The Heartbeat of the World: New York City

• HelloHey
  [hey]
• GoodbyeLater
  [lay-tuh]
• YesYeah
  [yeh]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [saw-ree]
• How are you?How you doin'?
  [how yuh doin]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [can i see the menu?]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay
  [I wanna pay]

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

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brows-ing]
• How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too much
  [that's too much]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [can yuh do bett-er?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMorning
  [Morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvening
  [Evening]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

New York City was originally settled by the Dutch in 1624 and was known as New Amsterdam. It was established on the southern tip of Manhattan Island as a trading post for the Dutch West India Company. Peter Minuit famously purchased the island from the Lenape Native Americans in 1626.

In 1664, the English seized control of New Amsterdam and renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York, who later became King James II of England. This marked the beginning of British rule which lasted until the American Revolution.

New York City played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. The city was a major battleground and was occupied by British forces from 1776 to 1783. The famous Battle of Brooklyn, also known as the Battle of Long Island, was the largest battle of the war and took place in the city's vicinity.

The 19th century saw a massive influx of immigrants, particularly from Europe. Ellis Island, which opened in 1892, became the primary gateway for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America. This period also marked significant industrial growth and the expansion of the city's infrastructure, including the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883.

The early 20th century was a time of cultural and economic prosperity for New York City. The Roaring Twenties brought about a cultural revolution with the Harlem Renaissance, a flourishing of African American arts and culture centered in the Harlem neighborhood. The city's skyline began to take its modern form with the construction of iconic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, completed in 1931.

The Great Depression hit New York City hard, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. However, the city rebounded during World War II as it became a major center for war production and finance. The post-war era saw a surge in population and the beginning of suburbanization.

During the 1960s, New York City was a hub for the Civil Rights Movement. The city witnessed numerous protests and demonstrations advocating for racial equality and social justice. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 in Greenwich Village were a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The 1970s and 1980s were challenging decades for New York City, marked by financial crises, high crime rates, and urban decay. However, the city experienced a dramatic turnaround in the 1990s under the leadership of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who implemented policies that led to a significant reduction in crime and a revitalization of many neighborhoods.

The early 21st century has been a period of resilience and growth for New York City. The city faced one of its darkest days on September 11, 2001, with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. In the aftermath, New York City demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding the area with the new One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial. Today, the city continues to be a global center for finance, culture, and innovation.

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK and LGA are located in Queens, while EWR is in neighboring New Jersey. From the airports, you can take taxis, ride-sharing services, airport shuttles, or public transportation to reach Manhattan and other parts of the city. The AirTrain service connects JFK and Newark airports to the subway and commuter trains.

Public transportation in New York City is extensive and includes the subway, buses, and ferries. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the subway and bus systems. A MetroCard can be used for both subways and buses, while the new OMNY contactless payment system is being rolled out. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. For a unique experience, consider taking the Staten Island Ferry, which offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets or when tipping. ATMs are abundant throughout the city, and many accept international cards. Contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used.

New York City is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Areas like Times Square, Central Park, and major tourist attractions are well-patrolled, but be cautious in less crowded areas, especially at night. Neighborhoods with higher crime rates include parts of the Bronx and certain areas in Brooklyn and Harlem. Avoid displaying valuables openly and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. New York City has numerous hospitals and urgent care centers. For non-emergency situations, you can visit a local pharmacy, which can provide over-the-counter medications and advice. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants and theaters. Religion: Do respect places of worship by dressing modestly and observing any posted guidelines. Public Transport: Do let passengers off the subway before boarding and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on the subway. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'hello' or 'hi.' New Yorkers are generally straightforward and appreciate direct communication. Eating & Drinking: Do try a variety of cuisines, including street food like hot dogs and pretzels. Don't tip less than 15% in restaurants, as it is considered impolite.

To experience New York City like a local, explore neighborhoods beyond Manhattan, such as Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Visit local farmers' markets, like the Union Square Greenmarket, and try a bagel from a local deli. Take a walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. For a quieter experience, visit the Cloisters, a museum in Upper Manhattan dedicated to medieval art and architecture.