Luanda: The Vibrant Heart of Angola

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOHR/de NAH-da]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDesculpe
  [dehs-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [KOH-moo ehs-TAH]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn. E voh-SEE]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [FAH-lah een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-TEN-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [gohs-tah-REE-ah deh vehr oo MEH-noo, poor fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now KOH-moo KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-OOH-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [gohs-tah-REE-ah deh pah-GAHR, poor fah-VOHR]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-JOO-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-BOH-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [SHAH-meh ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [SHAH-meh oom MEH-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-TOH pehr-DEE-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-TOH doo-EN-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [gohs-tah-REE-ah deh kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-TOH soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAN-too KOOS-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [EE-soo eh MWEEN-too KA-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [POH-deh BAHY-shahr oo PREH-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh OH-rahz sah-oong]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh OO-mah OH-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [MAY-ah OH-rah (DEHSS)]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-YAH]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NWAH-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [on-TEHM]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-YAH]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eesh]
• 3Três
  [trehsh]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Oito
  [OY-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde está o/a...?
  [OHN-deh ehs-TAH oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oh ehn-DEH-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [POH-deh moh-SHAR-meh (noo MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [KWAN-doo eh oo proh-SEE-moo (ow-toh-KAH-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom beel-YEH-teh (PAH-rah)]

Luanda, the capital city of Angola, was founded by Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais on January 25, 1576. He established a settlement named São Paulo da Assunção de Loanda, which would later become a pivotal hub for trade, especially in slaves, connecting Africa to the Americas and Europe.

From the late 16th to the mid-19th century, Luanda was one of the main centers of the transatlantic slave trade. It is estimated that over a million people were shipped from Luanda to various parts of the Americas. This dark period significantly shaped the demographic and cultural landscape of the city.

In 1641, the Dutch West India Company captured Luanda, holding it for seven years until the Portuguese regained control in 1648. The Dutch occupation was a notable period of conflict and change, influencing the architectural and military structures within the city.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Luanda developed as a key Portuguese colonial port. The city saw significant infrastructure development, including the construction of railways and roads, which facilitated trade and the movement of goods.

Luanda played a crucial role in Angola's struggle for independence from Portuguese rule. On November 11, 1975, Angola declared its independence, and Luanda became the capital of the newly established Republic of Angola. This period was marked by internal conflicts and civil war, which lasted until 2002.

Following the end of the civil war in 2002, Luanda has undergone extensive reconstruction and development. The city has seen rapid urbanization and economic growth, driven by Angola's oil wealth. New skyscrapers, infrastructure projects, and cultural institutions have transformed the city's landscape.

Luanda boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions. Key cultural sites include the Fortress of São Miguel, the National Museum of Slavery, and the vibrant music and dance scene, particularly Kuduro and Semba. The city's festivals and markets, such as the Luanda Carnival, reflect its diverse and dynamic cultural fabric.

Luanda is served by Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD), which is located about 4 kilometers from the city center. The airport receives direct flights from several major cities including Lisbon, Johannesburg, and Dubai. Taxis and shuttle services are available at the airport to take you to your accommodation. It's advisable to pre-arrange your airport transfer for convenience and safety.

Luanda has a mix of transportation options including taxis, buses, and shared minibuses known as 'candongueiros.' Taxis are the most convenient but can be expensive; always ensure the fare is agreed upon before starting the journey. Public buses are available but can be crowded and less reliable. Renting a car is an option, but be prepared for heavy traffic and challenging driving conditions. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are also operational in Luanda.

The official currency in Angola is the Angolan Kwanza (AOA). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions and in more remote areas. ATMs are widely available in Luanda, but be cautious when withdrawing money and avoid using ATMs at night.

While Luanda has made significant improvements in terms of safety, it still has areas with higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. Avoid the neighborhoods of Sambizanga, Cazenga, and Rangel, especially after dark. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common in crowded areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police assistance and 112 for medical emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Major hospitals in Luanda include Clinica Sagrada Esperança and Luanda Medical Center. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and avoid flashy jewelry to reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be patient as public transport can be crowded and schedules may be erratic. Avoid using public transport late at night. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Olá' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'muamba de galinha' and 'funge.' Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Luanda like a local, visit the Benfica Market for unique crafts and souvenirs. Try to catch a 'kizomba' dance session, a popular Angolan dance. Enjoy a sunset at Ilha do Cabo, a peninsula with beautiful beaches and restaurants. Engage with locals who are generally friendly and willing to share their rich culture and history.