Bend: The Outdoor Enthusiast's Paradise

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yah lay-tur]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no proh-blem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun me/my bad]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Just peachy. You?
  [just pee-chee. yoo?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speek ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [I aint get-tin it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [can eye chek out the men-yoo?]
• I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [I'm ve-juh-tear-ee-un]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseReady to settle up
  [red-ee too set-tul up]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Need a doc!
  [need uh doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned uh-round]
• I'm illI'm feelin' under the weather
  [I'm feel-in under the wea-ther]

• I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to buy...
  [I'm look-in too buy...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brow-zing]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much duz it cost?]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [that's a bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?
  [can yah cut me uh deal?]

• What time is it?What time ya got?
  [what time yah got?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
• Half past (10)10:30
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [to-mor-rah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
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• 7Seven
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• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
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• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [where's the at?]
• 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 yah show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus comin'?
  [when's the next bus come-in?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Bend, Oregon, was officially incorporated as a city in 1905. However, its history dates back much earlier to when Native American tribes, such as the Paiute, Shoshone, and Warm Springs, inhabited the land. The city is named after a 'bend' in the Deschutes River, which was a significant landmark for early settlers and pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail.

The arrival of the Oregon Trunk Railway in 1911 was a transformative event for Bend. It connected Bend to the rest of the state and the country, facilitating the transport of goods and people. This development accelerated the city's growth and helped establish its role as a commercial hub in Central Oregon.

In the early 20th century, Bend became a major center for the timber industry. The establishment of lumber mills, such as the Shevlin-Hixon Lumber Company and Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company in 1916, attracted a large workforce and led to rapid economic growth. The timber boom shaped Bend's economy and urban landscape for decades.

During World War II, Bend played a role in supporting the war effort. The city saw an influx of military personnel and the establishment of Camp Abbot, a U.S. Army training facility located south of Bend. After the war, the camp was decommissioned and turned into Sunriver, a popular resort community.

Starting in the latter half of the 20th century, Bend began to reinvent itself as a destination for outdoor recreation. With its proximity to the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes River, and numerous trails, Bend became known for activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and fishing. This shift attracted tourists and new residents, contributing to the city's population growth and diversification of its economy.

In recent decades, Bend has gained fame for its vibrant craft beer scene, earning the nickname 'Beer Town USA.' The city is home to numerous breweries, such as Deschutes Brewery, which was founded in 1988 and has become one of the most well-known craft breweries in the country. Alongside beer, Bend's culinary scene has flourished, with a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.

Bend has also become a cultural and artistic hub in Central Oregon. The Tower Theatre, originally opened in 1940 and renovated in the early 2000s, hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and film screenings. The city also celebrates its artistic community with events like the BendFilm Festival and the First Friday Art Walk.

Bend, Oregon is accessible via several transportation options. The closest major airport is the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located about 20 miles north of Bend. RDM offers direct flights from several major cities. Alternatively, you can reach Bend by car via US Highway 97 or US Highway 20. Greyhound and other bus services also connect Bend with other cities in Oregon and beyond.

Once in Bend, you have several transportation options. The Cascades East Transit (CET) provides bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car. Bicycles are a popular mode of transport, and many bike rental shops are available.

The official currency in Bend, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and at places where card payments might not be accepted.

Bend is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other destination, it is important to take basic precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District are generally safe, but exercise caution and be vigilant with your belongings in crowded places. Certain areas like the southern part of the city may have higher crime rates, so it’s best to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Bend has medical facilities including St. Charles Medical Center for emergencies and urgent care. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Knowing the location of local police stations and hospitals can be helpful.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual and outdoor clothing is common. Avoid overly formal attire unless attending a special event. Religion: Do respect local religious customs if visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet others with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Handshakes are common in formal situations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and beers from the numerous craft breweries. Don’t forget to tip your servers; 15-20% is customary.

To experience Bend like a local, visit the local farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and artisan goods. Take advantage of the city's numerous outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and river rafting. Engage with locals at events and festivals, such as the Bend Brewfest or the Bend Summer Festival. Explore the lesser-known trails for a more secluded experience and don’t miss a visit to the High Desert Museum to learn about the area’s history and wildlife.