Yuma: The Sunniest Place on Earth

• HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOHSS]
• YesSí
  [SEE]
• NoNo
  [NOH]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-BOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahss]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-DOHN/loh SYEHN-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHS]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [BYEHN. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [AH-blahss een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NOH ehn-TYEHN-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah behr ehl MEH-noo, pohr fah-BOHR]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NOH KOH-moh KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah pah-GAHR, pohr fah-BOHR]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [VEH-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [YAH-mah ah oon DOHK-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-TOY ehn-FEHR-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [SOH-loh ehs-TOY meer-AHN-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [EH-soh ehs mwee KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-dehs BAH-hahr ehl PREE-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh OR-ah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehss lah OO-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media
  [ee MEH-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YEHR]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohss]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [NWEH-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehss]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [DOHN-deh ehs-TAH]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAHL ehs lah dee-rehk-SYOHN]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [PWEH-dehs mohs-TRAHR-meh (ehn ehl MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [KWAHN-doh ehs ehl PROHK-see-moh (ow-toh-BOOSS)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-LEH-toh (ah ...)]

Yuma's history dates back to its establishment in 1854 when the Gadsden Purchase made the region part of the United States. Originally named Colorado City, it was renamed Yuma in 1873. The city developed as a significant crossing point on the Colorado River, serving as a key location for travelers heading to California during the Gold Rush.

Yuma Crossing holds historical significance as a vital crossing point over the Colorado River. It served as a critical juncture for early explorers, settlers, and military expeditions. The crossing was a strategic site for the Butterfield Overland Mail route and later became a central point for the Southern Pacific Railroad, which contributed to Yuma's growth.

The Yuma Territorial Prison, established in 1876, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Yuma. It housed some of the most notorious outlaws of the Old West. The prison operated until 1909 and has since been transformed into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by prisoners during that era.

Yuma's fertile soil and favorable climate have made it an agricultural powerhouse. The introduction of irrigation in the early 20th century transformed the region into a prolific farming area. Today, Yuma is known as the 'Winter Lettuce Capital,' producing a significant portion of the nation's winter vegetables.

During World War II, Yuma played a crucial role with the establishment of the Yuma Army Airfield in 1942. The airfield served as a training ground for pilots and aircrews. After the war, it was repurposed for civilian use and is now known as the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, continuing its legacy of aviation training.

Yuma's culture is a rich tapestry woven from its Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers. The Quechan Tribe, originally inhabiting the region, continues to play a vital role in preserving their traditions and contributing to Yuma's cultural fabric. Annual events, such as the Yuma County Fair and the Midnight at the Oasis car show, celebrate the city's diverse heritage.

Historic Downtown Yuma offers a charming glimpse into the city's past. The area is home to restored buildings, vintage shops, and museums that reflect Yuma's historical significance. Key landmarks include the Yuma Art Center, the Sanguinetti House Museum, and the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, which provide insights into the city's evolution over the centuries.

Yuma is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, near the borders of California and Mexico. The nearest major airport is Yuma International Airport (YUM), which is served by American Airlines. Alternatively, you can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and drive approximately 3 hours southwest to Yuma. For those traveling by car, Yuma is conveniently located along Interstate 8. Amtrak also offers train services to Yuma via the Sunset Limited route.

Yuma is a relatively small city, making it easy to navigate. Rental cars are readily available and offer the most flexibility for exploring the area. The Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) provides public bus services within the city and to surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For a unique experience, consider taking a historic riverboat tour along the Colorado River.

The official currency in Yuma, as in the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or outdoor markets. Traveler's checks are less commonly used but can be exchanged at most banks.

Yuma is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your surroundings. Some neighborhoods in the western part of the city have higher crime rates; thus, it is best to avoid these areas after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Yuma has several medical facilities, including the Yuma Regional Medical Center. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency medical advice, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the hot desert climate. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Avoid overly revealing attire in public spaces. Religion: Do show respect when visiting places of worship. Remove hats and speak softly. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or handshake. Avoid overly familiar gestures with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't forget to tip in restaurants, usually around 15-20%.

To experience Yuma like a local, visit the Yuma Farmers Market, held every Tuesday and Sunday, where you can find fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the historic downtown area, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park for a glimpse into the city’s past. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Imperial Sand Dunes and the Colorado River offer excellent opportunities for adventure and relaxation.