, or the sounds of Fado music?
- Lisbon is known for its seven steep hills. How do you think this geography shapes the character and daily life of the city?
- If you had one day in Lisbon, would you prefer to ride the famous Tram 28, get lost in the Alfama district, or sample pastries like pastéis de nata? Why?
Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary Expansion)
Enhance your vocabulary for describing the experience of Lisbon at an intermediate level.
1. Fado (noun, from Portuguese): A type of popular Portuguese song, usually with a melancholy theme and accompanied by one or two guitars.
Example: "In the evenings, the sound of mournful Fado music drifts from the small restaurants in Alfama."
2. Azulejos (noun, plural, from Portuguese): Glazed, colored tiles, especially of a kind used in Spanish and Portuguese architecture.
Example: "Many building facades are covered in beautiful blue and white Azulejos, telling stories through pictures."
3. Miradouro (noun, from Portuguese): A viewpoint, typically on a hilltop, offering scenic views over a city.
Example: "We climbed up to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for the best panoramic view of Lisbon."
4. Tram (noun): A passenger vehicle powered by electricity that runs on rails laid in the streets.
Example: "Riding the historic yellow Tram 28 is a classic way to see many of the city's main sights."
5. Pastéis de nata (noun phrase, from Portuguese): A Portuguese egg custard tart pastry, often dusted with cinnamon.
Example: "You can't leave Lisbon without trying a warm, freshly baked Pastel de nata from a local bakery."
6. Labyrinthine (adjective): Irregular and twisting; like a maze.
Example: "The Alfama district is a Labyrinthine neighborhood of narrow, steep streets."
Activity 3: Reading - A Journey Through Seven Hills 📖
Read this descriptive account of exploring the vibrant capital of Portugal.
Lisbon reveals itself slowly, one steep, cobblestoned street at a time. A visitor's first true taste of the city's character often comes aboard the famous yellow Tram 28. This historic tram rattles and winds its way through some of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods. As it climbs the hills, it passes building after building adorned with beautiful, intricate Azulejos, the traditional blue and white tiles that give the city so much of its visual identity. The tram journey is not just transportation; it's a moving tour through the heart of Lisbon, offering glimpses into daily life as it navigates the narrow streets.
The best way to explore Lisbon is to embrace its hills. Each of the city's seven hills offers a different perspective and is crowned with a Miradouro, or scenic viewpoint. Reaching a Miradouro after a steep climb is always rewarding, offering panoramic views of the city's terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Tagus River. From these viewpoints, you can look down into the Labyrinthine streets of the Alfama district, the city's oldest neighborhood. Getting lost in Alfama is a rite of passage for any visitor. It’s here, in these narrow alleyways, that you might stumble upon a hidden courtyard or hear the soulful, melancholy sounds of Fado music drifting from a tiny restaurant.
Of course, no exploration of Lisbon is complete without indulging in its famous pastry, the Pastel de nata. Finding a local 'pastelaria' (pastry shop) and enjoying one of these warm, creamy custard tarts, perhaps with a sprinkle of cinnamon, is a quintessential Lisbon moment. It’s a simple pleasure that connects you to the city's culinary soul. From the artistic beauty of the Azulejos to the historic journey on a Tram and the soulful notes of Fado music, Lisbon offers a rich, multi-layered experience. It’s a city that rewards those who are willing to climb its hills and get lost in its charming, Labyrinthine streets.
Activity 4: Discussion Questions 🗣️
Based on the reading in Activity 3, discuss the following questions with a partner or in a group.
- Does riding a historic Tram through narrow city streets sound like fun?
- What is your opinion of covering buildings in decorative Azulejos (tiles)?
- Do you enjoy listening to sad or "melancholy" Fado music?
- Would you prefer to explore a Labyrinthine old town or relax at a Miradouro with a view?
- Does trying a famous local pastry like Pastéis de nata seem like an important travel experience to you?