Palm Springs: Oasis of Relaxation and Adventure

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeCatch ya later
  [ketch ya lay-ter]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNope
  [nope]
• Please/You're welcomeSure thing
  [shore thing]
• Thank youThanks a bunch
  [thanks uh bunch]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [par-dun me]
• How are you?How's it hanging?
  [hows it hangin]
• Fine. And you?Just peachy. How 'bout you?
  [just pee-chee. How bout yoo]
• Do you speak English?Speak English?
  [speek ing-lish]
• I don't understandI'm lost
  [im lost]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [can eye chek out the men-yoo]
• I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [no meet for mee]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bot-ums up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [chek, please]

• Help!SOS!
  [S-O-S]
• Go away!Scram!
  [skram]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get me a doc!
  [get mee uh doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [im turned uh-round]
• I'm illI'm under the weather
  [im under the wed-der]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [i wanna buy]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brows-ing]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's a rip-off
  [thats a rip-off]
• Can you lower the price?Can you give me a deal?
  [can you give me uh deal]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningAM
  [ay-em]
• AfternoonPM
  [pee-em]
• EveningNight
  [nite]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where can I find...?
  [where can eye find]
• What's the address?What's the street?
  [whats the street]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out (on the map)?
  [can you point it out on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When does the next one come?
  [when duz the next one come]
• A ticket (to ....)One ticket (to ...)
  [wun ticket to]

Long before Palm Springs became a desert resort city, it was inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. These indigenous people were known for their adept skills in desert agriculture, weaving, and basketry. They thrived in the area for thousands of years, utilizing the natural hot springs and abundant flora and fauna for their sustenance and medicinal needs.

The first Europeans to explore the Palm Springs area were Spanish missionaries in the 1770s. The land later became part of Mexico following its independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, the area was sparsely populated and mainly used for cattle grazing by Mexican ranchers.

After the United States acquired California in 1848 following the Mexican-American War, the region saw an influx of American settlers. The land was surveyed and divided into parcels. By the late 19th century, Palm Springs was becoming known for its natural hot springs, attracting visitors seeking health benefits.

In the early 20th century, Palm Springs began its transformation into a premier resort destination. Wealthy individuals from Los Angeles and other urban centers started building winter homes. The famous El Mirador Hotel opened in 1927, solidifying Palm Springs as a playground for the rich and famous.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Palm Springs became a popular retreat for Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Cary Grant. The city's allure was its privacy, luxury, and proximity to Los Angeles. This era saw the construction of many mid-century modern homes, a style that has become synonymous with Palm Springs.

World War II brought a significant military presence to Palm Springs. The El Mirador Hotel was converted into Torney General Hospital to treat wounded soldiers. The nearby Palm Springs Army Airfield (now Palm Springs International Airport) served as a training ground for pilots. This period introduced many servicemen and women to the area, some of whom returned to settle there after the war.

The post-war era saw a construction boom in Palm Springs. The city became a hub for mid-century modern architecture, with architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and John Lautner designing iconic homes and public buildings. The annual Modernism Week celebrates this architectural heritage and attracts visitors from around the world.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Palm Springs was also a focal point for civil rights and social movements. The city had a significant LGBTQ+ community, and the movement for equality gained momentum here. Additionally, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians fought for and successfully regained control over their ancestral lands, leading to economic development and cultural preservation for the tribe.

Today, Palm Springs is a vibrant city known for its arts, culture, and recreational opportunities. The Palm Springs International Film Festival and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival attract global attention. The city's history, from its indigenous roots to its modern-day renaissance, continues to be a central theme in its cultural and tourist offerings.

Palm Springs is served by the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which offers direct flights from several major cities in the United States and Canada. Alternatively, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Ontario International Airport (ONT) and drive to Palm Springs, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from either airport. Bus services like Greyhound and Amtrak's Thruway Motorcoach also provide connections to Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is a relatively small city, making it easy to navigate. Car rentals are a popular option for exploring the city and its surroundings. The SunLine Transit Agency operates buses that cover Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For a unique experience, consider renting a bike to explore the city's bike-friendly routes.

The official currency in Palm Springs is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or tips.

Palm Springs is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The neighborhoods of Desert Highland Gateway Estates and Racquet Club Estates have higher crime rates compared to other parts of the city, so exercise caution if visiting these areas.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Palm Springs Police Department and several medical facilities, including Desert Regional Medical Center, are available in the city. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and consider the desert climate, which can be very hot. Casual attire is widely accepted, but upscale restaurants may require more formal wear. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices. While Palm Springs is generally liberal, it's always good to be mindful of your surroundings. Public Transport: Do respect fellow passengers and the driver. Eating and drinking on public transport is generally frowned upon. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Palm Springs is known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and visit the many restaurants and cafes. Don't forget to tip; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.

To experience Palm Springs like a local, visit the weekly VillageFest, a street fair held every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs. Explore the many hiking trails in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains. Stop by the Palm Springs Art Museum for a dose of culture. For a unique experience, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to enjoy stunning views of the Coachella Valley. Don't miss the chance to relax by a pool and enjoy the local mid-century modern architecture.