The Heartland's Hidden Gem: Oklahoma City

• HelloHowdy
  [HOU-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [SEE yuh]
• YesYep
  [YEP]
• NoNah
  [NAH]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [PLEEZ / NO prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [THANKS]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [PAR-dun mee / MY bad]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [HOU y'all DOO-in?]
• Fine. And you?Just fine. How 'bout you?
  [JUST fine. HOW 'bout yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Yuh speak ING-lish?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [I AIN'T get-tin' it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet me check out the menu, if ya don't mind
  [LET mee check out the MEN-yoo, if yuh don't mind]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [I don't eat no meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [CHEERZ]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up, please
  [Can I SET-tle up, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [Git OUT-ta here!]
• Call the Police!Call the Po-lice!
  [Call the Po-lice!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a DOC!]
• I'm lostI'm all turned around
  [I'm all turned a-ROUND]
• I'm illI feel poorly
  [I feel POOR-ly]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to purchase...
  [I'm FIX-in' to PUR-chase...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [Just BROW-sin']
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [What's the DAM-age?]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [That's a bit STEEP]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya come down on the price?
  [Can yuh come DOWN on the price?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [What's the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [MORN-in']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [EVE-nin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [YEST-day]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [Tomor-er]
• 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 ....)]

On April 22, 1889, the Land Run of 1889 marked the official founding of Oklahoma City. Thousands of settlers rushed to claim land in the Unassigned Lands, leading to the rapid establishment of a bustling community. By the end of the day, the population surged to over 10,000, laying the groundwork for a vibrant city.

Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory merged to form the state of Oklahoma on November 16, 1907. Oklahoma City was designated as the state capital in 1910, replacing Guthrie. The city's strategic location and transportation links facilitated its growth, attracting businesses and residents alike.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century transformed Oklahoma City into a major economic hub. The Oklahoma City Oil Field, discovered in 1928, spurred rapid development and prosperity. Skyscrapers and modern infrastructure emerged, symbolizing the city's economic ambitions and success.

The 1930s brought significant challenges to Oklahoma City, as the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impacted the region. Despite economic hardships, the city fostered resilience and innovation, with New Deal programs providing relief and infrastructure improvements.

Following World War II, Oklahoma City experienced substantial growth and modernization. The city's population expanded, and new suburban neighborhoods emerged. The construction of highways and the establishment of Tinker Air Force Base contributed to the city's economic and infrastructural development.

Oklahoma City played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1958, the city's sit-in movement, led by Clara Luper and the NAACP Youth Council, successfully desegregated lunch counters in downtown Oklahoma City. This pivotal event contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States.

On April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed in a domestic terrorist attack, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds more. The bombing had a profound impact on Oklahoma City, leading to nationwide changes in security measures and the establishment of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to honor the victims and survivors.

Entering the 21st century, Oklahoma City underwent significant urban renewal and modernization efforts. The MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) initiatives revitalized downtown, leading to the development of the Bricktown entertainment district, the Chesapeake Energy Arena, and other cultural and recreational venues. These efforts have transformed Oklahoma City into a dynamic and attractive destination.

Oklahoma City is served by Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), located just about 6 miles southwest of downtown. The airport offers domestic flights from major US cities. Amtrak's Heartland Flyer also connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas. If you're driving, Interstates 35, 40, and 44 intersect in the city, making it accessible from various regions.

Public transportation in Oklahoma City includes buses operated by EMBARK, which cover major routes throughout the city. The OKC Streetcar is a convenient option for getting around downtown. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Renting a car is also a practical option for exploring the city's outskirts and nearby attractions.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas and major shopping centers. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case you visit rural areas.

Oklahoma City is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it's advisable to take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Neighborhoods such as the Northeast side of the city have higher crime rates, so exercise caution. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Oklahoma City is equipped with modern medical facilities, including OU Medical Center and Integris Baptist Medical Center. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Oklahoma is in the Bible Belt, so showing respect at religious sites is important. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisines like barbecue and chicken-fried steak. Don’t forget to leave a tip of 15-20% at restaurants.

To experience Oklahoma City like a local, visit the Farmers Public Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll around the Bricktown Entertainment District, which is a favorite among locals for dining and nightlife. Don’t miss out on attending a Thunder game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena if you’re a sports fan. For art enthusiasts, the Paseo Arts District offers galleries and studios worth exploring.