Baltimore: The Charm City by the Bay

• HelloWassup
  [wuh-suhp]
• GoodbyeLata
  [lay-tuh]
• YesYea
  [yay]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlz/No prob
  [pleez/noh prob]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryS'cuse me/Sorry
  [skews me/saw-ree]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [how yuh doh-in]
• Fine. And you?Aiight. How 'bout you?
  [ai-ite. how bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?U speak English?
  [yu speek ing-lish]
• I don't understandI dunno wut u talkin' 'bout
  [ah dun-no wut yu talkin bowt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLemme see da menu, pls
  [lem-mee see duh menu, puh-leez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [ah dun eat noh meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseLemme pay dis up, pls
  [lem-mee pay diss up, puh-leez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Beat it!
  [beet it]
• Call the Police!Call da Po-lice!
  [call duh po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a dok]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [ahm sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna cop...
  [ah wanna kop]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [ahm just brow-sin]
• How much is it?How much dis cost?
  [how much diss cost]
• That's too expensiveDat's mad pricey
  [dats mad pry-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya bring da price down?
  [can yuh bring duh pryce down]

• What time is it?Wat time it be?
  [wut time it bee]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its wuhn]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [haff past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [eve-nin]
• YesterdayYestaday
  [yes-tuh-day]
• TodayToday
  [toh-day]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [tuh-mor-rah]
• 1One
  [wuhn]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where da... at?
  [where duh at]
• What's the address?What's da address?
  [whats duh address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on da map)?
  [can yuh show me on duh map]
• When's the next (bus)?When da next (bus) comin'?
  [wen duh next bus comin]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

Baltimore was founded on July 30, 1729. Named after Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, the city's establishment was driven by the need for a port that could facilitate the export of tobacco and grain. The city quickly grew as a center of commerce and trade, due to its strategic location on the Patapsco River.

During the War of 1812, Baltimore played a crucial role in American history. The Battle of Baltimore, fought from September 12-15, 1814, was a pivotal moment where American forces successfully defended Fort McHenry against British attack. This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which later became the national anthem of the United States.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), established in 1827, was the first common carrier railroad and the oldest railroad in the United States. Its creation marked the beginning of a new era of transportation and commerce, linking Baltimore with the rest of the country. The B&O Railroad Museum, located in the city, offers a comprehensive look at the history of American railroading.

On February 7, 1904, a devastating fire broke out in downtown Baltimore, destroying over 1,500 buildings and causing an estimated $150 million in damage. Despite the destruction, the city was quickly rebuilt with more modern infrastructure, leading to significant urban development and modernization in the years that followed.

Baltimore played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1950s and 1960s, the city was a hotbed of activism, with numerous protests and sit-ins aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination. Leaders like Lillie Carroll Jackson and Thurgood Marshall, who was born in Baltimore, were instrumental in the fight for civil rights.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Baltimore undertook an ambitious project to revitalize its Inner Harbor. Once an area of decaying warehouses, it was transformed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Today, the Inner Harbor is home to attractions such as the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and numerous shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Baltimore is a city of rich cultural diversity, reflected in its many unique neighborhoods. From the historic African American community in West Baltimore to the vibrant Italian-American enclave of Little Italy, and the artistic vibes of Hampden, each area offers a distinct cultural experience. The city also hosts numerous festivals celebrating its diverse heritage, including the Baltimore Caribbean Carnival and the Baltimore Pride Parade.

Baltimore boasts a strong sports legacy, with teams like the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball and the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League. The city has a deep-rooted passion for sports, and venues like Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium are iconic landmarks. Baltimore also has a history of producing legendary athletes, including baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

Baltimore is served by Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights. You can take a taxi, rideshare service, or the Light RailLink directly from the airport to downtown Baltimore. Amtrak also provides train services to Baltimore Penn Station from major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Interstate highways I-95 and I-83 connect Baltimore to other parts of the East Coast.

Baltimore has a variety of transportation options including buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and the Charm City Circulator, a free bus service that runs through downtown Baltimore. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. For those who prefer biking, Baltimore Bike Share offers convenient bike rentals. Additionally, walking is a viable option in many parts of the city, especially in the Inner Harbor area.

The official currency in Baltimore, like the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and many establishments also accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit establishments that do not accept cards.

Baltimore has areas with varying safety levels. While the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill are generally safe for tourists, neighborhoods like West Baltimore and parts of East Baltimore have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night. Stay vigilant, avoid walking alone after dark, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Always consult local advisories and your hotel staff for current safety information.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Baltimore is equipped with modern medical facilities, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always have your travel insurance information handy. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing unless you're at the beach or a pool. Religion: Do respect religious sites and practices, especially when visiting churches or synagogues. Public Transport: Do stand on the right and walk on the left on escalators. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Don’t be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like crab cakes and Old Bay seasoning. Don’t forget to tip, as it is customary in the U.S.

To experience Baltimore like a local, visit neighborhood markets like Lexington Market for local delicacies. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade from the Inner Harbor to Fells Point. Attend a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards or a Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium for a genuine local sports experience. Don’t miss the annual events like the Baltimore Artscape and the Baltimore Book Festival. For a unique experience, explore the city's rich history by visiting Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem.