Midland, Texas: The Heart of West Texas

• HelloHowdy
  [ˈhaʊ-di]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [siː jə]
• YesYep
  [jɛp]
• NoNah
  [nɑː]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
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• Thank youThank ya
  [θæŋk jə]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/So sorry
  [ˈpɑːrdn mi/səʊ ˈsɔri]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haʊ jɔːl ˈduːɪn]
• Fine. And you?Doin' good. And you?
  [ˈduɪn ɡʊd. ənd jə]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [jɔːl spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [aɪ ɛnt ˈɡɛtɪn ɪt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI reckon I'll take a look at the menu
  [aɪ ˈrɛkən aɪl teɪk ə lʊk æt ðə ˈmɛnjuː]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [aɪ doʊnt it noʊ mit]
• Cheers!Here's to ya!
  [hɪrz tʊ jə]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up now, if ya don't mind
  [aɪl ˈsɛtəl ʌp naʊ ɪf jə doʊnt maɪnd]

• Help!Help me out!
  [hɛlp miː aʊt]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [ɡɪt ˈaʊtə hɪr]
• Call the Police!Call the sheriff!
  [kɔːl ðə ˈʃɛrɪf]
• Call a doctor!Call the doc!
  [kɔːl ðə dɑːk]
• I'm lostI done got lost
  [aɪ dʌn ɡɒt lɒst]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [aɪ eɪnt ˈfiːlɪn raɪt]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll buy...
  [aɪ ˈrɛkən aɪl baɪ]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [aɪm ˈdʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪn]
• How much is it?How much ya askin'?
  [haʊ mʌtʃ jə ˈæskɪn]
• That's too expensiveThat's mighty pricey
  [ðæts ˈmaɪdi ˈpraɪsi]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?
  [kæn jə kʌt miː ə diːl]

• What time is it?What time y'all got?
  [wʌt taɪm jɔːl ɡɒt]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ɪts wʌn]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [hæf pæst tɛn]
• MorningMornin'
  [ˈmɔrnɪn]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [ˌæftərˈnun]
• EveningEvening
  [ˈivnɪn]
• YesterdayYestidee
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• TodayToday
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• TomorrowTomorra
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• 1One
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• 2Two
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• 3Three
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• 4Four
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• 5Five
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• 6Six
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• 7Seven
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• 8Eight
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• 9Nine
  [naɪn]
• 10Ten
  [tɛn]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wɛərz ðə]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [wʌts ðə ˈædrɪs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt ɒn ðə mæp]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst bʌs]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [ə ˈtɪkɪt tuː]

Midland, Texas, was originally established in 1881 as a section house for the Texas and Pacific Railway. The name 'Midland' was chosen because of the town's central location between Fort Worth and El Paso. The arrival of the railroad transformed the area into a crucial transportation hub, which facilitated the influx of settlers and the growth of local businesses.

The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in the 1920s brought unprecedented economic growth to Midland. The Santa Rita No. 1 well, which struck oil in 1923, marked the beginning of the boom. This led to a surge in population as prospectors, laborers, and entrepreneurs flocked to the area. Midland quickly became known as the 'Tall City' due to the rapid construction of multi-story buildings downtown.

Midland is notably linked to the Bush family, one of the most prominent political families in the United States. George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush moved to Midland in the 1940s, where George H. W. Bush started his career in the oil industry. Their son, George W. Bush, who later became the 43rd President of the United States, also spent part of his early years in Midland. The George W. Bush Childhood Home is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction.

During World War II, Midland played a significant role in the war effort with the establishment of the Midland Army Air Field. This base served as a major training site for bomber crews, contributing to the Allied forces' success. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned, but its legacy remains an important chapter in Midland's history.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Midland continued to grow and diversify its economy beyond the oil industry. The establishment of the Midland College in 1972 and the construction of cultural institutions like the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center have enriched the city's cultural landscape. Additionally, Midland's economy has expanded to include sectors like healthcare, education, and commerce, making it a dynamic and multifaceted community.

In recent years, Midland has embraced modern technological advancements, including the establishment of the Midland International Air & Space Port in 2014. This facility is one of the few in the United States licensed for both commercial airline flights and space launches, positioning Midland as a pioneer in the burgeoning space industry.

Midland is located in West Texas and is accessible by various means of transportation. The primary airport serving Midland is Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF), which offers flights from major U.S. cities such as Dallas, Houston, and Denver. Alternatively, you can drive to Midland using Interstate 20, which passes through the city, or take a Greyhound bus, which has a station in Midland.

Midland offers several transportation options for getting around the city. The Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District (MOUTD) provides public bus services with several routes throughout the city. Taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and car rentals are also readily available. For a more leisurely exploration, consider renting a bike to navigate Midland's many parks and trails.

The official currency in Midland is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant, especially in commercial areas, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting more remote areas.

Midland is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Neighborhoods with higher crime rates targeting tourists include parts of the south and east sides of the city. Always keep your belongings secure and be vigilant in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. The Midland Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive medical services and has an emergency department. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather; Midland can get extremely hot in the summer. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Texan delicacies like BBQ and Tex-Mex. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Midland like a local, visit the Midland Downtown Farmers Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and handmade goods. Explore the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum to learn about the region's oil history. Attend a performance at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center for a taste of Midland's cultural offerings. For outdoor activities, visit the I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center.