Denver: The Mile-High City of Adventure and Culture

• HelloHowdy
  [h-ow-d-ee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [s-ee y-ah]
• YesYup
  [y-uh-p]
• NoNah
  [n-ah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [pl-ee-z/n-oh w-ur-ee-z]
• Thank youThanks
  [th-ang-ks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [p-ah-r-d-uhn m-ee/m-ahy b-ad]
• How are you?How's it going?
  [h-ow-z ih-t g-oh-ing]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [g-oo-d. y-oo]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [y-oo sp-ee-k ih-ng-g-lish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [ai d-oh-nt g-eh-t ih-t]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [k-ah-n ai ch-eh-k aw-t dh-uh m-eh-n-y-oo]
• I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [n-oh m-ee-t f-er m-ee]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [ch-ee-r-z]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll pay now
  [ai-l pe-iy n-ow]

• Help!Help!
  [h-eh-l-p]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [g-eh-t l-aw-s-t]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [k-ah-l dh-uh k-aa-p-s]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [g-eh-t ah d-aa-k]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [ai-m l-oh-s-t]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [ai-m s-ih-k]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ai w-aa-n-ah b-ah-iy]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [j-ah-st b-r-ow-z-ih-ng]
• How much is it?How much?
  [h-ow m-ah-ch]
• That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [t-oo pr-ai-s-iy]
• Can you lower the price?Can you drop the price?
  [k-ah-n y-oo dr-aa-p dh-uh pr-ay-s]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [wh-ah-t-s dh-uh t-ay-m]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ih-ts w-ah-n]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [h-ah-f t-eh-n]
• MorningMorning
  [m-oh-r-n-ih-ng]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [aa-f-t-er-n-uw-n]
• EveningEvening
  [iy-v-n-ih-ng]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [y-eh-s-t-er-d-ay]
• TodayToday
  [t-uh-d-ay]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [t-ah-m-aw-r-oh]
• 1One
  [w-ah-n]
• 2Two
  [t-uw]
• 3Three
  [th-r-iy]
• 4Four
  [f-oh-r]
• 5Five
  [f-ay-v]
• 6Six
  [s-ih-k-s]
• 7Seven
  [s-eh-v-eh-n]
• 8Eight
  [ey-t]
• 9Nine
  [n-ay-n]
• 10Ten
  [t-eh-n]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wh-eh-r-s dh-uh]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [wh-ah-t-s dh-uh a-d-r-eh-s]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?
  [k-ah-n y-oo sh-ow m-ee aw-n dh-uh m-ae-p]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wh-eh-n-s dh-uh n-eh-k-s-t b-ah-s]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [ey t-ih-k-ih-t (t-uw ....)]

Denver was founded in November 1858 as a mining town during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Originally named Denver City, it was established by a group of prospectors from Kansas Territory. The name 'Denver' was chosen to honor Kansas Territorial Governor James W. Denver, in the hope of gaining political favor.

In 1861, the Colorado Territory was established, and Denver City became the territorial capital. This period saw rapid growth as miners and settlers flocked to the area, and Denver developed into a supply hub for the surrounding mining camps.

On April 19, 1863, a significant fire broke out in Denver, destroying much of the city's business district. Despite the devastation, the community quickly rebuilt, this time using brick and stone, which led to more permanent structures and helped shape the modern cityscape.

The arrival of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1870 marked a pivotal moment in Denver's history. The Denver Pacific Railway connected Denver to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the Kansas Pacific Railroad, further integrating the city into the national economy and spurring rapid growth and development.

The discovery of silver in Leadville in the late 1870s brought wealth and prosperity to Denver. Known as the Silver Boom, this era led to significant economic growth, new architectural developments, and an influx of immigrants and settlers seeking fortune.

The economic downturn known as the Denver Depression of 1893 was triggered by the collapse of the silver market after the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. This event led to widespread economic hardship, but it also marked a turning point as Denver diversified its economy beyond mining.

During the 1920s, Denver experienced the highs of the Roaring Twenties, characterized by economic prosperity and cultural dynamism. However, the era of Prohibition also brought challenges, including the rise of bootlegging and organized crime in the city.

In the mid-20th century, Denver underwent significant urban renewal efforts, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. These efforts aimed to modernize the city by replacing old and deteriorating buildings with new infrastructure, though they also led to the loss of some historic neighborhoods.

Today, Denver is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and a thriving music and food scene. The city celebrates its diverse heritage with events like the annual Cinco de Mayo festival and the Denver PrideFest.

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado in 2012 has had a significant impact on Denver's economy and culture. The city has become a center for cannabis tourism and industry innovation, contributing to its reputation as a progressive and forward-thinking urban center.

Denver is accessible via Denver International Airport (DEN), which is one of the largest airports in the United States. The airport is well-connected with major cities in the U.S. and international destinations. From the airport, you can take the A Line commuter rail to Union Station in downtown Denver. Alternatively, taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttle buses are available for transportation to the city.

Denver has an extensive public transportation system managed by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), including buses, light rail, and commuter rail. The light rail system is particularly useful for getting around downtown and the surrounding areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular. For a more eco-friendly option, Denver B-cycle, a bike-sharing program, is available throughout the city. Renting a car is another convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas like the Rocky Mountains.

The official currency in Denver is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and most establishments accept digital payments such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

Denver is generally a safe city, but it's important to exercise standard precautions. Areas like Five Points and Colfax Avenue have higher crime rates, so it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Downtown and tourist areas are usually safe, but it's always good to be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Denver Health Medical Center is the main hospital in the city and provides emergency services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies, including craft beers and Rocky Mountain oysters. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Denver like a local, visit the neighborhoods of RiNo (River North Art District) and LoDo (Lower Downtown) for art galleries, breweries, and unique dining experiences. Attend a live music event at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. For outdoor enthusiasts, take advantage of the numerous hiking and biking trails around the city and nearby mountains. Lastly, don't miss the Denver Union Station, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub with shops, restaurants, and bars.