Brooklyn: The Heartbeat of Pretoria

• HelloHowzit
  [hau-zit]
• GoodbyeCheers
  [ch-ee-rz]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plait
  [see-voo-play]
• Thank youDankie
  [dahn-key]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [saw-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit?
  [ho-uh gahn dit]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [goot. en yay]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht yay eng-guhls]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [eck fur-staan nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil die spyskaart sien, asseblief
  [eck vil dee spay-skar-t seen, as-se-blief]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [eck ayt nee flay-s nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [guh-sund-hate]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil betaal, asseblief
  [eck vil buh-tahl, as-se-blief]

• Help!Hulp!
  [hulp]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [gahn vehg]
• Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bell dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bell un dohk-tuh]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [eck is fuh-law-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [eck is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil koop...
  [eck vil cope]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [eck k-ayk net]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hoo-vayl kus dit]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [dit is tay doo-uh]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [cun yay dee pray-s fuh-rahg]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [ho-uh laht is dit]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [dit is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahf teen]
• MorningOggend
  [oh-ghund]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mih-duhg]
• EveningAand
  [ahnt]
• YesterdayGister
  [gih-stuh]
• TodayVandag
  [fun-duhg]
• TomorrowMôre
  [maw-ruh]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [twee]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vyf
  [fayf]
• 6Ses
  [says]
• 7Sewe
  [suh-vay]
• 8Agt
  [ahgt]
• 9Nege
  [nee-guh]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy vir my wys (op die kaart)?
  [cun yay fur may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vah-nuhr is dee fuhl-guhn-duh (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kar-chi (nah)]

Brooklyn, one of Pretoria's affluent suburbs, was established in the early 1900s. The area was part of a larger land grant that was divided into residential plots for the burgeoning population of Pretoria. The suburb's design reflected the garden city movement, promoting spacious properties and green spaces.

Throughout the 20th century, Brooklyn became a melting pot of cultures, influenced by various immigrant communities. This diversity is evident in the architecture, local cuisine, and community events that celebrate different heritages, making it a vibrant neighborhood within Pretoria.

During the apartheid era, Brooklyn faced significant socio-political changes. The government implemented policies that affected land ownership and demographic composition. This led to the establishment of designated areas, which shaped the community's demographic landscape and social dynamics.

After the end of apartheid in the early 1990s, Brooklyn underwent a transformation as the area opened up to all South Africans. This period saw an influx of new residents and revitalization of local businesses, contributing to Brooklyn's reputation as a cosmopolitan suburb within Pretoria.

In recent years, Brooklyn has experienced significant urban development, with new commercial centers, residential complexes, and cultural institutions being established. The neighborhood is now known for its thriving arts scene, including galleries and theaters, as well as its proximity to educational institutions such as the University of Pretoria.

Brooklyn is conveniently located in Pretoria and is accessible from various neighborhoods. From the city center, you can take a taxi or use a rideshare service, which typically takes around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re coming from Hatfield or Menlyn, local buses are available, and the journey usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The Gautrain, a rapid transit service, connects Pretoria with Johannesburg and offers a stop at Hatfield, from where you can take a short taxi ride to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn is best navigated by car or taxi, as public transport options are limited. However, local buses do operate along major routes. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, and you can find bike rental services in the area. Walking is a good option for exploring the neighborhood, especially around the Brooklyn Mall and nearby parks.

Brooklyn is generally considered a safe area for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially after dark. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Areas to be cautious of include certain parts of the nearby Mamelodi and Atteridgeville neighborhoods, which have higher crime rates. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance or 10177 for medical emergencies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are hospitals and clinics in the area, including the Brooklyn Mediclinic, which can provide immediate care. For minor issues, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the climate and local customs; casual attire is generally acceptable. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; take off your hat when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do be considerate to others; offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly smile and a handshake. Don't ignore local customs, as this may be seen as disrespectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods, particularly at markets and restaurants. Don't waste food; it's considered rude to leave food uneaten.

To experience Brooklyn like a local, visit the Brooklyn Mall for shopping and dining options. Engage with local vendors at the nearby markets, where you can find fresh produce and traditional South African foods. For a cultural experience, explore the nearby Brooklyn Theatre or take a stroll in the surrounding parks. Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations; they are often friendly and can provide valuable insights into the best spots to visit.