Ponce: The Pearl of the South

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-bohr/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-bohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-bohr]

• 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...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo 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?¿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 en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs 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
  [kwa-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• 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-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Ponce, named after Juan Ponce de León y Loayza, the great-grandson of Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León, was officially founded on August 12, 1692. It started as a small hamlet near the Río Portugués and grew rapidly due to its strategic location and fertile land.

On March 21, 1937, a peaceful march organized by the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party turned tragic when police opened fire on the demonstrators. The event, known as the Ponce Massacre, resulted in 19 deaths and more than 200 injuries. It marked a significant moment in Puerto Rico's fight for independence and civil rights.

In 1899, a devastating fire swept through Ponce, destroying much of the urban center. The disaster prompted a significant rebuilding effort, which led to the construction of many of the iconic structures that define Ponce's architectural landscape today, such as the Parque de Bombas.

Ponce is renowned for its distinct architectural style known as Ponce Creole. This style blends Spanish colonial elements with local influences and French neoclassical designs. Notable examples include the Casa Armstrong-Poventud and the Teatro La Perla, which showcase the city's rich cultural heritage and aesthetic refinement.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ponce became a major center for the sugar cane industry. The wealth generated from sugar cane cultivation and processing contributed to the city's economic prosperity and influenced its social and cultural development. Sugar barons built lavish homes and invested in public works, leaving a lasting legacy.

Founded in 1959 by philanthropist Luis A. Ferré, the Museo de Arte de Ponce is one of the most important art museums in the Caribbean. It houses an extensive collection of European and Puerto Rican art, including iconic pieces like Frederic Leighton's 'Flaming June.' The museum has played a crucial role in promoting cultural appreciation and education.

La Guancha, a popular boardwalk in Ponce, was inaugurated in 1998 as part of a waterfront revitalization project. It features kiosks, restaurants, and an observation tower, offering visitors a vibrant place to enjoy local cuisine, music, and the scenic views of the Caribbean Sea. La Guancha has become a beloved gathering spot for both locals and tourists.

Established in 1977, the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is a leading institution in medical education and research in Puerto Rico. PHSU offers programs in medicine, clinical psychology, public health, and biomedical sciences, contributing to the advancement of healthcare and scientific knowledge in the region.

The Carnaval de Ponce, held annually before Lent, is one of the oldest and most colorful festivals in Puerto Rico. It features parades, music, dancing, and the traditional vejigante masks, which represent folkloric characters. The carnival is a vibrant expression of Ponce's cultural traditions and community spirit.

Ponce is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. The nearest international airport is Mercedita Airport (PSE), which offers limited domestic flights. For international travelers, the primary gateway is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, approximately 120 kilometers away. From San Juan, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Ponce. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via PR-52, a well-maintained highway.

Ponce is well-connected by a network of roads and public transportation. Car rentals are widely available and offer the most convenience for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. The city has a public bus system, known as SITRAS, which connects various neighborhoods and key attractions. However, schedules can be irregular. Walking is a great way to explore the downtown area, known as Ponce Centro, where many attractions are clustered.

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Ponce, especially in commercial areas. It's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit more remote areas or local markets where card payment may not be accepted.

Ponce is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious in neighborhoods such as Cantera, La Playa, and El Tuque, which have higher crime rates. Stick to well-populated and tourist-friendly areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Ponce has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Hospital Damas and Hospital San Cristóbal, which offer comprehensive medical services. For non-urgent medical needs, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and observe any posted guidelines. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate. Offer seats to the elderly and avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Hola.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like mofongo and lechón. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.

To experience Ponce like a local, visit the Plaza Las Delicias, the central square, where you can enjoy local street food and watch cultural performances. Explore the Mercado de Ponce for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don't miss visiting cultural landmarks like the Museo de Arte de Ponce and historic sites such as the Parque de Bombas. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, take a stroll along the boardwalk at La Guancha, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views.