Antiga, Mui nobre, Sempre Leal e Invicta Cidade do Porto.
It is true that there are many who consider this city to be the best destination in the world. But few can call it home. It is where the heart surrenders when the sky fills with lights in São João.
That's when all together we count the 12 bells waiting for the mythical fireworks display behind the Town Hall.
That's when we see the most beautiful sunset, sitting in Jardim do Morro, listening to the most beautiful music played by a simple artist for the simplest people. Yes, we are simple people. But not simple as if we settle for little. We are simple because we live in Porto. Humble people, with big hearts and always ready to receive all cultures.
Porto is to know one of the oldest iron bridges in Europe, the D.Luís I bridge. The architectural and aesthetic difference from all the other bridges you've seen is what makes the experience of crossing it worthwhile.
Porto is drinking a beer and eating a tasty francesinha. That sauce that everyone wants the recipe for, but no one will ever discover its secret ingredients.
Porto hears the most different price proposals from our charismatic and typical sellers in the Mercado do Bolhão.
Porto is going up to the Clérigos Tower and insulting the man who decided to build it without an elevator.
Porto is having the heart of a king and emperor dedicated to our strength, our resilience and our loyalty.
Porto is admiring the beautiful stairs and shelves of Livraria Lello, which keep more than one hundred years of national and international history. (And which helped inspire the famous Hogwarts stairs!)
Porto is dreaming of having a coffee at Majestic.
Porto, finally, belongs to the people. It is a city built by ambition, populated by courage and loved by tripeiros.
There are few words, phrases, texts that can certainly define the city of Porto, but I invite you to visit this city full of tradition and wealth, ready to welcome you with open arms and a smile on your face.
Bordeaux, the celebration of a lifetime.
Wine. Wine is the cycle of life. The soil receives the seeds, the seeds become vines, vines become grapes. And grapes, well, grapes become Wine.
Balanced as if nothing could break it. The flavors, the smell, the color, the mixture of parts into a whole, oh how good it is to drink this juice.
Balanced like the city. Heat and cold. Closed but open. Once you visit, you won't want to wake up.
Balanced as if the mirror in the water was a reflection of all the strength and resilience of a city that was once a battlefield.
Balanced by bridges that connect the river, by streets that live carnival, music and epicure.
Balanced like sugar in rum. The flour in the eggs. The mouth with cannelle.
Finally, balanced with knowledge, education and culture. A city known for its wine, but deep down, they are simply celebrating what life has to offer.
Bordeaux, the celebration of a lifetime.
Wine. Wine is the cycle of life. The soil receives the seeds, the seeds become vines, vines become grapes. And grapes, well, grapes become Wine.
Balanced as if nothing could break it. The flavors, the smell, the color, the mixture of parts into a whole, oh how good it is to drink this juice.
Balanced like the city. Heat and cold. Closed but open. Once you visit, you won't want to wake up.
Balanced as if the mirror in the water was a reflection of all the strength and resilience of a city that was once a battlefield.
Balanced by bridges that connect the river, by streets that live carnival, music and epicure.
Balanced like sugar in rum. The flour in the eggs. The mouth with cannelle.
Finally, balanced with knowledge, education and culture. A city known for its wine, but deep down, they are simply celebrating what life has to offer.
Rotterdam,
The war tried to knock you down by bombardment, but you have risen like a Phoenix. Rebuilding yourself to be stronger and modern.
Rotterdam - The city where we prepare for the future while proudly commemorating our past. Because of you we can proudly call ourselves Rotterdamers.
You are the hope for the fortune seekers and a home for all cultures. Under your laws we can live safely and be our authentic selves. Because regardless of our background, we are not judged by you.
With music, food and joy, your cultural society celebrates each other during Carnival. Your inclusiveness allows other cultures to express themselves in their traditions such as Ramadam.
The tall modern buildings are a symbolic motivation of ambitions that should have no limits. Your love for us keeps us warm through your cold winters, but your summers are the core of artistic inspiration.
Whoever visits you will be forever impressed by your beautiful Erasmus bridge. A bridge that serves to establish connection between the residents. A bridge where we can enjoy the beautiful New Years' firework shows.
Rotterdam - A city for the open minded but a motherland for us all.