Renton: Where Nature and Urban Life Harmonize

• HelloHey there
  [hey thair]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYeah
  [yeh]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [pleez/no wur-eez]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pahr-dn mee/my bad]
• How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it go-ing?]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check the menu?
  [ken eye chek thee men-yoo?]
• I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [I'm ve-juh-tair-ee-un]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [chek, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Get out!
  [get out!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call thee cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [get a doctor!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just broh-zing]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much duz it cost?]
• That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [thatz prye-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you drop the price?
  [can you drop thee price?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats thee time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
• MorningMorning
  [morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [eve-ning]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yester-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
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• 1One
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• 9Nine
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  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres thee...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats thee address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can you show me (on thee map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens thee next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Renton was officially founded in 1901, but its history dates back to the late 1800s when it was first settled. Named after Captain William Renton, a local lumber and shipping magnate, the city quickly became a hub for coal, timber, and clay production. Its location on the Cedar River and the proximity to the Puget Sound made it an ideal place for industry and transportation.

In the late 19th century, Renton's economy was driven by coal mining. The first coal mine in Renton opened in 1873, attracting workers and their families to the area. By 1900, Renton had become one of the largest coal producers in King County. The Renton Coal Company and the Denny-Renton Clay and Coal Company were major employers, contributing to the town's rapid growth.

Renton's modern identity is closely tied to the aerospace industry, particularly the Boeing Company. In the early 1940s, Boeing established a factory in Renton to produce B-29 bombers during World War II. Post-war, the factory transitioned to commercial aircraft production, including the iconic Boeing 737. Today, the Boeing Renton Factory remains one of the largest and most prolific aircraft manufacturing plants in the world.

On June 2, 1907, a devastating fire swept through downtown Renton, destroying many buildings and businesses. The fire started in a local hotel and quickly spread due to the wooden structures and lack of proper firefighting equipment. Despite the destruction, the community rallied to rebuild, leading to the construction of more fire-resistant buildings and improved infrastructure.

The Cedar River has played a significant role in Renton's history, both as a resource and a challenge. Frequent flooding in the early 20th century prompted the construction of flood control measures, including levees and the Renton Municipal Airport's diversion channel. These efforts have helped protect the city from severe flood damage and allowed for continued development along the river.

Renton has evolved into a culturally diverse city, attracting residents from various backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the city's festivals, culinary scene, and community events. The annual Renton River Days festival celebrates the city's heritage and multiculturalism, featuring parades, performances, and local cuisine. The city’s growth has also led to the development of new neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Established in 1904, the Renton Public Library has served as a cornerstone of the community. Originally funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library has expanded over the years to accommodate the growing population. In 2015, the library underwent a significant renovation, including the construction of a new building that spans the Cedar River, making it a unique architectural landmark. The library continues to provide valuable resources and programs for residents of all ages.

Renton is located in King County, Washington, about 11 miles southeast of downtown Seattle. The nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 7 miles away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or rent a car to reach Renton. Public transportation options include the Sound Transit Link Light Rail to the Tukwila International Boulevard Station and then transferring to a bus heading to Renton.

Renton offers a variety of transportation options. King County Metro operates numerous bus routes that connect Renton to Seattle and other nearby cities. The Renton Transit Center is a major hub for these services. For those who prefer driving, rental cars are available, and the city is well-connected by major highways like I-405. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For cycling enthusiasts, Renton has bike-friendly streets and trails.

The official currency in Renton, like the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful, and many places also accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and tipping.

Renton is generally a safe city, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious in more isolated parts of the city. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas, like downtown Seattle, have higher crime rates, so it's best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Renton has a well-equipped police force and several medical facilities, including Valley Medical Center. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies across the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect diverse beliefs. If visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Smiling and making eye contact are also considered polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and seafood. Don't forget to tip, typically 15-20% of the bill.

To experience Renton like a local, visit the Renton Farmers Market, held seasonally at the Piazza Park, for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the Cedar River Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride. For a taste of local culture, check out the Renton History Museum and the IKEA Performing Arts Center. Don't miss the Boeing 737 factory tour for an inside look at aviation manufacturing.