Socorro: The Enchanted Oasis of New Mexico

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dees-kool-pe/low see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-en. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah ver el 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
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-you-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
  [es-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh es-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kway-stah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es muy caro
  [es-toh es moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-des bah-har el pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [kay oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [es lah oo-nah en poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (10)]
• 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
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh es-tah oon/el]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal es lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me puedes mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [may pweh-des moh-strar (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Socorro, New Mexico, was founded in 1598 by Spanish settlers led by Juan de Oñate. The name 'Socorro' means 'help' or 'aid' in Spanish, a gesture of gratitude to the Piro Indians who aided the Spanish settlers during their journey. The settlement became an important waypoint on El Camino Real, the royal road that connected Mexico City with Santa Fe.

Mission San Miguel was established in the early 17th century by Franciscan missionaries. The mission served as a religious and cultural center for the Piro Indians and Spanish settlers. Although the original mission was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, it was later rebuilt and continues to be a historical landmark in Socorro.

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was a significant uprising of the indigenous Pueblo people against Spanish colonizers. In Socorro, the Piro Indians joined the revolt, leading to the temporary abandonment of the settlement. The Spanish eventually regained control, but the revolt had lasting impacts on the region's cultural and demographic landscape.

In the late 19th century, the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway transformed Socorro. The town became a bustling hub for trade and transportation, catalyzing economic growth. The railroad also facilitated the influx of settlers and the establishment of new businesses, contributing to Socorro's development.

Founded in 1889, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) is a cornerstone of Socorro's educational and economic landscape. The institution is renowned for its research in geology, engineering, and physics. It has attracted scholars and researchers from around the world, significantly influencing the town's cultural and intellectual milieu.

In 1947, Socorro gained international attention due to a reported UFO sighting by local police officer Lonnie Zamora. The incident occurred near the outskirts of the town and remains one of the most well-documented and unexplained UFO encounters in history. The event has since become a part of Socorro's cultural lore and attracts UFO enthusiasts from around the globe.

Socorro experienced a mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the surrounding mountains. Silver, lead, and zinc mining brought prosperity to the town and attracted a diverse population of miners and entrepreneurs. The mining industry left a lasting legacy on Socorro's economy and landscape.

Socorro is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which celebrate the town's rich heritage and community spirit. Events such as the Socorrofest, the Festival of the Cranes, and the San Miguel Fiesta draw visitors from near and far, offering a unique blend of music, food, art, and tradition. These festivals highlight Socorro's diverse cultural influences and foster a strong sense of local identity.

Socorro is located in central New Mexico, about 75 miles south of Albuquerque. The nearest major airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). From Albuquerque, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use a Greyhound bus to reach Socorro. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours via Interstate 25.

Socorro is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For areas further out, renting a car is the most convenient option. There are local taxi services available as well. While there's no extensive public transport system, the Socorro Transit provides limited routes within the town. For exploring the nearby areas, a rental car is highly recommended.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Socorro, including at major banks and convenience stores.

Socorro is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's always best to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Socorro has a local police department and medical facilities available, including Socorro General Hospital. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and other passengers. Don't play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. It's customary to say 'hello' or 'hi'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and be open to new dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Socorro like a local, visit the Socorro Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for bird watching, especially during the annual Festival of the Cranes. For a unique experience, take a tour of the Very Large Array, one of the world's premier astronomical radio observatories.