Exploring the Bohemian Charm of Roma in Mexico City

• 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/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr 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 doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• 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 mee-rahn-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
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• 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-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

The Roma neighborhood, originally known as Colonia Roma, began its development in the late 19th century, during the Porfirio Díaz era. This period was marked by rapid urbanization and modernization in Mexico City, leading to the establishment of Roma as a fashionable residential area for the upper and middle classes. The architectural styles of the time, including Art Nouveau and Neoclassical, can still be admired in the neighborhood's grand mansions and buildings.

As the 20th century progressed, Roma became a cultural hub, attracting artists, intellectuals, and bohemians. This vibrant community was characterized by a lively café culture, galleries, and theaters. The neighborhood played a significant role in the Mexican cultural renaissance, contributing to the country's artistic movements, including the Mexican Muralism that emerged in the 1920s.

The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) brought significant social and political changes, impacting neighborhoods like Roma. Many wealthy families fled or lost their properties during the upheaval, leading to a demographic shift. The area began to diversify, with an influx of lower-income residents and a burgeoning working-class culture that would define Roma for decades.

Following years of neglect and urban decline in the mid-20th century, Roma faced challenges such as crime and deteriorating infrastructure. However, in the late 1990s, a gentrification trend began, driven by young professionals and artists reclaiming the area. This resurgence revitalized the neighborhood, leading to the restoration of historic buildings and the emergence of trendy cafés, bars, and shops.

Today, Roma is celebrated for its eclectic mix of historic charm and contemporary culture. The neighborhood is home to a diverse community and hosts numerous cultural events, art exhibitions, and festivals. Its streets are lined with murals that pay homage to its rich history, making Roma a vibrant example of Mexico City's ongoing narrative of resilience and adaptation.

Roma is easily accessible from various parts of Mexico City. The nearest metro station is 'Hospital 20 de Noviembre' on Line 7 (Orange Line), which connects to other major lines. You can also take the Metrobus, which has several lines running through the area, including Line 1 (Pink Line) that stops at key locations in Roma. For those coming from the airport, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available, providing a convenient and direct route to Roma.

Roma is a walkable neighbourhood, and many attractions are within a short distance of each other. The metro system is efficient for longer distances, while the Metrobus offers a reliable alternative. Bicycles can be rented through Mexico City's Ecobici system, with stations located throughout Roma. Additionally, taxis and ride-hailing apps are accessible and affordable for those who prefer not to walk.

Roma is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially at night. Areas around the edges of Roma, particularly towards Tepito and the outskirts of the downtown area, have higher crime rates, including petty theft and scams targeting tourists. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or clinic. The main hospital in the area is 'Hospital de Especialidades' on Avenida Cuauhtémoc. Always carry a copy of your identification and have an emergency contact number saved on your phone.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, and don't wear flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches; cover shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give your seat to the elderly and don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake; don't use overly familiar gestures unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food at street vendors; don't eat in public transport or leave food on your plate.

To experience Roma like a local, visit the Mercado Roma, a trendy market with diverse culinary offerings. Engage with local artisans at the various boutiques and galleries in the area. Take time to explore Parque Mexico, a lush park popular with locals for jogging and leisurely strolls. Don't miss the chance to join a local art walk or participate in community events often held in the neighbourhood.