Albuquerque: Where Culture and Adventure Converge

• HelloHowdy
  [HAO-dee]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [AH-dee-ose]
• YesYeah
  [YEH]
• NoNope
  [NOHP]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [PLEEZ/NOH-PROB-lem]
• Thank youThank ya
  [THANK-yuh]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [PUHR-dun mee/MAI bad]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [HAO yuh DOO-in]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [Fine. And you?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Yuh speak ING-lish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [AI dohnt GET it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [CAN ai CHEK out the MEN-yoo]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [AI dohnt doh MEET]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [CHEERS]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up
  [AI'm RED-ee to SET-ul up]

• Help!Help!
  [HELP]
• Go away!Go away!
  [GOH uh-WAY]
• Call the Police!Ring up the cops!
  [RING up the kawps]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc on the line!
  [Get a doc on the LAIN]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [AI'm turned a-ROWND]
• I'm illI'm not feelin' well
  [AI'm not FEE-lin well]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna get...
  [AI WAN-uh GET]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [JUST BROUZ-ing]
• How much is it?How much does it run?
  [HAO MUCH duz it RUN]
• That's too expensiveThat's steep
  [That's STEEP]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya drop the price?
  [Can yuh DROP the price]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [Whats the TIME]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [Its WUN]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (TEN)]
• MorningMorning
  [MORN-ing]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [AF-ter-NOON]
• EveningEvening
  [EVE-ning]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [YES-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [To-DAY]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [To-MOR-row]
• 1One
  [WUN]
• 2Two
  [TOO]
• 3Three
  [THREE]
• 4Four
  [FOR]
• 5Five
  [FIVE]
• 6Six
  [SIX]
• 7Seven
  [SEV-en]
• 8Eight
  [AIT]
• 9Nine
  [NINE]
• 10Ten
  [TEN]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [Whats the ADD-ee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out (on the map)?
  [Can yuh POINT it out (on the map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [Whens the next (BUS)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A TICK-et (to)]

Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as La Villa de Alburquerque by Spanish settlers led by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés. The city was named in honor of the Viceroy of New Spain, the Duke of Alburquerque. The extra 'r' was later dropped from the name, simplifying it to the modern spelling. The city was originally established as a trading post along the Camino Real, a significant trade route that connected Mexico City to Santa Fe.

Established in 1881, the Albuquerque Indian School was a boarding school designed to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture. The institution operated for nearly a century and served as a significant, albeit controversial, part of Albuquerque’s history. Its legacy is complex, reflecting both cultural suppression and the resilience of Native American communities.

The heart of historic Albuquerque, Old Town was the city’s first neighborhood, established around the Plaza. Old Town's adobe buildings and narrow, winding streets are a testament to its Spanish colonial roots. Today, it serves as a cultural hub with museums, shops, and restaurants, preserving the rich heritage of the area.

In 1880, the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway marked a turning point in Albuquerque's development. The railroad brought economic growth and transformed Albuquerque into a bustling trade center. The city expanded rapidly, leading to the establishment of New Town, which now forms the downtown area.

During World War II, Albuquerque played a role in the Manhattan Project, the secret U.S. project to develop the atomic bomb. The city was a hub for military personnel and scientists involved in the project, many of whom were stationed at nearby installations like Kirtland Air Force Base. This period significantly impacted Albuquerque's growth and its place in American history.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, first held in 1972, is one of the city's most iconic events. It began with just 13 balloons and has grown into the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, attracting hundreds of balloons and thousands of spectators each October. The event celebrates Albuquerque's unique weather conditions, which are ideal for ballooning, and has become a major cultural and tourist attraction.

Route 66, the historic highway that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, passed through Albuquerque and played a crucial role in the city's mid-20th-century development. The stretch of Route 66 through Albuquerque, now Central Avenue, became lined with motels, restaurants, and neon signs, many of which still exist today. This legacy contributes to Albuquerque's nostalgic charm and cultural vibrancy.

Albuquerque is served by Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which offers numerous domestic flights and a few international connections. The airport is located about 3 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or rental car to reach your destination. Amtrak's Southwest Chief route also stops in Albuquerque, providing train service from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Albuquerque has a variety of transportation options. ABQ Ride operates the city's public bus system, which covers most major attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. For a more scenic option, consider the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, which travels between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Renting a car is also a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore surrounding areas like the Sandia Mountains or Santa Fe.

The official currency in Albuquerque is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed. It's advisable to carry some cash for use in smaller establishments and local markets.

Albuquerque is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Areas like the International District and parts of Downtown can have higher crime rates, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in these areas after dark and keep your belongings secure. Be cautious in crowded places and always lock your car doors.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Albuquerque has several hospitals and urgent care facilities. University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) is the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the city. For non-emergency medical issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as temperatures can vary widely throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Religion: Do respect local customs. Albuquerque has a diverse population, including Native American and Hispanic communities with their own traditions and practices. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a bus pass when using public buses. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple 'Hello' or 'Hi.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine like green chile dishes and New Mexican cuisine. Don't tip less than 15% in restaurants, as tipping is customary.

To experience Albuquerque like a local, visit the Old Town area, which offers a mix of historic sites, shops, and restaurants. Attend a local event like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta if your visit coincides. Explore the many hiking trails in the Sandia Mountains and take in the views from the Sandia Peak Tramway. For a unique experience, visit one of the city's many cultural centers, such as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.