Cannery Row: Monterey's Historic Gem by the Sea

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSo long
  [soh lawng]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [par-dun mee]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [how yah doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Not too bad. And you?
  [naht too bad. And yah?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' ya
  [ai t ain't ka-chin yah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check the menu, please
  [kan ah chek thee menu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [ai dohn doh meet]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bot-ums up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, please
  [ai'll set-l up, pleez]

• Help!SOS!
  [ess-oh-ess]
• Go away!Scram!
  [skram]
• Call the Police!Get the fuzz!
  [get thee fuzz]
• Call a doctor!Fetch a sawbones!
  [fetch uh saw-bonz]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [ai'm turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI'm under the weather
  [ai'm un-der thee we-thur]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to get...
  [ai'm fik-sin tuh get]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brah-sin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wuts the dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's a steep price
  [thats uh steep prahs]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?
  [kan yah kut mee uh deel]

• What time is it?What's the hour?
  [wuts thee ow-er]
• It's one o'clockIt's one bell
  [its wun bell]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [haf past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [aft-er-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [ee-ven-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-dee]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tu-mor-rah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fahv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nahn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres thee]
• What's the address?Where's the place?
  [wheres thee place]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [kan yah point it out (on thee map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next ride?
  [whens thee next rahd]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [uh pass (tuh)]

Cannery Row's history begins in the late 19th century as a humble fishing village. The rich marine resources off the coast of Monterey made it a prime location for fishing, particularly for sardines, which became the backbone of the local economy. Fishermen from various backgrounds settled in the area, laying the groundwork for a vibrant community centered around the sea.

By the early 1900s, Cannery Row transformed dramatically with the establishment of several sardine canneries. Companies like the Pacific Fish Company and the Monterey Canning Company sprang up, leading to a boom in the local economy. This industrial growth attracted a diverse workforce and solidified Cannery Row's reputation as a bustling hub of activity, often referred to as the 'Sardine Capital of the World.'

The literary fame of Cannery Row largely stems from John Steinbeck's 1945 novel of the same name. Steinbeck's work captured the essence of life in Cannery Row during its heyday, portraying the lives of the laborers and their struggles. His depiction brought international attention to the area, turning it into a cultural landmark and inspiring future generations to explore its history.

The sardine industry began to decline in the late 1940s due to overfishing and changing oceanic conditions. By the 1970s, most canneries closed their doors, leading to economic hardships for the community. This decline marked a significant turning point for Cannery Row, prompting a shift from an industrial economy to one focused on tourism and recreation.

In the decades following the closure of the canneries, Cannery Row underwent a transformation into a popular tourist destination. Efforts were made to preserve the historical elements of the area while developing attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which opened in 1984. Today, Cannery Row blends its rich history with modern amenities, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past alongside vibrant shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Cannery Row is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Monterey. If you're coming from downtown Monterey, it's about a 15-minute walk along the scenic waterfront. Alternatively, you can take the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus line 1, which operates frequently and connects downtown Monterey to Cannery Row. For those arriving by car, ample parking is available, but be prepared for potential fees and busy periods, especially during weekends and holidays.

Cannery Row is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to explore on foot. Bicycles are also a popular way to get around; several rental shops offer bikes for a few hours or the day. Public transportation options include the MST bus system, which can take you to other parts of Monterey and nearby areas. For a unique experience, consider renting a surrey bike, a fun way to navigate the waterfront and nearby attractions.

Cannery Row is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid dark and isolated areas, especially at night. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. Stick to well-lit and populated areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, located a short drive from Cannery Row. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies nearby where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Don’t wear overly casual attire if dining at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting nearby religious sites. Public Transport: Do respect fellow passengers and give up your seat to those in need. Don’t engage in loud conversations on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile; a simple 'hello' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood and enjoy outdoor dining. Don’t litter, and always dispose of waste properly.

To experience Cannery Row like a local, visit the historic Cannery Row Antique Mall for unique finds and local art. Take a stroll along the waterfront at sunset for stunning views. For dining, seek out smaller, family-run eateries away from the main tourist spots for authentic cuisine. Don’t miss the local farmers' market if you're in the area on a Tuesday, where you can sample and purchase fresh produce and artisan goods.