New Braunfels: A German-Texan Delight

• HelloHowdy
  [hou-dee]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dee-ose]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNope
  [nohp]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pleez/yur wel-kum]
• Thank youThank ya
  [thank yuh]
• Excuse me/SorryScuse me/Sorry
  [skews me/sor-ee]
• How are you?Howdy y'all doin'?
  [hou-dee yawl doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fahyn. and yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [ahy dohnt get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [ahyd lyk tuh see thee men-yoo, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ahy dohnt eet meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [ahy wood lyk tuh pay, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [git ow-tuh heer]
• Call the Police!Call the Sheriff!
  [kol thee sher-if]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [kol uh dahk]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahym lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [ahym sik]

• I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [ahyd lyk tuh bai...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [ahym just look-in]
• How much is it?How much is it?
  [hou much iz it]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [thats tooh prahy-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya lower the price?
  [kan yuh loh-er thee prahys]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [wut tahym iz it]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [its wun oh-klok]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [haf past (ten)]
• MorningMornin'
  [mor-nin]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [ee-ven-in]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yess-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [toh-mor-oh]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [eyt]
• 9Nine
  [nyn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [wheres uh/thee]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [whuts thee uh-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [kan yuh show me (on thee map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens thee nekst (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh tik-it (tuh ....)]

New Braunfels was founded on March 21, 1845, by German settlers led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. The prince was a commissioner-general of the Adelsverein, a society established to promote German colonization in Texas. The settlers named the town after Braunfels, a town in Germany.

The influx of German immigrants significantly shaped the culture and architecture of New Braunfels. The settlers brought with them their traditions, crafts, and a strong sense of community, which are still evident in the city's festivals and historical buildings.

The Comal River, one of the shortest navigable rivers in the world, played a crucial role in the early industrial development of New Braunfels. Mills powered by the river facilitated the growth of a bustling economy, focused on textiles, flour, and lumber.

The Gruene Historic District, now a part of New Braunfels, was established in the 1870s by German immigrant Henry D. Gruene. The district features well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the famous Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall.

Wurstfest is an annual German-style sausage festival held in New Braunfels since 1961. The festival celebrates the city’s German heritage with ten days of food, music, dancing, and beer. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is a significant cultural event for the city.

The Sophienburg Museum and Archives, named after Prince Carl’s wife, Princess Sophie, is dedicated to preserving the history of New Braunfels. It houses artifacts, documents, and exhibits that chronicle the early days of German settlers and the development of the city.

During the Civil War, New Braunfels was a divided community. While some residents supported the Confederacy, others were Union sympathizers. The tensions of the war period are a lesser-known but important aspect of the city's history.

Opened in 1979, Schlitterbahn Waterpark has become one of New Braunfels’ most famous attractions. It has earned a reputation for its innovative water rides and natural spring-fed pools. The park symbolizes the city’s evolution into a modern-day tourist destination while retaining its historic charm.

New Braunfels is located in the heart of Texas, between San Antonio and Austin. The nearest major airports are San Antonio International Airport (approximately 30 miles away) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (around 50 miles away). From either airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use rideshare apps to reach New Braunfels. Additionally, Greyhound bus services operate routes to New Braunfels from various cities in Texas.

New Braunfels is a relatively small city, making it easy to navigate. Renting a car is highly recommended for the convenience of exploring nearby attractions like Gruene and the Comal River. Local taxi services and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also available. For those preferring public transport, the Alamo Regional Transit (ART) provides bus services within the city and to neighboring areas.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, including major tourist areas. While most establishments accept card payments, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors or in case of technical issues with card machines.

New Braunfels is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Areas like Landa Park and the downtown area are safe but stay vigilant, especially during large events or festivals. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight to prevent theft.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The New Braunfels Police Department and local medical facilities, including CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, are available to address emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, especially during summer months. Casual attire is widely accepted. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'howdy'. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisines, especially German-Texan dishes. Don't forget to tip service staff, typically 15-20% of the bill.

To experience New Braunfels like a local, visit the Gruene Historic District for live music and local shops. Floating the Comal or Guadalupe River is a must-do activity. Check out seasonal events like Wurstfest for a taste of local culture. For a unique experience, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns and explore the underground wonders. Engaging with locals can provide insights into hidden gems and the history of the area.