East Austin: Where Culture and Creativity Converge

• HelloHowdy
  [haʊ-di]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [si jə]
• YesYep
  [yɛp]
• NoNah
  [nɑ]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank you
  [pliz ænd θæŋk ju]
• Thank youMuch obliged
  [mʌtʃ əˈblaɪdʒd]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [ˈpɑrdn mi]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haʊ jɔl ˈduɪn]
• Fine. And you?All good. How 'bout you?
  [ɔl ɡʊd haʊ bəʊt ju]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [jə spik ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [aɪ eɪnt ˈkæʧɪn ɒn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu, please?
  [kæn aɪ tʃɛk aʊt ðə ˈmɛnju pliz]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [aɪ doʊnt du mit]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [səˈlʊd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up
  [aɪm ˈrɛdi tu ˈsɛtl ʌp]

• Help!S.O.S.!
  [ɛs oʊ ɛs]
• Go away!Get on with ya!
  [ɡɛt ɒn wɪð jə]
• Call the Police!Ring the Five-O!
  [rɪŋ ðə faɪv oʊ]
• Call a doctor!Holler for a doc!
  [ˈhɑlər fɔr ə dɑk]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd]
• I'm illI'm feelin' under the weather
  [aɪm ˈfiːlɪn ˈʌndər ðə ˈwɛðər]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to purchase...
  [aɪm ˈfɪksɪn tu ˈpɜrtʃəs]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [ʤʌst ˈbraʊzɪn]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wɑts ðə ˈdæmɪʤ]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [ðæts ə bɪt stip]
• Can you lower the price?Can y'all work on the cost?
  [kæn jɔl wɜrk ɑn ðə kɔst]

• What time is it?What's the clock say?
  [wɑts ðə klɑk seɪ]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ɪts wʌn]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [tɛn-ˈθɜr.di]
• MorningMornin'
  [ˈmɔrnɪn]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [ˌæftərˈnun]
• EveningEvenin'
  [ˈivnɪn]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [ˈjɛstˈdeɪ]
• TodayToday
  [təˈdeɪ]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [təˈmɔr.ə]
• 1One
  [wʌn]
• 2Two
  [tu]
• 3Three
  [θri]
• 4Four
  [fɔr]
• 5Five
  [faɪv]
• 6Six
  [sɪks]
• 7Seven
  [ˈsɛvən]
• 8Eight
  [eɪt]
• 9Nine
  [naɪn]
• 10Ten
  [tɛn]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wɛr z ðə]
• What's the address?Where's it at?
  [wɛr z ɪt æt]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can y'all point it out?
  [kæn jɔl pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next ride?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst raɪd]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [ə pæs tu]

East Austin emerged in the late 19th century as a neighborhood primarily populated by African American and Latino communities, a reflection of the racial segregation policies of the time. The area was originally part of the city of Austin, which was founded in 1839, and it began to develop as a residential area as the city expanded, particularly after the establishment of the Texas State Capitol.

Throughout the 1960s, East Austin became a focal point for civil rights activism. Local leaders organized protests and community initiatives to fight for social justice, equal rights, and desegregation. This activism laid the groundwork for future generations and contributed to the broader civil rights movement across Texas.

In the mid-20th century, East Austin faced significant challenges due to urban renewal projects that often led to the displacement of long-standing residents. The construction of highways and public housing in the 1960s and 1970s altered the neighborhood landscape, resulting in the loss of historic homes and community spaces.

In the early 21st century, East Austin experienced a cultural renaissance, attracting artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. This resurgence was marked by the opening of galleries, music venues, and restaurants that celebrated the diverse heritage of the area. However, this revitalization also brought gentrification, leading to rising property values and the displacement of long-time residents, sparking conversations about cultural preservation and community identity.

Today, East Austin is a vibrant neighborhood that reflects its rich history and cultural diversity. It is known for its eclectic mix of art, music, and culinary scenes, as well as its annual festivals such as the East Austin Studio Tour and the Texas Book Festival. The neighborhood continues to be a hub for innovation while grappling with the complexities of growth and preservation.

East Austin is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Austin. If you're coming from downtown, you can take a short drive or use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Public transportation via Capital Metro buses also connects downtown to East Austin, with routes such as the 10 and 20. For those arriving from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a taxi or rideshare will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

East Austin is best explored using a combination of biking and public transport. Capital Metro offers bus services that cover the area extensively. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or using the city’s bike-sharing program, B-Cycle, which has several stations throughout the neighborhood. Many attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to navigate on foot.

East Austin is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should remain vigilant, especially at night. Areas around East 12th Street and some parts of the area near the I-35 corridor have seen higher crime rates. It is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and avoid displaying valuables. Always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police department and medical facilities are available, including Dell Seton Medical Center and various urgent care clinics. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency situations, reach out to local authorities or your hotel for assistance.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing suitable for warm weather. Don’t wear overly flashy or expensive jewelry that may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites. Don’t engage in disrespectful behavior around sacred places. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and keep noise levels down. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'hello' and a smile. Don’t hesitate to engage in small talk; locals appreciate friendliness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and food trucks, as they offer a taste of East Austin's diverse cuisine. Don’t waste food; it is considered impolite to leave food uneaten.

To experience East Austin like a local, visit the vibrant local markets, such as the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller. Engage with artists and musicians in the area, particularly on East 6th Street, known for its live music scene. Try to attend neighborhood events or festivals, such as the East Austin Studio Tour, which showcases local artists and their work. Additionally, explore hidden gems like local coffee shops and taco joints that may not be easily found in tourist guides.