Travel Guide to Los Angeles

• HelloHey
  [hey]
• GoodbyeLater
  [ley-ter]
• YesYeah
  [yeh]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no pro-blem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/My bad
  [ex-kyooz mee/my bad]
• How are you?What's good?
  [wuts good?]
• Fine. And you?I'm chill. You?
  [aim chil. yoo?]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yoo speek ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [ai dohnt get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan ai chek out the men-yoo?]
• I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [aim ve-ji-tear-ee-an]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll take the check, please
  [ail tayk the chek, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Beat it!
  [beet it!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [kawl the cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [aim lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [aim sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna cop...
  [ai wana kop...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brouw-zing]
• How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
• That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [thats prye-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you hook it up?
  [kan yoo hook it up?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [wut taym iz it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its wun]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMorning
  [morn-ing]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yess-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [toh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [toh-mor-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fayv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wares the...?]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the ad-dee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [kan yoo show mee (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781, by a group of 44 settlers known as 'Los Pobladores.' This group consisted of individuals of diverse backgrounds, including Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans. The settlement was originally named 'El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula,' which translates to 'The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciúncula.'

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Los Angeles became part of the Mexican territory. During this period, the Rancho system flourished, with vast tracts of land being granted to individuals, resulting in the establishment of large cattle ranches. This era significantly shaped the cultural and social landscape of the region.

Los Angeles became part of the United States in 1848 following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 also played a crucial role in the city's growth, attracting thousands of settlers and prospectors to the area.

The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876 and the Santa Fe Railroad in 1885 transformed Los Angeles into a major transportation hub. This development spurred economic growth, population increase, and the expansion of the city’s industries, including agriculture and oil.

The early 20th century saw the rise of Hollywood as the epicenter of the American film industry. Pioneering filmmakers were drawn to Los Angeles for its diverse landscapes and favorable climate. By the 1920s, Hollywood had become synonymous with the burgeoning motion picture industry, propelling Los Angeles to international fame.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic challenges to Los Angeles, but the city rebounded during World War II. The war effort led to an industrial boom, particularly in aerospace and manufacturing, drawing a large workforce and contributing to the city’s rapid expansion.

Los Angeles played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The city was the site of important events, including the Watts Riots of 1965, which highlighted issues of racial inequality and social justice. These events were pivotal in shaping the city's ongoing efforts toward civil rights and community activism.

The 1984 Summer Olympics, hosted by Los Angeles, marked a significant event in the city's modern history. The games were a financial success and showcased Los Angeles to the world, leading to increased international recognition and economic benefits for the region.

In 1992, the acquittal of four LAPD officers in the beating of Rodney King, an African American motorist, sparked widespread riots in Los Angeles. The civil unrest highlighted deep-seated issues of racial tension, police brutality, and economic disparity, prompting calls for significant reforms in law enforcement and community relations.

Today, Los Angeles is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its diverse population, thriving arts scene, and innovative industries. The city continues to evolve, influenced by its rich history and cultural heritage, making it a dynamic destination for travelers and residents alike.

Los Angeles is served by several major airports, with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) being the largest and most commonly used by international and domestic travelers. Other airports include Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, Long Beach Airport (LGB), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County. LAX is approximately 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and several transportation options are available, including taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and car rentals.

Los Angeles has a variety of transportation options to help you navigate the sprawling city. The Los Angeles Metro system includes buses and rail lines that cover many parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Renting a car is also a popular option, but be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Biking is becoming more common, and bike-sharing programs are available in certain areas. Walking is practical in neighborhoods like downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, but less so for longer distances.

The official currency in Los Angeles is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many accept international cards. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used. It's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in areas where card acceptance may be less common, such as local markets.

Los Angeles is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any large city, it has areas with higher crime rates. Exercise caution in neighborhoods like Skid Row, South Central, and parts of East Los Angeles, especially after dark. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables openly. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation options. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular area, consult your hotel staff or a local.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance, including police, fire, and medical services. Los Angeles has numerous hospitals and urgent care centers throughout the city. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health concerns, pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. Keep a list of emergency contacts and the address of your accommodation handy at all times.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Casual attire is generally acceptable in most settings. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect all religious practices and spaces. If visiting a place of worship, dress modestly and follow any posted guidelines. Public Transport: Do use a TAP card for convenient payment on the Metro system. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. Handshakes are common in professional settings, while casual greetings are more relaxed. Eating & Drinking: Do try a variety of cuisines, as Los Angeles is known for its diverse food scene. Don’t forget to tip, typically 15-20% in restaurants.

To experience Los Angeles like a local, explore neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist spots. Visit farmers' markets like the Hollywood Farmers' Market or the Original Farmers Market at The Grove. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon. Take advantage of the city's vibrant arts scene by visiting galleries in Downtown LA's Arts District. For a unique experience, attend a live taping of a TV show. Use apps like Yelp and Eater LA to find the best local eateries and hidden gems.