Las Vegas: The Glittering Oasis in the Desert

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-tur]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNope
  [nohp]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no problem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [par-dun]
• How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it go-in?]
• Fine. And you?Good. How about you?
  [good. how a-bout yuh?]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-lish?]
• I don't understandI'm lost
  [ahm lost]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu, please
  [men-yoo, please]
• I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [noh meet for mee]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [chek, please]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [get a doctor!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [ahm sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ah wah-nuh buy...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brows-ing]
• How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
• That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too prye-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [can yuh do bet-tur?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
• MorningMorning
  [morn-ing]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Show me (on the map)
  [show mee (on the map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticket (to ...)
  [tick-et (to ...)]

Las Vegas, which means 'The Meadows' in Spanish, was named by Rafael Rivera, a young scout in the Antonio Armijo trading party, who was the first European to set foot in the Las Vegas Valley. Las Vegas was officially founded as a city on May 15, 1905, when 110 acres of land adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks were auctioned in what would become the downtown area.

The construction of the Hoover Dam, which began in 1931 and was completed in 1936, transformed Las Vegas. The dam provided thousands of jobs during the Great Depression and brought a significant influx of people to the area. The influx of workers and the subsequent tourism boom helped to grow the city's economy and infrastructure.

In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling, which laid the foundation for Las Vegas's future as a gaming and entertainment capital. The first casino, Northern Club, received its license in 1931. The legalization of gambling attracted a variety of entrepreneurs, including organized crime figures who saw an opportunity to profit.

The Las Vegas Strip began to take shape in the 1940s with the opening of the El Rancho Vegas in 1941, followed by the Last Frontier in 1942. However, it was the opening of the Flamingo Hotel by gangster Bugsy Siegel in 1946 that truly set the stage for the development of the Strip as a premier destination for luxury, entertainment, and gambling.

In the 1950s, Las Vegas became closely associated with atomic testing. The Nevada Test Site, located just 65 miles northwest of the city, conducted nuclear tests that were visible from Las Vegas. The city capitalized on this phenomenon, offering 'atomic tourism' where visitors could witness the mushroom clouds from the comfort of their hotel rooms or designated viewing areas.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, organized crime had a significant influence on the development of Las Vegas. Key figures like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and others were instrumental in financing and operating many of the casinos. Mob-run casinos such as the Stardust, the Sands, and the Desert Inn became iconic landmarks.

By the 1970s and 1980s, the influence of organized crime began to wane as corporations started to invest heavily in Las Vegas. This era saw the construction of mega-resorts such as the Mirage, which opened in 1989 and set a new standard for entertainment and luxury. The corporate investment transformed Las Vegas into a family-friendly destination with a variety of attractions beyond gambling.

Today, Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class entertainment, luxurious hotels, and casinos. The city has continued to evolve with the addition of attractions like the High Roller Observation Wheel, the Fremont Street Experience, and numerous high-profile residencies by top musical artists. Las Vegas remains a top tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.

Las Vegas is served by McCarran International Airport (LAS), located just a few miles from the Strip. Direct flights are available from major cities worldwide. Alternatively, you can drive to Las Vegas, as it is well-connected by highways including Interstate 15. Bus services like Greyhound provide routes to the city as well.

Once in Las Vegas, you have various transportation options. The RTC public bus system covers most tourist areas, and the Deuce bus operates 24/7 along the Strip. Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely available. The Las Vegas Monorail is another convenient option, covering several key stops along the Strip. Renting a car is also a viable option, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city.

The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful, especially in casinos and hotels. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips. Note that some ATMs in casinos may charge higher fees.

Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists, but certain areas have higher crime rates. Avoid venturing into neighborhoods like Naked City and parts of Downtown Las Vegas late at night. Be cautious around large crowds and keep an eye on your belongings. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and use reputable transportation services.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate help. Major hospitals like Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center and University Medical Center are equipped to handle emergencies. For non-urgent medical issues, there are numerous urgent care centers. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially if you're walking the Strip. At upscale restaurants and clubs, adhere to dress codes. Religion: Do respect religious sites and ceremonies. Public Transport: Do have exact change ready for buses; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local and international cuisine offered in Las Vegas. Don’t forget to tip your servers, typically 15-20%.

To experience Las Vegas like a local, venture beyond the Strip. Visit Fremont Street for a more historic Vegas vibe. Enjoy outdoor activities at Red Rock Canyon or take a day trip to the Hoover Dam. Attend a local show or concert for an authentic experience. Also, consider dining at off-Strip restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.