Buffalo: The Queen City of New York

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeCatch ya later
  [kach ya lay-ter]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank ya
  [pleez and thangk yuh]
• Thank youThanks a bunch
  [thanks uh bunch]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that
  [sore-ee bawt that]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [haw yuh doin']
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [I ent get-tin' it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan I chek out the men-yoo?]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bot-ums up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, thanks
  [I'll set-tul up, thanks]

• Help!I need a hand!
  [I need a hand]
• Go away!Beat it!
  [beat it]
• Call the Police!Get the cops!
  [get the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' under the weather
  [I'm feelin' und-er the weath-ur]

• I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to purchase...
  [I'm look-in to pur-chase]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-zin']
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-idge]
• That's too expensiveThat's steep
  [that's steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do better on the price?
  [can yuh do bet-tur on the price]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in']
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yester-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the add-ee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [can ya 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 ticket (to ....)]

Buffalo, located at the eastern end of Lake Erie, was first settled around 1789. Its strategic location made it a hub for commerce and trade, especially as part of the Erie Canal project. Officially incorporated as a village in 1816, Buffalo quickly grew thanks to its access to waterways and burgeoning industries.

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal transformed Buffalo into a major transportation center. The canal facilitated the movement of goods from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, turning Buffalo into a bustling trade hub. This period of economic prosperity attracted immigrants from across Europe, enriching the city's cultural tapestry.

In 1901, Buffalo hosted the Pan-American Exposition, a world's fair that showcased advancements in technology, culture, and trade. The event is also historically significant due to the assassination of President William McKinley, who was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while visiting the fair and later died from his wounds.

Buffalo's industrial growth peaked in the early 20th century with steel manufacturing, grain processing, and automotive industries leading the way. However, post-World War II deindustrialization hit the city hard. Factories closed, jobs were lost, and the population dwindled, leading to economic decline.

Buffalo is home to an array of architectural marvels, including designs by renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and H.H. Richardson. The city's rich architectural heritage includes the Darwin D. Martin House, the Guaranty Building, and Buffalo City Hall, each reflecting different styles and periods.

In recent years, Buffalo has experienced a cultural renaissance, with revitalized neighborhoods, a burgeoning arts scene, and a renewed focus on its waterfront. The city has invested in preserving its rich history while fostering new cultural and economic opportunities, making it a vibrant place to visit and live.

Buffalo's sports culture is deeply rooted, with passionate support for teams like the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and Buffalo Sabres (NHL). The city has a storied sports history, including the Bills' four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s and the Sabres' memorable playoff runs.

Buffalo played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, serving as a last stop before fugitive slaves crossed into Canada to gain their freedom. The Michigan Street Baptist Church and the Nash House Museum are key historical sites that highlight Buffalo's important contribution to this pivotal chapter in American history.

Buffalo, New York is accessible via multiple modes of transportation. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the primary airport serving the area, located about 10 miles east of downtown Buffalo. Major airlines offer both domestic and international flights. Amtrak also provides rail services to Buffalo, with the Buffalo-Exchange Street Station and the Buffalo-Depew Station being the main stops. For those driving, Buffalo is well connected by major highways including Interstate 90 (I-90) and Interstate 190 (I-190).

Buffalo offers a variety of transportation options. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates an extensive bus and light rail system, which covers most of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. For those who prefer biking, Buffalo has numerous bike lanes and rental options. Renting a car is also a viable option, especially if you plan on exploring the surrounding regions like Niagara Falls.

The official currency in Buffalo, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. While most establishments accept cards, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that are cash-only.

Buffalo is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Areas such as the East Side have higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone late at night. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious when using ATMs.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Buffalo has several hospitals, including Buffalo General Medical Center and Erie County Medical Center, which provide emergency services. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as Buffalo's weather can be unpredictable. In winter, heavy coats, gloves, and boots are essential. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting religious sites; some may require modest dress. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Buffalo wings. Don't forget to tip; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.

To experience Buffalo like a local, visit the Elmwood Village for its unique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Check out the Allentown neighborhood for its vibrant nightlife and historic architecture. Attend a Buffalo Bills or Sabres game to feel the city's sports passion. For a leisurely day, take a stroll through Delaware Park or along the Buffalo waterfront. Don't miss a visit to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery or the Buffalo Museum of Science for a dose of culture and history.