The Enchanting Heart of the Southwest

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-yas]
• 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?
  [byen. 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 goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• 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 médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to 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
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-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 ....)]

Santa Fe, meaning 'Holy Faith' in Spanish, was founded by Spanish colonists in 1610, making it the oldest capital city in the United States. The city was established as the capital of the Nuevo México province, a part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The site was chosen by Don Pedro de Peralta, the third governor of the province, and it was intended to be a strategic and administrative center.

One of the most significant events in Santa Fe's history is the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This uprising was led by a Tewa religious leader named Popé and involved various Puebloan peoples who rebelled against Spanish colonization and religious oppression. The revolt resulted in the expulsion of Spanish settlers and missionaries from Santa Fe and the surrounding regions for 12 years, until Spain reasserted control in 1692.

In 1692, Spanish Governor Diego de Vargas led the reconquest of Santa Fe, marking the end of the independence period initiated by the Pueblo Revolt. Vargas's return to Santa Fe was marked by a mixture of diplomacy and military force. He negotiated with various Pueblo leaders, promising more lenient and respectful treatment, although conflicts continued in subsequent years.

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Santa Fe became part of the newly established Mexican territory. This era saw increased trade and cultural exchange, particularly through the Santa Fe Trail, which connected Missouri to Santa Fe, allowing for the movement of goods and people between the United States and Mexico.

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, through which Mexico ceded a vast portion of its northern territories, including Santa Fe, to the United States. In 1850, Santa Fe was designated the capital of the newly created New Mexico Territory. The city became a focal point for American settlers and military presence.

The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in the late 19th century transformed Santa Fe's economy and accessibility. Although the main line bypassed the city, a branch line connected it to the national rail network, fostering tourism and commerce. This period also saw an influx of artists and writers, attracted by the region's unique culture and landscapes.

New Mexico achieved statehood in 1912, with Santa Fe continuing as the state capital. Throughout the 20th century, Santa Fe developed a reputation as a center for arts and culture, influenced by Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American traditions. Landmarks like the Palace of the Governors and the Loretto Chapel, along with annual events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Fiestas de Santa Fe, highlight the city's diverse heritage.

Santa Fe is accessible via the Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), which offers regional flights. For international and more extensive domestic flights, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the nearest major airport, approximately 60 miles south of Santa Fe. From Albuquerque, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use the Rail Runner Express train to reach Santa Fe. The journey by car or shuttle typically takes about an hour.

Santa Fe offers various transportation options. The city has a reliable public bus system operated by Santa Fe Trails, covering major attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Santa Fe is bike-friendly, with numerous bike paths and rental shops. Walking is another great way to explore the compact and historic downtown area.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and tips. ATMs are plentiful, especially in the downtown area and shopping centers.

Santa Fe is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include parts of the Southside and some isolated spots in the Railyard District. Avoid walking alone at night in these areas and keep your belongings secure. Downtown and popular tourist areas are typically safe and well-patrolled by police.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Santa Fe has several medical facilities, including the Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but smart-casual attire is recommended for fine dining. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites like churches and missions. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, such as New Mexican dishes with green or red chile. Don’t refuse hospitality; it's considered impolite.

To experience Santa Fe like a local, visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market in the Railyard District for fresh produce and handmade goods. Attend local events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market or the International Folk Art Market. Explore lesser-known neighborhoods like Canyon Road, renowned for its art galleries. For a unique experience, take a cooking class to learn about New Mexican cuisine. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share insights and stories about the city's rich history and culture.