New Orleans: The Jewel of the Mississippi

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAdieu
  [ah-dyoo]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nawn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see voo pleh/dee ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon/Je suis désolé
  [pahr-dohn/zhe swee day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mawn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen/eh twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhe nuh kohm-prawn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhe voo-dray vwahr luh menu, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhe nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhe voo-dray pay-yay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay ahn mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhe swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhe swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhe voo-dray zah-shey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhe ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr eh duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-preh-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo eh luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The city's strategic location along the Mississippi River made it a crucial port and a vibrant melting pot of cultures from its very inception.

In 1763, following the Treaty of Paris, New Orleans and the entire Louisiana territory were ceded to Spain. This period saw the blending of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures, which is evident in the city's architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The Spanish rule lasted until 1803 when the area was returned to France shortly before the Louisiana Purchase.

In 1803, the United States acquired New Orleans as part of the Louisiana Purchase. This monumental event doubled the size of the young nation and solidified New Orleans as a major American port city. The city's role in trade, especially in cotton and sugar, grew significantly during this period.

The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815, and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. Led by General Andrew Jackson, American forces successfully defended the city against British invaders. This victory bolstered American nationalism and made Andrew Jackson a national hero.

The 19th century was a time of cultural flourishing in New Orleans. The city became known for its vibrant music scene, including the birth of jazz, and for its unique Creole cuisine. The architecture of this period, including the iconic French Quarter, reflects the diverse influences and rich history of the city.

During the American Civil War, New Orleans fell to Union forces in 1862, making it the largest Confederate city to be captured. The Reconstruction era that followed was marked by significant social and economic challenges, as well as efforts to rebuild and modernize the city.

The early 20th century saw New Orleans become the epicenter of the Jazz Age. Legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton emerged from the city's vibrant music scene, bringing New Orleans jazz to a global audience. This era solidified the city's reputation as a cultural and musical hub.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, causing widespread flooding and significant loss of life and property. The disaster highlighted socio-economic disparities and led to a massive rebuilding effort. The city's resilience and spirit were showcased as it worked to recover and rebuild in the years following the storm.

Today, New Orleans is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique cuisine. Annual events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival draw visitors from around the world. The city continues to balance preservation of its historic charm with modern development and innovation.

New Orleans is serviced by Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which is about 15 miles from downtown. There are direct flights from many major U.S. cities. For those preferring train travel, Amtrak provides service to New Orleans via the Crescent, City of New Orleans, and Sunset Limited routes. If you're driving, major highways like I-10, I-55, and I-59 provide access to the city.

New Orleans offers various transportation options including streetcars, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates the streetcars and buses, providing an affordable and scenic way to explore the city. Renting a bike or using bike-share programs is also a popular choice, especially in the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River. For those staying in the city center, many attractions are within walking distance.

The currency used in New Orleans is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, especially in tourist areas like the French Quarter and the Central Business District. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and tips.

New Orleans is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to remain vigilant. Areas such as the French Quarter, the Central Business District, and the Garden District are typically safe but can be hotspots for petty theft. Avoid venturing into less frequented neighborhoods like parts of Central City and the 9th Ward, especially at night. Always stay in well-lit areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and use common sense precautions.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The New Orleans Police Department and numerous hospitals, including the University Medical Center, provide emergency services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and weather-appropriate; New Orleans can be hot and humid. Avoid overly revealing clothing in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do have exact change for streetcars and buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. Southern hospitality is big here. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. Don’t forget to tip, as gratuity is essential in service industries.

To experience New Orleans like a local, visit the lesser-known neighborhoods such as Bywater and Mid-City for a more authentic vibe. Attend a local jazz performance on Frenchmen Street, explore the local markets like the Crescent City Farmers Market, and try a po' boy sandwich from a local eatery. Participating in a second line parade, a local tradition, offers a unique cultural experience.