The locals tell me it’s gray all day every day this time of year. I’m sure that gets old, but it’s so different than California, I’ve enjoyed experiencing it. It’s flat here; you can see for miles in every direction as you drive down the highway. There’s a sense of community in the signs and billboards. Sure there are the typical chains, CVS and Walgreens and fast food, but there are also many more locally owned establishments dotting the road. People here personify the typical friendly American, full of smiles, quick for conversation, professing a pleasant demeanor.

I’m eager to learn and experience more; this is where my father-in-law’s family is from, meaning I’m now a part of this place too, in some small way.

They love their sports teams here, and there are big sports teams, unlike most other rural states: three professional teams and, of course, the University of Wisconsin. Even though my beloved 49ers just played an atrocious game at Lambeau Field, it was still an awesome experience at one of the premier sports venues in the world. There’s history and tradition, passion and pride, sportsmanship and camaraderie on full display for miles around.

We had the traditional “Friday Fish Fry” and it was delicious; deep fried perch and tenderloin with potatoes puffs. Of course, there are the cheese curds, something my wife introduced me too, thankfully, long ago. And there’s a rich history of brewing beer in the great state of Wisconsin—I’ll have to indulge in that next time.

Every state I’ve visited recently reinforces the diversity of the United States. Arizona, Maine, Tennessee, Hawaii, Nevada, and Florida… they are all very different and yet all very American in their own way. We Americans are lucky; we need to take care of each other.