OHIO
  

    Ohio offers two of the most fundamental aspects of America: the fast-paced excitement of city life, and the relaxed friendliness of country living. Ohio boasts three major cities (Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus) as well as fertile farming land. It's a state known for its industry and agriculture, its several large universities, and its enthusiasm for sports - especially baseball and football. It's difficult to say what the United States would be like without the contributions of Ohio - eight U.S. presidents were born in this state!
    Crystal Hayduk, 27, has lived in different parts of Ohio for her whole life, and describes her home town, Cleveland, as the most exciting and interesting city in Ohio. "From what I've seen," she says, "most people from Cleveland often don't leave, and if they do, they usually stay loyal and eventually come back." Cleveland is the biggest city, with about 5 million people. The population of Cleveland is diverse, and still has European ethnic communities such as Little Italy and Slavic Village.
    "Many people still have the perception of Cleveland from the early 70's when it was much dirtier, and purely an industrial town," says Hayduk. "I still hear people call us the Mistake on the Lake sometimes. The first thing I ask them is if they’ve been there, and 99% of them say no. Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River have been famous for being super dirty (the only river which caught on fire!), but much work has been done for over twenty years. Now, it's a much different place as far as appearance. The lake, river, and the city are much cleaner now, and in general, nice to visit."
    For those who want to sample the city life of Ohio, they will never be at a loss of things to do and see. In Cleveland there is a Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, the NFL Football Hall of Fame is in Canton, and in Dayton you can visit the Wright Patterson Airforce Base and its aviation museum. Ohio is also a great place if you like amusement parks - Cedar Point and King City are two popular ones. Sea World in Aurora is another favorite tourist destination. And no U.S. vacation would be complete without seeing a baseball game, so check out a Reds game while you're in Cincinnati or an Indians game in Cleveland.
    For a true look at Ohio, journey out of the city and into the farmland. Patricia Janes, 48, grew up in Ohio. When she was 12, her family moved from a small town in south-western Ohio to live on a farm. "Farming is done for major production and is a respected occupation," she says. Janes recommends visiting the state fair to get an understanding of what this side of Ohio is like. "The fair is the largest in the eastern states and has an excellent display of agriculture and animals as well as big-name entertainers and super rides," she says. "The youth organization 4-H has a remarkable number of excellent productions at the fair."
    "I would also take a visitor to a Protestant church," says Janes. "They are not pretty or extravagant, but everyone goes to church on Sunday." To really get to know people, you should try to get invited for a family dinner or a picnic. "The food is different in the homes from the restaurants. Ohioans like meat and potatoes and vegetables. Every meal has a salad made from jello (a gelatin), mayonnaise, or whipped cream," says Janes.
    Hayduk describes Ohio as having "a very friendly, Midwestern personality." She also says, "It would be nice to live on the ocean, or have higher mountains. But, overall, I like Ohio. It's home." Janes has the same feelings about this state. "I can't think of anything I dislike about it. It is my home."