Cleveland: The Heartbeat of Ohio

• HelloHey there
  [Hey th-air]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [See yuh]
• YesYeah
  [Yeh]
• NoNah
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Pleez/No prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [Thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [Pardon me/My bad]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [How ya doin'?]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [Good. You?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak English?]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [Can I check out the menu?]
• I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [I'm ve-ji-tear-ee-an]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll pay now, thanks
  [I'll pay now, thanks]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
• Call the Police!Call the Cops!
  [Call the Cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [Get 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 browsing]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [How much does it cost?]
• That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [That's pricey]
• Can you lower the price?Can you give me a discount?
  [Can you give me a discount?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [What's the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [Yest'day]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [Tomorra]
• 1One
  [One]
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• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [What's the addy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [Can ya 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 ....)]

Cleveland was founded in 1796 by General Moses Cleaveland, a surveyor for the Connecticut Land Company. The city was named after him, although a newspaper editor later dropped the 'a' to fit the name on the masthead. The city's strategic location on the shores of Lake Erie and at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River made it an important transportation hub.

Completed in 1832, the Ohio and Erie Canal connected Lake Erie with the Ohio River, facilitating trade and migration. This vital waterway transformed Cleveland into a major commercial hub. The canal's construction also attracted a diverse workforce, contributing to the city's cultural melting pot.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Cleveland emerge as an industrial powerhouse. The city attracted numerous steel mills, oil refineries, and manufacturing plants. John D. Rockefeller established his Standard Oil Company here, making Cleveland one of the wealthiest cities in the United States during this period.

During the American Civil War, Cleveland played a significant role as a center for the Union's war effort. The city supplied troops, weapons, and materials. Camp Cleveland, located in what is now the Tremont neighborhood, was one of the largest training camps for Union soldiers.

The early 20th century saw a cultural renaissance in Cleveland. Institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art (founded in 1913) and the Cleveland Orchestra (founded in 1918) were established, elevating the city's status as a cultural center. Additionally, Playhouse Square became a thriving theater district.

During the Great Migration, thousands of African Americans moved to Cleveland from the southern United States seeking better job opportunities and escaping racial segregation. This demographic shift significantly influenced the city's culture, leading to the establishment of vibrant African American communities and institutions.

In 1966, Cleveland experienced the Hough Riots, a series of violent disturbances in the Hough neighborhood. Triggered by racial tensions and economic inequality, the riots lasted for several days and led to significant property damage. The events highlighted the city's struggles with racial and economic disparities.

On June 22, 1969, the Cuyahoga River, heavily polluted with industrial waste, caught fire. The incident drew national attention to environmental issues and contributed to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Water Act. The river fire became a symbol of the environmental movement.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Cleveland underwent significant revitalization efforts. The opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 marked a turning point, celebrating the city's rich musical heritage and drawing tourists from around the world. This period also saw the development of the Flats and other downtown areas, further enhancing the city's appeal.

Today, Cleveland is a vibrant city known for its diverse cultural scene, world-class healthcare institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, and a rich sports history with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Guardians. The city's ongoing efforts in urban renewal and economic diversification continue to shape its dynamic character.

Cleveland is accessible via Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), which services numerous domestic and international flights. The airport is located about 12 miles southwest of downtown. Another option is the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), situated around 50 miles south of Cleveland, which also offers various flight options. Amtrak's Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited routes offer train services to Cleveland from several major cities. Intercity bus services like Greyhound and Megabus also provide connections to Cleveland from various locations.

Cleveland has a reliable public transportation system operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which includes buses, trolleys, and the Red Line rapid transit train. The Red Line connects the airport to downtown Cleveland and other key areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and taxis can be hailed or booked in advance. Renting a car is a viable option, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city. For a more local experience, consider biking; Cleveland has several bike-share programs and well-marked bike lanes.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many accept international cards. Contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or places that may not accept cards.

Cleveland is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, particularly in neighborhoods such as East Cleveland and parts of the Glenville and Hough districts, which have higher crime rates. Always keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Downtown Cleveland and popular tourist areas like Ohio City and Tremont are generally safe and well-patrolled.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Cleveland has numerous hospitals and medical facilities, including the renowned Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. For non-emergencies, the Cleveland Police Department can be contacted on their non-emergency line at 216-621-1234.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and weather-appropriately. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but upscale restaurants and theaters may require business casual. Religion: Do respect religious sites and practices. The city's diverse population includes various faiths. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a pass for the bus. Don’t be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods, especially at the West Side Market. Don’t skip tipping; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.

To experience Cleveland like a local, visit the West Side Market in Ohio City for fresh produce and unique foods. Enjoy a stroll along the Cuyahoga River in The Flats, where you can find great dining and entertainment options. Explore the various neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe, such as the artsy Tremont area or the historic Warehouse District. Don’t miss catching a game at Progressive Field or Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to see the Cleveland Guardians or Cleveland Cavaliers in action.