Moving to Ohio is interesting. Before you live there, you think nothing of it. It's an average state that honestly gets swept under the rug from time to time. Then you move there, and it's like a parallel universe.
Ohio is like its own segregated nation, or so they think. Being a Pittsburgh native living in Ohio is even more interesting, and from time to time, not the greatest.
Although extremely close geographically, they are two completely different worlds and the only people that can fully understand this are your other fellow Pittsburghers stuck in an Ohio world.
1. There's a rivalry, since when?
Sometimes we may joke, but the rivalry is real; and this is a big one. Why do Ohio and Pittsburgh hate each other so much? I'm not sure I'll ever know. And you can't even say it's just Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh. As much as we don't enjoy the Browns, what Cleveland doesn't understand is that the real rival to the Steelers is the Bengals. The Browns have nothing on us. But then again, who does? We still have those six Super Bowl rings and we'll never let you forget it.
2. The accents are just confusing
As much as others love to say that people from Pittsburgh have an accent, it's nothing compared to that of the people of Ohio. It's one that you don't notice until you move there, but one that you'll never get used to no matter how long you live in Ohio.
3. Where are the french fries?
Leaving Pittsburgh means leaving the food, and that's honestly heartbreaking. Why don't french fries come on sandwiches and salads when I order them? And why do people look at me like I'm crazy when I order a side of fries and put them on there myself?
4. Ohio against the world
Probably the most confusing thing about Ohio is the fact that it's like its own little island with its own kind of people on it. Why does the entire state seem to cheer for Ohio State like there are not multiple other Ohio schools? I mean don't get me wrong, we love watching The University of Pittsburgh play, but all of Pennsylvania doesn't feel that way. I mean these island people spell out Ohio with their bodies like they're not just one of fifty states, but rather their own little nation. It's not only strange, but also confusing.
5. Northeast Ohio or Arctic tundra?
We may only be two hours from Pittsburgh, but it always seems to be at least ten degrees colder and always raining in Ohio. I think it's a curse.
6. Shopping will make you instantly broke
Tax on clothes? Three words that I will never understand. What is the purpose of this torturous act and how is it allowed?
Moving to this parallel universe is quite a huge step for a diehard Pittsburgher. Crossing over that state line is like crossing into battlefield. It takes awhile for us to get used to this foreign country and its lack of french fries, but if we can ever get past this, we may actually enjoy quaint little Ohio and its much appreciated Panera-filled rest stops.
