Bayamón: The City of Science and Art

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quiero comprar...
  [kyeh-roh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (d'yehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me puedes mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [meh pweh-dehs mohs-trahr (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Bayamón was founded on May 22, 1772, by Spanish settler Juan Ramírez de Arrellano. The city was named after the Taíno chief Bahamon who had previously inhabited the area. The fertile lands and strategic location along the Bayamón River made it an ideal spot for settlement and agriculture.

The Toa River Valley, which encompasses parts of Bayamón, has been a vital region for agriculture since the pre-Columbian era. The Taíno people originally cultivated crops such as yuca and sweet potatoes in this fertile area. During Spanish colonization, the valley became a hub for sugarcane and coffee plantations, contributing significantly to Puerto Rico’s economy.

Bayamón played a role in the Grito de Lares, the 1868 uprising against Spanish colonial rule. Many residents of Bayamón joined the revolutionary movement, which aimed to establish Puerto Rico as an independent republic. Although the revolt was suppressed, it marked a significant step in Puerto Rico’s struggle for independence.

The Bayamón Central Plaza, or Plaza de Recreo de Bayamón, has been a focal point of the city since its establishment. Surrounded by historic buildings, the plaza has hosted numerous cultural and social events over the centuries. It serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, reflecting the city’s vibrant community life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bayamón Railroad was one of the primary transportation systems connecting Bayamón to other parts of Puerto Rico. The railroad facilitated the movement of agricultural products, particularly sugarcane, and played a crucial role in the economic development of the region.

Post-World War II, Bayamón experienced significant industrial growth, transforming from a primarily agricultural town into an urbanized city. The establishment of various manufacturing plants and industries attracted workers from across Puerto Rico, contributing to the city’s rapid population growth and economic diversification.

Bayamón is home to several cultural institutions and landmarks, including the Francisco Oller Museum, named after the famous Puerto Rican painter. The city also boasts the Parque de las Ciencias, a science park that combines educational exhibits with recreational activities. These institutions highlight Bayamón’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while promoting education and innovation.

Bayamón is known for its strong sports culture, particularly in basketball and baseball. The city is home to the Vaqueros de Bayamón, a prominent basketball team in Puerto Rico's professional league. The Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium also serves as a key venue for various sporting events, fostering a sense of community and local pride.

Bayamón is accessible via the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, approximately 19 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach Bayamón. Buses and shuttles also operate between San Juan and Bayamón, offering an affordable travel option.

Bayamón has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and the Tren Urbano, a metro system connecting Bayamón to San Juan and other nearby areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in more remote areas.

Bayamón is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, particularly in neighborhoods known for higher crime rates such as Lomas Verdes and Barrio Juan Sánchez. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Bayamón has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Bayamón Medical Center. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly; beachwear is appropriate only at the beach. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious customs and traditions when visiting churches; modest attire is recommended. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or a handshake. A warm smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and enjoy the culinary offerings. Don’t refuse food or drink when offered, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bayamón like a local, visit the local markets such as Plaza del Mercado for fresh produce and traditional Puerto Rican goods. Engage with locals and explore hidden gems like the Bayamón Central Park and the Science Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine, including dishes like mofongo and lechón asado.