Tulsa: The Heart of Green Country

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Please/You're welcome]
• Thank youThanks
  [th-anks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry
  [par-dn me/sor-ee]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Just fine. How 'bout you?
  [just fine. how 'bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak Ing-lish]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
  [I ain't get-tin' yuh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the menu, please
  [kan ah take a gan-der at the men-yoo, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'll settle up, please
  [I reckon I'll set-tle up, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Get on outta here!
  [Get on out-ta here!]
• Call the Police!Call the Cops!
  [Call the Cops!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feelin' poor-ly]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [I'm fix-in' to buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [I'm just look-in']
• How much is it?How much is that?
  [how much is that?]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [That's a bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya knock the price down?
  [Can ya knock the price down?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (10)]
• MorningMornin'
  [Morn-in']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Even-in']
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
• 33
  [3]
• 44
  [4]
• 55
  [5]
• 66
  [6]
• 77
  [7]
• 88
  [8]
• 99
  [9]
• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Where's a/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 ....)]

Tulsa was officially founded in 1898, but its roots go back to the 1830s when it was first settled by the Lochapoka Band of Creek Native American tribe. The Creek were one of the Five Civilized Tribes forcibly relocated to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma, during the Trail of Tears.

In 1901, Tulsa's destiny changed forever with the discovery of oil in the nearby Red Fork region. This discovery led to an oil boom, and Tulsa quickly earned the nickname 'Oil Capital of the World.' The influx of people and wealth transformed Tulsa into a bustling urban center almost overnight.

One of the darkest chapters in Tulsa's history occurred on May 31 and June 1, 1921, when the thriving African American community in the Greenwood District was attacked by a white mob. The Tulsa Race Massacre resulted in the deaths of an estimated 300 African Americans and the destruction of what was known as 'Black Wall Street.'

The prosperity brought by the oil boom in the early 20th century left a significant architectural legacy in Tulsa. The city is home to one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the United States, including iconic buildings like the Boston Avenue Methodist Church and the Philcade Building.

In recent years, Tulsa has undergone a cultural renaissance, with the revitalization of historic neighborhoods and the establishment of new cultural institutions. The Gathering Place, a world-class riverfront park, and the Woody Guthrie Center, dedicated to the famous folk musician, are just two examples of how Tulsa is embracing its cultural heritage.

Tulsa is also known for its unique contribution to music, particularly the Tulsa Sound, which blends rockabilly, country, rock 'n' roll, and blues. Notable musicians like Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and the GAP Band have roots in Tulsa, making it a significant city in the American music landscape.

Tulsa is accessible via Tulsa International Airport (TUL), which offers both domestic and limited international flights. The airport is located about 8 miles northeast of downtown Tulsa. For those driving, Tulsa is situated at the intersection of several major highways, including I-44, US-75, and US-64. Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to Tulsa, and Amtrak offers train services with connections from Oklahoma City.

Tulsa has a variety of transportation options. The Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA) operates buses throughout the city. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Taxis can be found at major hotels and the airport. Renting a car is another convenient option, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city center. Biking is becoming increasingly popular, with several bike-share programs and dedicated bike lanes.

The official currency in Tulsa is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Some smaller businesses might prefer cash, so it's advisable to carry a small amount of cash for such occasions.

Tulsa is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Areas to exercise caution include parts of North Tulsa and certain neighborhoods in East Tulsa, which have higher crime rates. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your belongings secure. Downtown Tulsa is generally safe but still requires standard precautions.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Tulsa has several hospitals, including St. John Medical Center and Hillcrest Medical Center, which offer emergency services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but not too casually if you're dining in upscale restaurants. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local religious practices, especially if visiting churches. Public Transport: Do have exact change for bus fares. Don't be loud or disruptive on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be polite to servers. Don’t tip less than 15% in restaurants, as it is considered rude.

To experience Tulsa like a local, visit the Cherry Street Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the Blue Dome District for nightlife and unique dining experiences. Don't miss out on visiting the Gathering Place, a world-class park along the Arkansas River. Engage with locals at community events and festivals, such as Mayfest and the Tulsa State Fair, to truly absorb the local culture.