Mountain View: The Heart of Silicon Valley

• HelloHowdy
  [haʊdi]
• GoodbyeCatch you later
  [kætʃ ju ˈleɪtər]
• YesYep
  [jɛp]
• NoNah
  [nɑ]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
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  [θæŋks ə bʌntʃ]
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• How are you?How's it going?
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• Fine. And you?Doing well. How about you?
  [ˈduɪŋ wɛl haʊ əˈbaʊt ju]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
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• I don't understandI'm lost
  [aɪm lɔst]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
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• Cheers!Bottoms up!
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• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle the bill
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• Help!SOS!
  [ɛs oʊ ɛs]
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• Call a doctor!Get a medic!
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• I'd like to buy...Looking to purchase...
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• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [ʤʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wɑts ðə ˈdæmɪdʒ]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [ðæts ə bɪt stip]
• Can you lower the price?Can you give me a deal?
  [kæn ju ɡɪv mi ə dil]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [wɑts ðə taɪm]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
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• TodayToday
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• TomorrowTomorrow
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• 1One
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• 2Two
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• 3Three
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• 4Four
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• 5Five
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• 6Six
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• 7Seven
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• 8Eight
  [eɪt]
• 9Nine
  [naɪn]
• 10Ten
  [tɛn]

• Where's a/the...?Where can I find...?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
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• When's the next (bus)?When's the next shuttle?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst ˈʃʌtəl]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [ə pæs tu]

Mountain View's history dates back to the early 18th century when the Ohlone Native Americans inhabited the area. The Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1760s and established missions, including the nearby Mission Santa Clara de Asís. The fertile land was perfect for agriculture, which attracted settlers and laid the foundation for the future city.

Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, Mountain View became part of the Rancho Pastoria de las Borregas land grant. The area was primarily used for cattle grazing and agriculture. The Mexican government's secularization of the missions in the 1830s led to an increase in private land grants, shaping the region's development.

The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought a surge of settlers to the area. Mountain View began to see significant growth as people moved west in search of fortune. The Gold Rush not only boosted the local economy but also facilitated the development of transportation routes and infrastructure.

The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1864 was a transformative event for Mountain View. The town became an important stop on the railroad, fostering economic growth and making it easier to transport goods and people. This connectivity led to an increase in population and business opportunities.

Mountain View was officially incorporated as a city in 1902. The early 20th century saw the development of essential services and infrastructure, including schools, roads, and utilities. The city began to attract a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

The end of World War II marked the beginning of a new era for Mountain View. The city's proximity to Stanford University made it an attractive location for high-tech companies and research institutions. In the 1950s and 1960s, Mountain View became a key part of the burgeoning Silicon Valley, home to numerous tech startups and established companies.

Established in 1939, the NASA Ames Research Center is one of the most significant research facilities in Mountain View. It has played a crucial role in aviation, space exploration, and technology development. The center has contributed to numerous NASA missions and innovations, making it a cornerstone of the city's scientific community.

The establishment of Google’s headquarters, the Googleplex, in Mountain View in 1999 marked the city as a central hub in the tech industry. Google’s presence has brought significant economic growth, innovation, and a vibrant, tech-centric culture to the city. This has transformed Mountain View into a global center for technology and innovation.

Mountain View is known for its cultural diversity and strong sense of community. The city hosts various cultural events, festivals, and farmers' markets that celebrate its multicultural population. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of restaurants, shops, and community organizations that thrive in the area.

Mountain View is located in the heart of Silicon Valley in California. The nearest major airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), which is about 10 miles away. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are also accessible, each about 30-40 miles away. From these airports, you can reach Mountain View by rental car, taxi, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or public transportation such as Caltrain and the VTA Light Rail.

Mountain View offers a variety of transportation options. The VTA Light Rail and Caltrain services connect Mountain View to neighboring cities like San Francisco and San Jose. Local buses operated by VTA are also available. For those who prefer cycling, Mountain View is bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes. Car rentals and ride-sharing services are readily available for more flexibility.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Mountain View, including in restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay are also commonly accepted. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit establishments that do not accept cards.

Mountain View is generally a safe city, but it's always wise to take basic precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and be cautious in busy areas where pickpocketing could occur. The downtown area and neighborhoods like Castro Street are generally safe and well-patrolled. However, as with any city, it's best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Mountain View has a well-equipped police and fire department, as well as several medical facilities, including El Camino Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the area.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, casual clothing. Silicon Valley is known for its laid-back dress code. Avoid wearing overly formal attire unless attending a specific event that requires it. Religion: Do respect all religious sites and practices. Be mindful of different cultural backgrounds. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a payment card ready for public transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or handshake. Californians are generally informal. Eating & Drinking: Do try local restaurants and food trucks. Don't tip less than 15-20% in sit-down restaurants, as it is considered customary.

To experience Mountain View like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market held on Sundays at the Caltrain station. Explore Shoreline Park for outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and bird-watching. Consider renting a bike to ride along the Stevens Creek Trail. Castro Street offers a variety of dining options with cuisines from around the world. Don't miss the Computer History Museum for a deep dive into the tech heritage of Silicon Valley.