El Paso: The Sun City of Texas

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/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, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• 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, por fah-vor]

• 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...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-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 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
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayss]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• 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-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Long before European explorers set foot in the region, El Paso was home to various indigenous groups including the Manso, Suma, and Jumano peoples. These early inhabitants lived off the land, hunting, gathering, and trading with neighboring tribes. Their influence is still evident today in the cultural fabric of the area.

In 1598, Spanish explorer Don Juan de Oñate led an expedition through the El Paso area, marking the beginning of Spanish influence in the region. The expedition's crossing of the Rio Grande near modern-day El Paso is commemorated by the annual celebration of 'El Paso del Norte.' The Spanish established missions like the Ysleta Mission, which became focal points for the spread of Christianity and European culture.

After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the area of El Paso became part of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The settlement grew as a trading post and military outpost. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War, resulted in the northern part of the area, including El Paso, becoming part of the United States.

The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1881 transformed El Paso into a booming frontier town. The railroads brought an influx of settlers, businesses, and industries, making El Paso a crucial transportation hub. The city’s economy diversified with the growth of cattle ranching, mining, and later, manufacturing.

During Prohibition in the 1920s, El Paso's position on the U.S.-Mexico border made it a hotspot for smuggling alcohol. The city's nightlife flourished with speakeasies and nightclubs catering to both Americans and Mexicans. This period also saw the rise of organized crime in the region.

El Paso played a significant role during World War II with the establishment of Fort Bliss as a major training and deployment center for U.S. troops. The presence of the military continues to shape the city's economy and culture. Fort Bliss remains one of the largest military complexes in the United States.

El Paso was also a significant site for the Civil Rights Movement. In 1957, the city's public schools were among the first in the South to desegregate, setting a precedent for other cities to follow. Activists and community leaders in El Paso have continued to advocate for social justice and equal rights.

Today, El Paso is a vibrant, multicultural city where American and Mexican cultures blend seamlessly. The city celebrates its rich heritage with numerous festivals, museums, and cultural institutions, such as the El Paso Museum of History and the Plaza Theatre. The influence of its diverse population is evident in the local cuisine, music, and art scenes.

El Paso is accessible by air, road, and rail. The El Paso International Airport (ELP) offers numerous domestic flights and limited international services. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest, and United operate from this airport. If you're driving, El Paso is served by major highways including I-10, which connects the city to other parts of Texas and neighboring states. Greyhound and other bus services provide interstate travel options. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route also stops in El Paso, connecting the city to Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Within El Paso, transportation options include car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and public transit. Sun Metro operates bus routes across the city, including the Brio Rapid Transit System for faster travel on main corridors. For a more scenic option, consider the El Paso Streetcar, which runs through downtown and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) area. Biking is also a viable option with several bike-sharing programs available.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets where cards may not be accepted.

El Paso is generally considered a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in busy places. Specific areas with higher crime rates include parts of Segundo Barrio and certain sections of the northeast. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. El Paso has several hospitals, including the University Medical Center and Del Sol Medical Center. Pharmacies are abundant, with major chains like Walgreens and CVS available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the hot desert climate. Light clothing and sunscreen are advisable. Avoid overly revealing attire in more conservative areas or religious sites. Religion: Do respect the diverse religious practices in El Paso, including Catholicism and various Protestant denominations. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Tex-Mex cuisine and be open to trying new foods. Don't refuse hospitality or invitations to dine, as it is considered impolite.

To experience El Paso like a local, visit the downtown area and explore its many art galleries, markets, and eateries. The Plaza Theatre and the El Paso Museum of Art offer cultural experiences. Don't miss the scenic views from the Wyler Aerial Tramway and the Franklin Mountains State Park. Additionally, attending a UTEP Miners game or a local festival can give you a taste of the community spirit.