Since the middle of May, I have been fortunate (or not, depending on how you feel about Ohio) enough to have an internship in Berea, Ohio. From the first moment I exited the Route 71 and made my way to Baldwin Wallace University, I knew I was in an entire different world. After unpacking my car-full of belongings, I called my dad -- the first thing out of my mouth was, "well Dad, I'm not in Delaware County anymore." It is almost unbelievable how crossing an eight hour drive to the next state can make a world of difference; and here's how.
Berea - driving 30 miles takes an hour (at least)
Delco - driving 30 miles takes 30 minutes (at most)
Berea - Walmart is the greatest place in town, but you have to drive 17 minutes to find it.
Delco - Whatever you do, stay away from Eddystone Walmart -- it's always crowded. Actually, no matter which one you go to, pack your patience.
Berea - Cleveland sports fans are nice and welcoming. But, the mascots are terrible.
Delco - Absolutely ruthless, and everyone loves the mascots -- especially the best mascot in the MLB.
Berea - Mom and Pop shops that sell everything under the sun. Actually, there is a store here called Everything Under the Sun.
Delco - King of Prussia Mall.
Berea - Off to college, *Goes to a school that is the next town over*
Delco - Off to college, *Goes to one of the PA state schools, usually Blooms, Kutztown, or WCU - or if you're trying to be really adventurous, you go to IUP.
Berea - Define "bonfire"; Wood that was cut from a tree last week, in the middle of the woods. Where you actually need a four wheeler to get to the fire. The location of the fire is more decorated and important than some rooms inside of the house.
Delco - Define "bonfire"; A group of friends in someone's suburban back yard, with a fire put and a fire starting nugget.
Berea - Where your backyard is measured in acres with a few rivers, miles of words, and many dirt bike paths. Watch out for the deer, bears, and raccoons while trying to walk to the closest neighbors house three miles behind you.
Delco - Where we measure our backyard in centimeters, or feet if you are really lucky.
Berea - Clean Air
Delco - Pollution
Berea - Driving, people from Ohio are afraid to turn left and if they aren't afraid, they are terrible at it. Look out! I've also been here for a month and no one has yet to beep their horn.
Delco - Driving, do everything you can to get from point A to point B in less time than your GPS predicts. Also, if you get one thing correct, avoid taxi's; and say it with me, never be afraid to lay on your horn.
Berea - County fair in every single town at the local fairgrounds.
Delco - The carnival is in town but don't tell your grandparents you're going because they will warn you that those rides aren't sturdy.
Berea - Let's go to the beach means going to Lake Erie.
Delco - Are we going down the shore (Wildwood) or to the beach (Maryland, Delaware)?