Carolina: The Gateway to Puerto Rican Paradise

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. 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, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• 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/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah 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 demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har 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)Las diez y media
  [lahs dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• 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
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehs]

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

Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the region now known as Carolina was inhabited by the Taíno people. The Taínos were skilled farmers, fishermen, and artisans who lived in organized communities. They called the area 'Cangrejos' due to the abundance of crabs in the region.

In the early 16th century, Spanish settlers arrived in Puerto Rico. The area of Carolina became part of the colonial expansion. The Spanish established sugarcane plantations which became the backbone of the local economy, and the region's landscape began to change significantly due to agricultural development.

Carolina was officially founded on January 31, 1857, by Lorenzo Vizcarrondo. The town was named after Charles II of Spain, known in Spanish as 'Carlos II'. The establishment of Carolina marked the beginning of its development as a key municipality in Puerto Rico.

Throughout the 19th century, Carolina grew economically due to its thriving sugarcane industry. The construction of infrastructure such as roads and the introduction of the railroad system further boosted the town's economic prosperity. By the late 1800s, Carolina had become a significant commercial hub.

The 20th century brought modernization and industrialization to Carolina. The establishment of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in 1955 played a crucial role in transforming the area into a major transportation hub. This period also saw significant urban development and population growth.

Carolina is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and festivals. The town celebrates various cultural events, such as the annual Festival de la Piña Paradisíaca, which honors the local pineapple industry and features parades, music, and culinary delights.

Carolina is the birthplace of several notable figures, including baseball legend Roberto Clemente. Clemente's legacy is celebrated in Carolina with a dedicated sports complex and various monuments. His contributions to both sports and humanitarian efforts are a source of pride for the community.

Carolina, Puerto Rico, is conveniently located just east of the capital city, San Juan. The nearest airport is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), which is actually situated in Carolina itself. This makes it incredibly easy for travelers to reach the city. Direct flights are available from major cities in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or rent a car to reach your accommodation.

Public transportation in Carolina includes buses operated by the Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) and public vans known as 'carros públicos'. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. For those who prefer driving, car rental services are abundant. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hours, so plan your travel accordingly. Biking and walking are feasible options for exploring local neighborhoods and beaches.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and most shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and tips. Tipping is customary in Puerto Rico; generally, a 15-20% tip is appreciated in restaurants and for other services.

While Carolina is generally safe for tourists, certain neighborhoods such as La Cerámica and Sabana Abajo have higher crime rates. It's best to avoid these areas, especially at night. Always be cautious of your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying valuable items. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and use reliable transportation options like registered taxis or ride-sharing services.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, medical, and fire services. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has a medical clinic, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Carolina, including the Hospital UPR, Dr. Federico Trilla. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, especially due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. Cover your head and dress modestly when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Allow elderly and disabled passengers to have seats. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and be open to new flavors. Don't refuse food offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Carolina like a local, visit the Isla Verde Beach for a day of sun and surf. Try local eateries to enjoy Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and tostones. Visit Piñones, a nearby area known for its beachfront food kiosks and bike trails. Engage with locals, especially during festivals and events, to gain a deeper understanding of the culture. Don't miss out on visiting the Carolina Children's Museum and the Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium for a taste of local sports culture.