Miami: The Magic City of Endless Sunshine

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Long before Miami became the vibrant city it is today, it was inhabited by the Tequesta tribe. The Tequesta people lived in the area for over a thousand years before the arrival of European explorers. Their society was based on fishing and gathering, and they built complex villages along the Miami River.

In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in the region. The Spanish claimed the area but did not establish a permanent settlement. Missionaries attempted to convert the Tequesta to Christianity, but diseases brought by the Europeans significantly reduced the indigenous population.

Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896. Julia Tuttle, often called the 'Mother of Miami,' played a crucial role in its development. She persuaded railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to the area, which spurred rapid growth and development.

The 1920s brought a massive real estate boom to Miami. Developers promoted the city as a tropical paradise, attracting thousands of new residents and investors. This period saw the construction of iconic buildings and neighborhoods, many of which still stand today. However, the boom ended abruptly with the 1926 Miami Hurricane and the subsequent economic downturn.

During World War II, Miami became a crucial military hub. The city hosted numerous military training facilities and airfields. The influx of military personnel and their families contributed to Miami's post-war population growth and economic development.

The Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to a significant wave of Cuban immigrants to Miami. This influx transformed the city's cultural landscape, particularly in neighborhoods like Little Havana. The Cuban community's influence is evident in Miami's cuisine, music, art, and festivals.

In recent decades, Miami has grown into a global metropolis and a major international hub for finance, commerce, culture, and tourism. The city is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and iconic skyline. Miami continues to attract people from around the world, contributing to its dynamic and ever-evolving character.

Miami is well-connected by air, road, and sea. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary airport, offering flights from major cities worldwide. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is another nearby option, located about 30 miles north of Miami. For those driving, Interstate 95 (I-95) runs along the East Coast, making Miami accessible by car. Additionally, Miami is a major cruise hub with the Port of Miami serving as a departure point for many Caribbean cruises.

Miami offers various transportation options. The Metrorail and Metromover systems provide convenient access to many parts of the city. Metrobus services are also available for areas not covered by rail. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely used. Renting a car is an option but be prepared for traffic and parking challenges. For a unique experience, consider using the city's bike-sharing program, Citi Bike.

The official currency in Miami is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, including at the airport, hotels, and major attractions. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors, especially at local markets and food trucks.

Miami is generally safe for tourists, but certain areas have higher crime rates. Avoid neighborhoods like Overtown and Liberty City, especially after dark. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, particularly in downtown Miami and South Beach. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious when using ATMs at night.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Miami has numerous hospitals and urgent care facilities, including Jackson Memorial Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are many pharmacies throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but upscale attire is recommended for high-end restaurants and nightclubs. Avoid overly revealing clothing in family-friendly areas. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and observing any specific customs. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and keep noise levels down. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a handshake. In casual settings, a simple 'Hi' or 'Hello' is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including Cuban and Caribbean dishes. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in the United States.

To experience Miami like a local, visit neighborhoods like Little Havana for a taste of Cuban culture, or Wynwood for its vibrant art scene. Try to attend local events such as Art Basel or the Miami International Film Festival. For the best Cuban coffee, head to a local ventanita (coffee window). Visit local farmers' markets for fresh produce and unique finds.